The arts and humanities curriculum complements the ideas and content covered in maths and English. Our project-based approach enables us to cover events, literature, philosophy, theatre and art throughout European history, from the Ancient Greeks to present day. Many of our day trips are based around this curriculum in order to reinforce the learning.

We will study the Roman invasion of Britain, visiting key sites such as the amphiteatre in Cirencester, an iconic villa in Chedworth and the thermal springs in Bath. This part of the curriculum gives us the opportunity to explore some Hellenistic ideas that influenced the Roman world, such as the teachings of Plato and Aristotle and their contributions to ethical thinking. A trip to Tintagel should inspire some creative writing in response to a unit on medieval history and folklore, and we will consider the influence of the Crusades on Renaissance thinking.

Our study of the Tudors covers not only their history but also the developments within art and music at this time. We will read some of Shakespeare’s plays and visit the world renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre for a performance and a backstage tour. We may also visit the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare put on plays with his own company in the late 1500’s. To complete our Tudor London tour, we will visit Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London.

The Georgians unit studies the slave trade, with a visit to a plantation owner’s house in Bristol. We will look at the history and politics behind the writings of some of our most famous poets including Blake and Wordsworth.

When we study the Victorians, we will look at the works of Charles Dickens and our London trip will include a visit to Dennis Severs’ house. We will consider the influence of the Industrial Revolution on philosophical thinking, and compare ethical relativism with a more rule-based approach to morality. As Stanton Guildhouse is born of the Arts and Crafts Movement we will have plenty of opportunity to explore the influence this has had on the surrounding Cotswold towns and villages including Chipping Campden and Broadway.

Studies of the Twentieth Century include poetry from the First World War, and further developments in art, music, theatre and literature.

Students will be given time to do complete their own research and prepare presentations. In their English lessons they will be guided to explore different writing styles and genres in response to their studies.