Sociology Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Aim & Intent
Aim
Our Sociology curriculum aims to inspire students to question the world around them and develop a deeper understanding of how society operates. Through the study of key themes such as socialisation, inequality, power, and social change, students learn to think critically about social structures and institutions — from education and family to crime and the media.
By exploring real-world issues and current debates, the course equips students with the analytical skills, empathy, and awareness needed to engage thoughtfully with contemporary society and to prepare for further study or future careers in a wide range of fields.
Intent
The intent of our Sociology curriculum is to ignite curiosity about the social world and encourage students to question how and why societies function as they do. We aim to develop learners who can think critically about social structures, relationships, and inequalities, drawing on evidence and theory to understand the complexity of human behaviour. Through topics such as education, family, crime, and social stratification, students explore how culture, identity, and power shape individual experiences and collective outcomes.
Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to engage confidently with contemporary issues and debates. By fostering analytical thinking, empathy, and independent judgement, we prepare students to become thoughtful, informed citizens who can contribute positively to society. Sociology also builds a strong foundation for further study and a wide range of careers in areas such as law, social research, education, and public service.
Brief Overview of Curriculum Content for Each Term
Our KS4 curriculum is spilt across 2 years which is assessed by 2 exams which are both 1 hour and 45 minutes.
| Autumn term | Spring Term | Summer Term | |
| Yr 10 | The Sociological Approach Families and Households | Research Methods Education | Crime and Deviance |
| Yr 11 | Crime and Deviance Social Stratification | Social Stratification Recap and Revision |
Our Key Stage 5 Curriculum:
Our KS5 curriculum is spilt across 2 years which is assessed by 3 exams of 2 hours. The course covers the following topics:
A-level Subject Content
Compulsory Content:
- Education with Theory and Methods
- Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Optional Content:
Option 1
- Culture and Identity
- Families and Households
- Health
- Work, Poverty and Welfare
Option 2
- Beliefs in Society
- Global Development
- The Media
- Stratification and Differentiation
We know that students who read well achieve well. As such all subject areas are committed to providing regular opportunities to read extensively. We provide regular opportunities for students to read for pleasure and to receive small group interventions if their reading skills are lower than we would expect.
How Our Curriculum Caters For SEND Students
How does our Curriculum cater for students with SEND?
At Southmoor, we believe that all students deserve an engaging and inclusive education that matches the individual needs of all pupils. In Sociology, we aim to ensure that SEND students consistently receive stimulating and meaningful lessons which is often achieved by linking subject content to personal experiences wherever possible.
In Sociology, SEND support is provided by differentiated teaching strategies which includes the use of visual resources, discussion tasks and group work which aims to challenge and break down potential learning barriers for SEND pupils.
Sociology ensures students receive an inclusive and personalised focusing on the following:
- Adaptation of resources
- Adaptation of the learning environment (eg seating plans and lighting to reflect student needs)
- Access to both learning and assessment timelines in advance.
- Access to the alternative provision for exams and during lessons when needed.
- Subtitles for videos.
- Booklets which offer paced learning
- Laptops with word processor during lessons and for exams.
How Our Curriculum Caters For Disadvantaged Students
How does our curriculum cater for disadvantaged students and those from minority groups?
As a school serving an area with high levels of deprivation, we work tirelessly to raise the attainment for all students and to close any gaps that exist due to social contexts. The deliberate allocation of funding and resources has ensured that attainment gaps are closing in our drive to ensure that all pupils are equally successful when they leave the Academy.
In Sociology, each member of staff can access information using Class Charts that identifies disadvantaged pupils. Pupils are placed in the classrooms with careful consideration so that they receive high quality focus and support from staff and peers. All course materials are available online for students to access at all points and catch up work is set for any missed learning time. Weekly intervention sessions are held which carefully selects students who could benefit from further support.
