Curriculum Intent
The intent of the Sociology curriculum is to enable pupils to participate in our interconnected world with understanding and humanity, and the higher-level skills needed for the knowledge-based economy. Through the study of Sociology, pupils will examine social phenomena that affect people’s lives in profound ways. The course is designed and delivered to nurture thoughtful and motivated young people, who can act responsibly as active citizens, and who believe in their ability to change their community for the better. At both Key Stage 4 and 5 the Sociology curriculum challenges pupils to look beyond appearances and set aside their own personal beliefs to enable them to grow in compassion and kindness. It empowers pupils with intellectually challenging ideas and concepts and essential skills of critical thinking. We encourage pupils to make mistakes, and learn from them, so they succeed in being resilient and courageous.
The curriculum is sequenced logically from the start of the Year 10 curriculum that enables pupils to build a sociological vocabulary, via an introduction to how sociologists study society and sociological theory, through to A Level where pupils are challenged to debate the relative values of different theoretical perspectives and how sociology can be applied to enable social change. Each topic makes synoptic links to previous content, allowing pupils knowledge to grow sequentially. For example, when studying crime and deviance, the impact of socialisation in the family on anti- social behaviour is analysed, this creates clear building blocks for effective learning.
Pupils will gain a holistic and critical appreciation of Sociology through use of a range of teaching strategies that promote independent, pupil-led learning and active learning, such as well-structured debates and discussions and practical activities to deepen pupils understanding and enjoyment, whilst building core skills. From year10 to Year 13 a key focus of the curriculum is active engagement in Sociological research and pupils will complete independent research tasks, solidifying their research methods skills. Pupils will also have the opportunity to apply their understanding to current events and topics in the real world.
Key Stage 4 in Sociology
During Key Stage 4 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.
Key Stage 5 in Sociology
During Key Stage 5 students will continue to build upon their ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts and evidence and sociological research methods. They will be able to apply sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods to a range of issues and analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence and research methods in order to present arguments, make judgements, and draw conclusions.
How is Sociology taught?
Pupils will gain a holistic and critical appreciation of Sociology through use of a range of teaching strategies that promote independent, pupil-led learning and active learning, such as well-structured debates and discussions and practical activities to deepen pupils understanding and enjoyment, whilst building core skills. From year 10 to Year 13 a key focus of the curriculum is active engagement in Sociological research and pupils will complete independent research tasks, solidifying their research methods skills. Pupils will also have the opportunity to apply their understanding to current events and topics in the real world.
In all lessons taught there is a clear focus on knowledge retention, though the use of “Knowledge Retrieval”, where students are presented with questions from last lesson, last month and last term. This will help to embed the key knowledge that they need in their long-term memory. Elements of mastery are deeply imbedded within the curriculum so that students practise second order concepts and work with the knowledge they are gaining to become masters of Sociology. By presenting students with the “Bigger Picture” students are able to see how it links to their wider study of society facilitate understanding of and an interest in how Sociology is applied in the real world.
Essay questions are part of all lessons with modelling and scaffolding provided for all students with an opportunity for students to reflect on answers and improve.
Regular assessments will take place to embed learning all in the same style and format as final exams.
At both key stages students are provided with feedback sheets for longer essay questions with clear guidance on how to improve answers. Essay writing is an essential requirement for success and students are taught how to structure an essay using modelling, exemplars and developing a clear understanding of how to deconstruct questions and examiners feedback.
Assessments are carried out regularly in class throughout the course. All assessments take the form of exam style questions and students are given the opportunity to practice applying a wide variety of knowledge in differing styles. There are set ‘formal’ assessments throughout each unit as well as an end of unit test, informal practice assessments in class which may be marked through teacher, self or peer assessment.
Home learning
Students are encouraged to read articles in the quality press such as articles in The Guardian – which can be found online. Students should also read the BBC news website to bolster knowledge of topic areas whilst adding contemporary examples to their notes.
Students are also encouraged to revisit previous learning when revising for assessments which will cover all previous taught elements.
Students will also be set regular exam style questions to complete at home.
