SubjectsSociology

Our Curriculum Intent

In sociology, the department aims to teach students to the top to ensure all students reach and fulfil their personal potential. This means, scaffolding the teaching and learning from top band concepts, but differentiating the processes of this enough to ensure all students have equal opportunity to learn the organic analogy of society. Students will evaluate each organ (institution) of the organic analogy such as Beliefs in Society, using sociological classical perspectives such as Functionalism and Marxism. Students will further evaluate using modern theory such as Postmodernism and Social Action theory to compare past and present way of viewing the global world. Students should feel confident in applying the skills taught and be enthusiastic practitioners looking to pursue a career or University course in the subject. This course looks to maximise the full potential of each student and provides opportunity for self-reflection and evaluation throughout.

The Key stage 5 curriculum in Sociology is characterised by key skills and questions throughout the topics covered.  Given the more demanding nature of this A Level course, there is an expectation for all key questions to be answered within a cycle. For example in Year 13 Cycle 1, students are required to answer all of the following questions: How do we define religious beliefs? How are religious beliefs organised and categorised? What is the function of beliefs according to different sociological perspectives?’ In order to answer these key questions students must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sociological theories on beliefs, concepts, studies etc., apply sociological theories, concepts, evidence to the key questions and analyse and evaluate sociological theories, concepts, evidence in order to present arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions, all of which are the key skills for this cycle. This deeper level of understanding is required to ensure that all students are prepared for the next phase of their careers– whether this be directly into a job role, further training or University.

Implementation

The Sociology department currently offers the AQA specification at A Level. This qualification is designed to offer students the opportunity to experience a broad range of topic areas from a variety of sociological perspectives.

Sociology is a Key Stage 5 only subject and a range of student abilities will be in the same class. The department follows the Academy’s structure of cycles and mock examinations are used throughout the year to assess progress, in line with the Academy’s assessment calendar.

The department is committed to the Academy’s teaching and learning principles and regularly attends the teaching and learning briefings, as well as contributing to various topics within these briefings throughout the academic year. Within the lessons, students are taught using a variety of means including the use of lesson PowerPoints, group discussions, independent study and research, case study application and mock examinations.

Students are also provided the opportunity to increase their cultural capital via the use of extra-curricular activities throughout Key Stage 5. During Year 13 Cycle 3, and whilst studying to answer the key questions ‘What is Crime and deviance? How crime is socially constructed? What is the cause/function of crime and deviance in society? What are formal and informal levels of social control? What factors affect criminal and deviant behaviour?’ Students attend Gloucester Crown Court. During Cycle 4, Year 12 students are also able to attend a Social Sciences festival at the University of Gloucestershire which encourages students to begin to think about the future career paths and potential University courses. This visit will also aid with the writing of UCAS applications and provide valuable insight into the expectations of studying a Sociology related degree at University.

Impact

Students are monitored regularly and student work and achievement is assessed, reviewed and tracked at least twice a cycle. Students are then provided with the opportunity to amend, adapt or resubmit work in accordance with the Academy’s assessment policy. Assessment provides students opportunities to identify areas of improvement by themselves and encourages self-reflective and motivated learners. Academic results within the department are strong, with positive Value added scores being the norm.

Outside of traditional progress measures, the department is successful in its impact on chosen careers of students. Many students at Key Stage 5 go on to study Sociology related courses at University or secure a job role relating to the subject after completion of the A Level. For example, since 2017, 4 Sociology alumni have gone on to study Social Work at University, 2 have gone on to study Law and Criminology and 3 have gone on to study Sociology. Students are empowered to achieve these goals due to their successful acquisition of the key skills throughout the Sociology curriculum.

The impact of our Academy Vision, and Christian values within the Sociology curriculum results in students feeling happy and equipped to express themselves as individuals, have confidence in celebrating their successes and support one another through the challenges they face or may face in the 21st century.