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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 and A Level, with many of our students continuing with the subject at degree level.

KS4

GCSE Course overview

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 recognise 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

 

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

 

The course will be assessed through 2 exam papers; 1 hour 45 minutes each.

Paper 1: The Sociology of Families and Education

Paper 2: The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification

GCSE Results 2023

Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving

75% Grades 9-4 in Sociology 

 

GCSE Results 2022

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