Social Sciences

Psychology is a very popular subject at Wollaston. The subject is engaging and introduces students to the fundamentals of psychology, developing critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills.

The topics students will study are: Memory, perception, developmental, research methods, social behaviour,’ language, thought and communication,’ neuropsychology and Psychological problems.

By studying Psychology, students will develop transferable skills including how to: investigate facts and make deductions, develop opinions and new ideas on Psychological issues and analyse and better understand the human mind and behaviour.

Health & Social (KS4&5)

About 3 million people work in health and social care in the UK, these include; doctors, nurses, midwives, care assistants, and counsellors. Together, they account for nearly one in ten of all paid jobs in the UK. Demand for both health and social care is likely to rise, so they will continue to play a key role in UK society and the demand for people to carry out these vital roles will increase.

The qualifications that Wollaston School provides at both GCSE and during 6^th Form, allows our students with the opportunity to gain vocational experience and gain the knowledge, understanding needed when considering entering employment in the health and social care sector. Students will gain grounding in the essential skills and broad fundamentals when studying topics that are based upon realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

The BTEC qualifications on offer is a practical, work-related course that is equivalent to a GCSE at grades 1-9 and A Level A-C but awarded as a Distinction, Merit or Pass.

Business (KS5)

This qualification aims to equip students with an overview of the key ways in which businesses operate and seek to prosper. There is also the expectation that students will develop and gain valuable research skills which they will then be able to use in further study or employment. There are three units in Year 12 and students have to pass each unit in order to gain the qualification. The following grades can be gained; Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction*.

Unit 1 is based upon Financial Planning and Analysis. Students will sit this exam in

Unit 2 is based upon the performance of Merlin Entertainments. Students will have approximately 15 hours of class time to complete this task. This will be completed in April / May.

Unit 3 is called Entrepreneurial Opportunities and students will have 9 hours of research time and then 6 hours of controlled assessment time to complete this activity. All students work will be marked by the exam board. This unit will be completed in May.

All students are welcomed to access extra support after school.

Psychology (KS5)

The course is designed to provide an introduction to the nature of Psychology as a science.  The emphasis is on applying knowledge and understanding rather than just acquiring knowledge.  This develops students’ skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking. There are three units, each of which is assessed through a two hour long exams at the end of year 13. There is no coursework.

Unit 1—Social Influence, Memory and Attachment, Psychopathology

Unit 2—Approaches in Psychology, Psychopathology, Biopsychology and Research Methods

Unit 3—Issues and debates in Psychology, Relationships, Schizophrenia and Addiction

 There are specific careers for Psychologists such as clinical (Mental health), forensic,           education, sport and more. However Psychology is also relevant to most career choices,    especially Human resources, teaching, nursing, accountancy, law, medicine, social work and sales/marketing.

Sociology (KS5)

The course is designed to show students society from a theoretical stance,  looking at the functions of society as well as the inequalities and stratification within it. Students will learn a number of skills  including the use of evidence to support  their arguments, how to investigate facts, and critical    thinking. It is relevant to the society they live in so they are bound to enjoy learning about topics that are relevant to everyday life; plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.

Unit 1—Education, Education in context, Theory & methods

Unit 2—Families & Households, Beliefs in Society

Unit 3—Crime & Deviance & Theory and Methods

There are many jobs that Sociology would be relevant, for example, as Social workers, policing, law, criminology, teaching and more. There are three units, each of which is assessed through a two hour long exams at the end of year 13. There is no coursework.