Sociology

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Why should I choose to study Sociology?

Studying Sociology will help you to understand and think critically about the social worlds we live in. It will help students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. Sociology enables us to understand the behaviour of people in terms of their age, gender, social class, ethnicity and other groups they belong to. Different types of sociologists see society in different ways, and these differing interpretations have an impact on how we view the social world around us.

As well as learning about these topics, students are encouraged to form their own opinions on societal issues, and this is explored through debate. This is an opportunity for students to share and question each other’s ideas, which will develop their understanding of the subject in a controlled environment. 

By choosing to study Sociology not only would students learn about a very interesting and significant topic affecting every human being, students will develop transferable skills including report writing, the ability to debate, and developing analytical skills. 

How will I be examined?

Wjec Eduqas GCSE Sociology

  • Component 1 - Understanding social processes: 50% of qualification. Written examination: 1hr 45mins.
  • Component 2 - Understanding social structures: 50% of qualification. Written examination: 1hr 45mins.

What will I study?

You will study a wide range of different topics such as family, crime and deviance and education, social stratification, as well as how social research is conducted. Each topic covers an in depth view into key aspects of the way society works and you will use factual sources as well as theoretical perspectives to develop your thinking, knowledge and understanding.

  • Component 1 (Paper 1):
    • Key Concepts
    • Family 
    • Education
    • Research Methods.
  • Component 2 (Paper 2):
    • Social Differentiation And Stratification
    • Crime And Deviance
    • Applying Sociological Methods Of Research.

Recommended text books, additional reading and online resources

  • WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology: Student Book & Revision guide
  • Feminist Perspectives P. Abbott and C. Wallace (1997)
  • Think Sociology P.Stephens, A.Leach, L.Taggart andH.Jones (1998)
  • Sociology (4th Edition) A. Giddens (2001)

Department contact:

Emily Meagher, Head of Sociology

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