Sociology
Sociology Curriculum Intent and Rationale
“The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relations between the two within society. That is its task and its promise.”
— C. Wright Mills
The Sociology curriculum is designed to empower students to look beneath the surface of everyday life. Students are encouraged to explore and debate contemporary social issues. Our intent is to foster a sociological imagination, enabling students to understand the complex relationship between individual experiences and the wider social structures that shape our world.
Our curriculum is designed to fulfil the task and promise of Sociology by bridging the gap between the individual and the institution. Sociology provides students with the cultural capital needed to understand the social world and the often invisible rules and structures that shape society. In a world of fake news and social polarisation, Sociology equips students to critically evaluate evidence, question assumptions and make informed judgements about the social world.
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and understanding over time. Following the AQA GCSE Sociology specification, students begin with an introduction to Sociology, providing them with the theoretical and methodological foundations needed to study the subject. They then move to Families, integrating research methods throughout, followed by Education. In Year 11, students study Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification. This sequencing enables students to make connections between different areas of Sociology, revisit key concepts and perspectives, and develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the subject.
By integrating the school’s core values, we ensure that every student leaves with more than just a grade:
Believe: We inspire students to believe in the power of agency. Students learn that while society influences individuals, they have the voice and tools to question inequality, challenge assumptions and advocate for positive social change.
Achieve: We maintain high academic rigour, ensuring students master the substantive knowledge, sociological vocabulary and analytical and evaluative skills required to excel in their GCSEs and successfully transition into further education.
Succeed: Success is defined not only by strong GCSE outcomes, but also by the development of empathetic, critical thinkers who are prepared to navigate a diverse, globalised world as informed and responsible citizens.
Sociology Super Curriculum
What is the Super Curriculum?
The Super Curriculum encompasses opportunities for students to explore Sociology beyond their textbooks and classroom lessons. While the taught curriculum develops essential knowledge and skills, the Super Curriculum encourages students to broaden their understanding of the social world. Engaging with it helps students develop the curiosity, independence and resourcefulness associated with successful, resilient learners.
How does it support achievement?
Examiners expect students to apply sociological theories and concepts to the social world. By engaging with documentaries, articles, podcasts, wider reading and other relevant resources, students can build a bank of contemporary examples that can be applied to their learning and examination responses.
Understanding current social issues also enables students to consider the continued relevance of established sociological theories and perspectives, encouraging them to make connections between what they study in the classroom and the society in which they live.
Reading higher-level texts develops students’ sociological vocabulary and enables them to construct more precise, analytical and academically informed extended responses. It also encourages students to engage with different perspectives, question assumptions and develop their own reasoned judgements.
Through both our taught curriculum and Super Curriculum, we aim to ensure that students Believe in their ability to think critically, Achieve outcomes that reflect their knowledge and hard work, and Succeed in becoming informed, thoughtful and responsible citizens of the world.
Learning Journey
Curriculum Map
Sociology Super Curricular activities
The Super curricular activities are examples of what you can do to explore Sociology beyond your lessons. While your lesson will teach you the facts, these activities give you the extra edge to truly Achieve. By committing to these it will help you develop the habits of a high-achieving student and resourcefulness to become a more resilient and self-sufficient learner.
How it Supports your achievement:
- Examiners look for students who can apply sociological theories to the real world. By watching the documentaries or reading the articles in this guide, you’ll have a "bank" of modern examples to use in your exam.
- Knowing what is happening in society right now allows you to assess whether older theories are still relevant today.
- Reading higher-level texts helps you understand and use the language of a sociologist, making your 12-mark answers sound more professional and academic.
We aim to ensure you Believe in your ability to think critically, Achieve the marks that reflect your hard work, and Succeed in becoming an informed citizen of the modern world.
