Department overview

We aim to offer an engaging and effective introduction to social sciences. The courses will focus on contemporary society and foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for individual and social diversity. Students are encouraged to develop their own psychological, criminological and sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary world. The content covered encourages students to understand social change and appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in psychological, criminological and sociological debate. Our aim is for our students to become literacy, numerically and scientifically proficient in each subject as well as being able to analyse and debate current issues and theory. Students will develop skills that enable them to reflect on their own identities, roles and responsibilities within society becoming well-rounded, compassionate and resilient young people. Culminating in a lifelong interest in psychological, criminological and sociological issues.

Key Stage 5 curriculum

Criminology

To provide students with an understanding of criminology that is relevant to many job roles within the criminal justice service, social and probation work and sociology and psychology. It is designed to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus on learning for 16–19-year-old learners through applied learning. The curriculum supports leaners’ progression from any study at Level 2, particularly GCSEs in Sociology, Law, Psychology, Citizenship, History and Humanities. Criminology aims to provide learners with an introduction to criminal justice and to give a context for humanities learning.

Students will demonstrate excellence by engaging in the challenging two-year criminology course. The course will focus on contemporary society and foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for the individual and social diversity. Students are encouraged to develop their criminological awareness through active engagement with the course, learning transferable skills such as how to carry out research and computer literacy. The content covered will include designing and creating campaign materials, fostering action and ambition as they take on a project unlike any they have done before. Course content also include types of crime and how they have changed over time, this encourages students to understand social change and appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in criminology. As students move into second year they will investigate the roles of the court in the criminal justice system, expanding student’s employability opportunities as we engage in co-curricular activity such as demonstrations from police analysts. Students will develop skills that enable them to reflect on their own responsibilities within society becoming mature, compassionate and resilient young people. They will also look into evidence and how it is processed in a criminal case, learning how to be respectful of others' opinions during debate on best practice. Our aim is for our students to become highly literate and independent learners ready to take on their next step with hope and ambition fuelled by their well-earned examination results.

Psychology

To provide students with an engaging and effective introduction to psychology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. This course builds upon the GCSE courses of science, maths and humanities to develop essential knowledge of different areas of psychology and how they relate to each other. Students will build on existing scientific, literacy, practical and mathematic skills and develop an interest and enthusiasm for the subject which promotes further study in this field. They will discover how psychology and mental health is an essential part of modern society and how building a wider knowledge in this field will contribute to the success of the human race.

The A level Psychology curriculum aims to give students an ambition to pursue a career in the field. By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and research studies. Students will need resilience to tackle the areas of research methods and ethical issues within psychology. They will be able to apply psychological knowledge and understanding in a range of contexts and be able to analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts and theories. Knowledge and understanding of research methods, practical research skills (including reading) and mathematical skills is a vital part of the Psychology curriculum and students will be given the opportunity to design and carry out their own research as well as practice analysis and interpreting data. Students develop their literacy by broadening their vocabulary, which is achieved through class discussions and lesson resources.

Sociology

To offer an engaging and effective introduction to sociology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, this includes analysis, independent thinking and research.

Students will learn transferable skills which act as a catalyst to carry them through to university or the world of work by partaking in an engaging and effective introduction to Sociology. The course will focus on contemporary society and foster the development of critical thinking with a respect for individuals and social diversity. Students are encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the current affairs, this could include wider reading, their own research or even just watching the news. In their first year of study students will learn about the function of families and households, they will be able to give a balanced argument towards its usefulness in our society, students will be given the chance to build resilience and demonstrate this learning by undertaking mock examinations. They will also examine inequalities within the education system to understand social change and some may be inspired to take action to remedy this. Our aim is for our students to be able to analyse and debate ongoing issues and theory to seek the truth, this will help develop students holistically not just academically as they learn how they can be in charge of their own futures. In the second year students will develop skills and understanding that enable them to reflect on their own character, roles and responsibilities within society becoming well-rounded, compassionate and ambitious young people. They will move on to investigate the mass media and its impact upon our identities, students will examine media ownership and how representations and stereotypes can affect us all. Additionally, Crime and Deviance will be studied opening up student’s options and employment options, culminating in a lifelong interest in sociological issues, demonstrating excellence in their exams and accessing higher education.

Extended Project Qualification (Year 12)

The intent of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent learning through the exploration of a topic that reflects their interests, aspirations, and academic strengths. The EPQ is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, creativity, and resilience by encouraging students to take ownership of a substantial project from conception to completion. Through rigorous research, critical analysis, and reflective evaluation, students develop a deeper understanding of their chosen subject while extending their learning beyond the traditional curriculum. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a highly regarded independent research qualification that allows students to explore a topic of personal interest in depth. Equivalent to half an A Level, the EPQ encourages learners to plan, research, analyse, and present a project on a subject related to their academic interests or future career aspirations. Students can produce a dissertation, investigation, artefact, or performance, supported by detailed research and evaluation. The EPQ offers significant benefits, including the opportunity to develop expertise in a chosen area and demonstrate intellectual curiosity beyond the standard curriculum. Universities and employers value the qualification because it showcases initiative, independence, and commitment to learning. Throughout the course, students develop a wide range of transferable skills, including research, critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, time management, academic writing, and presentation skills. They also learn how to evaluate sources, construct evidence-based arguments, and reflect on their progress, preparing them for higher education and future employment.

Catholic Social Teaching

The social sciences department deliver Catholic Social Teaching (CST) by embedding its core principles across our subjects (psychology, sociology, criminology and EPQ). Teaching encourages students to examine human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and care for creation through contemporary social issues and case studies. Lessons explore poverty, migration, inequality, human rights, environmental justice, and ethical decision-making from both academic and faith-informed perspectives. Students are encouraged to evaluate social structures critically and consider how individuals and communities can promote justice and compassion. The curriculum also fosters discussion, debate, and reflective learning, enabling students to connect theory with real-world action. Opportunities for community engagement, charity projects, and partnerships with local organisations reinforce practical applications of CST values. Through inclusive teaching approaches, the department supports moral development, social responsibility, and active citizenship, helping students understand their role in building a more just and equitable society.

Enrichment opportunities

Future's and HE+ Programmes

The Head of Social Sciences (Mr Bennett) runs the Future's and HE+ Programmes in the sixth form that is open to a broad range of students and focuses on career paths and next steps after college. This includes workshops, guest speakers and visits to universities to broaden the student experience throughout their time at St Mary's.

New York and London trips

The social sciences department also offers the New York and London trips to all sixth form students. These are offered on a yearly basis that operates in rotation each year.

Mock trial

Within the subject we take part in a mock trial in which local magistrates and barristers come in and the students take part in a case trial, observing the full trial processes.

Useful websites

• AQA
• WJEC
• Psych Boost
• The Sociology Teacher
• I Think Therefore I Teach

Careers