Years 10 and 11 GCSE
Sociology is a key stage 4 course option only.
Awarding body
Course overview
The structure of the specification is designed to allow learners to develop an understanding and critical awareness of the social world around them in a wide range of contexts. It gives students the opportunity to study, critically evaluate, and compare contrasting theories or explanations in the context of the following topics and areas:
- Families
- Education
- Crime and deviance
- Social stratification
Students must also demonstrate knowledge and understanding, application, and evaluation of research methods within the context of these topics.
What will students study?
Students study a range of sociological topics that help them understand how society works and how individuals and groups interact within it. These include families, education, crime and deviance, and social stratification.
- Component 1: Understanding social processes. Students explore key sociological concepts and theories, focusing on socialisation, identity, families and education, alongside an introduction to sociological research methods.
- Component 2: Understanding social structures. Students examine social differentiation, power and inequality, with a particular focus on crime and deviance, and the application of sociological research methods.
Assessment
Students are assessed at the end of the course through written examinations:
- Component 1: Understanding social processes. Written examination, 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of the qualification, 100 marks)
- Component 2: Understanding social structures. Written examination, 1 hour 45 minutes (50% of the qualification, 100 marks)
Each component assesses students’ knowledge, understanding, application and evaluation skills across the specified topics, ensuring a balanced and rigorous assessment of sociological understanding.
Recommended revision guides / course resources
WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology Student Book
