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Our Trust of Schools

Social Sciences

What are Social Sciences?

You may have heard of Social Sciences before, but you certainly won’t have studied them yet.

Psychology, Criminology and Sociology the choice of these fascinating subjects is yours! It may be that certain careers recommend that you study one of these subjects so remember to do your research carefully.

All subjects are taught by dedicated subject specialists who have a genuine love for their subjects. We all work extremely hard to bring you the best programme of study and in return we ask you put 100% into your studies.

There will be many opportunities to find out more about Social Sciences over the coming year, including at Open Evenings and assemblies, but please feel free to approach members of staff at any reasonable time.

Our course requirements are specified in each subject description and are mainly the normal college entry qualifications, a 5 in English Language or Literature and a 5 in Maths. However your place on the course will also depend on the successful completion of the summer task.

Criminology

What you will study?
  • Introduction to Criminological Theories

  • Changing Awareness of Crime

  • Crime Scene to Courtroom

  • Crime and Punishment

Students must complete ALL units.

Criminology is a subject which looks at issues such as:

  • Analysing criminal behaviour
  • Theories of why people commit crime
  • How does a courtroom work?
  • Cyber crime
  • Hate crimes,
  • Honour crimes
  • How the media influences which crimes we report.
How you will be assessed?

Exam board – WJEC Entry Level Framework Specifications

This is an applied general qualification. This means it has two internal assessment points and two external exams over two years. 

Why should you study criminology?

This Level 3 qualification will appeal to students who are interested in criminal justice and may be considering careers in areas such as the Police, the legal system, teaching, social work, the Prison service and the Probation service. Criminology contains elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology; which will complement subjects such as History and English.

Additional entry requirements: Standard entry requirements for Level 3 including A levels and vocational subjects is 5 grade 4s at GCSE including English Language and Maths.

For more information please see:

Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences

Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-Ordinator

Psychology

What you will study?
  • Social influence
  • Memory
  • Attachment
  • Psychopathology
  • Approaches in Psychology
  • Biopsychology
  • Research methods
  • Issues and debates in Psychology
  • Schizophrenia
  • Forensic psychology
  • Relationships
How you will be assessed?

Exam board – AQA (7182)

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment

Paper 2: Paper 2: Psychology in Context

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 96 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Why should you study psychology?

In Psychology we study a range of subjects such as memory, psychopathology, schizophrenia and attachment. Students who study this subject will gain a knowledge of the world and look differently at mental illness and abnormality. They will gain a knowledge of developmental psychology and topics such as forensic psychology where all aspects will be explored. Discussion is necessary at Exmouth and students will work in small groups often to look at subjects from different angles and maybe present their findings to the rest of the class. Psychology graduates have one of the highest employment rates of any subject! You can use it for social work, the police, education, advertising, counselling, mental health nursing, and many more....

Additional entry requirements: Standard entry requirements for Level 3 including A levels and vocational subjects is 5 grade 4s at GCSE including English Language and Maths. Plus, a grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths.

For more information please see: Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences

Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-ordinator

Sociology

What you will study?

Sociology is the only subject which explores contemporary society. By studying Sociology, you gain c rucial skills in problem solving and analysis. You will use evidence to formulate solutions for contemporary social problems such as poverty, crime and educational underachievement. The 21st century has proven to be a period of rapid social change, which Sociologists attempt to e xplain. The key transferable skills that Sociology provides prepares students for a diverse range of careers including careers in public services such as the Police; community and youth work; human resources; education; marketing; business; counselling; politics and the charity sector

How you will be assessed?

Exam board – AQA (7192) 

Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 80 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment

Paper 2 –Topics in Sociology

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 80 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment

Paper 3 –Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

  • Written exam - 2 hours
  • 80 marks in total
  • 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Why should you study sociology?

Sociology A level is recommended for careers such as Nursing, Teaching, Social Work and Police Work, but it also involves current affairs, political opinions and an element of philosophical speculation about human nature – it is one of the broadest A levels you can do, and it goes well with almost any subject combination.

Additional entry requirements: Standard entry + a grade 5 GCSE English.

For more information please see: Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences

Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-ordinator