Head of Department: Mrs S. Gupta

Sociology is the fundamental study of human social life and relationships. It examines how people live together, operate, and interact within a society. The study of sociology helps to deepen a student’s awareness of the world, giving them an invaluable understanding of the social structures and social processes which operate within society, and which govern human behaviour and interaction.

KS5

Students in the Sixth Form at Barclay Academy follow the AQA specification in sociology. This course involves the analysis of various sociological theories such as Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Post Modernism and many more. It also includes the study of fundamental social structures like the education system, and analysis of relationships within this system, or how different factors might affect educational attainment. Students also explore contemporary British society and issues within it, such as health, welfare, crime, inequality, and the role of the media in amplifying these issues. Research is a key aspect of sociology and, correspondingly, students explore various key studies and research methods to evaluate critically the validity of sociological theories. The Course promotes the skills of critical and reflective thinking within students with a respect for social diversity.