Grade 6
The grade 6 Humanities curriculum is based on the concept of 'Different Cultures: One Community'. Students begin by exploring aspects of the communities they live in. In Geography, we examine the location and development of settlements, develop map skills and attempt to solve the traffic problems of Starnberg. The history units examine the concept 'Meeting of Minds'. The impact of the Vikings and of Islamic civilization on European culture is explored. We learn about life in the Middle Ages and visit the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
Grade 7 & 8
Students follow a two year course in Grades 7 & 8, based on four geographical regions. In grade 7, units are based on the history and geography of Europe and Asia. In Grade 8, the focus is on Africa and the Americas. Grade 7 Geography begins with the guiding question 'What is Europe?' and links with a History unit on the Renaissance.
In the second semester, students are engaged in a study of the influence of geography on the history and development of contrasting societies in Japan and India.
In Grade 8, we begin with an introduction to the geography and history of Africa, with special attention to West African development. Students gain an understanding of the importance of the river Niger and learn about river landforms. We follow the rise and fall of the Empires of Mali. A new unit has recently been introduced, based on the concept 'Inhuman acts are common to all communities'. The case study area is Rwanda. The second semester topics include a study of the impact of migration to the Americas and concludes with a case study of 'Development or Destruction?' in the Americas.