United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Sociology.
This Year 13 Sociology curriculum explores complex social structures, inequalities, and contemporary debates within British society and globally. Students will critically analyse sociological theories, evaluate research methods, and apply their understanding to topics such as crime, deviance, and belief systems.
01Crime and Deviance
An in-depth examination of the sociological explanations of crime, social control, and the distribution of offending in contemporary society.
Students will evaluate functionalist, Marxist, and interactionist perspectives on the causes of crime and deviance. They will assess how different paradigms explain rule-breaking behaviour.
An examination of the statistical patterns of crime across different social classes, genders, and ethnic groups. Students will critically analyse the reliability of official crime statistics.
This topic explores the impact of globalisation on criminal networks and the emergence of new forms of crime. Students will investigate environmental crimes and human rights abuses by states.
Students will review various strategies for crime prevention, including situational and environmental approaches. The sociological role of the penal system and victimology will also be assessed.
02Sociological Theory
A critical evaluation of macro and micro sociological theories, exploring how they interpret the structure and action of modern society.
A deep dive into macro-sociological theories, contrasting the consensus approach of functionalism with the conflict approaches of Marxism and feminism. Students will evaluate their relevance to modern Britain.
This topic shifts focus to micro-sociological perspectives, including symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, and phenomenology. Students will explore how individuals construct social reality.
Students will analyse the transition from modern to postmodern society and the sociological implications of globalisation. They will debate whether grand narratives are still applicable today.
03Theory and Methods in Context
An exploration of the relationship between sociological theory, research methodologies, and the scientific nature of the discipline.
An evaluation of the relationship between sociological theory and research methods. Students will consider the practical, ethical, and theoretical factors influencing research design.
A critical debate on whether sociology can or should be considered a science. Students will explore positivist and interpretivist views on the scientific method.
Students will examine the role of values in sociological research and the relationship between sociology and social policy. They will debate whether value-free sociology is possible or desirable.
04Beliefs in Society
An analysis of the role and function of religion and ideology in contemporary society, including debates around secularisation.
An exploration of different belief systems, comparing religious, scientific, and political ideologies. Students will analyse how these systems claim truth and influence societal norms.
This topic investigates whether religion acts as a conservative force or a catalyst for social change. Students will study historical and contemporary examples of religiously motivated movements.
Students will evaluate the secularisation thesis and examine the changing nature of religious participation in the UK and globally. The rise of new religious movements and New Age spirituality will be assessed.