Sociology

Sociology

Qualification

GCSE

Examination Board

WJEC

Course content

The WJEC GCSE in Sociology is designed to foster in learners an understanding and critical awareness of the social world around them. The specification focuses on the importance of social structure in explaining social issues. Learners will be encouraged to explore and debate contemporary social issues to enable them to challenge taken‐for‐granted assumptions and to question their everyday understanding of social phenomena.

By following this course, learners will develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world. This specification will develop learners’ ability to think sociologically in relation to their experience of the social world around them so that they are able to play a positive, active and informed role in society.

How you will be assessed

Two 1-hour 45-minute written papers, each worth 50% (100 marks) of the qualification. The exams focus on key concepts, social structures, and research methods within a UK context. Compulsory, structured questions range from 1 to 15 marks, requiring knowledge, application, and evaluation.

Paper 1: Understanding Social Processes (50%)
Topics: Socialisation, culture, identity, families, and education.

Paper 2: Understanding Social Structures (50%)
Topics: Social stratification, differentiation, and crime and deviance.

Careers

There are a range of career paths suited to those studying Sociology including:

• Police officer
• Youth offending worker
• Criminologist
• Social worker
• Family support worker
• Teacher
• Journalist
• Content creator
• Political advisor
• Human resources
• Data analyst (with further study)

 

For further information, please contact Miss Cannon.