Social Sciences

The faculty

Social Sciences examine the make-up of human society and social relationships. This is very different compared to what a natural scientist (a chemist, physicist or biologist) would study.

The Social Science Faculty at The John of Gaunt School includes the teaching and learning of Citizenship, PSHE (personal, social and health education), Philosophy, Psychology, Religious Education and Sociology. We offer a unique set of subjects that prepares and empowers young people for life inside and outside the school gates.

At Key Stage Three (year seven, eight and nine) the faculty offers Citizenship, PSHE and Religious Education. At Key Stage Four the faculty offers GCSE Citizenship (OCR course), PSHE and GCSE Religious Studies (AQA). At Key Stage Five the faculty offers A-level Philosophy (AQA), A-level Psychology (AQA) and Sociology (AQA). The faculty also input into the PSHE curriculum within the sixth form.

The Citizenship Curriculum

Citizenship education is a statutory requirement in all schools. Citizenship education develops knowledge, skills and understanding that young people need to play a full part in society as active and responsible citizens. Our students encounter various Citizenship topics throughout the PSHE curriculum that includes human rights, the media, the law, democracy, finance and prejudice. We also offer the OCR GCSE Citizenship course.

GCSE Citizenship course content: The course covers all aspects of life and society as a Citizen of the United Kingdom and the world. The course is split into four sections:

Rights, the law and legal system in England and Wales. This topic examines the rights and responsibilities that a citizen has in terms of the law and the powers of authority in society (the police, magistrates and crown court, the CPS and judiciary). It looks into civil and criminal law and the sanctions which criminals may face. A knowledge of how a court works and how laws are made is also taught.

Democracy and government in the UK and Europe. This part of the course focuses on the role of local, devolved and national government and the work of Parliament. It examines the role of an MP and democratic voting process as a whole as well as The British Constitution at large.

The UK and the wider world. This part of the course examines the relationship the UK has with Europe and the world at large.

Citizenship in action. This part of the course allows students to focus and campaign on a variety of local, national and international issues

Students will face three external exams at the end of year eleven. These three papers will test a student’s level of knowledge and understanding on the three core principles of the course: Citizenship in perspective, citizenship in action and our rights and responsibilities in society. Students will be teacher assessed during an active campaign in terms of their planning, organisation, teamwork and involvement

Career links: The course has a variety of career links, specifically those that involve an interest in society and the people within it. It has specific links with careers that involve working in the Civil Service, legal professions and Social Work.

For further information regarding Citizenship education, please contact Mr M Perraton (mperraton@jogschool.org)

The PSHE Curriculum

PSHE (personal, social and health education) is a statutory requirement that all schools must deliver, which must include sex and relationships education. PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and prepare for life and work. Citizenship education is also delivered through PSHE topics through discrete themes. PSHE is delivered one hour a fortnight. It is a non-examined subject, although regular self-assessment is promoted. Below is an outline of what is covered in each year group.

 

For further information regarding the PSHE curriculum, please contact Mr M Perraton (mperraton@jogschool.org). The sixth form also follow PSHE education in the form of PEC (personalised enhanced curriculum) lessons once a fortnight which also follows the themes above in more detail. For further information on PSHE within the sixth form, please contact Mr J Dunbar (jdunbar@jogschool.org).

The Religious Education curriculum

Religious education is statutory subject in all schools in the UK. We study the beliefs, doctrines, rituals, customs and rites of the major world religions in the world today (Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism), as well as examining a range of moral issues in society that effect human relationships (sexual relationships, medical ethics, environmental ethics, crime, etc.). Our young people are also encouraged to refer to their own opinion within lessons, as well as non-religious beliefs on a range of ethical dilemmas and philosophical/ultimate questions in life.

At Key Stage 3 we follow the topics below:

At Key Stage 4 the faculty offers the full and short course GCSE in Religious Studies (AQA A). Most of year eleven will be entered for the short course which covers:

• Key beliefs in Christianity and Islam
• Sex and relationships
• War & peace

Some students may opt for the full course in GCSE Religious Studies. As well as the above, the following topics are covered:

• Key practices in Christianity and Islam
• The existence of God
• Crime and Punishment
• Religion and life
• Justice and human rights

Those studying the short course will have one exam at the end of year eleven. Those who opt for the full course will have two exams at the end of year eleven and will achieve the full GCSE.