Need help with your WJEC GCSE sociology revision? Like many others, you might feel clueless about where to start and how to advance.
With so many GCSE exams, getting high grades on each subject might seem difficult. Don’t worry, though. With the right resources and study techniques, you can get the best results. Let’s explore the best methods and resources.
The WJEC GCSE Sociology Curriculum
WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) is a UK exam board known for its not-so-easy exams. To get good grades in GCSE, you should know the exam structure.
The WJEC Eduqas GCSE sociology includes 2 exam papers:
- Understanding Social Processes.
- Understanding Social Structures.
Each paper is worth 50 per cent of your GCSE. You have 1 hour and 45 minutes for each paper.
The curriculum is designed to develop learners’ understanding of how society works. Critical awareness of social structures and issues is the main focus.
The exam also assesses your understanding of the social world, human behaviour and interactions. Applying your knowledge in real-life situations is also important.
WJEC Eduqas GCSE sociology concepts and themes include:
- Culture
- Power
- Identity
- Socialisation
- Inequality
- Social stability
- Social stratification
- The role of family, media and education.
Key Sociological Perspectives
Functionalism: Focuses on how different parts of society work together to maintain stability and order.
Marxism: Examines the conflicts between different social classes, particularly the power dynamics between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
Feminism: Explores gender inequalities and how patriarchal structures influence social institutions.
Interactionism: Analyses how individuals interact and create meaning in social situations.
Use WJEC Sociology Resources
The WJEC GCSE sociology pdf is a great exam resource. Other resources include:
- WJEC website for past papers and mark schemes. Don’t underestimate past papers during revision. They help understand the exam format and study accordingly.
- Study Rocket supports students preparing for the exam by offering a free revision timetable and simplified explanations.
- WJEC Eduqas GCSE Sociology student book includes detailed exam advice and practices in the book.
- WJEC Edquas GCSE Sociology Revision Guide: REVISED EDITION has up-to-date statistics and practices.
- All Sociology has a comprehensive YouTube video of exam papers.
Master the Concepts with Mind Maps and Flashcards
Mind mapping and flashcards are valuable active learning tools. They help you learn the concepts through visualisation.
Adding colours and visual elements makes learning more fun and deepens your understanding.
How to make them? For flashcards, write a question or a term on one side. Write the explanation on the other side. These tools are great for revision, as you can read them everywhere.
For mind maps, write a key term in the centre of your paper. Add branches for subconcepts, definitions, methods, etc.
You can also use apps such as Quizlet for this purpose.
Sharpen Your Exam Skills with an Online Tutor
Personalised tutoring allows students to develop the necessary exam skills in a short period. At Ostado, you will receive exam techniques and lessons based on your needs and the exam board. We help students around the UK excel at their exams. Our highly qualified GCSE tutors are here to help you.
Pay Attention to the Themes
Eduqas GCSE Sociology assessment is mostly about your understanding of social concepts. Social structures, culture, and identity are the core themes. Learn how these themes are applied in different contexts, such as crime and evidence, family, etc. Take a look at the question below:
“Status varies from person to person in Britain. This can depend on their job, wealth, whether they play sports, etc. For example, millionaires and top footballers usually have high status”.
- Describe what is meant by status. (2 marks)
How to answer? When answering such questions, focus on providing a clear, concise definition with an example, if possible. Link the concept to broader sociological themes, such as how status influences social interactions and inequalities.
Practise by applying these concepts to different scenarios, as this will help solidify your understanding and improve your ability to tackle similar questions in the exam.
Understand Sociological Research Methods
One of the most important assessment objectives of GCSE sociology is assessing your understanding of research methods.
What to do? Practice applying these methods to various issues. Learn about each method’s weaknesses and strengths. Below is a question example:
“A recent sociological study looked at poverty among school children. They looked at secondary data first.”
- Explain two advantages of using secondary data for this research. (4 marks)
Link Theories to Real-World Examples
Practise applying your sociological theories to current events. This is an excellent practice for improving critical thinking skills.
“The nuclear family with two parents is the best family type.”
In your answer, you are advised to consider different sociological ideas and theories to support your judgement.
- Do you agree with this view? (15 marks)
How to answer?
In your essay, balance different perspectives. Start with a clear introduction, present arguments for and against the statement using relevant theories, and conclude with your reasoned judgement. This approach will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Develop Your Essay Writing Skills
For WJEC GCSE Sociology exams, you need to write essays to show your knowledge of sociological theories and their application.
Practise writing well-structured essays. Make sure your essays include a strong introduction, well-developed arguments supported by evidence, and a concise conclusion. Here’s a question example:
Discuss whether the police and courts treat all people equally in the UK. (15 marks)
In your answer, you are advised to refer to different sociological views to support your judgement.
WJEC GCSE Sociology FAQ
- Is Sociology hard at GCSE?GCSE sociology is about understanding human behaviour in the social world. You don't need much memorising, but learning the key themes and applying your knowledge are necessary.
- What is the WJEC GCSE Sociology education?Critical awareness of society, research methods, social structures and social theories are the main components.
- How do I pass GCSE sociology?
- Make a revision plan and stick to it.
- Pay attention to understanding and building the skills. Memorising facts would not help much.
- Use up-to-date resources such as revisions in books and websites.