Year 9 Options Information by roseberysch

Year 9 Options Information

Art & Design

Is this subject right for me?

Do you enjoy making art? Do you find exploring ideas visually thoughtprovoking? Do you find the freedom to experiment with different material appealing? Do you find making art interesting and relaxing? If the answer is yes, then you will find that studying Art and Design is right for you.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

The most important thing you need to know before taking this course is that you really enjoy the things listed above! You will keep your work in a sketchbook with a folder of loose work, that it is a record of all the work you produce. There are lots of options to work in diverse ways –you just need to know you will be happy making art and are happy to spend class time and your own time on practicing, making and looking at art.

What will I learn?

You will learn to use the process of seeing, making and thinking to explore your visible and imaginative world through serious play. As the years progress you will choose your own themes, materials, and inspiration to express your individual thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas. Using a broad range of materials, examining artists’ work and, most importantly, playing with possibilities you will explore drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, mixed media, photography, wire, plaster, clay and more as you learn.

In Year 9 we focus on developing skills, experimenting and having fun! In Year 10, we usually start with a trip where you will learn more

about how to record from observation and you will visit a gallery. Most recently we went to the Tate Britain and we plan to go to Brighton. In Year 11 we always visit a London gallery to support the production of your work.

Where could it lead?

Studying Art and Design at GCSE is an essential gateway into the creative industries, one of the largest work sectors in the UK. An Art and Design background is the perfect foundation for a career in:

• Design - graphic design, architecture, 2D, 3D design, web design, fashion design, interior design, product design, make up, illustration, app design, gaming design, CAD/ CAM designer, costume and theatre design, production design for theatre, television and film.

• Marketing - advertising, brand designer, brand strategy.

• Fine Art - fine art painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, curating, museum and gallery education, scenic artist, event organisation, gallery or art technician, digital artist, animator.

Assessment

• Year 9 & 10 – Your whole portfolio of work is marked holistically.

• Year 11 – As above, plus a separately assessed ‘Externally Set Assignment’.

• There is no final exam.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Business

Is this subject right for me?

Business applies to everyone! Whether you are a business owner, a manager, a worker, a customer or a member of the local community – knowing about business and becoming an enthusiastic, active and informed citizen is essential. This course is interactive, enjoyable and current. You need to be good at communicating and explaining your ideas, be intellectually curious, be willing to undertake challenges and work with numbers to solve business problems. You will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make decisions. You will also learn about the world of business through research and investigation and set up your own mini business!

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

It is unlikely that you will have previously studied Business – excitingly, you will realise how much you already know about businesses from your everyday lives. You might have an interest in business and want to start your own business one day. You may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around you, how businesses are set up, and what qualities and characteristics are required to be a successful entrepreneur.

What will I learn?

You will be introduced to the world of business and will look at what makes someone a successful business person. You will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity to turn that into a successful business. You will learn how businesses are developed in relation to human resources, operations, finance and marketing. You will also see how the world around us affects businesses including the impact of

the economy, technology, trends, ethics, legislation and competition. With opportunities for discussion and critical thinking, you apply your business knowledge to real life businesses that are local, national and international.

Topics

• Business in the real world

• Influences on business

• Business operations

• Human resources

• Marketing

• Finance

Where could it lead?

Students with a GCSE in Business can currently progress to the Sixth Form to study Business and/ or Economics at A Level. It also includes options to study BTEC’s or apprenticeships. Business students emerge as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively. We aspire for every student to have the best knowledge, skills and character that empower them to continuously develop and grow as they embark on the next steps of their journey.

Assessment

Two written exams (1 hour and 45 minutes, worth 50% each)

Exam Board: AQA

Computer Science

Is this subject right for me?

If you enjoyed Computer Science in Year 7 and 8, have an interest in computing and enjoy playing around with coding, whether it be in Scratch, Python or another programming language, then this may be the course for you. Computer Science has an impact on almost every aspect of our modern lives. Every device you use and every app you open started as someone’s idea. Understanding how computers work, and how they can be used, is a vital skill for today and for the future.

If you want to learn more about how computers influence our everyday lives, and how you could be one of the people who designs new computer systems, services and applications, then a Computer Science GCSE is a great place to start.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

There is no expectation that you are going to start out as an accomplished coder, but you should have an interest in learning about how programs are designed, written and tested as well as finding out more about how computers work.

What will I learn?

One of the main areas that you will develop, is your problem-solving skills. You will learn how to create solutions to problems and write computer programs to implement these solutions in an effective way. These valuable problem-solving and programming skills are also useful in other subjects as well as in future studies and employment. The course offers a firm grounding in computing theory and an appreciation of the impact that technology can have on society. You

will explore how networks allow us to stay connected across the world and the role that cloud computing now plays in many areas of our dayto-day lives.

Where could it lead?

Computer Science skills are in high demand across a very wide range of fields, from banking and finance to computer game design, from cyber security to web site design, and from aerospace and military applications to healthcare and education. In fact, there are very few areas of life that computing does not affect in some way.

A Computer Science GCSE can be used as a stepping stone to any Computing Level 3 qualification or, if you are unsure what you want to do in the future, it can support developing your problem-solving and creative skills whether you choose the Arts or Sciences Post-16.

Assessment

There are two exam papers at the end of the course, Paper 1 focuses on Computer Systems and Paper 2 on Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming. Each paper lasts 1 hour 30 minutes.

Exam Board: OCR

Drama

Is this subject right for me?

Do you enjoy working creatively in drama? An enjoyment of the subject is a good place to start! Drama students are creative, innovative, collaborative workers, analytical thinkers and selfmotivated. They have life skills valued by employers and for university entrance.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Drama GCSE is for all students who can work in teams, work with selfdiscipline and are creative and imaginative. You need to enjoy acting and be able to write well. Often in Drama you are dependent on each other, and we expect students to undertake rehearsals in their own time when preparing for practical assessments.

What will I learn?

You will learn life skills of negotiation, meeting deadlines and confidence. Part of your work includes acting, working as a production team to translate page to stage.

You should improve your performance skills; working on interaction, physicality, vocal tone and developing and sustaining a characterisation. You will take part in assessed lessons working on a theme and a play text. Part of your work will be writing coursework in a portfolio format and answering questions on an unseen extract in a written exam.

Where could it lead?

After GCSE you can continue with Theatre Studies at A Level. Drama opens the way to many university courses and careers within the theatre, both performing and backstage. Drama students are highly valued for other courses and careers for their abilities and attitudes.

Assessment

Component 1: Devising. 40% of the qualification – 60 marks – internally assessed

• You will create and develop a devised performance from stimulus

• Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance

Component 2: Performance from Text. 20% of the qualification – 48 marks – externally assessed

• You will perform in two key extracts from a performance text, which is a contrasting text to component 3

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice. 40% of the qualification – 60 marks – externally assessed

• Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A: Bringing Texts to Life – consists of one question, broken into five parts, based on an unseen extract from the chosen performance text. Notes are not allowed to be taken into the exam. Currently we are looking at The Crucible by Arthur Miller.

Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation – You will answer two questions analysing a live theatre performance that you have seen. You can take up to 500 words of notes into the exam.

Exam Board: Edexcel

DT: Product Design

Is this subject right for me?

Are you passionate about designing and making? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Do you enjoy being creative whilst learning new knowledge, skills and techniques? Do you enjoy working in both 2D and 3D, using a range of different materials and applying knowledge from other subjects you are studying at GCSE? Do you want to try out your own ideas and perhaps follow a path which leads into design, engineering or product design? Then DT: Product Design is an ideal course choice for GCSE.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

You need to be curious, to have an interest in the designed world and the buildings, products, objects and services that you are surrounded by and use everyday. You should be able to bring your own creativity, imagination and ideas to help solve design problems and most importantly not be afraid to question, to wonder, to try things out and to experiment!

What will I learn?

The new GCSE qualification (examined from June 2019 onwards) is modern and relevant, so you will learn about new and emerging technologies, materials and processes, as well as more traditional practices. The DT: Product Design course follows a Timber specialism in section B of the exam paper, however the course allows you to understand and work with a range of materials and processes including timber, plastic, metal, electronics, smart and modern materials and textiles as well as 2D and 3D CAD. You will be encouraged to explore and develop a multi-material approach to

your NEA practical. With a greater emphasis on understanding and applying the iterative design process, you will use your creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.

With links to Maths, Science, Geography, Computing, Engineering, Business and Economics, as well as social, moral, ethical and environmental issues, you will learn through a combination practical project work and more traditional theory based lessons.

Where could it lead?

There are a wide range of STEM Careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and related jobs such as: Architecture, Engineering, Furniture design, Game and App design, Industrial design, Materials science and technology, Product Design, Product Development, Packaging Design, Marketing, Set and prop design, VR and many more! There is also scope for creative and technical careers via apprenticeships pathways. At Key Stage 5, students can continue their studies at A Level.

Assessment

50% Written exam: 2 hour paper (Summer of Year 11) - What is assessed?

• Section A: Core technical principles

• Section B: Specialist technical principles (Timber)

• Section C: Designing and making principles

50% Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): 30-35 hours (Starting 1st June in Year 10) - How is this assessed?

• Written or electronic design portfolio with photographic evidence of final manufactured prototype(s)

• Approximately 20 pages of A3, digital or A4 equivalent.

Exam Board: AQA

DT: Textiles

Is

this subject right for me?

Are you passionate about designing and making? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Do you enjoy being creative whilst learning new knowledge, skills and techniques? Do you enjoy working in both 2D and 3D, using a range of different materials and applying knowledge from other subjects you are studying at GCSE? Do you want to try out your own ideas and perhaps follow a path which leads into a design, fashion or textiles based career? Then DT: Textiles is an ideal course choice for GCSE.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

What will I learn?

The new GCSE qualification (examined from June 2019 onwards) is modern and relevant, so you will learn about new and emerging technologies, materials and processes, as well as more traditional practices. The DT: Textiles course follows a Textiles specialism in section B of the exam paper, however the course introduces you to a range of materials and processes including timber, plastic, metals, electronics, smart and modern materials and textiles. Whilst you are able to explore and develop a multi-material approach to your NEA practical, this will largely be textiles based.

With a greater emphasis on understanding and applying the iterative design process, you will use your creativity and imagination to design and make prototypes that solve real and relevant problems, considering your own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Where could it lead?

There are a wide range of career avenues such as: Costume/ Performance Design, Fashion Buying, Fashion Design, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Photography, Footwear design, Merchandising, Millinery, Set and props design, Sportswear Design, Surface Pattern Design, Tailoring, Textiles Design, Technical Textiles, Theatre Design. There is also scope for creative and technical careers via apprenticeships pathways. At Key Stage 5, students can continue their studies with an A Level in Design & Technology: Fashion and Textiles.

Assessment

50% Written exam: 2 hour paper (Summer of Year 11) - What is assessed?

• Section A: Core technical principles

• Section B: Specialist technical principles (Textiles)

• Section C: Designing and making principles

50% Non-Exam Assessment (NEA): 30-35 hours (Starting 1 June in Year 10) - How is this assessed?

• Written or electronic design portfolio with photographic evidence of final manufactured prototype(s)

• Approximately 20 pages of A3, digital or A4 equivalent

Exam Board: AQA

For further information on these courses, please visit the Design & Technology Google Site

Food Preparation and Nutrition

Is this subject right for me?

Are you interested in food? Do you enjoy learning new skills and using these skills to make dishes? You should want to try new foods, learn about where they are from, how different foods are processed and WHY ingredients react in a particular way. Nutrition is an important aspect of the course as you will further your understanding of the importance of a balanced diet for different people at different stages in their life.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Organisation is a key feature of this course as you will need to organise ingredients for a wider range of dishes, including some of your own choice. Food science is a strong element of the course (for the exam and NEA 1), time management and working within time constraints.

What will I learn?

GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition is an exciting and creative course, it focuses on practical cooking skills to ensure you develop a thorough understanding of nutrition, food provenance and the working characteristics of food ingredients. At its heart, this qualification focuses on nurturing your practical cookery skills to give you a strong understanding of nutrition.

Food preparation skills are integrated into five core topics:

• Food, nutrition and health

• Food science

• Food safety

• Food choice

• Food provenance

Where could it lead?

The food industry is one of the largest employers in the country. Career options include: food product development, food technologist, food scientist, dietician, catering, chef, cake decorator, food selector, food retailing, food stylist as well as TV and magazine work. You will also have the ability to confidently feed yourself and others in later life. People are always going to eat, so you could be part of a growth industry! There is also scope for careers via apprenticeships pathways. At Key Stage 5, students can continue their studies through a Level 3 Diploma in Food Science and Nutrition

Assessment

• 50% Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes

50% Non-Exam Assessment (NEA 1 and NEA 2): 30 hours total (Both completed in Year 11)

NEA 1: Food Investigation Task (15%). Students will be given a context by the exam board (1 September) that asks them to investigate the working characteristics, and functional and chemical properties of ingredients. Multiple food investigations (scientific experiments) will be carried out to illustrate this. An electronic report (1,500 - 2,000 words) that includes photographic evidence of the investigations will be produced.

• NEA 2: Food Preparation Task (35%). Students will be given a choice of contexts by the exam board (1 November) that usually relates to a life stage, a dietary requirement or a culinary tradition. They will need to research this context and demonstrate their technical practical skills with dishes they select themselves. One element of the NEA is to prepare, cook and present three dishes within a single three hour period. All of this work will be recorded and evaluated in an electronic report that includes photographic evidence (20 pages maximum).

Exam Board: AQA

the Design & Technology Google Site

For further information on this course, please visit

Geography

Is this subject right for me?

We believe that, given the challenges we face as a society, but more broadly as a species, having a solid foundation in Geography is crucial to being a well-rounded, global citizen. Geography is a diverse and stimulating course which appeals to students who are interested in the complex relationships and interactions between people and the natural world. The course is both dynamic and broad and you will develop a wide range of skills. You will increase your interest and awareness of geographical issues from a local to a global scale.

Additionally, you will extend and deepen your understanding of current geographical issues like sustainability, climate change and inequality. Should you continue to study Geography into Year 10, you will attend two fieldwork days, one in physical geography and the other in human geography. The knowledge and skills used will be assessed in the exam. You will need to be able to work independently and in groups, and be prepared to share your opinions and ideas. Geography links with a range of other subjects at both GCSE and A Level and is well respected as a qualification by employers and universities.

What will I learn?

The course contains three components:

Component 1 – Living with the physical environment:

• The challenge of natural hazards – natural hazards, tectonic hazards, weather hazards and climate change

• The living world – ecosystems, tropical rainforests and cold environments

• Physical landscapes in the UK – UK physical landscapes, coastal landscapes and river landscapes

Component 2 - Challenges in the human environment:

• Urban issues and challenges

• The changing economic world

• The challenge of resource management – Focus on water

Component 3 - Geographical applications:

• Issue evaluation

• Fieldwork Continued on next page...

Geography (continued)

Where could it lead?

Geography is the UK’s most popular optional GCSE and the sixth most popular GCSE. It is a well-respected subject, with universities and employers alike, and is now one of the main subjects for the EBacc. Geography links extremely well with specialist science and humanities subjects, so it is ideal for a balanced curriculum.

Studying Geography at GCSE could also lead to further study at A Level. A Level Geography is one of the facilitating subjects for entry to top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Geography has one of the highest rates of graduate employability, being highly valued by employers and can lead to careers in: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Leisure & Tourism, Meteorology, Landscape Design, Photography, Environmental Health Navigation, Estate Management and Nature Conservation.

Assessment

You will sit 3 papers:

1. Living with the physical environment - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 88 marks (including 3 marks for spelling, punctuation, grammar and specialist terminology (SPaG)) 35% of GCSE

2. Challenges in the human environment - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 88 marks (including 3 marks for SPaG) 35% of GCSE

3. Geographical applications - written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes. 76 marks (including 6 marks for SPaG) 30% of GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

History

Is this subject right for me?

Never before have there been more polarising views of the world in which we live. A core understanding of what has gone before us will empower you to make informed decisions about what the future should look like. History is a subject that enables you to critically evaluate what you see and decide for yourselves how significant key events were in shaping history. You will be encouraged to read around the subject, using books and magazines from the library, as well as information from the internet. You will become more familiar and polished at writing extended answers, both in class and in exams. You will become more and more interested in what caused events to happen, the roles of key figures from the past and also the consequences of past events.

What will I learn?

In GCSE History you will learn in a variety of ways, through written, visual and auditory sources. You will learn through group work as well as independent study, finding out things for yourself, with the support of your teacher and peers. You will study a mixture of British history and history from other countries of the world, spanning a variety of time periods. Your exams will involve both extended writing and source analysis in a similar way to how you have been assessed in Years 7, 8 and 9.

The periods of history you will study are:

• The Elizabethan Age 1558-1603

• The USA: A nation of contrasts, 1910-1929

• Changes in health and medicine in Britain, c.500 to the present day

• The development of the USSR 1921-1991

Where could it lead?

The knowledge you acquire and skills you develop as a historian will help you with your current and future studies and are highly valued by potential employers – in particular your ability to produce high quality written analysis and evaluation of real life events. Following a GCSE in History, a large number of students go on to do A Levels in History, Economics, English, Politics, Languages, Psychology and Law. History A Level has been identified as a facilitating subject by the Russell Group of universities and is therefore good preparation for a wide range of degree courses. Future careers for History students are wide ranging but could include teaching, politics, journalism, law or research based careers.

Assessment

You will sit four exam papers, each one worth 25% of your GCSE. These papers are made up of a combination of questions including source analysis, interpretation analysis, extended writing and a few short answer questions.

Exam Board: Eduqas

Music

Is this subject right for me?

• Do you enjoy music?

• Do you enjoy performing – on your own/in groups?

• Do you enjoy learning about different styles of music?

If yes, then GCSE Music could be for you. It is great fun and involves lots of performing opportunities. Music is valued by colleges and universities as it shows that you are creative and have the discipline to learn to sing/play pieces of music.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

You need to be enthusiastic about music and about performing. You will be at an advantage if you learn an instrument or have singing lessons outside of the classroom, however, it is not essential for the course. We will cover the basics of music theory during the course and it is an advantage, although not essential, to have an understanding of music notation. You will study a wide range of musical styles during GCSE Music, from Bach to Bhangra, Musical Theatre and Film Music, and you can perform and compose in any style you choose.

What will I learn?

During the course of GCSE Music, you will learn about four different genres and styles of music from the following areas of study:

• Musical Forms and Devices

• Music For Ensemble

• Film Music

• Popular Music

• You will also perform on your chosen instrument or voice (30%) and compose music in your chosen style (30%).

Where could it lead?

The study of music develops many transferable skills, such as teamwork, building self-confidence, creativity, attention to detail, planning, motor skills and listening. These skills could be applied to a career in music or any other area.

Assessment

• Performing (30%): Students are required to perform a solo and an ensemble for a combined total of four minutes. Each performance must be a minimum of one minute long. Performances must be recorded during Year 11. The minimum standard is equivalent to Grade 3.

• Composing (30%): Students compose two pieces with a combined duration of three minutes. One of these is composed to a brief set by Eduqas whilst the other is a ‘free’ composition in which students write their own brief and demonstrate a range of musical techniques within a structure of their choosing.

• Listening and Appraising (40%): Students prepare for a written examination lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. They will respond to a range of short and long answer questions on the study pieces/ wider listening learnt within the four Areas of Study.

• The paper is divided up into 8 questions. 6 of those questions will be on unfamiliar extracts related to the areas of study. 2 will be on the two set works related to an area of study. Each question is worth 12 marks, with a total of 96 marks available.

Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation – You will answer two questions analysing a live theatre performance that you have seen. You can take up to 500 words of notes into the exam.

Exam Board: Eduqas

Physical Education

Is this subject right for me?

Physical Education will appeal to you if you enjoy sport and the theory that underpins successful sporting performance. GCSE PE is a science based subject which demands knowledge and understanding of biological systems as well as anatomy and physiology and some biomechanics. The two theory exams are very challenging as they require you to apply your knowledge to practical situations. Many students opt for this subject having participated in extra-curricular sporting activites either at Rosebery or outside of school and you will need to be able to perform three or more sports to a high standard. As part of the GCSE course, you will be expected to attend extracurricular sports clubs at lunch and after school.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Physical Education builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills established in Years 7 and 8. It will give you an exciting opportunity to be involved in a number of different physical activities, as well as learn the theory behind how our body reacts to physical exercise and adapts to training. You should have an interest in physical education and sport, enjoy being active and have a passion for the science behind the movement.

What will I learn?

You will develop your knowledge and practical skills in a range of physical activities. You will examine the effects of exercise and how training can improve performance. You will study the anatomy and physiology of your body and analyse how it moves. You will also learn how to keep your body healthy and about the psychology of sport as

well as the sociocultural influences which impact sport.

Where could it lead?

This course will develop knowledge and understanding through practical involvement and will be of help if you may be considering a sports related career or an A Level/ higher education course and want to know more about the benefits of sport and exercise. Many GCSE PE students go on to careers as physiotherapists, police officers, sports nutritionists, dietitians and working within the fitness industry. With Sport at the forefront of the news the opportunities are vast, with a strong link to other subjects such as Biology, Psychology and Sociology.

Assessment

Theoretical assessment takes place at the end of Year 11: two written exams.

1. Fitness and body systems - 1 hour 30 minutes (80 marks) - 36% of the qualification.

2. Health and performance - 1 hour 15 minutes (60 marks) - 24% of the qualification. Practical assessment will be made throughout the two-year course and will be finally assessed during the moderated process.

3. Three practical areas each 10% one team activity, one individual and one a free choice.

4. Written coursework (1500 words) - Personal exercise plan, which is 10% of the final mark.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Religious Studies

Is this subject right for me?

This course enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding on a wide range of religious and ethical issues. You will also develop your understanding of the beliefs and practices of two world religions. You need to enjoy debating moral issues and exploring concepts where there is often no right or wrong answer.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

This Religious Studies course enables you to build upon the foundations established at Key Stage 3. If you enjoy learning about the world in which we live and engaging in ethical debates/discussions about what is right and wrong, then this could be the course for you.

What will I learn?

Students will be encouraged to develop and understand personal values and beliefs, with an emphasis on critical analysis and the ability to construct balanced and informed argument within the context of a philosophical and ethical awareness. This course investigates beliefs and practices of two world religions, as well as look at philosophical and ethical issues of one of those religions.

• Beliefs and practices of two main world religions

• Relationships and families

• The existence of God

• Religion, peace and conflict

• Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes

Where could it lead?

Religious Studies can provide you with excellent transferable skills, from essay writing, building confidence in debating to developing the ability to appreciate other viewpoints.

• Journalist - ‘Religious Studies is a way of broadening your understanding of the world and of people. In this job, you have to meet people from all walks of life, and a huge range of cultural backgrounds.’

• Metropolitan Police Recruitment Office - ‘It shows that a person has some understanding of the beliefs and values of others.’

• In addition lawyers, teachers, author, politician, civil servant, management consultants, N.G.O or healthcare professionals often have taken Religious Studies at GCSE or A Level.

Assessment

1. Islam: Beliefs and teachings & practices - 1hour

2. Christianity: Beliefs and teachings & practices -1hour

3. Religion, philosophy and ethics in a modern world from a Christian perspective – 2hours

Exam Board: OCR

Sociology

Is this subject right for me?

If you enjoy questioning society and learning about how different social institutions work together; if you enjoy a range of learning activities such as group work, discussion, problem-solving, research and essay writing; if you want to study something which will improve your critical thinking skills; and if you want the challenge of learning a new subject, then Sociology is the course for you.

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Sociology is the study of society and its effects on human behaviour. It deals with present-day British society but, where appropriate, comparison will be made with societies in other parts of the world, both at the present time and in the past. It is a wide-ranging course which covers a number of diverse topics. Sociology is not taught in Years 7 or 8, therefore, you will have little or no prior knowledge of sociological concepts. Before you take Sociology you need to ensure that you have developed skills in and that you have an enjoyment of the following: discussion and group work, answering extended writing questions, an interest in the world and media.

What will I learn?

By the end of the course you will be able to show a clear knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues and debates. You will learn about a wide range of social issues, including examples such as:

• What causes people to commit crimes?

• Why does the education system work the way it does?

• How have relationships within families changed in the past 100 years?

• How can sociologists help with social problems such as poverty, racism or sexism?

You will understand the range of research methods and skills used in conducting social research alongside the study four core topics (Education; Families; Crime and Deviance; Social Stratification).

Where could it lead?

Sociologists may follow careers in social research within universities, the government and corporate bodies, the Police Force, the Criminal Justice System, the media, education, social work and health and social care programmes.

Assessment

• Paper 1 - Sociology of families and education with application to research methods (1 hour 45 minutes)

• Paper 2 - Crime and Social Stratification with application to research methods (1 hour 45 minutes)

Exam Board: AQA