Understanding society is an award that is suited for students who are looking to move into careers in the public services, especially social care, child care and the NHS.  It consists of:

• Scottish Society – looking at issues around family structure, education, and poverty
• Social stratification – gender, race, age and disability
• The Making of Modern Britain – the development of the welfare state
• Level 4 People in Society – skills based award

What skills are developed?

• Collecting evidence from primary and secondary sources
• Interpreting graphs and statistical information
• Identifying bias and selectivity in sources
• Analysing arguments
• Making comparisons or showing contrasts in arguments
• Describing and explaining sociological issues

What kind of person does it take?

• Empathetic and sensitive to the views and circumstances of others
• Independent and focused
• Likes to argue or question issues
• Can work with others to share ideas and views in a respectful and open-minded way
• Interested in moving into a career in the public sector, like the NHS or social work.

Horizons – where can this subject take you?

Further Education:

• Childcare
• Early years education
• Social Sciences and Social Care
• Sociology

Careers:

• Children – Teaching, Childcare
• Adult social care, Social Work
• NHS – Nursing
• Police and Prison Service

Related subjects:

Understanding Society works well with:

History, Geography, Modern Studies, Travel & Tourism