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KS4: GCSE Sociology

Intent

Studying Sociology gives students the opportunity to delve deeper into society and understand how it functions through critically examining ways of life. It aims to create responsible citizens with awareness of social issues such as inequality, prejudice and discrimination, and encourage students to lead healthy and happy lives by developing awareness of social issues which they can apply in their own lives. The knowledge and skills gained in Sociology aims to create students who are confident in developing and expressing their own informed opinions but are also respectful of the views of others.

Curriculum Journey

In Year 10 students will look at the basic concepts of Sociology before applying them to two different units which cover social issues, structures and processes and the concept of the family. At the end of the year we will look at the topic of Education as we move into Year 11.In Year 11 students will cover the topics of Crime and Deviance, Social Stratification and Research Methods as they continue to build upon the foundation laid down in Year 10.

Careers

Pupils studying Sociology will be well placed to pursue a career pathway in:

  • Public sector 
  • Teaching
  • Politics

Assessment

External Assessment

Paper 1 50%: The sociology of families and education

What’s assessed

  • The sociology of families
  • The sociology of education
  • Relevant areas of social theory and methodology

Paper 2 50%: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification

What’s assessed

  • The sociology of crime and deviance
  • The sociology of social stratification
  • Relevant areas of social theory and methodology

Module 1

3.1 The Sociological Approach

Module 2

3.1 The Sociological Approach

Module 3

3.2 Social Structures, Social Processes and Social Issues

Module 4

3.2 Social Structures, Social Processes and Social Issues

Module 5

3.3 Families

Module 6

3.3 Families

3.4 Education

Module 1

3.4 Education

Module 2

3.5 Crime and Deviance

Module 3

3.5 Crime and Deviance

3.6 Social Stratification

Module 4

3.6 Social Stratification

Module 5

3.7 Sociological Research Methods

Module 6

3.7 Sociological Research Methods