Sociology and Psychology

Why do we teach Sociology, Psychology and Criminology?

Social science is the study of the individual and society and includes psychology, sociology and criminology.

Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour and tries to understand how people and groups experience the world. Sociology involves the study of groups of people, rather than individual, and attempts to understand the way people relate to each other and function as a society or social group. Criminology is a branch of sociology it is the study of the causes of crime and its social impact.

All three subjects focus on the practical applications of their field of study. Social Scientists have been instrumental in leading research which has allowed the development of government policies and initiatives in the sectors of health, crime, education and the law. Social science research has had a massive impact on the economy. For example, research into factors potentially causing mental health conditions has lend to more effective treatments, less institutionalisation and a healthier workforce. Social science takes a multidisciplinary approach to explaining behaviour, interaction and consequences, and as such is a highly desirable set of subjects to follow. Social science subjects use the humanities and other science disciplines as a springboard for deeper explanations and high order thinking.

The Social Science Department encourages students to go beyond their immediate experience of their subjects and use evidence from research and theory to help explain individuals and groups and society. The department wants to create critical thinkers among our students; the ability to analyse and evaluate their own views and those of others in the light of evidence is an essential skill. We give students the confidence and the skills to be able to do this.

Our departmental vision is to empower students to open their eyes to the world and explore challenging ideas in a safe and relaxed environment, encouraging within them excellent academic progress and personal growth.

The Social Science Team aim to achieve this by:

Creating a safe and inclusive environment where students can communicate and develop their values and discuss preconceived ideas in a non-judgement way.

Developing positive classroom relationships and cooperative learning methods to create a sense of friendship, support and teamwork to allow self-confidence, respect of others, respect for others and self-esteem to grow.

Supporting students to acquire a sense of resilience when faced with problem solving.

Encouraging students not to accept facts at face value but develop the skills to analyse and evaluate all aspects of themselves and society.

Developing independent learning skills, supported by the application of principles of cognition and memory for learning.

Equipping students to be creative, spontaneous, moral individuals who will contribute positively to the school community and wider society.

Setting high expectations of work that will be shared by students as they strive towards excellence in their studies.

The Department of Sociology & Psychology has a track record of helping students to achieve great results. We were extremely pleased with last summer’s results, and are very proud of our students’ achievements.

2017 Results A*-E
A-Level Sociology:100%
A-Level Psychology:100%

We offer the following qualifications
Psychology at A-Level
Sociology at A-Level

If you answer Yes to these questions sociology and/or psychology is for you.

Do you enjoy discussing why we do the things we do?
Are you able to listen to two sides of an argument?
Do you enjoy giving your opinion in discussions and debates?
Do you what to improve your communication and critical thinking skills?

Sociology & Psychology Department
Vision statement:
A department which works together to empower students to open their eyes to the world and explore challenging ideas in a safe and relaxed environment, encouraging within them excellent academic progress and personal growth.

Mission statement:

We create a safe environment where students are allowed to develop their values and discuss preconceived ideas in a non-judgement way.
We create a sense of friendship and support allowing self-confidence, respect of others, respect for others and self-esteem to grow.
We support students to acquire a sense of resilience when faced with problem solving.
We encourage students not to accept facts at face value, but develop the skills to analyse and evaluate all aspects of themselves and society.
We equip students to be creative, spontaneous, moral individuals who will contribute to society in a positive way.

Values
We are tolerant of others views.
We transform the way that young people think.
We care about the needs of our students.
We have a strong sense of teamwork and responsibility.
We are honest, humorous and nurturing.
We have a strong sense of equality and equity.
We are respectful, supportive and open minded.

Sociology Key Stage 5

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of society. A sociology student like you would examine the way in which society shapes people’s values, their education, careers and roles that they play in life.

Sociologists examine certain trends in society like the crime rate or the divorce rate for example, and attempt sot just to describe these aspects of our society but also to explain how and why these changes happen.

If you have ever thought about the following questions you will probably be interested in the study of Sociology.

Why has crime increased?
Is marriage outdated?
Does education fail boys?

These and many other questions about Society will be studied and discussed within the course. You will learn about the influences on people’s behaviour and you will be encouraged to look at your own views and attitudes regarding these topics.

What can sociology offer me?

You will develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society, and how sociologists study and understand its structures, processes and issues.
You will find Sociology exciting, interesting and relevant to your life.
You will be encouraged to take a questioning approach to evidence and issues, thus developing your critical, evaluative skills.

What does the course contain?

The A- Level course includes the following areas of study:
Year 1 A-Level

Education & Methods In Context
Families & households
Research methods

Year 2 A-Level

Crime and deviance
Theory & methods
Beliefs in society

WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM SIXTH FORM SOCIOLOGISTS?

A willingness to read and use library facilities
Excellent attendance
Meeting deadlines
Ability to work independently
Preparation for lessons
Participation during discussions

Relevance to future careers
The Study of Sociology gives students a valuable insight into how both individuals and groups of people are influenced by society. All careers that involve working with people such as those below offer potential to the A-Level Sociology student.

Social work
Police service
Nursing
Human resources
Teaching
Occupational therapy
Prison service
Social services
Advertising
Media
Probation officer

Assessment

At A-level there are three exams, each account for one third of your A-level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 80 marks each. The exams consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions.

Entry requirements
You don’t need prior knowledge of sociology, but you will need a C Grade or above in English and maths. This is because the course involves extensive reading and writing of essays and interpretation of data.

Psychology Key Stage 5

What is Psychology?

Psychology is often defined as the scientific study of the mind and behaviour.

Psychology is a science and students will study psychological research and scientific methods together with analysing and exploring the human mind and how it affects behaviour.

An analytical and evaluative mind is an essential skill together with mathematical ability in order to grasp statistical techniques. You will also need to enjoy reading and writing essays and have the ability to examine different theories from a critical perspective

If you have ever thought about the following questions you will probably be interested in the study of Psychology

Why do people behave the way they do?
Why does the way you think affect the way you behave?
Why is your behaviour affected by others?

These and many other questions about human behaviour will be studied during the course.

What can psychology offer me?

You will develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about human behaviour, and how psychologists study and understand it.
You will find psychology exciting, interesting and relevant to your life.
You will be encouraged to take a questioning approach to evidence and issues, thus developing your critical, evaluative skills.

What does the course contain?

The A-Level course includes the following areas of study:

Year 1 A-Level

Social influence
Memory
Attachment
Approaches in psychology & biopsychology
Psychopathology
Research methods.

Year 2 A-Level

Issues & debates in psychology
Research methods
Gender
Schizophrenia
Forensic psychology

WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM SIXTH FORM PSYCHOLOGISTS?

A willingness to read and use library facilities
Excellent attendance
Meeting deadlines
Ability to work independently
Preparation for lessons
Participation during discussions

Relevance to future careers

The study of psychology provides a useful foundation for any degree course. It is also relevant for any job which requires inter-personal skills.

Social work
Police service
Nursing
Educational psychology
Human resources
Teaching
Psychotherapy
Prison service
Social services
Marketing
Law
Clinical psychology

Assessment
At A-level there are three exams, each account for one third of your A-level. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions.

Entry requirements
You don’t need prior knowledge of psychology but you will need a C grade or above in English and maths .This is because the course involves extensive reading and writing of essays and interpretation of data. 10% of each paper will also test maths skills.