Sociology

Sociology is the study of society. It focuses on institutions and systems that work together to ensure the smooth running of our world.  Sociology also considers how individuals can be linked by common characteristics like class, gender and ethnicity, and how their experiences and life chances may be influenced by these characteristics.  GCSE Sociology allows us to explore issues like problems in family life, quality of education or reasons for patterns in criminal offending.

“Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both”

C Wright Mills

Course description

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Sociology is designed to foster in learners an
understanding and critical awareness of the social world around them. The specification focuses on the importance of social structure in explaining social issues. Learners will be encouraged to explore and debate contemporary social issues to enable them to challenge taken-for-granted assumptions and to question their everyday understanding of social phenomena. By following this course, learners will develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.

This course will develop learners’ ability to think sociologically in relation to their experience of the social world around them so that they are able to play a positive, active and informed role in society.  Learners will be required to:

  • apply their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills to develop an understanding of relationships and tension between social structures and individual agency within a UK and global context
  • critically analyse information and use evidence in order to make informed arguments, reach substantiated judgements and draw conclusions
  • use and apply their knowledge and understanding of how social structures and processes influence social control, power and inequality
  • use sociological theories to understand social issues, debates, social changes and continuities over time
  • understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods
  • use sociological terminology appropriately and make connections between the
    key areas of subject content.

Exam board

EDUQAS

Past papers

https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/sociology-gcse/#tab_pastpapers

Assessments

There will be two written examinations:

  • Paper 1: Understanding social processes
  • Paper 2: Understanding social structures

Ways to help my child succeed

The topics we cover in lessons relate to all our lives, so your child will be keen to discuss all things sociology related at great length! Pleases encourage this, spending time discussing and debating any issues or topics which come up. They should have a strong understanding of current affairs and contemporary issues in the news.

Useful websites

www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zbbw2hv
www.sociology.org.uk/