Our curriculum covers a broad range of psychological and sociological concepts which aims to equip pupils with a depth and breadth of knowledge to enable them to critically analyse research, develop arguments, and carry out their own practical research. Both subjects are taught at A-Level only, and as such students are encouraged to engage in wider reading outside of the classroom and think deeply about the concepts covered in lessons.

We cover approaches to psychology and perspectives in sociology early on in the course with the intent of enabling students to understand the fundamentals of the subject before then applying these concepts more widely to the topics that they learn. We encourage students to think synoptically; for example, we teach students to use ‘issues and debates’ widely in their evaluations in psychology across all topics, and in sociology we teach students to contrast the views of different sociologists/perspectives in their essays.

Our curriculum is designed to provide challenge to students. They are taught by at least two teachers which means they learn different topics alongside each other, and homework is set regularly to challenge their thinking, consolidate knowledge and develop their examination skills.

We have designed our scheme of work to allow for considerable revision time at the end of the course. This is important for the linear A-Level so that there is time to reflect and consolidate knowledge and skills. We build in regular assessment points to our curriculum which are reflective of the AQA exam content but are also personalised to the classes. For example synoptic and challenging questions will be included alongside the opportunity to practice extended writing.

Mrs S. Alderson, Head of Department

Progress Grids

Please find below the progress grids for Sociology: