GCSE Social Studies

Social studies explores how social movements and events have shaped our society, understanding how we function and the major challenges we face.

The new GCSE Social Studies will inspire learners to want to change the world. Through social enquiry and social action, learners will explore contemporary social issues, identity, rights and responsibilities, equality, and inequality.

This will equip learners to better understand a complex and challenging world, which continues to change at a rapid pace, and empower them to navigate a just and sustainable future as active citizens.

What will learners be assessed on?

Learners will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of:

  • The ethical and social implications of technology.

  • How social action influences issues faced by individuals and communities, from a local, national, and wider world perspective.

  • The challenges of social and economic inequalities and the impact on people, places, and community.

  • The key societal challenges in connection with the natural world and their potential consequences.

  • How social movements and events have shaped society, and how this can be interpreted by different people in different places.

  • The influence of social agency on democratic processes and community organisation.

Learners must also show that they can:

  • Engage in and apply the skills of enquiry.

  • Critically review the ways events and experiences are perceived, interpreted, and represented, by exploring a range of interpretations, representations and evidence.

  • Make connections and transfer learning into new contexts.

  • Critically evaluate and analyse perceptions, beliefs, and conclusions, and collect and analyse data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

This qualification will provide natural and authentic opportunities to explore Human Rights and diversity, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic history, identity, culture, and contributions, through the unique subject lens of Social Studies. It will be structured to reflect a diverse range of perspectives and groups in society and allow learners to develop a sense of cynefin.

The qualification content and assessment will be designed to reflect and respond to current events and contemporary social issues. It will be structured around the following themes:

  • Social conflict and peace

  • Democracy

  • Social and economic equity

  • Protecting the environment and sustainability

  • Technology and its influence on society.

How will learners be assessed?

Exams (50%). Half of the qualification will be assessed through exams taken at the end of the two-year course.

Social enquiry research project (30%). This assessment will be set by the awarding body, marked by teachers, and moderated by the awarding body.

Non-exam assessment (20%). This non-exam assessment could include a decision-making exercise or critical evaluation in the form of a case study. Tasks will be set by the awarding body and will either be marked by the school and moderated by the awarding body, or marked by the awarding body.

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal. 

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Social studies explores how social movements and events have shaped our society, understanding how we function and the major challenges we face.

The new GCSE Social Studies will inspire learners to want to change the world. Through social enquiry and social action, learners will explore contemporary social issues, identity, rights and responsibilities, equality, and inequality.

This will equip learners to better understand a complex and challenging world, which continues to change at a rapid pace, and empower them to navigate a just and sustainable future as active citizens.

What will learners be assessed on?

Learners will be assessed on their knowledge and understanding of:

  • The ethical and social implications of technology.

  • How social action influences issues faced by individuals and communities, from a local, national, and wider world perspective.

  • The challenges of social and economic inequalities and the impact on people, places, and community.

  • The key societal challenges in connection with the natural world and their potential consequences.

  • How social movements and events have shaped society, and how this can be interpreted by different people in different places.

  • The influence of social agency on democratic processes and community organisation.

Learners must also show that they can:

  • Engage in and apply the skills of enquiry.

  • Critically review the ways events and experiences are perceived, interpreted, and represented, by exploring a range of interpretations, representations and evidence.

  • Make connections and transfer learning into new contexts.

  • Critically evaluate and analyse perceptions, beliefs, and conclusions, and collect and analyse data using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

This qualification will provide natural and authentic opportunities to explore Human Rights and diversity, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic history, identity, culture, and contributions, through the unique subject lens of Social Studies. It will be structured to reflect a diverse range of perspectives and groups in society and allow learners to develop a sense of cynefin.

The qualification content and assessment will be designed to reflect and respond to current events and contemporary social issues. It will be structured around the following themes:

  • Social conflict and peace

  • Democracy

  • Social and economic equity

  • Protecting the environment and sustainability

  • Technology and its influence on society.

How will learners be assessed?

Exams (50%). Half of the qualification will be assessed through exams taken at the end of the two-year course.

Social enquiry research project (30%). This assessment will be set by the awarding body, marked by teachers, and moderated by the awarding body.

Non-exam assessment (20%). This non-exam assessment could include a decision-making exercise or critical evaluation in the form of a case study. Tasks will be set by the awarding body and will either be marked by the school and moderated by the awarding body, or marked by the awarding body.

For more details on the purpose and aims, content and assessment arrangements of this qualification, please read the full design proposal. 

We also have a Youth Friendly version for you to access.

Page last updated: 14 Dec 2023, 01:57 PM