Social Science encourages self-awareness and reflection about individual and collective experiences in society.  It is important for students to practice seeing the world through the eyes of others by exploring new concepts and ideas.  Social Science is used to ignite students’ curiosity and both broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of why we are the way we are, both as individuals and as a society. Studying Social Sciences will encourage a deeper understanding of social life and the groups that make up our society.   It will support our students to become more socially aware members of society.  

The intention of the Social Science curriculum is to encourage students to develop a sound knowledge of the theories, concepts and scientific ideas that will allow them to understand the world around them. We endeavour to pass on to our students the powerful knowledge allowing our students to interpret and navigate the world in which they live; with the ultimate ambition that they will achieve academically and go on to improve our society

As an option subject that begins in KS4, our subject area builds on links and the disciplinary knowledge developed in subjects such as RE, English, History and Geography.  The ability to construct logical arguments as well as skills of analysis and evaluation are critically important. In addition, material covered across the Humanities, English, Health and Social Care, Science and PSHE helps pupils to understand topics and key concepts covered in KS4 and KS5 Social Science.  

Students begin their lessons with a knowledge recall activity to assess and reactivate prior knowledge.  Challenging vocabulary is taught through the use of the Frayer Model and students are encouraged to use key terminology regularly in their written work and class discussions.  Students regularly read articles from newspapers, extracts from research as well as using subject specific materials to further their own studies. Modelling is used regularly to demonstrate to students how to construct the different components of their extended responses.  

Assessment is an integral part of Social Science subjects and has been carefully sequenced with a focus on both the substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Psychology and Sociology GCSE and Sociology and Psychology A Level are assessed solely by exam at the end of Year 11 and 13 respectively. Students are exposed to exam style questions throughout the course to develop their technique, familiarity with the style of questions and to assess their progress.

Homework is used to extend learning opportunities for our students through knowledge questions, research tasks and extended projects.  At KS4 and KS5 homework is designed to support exam technique and to encourage students to use current affairs to deepen their subject knowledge.

To support the study of Social Sciences and provide enrichment opportunities guest speakers from a wide range of backgrounds are regularly invited to speak to students. Equally, excursions to various sites of interest in the UK are possible such as visits to the crown courts, prisons and the Houses of Parliament.

Social Sciences can lead to further study at A-Level and degree level in Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Theology and  Philosophy as well as other humanities subjects. 

Careers that the Social Sciences may lead to include:

  • Teaching
  • Social Work
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Crown Prosecution Service