“We are what we are because we have been what we have been, and what is needed for solving the problems of human life and motives is not moral estimates but more knowledge.”

Sigmund Freud

Our Curriculum: Psychology

The Psychology curriculum allows students to be introduced to a broad range of psychological issues and concepts. Students learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. Students are required to combine mathematical skills, scientific understanding and extended writing skills in lessons and the external exams. They are required to be analytical and evaluative in their thinking and to not take things at face value.

Getting Better at Psychology

Students get better at Psychology by developing their analytical and evaluative skills and by being able to critique key theories and research. Students gain understanding of how topics link together synoptically and have the ability to apply knowledge of research methods throughout lessons. Good Psychologists are also proficient in conducting psychological research, structuring coherent extended writing, using a range of mathematical techniques to analyse data and produce in-depth evaluation of key theories using a broad range of knowledge.

Beyond School

Many of our students choose to continue their studies of Psychology beyond A Level.  As Psychology is classed as a science, we also see many students choosing a scientific/medical route. However, Psychology at any level allows students to develop a broad range of skills that will be well suited to many future careers.

Careers

Many of our Psychology students have chosen a career within the world of Psychology, including clinical psychology and counselling.  Also, many of our students have chosen Medicine, Dentistry or Biomedical Sciences to study at university.  But Psychology is beneficial to most careers, in particular careers that require working with people: teaching, social work, business, management, Law etc.

“The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden”

Pierre Bourdieu

Our Curriculum: Sociology

The Sociology curriculum is suitable for students who have an open, enquiring mind and enjoy debating contemporary issues. A number of theoretical and political perspectives are applied to the study of topics such as education, families and households, beliefs in society and crime and deviance. Students also learn how to conduct experimental and non- experimental research. Students will learn through guided reading, discussing, writing essays, group work, videos, class presentations and internet research.

Getting Better at Sociology

Students get better at Sociology by developing their application, analysis and evaluative skills. A wider knowledge and understanding of the society in which we live is important and students must be keen on keeping up to date with the news and current affairs. As members of society all students come to the course equipped with some knowledge of the social world, but through the study of sociology they will develop a deeper understanding and examine issues that directly affect life in Britain and other areas of the world. Good sociologists will understand how topics link together synoptically and are proficient in structuring coherent extended writing to apply, analyse and evaluate a broad range of sociological knowledge.

Beyond School

The course lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Sociology and related subjects in higher education. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. Material studied would be useful for students intending to pursue careers in the field of social sciences, but equally provides a real and eye-opening understanding of how society works in terms of general education and lifelong learning.

Careers

Sociology can prepare students for careers in the media, education, social work, law, the police and criminology.