In Social Sciences we achieve a balanced curriculum that prepares pupils to engage fully with society and the wider world.  Our approach to the curriculum is holistic, coherent and integrated and the curriculum we offer is personalised and aspirational.   Our curriculum is exciting, filled with opportunities to experience and learn new things, grow, reflect and question.  It is ambitious leading to exceptional knowledge and outcomes for all.  The Social Science curriculum empowers our students, preparing them for the world of work and to actively contribute to society.

Our curriculum has absolute clarity around the core knowledge at every stage of the learning journey.  It is thoughtful with considered sequencing that is informed by expert subject knowledge, research and cognitive science.

It is subject to an ongoing and rigorous review process, using our analysis of data and the wider ambitions of teaching and learning to ensure that the curriculum is effective in meeting the needs of all students.  Pupils use their knowledge to enable a deeper understanding and knowledge of the wider world to produce social empathy and develop skills of evaluation.  Students have the opportunity to link with the Co-op ways of being and to engage in debates around social justice throughout all courses.  

We aim to increase students’ cultural capital and how this can support them in their future and how they have the power to be successful.  

The Social Science team has a system to reinforce  knowledge that deepens understanding and promotes the transition from novice to expert learners, with fluent comprehension and application of specialist vocabulary. The transition is supported by research based strategies of rehearsal, including retrieval practice and elaboration.  To support this we deliver our curriculum through a variety of learning tasks and modes to suit all styles.  Each scheme of learning has a 5 lesson model which includes thinking maps, Blooms, key word test, iterative test, assessment, cooperative learning structure and home learning.  This runs parallel to a structured revision timetable that starts from September every year for key groups.  Understanding is checked through scheduled assessments which are followed by DIRT.  Modules taught in KS4 reflect KS5 units and new courses.  

The Social Science team have skilful checking for understanding through effective questioning, including ‘pitstops’, that is designed to anticipate errors and tackle misconceptions head on.

The department is led by experienced subject specialists who plan lessons and hold regular meetings to develop non specialists. A variety of methods of delivery that are rooted in the science behind the acquisition of knowledge, including first class guided, deliberate and independent practice.  Loom videos are also used to support non-specialists. 

Regular QA of lessons ensure that teaching and learning is consistently high and adapted when needed.  All students have a varied learning experience through different tasks that will result in a love of learning for Social Sciences and exceptional outcomes. 

The subject intent is delivered in Social Science through high quality planning that has clear end points focussed on the core knowledge required at each stage of the learning journey and is skillfully sequenced to address gaps and secure strong progress.  Learners benefit from guest speakers from the local community and beyond putting theory into  real life situations.  Learners will develop links with universities and local work experience placements. 

Students leave the Social Science team with an inquisitive mind, eager to find out more about society and how it works.  

Students are well informed  about relevant career opportunities due to visits to the local Law courts, links to jobs within the course specification and guest speakers such as Police Officers and Magistrates.