General Studies (Sixth Form)

STAFF: Mrs S. Hutton

General Studies is divided up into three main subject areas: the Scientific Domain, the Social Domain and the Cultural Domain.  For example students may answer questions about artist creativity, the role of scientists, different religious beliefs, political issues and the role of moral and philosophical values in society. Several teachers contribute to the planning and delivery of the material, which gives students the opportunity to extend their interests to a range of disciplines and recognise the interdependence of different areas of study.

Four main skills are required to perform well at this subject.  Firstly showing knowledge and understanding of the subject area, secondly displaying accurate and effective communication skills and thirdly being able to analysis and evaluate the discussion topic.  Finally the most challenging skills is being able to recognise different types of knowledge and its limitations, as well as demonstrating an understanding about the complexity of the topics that we study.

General Studies lessons are planned to be fun and enjoyable with a huge emphasis on active student participation.  The depth of the course provides a broad basis on which to prepare for adulthood, higher education and subsequent careers.

The course is externally assessed with two exams at the end of Year 12 and Year 13 as outlined below:

AS level

Unit one:    The Cultural and Scientific Domains
Unit two:    The Scientific Domain

A2 level

Unit three:    Domain Exploration
Unit four:    Culture, Science and Society: Making Connections

For further information please contact Mrs Hutton, Deputy Head of the Sixth Form