Social Sciences
A choice of Health and Social Care, Child Development, and Sociology is available.
Social Sciences
A choice of Health and Social Care, Child Development, and Sociology is available.
Sociology
Sociology is the exciting study of the society in which we live and the institutions such as schools and families that create it. Here at Whitley Academy we offer an engaging and effective introduction to Sociology; at Key 3 students learn the fundamental aspects of what creates our Culture and Identity. Our GCSE course then lays the foundations of knowledge and formative critical thinking. At Key Stage 5 we develop the skill of sociological inquiry with a particular emphasis on nurturing skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and independent research.
It is highly recommended that pupils undertaking these courses at Key Stage 4 and 5 take an active interest in society outside school by watching and discussing documentary programmes, reading newspapers and using revision guides to support study at home.
Key Stage 3
Pupils begin learning about the subject in Year 9 as part of an introductory carousel over a half-term. This short course provides pupils an experience of GCSE style learning as well as questioning what makes up ‘our identity’.
Two short assessments are used to assess understanding and progress in the subject:
- What factors and agencies make up our social identity?
- What is culture and how it is created?
In developing the course, we have worked closely with the English and humanities departments to enable students to develop and apply cross-curricula study skills with a particular focus on improving literacy and reading.
Key Stage 4
Sociology is offered as an optional subject where pupils complete a GCSE over the course of two years. Two exams are taken in the summer term of Year 11. The course provides an excellent foundation for further studyat post 16 level.
The examining board is AQA, full details of the course and past papers can be found at:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/specification-4190
Course Content:
Year 10
Unit 1
- Families and Households
- Education
- Studying society
Year 11
Unit 2
- Crime and deviance
- Mass media
- Power and Inequality
Pupils are well-prepared to take the examinations at the end of the course. Throughout year 10 and 11 they take a series of diagnostic tests on the different topics studied. This methodology increases confidence in tackling exams, supports timed essay writing and encourages the pupils to evaluate and reflect on their own performance.
Health and Social Care
What does the qualification cover?
The Award gives learners the opportunity to develop Health and Social Care specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The course is excellent for any students interested in medicine or social care as a career.
The main focus is on three areas during KS4, which cover:
- skills and processes, such as interpreting data to assess an individual’s health, and designing a plan to improve their health and well being.
- attitudes, namely the care values that are vitally important in the sector, and the opportunity to practise applying them.
- knowledge of the effective use of skills, processes and attitudes, including human growth and development, health and social care services, and factors affecting people’s health and well being.
This qualification builds on and uses the knowledge and skills you are learning in your GCSE’s, such as English. It will complement GCSE Biology or GCSE Psychology by allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills practically in a vocational context.
What can the qualification lead to?
The study of the Tech aware can aid progression to:
- A Levels as preparation for entry into higher education in a range of subjects
- study of a vocational qualification at Level 3, such as a BTEC National in Health and Social Care, which prepares learners to enter employment or apprenticeships, or to move on togeher education.
- study at Level 2 post-16 in a range of technical routes designed to lead to work, to progression to employment, apprenticeships or to further study at Level 3.
- study of health and social care post-16 through a technical certificate.
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/health-and-social-care.html
Course Content
The course is split over two years starting in Year 10 and completed in Year 11.
Year 10:
- Component 1: Human Growth and Development
- Component 2: Health and Social Care Services Learning Aims A
Year 11:
- Component 2: Health and Social Care Services Learning Aims B
- Component 3: Health and Wellbeing (externally assessed)
Pupils take an externally assessed exam based on all three components and have two attempts to take the exam. They are continually assessed through internal assessments as well as via coursework. This enables pupils to be well prepared for their summative examination.
Child Development
Students wishing to study in the BTEC First Award in Children’s Play, Learning and Development will be considering a career in early years, or related sectors, where knowledge of child development is relevant. The course will give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the early years sector. It will support progression to a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course, such as in early years, health and social care or psychology, or an apprenticeship and will develop learners self-management and organisational skills.
Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award in Children’s Play, Learning and Development
The Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Award is a level 2 qualification graded at Level 2 Pass, Level 2 Merit, Level 2 Distinction, Level 2 Distinction*, Level 1 and Unclassified
25% of the qualification is externally assessed.
All of the units in this qualification are compulsory to ensure that learners develop a broad and comprehensive understanding of the early years sector.
- Unit 1 – Patterns of Child Development
This unit covers child development for the 0 to 7 age range. This unit represents 25% of the course and is externally assessed.
- Unit 2 – Promoting Children’s Development Through Play
This unit covers play as a route of children’s learning, which forms the basis of early years frameworks. This unit is internally assessed.
- Unit 3 – The Principles of Early Years Practice
This unit covers the importance of inclusive practice and empowering children, as well as the key person within early years settings. This unit is internally assessed.