Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and society. Sociologists are particularly interested in understanding the way in which society shapes our lives.

The GCSE Sociology course will examine British Society and its main institutions such as the family, education, work and the welfare state. Other areas of study will include crime and deviance, politics, poverty and methods of research.

We will also investigate the influence of social class, gender, ethnicity and age on our life chances and opportunities.

We will be raising and attempting to answer questions such as these:
1. What are the causes of juvenile crime?
2. What links are there between social class and education?
3. Who holds power in Britain?

This is an interesting and demanding course so you must be willing to work hard. An interest in social issues and current affairs would be a good start.

The course is assessed by written examination and by coursework. You will be given the opportunity to research and investigate in depth, an area of social life which you find particularly interesting.

Sociology GCSE is a valuable general qualification for employment or as a preparation for A Levels or a BTEC National course.

You may wish to combine GCSE Sociology with a programme of two A Level subjects