Psychology & Sociology

What is the Curriculum in A-Level Psychology?

Our students experience Psychology for the first time when they start their sixth form studies. A high number of our students take more than one social science subject. Therefore, our Key Stage Five curriculum is designed to introduce the study of behaviour within society in context of the greater world. It is a knowledge based curriculum as we believe that knowledge underpins and enables the application of skills; both are entwined. Content is delivered to students and then built upon through a variety of practice questions and research. Regular feedback is given to support student progress. The knowledge acquired then allows students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.

We sequence our learning in the order that we do because each unit offers particular skills which are required in further units. An example of this is ‘memory’ before ‘Cognitive Approach’ and ‘Attachment’ before ‘Learning Approach’. The exam board offers suggestions which we take on board.

By following the course in Year 12 students will develop an understanding of the different areas of psychology. These areas include cognitive, developmental, social, biological and abnormality within psychology. Students learn about theories of human behaviour and the psychological research which has been conducted to test these theories. We study and evaluate the scientific method as applied to psychological research. In addition, students will learn about the application of psychological theory to everyday life.

The topics we cover in the Year 13 specification include Romantic Relationships, Issues and Debates, Schizophrenia, and Addiction. Students will also continue to develop commentary and evaluation skills in relation to psychological theory, empirical studies and the methods of research used in psychology.

What will Students Learn in Psychology?

How are Students Assessed in Psychology

We assess by using a combination of methods such as end of unit tests, exam questions at the end of lessons, personal research, electronic tests and exam questions. All assessment is done to prepare students for exam questions at the end of year 13. Knowledge organisers are used to prepare for the end of unit tests. Each year has a mock exam which is completed in exam conditions within the exam environment. As well as these different methods we enable studies to self-assess by using Seneca and Illuminate testing. We sequence our assessments to include units studied previously to enable recall, rehearsal and retrieval skills to be built. This reinforces skills required by the students when preparing for their final examination. The Psychology course content is heavy and revising just at the end would be too difficult a task for the students. With this in mind recall of content is done throughout both years of study so that a student can easily recall from their long term memory. The students also understand the process of why we assess in such a way.

Our curriculum is relevant to learners because it informs them of different facets of the human mind and a greater understanding of the world around them. It also allows them introspection with regards to studying the brain and behaviour. Many students also study Health and Social care and Psychology tends to cross reference a number of elements and issues.

Progression considers starting points at KS5 as the students’ first experience of Psychology takes place in Sixth form. Through working with other departments and understanding what students have learnt in other subjects so that we can understand students’ progression and we can then integrate this into our curriculum. The assessment for A level in Year 13 will be three papers each lasting 2 hours to assess topics covered in Year 12 and Year 13. The papers will contain structured questions and extended writing. There is no coursework.

What is the Curriculum in A-Level Sociology?

Sociology is a subject which requires an understanding of how people and society functions. Four topics are studied – education, the family, crime and deviance, and beliefs in society. Alongside these topics, the core themes of socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power and stratification are considered.

Students study the role and functions of the education system; the educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society; the relationships and processes within schools; and the significance of educational policies.

Students also study the relationship of the family to the social structure; the changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course; gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family; the nature of childhood, and changes in the status of children in the family and society; and demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900.

In the student’s second year they will study Crime, Deviance and Social order and control. Also, the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class. They will also consider globalisation and crime in contemporary society and the modern role of the justice system.

Another core element of sociology is the study of ideology, science and religion, including Christian and non-Christian religious traditions. Religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements are also covered. Students will also consider the significance of religion in the contemporary world.

Our Key Stage Five curriculum is designed to introduce the study of society in context of the greater world. It is a knowledge-based curriculum as we believe that knowledge underpins and enables the application of skills; both are entwined. Content is delivered to students and then built upon through a variety of practice questions and research. Regular feedback is given to support student progress. The knowledge acquired then allows students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.

What will Students Learn in Sociology?

See the curriculum map for a full breakdown of what is taught from Y12-13

How are Students Assessed in Sociology ?

We assess by using a combination of methods such as end of unit tests, exam questions at the end of lessons, personal research, electronic tests and exam questions. All assessment is done to prepare students for exam questions at the end of year 13. Each year has a mock exam which is completed in exam conditions within the exam environment. As well as these different methods we enable studies to self-assess by using Seneca. We sequence our assessments to include units studied previously to enable recall, rehearsal and retrieval skills to be built. This reinforces skills required by the students when preparing for their final examination. The Sociology course content is heavy and revising just at the end would be too difficult a task for the students. With this in mind recall of content is done throughout both years of study so that a student can easily recall from their long-term memory. The students also understand the process of why we assess in such a way.

Our curriculum is relevant to learners because it informs them of different facets of society and a greater understanding of the world around them. Many students also study Health and Social care and Sociology tends to cross reference a number of methods of research and issues. This subject is well suited to students who have an interest in current affairs. Students should have an inquiring and critical mind and be prepared to explore and ask questions about the society in which they live, re-examining many taken for granted ideas.

Progression considers starting points at KS5 as the students’ first experience of Sociology takes place in Sixth form. Through working with other departments and understanding what students have learnt in other subjects so that we can understand students’ progression and we can then integrate this into our curriculum.

As well as building a sound knowledge base in the above area’s students will also be encouraged to develop a critical approach to understanding the social world, good communication skills, appropriate writing skills for Sociology as well as the confidence in communicating ideas to a wider audience.The course is a 100% written examination with three 2-hour written papers.