Sociology

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Year 10

Inspired by the British Sociological Association the intent of Sociology at Aylesford is to “seek to understand aspects of human social behaviour, including the social dynamics of small groups of people, large organisations, communities, institutions and even entire societies”. Students develop an understanding of “the fundamental principles of social life” as “an understanding of these principles will help improve people’s lives through more enlightened and effective policies.” Students “will discover how to investigate these kinds of questions for themselves and begin to understand more about their own motivations and behaviours, gaining a wide range of very valuable skills that can be applied to almost any career.” 

Students are introduced to the sociological imagination and begin to understand how society shapes individual behaviour. The curriculum develops critical thinking through the study of research methods, families and education, encouraging students to evaluate evidence and consider a range of sociological perspectives. 

Key Knowledge:

Paper 1: Families and Education with Research Methods 

  • Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Perspectives and the role of sociologists. 

  • Research methods: primary/secondary data, questionnaires, interviews, observations, ethics, validity and reliability 

  • The Sociology of Families: family diversity, functions of the family, socialisation, changing relationships, gender roles and demographic change 

  • The Sociology of Education: the purpose of education, factors affecting achievement, social class, gender and ethnicity, internal and external

Year 10 Assessment Points:  

  • TrackPoint 1: Introduction to Sociology & Sociological Perspectives. 

  • TrackPoint 2: Research Methods 

  • TrackPoint 3: Year 10 Mock Paper (Families and Education topics) 

  • End of Year 10 mock examination based on Paper 1. 

  • Retrieval quizzes (Revise in 5) 

  • End of topic assessments using GCSE-style multiple choice, 3, 4 and 12 mark exam questions 

 

Key Vocabulary 

Sociology, norms, values, culture, identity, socialisation, primary data, secondary data, validity, reliability, ethics, nuclear family, extended family, patriarchy, functionalism, Marxism, feminism, hidden curriculum, labelling, deprivation. 

Enrichment 

  • Investigation of current social issues through documentaries. 

  • Analysis of contemporary statistics 

  • Debate and discussion activities 

  • Independent research tasks 

  • Designing a study (themes adaptable) 

  • Visit to Houses of Parliament 

  • Revision Interventions 

Year 11

Inspired by the British Sociological Association the intent of Sociology at Aylesford is to “seek to understand aspects of human social behaviour, including the social dynamics of small groups of people, large organisations, communities, institutions and even entire societies”. Students develop an understanding of “the fundamental principles of social life” as “an understanding of these principles will help improve people’s lives through more enlightened and effective policies.” Students “will discover how to investigate these kinds of questions for themselves and begin to understand more about their own motivations and behaviours, gaining a wide range of very valuable skills that can be applied to almost any career.” 

Students build upon prior learning by examining inequality, crime and social stratification. They develop the ability to apply sociological theories, interpret evidence and construct balanced evaluative arguments in preparation for GCSE examinations. 

Key Knowledge:

Paper 2: Crime and Deviance and Social Stratification 

  • The Sociology of Crime and Deviance: patterns of crime, explanations of criminal behaviour, social control and the role of the media 

  • Social Stratification: social class, poverty, wealth, inequality, power, life chances and discrimination 

  • Synoptic application of sociological theories and research methods across the specification 

Year 11 Assessment Points:  

  • TrackPoint 1: Education 

  • TrackPoint 2: Crime 

  • November Mock: Education Topics (Paper 1) and Crime Topics (Paper 2) 

  • February Mock: Crime and Stratification Topics (Paper 2) 

  • Retrieval quizzes (Revise Iin 5) 

  • End of topic assessments using GCSE-style multiple choice, 3, 4 and 12 mark exam questions 

  • May External AQA GCSE Sociology examinations. 

Key Vocabulary 

Crime, deviance, social control, sanctions, labelling, official statistics, victim surveys, social class, life chances, inequality, prejudice, discrimination, power, wealth, poverty, meritocracy. 

Enrichment 

  • Analysis of contemporary statistics 

  • Visit to National Courts of Justice in Nottingham 

  • Investigation of current social issues through documentaries  

  • Debate and discussion activities 

  • Independent revision projects and exam workshops. 

  • Revision Interventions 
Subject Documents Date  
GCSE Sociology 12th Apr 2026 Download
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