Sociology
All students will follow the AQA GCSE specification. They will begin the course in Year 9. Students will develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society and its structures, processes and issues.
Sociology is a literacy based subject which helps to develop a student’s written and verbal communication skills. Sociology is exciting, interesting and relevant to students’ lives. This specification encourages students to question society and the structures and institutions that control our lives. They will be questioning evidence and issues, thus developing their critical, evaluating skills.
AQA Sociology GCSE
This is a full GCSE qualification accredited by AQA where students will learn how to apply their literacy skills to develop their ideas for essay based questions. Students will evaluate and reflect on their work and that of their peers throughout the course allowing them to improve and reach their full potential. Communication skills are paramount in the learning as is the ability to develop personal opinions with justification and evidence. This course will also help prepare students for their future in society.
Progression
The course offers excellent progression to A-Level courses. Studying sociology can lead to careers in law, teaching, social work, counselling, nursing, administration, journalism, librarian, youth and community worker and many more.
Course Content
Sociology is the study of society and the people within it.
Unit 1 – The Sociology of Families and Education
- The sociology of families and households
- The sociology of education
- Relevant areas of social theory, including Marxism, functionalism and feminism and research methodology.
Unit 2 – The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification
- The sociology of crime and deviance
- The sociology of social stratification including social inequality, power structures and poverty.
- Relevant areas of social theory, including Marxism, functionalism and feminism and research methodology.
Assessment
Assessment is 100% examination based at the end of the course of study. Students will sit 2 examinations, both 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering the units studied above. Each exam is work 50% of the GCSE.