Sociology

GCSE Sociology is available to external candidates through AQA or Eduqas. Alternatively there is an IGCSE from CAIE. You do not need to have taken GCSE Sociology in order to study it at A-level. 
== AQA GCSE Sociology ==
AQA GCSE Sociology page and specification
* Exams from: June 2019
* Specification code: 8192
* Available: June series
What AQA say: Our GCSE Sociology specification provides students with the opportunity to study the sociology of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. Our specification is designed to be suitable for students with no prior knowledge of the subject. Students will develop their understanding of complex social structures, empirical investigation and constructing balanced arguments, as well strengthening their analytical and research skills.
=== Subject Content ===
AQA Sociology covers 7 topics:
# The sociological approach
# Social structures, social processes and social issues
# Families
# Education
# Crime and deviance
# Social stratification
# Sociological research methods
=== Assessment ===
100% exam based
* Paper 1 - The sociology of families and education - 1hr 45 mins - 100marks - 50%
** Section A: The sociology of families - has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses, inc two 12 mark questions
** Section B: The sociology of education - has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses, inc two 12 mark questions
** Relevant areas of social theory and methodology are assessed across the paper
* Paper 2 - The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification - 1hr 45 mins - 100marks - 50%
** Section A: The sociology of crime and deviance - has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses, inc two 12 mark questions
** Section B: The sociology of social stratification - has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses, inc two 12 mark questions
** Relevant areas of social theory and methodology are assessed across the paper
=== Resources ===
Textbooks
There are 2 published textbooks for AQA both have strengths and weaknesses. Both I feel lack in full coverage of the spec so I would download the content aspect of the spec and keep an eye on it as you work through sourcing extra resources as needed.
Hodder textbook: AQA GCSE (9-1) Sociology, Updated Edition Paperback – 30 Aug. 2019 by David Bown 
Collins textbook: AQA GCSE 9-1 Sociology Student Book Paperback – 29 Mar. 2017 by Wilson, Kidd and Addison 
Hodder in my opinion covers the depth of content better, whereas Collins does a good job of simplifying things and has better activities (but no answers). I edge towards the Hodder as the better one to cover the spec from - perhaps combined with the Collins revision (which does have answers) for the best of both
Workbooks if you like them
Tutor2U have recently brought out a range which I think are really good - I would definitely recommend using the pre-Unit 1 book as an introduction before the textbook and the Research Methods one as they are more engaging than just reading through.
Collins. It's okay - not really necessary unless you like workbooks.
There are a couple from Hodder - Paper 1 and Paper 2
The Hodder ones were the first out when the spec was new and have the feeling of being rushed, some of the questions are unnecessarily difficult in my opinion , don't really map to the spec and on occasion don't apply terms in correct context.
Revision
Tutor2U did live online revision sessions for free this year and they can be viewed on YouTube. They also do a digital Grade Booster course.
Collins revision guide and practice 
My Revision Notes 
Tutor2U and Collins do flashcards
Seneca has courses
Matthew Townsend despite very boring voice worth persevering with his Youtube videos as he's really good with explaining links.
Past papers
Past papers are available on the specimen page and here.
== Eduqas GCSE Sociology ==
Eduqas GCSE Sociology page and specification
*Exams from: June 2019
* Specification code: C200QS
* Available: June series
What Eduqas say: The WJEC Eduqas 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.
=== Subject Content ===
Eduqas Sociology covers 7 topics:
# Key concepts and processes of cultural transmission 
# Families
# Education
# Sociological research methods
# Social differentiation and stratification 
# Crime and deviance
# Applied methods of sociological enquiry 
=== Assessment ===
100% exam based
*Paper 1 - Understanding Social Processes - 1hr 45 mins - 100marks - 50%
** Covers topics 1-4
**A mix of short answer, structured questions and extended response questions, all compulsory.
**The extended response questions will require candidates to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across the relevant specification content.
* Paper 2 - Understanding Social Structures - 1hr 45 mins - 100marks - 50%
** Covers topics 5-7
**A mix of short answer, structured questions and extended response questions, all compulsory.
**The extended response questions will require candidates to draw together different areas of knowledge, skills and/or understanding from across the relevant specification content.
=== Resources ===
Textbook: WJEC EDUQAS GCSE SOCIOLOGY STUDENT BOOK – REVISED EDITION by Steve Tivey, Marion Davies 
Revision guide: WJEC EDUQAS GCSE SOCIOLOGY – REVISION GUIDE by Steve Tivey, Kathryn Bowman
Eduqas have a lot of free resources on their website
Revision videos from All Sociology
Past papers are available on the specimen page and here.
== Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE Sociology ==
Cambridge (CAIE) IGCSE page and specification
*Exams from: June 2016
* Specification code: 0495
* Available: June and November series
What CAIE say: " Through the Cambridge IGCSE Sociology syllabus, learners explore aspects of social relationships, processes and structures; as a result, they develop a greater understanding of human societies and the role of continuity and change in social life. Learners are encouraged to evaluate critically a variety of different social, economic and political structures, thereby learning more about the sociological method, and developing an ability to assess different forms of information and evidence. By relating the syllabus to the local context, teachers can help learners apply their developing sociological knowledge and understanding to the analysis of their own lives and their participation in society."
The information below relates to 2023 and 2024 exams. There are changes to the specification from 2025, page will be updated after 2023 exams. 
=== Subject Content ===
CAIE Sociology covers 7 topics:
# Theory and methods
# Culture, identity and socialisation
# Social inequality
# Family
# Education
# Crime, deviance and social control
# Media
=== Assessment ===
100% exam based
*Paper 1 - Written paper - 2hrs - 80marks - 54%
** Covers topics 1-3
**Candidates answer one compulsory data response question and one optional structured question from a choice of two.
* Paper 2 - Written paper - 1hr 45 mins - 70marks - 46%
** Covers topics 4-7
**Candidates answer two optional structured questions from a choice of four.
=== Resources ===
Textbook: Cambridge IGCSE® Sociology Coursebook by Jonathon Blundell 
Teachers resource: Cambridge IGCSE Sociology Teacher CD-ROM
Past papers can be found on the specification page or sites such as pastpapers.co and papacambridge. Each series has 3 sets of papers available. These are because they were sat in different time zones. They are the same syllabus and useful for practice.
==Comments from Home Educators==
"AQA Sociology is a relatively simple option for students who have interest in politics and working of society. We've done AQA from following the spec, textbooks and a group class for discussion. The longer mark questions can feel a bit scary when you start if you have a child who isn't a big writer, but they are quite 'formulaic' in how they are written so can practice techniques. It was my son's first subject and he's really enjoyed it. "
==General Resources==
==== Printed Resources ====
Textbooks and revision guides are listed under specifications
Other useful books for reading around the subject Head's Up Sociology, The Sociology Book, Sociology; a Graphic Guide , An Introduction to Sociology   
==== Online Resources ====
Seneca Excellent resource. We've only used the free courses.
BBC Bitesize Sociology page - two units, on Understanding Social Structures, and Understanding Social Processes.
Gojimo Revision App Not used but free app.
==== Printable resources ====
Sociology Support training and support for sociology teachers. The resources section has some free printables.
Sociology Stuff Aimed at A'level, lots of free factsheets and questions. Many are relevant for GCSE.
Get Revising Lots of revision materials, worth checking the dates as some predate current specs
Collins Flashcards Free flashcards in the form of Q&As
TES Mostly paid resources and of mixed quality but if you feel need of something extra for a topic worth a look.
==== Blogs ====
All Sociology Instagram Instagram page
ReviseSociology A’level pitched resource but lots of useful commentary to help with the analysis side on the 12 mark Qs
Sociology Blog Aimed at Sociology teachers, lots of useful links and commentary.
==== Videos ====
Crash Course Fun way to reinforce ideas
Exam support Excellent videos for helping with revision and exam prep, particularly using studies.
==== Podcasts ====
The Sociology Show Podcasts mainly in the form of interviews with contemporary sociologists
Podology Sociology Podcasts
==== Other resources ====
Key Terms List of key terms by AQA
Key Studies Summaries of key studies from AQA
Tutors2U Aimed at A’level mainly but good for checking key terms/ideas/studies
Sociology Twynham Another aimed at A’level mainly but useful for info on key terms/ideas/studies
Eddis Tutorial - CIE Sociology IGCSE . Home educator and tutor Samantha Eddis has a page of information on the CIE syllabus and resources, but which may also be relevant to other syllabuses.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Useful for social stratification and poverty
There is a facebook group you can join for ideas, resources and support: FB group link
=== Distance Learning ===
Many home-educated students study Sociology GCSE successfully using just the textbook and free online resources, but some find a distance learning course suits their family better, or want to use a tutor occasionally for marking essays or past papers. Course providers can be found on the Distance Learning Providers page.
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