Social Science

Economics A Level (Social Science Faculty)

Course Summary

A level Economics encourages learners to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the subject as well as to appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment.  It also helps learners develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use those concepts in a variety of different contexts. They will also understand that economic behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives as well as developing their analytical and quantitative skills, together with qualities and attitudes which will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

A Level Economics Topics: Microeconomic theory · Theoretical working of the free market · Imperfections and market failures · Macroeconomy functions on a domestic and global level · Policy approaches · Changes in macroeconomics over time

Where might it lead

The study of A level Economics can assist learners to progress to Higher Education and employment. It particularly lends itself to careers in financial markets, accountancy, law, the civil service, politics and data analysis.

Student perspective

“Economics has been really interesting this year.  I wasn’t completely sure what to expect, but it has developed my understanding of what goes on in the economy, both in terms of micro and macroeconomics.  Lessons have been fun and informative and I have been pushed to improve my understanding and essay writing skills by my teachers.  It’s a subject I think all students should take!”

Amy Howarth  – Year 13

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Grade 6 in a humanities GCSE subject.

Assessment Criteria

A Level Economics

• Microeconomics 80 marks 2 hour written paper = 33.3%
• Macroeconomics 80 marks 2 hour written paper = 33.3%
• Themes in economics 80 marks 2 hour written paper = 33.3%

Exam Board

OCR

Contact details

Mrs Fiona Routs – frs@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Business Studies and Economics

Law A Level (Social Science Faculty)

Course Summary

A Level Law provides an introduction to law. It allows students to learn about a fascinating subject, one which covers many aspects of life.

Students of A Level Law will:

• Develop an understanding of law and how it works

• Learn more about society from a legal perspective – both contemporary and historical

• Learn about the interaction between law and morals, justice and society

• Learn about different areas of law – e.g. criminal law, human rights, contract and tort

• Make connections with business, economics, history and politics

• Develop academic skills, including analysis and evaluation

• Be able to make an informed decision about future careers.

Where might it lead

Some students take A Level Law because they already know that they want a career in law. The A Level gives an excellent introduction for students who want to read law at university or start a legal apprenticeship. It demystifies the law. Universities recognise the advantages of A Level Law and the old view that it should not be studied has long since faded away. The OCR course has been developed following the advice of teachers, students and universities.

A Level Law is not just for students who want to enter the legal professions. It is a well respected subject and is a welcome addition to many A Level programmes of study. A Level Law links well with science subjects and humanities and social science subjects including, history, sociology, philosophy, economics and business, to name just a few!

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above.

Grade 6 in a Humanities subject.

Assessment Criteria

A Level Law

• Paper 1 - Legal Systems and Criminal Law
• Paper 2 - Law Making and Tort Law
• Paper 3 - Nature of Law and Contract

Exam Board

OCR

Contact details

Mrs E Henney – ehy@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Law

Psychology A Level (Social Science Faculty)

Course Summary

The course provides students with an insight into the reasons for human behaviour across a range of topics including:

Relationships, criminality, schizophrenia, addiction, memory, happiness, phobias, child-development, brain dysfunction, biochemistry, genetics, obedience, the unconscious, conditioning, free will and positive thinking.

Students will also have chance to explore the practical side of the subject and will study a range of applications and contemporary debates such as:

Brain surgery, dream analysis, systematic desensitisation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, neuroscience, parenting, eye-witness testimony, punishment of criminals, anti-psychotic medication and behaviour management.

Where might it lead

An A-level in Psychology will provide you with a huge amount of knowledge on human behaviour and can lead to a wide variety of careers. The jobs listed below are only suggestions. The beauty of studying Psychology is that it lends itself very well to any work involving interaction with others.

Teacher/counselling/police/judiciary/child care/social work/therapist/retail/customer services/marketing/advertising

Student perspective

“I enjoy Psychology due to it’s variation and the fact that we can relate everything we learn to aspects of contemporary society. The main base in the Sixth Form Block allows for consistency and frequent contact with dedicated teaching staff which allows me to be more confident in my psychological studies. Whilst highly academic there is never a dull moment and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Suzannah Woodhouse Prefect Year 13

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above.

GCSE Psychology grade 6 OR Maths & Science (Biology) grade 6

Assessment Criteria

A Level

• Past to Present (33.3%) 2 hours 15 minutes
• Investigating Behaviour (33.3%) 2 hours 15 minutes
• Implications In The Real World (33.3%) 2 hours 15 minutes

Exam Board

EDUQAS

Contact details

Mr Ryan Walker – rwr@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Social Sciences

Sociology A Level (Social Science Faculty)

Course Summary

The subject explores society and its make-up and provides explanations for the ways in which groups of people in society interact and exist. Sociology is the study of society and provides you with an insight into structral and individual patterns of human communication. Some of the common areas of study across all Sociology course include concepts such as:

Class, age, gender, ethnicity, consensus, exploiation, hierarchy, stratification, role, status, norms, values, morals, ideologies, differentiation, equality, conflict, labelling, policy, the state, governement, globalisation, diversity, media and religion.

The course will cover 3 key areas of social life as well as considering how sociologists conduct research. The key areas of study will be Education, Family and Households and Crime and Deviance.

Where might it lead

An A-level in Sociology will provide you with a huge amount of knowledge on human behaviour and can lead to a wide variety of careers. The jobs listed below are only suggestions. The beauty of studying Sociology is that it lends itself very well to any work involving interaction with others.

Teacher/counselling/police/judiciary/child care/social work/therapist/retail/customer services/marketing/advertising…

Student perspective

“I really enjoy how Sociology is both objective and subjective, it allows us to take facts in lesson and discuss our opinions and ideas about the subject. It has also been interesting learning about how society functions and comparing school itself to the outside society. The teaching style is adaptive to all kinds of learners, no lesson is ever the same, especially hearing expert opinions upon different sociological perspectives from the teachers themselves. “

Sophie Bale, Year 13

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above.

GCSE Humanities subject grade 6 and English GCSE grade 6

Assessment Criteria

A Level

• Education with Methods in Context – 33.3%
• Research Methods and Topics in Sociology – 33.3%
• Crime and deviance with Theory and Methods – 33.3%

Exam Board

AQA

Contact details

Mr Ryan Walker – rwr@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Social Sciences

Criminology (Applied Diploma)   

Exam Board: Eduqas 

Course Summary 

Criminology consists of four units, which together will give you a secure grounding in the criminal justice sector.  

 
The course covers the different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported. Along with an understanding of why people commit crime, an understanding of the criminal justice system from the moment a crime has been identified to the verdict. Learners will develop the understanding and skills needed to examine information in order to review the justice of verdicts in criminal cases. 

 

Entry Requirements 

Vocational entry requirements and preferably a grade 5 in humanity subject.  

 

Course Assessments 

Unit 1 - Changing Awareness of Crime - Controlled assessment in December of Year 12  

Unit 2 - Criminological Theories - Exam to be sat in May of Year 12 

Unit 3 – From Crime Scene to Courtroom - Controlled assessment in December of Year 13 

Unit 4 – Crime & Punishment - Exam to be sat in May of Year 13 

 

Where might it lead? 

An understanding of criminology is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice sector, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. The qualification allows learners to gain the required understanding and skills to be able to consider employment within some aspects of the criminal justice system, e.g., the National Probation Service, the Courts and Tribunals Service or the National Offender Management Service. 

 

Health & Social Care (BTEC) 

Exam Board: Pearson Edexcel 

Course Summary 

BTEC National Health & Social Care Extended Certificate consists of four units, which together will provide students with an understanding of what is required to work in a professional health and social care environment.  

Students will gain knowledge and understanding in the following topic areas: Human Lifespan Development; Working in Health and Social Care; Meeting Individual Care and Support Needs; Psychological disorders and their Care. Throughout the course they will develop their problem solving, communication, self-management, and collaborative working skills. 
 

Entry Requirements 

Vocational entry requirements and preferably a grade 5 (or vocational equivalent) in Health and Social Care.  

Course Assessments 

Year 12:  

One Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes externally assessed in January. 

One piece of coursework assessed in school. 

 

Year 13: 

One Written Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes externally assessed in January. 

One piece of coursework assessed in school. 

 

Where might it lead? 

Combined with other subjects it can lead to further study or employment in a wide variety of sectors including nursing, social work, primary education, occupational therapy and other rehabilitation and complimentary therapies, community development and working with people with specific needs. 

KS5 Social Science Curriculum Maps