Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
Sociology
“The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.”
Pierre Bourdieu
The Sociology department delivers a knowledge rich curriculum that aims to equip students with the powerful disciplinary knowledge needed to understand and explain the causes of human behaviour and the impact of this behaviour on wider society. Our goal is to inspire our students to have a heightened intellectual curiosity about why individuals, groups, communities and whole societies work the way they do, such that they have both the confidence and the knowledge to critically engage with conversation of humankind. We achieve this by having uncompromising aspirations for all our students, working collaboratively with them so that they fulfil their potential, whilst steadfastly promoting cultural literacy, intellectual rigour and high standards of behaviour for learning.
Key Concepts
- Culture
- Socialisation
- Identity
- Social differentiation
- Power
- Stratification
- Sociological Perspectives (Consensus, Conflict, Symbolic Interactionist)
- Sociological Theories (Marxism, Feminism, Functionalism, Postmodernism)
- Research Methods (Quantitative and Qualitative Methods)
Key Skills
Our intellectually rigorous Sociology curriculum aims to provide students with:
- The ability to articulate themselves clearly, using subject specific terminology and concise prose.
- The ability to apply Sociological concepts, theories, evidence and research method to a range of contemporary issues.
- The ability to critically engage with the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate.
- The ability to present arguments about the role personal identity, roles and responsibilities play in shaping an individual’s experiences and opportunities in life.
- The ability to make judgements and draw conclusions based on the strength of arguments presented.
Academic Literacy in Sociology
Students’ academic literacy is developed by:
- The explicit teaching of key Sociological terminology in our lessons.
- Guided pre-reading required for each lesson.
- Encouraging students to loan books from the curated Sociology library.
Mayfield students are encouraged to extend their interest in Sociology by:
- Presenting their independent learning to the wider school community through either Social Sciences Club or the Walder Lectures.
- Reading a book from the Sociology library.
- Watching a relevant film, documentary or series suggested by the department and then sharing a review.
Enrichment Opportunities:
- Model UN (Monday lunchtime)
- Psychoanalysis and Cultural Studies Club (Tuesday afterschool)
- Debating Society (Wednesday lunchtimes)
- Newspaper Review Group (Thursday mornings from 8am)
- Social Sciences Club (Thursday lunchtime – bi-weekly)
- Sociology Support (Thursday afterschool)
- Wills Lectures (Friday afterschool – bi-weekly)
Careers Guidance and Support for Sociology:
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/sociology