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
Half Term 1 - Introduction to Sociology with Research Methods and Family
Introduces essential vocabulary which allows students to begin effectively analysing society. By understanding concepts such as culture and identity and processes such as socialisation, students will begin using their sociological imagination, which they will then be able to apply to everyday life.
Understanding core concepts in the subject and addressing misconceptions about what the subject is.
Half Term 2 - Family: Key Themes
This is the starting point of Primary socialisation. It allows students to think critically about their own family life, to compare it to others in society and to critically assess how the family has changed over time. Students will start explore concepts such as Functionalism & Feminism in greater detail.This allows application from half term 1 to be explored further.
Misconceptions: Anecdotal evidence can be used for answers.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 3 - Education: Key Themes
Education, part of secondary socialisation, will get students to think critically about the purpose of education, how they are educated and whether all students enjoy a positive experience in schools. New concepts will include material and cultural deprivation, labelling, anti-school subcultures and institutional racism. These concepts will also prove useful during of Year 10 and all of Year 11.
Misconceptions: Anecdotal evidence can be used for answers.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 4 - Crime and Deviance: Key Themes
Crime and deviance is introduced as it gives students the opportunity to start considering different sociological explanations for crime, the emergence of gangs, the relationship between young people and the police, and the way in which crime is shown in the media. With mature themes presented, it gives students an insight to the expectations in Year 11.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 5 - Social Stratification: Key Themes
This, the final unit, allows students to revisit ideas which have already been discussed elsewhere on the course. Students are asked to consider the causes and consequences of stratification as it replies to gender, ethnicity, social class, age, disability and sexuality.
Application and synoptics skills developed further.
Half Term 6 - Enrichment and consolidation
Enrichment is weaved throughout the year to encourage a love for Sociology with activities including ‘Theory fortnight’ based on student interest.
Encouraging a love for learning and fascination with the mind.
Year 10 sequence of lessons
Half Term 1 and 2 - Re-Introduction and Family
Using the knowledge and enrichment from Year 9, It allows students to further think critically about their own family life, to compare it to others in society and to critically assess how the family has changed over time. Students will be encouraged to formulate more theoretical reasoning behind issues in the family unit with application to exam questions.
Synoptic skills through issues and debates knowledge.
Half Term 3 and 4 - Education
Using the knowledge and enrichment from Year 9 students will begin to think critically about the purpose of education, how they are educated and whether all students enjoy a positive experience in schools. New concepts will include material and cultural deprivation, labelling, anti-school subcultures and institutional racism.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 5 - Education, Consolidation
Using the knowledge and enrichment from Year 9 and Year 10, It allows students to further think critically to changes in education with a greater focus on how this applies to the context of research methods.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 6 - Enrichment and consolidation
Due to the content heavy nature of the course this is time to consolidate and address any areas that require more support in preparation for Year 11.
Year 11 sequence of lessons
Half Term 1 - Crime and Deviance
This is taught at the start of Year 11 as it is a popular topic with high engagement that creates an energetic start to the year. Due to sensitive content students are also seen as more mature to discuss sensitive topics around crime and the causes of it. Students will also be able to further their debate skills which have been developed over two years.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 2 - Crime and Deviance
We continue on with this topic and start to consolidate and master the skills learnt over the topic. There is also time allowed for reflection, and how the family and education may overlap.
Skills AO1, AO2 & AO3
Half Term 3 and 4 - Social Stratification
Students will use this topic to bring together their synoptic knowledge of 3 topics into one. This provides students with mastery skills and allow them to develop their analysis and evaluation further. Students will bring together class, gender and ethnicity with application to theories.
Half Term 5 - Revision and exam preparation
Independent learning and revision skills
Half Term 6 - Exams
Year 12 sequence of lesson
Half Term 1
Family - Introduction to key themes. Introduction to perspectives in sociology and couples
Education - Class differences in education both internal and external
Research Methods - Strengths & limitations of research methods • Role of education
Methods in context
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
Allow students to establish the core principles of Sociology before progressing into an understanding of the application of sociological ideas to specific topics.
Half Term 2
Family - Changing perspectives of childhood and theoretical perspectives of the family
Education - Ethnic differences in education
Research Methods - Strengths & limitations of research methods • Role of education
Methods in context
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
To develop an understanding of the different experiences had by individual and/or social groups within the context of education and family.
Half Term 3
Family Demographic changes to family life
Education - Gender differences in education.
Research Methods - Strengths and limitations of research methods • Role of education
Methods in context
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
To further enable students to advance their understanding of social and political changes which have impacted upon the organisation of families & the education system.
Half Term 4
Family - Changing patterns in family life • Theories of family diversity
Education - Educational Policy
Research Methods - Strengths & limitations of research methods • Role of education
Methods in context
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
To give students a deeper understanding of social and political changes which have impacted upon the organisation of families and the education system.
Half Term 5
Family- Family policy • Consolidation of families & households module
Education Consolidation of education module • Consolidation of methods module
âWhy we sequence the scheme of work this way
Upon completion of the year 12 content, time will be spent developing revision and exam skills further.
Half Term 6
Crime and Deviance - Functionalist and Subcultural Theories
Media - Media Ownership
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
In the final half term, students will study Year 13 topics with the aim of bridging the gap between Year 12 and Year 13 content.
Year 13 sequence of lessons
Half Term 1
Crime and Deviance - Interactionist and Labelling and Class.
Media - Popular Culture and Globalisation
Theory and Methods
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
Enable students to develop a critical understanding of why people may commit crime using familiar theories such as Functionalism and Marxism. In Media, students will consider the role Media plays in society today and its level of influence.
Half Term 2
Crime and Deviance - Gender and Ethnicity.
Media - Selection and Presentation
Theory and Methods
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
Enable students to identify & explain trends in social behaviour within both the fields of Media and crime, discussing why such trends may occur.
Half Term 3
Crime and Deviance - Media and Globalisation
Media - Representations/Audience models
Theory and Methods
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
Allow students to see how media & crime are impacted by globalisation, allowing them to recognise that we are part of an interconnected, multicultural society.
Half Term 4
Crime and Deviance - Control and Punishment.
Media - New Media
Theory and Methods
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
The final topics allow students to have a synoptic link at the units applying key ideas and theories that have been established throughout the year.
Half Term 5
Consolidation of Crime and Deviance
Consolidation of Media
Theories and Methods
Why we sequence the scheme of work this way
To ensure that students are exam ready in preparation for their final A Level exams.
Half Term 6 - Exams
