Sociology
In our Sociology curriculum we enable learners to become critical thinkers that can criticise and evaluate arguments in order to strengthen their own ability to discuss. Whilst exploring British cultural norms and values students gain confidence and endeavour to lead learning, with mutual respect, when working with their peers.
Purpose
Critical Thinkers
Social Scientists gain confidence by having regular opportunities to debate and criticise each other - this too helps with the A03 (evaluative) elements within Social Sciences. We provide the opportunities for the development of the following skills:
Debating, Criticising, Comparing, Evaluating, Analysing, Empathy, Playing Devil’s advocate.
In Social Sciences there are opportunities to criticise theorists and challenge our own ideas in every extended answer question.
For example, Functionalists believe poverty motivates workers to work hard which in turn benefits society. Marxists agree that poverty motivates the workforce and makes them obedient, however, they believe this only benefits the ruling classes.
We debate issues where students are asked for the reasoning behind their opinions.
For example, do you believe Britain is a meritocracy? Why do you think this?
Belonging
Exploring diversity
The Social Science curriculum is broad and balanced. The topics lend themselves to celebrate differences.
We provide many opportunities for students to look at inequality across the areas of:
Class, Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Disability, Sexuality.
In family there are opportunities to learn about different family types and the reasons why families are changing.
In education there are opportunities to learn about class, gender and ethnicity regarding trends in educational attainment.
In social stratification there are opportunities to learn about theories relating to political parties and the history behind such institutions as the Welfare state.
In crime and deviance there are opportunities to learn about the Mass media and how it influences societal deviancy and can have an amplifying effect on subcultures.
Leadership
Learning Leaders
We provide opportunities to engage learners and believe that Social Scientists should be investigative, with no limits to their curiosity and a genuine thirst for new experiences and knowledge. We provide the opportunities for the development of the following skills:
Inquisition, Research, Examine, Compete, Reward, Support, Stretch, Elaborate.
Within social sciences there are opportunities for students to lead learning.
There are opportunities for wider reading in lessons where students access content from higher level texts.
There are opportunities for competition, for example, students work on their speed in lessons by keeping up with the pacemaker or perhaps winning a silent debate.
Students are encouraged to mark and give feedback on each other’s work where appropriate.
