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Carshalton High School for Girls

Carshalton High School for Girls

Carshalton High School for Girls is a highly successful school, judged by Ofsted in January 2023 as ‘Good’ in all categories.

Sociology KS4

What will students study in Sociology this year?

In Year 9, the curriculum at GCSE is sequenced logically from building on sociological vocabulary, via an introduction to how sociologists study society, followed by a topic on sociological theory. Students will be introduced to the theories of Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism, the New Right and Functionalism. Later on in the year, students will study sociological research methods and investigate how sociologists research social issues. Students will be required to apply sociological theories and research methods to four main topics later on in the course.

In Year 10, students study two topics of Families and Households and Education. When studying the family, the focus is on changing family patterns and relationships, such as patterns of divorce and the relationship between children and parents. The topic of education concentrates predominantly on the social factors impacting on educational achievement.

In Year 11, students undertake two final topics of Social stratification and Crime and deviance. Social stratification encompasses elements of study on social class, poverty and power structures. The final unit of Crime and Deviance investigates trends and patterns in crime and how different sociological perspectives would explain this.

By studying sociology, students will develop transferable skills including how to:

  • investigate facts and make deductions
  • develop opinions and new ideas on social issues
  • analyse and better understand the social world.

What are the major assessments this year?

Students in Year 9 and Year 10 will complete assessments at the end of each term. Students in Year 11 work towards two final examinations with a range of short and extended responses.

Various assessment projects are carried out throughout the course, such as the gender socialisation project, female serial killers investigation and research into undercover observations. 

What do the assessments test?

Assessments target three Assessment Objectives set out in the exam board specification.  These are as follows: Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods (AO1) Application of knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods (AO2) Analysis and evaluation of sociological theories, concepts, evidence and methods in order to construct arguments, make judgements and draw conclusions (AO3)

What are the expectations of my child in Sociology?

Students are expected to revisit and review the work they have completed in their workbooks in order to consolidate their learning and aid the development of their long-term recall. Workbooks should be completed to a high standard to allow for this process to be effective. Sociology students are encouraged to keep up with current affairs in order to apply contemporary examples to their work.

What should students do if they feel they are struggling in Sociology?

The first course of action is for students to speak with their Sociology teacher to determine why they are struggling. Students should make use of revision materials provided, such as knowledge organisers and key study summaries.

How can I best support my child in Sociology?

Parents can support students in Sociology by talking to them about the topics they are studying and what they are learning in class. Sociology is the study of society and it is important that students take an interest in the society around them. It is really useful if parents encourage debate and discussion of contemporary social issues.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Please feel free to contact the Curriculum leader for Sociology, Miss N Winders at nwinders@carshaltongirls.org.uk if you have any queries about your child’s progress.