Sociology

Curriculum Intent:

The intent of the Sociology curriculum is to encourage students to question the world around them and gain a deeper understanding of social structures, institutions (like family and education), and the process of socialisation. Sociology helps students to develop a wide range of knowledge and understanding about society at a local and global level. The curriculum provides opportunities to inspire curiosity and fascination about the world that we live in, encourages an understanding of diversity, inequality and social justice, and supports students making informed, reflective contributions in a multicultural and changing society.

• STRIVE: We make pupils more aware of the world they live in, teaching them to think independently and giving them the skills and confidence for the future. 
• THRIVE: We develop critical thinking skills, questioning assumptions and analysing the world around them, not just accepting things at face value. 
• ACHIEVE: We equip them with powerful knowledge and real-world skills to become informed, thoughtful, and socially-aware individuals.

Careers using sociology 

• Social Work and Community Support
• Public Policy and Civil Service
• Law Enforcement, Criminology, and Criminal Justice
• Teaching and Education
• Human Resources and Diversity & Inclusion Officers
• Market Research, Journalism, and Media

What will your child learn?

Our Key Stage 4 Sociology curriculum follows the Eduqas GCSE Sociology specification. The course is carefully sequenced using concept layering and chunking to introduce foundational ideas (like social norms and basic socialisation) before progressing to complex critical theories like Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism, and the New Right. 

Key concepts are regularly interleaved and revisited across units to ensure long-term retention without overloading working memory.  Literacy is deeply embedded throughout the course, expanding academic and subject-specific vocabulary through extended analytical writing and vibrant classroom discussions. Furthermore, personal, social, and cultural development is encouraged through identity reflection, group teamwork, and real-world cultural connections (such as experiential trips to Parliament).

Stage	Term 1	Term 2	Term 3	Term 4	Term 5	Term 6
Year 10	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic
	Introduction to Sociology & Sociological Theories	Families & Households	Families & Households	Education	Education	Crime & Deviance
Year 11	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic	Topic
	Crime & Deviance	Social Stratification	Social Stratification	Research Methods	Research Methods	Revision

 

Full detail of our Danesgate Programme of Study can be found by Clicking Here.

How will my child be assessed and be provided with feedback?

Formative Retrieval Assessment: Regular use of short retrieval sessions, low-stakes quizzes, flashcards, or mini-tests spaced throughout the course to strengthen memory retention and check prior knowledge. 

Summative Assessments: Coherent structured arguments, data analysis, and perspective evaluations via structured CASS assessments. 

Extended Writing Feedback: Frameworks, scaffolding templates, and essay planning models are used to reduce working memory load and provide clear pathways for analytical improvement. 

Oral & Discussion Feedback: Regular check-ins during class debates and analytical group tasks to develop oral literacy and articulate complex ideas clearly.

How can parents/Carers help?

Encourage Active Retrieval: Help your child use flashcards, vocabulary sheets, or quick-fire quizzes at home to test them on core concepts like norms, values, socialisation, inequality, and identity.  Discuss Current Affairs: Talk about real-world news, social issues, and current events at home. Ask your child how different perspectives might explain these events.  

Support Extended Writing Practice: Encourage them to practice writing out complete, multi-paragraph arguments using the essay planning templates provided in class to boost writing stamina and academic literacy.  

Foster Curiosity: Prompt your child to question everyday social structures, institutions, and assumptions rather than just accepting them at face value.