GCSE Sociology helps students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. Students will 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.
By studying sociology, students will develop transferable skills including how to: investigate facts and make deductions; develop opinions and new ideas on social issues; analyse and better understand the social world.
The AQA GCSE Sociology course is 100% exam, and is split into two exams at the end of year 11. The exam questions differ in style; there are a range of multiple choice, short answer and mini-essay questions which require the key skills of: knowledge and understanding, application, analysis and evaluation.
In paper 1, you will be assessed on the content you will study in year 10: families, education and research methods. Research methods is embedded throughout both exams.
In paper 2, you will be assessed on year 11 content: crime and deviance and social stratification.
Besides only being appropriate for those who have an ‘Exceeding’ in English (due to the high level of literacy required),
Students who:
● Attend and are punctual
● Respect – listen to others, don’t speak over others, treat people the way you want to be treated
● Have manners
● Are not stereotypical / use stereotypical language
● Appreciate others’ opinions or views
Family
differing views of the functions of families
how family forms differ in the UK and around the world
how domestic roles are distributed in the family
changes in the pattern of divorce
Education
different views of the role and functions of education
the relationship between education and capitalism
factors affecting educational achievement, such as gender, ethnicity and class
processes within schools affecting educational achievement, such as teacher labelling and institutionalised racism
Crime and deviance
the social construction of crime and deviance
formal and informal methods of social control
factors affecting criminal and deviant behaviour, such as gender, ethnicity, class and age
the usefulness of the main sources of data on crime
Social Stratification
functionalist theory of social stratification
different views of socio-economic class
different views on factors affecting life chances
different interpretations of poverty as a social issue
different forms of power and authority
different views on factors affecting power relationships
Hello future Sociology candidates, I'm sure the prospect of choosing your GCSE options, especially having not had the full duration of years 8 and 9 in school, seems very daunting. On top of this, you have been given the option to study a range of new subjects that some of you have probably never heard of or know what they entail; Sociology being a prime example. I have studied Sociology over the past two years and can honestly say it has opened my eyes to the ways in which the world works and how our society functions. It's an engaging subject that never fails to spark up a debate so if you enjoy divulging into the complexities and the deeper reasons behind things it's definitely worth considering taking. Sociology is a commendable GCSE that shows you can think critically, demonstrate your writing abilities when formulating arguments, and allows you to better understand the social world in which we are living. It will not only aid in broadening your views and enable you to see the world from different points of view but also provide some respite from the subjects you've been studying for the past few years. It's challenging and therefore requires determination however fabulous teachers and excellent resources will equip you to support your learning. Good luck choosing your options and if you do choose Sociology, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
Out of all my GCSE options, Sociology is by far my favourite and one I did not hesitate to take further at A-level. Since doing Sociology at GCSE I have a totally different outlook on the world around us as you are exposed to different perspectives on certain topics within Family, Education, Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification over the course. We get to understand topics that are actually relevant to you. Not only has it been a fun and interesting subject to learn there is a lot of cross over into other subjects, especially English. It has helped my essay writing and provides useful context which can be used in English Literature when studying texts such as 'An Inspector Calls'. If you are interested in what happens in our society and ready to work hard, take GCSE Sociology!
Ever wanted to discuss a topic of controversy yet fear that it may go against societal acceptability? Ever wanted to put across your thoughts on the day-to-day injustices experienced in society, depending upon factors like gender, ethnicity, class and age? If you have, then this subject was made for you, and you have found your perfect next step for GCSE, if this has never taken your fancy, then why not take a venture into the unknown and give something different a go? It won't be a choice that you would regret.
I appreciate taking your options is a really difficult decision, it was for me too, but I am so thankful that I decided to take sociology as an option as it provides some light exposure into the real world and unfolds new perspectives on society, in which you are accustomed to think is acceptable and fair, until you step into the shoes of a sociologist!
Personally I really love the subject as we learn about a range of topic areas including; family, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. It also gives you a brand new opportunity to explore the inner voice inside of you and is a subject like no other and I think that you would love it just as much as I do!
Sociology has links to every career. It has direct links to the criminal justice system; charity and research organisations; social work and youth work; probation services; emergency services and teaching. Sociology will give you a level of understanding about other people that you wouldn't have if you didn't study it. It allows you to consider the impact of individual's personal circumstances, such as background, ethnicity and even gender and how those factors can affect life chances. It will give you a level of awareness and compassion which is essential in any pathway you choose to take.
Any other questions? Please email Miss Garratt: