Social Sciences

Sociology

Curriculum Intent

The key intention of the curriculum is to educate our students to become independent and inquisitive citizens. The course is designed and delivered to nurture thoughtful and motivated young people, who can act responsibly as active citizens, and who believe in their ability to change their community for the better.

As pupils progress in Sociology, their growing understanding of the society and global societies develops their knowledge and understanding of norms, values and morals which will guide them in their life. Sociology empowers pupils with intellectually challenging ideas and concepts and essential skills of critical thinking. We encourage pupils to make mistakes, and learn from them, so they succeed in being resilient and courageous.

At Key Stages 4 and 5, the curriculum aligns with the AQA GCSE and AQA A-level specification. The sequencing of topics in each year facilitates pupils to build on the knowledge and skills gained as they move through the curriculum, enabling them to deepen their understanding of how society is changing and the impact this has on individuals. Pupils will gain a holistic and critical appreciation of Sociology through use of a range of teaching strategies that promote independence, pupil-led learning and active learning, such as debates and discussions to deepen pupils understanding and enjoyment, whilst building core skills. All students in Sociology are supported and challenged.

The Sociology curriculum develops pupil’s cultural capital as it promotes engagement with a wide range of issues that go beyond pupil’s day-to-day experiences. Current affairs on family, crime and education are regularly discussed in lessons and debated. We hope pupils achieve Sociological knowledge and understanding, as well as strategic skills to lead them to higher education and a broad range of careers.

Sociology Teachers

Mrs Andreas - Head of Department

Ms Warriner

Ms Pitfield

Health & Social Care

Curriculum Intent

The key intention of the curriculum is to develop our students to become educated citizens and contribute to society in a positive way, whilst challenging stereotypes and discrimination.

Health and Social Care provides an insight into how humans develop over the six key life stages (from birth to death). Within each life stage, students will explore the key aspects of development, which involves PIES - the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Social factors - and what role they play within development. Students will then look into how different factors and life events can affect it. This knowledge is transferable to students lives and can facilitate them in making decisions.

Furthermore, students will study the care values, which are at the heart of Health and Social Care. This will enable our students to understand and build on skills such as, empathy, compassion, commitment, tolerance and empowerment. This topic equips students with how to provide the care and support that individual’s need, whilst taking into account ethical considerations and challenges that they might face.

To support fluidity, the curriculum taught at Key Stage 5 is provided by the same awarding body as Key Stage 4 (Pearsons). Some topics covered at Key Stage 4 are expanded on to a higher level and students are supported and challenged to learn key theorists and how to reference their work, which will support them with the expectations in higher education. The course is designed so that the units build upon each other as the students grow in confidence.

Health and Social Care equips students with a specialist and realistic understanding of a variety of roles in Health and Social Care e.g. doctor, occupational therapist, nurse, social worker and midwife. Students will gain an insight into the roles and responsibilities of the job and will have the opportunity to take part in work experience to build on their knowledge.

Health and Social Care Teachers

Mrs K Andreas - Head of Department

Ms Warriner

Miss J Pitfield

Curriculum Map

Social Sciences Curriculum Map

KS4

Curriculum Overview - Sociology

Year 10	Year 11
Introduction to Sociology	Crime and Deviance
Research Methods	Social Stratification
Families and Households	Refresher-research methods
Education	Revision

Curriculum Overview - Health & Social Care

Year 10	Year 11
Human Lifespan Development	Health and Wellbeing
Health and Social Care Services and Values	Exam on Health and Wellbeing

KS5

Sociology A Level

Course outline

Year 12	Year 13
Introduction to Sociology	Stratification and Differentiation
Education	Crime and deviance
Families and Households	Research Methods and Theory
Research Methods	Revision

Subject requirements at GCSE

A minimum of a Grade 6 at English GCSE is required in order to study Sociology at A Level.

Complementary subjects

Sociology is well paired with any subject that has a heavy written content: English, History, Geography, Philosophy & Ethics, Economics, Psychology, Business and Health and Social Care.

Future Directions

Which university courses require Sociology A Level?

Sociology can help you onto a wide range of University Courses; these can range from Law to Criminology to Journalism. Sociology will benefit you in terms of accessing a range of degrees.

Which university courses look favourably on Sociology A Level?

Sociology A Level is favourable for any degree which requires the ability to evaluate and critique existing theories.

What are the entry requirements to study Sociology at university?

Sociology entry requirements vary depending on your University of choice.

Which careers could Sociology A Level lead to?

Law, Civil Service, Social Work, Criminal Justice System, Teaching, Politics, Youth Worker, Social Researcher.

Sociology is motivationally challenging in the sense that it pushes you to reach your limits, but the sense of accomplishment is second to none… as you will get there. Student

Health and Social Care BTEC

Course outline

Year 12	Year 13
Human Lifespan Development	Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs
Working in Health and Social Care	Sociological Perspectives

Subject requirements at GCSE

A minimum of a Grade 5 at English GCSE is required in order to study Level 3 BTEC in Health and Social Care.

Complementary subjects

Health and Social Care is well paired with any subject that has a heavy written content: English, Sociology, History, Geography, Philosophy & Ethics, Economics, Psychology and Business.

Future Directions

Which university courses require BTEC Health and Social Care?

Health and Social Care can help you onto a wide range of university courses; these can range from Midwifery, to Social Work to Childcare degrees.

Which university courses look favourably on BTEC Health and Social Care?

BTEC Health and Social Care is favourable for any degree which requires a social care or medical background.

What are the entry requirements to study Health and Social Care at university?

Health and Social Care entry requirements vary depending on your university of choice.

Which careers could Sociology A Level lead to?

Teaching, Social Work, Midwifery, Paramedic, Counsellor, and many in the NHS.

Health and Social Care is more than simply health or social care; you learn about the psychological, sociological and biological aspects of the health and social care sector. The work is stretching and interesting and it has made me rethink my future plans. Student