Sociology

Sociology is the exciting study of the society in which we live and the institutions, such as schools and families, that create it. Studying sociology stimulates critical thinking and nurtures the soft skills valued by colleges, universities and employers.

At Whitley Academy we are delighted to offer sociology at key stage 4 and 5.

Key stage 4

Sociology is offered as an optional subject where pupils complete the GCSE course over 2 years. We follow the AQA 9-1 specification (8192). Details of which can be found at https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse and the 2 examinations are both terminal and linear.

Year 10

• The sociology of families and households
• The sociology of education

Year 11

• The sociology of social stratification
• The sociology of crime and deviance

Sociological theory and analysis of research design is embedded within all the KS4 topics we teach. We strongly advise that pupils opting for the subject are good written and oral communicators as the course content relies heavily on pupils having sound literacy skills.

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.

Teaching and Learning Content

Year 10 H&S Care
Year 11 H&S Care

Year 10 Sociology
Year 11 Sociology

Sociology

Revision

• All the studies you must know for Sociology GCSE
• Revision tips
• GCSE Sociology specification
• Previous exam past questions
• Crime and deviance revision
• Education revision booklet
• Key terms in culture
• Studying society revision mats
• Sociology intervention plan

Health and Social Care Coursework Guidance

• Unit 1A study brief
• Unit 1B study brief
• Unit 1 learning aims
• Unit 2A study brief
• Unit 2B study brief
• BTEC Unit 2 case studies