Sociology And Psychology 

Head of Department: Mr Z Pennant

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society, social behaviour, and the structures and institutions that shape our daily lives. It examines how individuals and groups interact, and how social trends, norms, and inequalities influence human behaviour. At Claremont, Sociology is offered at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Students often find the subject both enlightening and engaging, particularly as it introduces new ways of thinking not typically covered in Key Stage 3. The course covers a wide range of thought-provoking topics, including the sociology of education, crime and deviance, family, and the media.

Curriculum Intent

The GCSE Sociology curriculum at Claremont aims to develop socially aware, critically-minded, and compassionate learners who take responsibility for their education, aspire to achieve highly, and persevere toward their goals. In line with the Department for Education’s aims, the course seeks to enhance pupils’ social, political, and historical awareness. It trains them to analyse information critically, evaluate evidence, construct informed arguments, and reach substantiated judgements.

Through the study of sociological theories and research methods, pupils learn to distinguish between objective evidence and subjective opinion. They are encouraged to question their existing understanding of the world and explore the complex relationships and tensions between social structures—such as families and education systems. The influence of government policy and individual agency are also explored, both within the UK and in a global context.

This process allows pupils to reflect on their own life experiences, understand the forces that shape life chances, and compare their circumstances with those of individuals in other societies. The course equips learners with a range of sociological perspectives to foster empathy, reduce prejudice, and promote deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds.

Given the rich diversity of Claremont’s student body and local community—with its wide range of nationalities, religions, cultures, family structures, and socio-economic backgrounds—this course plays a vital role in helping pupils appreciate and engage with the complexities of modern, interconnected society.

Pupils will develop the ability to apply sociological concepts and terminology accurately, use theories to analyse current and historical social issues, and engage with ongoing social debates. The curriculum also draws on contemporary examples of social change to make learning relevant and to inspire pupils to take an active interest in society and politics beyond the classroom.

Course and Exam information

Key Topics Include:

• The sociological approach
• Social structures, social processes and social issues
• Families
• Education
• Crime and deviance
• Social stratification
• Sociological research methods

Assessment:

The course is assessed entirely through two written examinations, both taken at the end of Year 11:

Paper 1: The Sociology of Families and Education

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of GCSE
• Includes questions on research methods in the context of these topics

Paper 2: The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 50% of GCSE
• Includes questions on research methods in the context of these topics

Both exams contain a mix of multiple-choice, short answer, and extended writing questions.

 

Key Stage 4

Year 10

Pupils will explore four topics in Year 10: Sociological Theory, Families and Households, Education, and Sociological Research Methods

Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and one mock exam at the end of the academic year.

Year 10 Sociology - Curriculum Map

Year 11

Pupils will explore two topics in Year 11: Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification

Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and at least one mock exam to prepare pupils for final exams in May/June.

Year 11 Sociology - Curriculum Map

The full AQA specification for GCSE Sociology can be found below.

AQA GCSE Sociology Specification

Resources

Please see below for a list of useful and reliable resources that can be utilised by pupils studying AQA GCSE Sociology. These resources support learning, revision, and deeper engagement with the subject and are suitable for both classroom and independent study. It is also highly recommended that pupils seek clarification of the concepts / skills they find challenging throughout the course; staff are always happy to support pupils inside and outside of lessons.

Textbooks and Study Guides

AQA GCSE (9–1) Sociology Student Book

Publisher: Collins

• Officially endorsed by AQA
• Follows the course structure closely with clear explanations, activities, and exam-style questions

Revise AQA GCSE (9–1) Sociology Complete Revision & Practice

Publisher: Collins

• Ideal for focused revision with key summaries, practice questions, and exam tips

 

Websites and Online Platforms

BBC Bitesize – AQA GCSE Sociology

• Excellent for topic summaries, interactive quizzes, and videos tailored to the AQA specification

Tutor2u Sociology (GCSE Section)

• Engaging blogs, topic explainers, downloadable revision notes, and video tutorials
• Particularly useful for developing exam skills and applying theory to current issues

Seneca Learning – AQA GCSE Sociology

• Free interactive revision platform
• Adaptive learning, quizzes, and topic breakdowns in student-friendly language

 

Podcasts and Videos

Tutor2u Sociology YouTube Channel

• Quick revision clips, exam skill tutorials, and topical updates
• Great for visual learners and recap sessions

Sociology Shorts (YouTube)

• Bite-sized videos explaining key terms, theories, and exam technique

 

Other Useful Resources

AQA Website – GCSE Sociology Specification and Past Papers

• Full specification, specimen papers, mark schemes, and assessment objectives

Sociology Glossary or Keyword Flashcards

• Many publishers and teachers produce printable glossaries or flashcards
• These can be used to build vocabulary and reinforce understanding of key terms

Recommendations for Parents

• Encourage regular revision using resources like Bitesize or Seneca
• Discuss social issues and current affairs at home to help students apply sociological ideas
• Help build routines for revision and practice using past exam questions and mark schemes

Key Stage 5

Year 12

Pupils will explore four topics in Year 12: Sociological Theory, Families and Households, Education, and Research Methods / Methods in Context

Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and at least one mock exam.

Year 12 Sociology - Curriculum Map

Year 13

Pupils will explore three topics in Year 13: The Media, Crime and Deviance, and Sociological Theory / Debates

Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and at least one mock exam to prepare pupils for final exams in May/June.

Year 13 Sociology - Curriculum Map

Enrichment

To enrich pupils studying GCSE / A-Level Sociology, we offer a range of activities, opportunities, and resources that deepen understanding, promote engagement, and develop key sociological skills.

Guest Speakers and Workshops

• Professionals from fields such as social work, criminal justice, education, public policy, or healthcare to discuss real-world applications.
• Tutor2u online revision workshops

Educational Visits and Trips

• Courts or Magistrates' Visits – to understand the criminal justice system.
• Museums or Exhibitions
• Tutor2u Revision Conferences

Debate and Discussion Clubs

• Regular Sociology Debates on contemporary issues like gender roles, racial inequality, or education reform.

Media and Film Analysis

• Screening and analysis of documentaries, films, or news reports that link to topics such as crime, inequality, or the family (e.g. The Social Dilemma, Blue Story, Educating Essex).

Student Research Projects

• Opportunities for independent or group research using sociological methods, with presentation of findings to peers and staff.

Reading and Enrichment Resources

• Access to a dedicated Sociology library / reading list with age-appropriate books, articles, and journals.

Next Steps

Further Education:
Studying Sociology at GCSE provides an excellent foundation for a range of A-Level subjects, particularly A-Level Sociology, Psychology, Politics, Philosophy and Ethics, Law, and History. These subjects build on the analytical, evaluative, and research skills developed at GCSE and are well-regarded by colleges and sixth forms.

Higher Education:
Sociology supports progression to a wide variety of university degree courses, including Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy, Psychology, Law, Politics, Education, Anthropology, and other social science subjects. Many universities also offer combined honours degrees that include Sociology alongside other disciplines.

Careers:
The knowledge and skills gained through Sociology are highly transferable and valued in careers such as:

• Social work
• Teaching and education
• Youth work
• Police and criminal justice
• Law and legal services
• Human resources
• Public policy and government
• Journalism and media
• Charity and community work

GCSE Sociology encourages a strong understanding of society and human behaviour—making it relevant to any career that involves working with people or understanding social issues.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour; a discipline which emerged as a descendant of philosophy. Psychology is an academically rigorous subject which  nurtures a potent mix of skills including research design, effective written communication and data analysis.

At Claremont we offer Psychology at Key Stage 5 (A Level) and deliver a two year course that students explore across year twelve and thirteen. Since Psychology is not offered to lower school pupils, it offers students insight into a new subject which they often approach with a renewed sense of fascination and intrigue.

Topics that students will explore include:

• Social influence
• Memory
• Attachment
• Approaches (to explaining behaviour)
• Psychopathology
• Research methods
• Biopsychology
• Issues and debates
• Gender
• Schizophrenia
• Aggression

Students who study psychology at Claremont often continue with the subject at university, but it also equips them with a number of proficiencies necessary for success in other courses/industries. Overall, Psychology is a well-rounded subject that students thoroughly enjoy each year at Claremont.

Curriculum Intent

Our Psychology curriculum aims to develop pupils into objective, critical thinkers who can effectively distinguish between opinion and evidence. This is especially relevant in the context of growing exposure to social media and online content, which can often distort perceptions of reality. Through the development of analytical and evaluative skills, pupils are better equipped to make informed decisions about their future education, career choices, and personal development.

Psychology offers an accessible alternative to the traditional sciences, appealing to learners who may not have fully engaged with science during Key Stage 3 or 4 but remain interested in scientific inquiry—particularly as it applies to human behaviour and everyday experience. The course explores the scientific method in a relatable and meaningful context, helping pupils understand how research is conducted and applied in real-world settings.

Our curriculum is designed to promote compassion, empathy, and awareness of the historical and societal influences that shape human behaviour and social structures. As Psychology is a new subject at Key Stage 5 for our students, our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong interest that can be explored further at university and beyond.

Key stage 5

Year 12

• Pupils will explore six topics in Year 12: Research Methods, Social Influence, Approaches, Attachment, Memory, and Psychopathology.

• Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and at least one mock exam.

Year 12 Psychology - Curriculum Map

Year 13

• Pupils will explore six topics in Year 12: Research Methods, Social Influence, Approaches, Attachment, Memory, and Psychopathology.

• Pupils will complete at least one formal assessment per half term and at least one mock exam to prepare pupils for final exams in May/June.

Year 13 Psychology - Curriculum Map

Assessment

The course is assessed through three written examination papers, all taken at the end of Year 13:

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
(Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology)

• 2 hours
• 33% of A-Level

Paper 2: Psychology in Context
(Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods)

• 2 hours
• 33% of A-Level

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
(Issues and Debates, plus optional topics such as Schizophrenia, Aggression, Relationships)

• 2 hours
• 33% of A-Level

Each paper includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended writing questions designed to assess students' knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to evaluate psychological theories and evidence.

The full AQA specification for A-level Psychology can be found below.

AQA A-Level Psychology Specification

Enrichment

Psychology students at Claremont benefit from a range of enrichment opportunities that include trips, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications of psychological theory. These experiences aim to broaden their academic horizons, deepen their understanding of human behaviour, and inspire curiosity beyond the classroom.

Academic Enrichment

• Psychologists, neuroscientists, or professionals working in clinical, forensic, or educational psychology to talk about their roles and pathways into psychology.
• Weekly sessions where students can bring questions, review feedback, or get help with tricky topics in an informal setting.

Reading and Enrichment Resources

• Access to a dedicated Psychology library / reading list with age-appropriate books, articles, and journals (e.g. The Psychologist).

Media and Film Analysis

• Screening and analysis of documentaries, films, or news reports that link to topics such as Social influence. Biopsychology and Memory (e.g. Derren Brown – The Push, David Eagleman – The Brain, Loftus TED talks).
• Pupils watch and discuss films or documentaries that link to key topics (e.g. Three Identical Strangers, The Stanford Prison Experiment)

Research Projects / Extended Essay

• Pupils are encouraged to conduct their own mini research studies using ethical guidelines, or write an extended essay on a psychological issue of interest.

Practical & Applied Learning

• Practical Demonstrations
• Classroom experiments (e.g. memory recall tests, obedience role-plays) to bring theory to life.

Debates and Ethics Panels

• Structured debates on controversial issues in psychology (e.g. use of animals in research, nature vs nurture, implications of brain scanning).

Field Trips

• Visits to relevant institutions such as psychology museums (e.g. Freud museum)
• Targeted sessions on essay writing, using mark schemes, and effective revision strategies tailored to AQA Psychology (e.g. Tutor2u revision workshop).

Next Steps

Higher Education:

Psychology is a well-regarded A-Level subject by universities and is relevant to both science and humanities pathways. Students may pursue degrees in areas such as Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Work, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, and Human Resource Management. Psychology is also valued in joint or combined honours degrees and can support applications to competitive courses, including those related to Medicine, Law, and Nursing.

Careers:

Psychology equips students with transferable skills in analysis, communication, critical thinking, and data interpretation, which are sought after in a wide range of careers. Potential career paths include:

• Clinical, Educational, Forensic or Health Psychologist
• Teacher or Lecturer
• Social Worker or Youth Worker
• Police, Probation or Prison Officer
• Mental Health Support Worker
• Human Resources, Marketing or Business Analyst
• Counsellor or Psychotherapist

Psychology is particularly relevant to any profession involving people, behaviour, and decision-making, and opens the door to both university and apprenticeship routes.