Social Science is the study of society and the way in which people behave and influence the world around us. At Headlands we believe in encouraging our students to become more self-aware and reflective about their experiences in society. We feel it is important for students to practise seeing the world through the eyes of others, exploring new concepts and ideas, to ignite their 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. The study of social science will create students that have a deeper understanding of social life, groups and societies to become a more socially aware member of society.
KS4 Courses
GCSE Psychology – (AQA)
As students study this subject for the first time they are introduced to Psychology through a range of introductory topics, they learn about the process of research and a range of core studies in the subject. They then study their first topics – criminal psychology and developmental psychology. In each topic they learn concepts related to the topic, two theories, two core studies and the real-world applications of the topic. Alongside their knowledge rich curriculum, students also learn scientific research skills and have experience of conducting and being participants in psychological research.
As the course progresses, students study more fascinating topics in a range of psychological fields, including psychological problems (mental health), social influence, sleep, and memory. The topics continue to be structured into concepts, theories, studies, and applications with an emphasis on research methods in every topic. Research methods continue to be an important theme and as the course processes students gain more knowledge and experience of planning, doing and evaluating psychological research. They use this vast experience of research methods to design their own research studies later in the course. In each topic there is also an emphasis on neuroscience, which teaches students about how the brain and nervous system is linked to our behaviour, thoughts, and emotions.
Cambridge Nationals Health and Social Care Level 1/2 – (OCR)
This course introduces students to the specialist knowledge and skills needed to work in
various care settings. It’s a vocational qualification, equivalent in value to a GCSE and contains both practical and theoretical elements.
Students will look at the principles of care, how to help individuals find the support they need following life events, how to plan and deliver creative and therapeutic activities along with planning their own health promotion campaign. Students will develop a range of skills throughout the course which will help them succeed in the workplace but also in all their other subjects. These include effective verbal communication, presentation skills, creative thinking, problem solving and research and planning.
KS5 Courses
A level Psychology – (AQA)
Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. A Level Psychology develops a range of valuable skills, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.
At Headlands School we follow the KS5 AQA syllabus. The course consists of compulsory topics covering a range of behaviours; Memory, Attachment, Social Influence, Psychopathology, Approaches and Biopsychology. This is followed in Year 2 by three optional units looking at Aggression, Schizophrenia and Cognition.
Informal assessment will be on going throughout the course, using homework, timed essays and pre-public exams. Formal assessment will be at the end of the two-year course and consists of three two-hour exams. There is no coursework. Psychology is regarded as a science. The scientific method and associated terminology is used and referred to throughout the course.
An understanding of Psychology and human behaviour can be applied to most careers. Further study at university can lead to specific careers including Educational Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist and Clinic Psychologists.
BTEC Applied Psychology – (Edexcel)
Offered as BTEC Extended Certificate. Students sit two external exams at different points of the year with a chance for re-sit and complete internally-marked coursework.
Topics taught include:
Psychological Approaches and Applications
Conducting Psychological Research
Health Psychology
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
A level Sociology – (AQA)
Sociology is the scientific study of the relationship between the individual and society. We encourage students to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.
At Headlands School we follow the KS5 AQA syllabus. Topics covered are: Families and Households, Education, Beliefs, Crime and Deviance.
Informal assessment will be on going throughout the course, using homework, timed essays and pre-public exams. There is no coursework. Formal assessment will be at the end of the two-year course and will consist of three two hour exams.
Sociology requires students to take a more critical and informed approach to the society in which they live, so an interest in people and contemporary issues is essential. It does not specifically prepare students for a particular career but the units involved are especially useful for careers within the police, social services, childcare, education, healthcare, the law and research.
BTEC Health and Social Care – (Edexcel)
Offered as BTEC Extended Certificate. Students sit two external exams at different points of the year with a chance for re-sit and complete internally-marked coursework.
Topics taught include:
Human lifespan development
Working in health and social care
Meeting individual care and support needs
Physiological disorders and their care
BTEC Applied Law – (Edexcel)
Offered as BTEC Extended Certificate. Students sit two external exams at different points of the year with a chance for re-sit and complete internally-marked coursework.
Topics taught include:
Dispute solving in Civil Law
Investigating Aspects of Criminal Law and the Legal System
Applying the Law
Aspects of Family Law
Criminology (A level equivalent) – (WJEC)
This course offers an introduction to the study of crime and issues surrounding it, such as how it is defined by society, how it is measured in crime statistics, portrayed by the media, and how campaigns involving the media can lead to changes in the law. You will have the opportunity to study theories as to whether criminals are born or “made”, and how crimes are investigated and dealt with in the courts and criminal justice system.
If you enjoy learning about and discussing crime and its causes and effects, then this course will interest you. In lessons you will have the opportunity to learn about the topics and then apply your understanding of scenarios, to use your creativity to devise a campaign to raise awareness of an under-reported crime, and to express your own opinions during debates and discussions. We will also keep abreast of current news related to crime and changes in the law.
Find out more information about our Social Sciences curriculum by clicking the links below.
Social Science Intent Implementation and Impact
4 year Curriculum Plan
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Delivery
GCSE Subject information Psychology
A level Subject information Psychology
BTEC Subject information Applied Psychology
A level Subject information Sociology
BTEC Subject information Health and Social Care
BTEC Subject information Law
Subject Information Criminology
