End of Year News from the Humanities Faculty

Term 6 has seen students across the Faculty have the chance to take part in some exciting trips for both Y10 GCSE and Y12 A Level.

At the start of the term Year 12 Law students attended the University of Kent Law, Crime and the Human Mind Conference. The conference was an excellent opportunity for students to explore a variety of topics, including the role of the jury. The introductory interactive lectures provided students with a wealth of knowledge about law and criminology. The highlight of the day was the keynote speech by leading criminal barrister, Bernard Richmond KC. He shared with students his experience of 35 years working in the field and dealing with some of the most serious and sensitive cases. His speech provided a lasting impression on both students and staff.

On the 27th June the Religious Studies department took a group of Year 10 students to London. It was a very hot day but, regardless of the heat, students had a fantastic time. The morning started with a tour of Southwark Cathedral where students learnt about the history of the Cathedral and Christianity’s beliefs and practices. The students really impressed the Cathedral staff with their subject knowledge. They were even treated to a glimpse of Hodge, the famous Cathedral cat! The tour was followed by a ‘hot seat’ session where they put their questions to the Revd Canon Michael Rawson who is the Sub Dean and Canon Pastor. Students had plenty of questions for Michael about a wide range of topics, from his beliefs to Christian teachings to contemporary moral dilemmas. In the afternoon students visited The Clink prison attraction to learn about the history of crime and punishment as part of their Thematic Unit. Some students really dressed for the occasion, changing into orange prison jumpsuits. Students were treated to an engaging talk and were able to get hands on with some of the torture implements.

Year 10 History students took part in a day trip to Ypres on Friday 4th July to visit some incredible sites related to the First World War. After arriving at Dunkirk, they headed across the border to the historic town of Ypres. Staff and students took time in the sun to contemplate the names of the fallen at the Menin Gate before moving into town to see the historic wool market (now a museum) and visit a chocolate shop for some tasters and shopping. Moving on from Ypres, they headed south to Hill 62 to see the remains of a trench in one of the many running battles in the area. Students cautiously moved around the narrow, shallow trenches and took time to see the shell casings found in the nearby farm. The final stop was Tyne Cot, once a battlefield and now a memorial to the fallen British and allied soldiers. Students took the time to walk around the memorial and climb the centre staging area to survey the view and appreciate the sheer number of losses (70% of whom were unidentifiable). Upon completing a busy day, they headed back to Dunkirk and home. 

For all the trips the students' behaviour and engagement was superb and they were a credit to Herne Bay High School and the community. 

The staff of the Humanities Faculty would like to thank parents and carers for their continued support.