Blenheim – Key Stage Four Options Brochure 2014-15
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Social Sciences
Sociology GCSE
Does it interest you why some crimes such as street crime are treated more harshly than
fraud or why women still get paid 17% less than men? Are you concerned with the way
ethnic minorities might be portrayed negatively in the media? If you are, then Sociology
may be the subject for you.
Sociology is the study of human society; it draws on a variety of viewpoints in order to
understand the social world around us. You will learn about how society shapes people’s
ideas and behaviour and you will relate this to your own experiences of living in British
society. You will also study how societies change over time and how society differs across
cultures.
You will study the following areas in detail: Family, Education, Crime and Deviance, Social
Inequality and Mass Media.
Sociology is a challenging subject which requires the ability to answer five structured
essays as well as shorter questions based on subject specific terminology. It is therefore
strongly advised that you are working at Level 5 or higher in English in order to cope with
the demands of the course. You will complete two examinations, both worth 50%, at the
end of Year 11.
To understand Social Science is to learn not only the limits of our lives but also the
opportunities open to us for improving them. Increasing our knowledge of human society
is as important as learning more about mathematics, physics or chemistry.
‘Sociology is a fun and interesting subject to learn about. It relates to real life, for example, why men are more likely to commit crimes.’
George Verrills - current Year 11 Student
‘Sociology is a challenging GCSE with many new key words which need to be learnt. With hard work you can do really well.’
Georgia Rudd - AS sociology student who completed her GCSE last year
Head of Sociology: Mr. R. Driscoll
