Sociology

Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11)

Year 10

Component 1 Understanding Social Processes

• Key concepts and processes of cultural transmission
• Families
• Education
• Sociological research methods

Year 11

Component 2 Understanding Social Structures

• Crime and Deviance
• Applied methods
• Social differentiation and stratification

Key Stage 5 (Year 12-13)

 OCR A Level

Year 12

Component 1 Socialisation, Culture and Identity

• Socialisation, culture and identity
• Families and relationships

Component 2 Researching and Understanding Social Inequality

• Social inequality
• Research methods

Year 13

Component 3 Debates in contemporary society

• Globalisation and the digital social world
• Education

Independent Learning Resources

Key Stage 4/5

Independent Learning Resources for GCSE & A-Level Sociology

To support your studies in Sociology—whether you're taking the WJEC Eduqas GCSE or OCR A-Level course—use the following independent learning resources. These include textbooks, news sites, data sources, podcasts, and revision platforms that can help you apply sociological theories and concepts to real-world examples, deepen your knowledge, and prepare effectively for assessments.

1. Recommended Textbooks and Study Guides

• WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology Textbook
  Available in the school library. Officially recommended by the exam board. Covers all specification content and includes practice questions.
• OCR A-Level Sociology Textbooks
  Available in the library. These comprehensive textbooks follow the OCR specification closely, covering key topics, theories, and exam-style questions.
• OCR A-Level Sociology Student Guides
  Available in the library. Offers focused support on units the OCR specification.

2. Websites for Contemporary Examples and Research

• BBC News – www.bbc.co.uk/news
  Stay informed on current affairs and societal issues. Ideal for finding up-to-date examples to apply to sociological themes like crime, education, inequality, and family life.
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation – www.jrf.org.uk
  A trusted source of research and policy analysis on poverty, inequality, and social justice. Excellent for case studies and data-based evaluation.
• Office for National Statistics (ONS) – www.ons.gov.uk
  Use for reliable UK statistics on crime, unemployment, demographics, education, health, and more. Key for identifying patterns and trends—important at both GCSE and A-Level.
• Department for Education – www.education.gov.uk
  Offers official reports, data, and government policy updates on the UK education system. Use the "Statistics" and "Research and Analysis" sections for applied evidence.
• The Guardian (Sociology & Education Sections) www.theguardian.com/education/sociology
  Includes opinion articles, policy analysis, and education news relevant to sociology topics.
• The New York Times – Sociology Section
  www.nytimes.com/topic/subject/sociology
  Provides a global view of sociological issues, trends, and studies—useful for comparison and broader context.

 3. Exam Practice and Assessment Support

• WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology Website – www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/sociology/gcse
  Access past papers, mark schemes, assessment objectives, and examiners’ reports. Essential for GCSE revision and familiarisation with the exam format.
• OCR A-Level Sociology Website – www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/sociology-h180-h580
  Includes past papers, specification details, examiner reports, and useful assessment support for A-Level students.

4. Magazines and Academic Journals

• Sociology Review Magazine
  Available in the library. A student-friendly academic journal featuring current debates, topical articles, and exam advice tailored for GCSE and A-Level learners.

5. Podcasts and Multimedia

• The Sociology Show Podcast
  Explores sociological concepts through interviews with sociologists and discussions on current social issues. A great way to revise or extend learning through real-world examples and expert insights. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.
• YouTube Channels:
• Tutor2U Sociology – concise revision videos on key topics
• CrashCourse Sociology – engaging video summaries of sociological theories and concepts
• The Sociology Guy – revision tips and topic discussions tailored for GCSE and A-Level
• Allsociology – engaging videos summarising key topics covered at GCSE. These videos also provide useful exam tips.

6.  Additional Online Learning Platforms

• Tutor2U Sociology – www.tutor2u.net/sociology
  Offers free revision resources, notes, videos, and exam support materials for both GCSE and A-Level.
• S-cool Sociology – www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/sociology
  A helpful revision site for GCSE-level content, including key concepts and topic summaries.
• Sociology Guide – www.sociologyguide.com
  Introduces sociological theory and key thinkers. Useful for broadening understanding.

Top Tips for Using These Resources Effectively

• Use real-life examples from news and research to apply to exam questions.
• Practice using official mark schemes to self-assess your work.
• Watch short videos or listen to podcasts to revise on the go.
• Keep a sociology notebook or digital file where you store applied examples, key definitions, and summaries

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