Sociology
Key Stage 4
What will students learn?
Sociology studies how society works. It will help students to understand how individuals fit into a wider social network and encourage them to question beliefs about society which they may have previously taken for granted. Sociologists are interested in why society works in the way it that does and the extent to which our behaviour and opportunities can be shaped by our social class, gender, ethnicity, age and sexuality.
Students should choose Sociology if they are interested in the world around them. It is a subject that they will have experience of and one that will help them understand many aspects of their future. Students can bring their own life events and ideas into the classroom in a way they might not be able to in other subjects.
The topics that will be studied in GCSE Sociology are:
- The sociological approach
- Social structures, social processes and social issues
- Families
- Education
- Crime and deviance
- Social stratification
- Sociological research methods
How will students be taught?
This course is active, enjoyable and challenging. Students need to be good at communicating and prepared to debate and discuss contemporary issues. There is a mixture of whole class teaching, group work and individually based approaches to the subject, including the use of ICT and video. Good GCSE Sociology students will keep themselves up to date with current affairs and topical events.
How will students be assessed?
- Two written exam papers (1 hour and 45 minutes each) both worth 50% of the GCSE.
- A mixture of multiple choice questions, short responses and extended essays.
Examination board & course type
AQA – GCSE Sociology (8192).
What can studying this subject lead to?
There are many careers where a qualification in sociology is useful. For example, many sociologists go into social work – community projects, charity work, welfare advisors and other areas of social services. Other careers include the civil service, prison officers, journalists, the police and teaching.
Revision Advice
A subject specific guide featuring key content, recommended resources and the specifications we cover in that particular subject can be downloaded below:
Teacher to contact for further information
Mr S Evans