Sociology
Head of Subject: Helen Ryder
Welcome to Sociology at Ivybridge Community College.
Students will explore how society is structured, how it changes, and how individuals and groups interact within it.
At Key Stage 4, students study GCSE Sociology, covering topics such as families, education, crime and deviance, and social inequality, alongside key sociological theories and research methods. The course develops strong analytical and communication skills through the study of real social issues.
At Key Stage 5, students can progress to A-Level Sociology, building on this foundation with more in-depth study of areas such as education, families, crime and deviance, and beliefs in society, as well as advanced theory and research methods. Students develop independent study skills and a critical understanding of contemporary society.
Across both key stages, Sociology helps students make sense of the world around them while supporting progression to a wide range of university courses and careers in areas such as law, policing, social work, education, media and government.
Key Stage 4
GCSE Sociology helps students understand how society works by exploring key social structures, processes and issues. Students develop analytical and communication skills by comparing different perspectives on topics such as family life, education, crime and inequality. These skills also support success across other subjects.
All students begin at the same level, with introductory lessons covering key theories, concepts and terminology.
What you will study
Students explore key sociological theories, including:
- Functionalism
- Marxism
- Feminism
- The New Right
They also study research methods and how sociologists investigate society.
Key topics include:
- The Sociological Approach
- Families
- Education
- Crime and Deviance
- Social Stratification
- Research Methods
Assessment
There is no coursework. Students complete two external examinations at the end of Year 11:
- Each exam is 1 hour 45 minutes
- Each is worth 50% of the final grade
- Questions include multiple choice, short answers and extended responses
Possible Career Paths
Sociology can lead to a wide range of careers, including criminology, teaching, law, policing, social work, journalism, business, politics, human resources and the criminal justice system (e.g. probation work).
Exam Board: https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/sociology-gcse/#tab_keydocuments
Key Stage 5
A Level Sociology explores how society works and helps students understand their place within an increasingly complex modern world. It develops key analytical, evaluation and research skills while encouraging a critical understanding of social issues and institutions.
What you will study
Core topics include:
- Education
- Families and Households
- Crime and Deviance
- Beliefs in Society
- Research Methods
- Theory and Methods
- Methods in Context
Students explore key questions such as:
- How has family life changed?
- Why does inequality exist in education?
- Is religion still important in society?
- Why do people commit crime?
- How should society be studied?
Course Information
Sociology can be studied as a new subject or continued from GCSE. The course begins with key sociological perspectives including Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism. A strong interest in current social issues and independent study is essential.
Assessment
The course is assessed entirely through exams at the end of Year 13:
- Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (2 hours)
- Paper 2: Families and Households & Beliefs in Society (2 hours)
- Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hours)
All papers are equally weighted.
Possible Career Paths
Sociology supports progression into careers such as the police, media, education, government, health, nursing and social work.
It is also valued for university study in areas including psychology, politics, economics, history, geography, media, journalism, marketing and social policy.
Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–5
- Grade 6 or above in English
- Ideally Grade 6 in Sociology or a humanities subject (e.g. History at Grade 5+)
- Grade 5–9 in Mathematics
Exam Board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/a-level/sociology-7192/specification
For more information, please contact the College here: