Social Sciences

Sociology and Psychology

Head of Social Sciences -Ms N Cooper

Sociology

Sociology is the ‘study of society’ and it is a very popular GCSE and A Level at the school. The term ‘society’ refers to the world around you, your community, your country, and all the different people and groups that exist, with their different cultures, beliefs, values, languages, religions etc.

It gives students the chance to study and understand why things are the way they are, and why people behave in certain ways.  Examples of issues that students look at include: Why do some people commit crime? Why do girls do much better at school than boys? Why are we seeing an increase in divorce and a decrease in people getting married? Why is there so much inequality and poverty in the country?

Sociology gives students with an interest in social issues, social justice and current affairs the opportunity to gain a valuable understanding and insight into how society works and how the structures and processes in society, inevitably shape who we are, how we behave and many other aspects of our lives and life chances.  Students develop an understanding of how individuals, groups, institutions and societies are interdependent; the way in which they cooperate and conflict with each other, and the potential causes for the social differences between individuals.  Students are encouraged to think critically and analytically, and to make informed judgements and arguments based on evidence and theories.  Students are asked to reflect on their own experiences of the world in which they live and to develop an increased awareness and understanding of the world they live in and role they play in it.

Curriculum

GCSE Sociology (Years 10 and 11) (EXAM BOARD: AQA)

Sociology (4190) http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/specification-4190

At GCSE, students follow the AQA syllabus which offers them the opportunity to study a wide range of topics and issues within sociology. It provides students will an excellent foundation of sociological knowledge which they can then build on at A Level and beyond if they chose to continue with the subject.

The topics that students cover at GCSE are:

Year 10

  • Introduction to Sociology / What is society? And Research Methods
  • Family
  • Education

Year 11

  • Media
  • Crime and deviance
  • Social inequality and poverty

This subject suits students that enjoy English and written based subjects. The course requires students to complete extended writing and essay tasks, as well as independent research, so being comfortable reading and writing is essential. An interest in current issues and an ability to discuss these and consider other viewpoints is also beneficial.

Students will take 2 papers at the end of year 11, 1.5 hours each.

Revision Guides available in resources section

A Level
A Level Sociology (Years 12 and 13) (EXAM BOARD: AQA)

Sociology 2190 www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level

At AS and A2 Level, students follow the AQA syllabus which offers them the opportunity to study a range of topics and issues within sociology.  It provides students with a strong base of sociological knowledge, which they can then develop further at degree level if they chose to study sociology at university.

The topics that students cover at AS are:

  • Family (40% of AS)
  • Education and Research methods (60% of AS)

The topics that students cover at A2 are:

  • Religion (40%of A2)
  • Crime and deviance with Sociology theory and Methods (60%of A2)

The course requires students to complete extended writing and essay tasks, as well as independent research, so being comfortable reading and assimilating information is essential, as well as being able to express their ideas and communicate well in writing.  Students will be expected to have an interest in current issues and be willing to discuss these. They will be taught to think critically and analytically.

Currently students are examined at the end of year 12 and 13- this will change for students starting their studies in 2015- all exams will be at the end of year 13.

Department Staff
Ms Cooper
Mrs Moynihan
Past Examination Results

GCSE Sociology 2014
71 % A*-C

A Level Sociology 2014
93% A*-E  73% A*-C

Useful Websites and Resources

www.sociology.org.uk
www.guardianunlimited.co.uk
www.scool.co.uk
www.statistics.gov.uk

Course textbooks: ‘AS Level Sociology for AQA’ by Trobe, K, Westergaard, H, Webb, R

‘A2 Level Sociology for AQA’ by Trobe, K, Westergaard, H, Webb, R

GCSE Revision book – GCSE Sociology for AQA: Revision Guide and Exam Practice Workbook (Collins GCSE Revision) by Pauline Wilson (Author)

GCSE REVISION GUIDES

Crime_and_deviance
Education
Families
Mass Media Revision Guide
Social_Inequality
Studying_society

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivations behind it . Psychologists and psychological research have a big impact on all aspects of public life, particularly in areas such as education, health, the economy, industry, the media and government.

Studying psychology will not only provide you with a clearer picture into the science of human behaviour and attempts to explain it, but it will help you to investigate some of the following practical problems

A Level
A level Psychology OCR

http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-psychology-h168-h568/

Curriciulum
At AS you will study the following topics: cognitive psychology (memory), developmental psychology (how your early relationships with parents can influence your adult behaviour),physiological psychology (how behaviour is determined by our biology), social psychology (how environments affect our behaviour) and research methods (the way in which psychologists gather and test information to draw conclusions).

At A2 you will study and learn about forensic psychology and Health and Clinical psychology. Subject matter is contemporary, diverse and most of all exciting to learn about!

How will I know if I would be successful at it? 
Psychology is ideal for students who have a very sound ability in Science, English and Maths. There is a large amount of research to investigate and become familiar with; therefore, a capacity to engage enthusiastically with course material is essential.
There is also a large scientific (biology/chemistry) emphasis within AS and A2 so you will need to be relatively confident with this.

The psychology course has been designed to provide a broad introduction to the scope and nature of psychology as a science. The emphasis is on applying knowledge and understanding rather than just acquiring knowledge, thereby developing students’ transferable skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking. Further to this, psychology students will also develop strong transferable essay writing skills and skills of statistical analysis.

Department Staff
Ms D Lewis