Head of Faculty: Ms C McIntosh

Our Social Science Department offers courses in both Sociology and Psychology at KS5. Both subjects remain a popular choice amongst students, with many choosing to continue with Social Science related degrees at University.

Studying a Social Science also allows students to develop transferable skills such as critical analysis, evaluation, independent thinking, mathematical skills and an understanding of scientific research. The Social Science department is lively and enthusiastic and is committed to trialling new teaching and learning activities to ensure that students receive high standards of teaching and learning in lessons. Both Psychology and Sociology courses are taught over two years with internal exams at the end of Year 12 and external exams at the end of Year 13.

Psychology follows the AQA specification which provides students with an understanding of the human mind and subsequent behaviour.

In Year 1, students cover introductory topics such as Memory, Social Influence, Attachment and Psychopathology Students will also gain an understanding into the origins of Psychology, different approaches within Psychology and Research methodology. Students will sit an internal exam at the end of this year before entering Year 13 to study year two of the A level course. In Year 13 students will complete the following topics; Issues and debates within Psychology, Biopsychology, Aggression, Schizophrenia and Gender. Research methods is further developed in order to provide students with a secure understanding of the scientific process. All units within the course are assessed by examination at the end of Year 13.

For more information: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182

Sociology follows the AQA course and introduces students to a number of theoretical perspectives and research methods used by Sociologists. The A level course is a two year course which provides students with a solid grounding in Sociology theory and topics.

In Year 12,students will look at key Sociological theories concerning the Family and Education and also compare and contrast different experiences people have. Students will also learn about research methodology and how this is used within the context of studying education. Students will sit an internal exam at the end of this year before entering Year 13 to study year two of the A level course.

In Year 13 students will develop a broader and more in depth understanding of Sociological theories and concepts. Students will cover the topics of ‘Beliefs in society’ and ‘Crime and Deviance’. Similarly to year one, students will also gain an understanding of the various theoretical perspectives and research methods used by Sociologists. All units within the course are assessed by examination at the end of Year 13.

Further information can be found here.

Health and Social Care follows the OCR Cambridge National specification J835.

Health and Social Care will inspire and equip students with transferable skills that are relevant to the sector and more widely. It covers the rights of individuals, person-centred values of care, how to protect individuals in various care settings and learn about the impact of life events. In Year 10,  students will complete the first of two pieces of coursework, R033 Supporting individuals through life events and then R034 Creative and Therapeutic activities.  In Year 11, students will study the exam component of the course R032 Principles of care in health and social care settings.

For more information https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-nationals/health-and-social-care-level-1-2-j835/