Sociology
Faculty: Humanities
'The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.’ Pierre Bourdieu
Sociology at GCSE and A-Level involves the scientific study of Modern Britain. It raises many interesting questions by focusing on society’s institutions and examining the effects they have on people’s lives. Many topical questions and issues are introduced. Students are encouraged to be critical and to test their ideas by using sociological evidence and methods. The course provides insight into the ways people live their lives in a multicultural society and the reasons for their choices. Students on the course enjoy discussing and debating topical issues, read widely around the subjects and enjoy essay writing to communicate the debate.
Key stage 4 content
Students have 3 lessons a week
Exam board AQA www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology
Course outline
Unit 1: Studying Society; Education; Families Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins 90 marks – 50%
Unit 2: Crime and Deviance; Mass Media; Power; Social Inequality Written Paper – 1 hour 30 mins
90 marks – 50%
Students develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society, and how sociologists study and understand its structures, processes and issues. Sociology is exciting, interesting and relevant to students’ lives. This specification encourages students to take a questioning approach to evidence and issues, thus developing their critical, evaluative skills.
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 10 |
Studying Society |
Education |
Family |
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Year 11 |
Crime and deviance |
Mass Media |
Social inequality |
Key stage 5 content
Entry requirements: B in English Language or literature B in Humanities (B in Sociology if studied at GCSE)
Students have 4/5 lessons a week
Exam board AQA www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology
From September, the Sociology Department shall be offering a brand new A-Level course in response to legislative changes to the curriculum.
In the AS course, students study a wide variety of topics, from the functions of education, what social groups achieve higher results and why, to how recent government reforms have affected education. Students also study the functions of the family and how the family structure has changed with contemporary society with immigration, changes of attitude, the decline in religion has led to greater family diversity.
The A-level course involves Education, Family and Households, in addition to this they will be studying what is considered to be criminal in today’s society, what makes someone break the law, discussing whether the criminal justice system is effective, and so on. Students will also study Beliefs in Society, where they will explore different purposes of religion, who is more religious and whether religion is still important in contemporary society. There is a research element to both years of the course.
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
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Year 12 |
Paper 1: Education and research methods |
Paper 2: Research methods and Families and Households |
Revision, start A-level. Paper 1: Theories and Methods |
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Year 13 |
Paper 3: Crime and deviance with Theories and Methods
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Paper 2 Families and households and Beliefs in Society
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Paper 1 Education with Theories and Methods Revision |
Outside the classroom
Trips include the Church of Scientology and Hare Krishna temple, The Royal Courts of Justice (the Old Bailey) and University taster days. Each year students also attend sociology related summer schools in preparation for continuing sociology or related disciplines at university.
Progression Pathways and careers
Students are able to study GCSE, A-level and then move on to college or university to follow sociology or related courses.
Many sociology graduates work in the public sector in a social or welfare role; others go into the public and private sector. Employers include local and central government, industry, commerce, the NHS, education, charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations. Careers include Law, Journalism, Social Work, Education, Government/Politics, Criminology/Police, Management and Economics.
Useful links
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology
https://teachsociology.wordpress.com/author/teachsociology/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics
Contact
Hannah Griffiths, Teacher of Social Science GriffithsH@hendonschool.co.uk
