• Understanding Human Behaviour and Society: Enable students to explore the reasons behind individual and group behaviour, social structures, and institutions, developing empathy, awareness, and insight into the world around them.

• Building Analytical and Evaluative Skills: Encourage students to think deeply and critically about theories, research, and real-world issues, equipping them to question assumptions and form evidence-based conclusions.

• Applying Knowledge to Real-Life Contexts: Help students make meaningful connections between what they learn in class and the challenges faced in everyday life, future careers, and wider society.

• Supporting Personal Growth and Responsibility: Foster a sense of social responsibility and ethical awareness, encouraging students to reflect on their own values and the impact of their actions on others.

• Preparing for Further Study and Employment: Develop transferable skills such as research, communication, problem-solving, and independent thinking - essential for success in higher education and a wide range of careers.

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Year 13

The assessment plan for Social Science is designed to measure students’ grasp and application of key ideas across all areas of the course. The curriculum follows a structured progression, starting with the core concepts and theoretical perspectives that form the foundation of the subject, and gradually moving toward applying these ideas to a range of psychological, criminological and sociological topics. This step-by-step approach helps students develop a strong understanding of the subject as they move forward in their learning journey. Throughout the course, students will complete a range of assessments, including exam-style questions for homework, milestone tests at the end of each topic, and formal mock exams. These assessments are carefully scheduled throughout each term to support learning, track progress, and give students regular opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills. All Psychology and Sociology courses, at both GCSE and A Level, are formally assessed through external examinations at the end of the course (Year 11 and Year 13). Criminology, however, is assessed at four key points across the course: two external exams and two internal controlled assessments.

GCSE Sociology Exam Board: WJEC

A-Level Sociology Exam Board: AQA

A-Level Psychology Exam Board: AQA

Criminology Level 3 Applied Diploma Exam Board: WJEC

Home learning is set weekly on Teams. It consists of a variety of tasks, such as academic reading, past paper questions and research. All home learning tasks are designed to ensure that students develop the skills and secure the knowledge required to make excellent progress. Both class and home learning tasks also aim to develop students’ interest and knowledge beyond the exam specification and provide them with a strong foundation for the next level of study in these disciplines.

Students studying Social Science subjects benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities that enhance their learning and personal development. For example, they have taken part in a visit to the local court, allowing them to see key concepts from their studies, such as justice, law, and social order, applied in real-life settings. GCSE Sociology students also attended a visit to Sheffield Hallam University, where they explored post-16 pathways and learned more about the opportunities available after completing their course. In addition, students have engaged in online careers sessions featuring professionals from across the social science sector, including psychologists, criminologists, and social workers. These sessions provide valuable insights into different career paths, the qualifications required, and the day-to-day realities of working in these fields, helping students make informed decisions about their futures. These opportunities are invaluable to our students, and we endeavour to continue to provide these to future cohorts.

The social sciences are excellent preparation for all careers that involve working with different sectors of society from the police to medicine or forensics. The research and evaluative writing skills that students develop also provide an exceptional basis for future work in law, journalism and education.