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Sociology

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Sociology is the study of society and of people and their behaviour. In studying a variety of topics, sociologists create theories to explain human behaviour and the workings of society. The subject is evidence based which means that the sociologist’s personal opinion must be backed up by facts about society. Sociologists therefore collect evidence methodically and systematically by carrying out research to establish whether their theories are correct. Sociology examines human social life and the structures we are all part of or come into contact with. These include; the family, education, the media, the Criminal Justice System and religious organisations. Sociology is about questioning and examining the assumptions on which our everyday lives are based.

The subject helps students to understand not only the unparalleled changes that are occurring in the world and the changing patterns of relationships between peoples, but their own lives, values and expectations. Sociology is a subject that students can relate to because it is relevant to their everyday lives, they can immediately engage with the subject even if they have not studied it before. Studying Sociology encourages students to develop critical and reflective thinking skills and a respect for social diversity.

Sociology is a popular and successful subject at GCSE, AS and A Level, with many of our students continuing with the subject at degree level and beyond.

KS4

GCSE Course(s) overview

The Course is available as a short or full course.
This course encourages students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad course of study and to reflect on their own experience of the social world. Students soon learn to apply sociological theory to real life situations.
Aims:
· To enable students to recognize that their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills help them to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between individuals, groups, institutions and societies.

· To be able to analyse a variety of sources of information and to base reasoned judgements and arguments on evidence.
· To be able to organise and communicate knowledge and understanding in different and creative ways to reach judgements.

The course is divided into two units:

Unit 1
Studying society – including theory and methods
Education
Families

Unit 2
Crime and deviance
Mass media
Power
Social inequality

Assessment format:

Unit 1
Written paper – 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks. 50% of full course. 100% of short course.
Students answer all questions in all three sections.
This includes 20 short response questions and 3 extended writing questions.

Unit 2
Written paper – 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks. 50% of full course. Unit 2 cannot be taken as a stand -alone short course.
Candidates choose three sections from four section options. Candidates answer all questions in each of the three sections.
This includes 18 short response questions and 3 extended writing questions.

GCSE Exam Board Used:
Board: AQA
Duration: three years
100% exam

GCSE Results 2019

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 50% grades 9-4.

GCSE Results 2020

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 62% grades 9-4.

GCSE Results 2021

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on another successful year 

GCSE Results 2022

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 71% grades 9-4.