The Wider, Modern World (Y9)
The Wider, Modern World is part of our curriculum structure that runs in Year 9.
The Wider, Modern World is 1 of 3 parts that form the Year 9 curriculum, for more details on the structure of our curriculum in Year, as well as the choices process, please click here
The Wider, Modern World (1900-2022 onward) is an opportunity for all students to continue to study a broad range of subjects, completing all aspects of the national curriculum in Year 9 and going beyond it. The wider, modern world curriculum will explore the key defining themes of the Arts, MFL, Technology, Computing, and Humanities, giving students a holistic understanding of the world, we live in today. This exciting, multi-disciplinary curriculum will be project based and linked across each of the areas studied. This will allow for cross-curricular thinking and the development of a powerful knowledge base.
More details on the specific areas of study are listed below, along with curriculum map documentation that shows you the specific studies that students will take part in.
Click on the links below to open up the learning journey for each of the individual aspects our Wider, Wider Modern World curriculum. The Humanities learning is displayed underneath these links as an example…
Curriculum Content
What does The Wider, Modern World Include?
The Wider, Modern World Curriculum includes 4 areas of study: The Arts, Humanities, Languages, and Technology. Students will study with specialist teachers across the WMW curriculum.
The Arts
The arts section will be on a carousel rotation, with each student studying each subject across 1 whole term. Students will study art, music and drama from the period studied (1900-2020) and make key links with other curriculum areas. For example, the artistic Dada movement and how it relates to historical events in the early 20th century.
Humanities
The humanities section will be taught by the same staff member, for each class, across all 3 disciplines. The curriculum will explore 20th Century history alongside key Geographical themes and the development of world religion during this period. For example, students will gain an understanding of the geography, history and religious complexity of the middle east and the influence of this region on the wider world.
Languages
The MFL section will feature an opportunity to continue learning a language taken in Y7-8 and develop practical conversational skills. Alongside further development of a modern foreign language (French, German or Spanish), students will also gain an insight into the culture of France, Germany or Spain. For example, students taking the Spanish Language and Culture option will gain an understanding of modern Spanish history, geography, art and technology. For some students, there will be an opportunity to begin a second language.
Technology
The technology/computing section will, again, be on a carousel model, where students will switch over at the halfway point of the academic year (Feb half term). Students will make key links between Technology, IT and the other curriculum areas. For example, students will explore how modern technology can help us respond to climate change.