Welcome to the Sociology Department

Sociology is a new subject for Harrow Way and we are one of the few schools in the area that offer it at GCSE level. Students are offered a foundation course in Year 9 then the option to take it at GCSE across Years 10 and 11.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage 3

Year 9

Students are introduced to some of the key Sociological Perspectives, such as Functionalism, Marxim, Feminism and Interactionism. They learn the building blocks of Sociology such as values, norms and socialisation. Students also get the opportunity to apply this knowledge to the topic area of Crime and Deviance. This work provides an important foundation for them to build upon if they choose to take the subject on at GCSE level. Progress is monitored through practice exam questions and homework set via Google quizzes

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Sociology is 100% examined through two papers. The topic areas include the Sociology of Families, Education, Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification. For each topic area students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methods and methodological issues. They must also use sociological theories and evidence to compare and contrast social issues, construct reasoned arguments and debates, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions. Both papers are divided into two sections. Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses. Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses.

Year 10

Students retrieve and improve on their knowledge of the key Sociological perspectives and foundations of Sociology. They then move on to study Social Research Methods. This knowledge is applied to the topics of Families and Education. Regular practice exam questions are built into lessons and homework is completed via Seneca Quizzes and independent student research on particular topics.

Year 11

Students apply their knowledge of Sociological perspectives and data research methods to the topics of Crime & Deviance and Social Stratification. Regular practice exam questions are built into lessons and homework is completed via Seneca Quizzes and independent student research on particular topics.