Sociology Curriculum Department

Sociology Curriculum

Ages 16-18

Subject Vision Statement: Sociology students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to better engage with the social world around them and the diversity which its citizens experience . Our curriculum will empower students to become inquisitive individuals who are able to critically assess, reflect and challenge our rapidly changing world.

Big Ideas:

Sociological Theory

Are we responsible for our own behaviour and do we have free will or are our actions shaped by societal structures?

Do we agree on the same norms, values and goals of society or are different groups in conflict with each other?

Social Institutions

Do these institutions help or hinder us to live our most successful lives?

What case studies/contemporary examples can we draw on?

Research Methods

Research methods: positivism v. interpretivism, quantitative v. qualitative.

How do different research methods help or hinder us to explore different sociological ideas?

How can you determine the truth of a concept?

Should Sociology be a science?

Should Sociology be value-free?

Subject Design Principles:

The Sociology A-Level curriculum is designed based on the following principles:

Supporting students to develop their own unique and reasoned judgements about the social world.
Developing students skills in recognising synoptic links between and within topics.
Encouraging students to develop their sociological imagination by exploring resources beyond the course.
Providing effective stretch and support opportunities to ensure that students are confident in their abilities and able to meet their full potential.

Phase Specific Journey:

Phase 6	Building choice, autonomy and empowered professionalism
Phase 6 Journey	Students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to appreciate both the diversity and challenges of our social world and feel empowered to critically assess their role within it.