Our Curriculum

At Philip Southcote School, our World Studies curriculum is designed to help students understand the world around them, their place within it, and how they can contribute to a fairer, more sustainable future. The curriculum is inclusive, purposeful, and aspirational, supporting students to develop empathy, cultural awareness, and critical thinking through the study of History, Geography, and Religious Education

World Studies aims to build students' understanding of human and physical geography, historical change and continuity, and the diverse beliefs and values that shape communities. Students explore global citizenship, identity, and fairness through engaging topics and real-life contexts. We ensure pre-entry learners progress towards developing life-applicational understanding through role play, everyday scenarios, and skills-centre experiences, using declarative, procedural, and conditional strategies to build tangible understanding and real-world application.

Across Key Stage 3, students study:

• Geography: Local and global environments, climate zones, natural disasters, and cultural comparisons.
• History: British and world history, including the Norman Conquest, the Tudors, Empire and Slavery, and the World Wars.
• RE: Beliefs, places of worship, festivals, and values such as kindness, fairness, and respect.

In Key Stage 4, students follow the WJEC Entry Pathways, gaining accreditation in:

• Responding to natural disasters and climate change.
• Exploring religious festivals and life ceremonies.
• Understanding British society and historical change.
• Investigating prejudice, discrimination, and changemakers.

Learners engage in weekly role play or real-life scenario-based activities, such as mock debates, cultural simulations, and campaign planning, which support the development of empathy, reasoning, and social awareness.

Our Skills Ladder is developmental, allowing students to form foundational skills. Students develop:

• Recognition and understanding of key concepts in geography, history, and RE.
• Application and comparison of ideas across cultures and time periods.
• Evaluation and conclusion skills through enquiry-based learning.

Planning reflects the use of declarative, procedural, and conditional strategies, ensuring students build secure knowledge that can be transferred to new contexts.  Learners demonstrate increased confidence in applying their understanding to everyday tasks, such as interpreting maps, discussing fairness, and making informed lifestyle choices.

World Studies prepares students to be informed, respectful, and active citizens. Whether exploring climate change, historical injustice, or religious diversity, students learn to make sense of the world and their role within it. The curriculum empowers them to make positive contributions to their communities and to live with confidence, compassion, and curiosity.

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

At Philip Southcote School, Religious Education is not taught as a standalone subject; instead, it is integrated into our World Studies curriculum. This subject explores different worldviews, helping students understand diverse beliefs, values, and traditions. It aims to develop respect, critical thinking, and informed perspectives on religion and ethics.

Under Section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents have the right to withdraw their child wholly or partly from:

• RE lessons in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
• Acts of Collective Worship in schools

If you would like to discuss withdrawing your child from aspects of PSHE lessons, please email the school office.