GCSE Sociology
GCSE Sociology is a one‑year course that helps you understand how society works and how people’s lives are shaped by social factors. You’ll explore topics such as culture, identity, social inequality and social institutions, while developing skills in analysis, discussion and written evaluation.
This course is ideal if you’re interested in people, current issues and how society is organised, and if you want to build confidence in essay‑style writing and critical thinking. At St Brendan’s, teaching is supportive and structured to help you succeed.
- Qualification
- GCSE
- Exam Board
- WJEC
- Duration
- 1 year
Why study GCSE Sociology at St Brendan’s?
Sociology helps you make sense of the world around you, from family life and education to crime, media and social inequality. The subject develops skills that are highly valued in further education and employment, including analysis, evaluation and clear communication.
At St Brendan’s, Sociology is taught by experienced staff who support you to build confidence in discussion and written work, helping you prepare effectively for assessment.
Entry requirements
- 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above
- Including GCSE English Language at grade 3
- Including GCSE Maths at grade 3
Course examination breakdown
What else do I need to know?
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above
Including GCSE English Language at grade 3
Including GCSE Maths at grade 3
This is an intensive one year course which covers the GCSE WJEC specification. This is suitable for students who need an interesting and academic course that sits alongside the other courses they will be studying as part of the Access to Level Three year.
Topics: culture and society, families and households, education, crime and deviance, research methods and stratification.
Students must have good written communication and essay writing skills, you will develop skills of analysis and evaluation.
The course is taught by well qualified and experienced staff. Teaching methods mostly involve whole-class teaching, with discussions and group work.
Students are expected to do a substantial amount of revision and practice outside the classroom.
This course is assessed by 2 written examinations, Paper 1 and Paper 2 in May/June. Throughout the course, the progress of each student is assessed and monitored by regular assessments and mock examinations.
Dedicated sociology classrooms where we have text books and revision guides to complement the course. The college Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provides a well-stocked section of Sociology books and access to on-line resources. Students are encouraged to buy a revision guide at the start of course
There are no compulsory course charges, but students are encouraged to buy a revision guide to support learning and exam preparation.
There are no restricted subject combinations. Your overall ATL3 programme will be discussed to ensure it supports your progression goals.
Students who successfully complete GCSE Sociology can progress to:
Level 3 courses, including subjects within the humanities
Further education pathways, subject to meeting entry requirements
The skills developed also support progression into a wide range of careers.
Progression opportunities
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