Sociology

Qualification: GCSE Sociology

Examination Board: AQA

Course Description

• Paper 1: The Sociology of the Family and Education: In these two combined units students will learn to analyse and evaluate different sociological concepts around the family and education and their role in society. They will be tasked with identifying and evaluating these sociological concepts through different sociological perspectives as well as applying them to various sociological research methods. The unit will be examined by a 1 hour 45 minute written paper which is worth 50% of their GCSE.

• Paper 2: The Sociology of Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification: In these two combined units students will learn to analyse and evaluate different sociological concepts around the crime and deviance and social stratification within contemporary British society. They will be tasked with identifying and evaluating these sociological concepts through different sociological perspectives as well as applying them to various sociological research methods. The unit will be examined by a 1 hour 45 minute written paper which is worth 50% of their GCSE.

Why Study Sociology?

If you are curious or concerned about the world in which we live. If you wondered why boys and girls seem to act so differently, and why girls are doing better at school; if you’re curious about the influence of the media; if you’re concerned about the causes of crime or why people join gangs; if you’re wondering what’s happening to the Education system; if you’ve thought about how and why the family is changing; or finally how change can be brought about, then this course is for you.

Moreover you will learn how to improve your communication and literacy skills. You will learn how to research an issue, and how to critically look at the world around you, rather than just accepting what you’re told.

Progression Routes

Sociology is open to all students, although students who are targeted a level 5 or above in English are most likely to achieve a 9-5 level in the subject. Results in the past have been consistently high regularly exceeding national targets.

Many students go on to take Sociology A-Level, and in some cases then study a Sociology degree. However, Sociology, by developing a general set of skills as well as a critical approach to evidence and the world around you is highly valued for a range of career choices, from Law to Journalism, to Business and Politics.