The Social Sciences is part of the Humanities faculty and includes four subjects: Sociology, Psychology, Health & Social Care and Children’s Play, Learning & Development (CPLD). The Social Sciences is a popular set of subjects at Sponne School.
At KS4, students are able to choose GCSE Psychology or Children’s Play, Learning and Development. At KS5, A level Psychology and Sociology are available as options.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Most students opt to study Psychology at GCSE and A Level.
GCSE Psychology (Years 9, 10 and 11)
GCSE Psychology Exam Board: AQA
GCSE Psychology introduces students to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills. At GCSE, students study:
Year 9 topics:
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Research Methods
Year 10 topics:
- Perception
- Development
- Language, thought and communication
Year 11 topics:
- Brain and neuropsychology
- Psychological problems
There are two final exam papers for GCSE Psychology:
Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour (Memory, Perception, Development and Research methods) Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE
Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour (Social influence, Language, thought and communication, Brain and neuropsychology and Psychological problems) Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes 100 marks 50% of GCSE
A Level Psychology (Year 12 and 13)
A Level Psychology Exam Board: AQA
Students develop their knowledge and understanding at A level and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. At A Level, students study:
Year 12 topics:
- Approaches
- Research Methods
- Social Influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
Year 13 topics:
- Research Methods
- Issues and Debates
- Biopsychology
- Relationships
- Stress
- Forensic Psychology
There are three final exam papers for A Level Psychology:
Paper 1: Introductory topics in Psychology (Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology) Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks
Paper 2: Psychology in Context (Approaches, Biopsychology and Research Methods) Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology (Issues and Debates, Relationships, Stress and Forensic Psychology) Written exam: 2 hours 96 marks
Sociology
A Level Sociology (Year 12 and 13)
Sociology is the study of society, human social relationships and institutions. Most students opt to study Sociology at A Level.
A Level Sociology Exam Board: AQA
A Level Sociology offers students an engaging and effective introduction to Sociology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. At A Level, students study:
Year 12 topics:
- Families and Households
- Education with Methods in Context
Year 13 topics:
- The Media
- Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
There are three final exam papers:
Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods Written exam: 2 hours 80 marks
Health and Social Care
BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care (Year 12 and 13)
Health and Social Care offers students a broad basis of study for students who are interested in a career in the health or social care sector.
BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Health & Social Care Exam Board: Pearson
Over the two years, students study the following topics:
Year 12 topics:
- Unit 1: Human Lifespan Development Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 90 marks
- Unit 12: Supporting Individuals with Additional Needs Internal assessment: Coursework
Year 13 topics:
- Unit 2: Working in Health and Social Care Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 80 marks
- Unit 5: Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs Internal assessment: Coursework
Children’s Play, Learning and Development (CPLD)
BTEC Level 1/2 Award in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Year 9, 10 and 11)
Exam board: Pearson
CPLD is suitable for students who are interested in or considering a career in early years, or related sectors where knowledge of child development is relevant.
Students study the following topics:
Year 9
- Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice Coursework Four assignments
Year 10
- Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development Written Exam: 1 hour 50 marks
Year 11
- Unit 2: Promoting Children’s Development through Play Coursework Three assignments
Revision Resources
GCSE revision: https://learndojo.org/gcse/
A-level revision: https://learndojo.org/a-level/
