Sociology
Sociology is grounded in theory and research thus arguments students use are underpinned by the ability to use sociological evidence and effectively put forward an argument. Sociology allows you to develop communication skills, with the emphasis on formulating and structuring strong written work and the ability to articulate oneself verbally. The subject requires you to read and interpret texts and sociological research and then asks you to debate and evaluate its findings. Discussion is a key element to Sociology lessons and the ability to explain and argue points in a sensitive and mature manner is fostered.
Career paths
Sociology is a rigorous academic subject which gives a good foundation for any further study and fosters many skills which are desirable to employers. Sociology is useful for a range of careers, especially those that work closely with people and require effective communication skills. Typical career paths might include work in the education sector, social research, marketing, within the criminal justice system, social work and within the media.
Intent
The intention of the Sociology department at Burnham Grammar School is to provide a second to none education in a rewarding but rigorous academic subject which provides a grounding in the skills and knowledge demanded both in higher education institutions and blue chip employers so that students are prepared for their future.
Sociology explores key themes such as inequality, diversity, the operation of social structures and institutions in society. Sociology students can develop a keen awareness of the world around them the society they live in and their part in it and hence enable them to become active citizens. Students gain a developed understanding of how people and society operate, encouraging tolerance and sensitivity towards others and develop as caring individuals. Students are mentally well balanced and healthy individuals and are happy healthy and safe. Sociology is a subject that strives to develop an inquiring mind. Students learn to make complex written analytic arguments which is a skill desired in a range of fields.
Implementation
The Sociology team is led Dr Cole who has significant expertise in both teaching and social sciences and is an A level examiner with several different exam boards. Learning in Sociology is fun and rewarding. Students are taught using a range of techniques designed to meet their individual needs and fully supported throughout the course. There is a well-developed body of resources to assist students in their learning. Regular lunch time sessions are provided for students to consolidate their knowledge and both support weak areas or strive for high grades. Students are challenged to surpass themselves and regularly achieve the highest possible grades in external exams.
Impact
As Sociology is such a rigorous academic subject it gives a good foundation for any further study and also fosters many skills which are desirable to employers. Students develop resilience, perseverance and a mature and responsible attitude towards their studies. They are responsible learners. They are organised and articulate and can put forward complex analytic arguments. Current students are aiming to study at universities such as Cambridge, Bristol and Warwick. Sociology is useful for a range of careers, especially those that work closely with people and require effective communication skills. Typical career paths might include work in the education sector, Law and Criminal justice social research, within the criminal justice system, social work, within the media.
Wider Curriculum Opportunities
There are a range of opportunities for students to enhance their learning and subject knowledge. Resources provided to the students guide them to consolidation opportunities and a programme of trips and visits is being developed and updated.
Sociology is a subject that allows you to develop a wide range of skills that are highly valuable to employers. The subject explores key themes such as inequality, diversity, the operation of social structures and institutions in society. Sociology students can develop a keen awareness of the world around them and the society they live in to give them a greater understanding of how people and society operate, encouraging tolerance and sensitivity towards others. It is a subject that strives to develop an inquiring mind.
The AQA GCSE in sociology is taught over three years – some topics are developed in stages through the course.
Year 9 A project based Introduction to social issues and social processes such as crime, inequality, socialisation, and an introduction to social theory and social research methods
Year 10 The sociology of the family, the sociology of education, research methods and theory
Year 11 The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification, research methods and theory
The AQA GCE ‘A’ level is a linear A level taught over two years – A level develops many of the topics considered at GCSE
Year 12 The sociology of the family, the sociology of education, research methods and theory
Year 13 The sociology of crime and deviance and the sociology of religion and belief systems , research methods and theory
Where can I get more information?
Speak with Dr Cole or contact him on mcole@burnhamgrammar.org.uk
Alternatively, the awarding body, AQA’s website address is www.aqa.org.uk
Downloads
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| BGS GCSE Sociology Calendar |
| BGS A Level Sociology Calendar |