“Good sociology is sociological work that produces meaningful descriptions of organizations and events, valid explanations of how they come about and persist, and realistic proposals for their improvement or removal.” – Howard S. Becker

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.

Our A-Level Sociology curriculum is designed to inspire students to critically engage with the social world, fostering intellectual curiosity and a deep understanding of the complexities of society. Rooted in our school’s ethos of academic excellence, personal growth, and preparation for the challenges of the modern world, Sociology equips students with the analytical skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking abilities necessary to thrive in further education and beyond.

The intent of our Sociology curriculum is to provide a rigorous and thought-provoking exploration of how societies function, how individuals and groups interact, and how social structures and institutions shape human behavior. Students will study diverse perspectives and sociological theories, enabling them to challenge preconceived ideas, appreciate different viewpoints, and develop a nuanced understanding of social inequality, power, and change. By grappling with key sociological questions and real-world issues, such as education, stratification, crime, media and globalisation, students will gain the tools to critically analyse the world around them and engage with contemporary debates.

A-Level Sociology at SJWMS is not only an academic pursuit but also a means of empowering students to become informed, reflective, and socially responsible citizens. By encouraging students to consider how their own experiences are shaped by broader social forces, we aim to develop empathy, cultural literacy, and an awareness of social justice. Our curriculum challenges stereotypes, promotes equality, and nurtures an appreciation for diversity, preparing students to navigate and contribute positively to an increasingly complex and diverse society.

Ultimately, our A-Level Sociology curriculum is designed to develop independent, critical thinkers who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to make meaningful contributions to society. We are proud to offer a subject that not only fosters academic achievement but also cultivates a lifelong passion for understanding and improving the world we live in.

Choice of content

We have chosen AQA A Level, which is the most popular A Level Sociology specification. It is coherently designed and extremely well resourced. The AQA qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to Sociology. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. The content is largely driven by the specification but we have made the following choices:

We have chosen to start the course with an introduction to key concepts and theories, rather than dive straight into the first compulsory unit. This will ensure that all students have sufficient grounding in key sociological concepts and theories to access the rest of the course effectively. 

Alongside the compulsory unit of Education we have chosen Culture and Identity as our Y12 optional unit. This acts as an excellent overview and primer to anyone wishing to study the subject at degree level but also acts as a useful doorway to a range of key sociological concepts and concerns. These concepts and concerns can be applied across all units in the A Level course, enabling students to be able to make a wide range of synoptic links throughout the course.

Our optional choice in Y13 to sit alongside the compulsory unit of Crime and Deviance, is Media. Not only will pupils find this unit highly engaging and relatable to their own lives but it will also help equip them to understand a fundamental aspect of modern life that plays a significant role in shaping societies, influencing individuals, and reflecting cultural, political, and economic dynamics.

Our A-level Sociology curriculum is implemented through a carefully sequenced programme that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to engage deeply with society’s complexities. Lessons are designed to build on prior knowledge, ensuring a clear progression from the initial introduction to key concepts, theory and method to developing these in greater depth when studied and applied to core units such as Education and Crime and Deviance.

The curriculum is structured to ensure a balance between foundational knowledge and the development of transferable skills. In Year 12, students are introduced to core concepts, such as socialisation and stratification alongside in-depth studies of education and culture and identity. They also have an introduction to theoretical perspectives such as functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism which are then woven in throughout the rest of the course. These topics provide a framework for understanding the role of key social institutions and their impact on individuals and groups. Students will also learn about sociological research methods, gaining the skills to critically evaluate data and apply methodological concepts to real-world scenarios. 

In Year 13, the students will study two more key contemporary issues, including crime and deviance and media. These topics encourage students to critically engage with societal changes and global challenges, fostering an appreciation of the interconnectedness of the modern world. 

Topics taught: 

  • Year 12- Education With Theory and Methods, Culture and Identity
  • Year 13 – Crime and Deviance, Media

Although there is no one way to teach Sociology and the department is not prescriptive in terms of how individual teachers approach subject delivery, there is consistency in the  demand for the use of high-quality teaching strategies. These strategies include direct instruction, group discussions, and real-world case studies. Students are encouraged to apply sociological theories and methods to contemporary issues, developing their analytical and evaluative skills as well as completing some real-world small-scale research. Retrieval and interleaving techniques are embedded in lesson planning to reinforce learning and promote long-term retention.

Assessment is integral to our approach, with regular low-stakes quizzes, Google quizzes, essay tasks, and mock exams aligned with AQA specifications. Feedback is specific and actionable, enabling students to make sustained improvements.

We will aim to enrich the curriculum with opportunities such as guest speakers, visits to institutions like courts, and participation in debates, enhancing cultural capital. This inclusive approach ensures all students, regardless of background or ability, are supported to achieve their potential and leave as reflective, informed citizens.

Additionally, the following also contributes to successful implementation in Sociology:

  • Resources and experiences are shared across the department. Staff are passionate about the subject and are inspired by a clear sense of the subject’s educational and wider benefits.
  • The contemporary and changing nature of the subject lends well to the discussion and debate in the classroom. Students are able to regularly offer opinions, ask questions and critique and challenge what the content covered.
  • Students and staff closely follow schemes of work and syllabus. This will be outlined from the beginning and uploaded accordingly to Google Classroom.
  • Key terminology is an integral part of the learning of the topics. Language and terminology can often be a barrier to understanding and progress. Therefore key term knowledge checks will be a key focus of retrieval tasks.
  • Homework is set regularly, and tasks are linked to the lesson and programme of study, whilst developing sociological knowledge, understanding and skills.

After it’s introduction in September 2025, we will measure the impact of the A level Sociology course via the following measures:

  • Analysis of exam results and grades to determine overall attainment and progress. This will include comparisons to national benchmarks and the analysis of Value-Added data.
  • Higher Education and careers pathways. We will track students’ post-A-level pathways, such as university enrolment, apprenticeships, or employment in related fields.
  • We will evaluate how well the course prepared students for higher education or careers requiring subject-specific skills (e.g., Sociology leading to criminology, social work, or politics).
  • We will use the school’s yearly pupil voice surveys to assess how students perceive the course’s relevance, challenge, and support.
  • We will monitor critical thinking and skills of analysis. This will be primarily via evaluating how well students apply sociological theories and methods to real-world problems.
  • We will assess improvements in written and verbal communication through regular essays, presentations, and discussions.
  • Assessment Performance – we will monitor students progress via both summative and formative assessment: targeted questions, regular low-stakes quizzes, essays, and  other classroom activities. This will also include analysis of mock exam results to identify knowledge gaps and inform teaching adjustments.
  • We will monitor quality of teaching via termly learning walks and regular work scrutinies.
  • We will analyse attainment gaps by measuring the performance of key groups (e.g., SEND, disadvantaged, or EAL students) to ensure equity in outcomes.
  • We will analyse feedback from examiners by reviewing examiner reports for insights into areas of strength and improvement.

Schemes of Work

Year 12 Year 13