HH Humanities Subject Desc

History A Level Politics A Level Psychology A Level Sociology A Level

Humanities

Geography A Level

GEOGRAPHy A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study the qualifications?

For two years.

What is this course about?

By focusing on current global issues linked to physical and human Geography, you will explore the relationship between people and the environment. You will be encouraged to think critically about the world around you; to make decisions about the future; and to develop a wide range of geographical skills. A key part of Geography A Level involves an exciting residential fieldwork trip to South Wales.

What topics will I study?

Year 1 • Tectonic processes and hazards • Coastal landscapes and change • Regenerating places • Globalisation • Superpowers Year 2 • The Carbon cycle and energy security • The water cycle and water insecurit • Health, human rights and intervention

Students will also undertake a compulsory Independent Investigation, which will be based on a 5-day field trip to South Wales during Year 12.

How will my work be assessed?

Students will sit three exams as detailed below: Paper 1 (code: 9GEO/01) The ‘physical’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification – 105 marks.

Paper 2 (code: 9GEO/02) The ‘human’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 30% of the qualification – 105 marks.

Paper 3 (code: 9GEO/03) The ‘synoptic’ paper Written examination: 2 hours and fifteen minutes, 20% of the qualification – 70 marks.

Students will also write an Independent Investigation based on fieldwork in South Wales. This is nonexamined, but is marked internally by the Geography teachers and externally moderated. It should be around 3000-4000 words and is worth 70 marks (20% of the qualification).

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

Students need an interest in the world around them, particularly in climate change, water insecurity, politics, consequences of globalisation and responses to hazards. They should also have an interest in environmental issues.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Students will need to develop analytical skills, time management, practical scientific skills, skills in maths and statistics, independent research, ICT skills and team work.

Students will need to be able to make links between different geographical themes, ideas and concepts.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

Environmental Science You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including grade 4 in English and 4 in Mathematics.

You do not need to have studied GCSE Geography, although this is preferable. You must have an interest in the world around you and be motivated by the subject.

What are the lessons like?

You will have the opportunity to work in groups and individually to complete your work. Tasks are varied and are based around ‘real world’ examples which explain and highlight geographical theories and concepts.

You will explore both human and

physical themes with a variety of resources.

What do students say about this course?

“This course is exciting and fun. I have learnt as much about mobile phone apps for learning as I have about Geography”.

“Teaching on this course is excellent, talking through and breaking down exam questions makes it easier for me to be clear what needs to be included”.

“We are really involved with the learning in lessons, there are different teaching styles that make the lessons fun and interesting”.

“The field trip to Margam in South Wales was great, it really helped me with my Independent Investigation and I made lots of new friends”.

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Keep up-to-date with news and current affairs.

Complete your weekly homework on time and act on feedback.

Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are some similarities with our A Level Environmental Science course,

and many of our students take both Geography and Environmental Science if they are interested in studying or working in a related field after College.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Geography is an academic A Level which combines well with a range of other subjects. Previous students have found that it combines well with Economics, History, Business, and many more. Geography is a very well-regarded by both workplaces and universities. It is a ‘facilitating subject’ which top universities regard highly when assessing a student’s suitability for various degree courses.

What do people do with A Level Geography?

The course has been designed to prepare students to either enter the workplace in a related career, or to go on to higher education or further training.

Are there any costs associated with this course?

The 5-day UK residential fieldwork incurs a cost.

History A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

The course looks at important historical issues in breadth as well as in depth. It helps students to understand how the world has become what it is and our place in it.

It develops students’ ability to think critically and reach conclusions based on evidence.

What topics will I study?

Unit 1: Tsarist and Communist Russia, 1855-1964.

Part One. Russia 1855-1917: Tsarist Russia and Communist Russia, 1855-1964, Autocracy, Reform and Revolution, Alexander II, Alexander III and Nicholas II, 1905 Revolution, Industrialisation, 1917 Revolutions, Impact of World War I in Russia.

Part Two. Russia 1917-1964: The leadership of Lenin and Stalin, 1917-1953, the Soviet Union, Great Purges, Russia’s involvement in World War II, the rise and fall of Khrushchev, the condition of the Soviet Union by 1964.

Unit 2: The Making of Modern Britain, 1951-2007.

Part One. Britain 1951-1979: Post war boom, living standards and consumerism, social and cultural change; class, gender, race and youth, Northern Ireland, foreign affairs and decolonisation, the Sixties, Labour and Conservative governments.

Part Two. Britain 1979-2007: Impact of Thatcherism, protests in Northern Ireland, Falklands and the Cold War, society and social attitudes, The balkans, John Major, Tony Blair and New Labour, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Unit 3: The Causes of the US Civil War, 1776 - 1861 Coursework Unit: 3000-3500 words, using primary and secondary sources.

How will my work be assessed?

Throughout the course students complete essays and source based investigations.

Students may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of the first year as a measure of progress.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

Although previous historical knowledge is helpful it is not essential. Students do not need to have studied History GCSE. An interest in current affairs and a willingness to read widely in a range of texts is desirable.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

To succeed in History students will need to absorb a lot of quite complex information quickly and to write fluently and concisely.

Students will need to develop useful study skills including note-making and essay writing.

Students will also need to read, understand and evaluate a range of primary and secondary sources.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You need to have a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C including a grade 4 in English Language.

What are the lessons like?

We use a range of teaching and learning methods: formal presentations by the teacher; discussions; group work; presentations; independent research; e-learning. We aim to take account of different learning styles and learner experiences.

1:1 support is available to

all students.

What do students say about this course?

“A Level History not only widens career choices but develops analysis and communication skills and gives an understanding of present-day conditions.”

“A Level History is a breath of fresh air compared to other forms of history I’ve studied. The topics are both interesting and informative.

There is never a dull moment.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Keep up to date with your work and submit assignments on time.

Read about each topic to deepen your understanding.

Work to the best of your ability.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You could consider all the social science courses (Psychology; Sociology; Law and Politics) but if you have a real interest in history, this is the one.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Politics, Law and English all work particularly well with History but it has been successfully combined with most A Levels.

What do people do with A Level History?

History is an important academic subject and an excellent preparation for higher education. It is particularly useful if you are considering higher education and a career in public service, law, media, education, and indeed, most professions.

Politics A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

Politics is a two year course for the full A Level qualification.

What is this course about?

In the first year students study UK Politics and UK Government.

In the second year students will then develop this knowledge and understanding, and study USA Politics and USA Government. This course aims to develop a critical understanding of government and politics in the UK and the USA. What topics will I study?

First year topics: How does the UK constitution work? What is democracy? How do elections work, and why do people vote for certain parties? How does Parliament work, what does the Prime Minister actually do, and what does the government do? How can we influence politicians?

Second year topics: How does the US constitution work? How do you become President? What are the differences between Republicans and Democrats, and what does Congress do? How important is the Supreme Court and how powerful is the US President?

How will my work be assessed?

At the end of the A Level course there are three, two hour examinations. Written answers are based on extended writing style answers.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

No previous knowledge of UK or USA politics is required, however, an interest in current affairs and recent history is essential. Students will need to have opinions and be prepared to discuss them, be open to new ideas and capable of seeing issues from a range of viewpoints.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

To succeed in Politics you will need to have an understanding of current affairs. You should then be able to use this understanding when studying topics. You will have to develop your level of subject knowledge and understanding, be capable of analysis and confident enough to evaluate and develop ideas.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You need to have a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C including a grade 4 in English Language.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Lessons tend to combine discussion, task-based learning and regular assessment. Students will be expected to contribute to discussions.

1:1 support is available to all students.

Students also visit Houses of Parliament, and will take part in discussions with local MPs and other party representatives.

What do students say about this course?

“I enjoyed the course - Politics really fitted well with my other subjects such as Law and History.”

“Politics has enabled me to see current affairs in a whole new light.”

“The assessments during the course were challenging, but really helped with the exam.”

“Really developed my interest for the 2015 elections, meeting MPs was a highlight.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

• Keep up-to-date with current affairs.

• Complete tasks on time and to the best of your ability.

• Be prepared to share your views and consider the viewpoints of others.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

You could consider Law or History, but if current affairs is of interest then Politics is probably a better choice.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Politics combines particularly well with History and Law. However, it complements most subject combinations. All universities and employers look for young people who have an awareness of the world around them.

What do people do with A Level Politics?

Politics is a recognised academic subject and therefore is an excellent preparation for higher education in a number of areas including the humanities and the social sciences.

It is also an extremely useful background for those considering careers in the media, law and public services. Former students can be found broadcasting on radio and television, running large commercial companies, teaching, cartooning, working as barristers and solicitors and one is even Professor of Politics at St Andrews University.

None are yet MPs though some have stood in elections and several have been local councillors; one student works at Westminster, employed by a local MP.

Psychology A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

•

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

This course aims to develop students’ understanding and awareness of psychological theories and research over a variety of different areas concerned with humans and animals.

Students will learn about classic studies as well as contemporary research which will help them understand why people behave as they do.

What topics will I study?

There are three units: • Psychological Themes through Core Studies - You will look at ten different areas that psychologists have researched such as memory, responses to people in authority, moral development, understanding disorders, and regions of the brain. For each key theme you will look at two pieces of research - a classic study and a contemporary study.

• Research Methods - You will become familiar with research methods that psychologists use such as experiments, observation, questionnaires and correlation studies. You will carry out

• •

research of your own and analyse your findings.

Applied Psychology - You will study Issues in mental health and also look at two of the following areas in which psychological research has been applied in the understanding of real-world problems: Criminal Psychology (e.g. what makes a criminal, police interviews, imprisonment) Child Psychology (e.g. intelligence, brain development, the impact of advertising)

How will my work be assessed?

All units will be assessed by examinations at the end of the second year.

There are three examinations: Unit 1: Research Methods Unit 2: Psychological themes through core studies Unit 3: Applied Psychology Students may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of the first year as a measure of progress.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

Ideally, students will have: • Good reading and writing skills, knowing how to structure sentences, for example, and how to read a textbook (though these study skills are further developed

as an integral part of the course).

• Confident in maths and dealing with data

• An interest in finding out about

•

people would be really useful: do you like ‘people-watching’? If you do, you’ll like Psychology.

An interest in life and people, an enthusiastic attitude to study and learning, and a willingness to work hard.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Good reading skills are important for this subject. Students will need to develop good writing skills and an ability to write well under the pressure of timed conditions; an ability to evaluate studies and research, spotting the strengths and weaknesses.

Students will also need to develop, over the duration of the course, an ability to listen to others in class.

Students will need to develop excellent independent study skills and crucial to doing well in this course will be organisation: students will need to develop organisational skills, keeping a tidy file and looking ahead will stand them in good stead for life.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 4-9, including grade 4 in Mathe- matics, 4 in English and a 4 in Science.

What are the lessons like?

Lessons are varied: a range of teaching styles is used throughout the course to enable students with a variety of learning styles to succeed.

In addition to teacher-led discussions in class, students will also engage in practical activities, such as small research investigations, debates, group presentations, internet researches.

Students are also given the opportunity to visit a university conference specifically for A Level students, and possibly trips to other relevant, interesting places. Visiting speakers also come to tell us about their working role as psychologists.

1:1 support is available to all students.

What do students say about this course?

“It’s really interesting because you can relate personal experiences to the research you’re being taught, plus it is a fascinating subject.”

“The course has never bored me, and there is a lot of variety in the way we are taught and learn things. I’m really pleased I took psychology.”

“Its great because you do learn a lot about human behaviour, and it is very rewarding; but that does mean you have to work hard to cover all aspects of the course!”

“Psychology is a very interesting subject that allows you to grasp an understanding of things you would

never think about, for example, mental illness. In all these topics you dig into the depths of psychological understanding that could possibly change your outlook on life.”

“Being able to analyse things from a psychological point of view is an amazing thing to be able to do.”

“I would recommend psychology to any student who is in two minds about taking it...don’t think it’s an easy subject because it does involve a lot of hard work and effort, but at the end of the day, what course doesn’t?”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Have a conscientious approach to studies; keep to deadlines; read around the subject and be interested!

Keep organised and proactive in your outlook. Ask for help when needed: don’t leave It to drag you down.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

Sociology is often confused with Psychology. The two subjects overlap somewhat, but Psychology is classed as a science where Sociology is not.

Psychology focuses more on how the individual functions, whereas Sociology looks at larger groups in society, for example, gender, the education system, etc. Psychology requires a 4 in Maths GCSE, but prefers a 5.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Psychology goes particularly well with lots of different groupings of subjects.

Those going for Performing Arts and more ‘Arts’ subjects will add Psychology to their list after English, perhaps, or Art. As Psychology is classed as a science for university purposes, students interested in medical careers (e.g. doctors, midwives, nurses, physiotherapy, paramedics, etc.) may add Psychology to their list after Biology and Chemistry.

Students interested in Law, for example, will often add History and Psychology. Whilst students interested in Sports will often add Biology and Psychology to their choices.

What do people do with A Level Psychology?

Psychology is recognised as an academic subject which counts as both an arts and a science subject for university entrance purposes.

It is also useful for all careers dealing with people. It is particularly good for jobs in medicine (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, midwives), sport (training and managing teams), education and law, as well as the more obvious psychology-related areas (e.g. educational psychology, or psychotherapy). However, as psychology is interesting and related to animals or humans, people take it to use wherever they may go!

Sociology A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

and Methods - 33.3% of total mark.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

All three exams are held in the summer at the end of the second year.

What is this course about?

This course aims to develop students’ awareness and critical understanding of society. It’s about the way social factors such as families, the education system and beliefs shape our thinking and behaviour.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

No previous knowledge of Sociology is required, but students should have an enquiring mind and an interest in the world around them.

What topics will I study?

In the first year students will study: • Education • Research Methods • Families and Households In addition to the topics covered in the first year, in the second year students’ will study: • Beliefs in Society • Crime and Deviance Theory and Methods

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

To succeed in Sociology students will need to absorb theoretical information, apply it to contemporary society, and write about it in a fluent way. Students will also participate in small group or class discussions.

How will my work be assessed?

By three exams held in the summer at the end of the second year.

• Education with Theory and Methods - 33.3% of total mark.

• Topics in Sociology (includes Families and Households and Beliefs in Society) - 33.3% of total mark.

• Crime and Deviance with Theory

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4 or A*-C, including a grade 4 in English Language.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Formal lessons are combined with discussion, task-based learning, Independent Learning

Tasks and video, all pitched at a level appropriate to students’ knowledge and understanding of sociological issues.

1:1 support is available to all students.

What do students say about this course?

“I like Sociology because the things we study relate to my own life.”

“I enjoy listening to people’s opinions during class discussions.”

“At first I found the sociological theories quite difficult to understand, but as I began to apply them to real life they started to make more sense.”

“Sociology is good because it really makes you think about things which you’ve taken for granted before.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

• Keep up to date with current affairs.

• Complete your homework on time and to the best of your ability.

• Be prepared to do extra reading around topics studied.

• Learn from what you have done.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

A Level Psychology focuses on the behaviour of individuals whereas Sociology focuses on groups of people. Psychology has different entry requirements.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Other social science subjects such as Politics, Psychology, History or Criminology combine well with Sociology. There is also some crossover between the topics covered at A Level with Law and Media, but this qualification can be successfully combined with a very wide range of A Levels.

What do people do with A Level Sociology?

Sociology helps students develop an analytical approach to issues, which is a useful life skill.

It is a recognised academic subject and an excellent preparation for all social science and many other courses at university or college. It is particularly useful for careers in education, nursing, social work, the criminal justice system, local government, marketing and human resources.

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