Sociology at the Quest encourages students to become curious about the society in which they live, the groups they belong to and the influences which impact upon their lives. Students should become analytical and question social phenomenon they are familiar with; to consider the impartiality of the media, the role of education and the social construction of criminality. Students will explore the causes of social problems and increase their political literacy. In the current context of social upheaval, Sociology provides a means to navigate the complex and multi-layered issues at the forefront of the public conscience.

At GCSE, students study the changing demographics of the UK, the dominance of the nuclear family and the marketisation of education. We also analyse stratification within the UK system; dismantling the power structures that afford certain groups privileges within society. Students enjoy relating sociological theory to current events and issues, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, widening poverty rates in the UK and the societal implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociology also exposes students to Research Methodology, giving them experience of analysing both quantitative and qualitative data sets as well as evaluating the merits of various methods.

Our curriculum design includes revisiting and building on existing knowledge. Students oracy skills are developed through regular class debate, so that students can engage with social issues in a reflective and sensitive manner. Students are expected to analyse the relative contributions of competing theories in order to discuss their impact on our understanding of human behaviour and society as a whole; increasing critical thinking and analytical skills. The Sociology curriculum also aims to build on students’ cultural capital; providing contextual wider historical and political knowledge necessary to navigate the social world today.

Studying Sociology enables students to become active participants of the world around them; critically engaging with and analysing previously taken for granted assumptions. It is exciting, absorbing, and exceedingly relevant to our students’ lives.

Books used within the course:

 

Books used within the course: