Humanities specialism
Specialism brief: humanities
Humanities colleges develop as centres of excellence in subjects including English, history,
geography, citizenship, religious education, classics (classical civilisation, Latin or Greek),
humanities or drama. They develop innovative strategies, leading the way in teaching and
learning in the humanities. Humanities colleges raise achievement and participation in the
specialist subjects for all their students.
The humanities ethos promotes students’ understanding of human values and attitudes,
both past and present, and how society is organised and develops. Students learn about
social issues, the diverse cultures in Britain and the world today, respect for others,
tolerance and an active participation in society is encouraged. They develop an
appreciation for our shared environment and promote initiatives including eco-schools
programmes.
These colleges develop a distinctive vision based on humanitarian values and are an
influence for the good in their communities through a range of outreach linked to
humanities subjects. Humanities colleges promote environmental issues, fair trade and
strong international links. Their students develop an understanding of global citizenship
and development. Humanities colleges forge partnerships with voluntary organisations and
charities, local community groups linked to the humanities, media, TV and print
organisations, local government, theatres, museums, farms, interfaith groups and places of
worship, to deepen this understanding.
Specialist subjects:
Humanities colleges must select as their specialist subjects a minimum of one subject from
English, history, geography or citizenship and choose two other subjects from religious
education, humanities, classics (classical civilization, Latin or Greek), drama, English,
history, geography or citizenship (if not already chosen).
Specific requirements of humanities specialism
Humanities colleges should:
 promote humanities research and study skills including enquiry methods, evaluating
evidence and assessing points of view
 promote the humanities ethos through an enriched school experience which may
include theatre in education, writers, poets and historians in residence and fieldwork
and study visits linked to the humanities
 promote international dimension to the humanities specialism. Develop innovative
linking projects through the specialist subjects, developing an appreciation and
understanding of global issues
 contribute to the delivering or planning of the Diploma in Humanities and Social Science
 promote learning in the local community: this might be through intergenerational
initiatives, interfaith work, drama, local history or geography clubs, work with local
museums to develop special exhibitions or projects to help refugees work towards
British citizenship or to learn English.