SKE Lead

Holly Lacy

What is your current role and experience in teaching?

Currently, I am a teacher of psychology and sociology at Elliott Hudson College and Social Science Subject Knowledge Lead at GORSE SCITT.

Why are you passionate about your subject?

The social sciences allow us to question the taken for granted and understand human and societal behaviours. Also, the experiments and studies in the field are fascinating!

What impact does strong subject knowledge have?

It impacts everything. If a teacher is a master of their subject this significantly impacts their teaching, gives students confidence in them as a teacher and enables them to better understand the exam rubric for their subject. All of which ensure progress for students.

Modules

Module One (Week 1)

Introduction to the course, exam papers and specification. Overview of the Theories topic.  

In this module we explore the foundation of teaching sociology. We also explore how the exam papers and specifications are set out in A- level AQA sociology and the assessment objectives required of learners. The main theories within the sociology discipline will be present in all other aspects of the course and are infamous in society. From the ever positive, Functionalists to the more sceptical Marxists and Feminists you will explore how these theories contrast and explain the world we live in. You will also be presented with more updated action theories and how some political perspectives have been shaped by these theories, including the new right.

Module Two (Week 2)

Education 

This topic has the most transference to GCSE and other exam providers and is one which really engages students with its relevancy. The module begins with using each of the theories to explain their view on the role of education in society, some believing it is just a tool to deliver the ideologies of the rich and powerful to produce the future obedient workforce. Then as we go throughout history, we can see how many of the educational policies have shaped the education system we know today. Finally, we look at how education differs for varying social groups of class, gender and ethnicity and which part of these groups have more of an advantage at succeeding.

Module Three (Week 3)

Families and Households 

As a topic found on the GCSE specifications this is a very popular topic chosen on the options paper 2 in A level. As society changes with policies and norms, so does the family and this topic will explore the different households we may find ourselves in for the duration of our lives. We will look at how the idea of childhood came into existence and no longer seeing children merely as ‘mini adults’. There is also a reflection on how the demographics of marriage, divorce and childbearing has shifted and the impact this can have on the power and dynamic of couples.

Module Four (Week 4)

Crime and Deviance 

This final topic is one which most students will be excited to learn due to the nature of the content. We must examine how crime and deviance has changed throughout the years and which social groups may find themselves more likely to be involved in this dependent on their class, gender and ethnicity. We look at the ways prevention, punishment and surveillance has changed, going on to the famous work of Foucault’s panopticon theory. Finally, we must look at crime in the postmodern world that has been affected by globalisation such as state, corporate and green crime.

“ I really enjoyed learning a range of topics within the Biology curriculum and working with a subject expert. ”

Delivery and Assessment

The programme is delivered through optional online tutorials and asynchronous study.

Assessments will include mini tasks, evaluative tasks, research and readings. There will also be an opportunity to reflect on the key ideas learnt in each unit of work. Each submission of assessment will receive detailed and clear feedback outlining professional knowledge, strength and areas to develop further over the remainder of the course.

Want to find out more?

Book an information evening or taster day.

These virtual events will take place with our leadership team to give you an opportunity to find out more about the courses we offer, the support you will receive and your journey as a GORSE SCITT trainee.