Summer Term News from the Humanities Faculty

It has been another exciting and successful Summer Term for the Humanities Faculty, with students taking part in a range of competitions and inspiring guest speaker events. 

Throughout terms 3-5, our talented Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 RE students have participated in the NATRE Spirited Arts Competition. Students responded creatively to one of this year's thought-provoking themes through artwork, photography or poetry, encouraging them to explore religion, beliefs and the big questions about life. Alongside their creative pieces, students wrote thoughtful explanations showing how their work reflected their chosen theme, demonstrating impressive creativity, insight and reflection. Judging took place in Term 6 and, due to the high standard of entries, selecting an overall winner was no easy task. A huge congratulations to Kardelen in Year 7, whose outstanding artwork saw her achieve the accolade of overall winner. She has now been entered into the international final. We wish Kardelen the very best of luck! 

As part of their Faith in Action unit, our Year 8 RE students were challenged to write and deliver an inspirational speech in the style of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on an issue they felt passionately about. Students carefully employed a range of persuasive and rhetorical techniques to inform, inspire and motivate their audiences. After delivering their speeches in class, students voted for the strongest speakers to progress to the final. The finalists then presented their speeches to members of the RE Department and the Head of Humanities. We were incredibly impressed by the confidence, passion and maturity shown by all of our finalists. Congratulations to our runner-up, Oliver, and to our overall winner, Raphael for their inspiring and passionate speeches. 

This term, our A-Level Religious Studies students welcomed Ralph Norman from Canterbury Christ Church University. Ralph spoke about the value and contemporary relevance of studying Theology, Philosophy and Religionat university before delivering an engaging session exploring Christian responses to modern day ethical issues. Students were encouraged to grapple with challenging questions, evaluate differing viewpoints and deepen their understanding of contemporary ethical debates. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to broaden students' academic horizons and experience university-style learning. 

Our Criminology students, who have been studying the roles and effectiveness of agencies within the criminal justice system, were delighted to welcome former police officer Charlotte Underwood. Charlotte shared her experiences from a variety of policing roles, providing students with valuable real-world insight into modern policing, criminal investigations and the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals. Students greatly benefited from hearing first-hand about careers within the police service. 

Finally, the PSHE department were lucky enough to have Kim, Andy and Toby from the Kenward Trust come in to speak to our Year 9 students in July. They talked to our students about making safe choices over the summer holidays. Kim spoke about her son Will who was a former Herne Bay High student and who sadly passed away after taking a substance. She spoke to the students “as a mum” asking them to consider their actions and the impact it could have on their loved ones. Whilst a very emotional and hard hitting talk, the students found it impactful and were also given information about alcohol, drugs, first aid including the recovery position and how to look after themselves and their peers when out in the community.  We thank them for their continued work with our students as well as to Kim’s sister who fundraised to allow Herne Bay High to access the talk. 

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment our students have shown throughout Terms 5 and 6. These opportunities have enabled them to extend their learning beyond the classroom, develop valuable skills and engage with the wider world of Humanities.