We are a department who are unashamedly History-obsessed. We thoroughly enjoy the History that we teach, which comes through within our teaching. GCSE History provides a wonderful opportunity to hone skills of analysis and evaluation which will stand you in good stead for A Levels, University interviews and beyond. History is a wonderful subject to study. It can give you such a wide range of information, knowledge, and perspectives and, certainly with the case of our modern History modules can help you understand the way our world is shaped today.

Politics is not on the UK curriculum for Key Stage 3 or GCSE. This means that, apart from a small section in PSHE, politics is not covered by British students. This is despite politics having a vital impact on our lives and us as citizens making many political decisions, such as voting in elections.

The best way to learn about topics that directly impact your life is to study A-Level Politics. Studying A-Level Government and Politics will provide insight into political beliefs central to an understanding of the modern world. It also develops analytical and evaluative skills in relation to interesting topics prevalent in the turbulent political climate of today.

The list of topics studied at A Level are incredibly useful to your general knowledge of how the UK and world work. From knowing what the UK Constitution is, what impact the media has on how we vote, and the best way to protect human rights, the topics are incredibly interesting and can spark an interest in other areas of politics for many students.

From a content perspective, studying this subject will develop your understanding of structures of authority and power, how political systems differ, and enable you to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics and government.

You will also develop a range of transferrable analytical, debating and communication skills – all of which are valuable in a wide range of careers. In particular, you will develop a high level of writing skill: being able to write effective essays that convey a point of view and backing that with evidence is an incredible skill to have for later in life. Whether you go to university, an apprenticeship or employment, evidence-based writing is a skill that many employers look for and will be a credit to your skillset at university. In A Level Politics, you will answer a range of short and longer questions that test your ability to write in a time-limited environment. Thus, when you master the writing for A Level Politics, you’ll be set for life.

The study of Geography has value for all pupils irrespective of age, gender and ability. It is about understanding the local, national and global environments in which our pupils live and how these different environments are connected through complexities of economy, environment and social discourse. Geography provides a link between the natural and human world; the sciences and the humanities, and increasingly looks towards sustainable development. Geography enhances an understanding of global interdependence in the modern world and allows pupils to reflect critically on their place in the world and their rights and responsibilities as a global citizen.

Geography at Ackworth covers a range of themes taking in human and physical geographies, including glacial features, global health patterns and tectonics in the Sixth Form.  Geography students in the Sixth form enjoy multiple trips and experiences both in the UK and overseas.  Field experience is vital to understanding how processes work as well as improving analysis and graphical skills. Recent overseas trips have included Iceland and a joint trip with the History department to Sicily. We believe that these syllabuses not only allow the students to study Geography in great depth, but also enable them to express their views and opinions, something that they will need to be able to do confidently later in life.  We seek to teach pupils not only to gain a high grade, but also to have an awareness of the world and current affairs beyond School by using geography in the news which is directly linked to the curriculum.

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Students opting to study French in the Sixth Form will develop a greater depth of knowledge of language and culture and benefit from our small class sizes. An A-Level language is a highly sought after qualification due to the breadth of skills acquired throughout the course. Students build research, analytical, deductive, communicative and presentational skills.

Many of our A-level pupils have gone on to study languages at university with two students gaining places at Oxbridge in the last three years.
Technology plays a large part in the teaching and learning of languages at Ackworth School. Our students have access to many online resources such as This is Language and The Language Gym which are used in class and at home to improve all skills and provide constant access to authentic language at all levels.
At Ackworth, we believe that studying foreign languages is an essential part of the curriculum and we offer many opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge and increase their confidence with extra-curricular activities such as conversation club, extension sessions and trips and visits within the UK and to France.

Develop an understanding of the world around you
The global economy has been volatile in recent years, and will affect your life and that of those around you. Studying Economics can help make sense of the news and its consequences. Detailed analysis and evaluation of real world case studies is essential in Economics, during lessons and in the final examinations.

Broad range of skills
Economics requires development of essay writing, case study analysis and quantitative skills. Teaching and learning is varied, providing opportunities for self directed learning, presentations, problem solving, collaborative work and research. Ambitious learners can challenge themselves by entering national competitions.