SHAPE
(Social Sciences, Humanities & The Arts for People and the Economy)
The SHAPE Faculty at Bede’s represents a forward-thinking approach to the "human" subjects. This faculty is designed to help students decode the complexities of human society, power dynamics, and global markets.
At its core, SHAPE is about context. Whether pupils are analysing historical precedents, debating contemporary political shifts, or exploring the ethical dimensions of religious belief, they are learning to interpret the world through a multifaceted lens. The faculty emphasizes the "People and the Economy" aspect, ensuring that academic theory is always anchored to real-world impact and future career pathways.
The faculty provides a diverse suite of subjects that encourage both empirical analysis and philosophical inquiry:
- Economics & Business Studies: Focused on the mechanics of the modern world, from global trade cycles to the entrepreneurial spirit required to launch a startup.
- History & Politics: Developing the critical tools to understand how past events dictate current power structures and legislative frameworks.
- Geography: Examining the intersection of human activity and the natural environment, with a strong focus on sustainability and geopolitical change.
- Philosophy: Challenging pupils to grapple with the "big questions" of existence, ethics, and the diverse belief systems that shape global cultures.
Enrichment and Engagement
SHAPE subjects at Bede’s are bolstered by high-level engagement beyond the classroom. Pupils participate in Model United Nations (MUN), national Investment Challenges, and the Bede’s Economic Society. Fieldwork is also a cornerstone of the faculty, with Geography trips exploring diverse landscapes and Politics pupils visiting Westminster to see the machinery of government in action.
This faculty empowers pupils to become "global citizens"—individuals who possess the cultural literacy and economic awareness to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.