Head of department

Our Curriculum Intent

The Social Sciences Faculty aim is for all students to be able to reflect on, evaluate and apply a wide range of theoretical and scientific perspectives to real life contexts. Students will develop a number of transferable skills, for example, methodological research skills, analysis of data, use and evaluation of research evidence and theories to develop arguments. Students will develop an appreciation of diverse experience and will be able to discuss and apply this in both an ethical and cross-cultural framework that respects individual differences.

Psychology Intent 

Psychology enables students to scientifically analyse other people’s behaviour as well as their own and appreciate that all human behaviour is driven by a vast and complex combination of factors. Students will be involved in active debates about the causes of behaviours and behavioural abnormalities (e.g. Schizophrenia) leading to a wider appreciation of how Psychology is applied in everyday life. Students will have the opportunity within their learning to challenge popular misconceptions around mental health issues and develop their understanding of human behaviour. Studying Psychology provides students with a wide range of highly valued skills including critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills which will not only assist any student who chooses to move onto further education but also benefit students who opt to take on the world of work after completing their A-Levels. Students will come to recognise that Psychology is everywhere and applicable to all experiences in life making the study of Psychology invaluable for future progression and careers.    

Sociology Intent

Sociology is a valuable subject to students, as they develop an awareness of how wider society functions around them and how they themselves relate to this. They explore perspectives on inequality and build a conceptual understanding of how and why inequality formulates; for example, within Education and the Criminal Justice System. Students understand how culture shapes the identity they become and that much of what shapes them is socially constructed by the external forces around them. This can be liberating for students, as they begin to observe in their own lives how there are processes and forces at play in shaping their environment. Sociology taps into a range of other subjects across the Curriculum, including Politics, Law, Citizenship and British Values, which again contributes to the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development of the student.

Health and Social Care Intent

Health and Social Care equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to enter into one of the many careers available in the health and care sector such as nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, pre-school carer, infant and lower junior school teacher and residential care worker.  We give literature and guidance on the basics of health and social care – but we link these to up-to-date case studies, and relevant information.  We are pro-active in discussing issues surrounding each element of the given Health and Social Care Criteria which increases knowledge of contemporary issues within the core field.  We advocate the understanding of service user’s needs which supports in building empathy for our students, particularly beneficial for all pathways of future life and career choices.  We cement knowledge, understanding and the employability skills students need to succeed at a higher level of study for now and their future academic pathways as well as in their chosen career.  Students who have experience of research, extended writing and meeting deadlines will be well prepared for Higher Education and beyond.  Discussion is strongly encouraged within classes which develops not only the students’ knowledge but also builds on social skills, listening skills, confidence and empowerment for when putting ideas forward. We value and encourage independent learning through research, which is a necessary transferable skill within the school as well as out in the wider world of higher education and of employment.

EPQ Intent

EPQ will develop and extend a student’s area of interest into an in depth project outside of their normal programme of study. Students will learn the fundamentals of academic research alongside practical skills such as, effective referencing and extended writing. This is a process driven qualification where students will develop and apply skills creatively using their own initiative and enterprise better preparing them for the intellectual rigour required in higher education or employment. Students will become effective independent thinkers with strong analytical and evaluative skills alongside the ability to confidently present their research findings to an audience.