Sociology

Curriculum Intent

Sociology is known as the study of society in common parlance. As an A-level, it is mistakenly known as an ‘easy’ subject. Whilst it is an increasingly popular A-level choice, many students struggle to grasp the academic potential of the field. Sociology is a broad and deep scholarly field that encompasses a range of social processes, institutions and structures that determine the functioning and health of a society. The aim of the Sociology course at Wixams Academy is to equip students with the knowledge and understanding of the diversity of British society and the wider world. Students will come across a wide range of data and critical perspectives that will require a deep understanding and evaluative skills to succeed and benefit wholly from the course.

Students will develop their knowledge on the diversity of families and households; demography; the British education system and the factors affecting achievement (such as class, gender, and ethnicity); the causes of crime and definitions of deviance and which social groups are more likely to be punished for crimes and why; and finally, globalisation and the various barriers to and aspects of development for countries.

Students will similarly develop their written skills. In particular, the ability to construct, analyse and critique an argument or sociological point. They will develop evaluative skills that allow you to weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of sociological contributions, statements, research data, and much more. Furthermore, they will develop their analytical skills to link and compare various sociological concepts, arguments, and theories. Students are persistently encouraged to craft their ability to formulate convincing and balanced arguments based on sociology knowledge. The Sociology curriculum aims to produce culturally aware, informed and engaged citizens, equipped with a broad and deep understanding of British and global society.

Students will be taught how to write like a sociologist, with a recommended structure of paragraph and overall essay which will help the lower attaining students. The assessment objectives from AQA will be used from the specification to highlight the three main tools of essay writing (which expands to how students must tackle intellectual inquiry) which are 1) demonstration of knowledge 2) application of knowledge and 3) analysis and evaluation of knowledge.

Curriculum Implementation – Curriculum Map

Texts and Exam Boards