Sociology
We look to encourage students to realise the importance of questioning society around us to drive positive change, to develop students into being open minded and accepting of those different to them.
Head of Sociology, Mr S Sledmore, s.sledmore@glynschool.org
Why study this subject?
In the words of Pierre Bourdieu ‘The function of Sociology, as with every science, is to reveal that which is hidden’. In Sociology you will be required to think critically about the society in which you live, question things around you that you have previously taken for granted and learn about various different ways of viewing society and the interactions that happen within it. Everything we learn about, you are directly affected by in your real life.
Is it right for me?
If you enjoy History and Geography and have an interest in politics, then Sociology could be for you. Do ensure though that you are aware of the fact that starting a new subject at Key Stage 4 requires students to be dedicated and committed to the course. Starting a new subject can be like learning a new language and you must be prepared to put in some time and effort outside of lessons to ensure you understand the content covered in class.
An open mind and willingness to listen to and understand other people's views even if they differ from your own. A good memory is also useful as you will need to memorise quite a few sociologists’ names and views.
Year 9 sequence of lessons
Year one is treated as an interest year where we ensure that students have the cultural and background knowledge to allow them to better access the curriculum. Topics are taught in the order that we look at them over the year 10 and 11 primary content delivery time. The rationale for ordering them in this way is the same as below. Rather than teaching the course specifically this year is much more flexible, guided by contemporary events in the media and wider society and will significantly differ depending on the cohort.
Half Term 1 - Intro to Sociology
Half Term 2 - Research Methods Intro
Half Term 3 - Family Intro
Half Term 4 - Education Intro
Half Term 5 - Crime and Deviance Intro
Half Term 6 - Social Stratification Intro
Year 10 sequence of lessons
Half Term 1 - Intro to Soc/ Research Methods
This baseline knowledge is needed as a recap from year 9 to act as a foundation for the rest of the course.
Half Term 2&3 - Family
An easier topic to start with which all students find accessible due to the fact that we all have a family of some sort, they are able to use this personal experience to understand the unit - also the least complex conceptually.
Half Term 4-6 - Education
The next topic we teach is education - starting with a focus on perspectives - this recaps and develops knowledge and understanding of the first unit of work students have studied, is slightly more complex conceptually but still rooted within a topic area that all students have some personal experience.
Year 11 sequence of lessons
Half Term 1&2 - Crime and Deviance
This topic is taught towards the end of the course - content is theoretically harder to grasp. Due to the subject nature, the more mature students are the better.
Half Term 3&4 - Social Stratification
Synoptic links can/need to be made across all areas of the course. Students can't access this without the prior knowledge.
Half Term 5 - Revision
Self explanatory - in practice, revision is also interleaved throughout the whole of year 11 studies.
