Criminology

Welcome

Criminology examines why crime is committed (e.g. biological, psychological, and sociological explanations) as well as how the criminal justice system works and how crime leads to social policy change. The assessment includes coursework and examinations. The diploma is equivalent to one A-Level.

Key Staff

Mrs Jackson - Head of Department
Miss Thompson - Social Science Teacher
Mrs Pedder - Social Science Teacher

Curriculum Intent

We teach Criminology as it is a subject that enhances understanding human behaviour - drawing on a wide range of disciplines, including Biology, Psychology, Sociology and Law. Students develop a broad set of academic skills as well as empathy and understanding of the policies to reduce offending.

Key Stage 5

Level 3: WJEC

Criminology is the scientific study of the nature causes, control and consequences of criminal behaviour. It examines why crime is committed focusing on biological, psychological, and sociological explanations, as well as how the criminal justice system works and how crime leads to social policy change. Criminology will enable learners to demonstrate understanding of different types of crime, influences on perceptions of crime and why some crimes are unreported and allow learners to gain an understanding of why people commit crime.

The course is split into 4 units across Year 12 (unit 1 and unit 2) and Year 13 (unit 3 and unit 4).

The focus of learning is on building informed, balanced and clear arguments through academic research and investigation of contemporary issues in crime and criminal justice. The course covers areas of sociology, psychology and law and therefore requires some extended writing in both coursework and exams.

Many students will continue to study Criminology or related courses at University. Employment possibilities in criminal justice include law enforcement, probation, parole as well as community support services. Opportunities also exist in research, policy analysis, journalism and information science.

Summary Curriculum Plans

Homework Intent

The purpose of Criminology homework is to enhance the student's subject knowledge and develop essential skills and a wider interest and appreciation of the subject. A range of homework tasks are set which include independent and group research projects and TED talks followed by comprehension questions.

Inclusion

It is our intent that pupils with special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) follow the same curriculum, learn alongside their peers and achieve similar outcomes.

In addition, they may benefit from additional opportunities in the lessons and in the co-curricular activities that are arranged especially for them.

SEND Implementation and Impact

Pupil Premium Intent

Literacy

Reading Aims:

To ensure students are equipped to understand command words in questions.
To ensure students are equipped with a range of independent reading strategies to aid subject comprehension, exam technique and accessing the subject beyond the curriculum.
To ensure students are equipped with a range of independent reading strategies when applying source material (Sociology / Criminology / Health and Social Care).
To support students in understanding complex vocabulary that they encounter in their reading.
To encourage students to read for pleasure outside of the lessons (reading lists and classroom displays).
To encourage students to engage with topical subject related subject material.

Writing Aims:

To ensure students are equipped with strategies to construct their answers to meet the demands of the exam but also show flair and creativity.
To ensure students are equipped with a range of independent strategies to enable them to plan their answers carefully.
To equip students with strategies to reflect on their writing.
To enable students to manage the demands of writing in timed conditions.

Literacy Strategies