Social Sciences
Welcome to Social Sciences
We aim to encourage knowledgeable learners who are able to explore different ideas and issues and learn how our actions and decisions are impacted by and can affect the world around us. We seek to develop independent learners; able to learn how to learn, with confidence to become curious inquirers and enjoy learning. We support our learners to become critical thinkers, and where appropriate to be scientific in the pursuit of knowledge; able to use science to investigate behaviour and to draw tentative conclusions. Our department is concerned with encouraging learners to become caring individuals; to have respect for others, treat others with empathy and compassion.
Email the department: bantong@uptonhigh.co.uk
Curriculum
Intent
Social Sciences give an understanding of how humans function effectively in the real world; to understand why we behave as we do and how to communicate and work with others in wider society. All learners receive the same curriculum. We intend that learners will develop confidence in subjects new to them at A-Level and thrive.
Learners will apply their knowledge and understanding to real-life behaviours and phenomena and learn to critically analyse the credibility of theories and research studies which are examined. We will provide opportunities for an enriched understanding and appreciation of the subject by starting to integrate key issues and debates surrounding human behaviour. In turn, this should lead to a respect for all through deeper compassion and empathy for the diverse behaviours displayed by others and the wealth of issues experienced.
Learners will develop comprehension skills in listening and reading to a level where they are able to understand psychological terms and concepts. In writing, learners will develop a working knowledge of how to structure answers to meet the AQA specification examination requirements. These skills and the content covered can therefore lead to any occupation that involves working with or caring for others. Learners will learn how to pay attention to detail, solve problems, analyse beyond face value and think ‘outside of the box’. The skills learnt will enable students to enter the world beyond Upton High School to be a good citizen and a perceptive, adaptive and valued employee.
Social Sciences develop a passion for understanding the world around us. This helps learners to decipher a society they may not yet feel part of. Learners are encouraged to develop a deep sense of understanding about factors which influence an individual in their lifetime, from the way they form attachments to their genetic predisposition towards certain behaviours. Social Science is delivered with the ethos of allowing learners to feel confident in themselves and their abilities to analyse, evaluate and synthesise theories and apply knowledge. We aim to give learners an understanding of how to function effectively in the social world; to understand why we behave as we do in society and across different cultures and how to communicate and work with others in wider society.
We will provide opportunities for an enriched understanding and consideration of a variety of viewpoints. This will mean learners will gain a deeper compassion and empathy for the diverse behaviours displayed by others in society and different cultures. Learners will gain confidence in their approach to gathering and presenting knowledge and a deeper understanding of the society in which they live.
Key Stage 5
Psychology
Learners follow the AQA syllabus from 2015 - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182/specification-at-a-glance
The Year 1 component is made up of 2 units. Learners are given the opportunity to explore Cognitive Psychology (Memory), Developmental Psychology (Attachments), Approaches in Psychology, Social Psychology (Social Influence) and Psychopathology. In addition the Research Methods module is studied in depth including scientific processes and data handling and analysis.
The Year 2 component is made up of 2 units. Students are given the opportunity to further explore topics including Biopsychology, Psychology of Relationships, Schizophrenia, Forensic Psychology, Issues and Debates in Psychology and Psychological Research and the Scientific Method.
Students will sit 3 exams at the end of the second year which tests the entire two-year course.
Further support for exam preparation is provided by the department during revision sessions on a Monday from 15:15-16:15. Staff alternate weekly to ensure all areas of the specification are being covered.
Sociology
Learners follow the AQA syllabus from 2015 - https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192/specification-at-a-glance
Year 1 component is made up of 2 units. Students are given the opportunity to explore Family and Households, Education and Sociological Methods.
Year 2 component is made up of 2 units. Students are given the opportunity to explore topics taken from The Media, Crime and Deviance, and Theory and Methods.
Further support for exam preparation is provided by the department during revision sessions on a Wednesday from 15:15-16:15. Staff alternate weekly to ensure all areas of the specification are being covered.
Click here for further details: Key Stage 5
Enrichment
Learners will be given opportunities to attend guest lecture series provided by higher education providers and to attend exam-booster workshops with Tutor2U to aid with preparation for their examinations in Year 2 of the course.
Department Staff & Responsibilities
- Miss G. Banton - Head of Department
- Mr G. Cresswell
Homework
- Consolidation tasks set in lessons and past paper questions
- Regular reading of class notes and revision activities
- Spelling tests of key vocabulary upon completion of topic areas to develop literacy
Feedback
The Social Sciences department follows the whole school feedback policy. Feedback is regularly given in lessons during retrieval practice and questioning. Written feedback is provided for specific pieces of work and assessments which are recorded and kept separate to class notes in their Social Sciences assessment folder.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on AQA past paper questions (for both subjects) and follow the expectations set out by the exam board. The mark schemes and grade boundaries applied are those set out by AQA to ensure appropriate preparation for their final examinations. These assessments will be placed regularly throughout the two-year period in accordance with the whole-school assessment calendar.
