The Social Sciences department at Plantsbrook school is a skilled and experienced department that endeavours to provide all students with an understanding of society and the individual through a range of subjects on offer at KS4 and KS5. In order to ensure inclusivity, we offer vocational and traditional qualifications in Psychology (A level), Sociology (A level) and Health and Social Care (BTEC L3). Students can study Psychology in Year 10 and are often wanting to continue this into A level. Uptake for these courses is really strong and it continues to grow year on year. Our aim is to ensure that all students build the confidence and resilience to understand how both society and the individual has an impact on behaviour, along with the possible roles students can undertake within the health and social care industry.

We believe that these courses provide students with the ability to plan and conduct research through standardised procedures in a scientific manner. They develop skills to write accurate reports and assignments that are appropriate to consolidate their knowledge. In their write up, this will include analysis through critical thinking, evaluation and drawing conclusions that are valid and balanced. This will prepare them beyond their education and into the real world. Students will know how approaches and perspectives are used within differing areas and be able to explain different types of behaviour from both an individual and societal perspective.