What is our curriculum intent?

In Sociology, students explore how humans experience and make sense of the world through a range of theoretical, methodological and conceptual frameworks. The course aims to develop knowledge and understanding about society and how sociologists study and understand its structures, processes and issues. The course covers key questions, such as ‘How does Society Work?’, ‘Do Women have less Power than Men in Society?’, ‘Why do some students do worse at school than others?’ and ‘Is Prison Effective?’

The specification for AQA GCSE Sociology offers students the opportunity to try a new, interesting and exciting subject and provides a solid foundation for those looking to study A-Level Sociology. This specification encourages students to take a questioning approach to evidence and issues, thus developing their critical and evaluative skills. Students should show a willingness to participate in group work, discussions and an interest in the world around them.

GCSE Sociology – Unit 1 – studied in Year 10

The topics covered are Family, Education and the Sociological Theory/Methodology.

• The family topic studies the nature of the family, issues surround the family, such as domestic violence, childhood, ageing and how it can have an impact on society.
• The education topic studies theoretical views on the purposes of the education system, the hidden processes in schooling and differential achievement between social groups.
• Relevant areas of sociological theories, such as Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism and Interactionism along with understanding of how social research is conducted, are also studied.

GCSE Sociology – Unit 2 – studied in Year 11

The topics covered are Social Stratification and Crime & Deviance

• The Social Stratification topic studies issues of poverty, power, life chances, class and theories associated with social stratification
• The crime & deviance topics looks the differential nature of crime committed and perpetrated upon social groups, current contemporary trends in crime, such as the influence of the media on crime, anti-social behaviour and the social construction of crime.
• Relevant areas of sociological theories, such as functionalism, Marxism, Feminism and the New Right along with understanding of how social research is conducted, are also studied.

How do we measure the impact of the course during Year 11?

GCSE Sociology – Unit 1 & Unit 2

Students are assessed at the end of the Year 11 by two written examination papers of 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. Each Paper is worth 100 marks and both account for 50% of the GCSE. This course does not involve the completion of any controlled assessment assignments. In preparation for examinations, students complete a range of assessment tasks in class and study compulsory key texts.

What we teach when

Year 10

Year 11

What extra opportunities to learn sociology are available?

We have a range of extracurricular activities which will extend thinking skills within Social Studies, including a ‘Sociology Book Club’, ‘Fawcett Society’, ‘Amnesty International Group’ and the ‘Bark Mock Trial’ competition.

What websites do we recommend?

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/sociology/specifications/AQA-8192-SP-2017.PDF (Specification)

https://www.britsoc.co.uk/

https://www.thesociologicalreview.com/ (Sociology Review Magazine is updated regularly in the LRC)

Contact:

Mr J Mayhew:
jmayhew@wilmslowhigh.com