Sociology

History is, strictly speaking, the study of questions; the study of answers belongs to anthropology and sociology.

W H Auden 

Sociology is a relevant and contemporary subject that develops students’ understanding of themselves and the society that they live in. Sociology is a social science like Psychology, Economics and Politics.

These are popular subjects which are often over-subscribed at university and they make students highly employable in the world of work. Sociologists work in areas such as education, social policy, law, media, private enterprise and the research industries.

SLT Lead for Computing, Media Social Sciences and PE Faculty

Anna Rimington |  arimington@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Teachers

Hayley Adams-Heath  |  hadams-heath@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Bhawani Daniel  |   bdaniel@aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk

Curriculum

Sociology is first studied at KS4. In Y10 and Y11 students learn about:

• The Sociological approach
• Education in modern Britain
• The role and function of the modern family
• Social inequality in modern Britain
• The causes and effects of criminal and deviant behaviour
• Sociological research methods

These topics will give them the background to how human beings have their behaviour shaped and influenced by the major institutions of modern Britain.

In class they will develop a sociological imagination which will enable them to analyse social issues and problems. They will develop a formal academic style of writing and improve their thinking and reading skills. They will also develop a deep understanding of different theoretical perspectives of our society and how to carry out social science research projects.

Y10

Flying start and Autumn term

What is Sociology
A brief introduction to the key sociological terms and concepts, with an introductory look at the role of research methods.

Sociology of education
The structure of education in Britain, the role of both formal and informal education in society, as well as focusing on differential achievement and the effects of class, gender and ethnicity on educational outcome.

Spring term

• Sociology of education continued
• Sociology of the family
  A sociological look at some of the issues facing the contemporary family in Britain such as family diversity, relationships, divorce and the argument that the family is in decline.

Summer term

• Sociology of the family continued
• Revision and modular GCSE mock exams
• Sociology of crime and deviance
  A sociological look at some of the ways in which individuals are encouraged to conform to formal and informal social rules.

Y11

Flying start

• Sociology of crime and deviance continued
• Media
  A look at the sociological characteristics and the ways in which the media may encourage stereotyping. Explore the significance of the mass media, along with other agents of socialisation, in the development of people’s political, social identities and views (modular GCSE mock exam).

Spring term

Continue with Media and Social inequality to identify and describe forms of stratification based on class, gender, ethnicity, age and religion. Analysis and the nature of stratification, to include concepts around status and life chances and how these may be influenced by differences in wealth, income, power and status.

Summer term

Revision until GCSE exams.

Suggested reading

An ‘Introduction to Sociology’ by Polity Press by Ken Browne and the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx or the Sociological Imaginations by C Wright Mills.

It is also useful for students to have a reasonable understanding of current affairs and news. It is therefore advisable that they watch the news and when possible, read a broadsheet newspaper.

Things to see and do

Enlightenment gallery at the British Museum.

Assessment

KS5

As part of the LaSWAP consortium, Acland Burghley offers a Sociology A level.