The Humanities Project: A Successful Cross-Curricular Academic Event
A Student Showcase of Work Across Classics, Geography, History, and Religious Education
On Friday 5th June, Queen Mary’s School opened its doors to parents and the community to see a wonderful showcase of Year 9 student work. The cross-curricular event displayed humanities projects alongside refreshments and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Parents and teachers alike were amazed by the level of the work on display and the amount of hard work and commitment that has gone into every humanities portfolio.
Head of Classics and Latin, Rachel Askew, Summarises the Wonderful Student Humanities Exhibition
The Humanities Project has been a wonderful vehicle for Year 9 Queen Mary’s girls to steer and sustain their own learning in an area that specifically interests them. It has been inspiring to see the girls’ unique take on this year’s theme, ‘War and the Human Story’, with projects ranging from the Trojan War to the Troubles and everything in between. The interweaving of Geographical, Historical, Classical, and Religious elements in these stories highlights the profound importance of the Humanities subjects.
“I was just blown away by the high standard and amount of work.” – Judge
All the teachers have been so impressed with the level of knowledge demonstrated by the students, especially when interviewed, and continue to be struck by the passion and originality that has gone into each creative piece of work. It is clear that the extended nature of the project has provided the girls with valuable lessons of resilience, problem-solving and reflection. When discussing their process, many critically assessed the usefulness of AI as a research tool; a reassuring outcome given the increasing danger of outsourcing thought in education.The evening itself was a showstopping event. A pristine USA jeep made an appearance on the front steps, courtesy of the Walton family, as parents and judges wandered around the array of exhibition stalls set up by the girls.
“I was just blown away by the high standard and amount of work”, quipped one judge as the final debate commenced on who should be announced as this year’s winner.
It was a struggle narrowing down the top three due to the eloquence, depth of research and personal thought showcased on the night. Ultimately, Violet M’s comprehensive journey into the impact of plastics after WW2 was an undeniable winner, with Tara S’s exposé on geopolitics and the war in Iran coming second, and Lucie R’s considered piece on the local economic impact of the dissolution of the monasteries in Yorkshire taking third place.
Finally, it is heartwarming that the girls have used this event as an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for RAFA in order to recognise the ongoing work of British servicemen and women in war today. Their lives represent the as-yet-unwritten chapters of ‘War and Human Story’.
