Message from Lucy Kennedy, Head of Social Sciences
Social Science is the fascinating field of science that looks at understanding and explaining how people behave. Whether that be on a small scale as individuals or on a larger scale by exploring our place in society.
We take pride in offering a vast range of Social Science subjects including, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology and Law. At Barrow Hall College, we aim for every one of our students to be a proud social scientist that takes their learning beyond the classroom. To aid this, we provide enrichment experiences through guest speakers, workshops and educational trips. For example, all social science students are given the opportunity to embark on a Social Science trip to London where activities are tailored to cater to the individual subjects. Law students benefit from a trip to Parliament, The Royal Courts of Justice, UK Supreme Court and The Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey). Criminology and Sociology students can also take advantage of these visits whilst getting to experience the Clink Prison museum, the Jack the Ripper walking tour and a Suffragettes or Karl Marx walking tour. For our Psychology students, the Freud museum is a must see!
As a department we encourage constant exploration and reading around your chosen Social Science subject, and we have made a SharePoint site to support with this. Students can find an array of resources from discovery lists highlighting the best documentaries, podcasts and books to read to an extensive revision programme as well as access to teacher PowerPoints and resources. This makes revision and applying for University or jobs that little bit easier.
Our Social Science classes are engaging, support discussion and give you expert guidance from experienced staff. If you have an inquisitive mind, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the people and the world around us - then a Social Science is most definitely for you.
A-Level Psychology
Exam Board:
AQA
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 3 grade 5s and 2 grade 4s at GCSE including Maths and English Language plus a grade 5 in Psychology (if studied)
What will I study?
Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology, Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods, Issues and Debates in Psychology, Gender, Schizophrenia and Aggression.
How will I be assessed?
You will sit three externally assessed examination papers at the end of the course.
What will it lead to?
You may go on to study Psychology at undergraduate level and future careers may include clinical psychologist; counselling psychologist; educational psychologist; forensic psychologist; health psychologist; high intensity therapist; occupational psychologist; mental health worker; psychological well-being practitioner or sports and exercise psychologist.
A-Level Sociology
Exam Board:
AQA
Entry Requirements:
Minimum of 3 grade 5s and 2 grade 4s at GCSE including English Language.
What will I study?
Education, Methods in Context, Theory and Methods, Families and Households, Beliefs in Society, Crime and Deviance.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed by three externally assessed examination papers at the end of the course.
What will it lead to?
Future careers may include community development worker; family support worker; international aid development worker or social researcher.
A-Level Law
Exam Board:
AQA
Entry Requirements:
Minimum of 3 grade 5s and 2 grade 4s at GCSE including English Language.
What will I study?
You will learn how the English Legal System works and 3 substantive areas of law: Criminal law, Law of Tort, and Contract Law.
How will I be assessed?
By three externally assessed examinations at the end of the second year of the course. These exams will consist of a mixture of multiple-choice questions, essays and problem-based scenario questions requiring application of the law.
What will it lead to?
Law is well respected by universities and employers, so it opens to a wide range of opportunities. You may go to university or undertake a legal apprenticeship and work in the legal profession as a barrister, solicitor or legal executive. You may also go into politics, work for the police or even teach.
Level 3 Applied Diploma in Criminology
Exam Board:
WJEC
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE including English Language.
What will I study?
Criminal Activity and Reporting; The Media and its Role in Creating Panic; Campaign for Change; Crime Scene Analysis; Courtroom Evidence; Role of CPS; Law Making; Prison and Agencies of Social Control.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed through 2 internally assessed controlled assessments (8 hour exams over 3 days with prepared notes) and 2 externally assessed examinations. These will take place throughout Year 12 and Year 13
What will it lead to?
You may go on to study Criminology or a related course at university. Future careers may include advice worker; community development worker; detective; lecturer or teacher; policy officer; prison officer; probation officer or social researcher.