Subject Overview

GCSE Sociology (AQA) 4190 – A*-G – Final Y11 Cohort 2017/18

At GCSE students follow the AQA exam board which focuses on the role of sociological concepts, models and perspectives concerned with both structure and processes, in understanding and explaining patterns of social life. Each unit is weighted at 50% each:

More information about the AQA syllabus and content can be found at:

http://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-4190-W-SP-14.PDF

GCSE Sociology AQA (8190) 1-9 GCSE –Y9 (Implemented September 2016 onwards)

At GCSE 1-9 students follow the AQA exam board which focuses on the role of sociological concepts, models and perspectives concerned with both structure and processes, in understanding and explaining patterns of social life. Each paper is weighted at 50% each:

More information about the AQA syllabus and content can be found at:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/gcse/sociology-8192

A-Level Sociology (AQA)

At A-Level students follow the AQA exam board which focuses on integral part of study such as sociological theories, perspectives and methods. The design of research to obtain the data under consideration, including strength and weaknesses. There must also be a studying of socialisation, culture and identity as well as social differentiation, power and stratification. The course is being delivered as a full two year A Level with all external exam taken at the end of year two, with high stakes assessments taken throughout the years to determine suitability for the course.

The new A Level curriculum has been implemented since September 2016 and further details can be found:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192

Sociology and its benefits

Sociology helps us look more objectively at our society and other societies. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together and change, and the consequences of that social change. We are faced with an ever increasingly complex and rapidly changing social milieu in modern industrial-bureaucratic societies. A study of Sociology provides the conceptual tools and methods for understanding the social milieu--whether it is expressed in:

• Group attitudes
• Values
• Behaviours
• Political processes of workers
• Families
• Organisations
• Consumers
• Governments

By focusing on the external forces that affect values, attitudes and behaviours, it helps us better understand ourselves and the motivations of others around us. While we are all creatures of the various groups, organisations and governments in our environments, we are also their creators. Sociology provides the tools and skills we need to take a more active role in creating, participating in, advancing and managing such groups.

Subject Leader

Josh Miller

jmiller@carshaltonboys.org