The Westgate School Weekly Newsletter

Post-Ofsted Report Parent Information Evenings This Week

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of the information evenings this week. The current-day Ofsted report format is very much streamlined compared to previous framework and does not contain much of the information that Inspectors discuss in their team meetings when they make final formal judgements.

Headteachers are allowed to attend these meetings which I did during our recent inspection where I observed the detail behind the report. I have used this detail with staff to inform our next steps of the school’s development and would like to do the same with parents this week. I look forward to seeing you.

Meeting Information:

Criminology at Westgate

Here is what our students have been up to...

Year 12:

In Year 12 Criminology, students have been exploring various aspects of crime and its societal impact. They have studied different types of crime, including state crimes, hate crimes, domestic abuse, and white-collar crime. The role of media in shaping perceptions of crime has also been examined, with a focus on how victims, crimes, and criminals are represented and stereotyped. Students have been analysing the Grenfell Tower tragedy as a case study, gaining insight into systemic failings and accountability.

Additionally, they have explored Clare’s Law, which allows individuals to request disclosures about a partner's criminal record, highlighting the importance of legislation in protecting potential victims.

Year 13:

In Year 13 Criminology, students have been focusing on the investigative and judicial processes, studying the journey from crime scene investigation to courtroom prosecution. They have examined the validity of evidence, assessing its reliability and role in securing convictions.

Additionally, they have explored the relationship between media and crime, analysing how crimes, victims, and the criminal justice system are represented and the impact of these portrayals on public perception and more.

Psychology at Westgate

Here is what our students have been up to...

Year 11

Year 11 students have been actively engaging with the topic of 'Social Influences on Behaviour'. They have been exploring key concepts such as social loafing, which refers to the tendency for individuals to put in less effort when working in a group compared to when working alone. They have also examined how different parenting styles – such as authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive – can have a significant impact on a child's behaviour and development. This foundational knowledge helps them better understand the complex ways in which social dynamics shape human behaviour.

Year 12

Meanwhile, the Year 12 Psychology students have been delving into the topics of 'Approaches in Psychology' and 'Research Methods' – both of which are crucial for building a deeper understanding of psychological theories and the scientific processes used to study human behaviour. These topics will serve as key building blocks for the remainder of their Psychology course, helping them to critically evaluate psychological research and apply theoretical approaches to real-life scenarios.

Year 13

The Year 13 Psychology students have been focusing on more advanced topics, including 'Issues and Debates' within psychology, such as the nature versus nurture debate and the ethical considerations involved in psychological research. They have also been studying 'Statistical Tests', learning how to analyse research data accurately, and exploring 'Biological Psychology', which investigates the role of the brain, neurotransmitters, and genetics in influencing behaviour.

Sociology at Westgate

Here is what our students have been up to...

Year 12:

In Year 12 Sociology, students have been examining the purpose of education and exploring different types of schools, including public, private, and state education, while questioning whether the British education system is truly meritocratic. They have also studied key educational policies, such as selection, marketisation, privatisation, and equal opportunity initiatives, alongside the implications of university tuition fees.

In the Families and Households unit, students have been analysing changes in family life, considering trends in fertility, birth, marriage, and divorce rates, as well as the rise of blended and same-sex families. Additionally, they have engaged in debates about the domestic division of labour, exploring who undertakes various roles in the home and whether families remain patriarchal in contemporary society.

Year 13:

In Year 13 Sociology, students have been exploring a range of engaging topics, including media and its influence on popular culture, such as music, film, fashion, and language conventions. They also examine globalisation, focusing on the political, economic, and cultural interconnectedness between people, places, and events. The study of crime and deviance covers various forms of wrongdoing, from state crimes and white-collar offences like tax evasion and embezzlement to individual crimes, including assault, hate crimes, and domestic abuse (encompassing financial control, verbal abuse, and physical violence).

Additionally, students delve into theory and methods, debating whether a 'scientific study of society' is possible or desirable.