Social Sciences
Politics
Courses
KS5 – Edexcel A-Level Politics
Why do we study Politics?
Can we be trusted to govern ourselves or should others make decisions on our behalf? What is freedom? Do we have it? How can we change our lives for the better? If you take an interest in these sorts of questions, read the news and enjoy heated debate, then Politics is for you. In Politics we study, applaud and challenge the institutions, systems and ideologies we have created to govern ourselves in the UK and USA.
If current affairs interest you, if you have a point of view and are not afraid to share it, and you want to keep yourself informed about recent political developments, this course looks to entertain, inform, and educate you further. Quite simply, there has never been a more fascinating time to study Politics. The political climate of Brexit and Trump has brought about interest, debate and uncertainty that makes this subject engaging and consistently relevant.
The course involves significant reading and writing, and a constant interest in contemporary political developments. Classroom debate develops your sophisticated, informed and independently minded ideas and position on the ever-changing world of political intrigue.
Politics combines well with other essay based A-Levels such as English and History, where there is an emphasis on clear written communication, evaluation and analysis. In addition, subjects like Economics, Philosophy and Ethics, and Sociology include elements of political knowledge or where an awareness of political concepts is useful. In terms of degrees, it leads well into Politics, PPE, Law, International Relations, History, Economics and Journalism.
However, the key consideration is whether you want to immerse yourself in a 2 year study of British and American politics. If yes, vote Politics!
The Politics Programme of Study
Year 1
| Term | Topic 1 | Topic 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Democracy and Participation | The Constitution |
| Autumn 2 | Electoral Systems | Prime Minister and Cabinet |
| Spring 1 | UK Political Parties | Parliament |
| Spring 2 | Voting Behaviour and the Media | Relations between institutions, including devolution and Parliament checking the executive |
| Summer 1 | Core Political Ideas | Non-Core Political Ideas |
| Summer 2 | Core Political Ideas | Non-Core Political Ideas |
Year 2
| Term | SWA | LSW |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | US Constitution and Federalism | US Democracy and Participation |
| Autumn 2 | US Presidency | US Congress |
| Spring 1 | US Supreme Court | US Federalism |
| Spring 2 | Comparative Politics | Comparative Politics |
| Summer 1 | Revision | Revision |
| Summer 2 | Exams | Exams |
Important Textbooks, Resources and Websites we use at each Key Stage:
Edexcel Politics for AS/A-Level, Pearson
The Economist
The Times, Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Washington Post Newspapers
Homework in Politics
Homework is designed to ‘look forward’ to upcoming content, so that students are well-prepared to debate, discuss and develop knowledge and evaluation in lessons.
Enrichment Opportunities in Politics
Houses of Parliament Trip.
Gifted and More Able Students
High attaining students, as all students in this subject, can expect to receive challenging tasks in every lesson and homework.
Sociology
Courses
KS4 – AQA GCSE Sociology
KS5 – AQA A-Level Sociology
Why do we study Sociology?
Sociology involves the systematic study of societies, human social life and groups. Sociologists investigate and explain the social world and our behaviour in it. They are particularly interested in understanding the ways in which societies influence us and shape our daily lives. It is an academic subject which students find challenging yet interesting and as a Sociology student you will explore and ask questions about the type of society in which you live as you draw on, and make sense of your own experiences. Sociology is thought provoking and encourages you to think carefully about your views and assumptions as it taps into historical, contemporary and sometimes controversial issues.
The Sociology Team
| Mr S Wallace | Curriculum Leader |
| Ms L Calaca | Teacher in Charge of Sociology |
| Ms N Monteiro | Sociology Teacher |
| Ms C Love | Sociology Teacher |
| Ms L Swain | Sociology Teacher |
The Sociology Programme of Study
KS3 (Year 9 Option)
- Key Sociological Thinkers
- Introduction to Sociological Theories
- Social Structures
- Research Design
- Strengths and Weaknesses of Methods
- Practical, Ethical, Theoretical Issues
KS4
- The sociological approach
- Social structures, social processes and social issues
- Families
- Education
- Crime and deviance
- Social stratification
- Sociological research methods
Paper 1: The sociology of families and education
1 hour 45 minutes - 100 marks
- The sociology of families
- The sociology of education
- Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification
1 hour 45 minutes - 100 marks
- The sociology of crime and deviance
- The sociology of social stratification
- Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
KS5
Course info: Sociology A Level AQA 7191, 7192
Year One
Topic 1: Education with Theory and Methods
- What is the role and function of education?
- Does social class, gender and ethnicity have an impact upon educational achievement?
- Other influences on education such as subcultures and pupil identities.
- What methods do sociologists use to gather evidence about individuals and societies as a whole?
Topic 2: Families and Households
- How has the idea of ‘family’ changed in the context of economical and wider social changes?
- The changing patterns of marriage, divorce, childbearing.
- The changing pattern of gender roles within society.
- What are the reasons for demographic changes in the UK and the impact on family diversity?
Year Two
Topic 3: Crime and Deviance with theory and methods
- How are crime and deviance defined and measured?
- What are the patterns and trends in crime?
- How do sociologists explain crime and what methods are used to explain crime?
- How can crime and deviance be reduced?
Topic 4: Beliefs in society
- Is a belief in science a religion?
- Does religion prevents social change?
- Why does religion no longer act as a “shared sacred canopy” in the world today?
- Is secularisation influencing the growth of sects and new age movements?
Homework in Sociology
In Years 9 to 13 students will not only embed knowledge but they will also practice GCSE and A Level exam questions.
Enrichment Opportunities in Sociology
GCSE and A-Level Conferences
Gifted and More Able Students
Every lesson will have differentiated resources and activities aimed at stretching the most able. Work at each key stage has the opportunity for learning up to the key stage above. There will be opportunities for identified high achieving groups to work independently outside the lessons at a higher standard than the standard levels of progress.
Psychology
Course:
AQA Psychology A-Level
Why do we study Psychology?
Why do we forget? How do we learn? How do our early attachments influence later relationships? Why do we resist social pressures? Why do we conform easily in strange environments? Why do some people develop phobias? How can schizophrenia be treated? What is the best way to deal with criminal behaviour? Do we have free will? Are women misrepresented by psychological research?
Psychology is a popular choice at A Level, offering students the opportunity to explore fundamental questions about themselves and others. Studying the subject at A Level provides an excellent overview into all the main areas of psychological theory and research.
Psychology has links with many disciplines including biology, philosophy, history, sociology, maths and English literature. This mix of disciplines helps to make psychology a fascinating and rewarding subject.
At A Level, the subject involves the scientific study of the mind, in particular human behaviour and mental processes. Different theories and related research evidence are explored in areas such as mental health, child development, criminal behaviour, eye-witness testimony and group interaction. Students will learn to apply theory to everyday situations and think critically about research. They will also develop an understanding of the origins of Psychology, the main approaches that have influenced its development, key issues such as gender bias and ethics in research, and philosophical debates such as nature/nurture.
Psychology inspires students to ask questions about their world and understand that there are no easy answers. It is a subject that utilises and develops a wide range of academic skills as well as encouraging greater understanding, empathy and sensitivity in relation to others. Psychology can lead directly to a wide variety of undergraduate and career paths, as well as complimenting other routes in the arts, sciences and humanities.
The A Level (AQA) course is assessed by 3 x 2 hour written examinations at the end of Year 13. The course involves a significant amount of reading and extended writing. There is also a strong science component running through the course as well as some mathematics.
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research Methods
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
Issues and debates
- Relationships
- Schizophrenia
- Addiction
The Psychology Department Team
|
Mr S Wallace |
Curriculum Leader |
|
Ms L Calaca Ms Sarre |
Teacher in Charge of Psychology Psychology Teacher |
Homework
Homework is designed to ‘look forward’ to upcoming content, so that students are well-prepared to debate, discuss and develop knowledge and evaluation in lessons.
Enrichment Opportunities in Psychology
GCSE and A-Level Conferences
Gifted and More Able Students
Every lesson will have differentiated resources and activities aimed at stretching the most able. There will be opportunities for identified high achieving groups to work independently outside the lessons at a higher standard than the standard levels of progress.
