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 selfaware and reflective about their experiences in society. We feel it is important for students
to practice 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 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

Social Science Intent Implementation and Impact

Download

4 year Curriculum Plan

Download

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Delivery

Download

GCSE Subject information Psychology Y10

Download

GCSE Subject information Psychology Y11

Download

A level Subject information Psychology Y12

Download

A level Subject information Psychology Y13

Download

BTEC Subject information Applied Psychology Y12

Download

BTEC Subject information Applied Psychology Y13

Download

A level Subject information Sociology Y12

Download

A level Subject information Sociology Y13

Download

BTEC Subject information Health and Social Care Y12

Download

BTEC Subject information Health and Social Care Y13

Download

BTEC Subject information Law Y12

Download

BTEC Subject information Law Y13

Download

Subject Information Criminology Y12

Download

Subject Information Criminology Y13

Download

Curriculum

SMSC & British Values