Sociology
“We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.”
-- Angela Davis
Sociology focuses on the ways that individuals are affected by the people around them (families, friends, the media etc.) and the social groups they belong to. The sociology curriculum equips students with the ability to be well informed, responsible, and active citizens who notice social patterns, inequality and injustice and have the tools to contribute to positive change in a constructive manner. Students studying Sociology understand societal norms and conventions but also understand the importance of being active in constructing a fair and just society, even if that is not currently the case. Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of the statistics and headlines they read in the media and can disentangle objective facts from socially constructed realities along with their own personal biases as they experience such media.
Our curriculum aims to develop critical thinkers, allowing students to interact with and gain a greater understanding of key Sociological thinkers and concepts and their relevance in a modern society. Students will have the opportunity to develop a range of knowledge and skills, including literacy and oracy, mathematical and problem-solving skills which are embedded in all aspects of the curriculum.
This will give students a viable option in preparation for studying at university, engaging in work to be economically active or enhance their lifelong learning. All Sociology students at HABH will develop transferable skills relevant to their social and employability prospects. These skills include independence of thought, critical analysis, investigative and presentation skills. This is possible as all Sociology students will learn to synthesise complex arguments in line with theoretical paradigms and empirical evidence before arriving at a conclusion.
By the end of Sociology GCSE and A-Level students will be prepared to contribute to real change in society as they understand the mechanisms already in place and how to change them.
