Geography
Studying Geography helps students gain a strong appreciation of the world we live in, including the relationships between human activity, the natural environment and Earth’s resources.
The Geography department has a team of subject-specialists with expertise covering all areas of the subject, from the geological history of the British Isles to human rights in Tibet. Teaching is topical, thorough and relevant, with a strong focus on preparing for examination success. Staff ensure the right balance between teaching geographical skills, physical processes and human impacts. The department aims to prepare young people to understand the wider world so they can become responsible global citizens who can make the most of the opportunities available locally, nationally and beyond.
During Key Stage 3 students learn about the United Kingdom, India and China. They develop their mapwork and graphical skills, as well as engaging with a range of thematic topics which go beyond the national curriculum. For example at key stage 3 students study most of the major biomes, not just a few such as tropical rainforests and hot deserts. This approach provides a stronger preparation for GCSE. Opportunities for fieldwork and trips are included for each year group, as well as problem-solving activities and research investigations.
At Key Stage 4 we teach the Edexcel GCSE specification A, which is 100% examination-based, with a physical geography exam, a human geography exam and a third paper which focuses more on fieldwork.
At Key Stage 5, A-Level Geography is offered via the Edexcel specification. The course is mostly exam-based although there is an individual student project which allows students to show off their fieldwork and data analysis skills. As a “facilitating subject”, A Level Geography is highly regarded by universities, as it develops a wide range of skills, including essay-writing, data analysis, numeracy, graphicacy and synopticity. The course is both rigorous and stimulating.
How can you support your child?
- Encourage your child to watch TV programmes about the environment and places, e.g. travel shows and natural hazards.
- Encourage your child to use maps, e.g. tube maps, bus route maps, Google Earth etc.
Studying Sociology helps students develop a clear understanding of our society, including a wide range of different views about a wide range of important social issues.
The Sociology department has a team of subject-specialists with expertise covering all areas of the subject, from the study of crime patterns to the role of the media. Teaching is topical, in-depth and relevant, with a strong focus on preparing for examination success. Staff ensure the right balance between teaching research skills, theoretical views and real world examples. The department aims to develop in young people a strong sociological imagination so they can analyse, evaluate and interpret social patterns and suggest solutions to social problems.
At Key Stage 4 we teach the AQA GCSE specification, which is 100% examination-based, and there are two examinations. They include a range of question styles from short 1-mark questions up to 12-mark extended writing tasks.
At Key Stage 5, A-Level Sociology is offered via the AQA specification. The course is fully exam-based with three papers at the end of Year 13. A Level Sociology is valued highly by employers and universities as it develops excellent analysis and evaluation skills, as well as including social research methods and their practical application to education and crime.
How can you support your child?
- Encourage your child to watch TV programmes about social issues e.g. crime, poverty, benefits, government policies etc.
- Encourage your child to have an opinion on social issues that they can back up with reasons, while also respecting other people's views.
Studying Psychology helps students to become well-informed about the human brain and human behaviour, through which they can better understand themselves and other people as well.
The Psychology department has a team of highly qualified subject experts with in-depth knowledge and a real enthusiasm for the subject. Teaching is rigorous and stimulating, with a strong emphasis on developing the necessary skills for examination success. Staff ensure that theory is illustrated with real world examples. The department aims to develop in young people a scientific approach to the study of the human mind, with a critical awareness of the need to evaluate the research undertaken by psychologists in this new and rapidly developing subject.
At Key Stage 4 we teach the AQA GCSE specification, which is 100% examination-based, and features an emphasis on investigation and report-writing skills. It includes topics which cover the core psychological areas of social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences.
At Key Stage 5, A-Level Psychology is offered via the AQA specification. The course is fully exam-based with three papers at the end of Year 13. It covers a range of debates and issues in depth, such as aggression and schizophrenia. A Level Psychology is highly respected because of its scientific nature and its emphasis on developing analysis, evaluation and essay-writing skills to a high level.
How can you support your child?
- Encourage your child to watch TV programmes about psychological issues e.g. mental health, criminal behaviour, parenting etc.
- Encourage your child to take out and read library books about Psychology.