CURRICULUM INTENT
The Social Science department encompasses Politics and Sociology at KS5.
The department seeks to give students the opportunity to explore human society and social relationships in an increasingly complex world.
Politics and Sociology, taught at A-Level, encourages students to develop well informed and considerate opinions. Lessons incorporate the extensive use of debating and discussion after conducting extensive research into a wide variety of topics. These subjects consistently require students to consider current affairs and international events.
All Social Science students are given regular opportunities to be assessed via verbal responses, group work and written communication.
Politics and Sociology students are regularly assessed on their comprehension of knowledge and understanding as well as skills. They complete practice exam questions as well as past paper questions in timed conditions. They are then given both peer and teacher feedback and given opportunities to improve on their grade.
Both subjects are externally assessed with final grades being awarded on performance in three exams at the end of the course.
Students are assessed on their ability to make reference to current affairs and links to contemporary society.
The Social Science curriculum is designed to nurture students through current affairs and contemporary debates, to build their confidence to question, reflect and actively engage with several issues from the real world. Students will be exposed to differing opinions and theoretical arguments and will be encouraged to deal with socially sensitive and controversial topics in a safe environment. The Social Science curriculum recognises that students come from a wide variety of backgrounds culturally and see this as an exciting opportunity for discussion and an opportunity for diversity and tolerance to flourish.
The Social Science students who make the best progress have engaging conversations with parents and carers at home. These conversations can be about topics studied in class or any contemporary issues from the news- they are greatly encouraged!
Sociology: WJEC/Eduqas A Level Sociology
Politics: Edexcel Politics A Level
