Sociology

Overview:
Sociology is about your life and the world around you. It is a subject that you will have experience of and one that will help you understand many aspects of your future. You can bring your own life events and ideas into the classroom in a way you might not be able to with other subjects. Sociology seeks to understand all aspects of human social behaviour, including the social dynamics of small groups of people, large organisations, communities, institutions and even entire societies. Sociologists are typically motivated by their desire to better understand the fundamental principles of social life, believing that an understanding of these principles will help improve people’s lives through more enlightened and effective policies. Studying Sociology helps students to develop skills values by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

Key Stage 4:

At Key stage 4 pupils study the AQA course.

Sociology is becoming an increasingly popular course at GCSE level. Students develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions.

In Year 10 pupils study:

1. Sociological Research methods
2. The Sociological approach
3. Social structures, social processes and social issues
4. Families
5. Education

In Year 11 pupils study:

1. Crime and deviance
2. Social Stratification

For information and resources from the AQA website follow this link:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/sociology-8192 

Key Stage 5:

At Key stage 5 pupils study the AQA course.

Students develop skills workers need: critical and analytical thinking, writing ability, communication skills, cultural competence, and self-awareness. You will be learning in smaller groups and you will continue to develop as an independent learner. In particular, there will be a focus on debate, discussion and methodological research.

In year 12 pupils study:

1. Families and Households
2. Research methods
3. Education (with research methods)

In year 13 pupils study:

1. Theory
2. The Media
3. Crime and deviance

For information and resources from the AQA website follow this link:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192/assessment-resources