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Sociology

The Sociology curriculum at Sandy Secondary School aims to develop students' sociological imagination by providing them with an understanding of the social world and the changes, experiences and inequalities that different members of society face. Courses at both GCSE and A-Level reflect a spiral curriculum where theories and concepts are revisited across different topic areas.

By using empirical sociological research alongside contemporary sources such as news reports and data from the Office of National Statistics, students apply their knowledge of sociological ideas to real-life contexts, developing the critical analysis and communication skills valued across many career paths.

Helen Bacon

Senior Curriculum Leader History, Politics & Sociology

Lewis Davis

Curriculum Leader Personal Development/Careers/Teacher of Social Sciences

Subject Information Sheets

Download curriculum overviews and subject information sheets for Sociology.

Subject Information Sheets

Curriculum documents for Sociology.

Sociology learning journey flowchart from GCSE to A Level, showing papers and topics by year 9 to 13, including families, education, crime and deviance, and social stratification.

Our Approach to Sociology

Our Sociology department focuses on three key areas that shape everything we do.

Social Understanding

Examining key social institutions including the family, education, and stratification systems, understanding how they shape individuals and society.

Sociological Research

Developing research skills through empirical studies and contemporary data sources, learning to investigate and evaluate sociological evidence.

Critical Analysis

Building critical thinking, formal writing, and evaluative reflection skills while developing empathy and awareness as informed global citizens.

Curriculum Intent, Implementation & Impact

Our Sociology curriculum is built around three core pillars. Expand the sections below to read our full statements on what we aim to achieve, how we deliver it, and the difference it makes to our students.

  • The sociology curriculum at Sandy Secondary School aims to develop students' sociological imagination by providing them with an understanding of the social world and the changes, experiences and inequalities that different members of society face.
  • The courses studied both at GCSE and A level reflect a spiral curriculum, where theories and concepts are used throughout the different topic areas studied to develop a holistic understanding of the ways that different sociological perspectives interpret differing social phenomena.
  • By following a three year model for GCSE delivery, the curriculum provides the opportunity for students to consolidate concepts that would have been previously taught through the national curriculum, where sociology is not a formal distinctive subject, but also upskill students to understand how to build on this prior knowledge effectively at key stage 4.
  • By using empirical sociological research, as well as more contemporary sources such as news reports and data sources such as the Office of National Statistics, students can apply their knowledge of sociological ideas to real-life contexts.
  • We develop literacy throughout sociology by using supported guided reading, knowledge retrieval of key terminology and scaffolded templates for extended writing, the latter being a crucial aspect to successfully achieve on the course.
  • They must consider viewpoints that may differ to their experiences or opinion, being able to use 'third person' arguments in their written work.
  • The sociology curriculum addresses students' personal development through subject specific content, for example by assessing the nature of shared British Values, social inequality and fairness, and the role of the individual in relation to key institutions in society, such as the family and education system.
  • Employability skills such discussion skills, formal written ability, developing empathy to others' points of view or circumstances, critical analysis and evaluative reflection are also developed throughout the curriculum.
  • The Sociology curriculum at Sandy Secondary School is delivered through carefully structured programs at both GCSE and A Level.
  • The GCSE Sociology course, examined by Eduqas, spans three years (Years 9-11), while the A Level course, examined by AQA, covers two years (Years 12-13).
  • In Year 9, students begin their sociological journey with an introduction to key concepts of cultural transmission and foundational sociological theories during the autumn term.
  • This provides essential groundwork for understanding social phenomena. The spring term shifts focus to exploring families as a core social institution.
  • By the summer term, students develop research skills through studying research methods, building their capacity for sociological investigation and analysis.
  • Year 10 deepens students' understanding as they examine education in the autumn term, analyzing how this institution shapes individuals and society.
  • The spring term introduces crime and deviance, exploring social norms, rule-breaking, and social control.
  • The summer term provides an opportunity to review Component 1 content while developing proactive revision strategies and exam techniques.
  • Year 11 completes the GCSE course with a study of social stratification in the autumn term, examining inequality and social class systems.
  • The spring term focuses on comprehensive revision of Components 1 and 2, with students perfecting exam techniques and practicing application of knowledge.
  • The summer term is dedicated to final exam preparation and course completion.
  • The A Level program builds on this foundation, beginning with Year 12's exploration of education alongside research methods in the autumn term.
  • Research methodologies are examined in detail, covering both primary quantitative approaches and contextual applications.
  • The spring term continues application of these research skills, while the summer term completes Paper 2 content on families and households.
  • Year 13 concludes the sociology program with an in-depth study of beliefs in society and crime and deviance.
  • Students also engage with Paper 3 content on theory and debates, developing sophisticated analytical perspectives.
  • The final terms are dedicated to comprehensive revision, exam technique refinement, and course completion.
  • Throughout both programs, students systematically develop essential academic skills including application of sociological concepts, evaluation of theories and evidence, essay writing, discussion and debate, research techniques, and exam preparation.
  • This skills progression runs parallel to knowledge acquisition, ensuring students develop both content mastery and the intellectual tools to apply their understanding effectively.
  • The curriculum structure reflects a spiral design where core sociological perspectives and concepts are revisited across different topic areas, allowing students to build connections and develop a holistic understanding of sociology's explanatory frameworks.
  • By the end of Key Stage 4, students will complete two formal external examinations that reflect the content delivered over the GCSE Sociology course.
  • The majority of the marks available come from students’ ability to provide extended written responses that showcase their knowledge, understanding, application skills, analysis and evaluation skills.
  • For responses to 9, 12 and 15 mark questions, students are also required to produce a concluding paragraph to improve their opportunity of achieving higher band analysis and evaluation marks.
  • By the end of Key Stage 5, students will complete three formal external examinations that reflect the content delivered over the A Level Sociology course.
  • Many of the questions posed in the exam require students to provide extended written responses that showcase their knowledge, understanding, application skills, analysis and evaluation skills.
  • Holistically, we anticipate that students will enjoy their learning within sociology.
  • They can participate in conversations outside of the classroom about contemporary social and political issues, learning to be global empathetic citizens who are socially, morally, spirally and culturally aware as they take their next steps into our social world.
  • Through their developed sociological awareness and learned transferable attributes such as empathy, and skills such as communication, we hope our curriculum provides value when progressing into employment, further or higher education.
  • Sociology compliments several vocations such as public services including the police, civil service, social work, teaching and the healthcare sector, as well as fields such as marketing, journalism and law.
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Begin Your Sociology Journey

Discover how Sociology can shape your future — explore our curriculum from KS3 through to Sixth Form.

Contact the Sociology Department