BBC Education
BBC Education
Social Sciences
Curriculum Intent:
Our students embrace diversity and recognise the impacts of this on differing lived experiences. Real world events and cross curricular links will engage and enthuse our social scientists. The knowledge and skills our students develop in social sciences will equip them securely for future study and work.
The coherently planned curriculum will see students build vital skills in dealing with data and evaluating theoretical perspectives in applied contexts. Extensions from the curriculum and extra-curricular experiences will enrich cultural capital.
This popular department offers A Level Sociology and Psychology as well as the Extended Project Qualification. Sociology and Psychology provide an excellent foundation in the understanding of human behaviour and the workings of society and combine well with other subjects at degree level.
These subjects are particularly useful for those wishing to pursue careers in Law, Social Policy, Criminal Justice, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Publishing, Education, Social Work, Anthropology, Medical Sciences and Healthcare. We regularly welcome back former students working and studying in these fields. Staff in the department strongly believe that both subjects offer the opportunity to gain a fascinating insight into human behaviour and to study popular and contemporary subjects. The Extended Project Qualification offers students the opportunity to work at a higher and more independent level and acts as an excellent transition to Higher Education.
More about Psychology A Level
Psychology A Level is a popular subject within our successful social sciences department.
Psychology has the status of a science A level. The course aims to give a broad introduction to the key psychological approaches, research methods and real-world applications.
Year 1 - Consists of two examined units. The first unit explores the fascinating areas of memory and forgetting and social influence and conformity. The second unit explores theories of attachment and psychopathology.
Year 2 - The third examined allows students to apply their knowledge in depth to Forensic Psychology, the study of Relationships and Schizophrenia. Students also have the opportunity to explore key issues and debates surrounding psychology’s contribution to society.
Exam Board: AQA
Exam Specification: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/specification-at-a-glance
More about Sociology A Level
Sociology A Level is a popular and fascinating subject. This course is an excellent introduction into the key sociological theories and how these may be applied to explain everyday experiences and life chances.
Year 1 - Sociology consists of two examined units the first of which focuses on Socialisation and Culture, Youth Cultures and Education. The second unit focuses on the various sociological methods used to investigate the world around us.
Year 2 - The third unit will cover Power and Inequality looking at the influence of class, ethnicity, gender and age and contemporary trends in inequality and social mobility. Students will dedicate one term to the study of theoretical explanations of Crime and Deviance, media representations of crime, how crime is defined and measured and suggestions for policies to control and prevent crime.
Exam Board: Eduqas
Exam Specification: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/sociology-as-a-level/#tab_keydocuments
More about Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
This highly successful and prestigious qualification is offered within the department to students showing academic curiosity, independence, and skill.
The Extended Project Qualification offers students an exciting chance to stretch and challenge themselves whilst developing the skills and confidence to succeed in Higher Education and the job market. The Extended Project is a single, stand-alone piece of work which will require students to use research, critical thinking, planning and evaluation. It is a Level 3 qualification, graded A*-E with the same UCAS points as half an A level.
Students can produce a mini dissertation of 5000 words or a creative visual or performance piece. The Extended Project could develop and extend from one or more of the student’s study areas and/or from an area of personal interest or activity outside their main programme of study. It will be based on a topic agreed by the student and agreed as appropriate by the centre.
There will be teaching of the necessary skills, supervision and assessment of the student’s progress and we offer additional support opportunities with Southampton University. The main emphasis is on extended autonomous work by the student, allowing student ownership of the project.
Many (especially Russell Group) Universities have noted that the EPQ is providing students with skills they particularly value that will ease the transition to Higher Education and that this may lead either to lower admissions offers or a way to distinguish between applicants of otherwise equal academic standing.
EPQ Exam Board: AQA
EPQ – A Level/Level 3 qualification Specification:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/project-qualifications/EPQ-7993/specification-at-a-glance
HPQ Exam Board: AQA
HPQ – GCSE/Level 2 Qualification Specification:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/project-qualifications/PQ2-7992/specification-at-a-glance
