Sociology
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions.
Curriculum Intent
At The Charter School East Dulwich we introduce students to a diverse range of topics and ideas so they can critically and actively engage in the world around them.
At both Key Stage 4 and 5, the sociology curriculum challenges students to look beyond appearances and set aside their personal beliefs to enable them to develop as active, compassionate citizens.
They will be encouraged to question taken for granted assumptions about culture, identity, social differentiation, power and inequality. Students will learn about a range of sociological skills and knowledge and the work of key sociologists.
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
GCSE Sociology introduces students to the 'big ideas’ in political thought, and where possible, makes links to the contemporary world.
Students who choose to study GCSE Sociology will learn about core sociological themes such as socialisation and the nature/nurture debate, the socialisation process and gender roles.
Students will explore family life through global contexts, for example, different marriage types and child-rearing practices. The critical theories of functionalism,Marxism and feminism are introduced, and we start to develop evaluation skills by comparing these perspectives.
The course also explores education, crime and deviance and students learn about research methods, data and core concepts like validity and reliability.
Key Stage 5
Sociology A Levelis offered to students in The Charter School East Dulwich Sixth Form.
Students study culture and identity which explores key sociological debates including freewill and determinism, modernity and post modernity and the impact of globalisation on societies.
Throughout the course students will develop their academic reading and research skills, and study theory and methods. and undertake independent studies and research,Students will carry out a pilot study, learn how to write a final research report and present their findings.
In Year 13, students learn about crime and deviance and explore beliefs in society where students will learn about different belief systems and the rise of fundamentalism. Students will consider contemporary examples and learn from case studies.
We offer students the opportunity to hear from alumni of our school and sociology graduates and we partner with Behind Bars to run a conference for students on the role of prisons, including the opportunity to interview ex-prisoners.
