Sociology

Curriculum Statement of Intent

The intent of the Sociology curriculum is to enable students to participate in our interconnected world with understanding, sensitivity and empathy. Sociology allows young people to delve deeper into society and understand the functionality of it through critical thinking. The sociological journey will enable all learners to become young sociologists who will possess the ability to evaluate society around them, the subject will equip students with skills that will allow them to not only show appreciation; but also, be critical of how and why society works the way that it does.

Through studying sociology, learners will examine social phenomena that affect people’s lives in profound ways. The curriculum is sequenced logically to develop comprehension of the fundamentals of sociology and the development of skills of application. Learners will start their Sociological journey with an introduction to the key terms used by sociologists.  This will allow them to develop an understanding of Sociological perspectives, leading on to deepening knowledge by applying the perspectives to different topics, and finally extending the knowledge and using it to critically evaluate sociological perspectives and research. As the course starts with the study of families and households, this will allow young people to relate their real-life experiences to the course within an academic framework.  By studying the education system learners will then develop an understanding of society beyond their immediate household setting as their understanding of society grows.  The unit on research methods will then follow the study of families and households and the education system as learners will be able to fully understand the methods used by sociologists to study society.  After studying the visible structures in society such as the institutions of family and the education system, students will be ready to consider some of the more abstract aspects of sociological study such as beliefs in society.  This then culminates in the study of crime and deviance where learners will be able to synoptically understand why some people may not conform to the norms of society and why others break the law.

The nature of the sociology curriculum means that learners will be equipped with a thorough understanding of a range of issues that affect the contemporary world.  For example, the unit on families and households will enable learners to consider the wide range of family types and households in the UK today.  Whilst studying beliefs in society, learners will be able to gain insight into many different ideological and religious beliefs.  This will allow students to engage in modern society in a tolerant and respectful way. Cultural Capital is embedded throughout Sociology and learners will study research of sociologists from both the past and present.

Although Sociology is a new and refreshing subject, the multidisciplinary nature means that we aim to complement existing knowledge of the world and build on the transferable skills from the subjects studied in Key Stage 4 such as RE, Citizenship, Geography and History. The curriculum allows for so much more than preparing for an exam and embeds topical discussions on British Values, with cross-curricular links to areas within Law, Psychology, History and many more; Sociology is much more than just a subject specification. As it is the study of society it is a fantastic stepping stone to future relationships and interactions with members of wider society after formal education at Grace Academy Darlaston.

Learners will also gain a holistic and critical appreciation of society through the use of a range of teaching strategies that promote independent, pupil-led learning and active learning, such as well-structured debates and discussions to deepen understanding and enjoyment, whilst building core skills. Sociology allows students to explore and analyse various topics that are relevant and at times controversial. This will stimulate engagement with the subject and will allow discussion and develop knowledge on key social and political issues within society. Students will develop a deep Sociological understanding, and also the strategic skills such as analysis and critical thinking which are transferrable skills necessary for success in higher education and employment.

The Sociology journey will enable participation in our interconnected world and will shape enthusiastic, inquisitive, confident, tolerant and resourceful global citizen who can act responsibly and make effective contributions to wider society.

KS4 

Exam board used: Eduqas (part of WJEC) (C200QS) (2 year Full Course)

Method of assessment:

Paper 1 (1hr 45mins): Understanding Social Processes

50% of qualification

Paper 2 (1hr 45mins): Understanding Social Structures

50% of qualification

KS5

Year 12

AQA A Level Sociology

  • Education with Theory and Methods (Examination – 2 hours)
  • Topics in Sociology; Families and Households and Beliefs in Society (Examination – 2 hours)
  • Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (Examination – 2 hours

Support

Destinations

Most students attend university after this course whilst others will complete an apprenticeship.  Career destinations include the criminal justice system, the social work sector, education, healthcare, charity and research organisations.