Social Science
This department covers the subjects of Sociology, Psychology, Critical Thinking and Health and Social Care. It is managed by the Head of Department, Mr. R. Dougherty. Sociology is well established (and very successful) within the school, whilst Psychology was introduced in September 2002 and quickly became a very popular choice.
Sociology - Courses
Courses The Sociology A Level consists of a variety of topics. At AS, students study paper on Education, Families and Households and Sociological Methods. At A2, Crime and Deviance and Religion are studied. Students are encouraged to think widely about all aspects of life, and to take examples from contemporary news and media sources to support their learning. They are also supported with a variety of textbooks, videos and computer packages, as well as trips to sociology conferences. A successful mentoring system is well established in the department, giving students access to one-to-one tuition and support in all areas of the course.
Sociology at A Level complements most subjects, and is highly regarded by universities for subjects as diverse as business, law and medicine. It teaches critical thinking and analytical skills, and encourages students to weigh up evidence from a variety of views. It is also fundamentally interesting, allowing those who study it to grapple with some of the most important issues of the day. Results The department has achieved consistently high examination results. Please see the school results pages for details.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Dougherty, via the school office.
Psychology - Courses
In AS and A2 Psychology we follow the AQA Specification A. For AS the topics covered are: Cognitive Psychology (Human Memory and Eyewitness Testimony), Developmental Psychology (Attachments in Development and Day Care for Children), Physiological Psychology (Stress & Stress Management), Individual Differences (Abnormality and Eating Disorders), Social Psychology (Social Influence and Ethical Issues in Research) and Research Methods. There is no coursework at this level.
Students following the A2 course cover: Social Psychology (Relationships and Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour), Physiological Psychology (Biological Rhythms, Sleep & Dreaming), Developmental Psychology (cognitive development) Individual Differences (Abnormality, Psychopathology and treating mental disorders), Issues in Research (gender bias, cultural bias, ethics and the use of non-human animals) and Psychological Approaches (Biological, Behavioural, Psychodynamic, Cognitive and Evolutionary).
The subject involves a variety of perspectives on each topic. Therefore there is rarely a single correct explanation. Rather students are encouraged to consider the range of views and reach their own conclusions. Consequently discussion work is an important aspect of the course. Students are also encouraged to relate the topics and theories to their own experiences and case studies from the media and current affairs.
To aid learning the department is well resourced with a range of textbooks, videos and information technology. Trips are also made to conferences and even the theatre! We run a successful mentoring system which involves students having regular access to one-to-one support from staff.
Psychology combines well with many subjects as it is so wide-ranging. However, it particularly complements: Sociology, Biology, English, Business Studies, Art and Media Studies. It is an extremely popular subject across the country and therefore competition for places on degree courses is very high. It is an especially good background for careers in: the helping professions, Business, Media and Therapy. However, as it develops critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills it is useful for a very broad range of occupations.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Dougherty, via the school office.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking AS Level (OCR) is offered as an alternative to General Studies in Year 12. This subject is of great value to all other subjects and to life in general as it helps develop a number of key skills which can be applied in a very wide variety of contexts. These include the ability to assess the credibility of evidence used in arguments and an understanding of the different ways arguments can be constructed.In addition the various types of flaws found in arguments are highlighted. As the subject is not based on the acquisition of specific knowledge a big range of topics can be explored to help illustrate the various skills.
It is planned that the subject will be offered at A2 Level from September 2009.
At present the subject is taught by Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Tomkins.
Health and Social Care
This is a subject new to the school in 2008-9. It is also our first Vocational A Level. As such it focuses on the practical application of skills and knowledge relevant to careers in Health Care and Social Work, including Child Care. A large part of the assessment is based on projects and portfolios rather than traditional examinations.As a broad ranging subject it touches on aspects of Biology, Psychology, Sociology and Social Policy.
The subject will be taught by Mrs. Halton and Ms. Williams.