Intent
The GCSE Sociology curriculum at Edith Kay Independent School has been designed in a bespoke manner for the needs of our pupils. Each unit informs students about a part of society that is integral to our understanding of human civilisation. What is unique about the subject of Sociology is that it integrates both historical and citizenship elements, providing pupils with a well-rounded understanding of the world around them. The curriculum provides the written and verbal skills necessary for the completion of the GCSE. However, quite aptly, the curriculum is also a method of socialisation for our pupils.
Implementation
Pupils are able to learn about four key areas of study:
These four units integrate the methods and theories that are present throughout the course. For example, each unit accounts for Marxist, feminist, functionalist, and New Right perspectives. In addition, as pupils aspire to A-level study, the curriculum also includes post-modernism as a topic in the first module. This was included as a means to stretch learners and push them towards a KS5 level of understanding. Throughout each module, exam skills and practice questions feature prominently. In doing this, Edith Kay School is able to track and monitor progress regularly and intervene in areas of missing knowledge.
A core element of the Sociology curriculum is that it has excellent cross-curricular links with the History curriculum. The study of Marxism coincides with the rise of socialism in Imperial and Weimar Germany, allowing students to draw upon each subject to strengthen their understanding accordingly. A curriculum map displays the cross-curricular links, should a visual perspective be required. What is bespoke about the curriculum is the use of dual coding has been considerately used so that students are able to retain information for longer. Considering the course contains such a large quantity of key terms, pupils are encouraged to make use of key term books and are often provided with visualised key term sheets.
Our pupils are supported with a high level of visual aids. They are also guided through the curriculum via a graduated approach, such as book checks and mini-assessments at least once per term.
Impact
The vast majority of pupils will be able to complete the course with a GCSE accreditation in the subject, as well as the ability to use transferable skills in other written-based subjects in their studies. Additionally, these skills will prepare them for post-16 transition once leaving the school or opt to remain to complete their post-16 studies at the school. Pupils will also have built an element of resilience and confidence in their learning.