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Sociology

Curriculum purpose and Impact

The sociology team at Uxbridge high school are committed to empowering students through knowledge and understanding of the world. As a social science, sociology is concerned with the study of society, human behaviour and relationships. Using empirical investigation and critical analysis, sociology focuses on developing a deeper understanding of the ever changing and adapting social world.

The sociology curriculum at UHS, for both mastery and advanced level, is designed to promote a high level of engagement and passion for learning amongst all students. As the subject incorporates a number of skills developed across other curriculum areas across the school, students are able to create and explore links between subjects and departments. An example of this includes English, where students are required to transfer their writing and analysis skills to their planning and essay writing in sociology.


Although covering a diverse range of subject areas, sociology, at its core, remains focused on identifying social ‘facts’ and tackling social issues head on. Subject topics can range anywhere from race, social class, crime and law, poverty and education to more theoretical issues such as the impact of radical change to whole societies. Sociologists across the globe use a critical eye to analyse sensitive social issues such as these and play an integral role in policy change and development. As sociology plays such a large role in students own lives, the development of their knowledge into the given subject areas creates engaged and active learners. This engagement is a vital part of the sociology curriculum as it aims to create forward thinking and well-rounded young adults.

Mastery

At mastery level we aim to provide a full and comprehensive introduction to Sociology that prepares students for the skills needed to succeed at the advanced stage whether students carry on with the subject or not. Students learn the key fundamentals behind:

• The sociology of families • The sociology of education • Social theory • Research methods

• The sociology of crime and deviance • The sociology of social stratification • Social theory • Research methods

Students study key ideas of classical sociologists including Durkheim, Marx and Weber referencing their view of the world and their contribution to the development of the discipline. Students will also learn how to apply various research methods to different sociological contexts. They will be introduced to sociological terms and concepts concerned with social structures, social processes and social issues.

It is intended that students develop and gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification.

Students will also have several opportunities throughout the year develop a number of transferable skills including how to investigate facts and make deductions, develop opinions and new ideas on social issues and analyse and better understand the social world. Furthermore, they will develop an understanding of the relationship between sociology and personal, moral, social and cultural issues, and develop an understanding of ethical issues in sociology.

Advanced

Whilst there is an overlap in topics from the mastery level students will gain and in-depth knowledge of:

The sociological approach: Sociological theories, perspectives and methods – This is an integral part of all topics and will be developed in depth before moving onto the topics below. Students will develop a rich understanding of key theoretical thinkers.

Families and Households: The study of this topics engages students in theoretical debate while encouraging an active involvement with the research process. The study fosters a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change in the family and students analyse the effects of this change ion wider society.

Education with Theory and Methods: In the study of this topic, students will examine topic areas in relation to the two core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification). Students will investigate differences across educational achievement between a number of social groups including ethnic minority groups, the sexes and social classes.

Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

The Media

Wider Curriculum

The breadth of the Sociology curriculum allows for many opportunities to explore Sociology outside of the classroom to further engage students and create life experiences for them. Examples of trips and visits include the:

  • V&A Childhood museum
  • Suffragette Walking Tour
  • Karl Marx Walking Tour

Through the curriculum students are able to see how studying Sociology links to a number of career paths including:

• Law • International aid/development • Policy officer • Business Development • Marketing • Journalism • Youth worker

 

Those wishing to study at Higher Education level, often use Sociology as the basis of degrees in:

Sociology • Economics • Psychology • Politics • Criminology • Philosophy • English studies • Business studies • Teaching • Law