Curriculum overview

Sociology offers an engaging and effective introduction to issues in society. Pupils will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by further education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

Aims

The study of Sociology must focus on contemporary society and foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with respect for social diversity.

Provide and awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues.

To encourage the development of a personal sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

Acquire sociological knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes.

Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate.

Understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process.

Develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society.

Develop a lifelong interest in social issues.

KS4:

Year 10 – Topics Taught

Three compulsory topics

Studying society: made up as follows:

The sociological approach, The research process in Sociology, Quantitative methods, Qualitative methods, Secondary sources of data, Planning a research project.

Education; made up a follows:

The role Education, The structure of the education system, Differential educational achievement,

Families and Households; made up as follows

Defining a ‘family’ and a ‘household’, Different sociological approaches to families, Role and authority relationships in families, Changing patterns and life expectancy.

Year 11 – Topics Taught

Crime and deviance; made up as follows:

Definitions of crime and deviance, Different explanations of crime and deviance, \Sources of statistical data on thee extent of crime, The social distribution of crime, The impact of crime and deviance.

Method of Assessment at KS4 (include Exam boards and weightings)

Exam Board AQA 100% written exam

KS5:

Year 12 – Topics Taught

Year 13 – Topics Taught

Method of Assessment at KS5 (include Exam boards and weightings)

Exam Board -  AQA   100% written examination

Written exam of 3 three papers for an award in A Level Sociology at the end of Year 13

Pupils may write an AS exam of two papers at the end of year 12, this will be at the school’s discretion. 

The AS level qualification will have no contributing value to the full A Level qualification awarded at the end of year 13. 

The assessment for the AS exam is shown in the table below.

AS Assessments