Psychology and Sociology
Psychology is studied at A Level by Post-16 students and Sociology is offered at both GCSE and A Level.
Psychology
Intent and Implementation – why do we teach what we teach in Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. It is a subject of interest and relevance to all of us. At Chobham, Psychology is an A Level subject which forms part of the humanities faculty. Psychology investigates the ways in which humans and animals think and behave. This includes students learning topics such as memory, attachment in early childhood, research techniques, abnormal behaviours and schizophrenia.
Psychology is a contemporary subject and very popular with Chobham students. Psychology partners well with arrange of other subjects including English, the other humanities and the traditional sciences. As part of our curriculum, we encourage students to think about the range of careers which can be based upon an interest in Psychology. These include clinical, forensic and educational fields, sports psychology, social work, psychiatry, media and journalism.
Psychology develops an enquiring mind, keen to explore the world and to look at issues from a range of perspectives. Students develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues
Students develop the ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts, theories and research and the capacity to apply these skills across other disciplines. Studying Psychology will enhance written and communication skills as well as becoming adept in the use of highly developed specialist and psychological terminology.
The Psychology A Level course is designed to be a stand-alone qualification and will be examined at the end of the two-year course. Our assessment in A-level Psychology includes questions that allow students to demonstrate their ability to draw together their skills, knowledge and understanding from across the full course of study. For example, all papers contain extended response questions. An ‘extended response’ is evidence of sufficient length generated to allow students to demonstrate their ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning which is coherent, relevant, substantiated and logically structured.
Impact – what are the outcomes from Psychology?
Effective questioning and partner talk in every lesson (as per the school’s expectations) will provide scope on what the students understand and what they need to revisit. The progress of each student is made clear through written and verbal tasks. Written tasks are documented in demonstration exercise books. Independent study is guided and monitored through ms teams. Patterns in class performance are tested in class essays, independent study, and end of topic assessments. Live marking every lesson provides students with informal and instant feedback to address misconceptions and to effectively improve performance. Students are also provided with mark schemes, modelled answers, thinking-out-loud modelling to address misconceptions.
Data from formal assessments are collected and inputted into the department trackers. Students are then highlighted and discussed at weekly meetings. Intervention aims to develop these students further. Students are provided with targets for each term and are required to provide evidence to fulfil the target. Students are directed to do further reading around the subject via online resources and materials from digital bundle and bespoke resources. This leads to positive outcomes at the end of KS5 where students are able to develop and enhance their skillset of critical thinking, analyses and evaluation to prepare them for further education.
Sociology
Intent and Implementation – why do we teach what we teach in Sociology?
Students in Sociology are provided through lessons and intervention a safe environment in which to discuss a range of worldviews and contemporary issues that may affect themselves, their local and wider communities. Our goal is to empower and enable Chobham students to become responsible, informed and aware young citizens who possess the personal and social skills to pursue their ambitions and play a meaningful role in society. Studying GCSE and A level Sociology helps students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. Chobham students experience engaging, thought provoking and varied lessons which give them the opportunity to develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Students at Chobham start to study GCSE Sociology in Year 10 and they sit their final Sociology GCSE exam at the end of Year 11. Students learn about the different sociological research methods used in a range of topics such as: ‘Education, Families, Social stratification and Crime and deviance’. Students gain knowledge on the functions and roles of Education; the different type of families and how family life has changed over the recent years; inequalities of different social groups and the explanations of different sociological perspectives on crime and deviance.
The excellent skills students gain at GCSE enables a smoother transition into A-level Sociology. At A-level, students extend their GCSE knowledge, by studying the following topic areas in detail:
- The sociology of Education,
- Families and Households,
- Methods in context
- Crime and deviance.
- Beliefs in society and sociological methods and theories
This is an exciting curriculum which enables students to engage in theoretical debate and encourages an active involvement with the research process. In KS5, students further develop their writing skills as students are taught to analyse key concepts and explanations in detail, and to make strong links between different sociological topics by comparing and contrasting key Sociological perspectives. Students develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research skills.
Impact – what are the outcomes from Sociology?
At KS4 students challenge, contemporary, topical, and relevant issues around the world. Students learning involves the opportunity to develop their own opinions along with tasks that enhance evidence through studies and theories. Students are involved in debates, to enhance a strong understanding of the key institutions and their impact and influence on different social groups. Students develop analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting sociological perspectives on a variety of social issues through quizzes, essays, and vocabulary tests. This is evident through student exercise books, student voice and lesson engagement.
The Sociology department has achieved outstanding results across all value added and attainment metrics. Students of all abilities exceed learning targets. At KS4, examination outcomes have been outstanding. In 2022, 30% of students achieved either a grade 8 or 9 and the pass rate was 98% (Grade 9-4). Excellent results were also maintained in 2023, where the pass rate was 99% (Grade 9-4). Over the past few years, students taking Sociology at GCSE has doubled due to positive student experiences and outcomes, making Sociology unique at Harris Academy Chobham.
Sociology is a highly regarded course and is the second most popular option at A-level. A level outcomes have been outstanding. In 2022, 6 students achieved an A* and 20 students achieved a grade A. The lowest grade was a grade C and the pass rate was 100%. In 2023, outstanding examination results were maintained. There are a number of students who go to study Sociology at higher education institutions, some highlights are below:
2023- Alina- Sociology at University of Sussex
2022- Alexandra- Sociology at Durham university
2022- Rosa - Sociology at university of Warick
2022- Haydar-Marie- Law and Sociology at University of Warick
Exam Board Information
GCSE Syllabus Studied – AQA
A Level Syllabus Studied – AQA
Key Staff Involved in Sociology
Secondary Sociology Lead
Ibrahim Bitlice
i.bitlice@chobhamacademy.org.uk
Documents
| Sociology Curriculum Map | Download |
