Sociology

The Gatwick School aims to offer an ambitious Sociology curriculum that is deeply aligned with the school's core values of chances, choices, and culture. It is designed to stretch and challenge students providing an in-depth understanding and respect for the social world around them and the ability to recognise the environmental factors affecting the behaviour of individuals and groups, and by extension, society. Sociology at the Gatwick School is taught as a evidence based approach to understanding social phenomena, our students will develop the courage and resilience to appreciate the causes, impact and subsequent consequences of societal change on the structure of social institutions such as the family, education, crime and social stratification. Furthermore, our students will develop a deeper understanding of individuals and specific groups life chances based on key protected characteristics such as class, age, gender and ethnicity (CAGE) that exist in our society. This includes understanding the impact of social policy and political decision making. 

Through the study of Sociology, our students will be given Chances to develop the necessary skills to scientifically investigate society, critically assess evidence and build the courage to consider solutions to today’s societal issues. Through empowering individuals with a wider knowledge of society, research methods, analysing and evaluating we give our students Choices to  continue these studies further in A level Sociology, criminology, politics and Law and can lead them into careers such as social work, research, social policy, criminal analysis or family liaison officers. Through studying sociology students learn the values of respect, responsibility, resilience, kindness, courage, and pride by becoming effective citizens who appreciate diversity and critically assess their own role within it (Culture). Our students will be equipped with a greater understanding of the challenges facing individuals and groups beyond their own experiences. 

Students will develop: 

• Their resilience for developing and exploring deep knowledge of sociological theory and evidence-based decision making. 

• The skills to be an effective social scientist. 

• The ability to critically assess reasons for and impacts of inequality in a range of different settings. 

• An understanding of the challenges faced by others to develop their kindness and become empathetic and responsible citizens. 

• Having the courage to be more open minded to changes around them and the resilience to appreciate these differences between people. 

• An understating of the causes and effects of social behaviours. 

• To take responsibility and have the courage to seek solutions to real world issues through social policy.