Curriculum Sequence
Please click on the icons below to view the curriculum sequence for each Key Stage. The curriculum sequence will show you what students should know and be able to do in the subject, alongside the key ‘tier 3’ subject specific vocabulary that your child needs to understand to allow them to access the deeper curriculum. The curriculum sequence also lists the ‘key assessment questions’ each term/half term that your child will be asked during assessments to help your child to prepare effectively, as well as the ‘disciplinary rigour’ which explains the methods, conventions, rules and practices that are specific to that subject.
Child Development
Law
Sociology
Health and Social Care
Health and Social Care Extended Certificate
Psychology
Curriculum Intent
The social sciences are those subjects which examine and explain human society and behaviours. A diverse range of subjects, courses and topics are offered to students within the Department. We offer courses that are both vocational and traditional academic subjects. All of our courses aim to prepare students for the next stage of their lives. This may be studying one of our subjects in greater depth or beginning training for a particular career pathway. At St Thomas More we offer courses in health and social care, child development and care, law, psychology and sociology.
Curriculum Implementation
All social science lessons follow a common thread of being engaging and linked to real life situations. Lessons are tailored to meet the demands of relevant specifications and the needs of our learners. We promote a growth mindset amongst our students throughout all our communication, both verbal and non-verbal. Displays are present in our classrooms and starter activities regularly include tasks designed to promote this growth mindset.
Our A Level subjects, Psychology and Sociology are both linear courses and are usually new subjects for our learners. Therefore, we initially induct students into the key themes of each subject such as culture, inequalities and the nature verses nurture debate. Specialist teachers use active lessons to deliver key content and then students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through making links to real life situations. Further developing the ability for students to see the synoptic links between topics and understand the holistic nature of their courses. Any misconceptions can then also be addressed. Weekly recall tasks are used to reinforce previous learning, focussed on key concepts whilst further imbedding links between topics. When studying research methods, mini projects are undertaken to bring the methods to life. Assessment and exam question planning and reflections take place regularly. Students develop the skills to interpret exam questions, plan how to answer them before writing a response. These responses are assessed by their teacher or a self / peer assessment takes place, which leads directly to reflection and target setting.
Our vocational subjects are modular, as a result, students receive a guide to each unit and are supported to reach the highest possible standard. Each guide sets out the learning objectives and how to achieve the highest criteria for that unit. Key knowledge is delivered through class tasks and the analysis of case studies. Once fully equipped; students then produce coursework tasks to demonstrate their learning in a personalised way. These include role plays, posters, presentations and questions and answer sessions. This creates an inclusive environment where all students have the opportunity and are supported to achieve their potential.
All class materials and feedback are administered via teams to further support students and their independence. Regular tracking grids support students to track and take responsibility for their progress and regular reviews take place throughout the course. We maintain links with past students and have “walls of fame” in key classrooms; highlighting their achievement and pathway to success. Past students also visit our classes and delivers talks about their careers to further students understanding the relevant sector and act as role models. In preparation for examinations active revision strategies are utilised alongside exam question practice and analysis.
KS4
Health and Social Care
This is a subject that develops the skills and knowledge needed to do well in any health care or social care role. We offer a CACHE level 1/2 Technical Award in Health and Social Care. The course consists of eight content areas, they include;
- Health and social care provision and services
- Job roles in health and social care and the care values that underpin professional practice
- Human development across the life span
- The care needs of the individual
- How health and social care services are accessed
- The care planning cycle
- Partnership working in health and social care
- Legislation, policies and procedures in health and social care
Learning is assessed equally through coursework and an exam in Year 11. An assignment brief is released annually by the exam board and students have 13e hours of lessons to complete the assigned tasks. The course is grade Level 1 Pass which is the equivalent of a grade 1 at GCSE through to a Level 2 Distinction* which is the equivalent of an 8.5 at GCSE.. Specialist teachers take classes in our own IT suites alongside theoretical topics which are studied within traditional classrooms.
Child Development and Care
Child development involves the study of changes that happen to people from birth until adolescence. These can be physical, intellectual, emotional or social changes. We study the pattern in which children usually develop and how best to encourage their development. This is studied within the childcare context to prepare young people how best to nurture look after young children in a variety of settings; such as teachers in primary schools or therapists in the community.
We offer a CACHE level 1/2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care. This course consists of nine content areas they include;
- Child Development
- Factors that influence the child’s development
- Care routines, play and activities to support the child
- Early years provision
- Legislation, policies and procedures in the early years
- Expectations of the early years practitioner
- Roles and responsibilities within early years settings
- The importance of observations in early years childcare
- Planning in early years childcare:
Learning is assessed equally through coursework and an exam in Year 11. An assignment brief is released annually by the exam board and students have 13 hours of lessons to complete the assigned tasks. The course is grade Level 1 Pass which is the equivalent of a grade 1 at GCSE through to a Level 2 Distinction* which is the equivalent of an 8.5 at GCSE. Specialist teachers take classes in our own IT suites alongside theoretical topics which are studied within traditional classrooms.
KS5
Key Stage 5 Health and Social Care
This vocational qualification provides a high-quality alternative pathway to A-levels, no prior knowledge is required from Key Stage 4. Knowledge and skills will be assessed through external examination and internal non-examined assessment. Students will enhance their learning beyond the classroom through engagement with universities, employers and industry specialists to make sure they acquire the right combination of knowledge, understanding and skills required for a successful career in health and social care.
We offer two pathways at Key Stage 5:
- Pathway 1 – OCR Cambridge Technicals Extended Certificate, equivalent to one full A-level.
Students will study the following units;
Unit 1 – Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 2 – Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 3 – Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 4 – Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 2 hour examination.
Unit 24 – Public Health. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 17 – Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Examined units are graded Near-Pass, Pass, Merit and Distinction. Internally assessed units are graded Pass, Merit and Distinction. This qualification pathway is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*.
Pathway 2 – OCR Cambridge Technicals Diploma, equivalent to two full A-levels.
Students will study the following units;
Unit 1 – Building Positive Relationships in Health and Social Care. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 2 – Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 3 – Health, Safety and Security in Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 4 – Anatomy and Physiology for Health and Social Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 2 hour examination.
Unit 24 – Public Health. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 17 – Supporting People with Mental Health Conditions. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 5 – Infection Control. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 6 – Personalisation and a Person-Centred Approach to Care. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 7 – Safeguarding. An externally examined unit assessed with one 90 minute examination.
Unit 12 – Promoting Positive Behaviour. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 15 – Promoting Health and Well-Being. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Unit 22 – Psychology for Health and Social Care. An internally assessed coursework unit.
Examined units are graded Near-Pass, Pass, Merit and Distinction. Internally assessed units are graded Pass, Merit and Distinction. The qualification pathway is graded PP, PM, MM, MD, DD, DD*, D*D*.
There are several support sessions for student; they run on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school for 1 hour. Within these sessions coursework can be completed, misconceptions squashed and exam / assessment preparation can take place. The timetable for these sessions is displayed in our classrooms.
There are several excellent documentaries that chart what it is like to work in social science environment particularly for Health and Social Care. An easy way to boost your knowledge and understanding would be to watch some of these. Such as Life and Birth on the NHS, 24 Hours in A and E or Catching a Killer.
Health and Social Care Level 2
www.ncfe.org.uk/technical-education/schools-14-16/v-certs/health-social-care/
Child Development and Care Level 2
www.ncfe.org.uk/technical-education/schools-14-16/v-certs/child-development-care-early-years/
Health and Social Care CTEC Level 3
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/health-and-social-care/
Subject Leader Information
For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.
Mrs J Burton – Head of Department – JBurton@stmca.org.uk
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, driving humans to do what they do. Psychologists formulate theories, test hypotheses by conducting research, and analyse their data with statistical techniques that help them identify important findings. The study of Psychology at St Thomas More will aim to develop academic literacy by encouraging wider reading in to up-to-date research and contemporary issues. Students will develop analytical and evaluative skills when dealing with theories, therapies, research methods and studies so that they can question the validity and reliability of research.
We offer AQA A level psychology at St Thomas More. This is a linear qualification, where all examinations are taken at the end of Year 13. Exam papers will use a variety of assessment styles including multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Final examinations will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives;
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
- AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
- in a theoretical context
- in a practical context
- when handling qualitative data
- when handling quantitative data.
- AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • make judgements and reach conclusions • develop and refine practical design and procedures.
Topics studied in Year 12 include approaches, research methods, attachment, social influence, psychopathology and issues and debates. In Year 13 students study, gender, biospsychology, forensic psychology, schizophrenia, before revising for their examinations.
- Paper 1 Introductory Topics in Psychology
96 marks / 33.3% of final qualification grade
2 hours
AQA set and marked
- Paper 2 Psychology in Context
96 marks / 33.3% of final qualification grade
2 hours
AQA set and marked
- Paper 3 Issues and Options in Psychology
96 marks / 33.3% of final qualification grade
2 hours
AQA set and marked
The overall qualification will be graded A*, A, B, C, D, E.
Sociology
Sociology is the study of people in society. It is concerned with human relationships in institutions such as the family, education, police, media and politics. In Sociology, we explore a variety of theories (such as Feminist and Marxist) and apply recognised research methods to analyse societal inequalities, deprivation and conflict within different social classes, ethnic groups and genders.
The Curriculum intent of Sociology at St Thomas More is to develop students’ academic research, critical thinking and writing skills. It will also encourage students to become self-aware and develop cultural competence..
At St Thomas More, we offer AQA A level Sociology. This is a linear qualification, where learning is assessed through three external examinations, which are taken at the end of Year 13. Each examination is worth 33.33% of the overall grade and they are each two hours long, featuring a mixture of short mark and essay questions.
Exam papers are on the following topics;
1.Education with Theory and Methods.
In preparation for this examination students are taught trends in educational achievement and evaluate explanations put forward by sociologists. They also study competing arguments over the purpose of education and the impact of government policy on student experience of education. Within methods students study a range of different qualitative and quantitative research methods as well as how to implement and evaluate them.
2. Topics in Sociology.
In preparation for this examination students study families and households in year 12. They study Issues such as how child centred society is, how diverse families are today, demographic trends and the division of labour in families. In year 13 students study the media including topics such as how the media affects behaviour, how different groups are represented in the media and how the news is socially constructed.
3. Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
in preparation for this examination students study trends in crime and deviance and evaluate explanations put forward by sociologists. They also study methods of crime reduction and the impact of living in a global society on criminality. Theory and methods is the final topic studied. After studying sociological theories within topics the final element of the course involves taking an holistic approach to understanding how society functions. Students also study key methodological issues such as is sociology a science and can research be value free.
Examinations will measure how far students have achieved the following assessment objectives (AO);
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- sociological theories, concepts and evidence
- sociological research methods
- AO2: Apply sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods to a range of issues
- AO3: Analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to:
- present arguments
- make judgements
- draw conclusions.
The overall qualification will be graded A*, A, B, C, D, E.
Tips and Advice
For the Sixth Form once a fortnight there is a lunchtime support session alongside an afterschool one on Fridays.
Further Information
A Level Sociology
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192
A Level Psychology
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology
Subject Leader Information
For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.
Mrs J Burton – Head of Department – JBurton@stmca.org.uk
Law
The Applied Law curriculum encourages learners to become independent enquirers and critical thinkers. Students learn how to form sound legal arguments and write legal documentation such as solicitors’ letters, case file notes and reports. The course also provides regular opportunities to develop research skills and referencing which are imperative for higher education.
In year one, learners explore how civil disputes are resolved, both in the courts and by alternative means. They also examine precedent and its application in the law of negligence.
In year two, learners examine the law related to specific crimes, including homicide and offences against property. They also explore the police procedures for dealing with such offences.
Unit 1 – Dispute Solving in the Legal System.
Unit 2 – Understanding Law Making.
Unit 3 – Aspects of Legal Liability.
Unit 6 – Contract Law.
Assessment outcomes
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of precedent, the civil justice system and process and the concept of negligence in English civil law, together with legal skills of research and communication
AO2 Be able to apply knowledge and understanding to examine negligence scenarios and advise clients on the likely outcome of negligence claims, making connections to precedent, courts and appeals, personnel and funding
AO3 Analyse legal information, demonstrating the ability to interpret the potential impact and influence on future cases
AO4 Evaluate evidence to make informed judgements with appropriate justification, synthesising ideas and evidence from several sources to support arguments
Further Information
BTEC Law
https:qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/applied-law-2017.html#%2Ftab-Extended-Certificate_1
Subject Leader Information
For more information or if you have any questions please use the contact details below.
Miss H Sproston – Teacher in charge of Law –HSproston@stmca.org.uk
