Our pupils learn how to think analytically, critically and creatively. We want them to gain new insights into our world, its history, its different cultures, and its present dilemmas. The three Humanities Departments at Heath Mount work closely together and, although each subject is separately timetabled, they are taught in a cross-curricular way whenever topics lend themselves to this. Our stunning Grade 1 listed mansion house, where Cecil Beaton and Evelyn Waugh once studied, and its sweeping grounds, are an inspirational starting point for our Humanities studies. The River Beane, which meanders through the grounds, allows our Year 7s to gather data they need for geography projects. The walled fruit and vegetable garden was built by Napoleonic prisoners of war and our alumni records recall the days of wartime deprivation and a V2 flying bomb landing on the lawn!
History
A good grounding in history is vital in order to understand how and why humans behaved as they did in the past, and why we now live as we do. We bring history alive in the classroom and take our pupils out to see its footprint in local and national buildings and institutions. The school hosts numerous historical re-enactments on-site, rolling back the years to Ancient Egypt, Rome and the Victorian Era as well as visiting educational sites including Celtic Harmony Camp. We aim to develop the children's analytical skills of source analysis, reasoning and essay writing in preparation for Common Entrance.
To see the History Curriculum Map for the Lent Term Click Here
Geography
At Heath Mount, we strive to inspire a sense of wonder at the beauty of the world and to stimulate pupils’ interest in their surroundings and in the many physical and human conditions of the Earth’s surface. Geography is taught by class teachers in the Pre-Prep and in Years 3 to 5 in the Prep School.
Years 6 to 8 are taught by specialist teachers who focus on geographical skills and themes. Practical geography is a vital part of our curriculum. All year groups make good use of our 40-acre site and the surrounding area to complete exciting fieldwork and see geography in action. We seize every opportunity to discuss and studying current world and local geographical affairs as they arise. Our children practice and develop OS mapping skills during our excellent Outdoor Education programme and then hone these skills during their Year 7 geography and outdoor education trip to the New Forest.
To see the Geography Curriculum Map for the Lent Term Click Here
Theology, Philosophy and Religion
TPR (Theology, Philosophy and Religion) is taught through the Prep-Prep up to Common Entrance and Scholarship level in Year 8. Whilst the Department promotes the underlying Christian ethos of the school, it is supportive of children of all faiths and is proud of the many open discussions and debates on theology, religious issues and moral and ethical questions that take place in TPR lessons.
The School’s Core Values of integrity, respect for and acceptance of others are absolutely integral to the teaching of TPR and to the conduct of all classroom discussions.
In Year 3 the children study the major Old Testament Bible stories and, in the summer term look at Hinduism. In Year 4, the New Testament is studied, followed by a term of Judaism. When pupils reach the Middle School, they move back to the Old Testament, delving deeper into the most significant Bible stories, then enjoy a summer term studying Buddhism. Year 6 children look again at the New Testament, but this time in more depth and with greater maturity, and begin the comparative study of the six major world religions with a particular focus on Islam and Sikhism.
Once in the Upper School, pupils focus on either the Common Entrance or Libellum routes to their senior schools, studying Christianity and Old and New Testament Bible stories - this time with a much wider ethical and philosophical influence. Academic scholarship candidates will have their curricula tailored to their individual needs in accordance with the requirements of the school to which they are applying.
To see the TPR Curriculum Map for the Lent Term Click Here