IGCSE Sociology (0495)
Textbooks
- Browne, K. (2011) 4th Edition An Introduction to Sociology ISBN 9780745650081
- Blundell, J.(2001) Active Sociology for GCSE ISBN 978-0582434431
- Wilson, P. & Kidd, A. (1998) Sociology for GCSE ISBN 978-0003224443
- Joseph, M. (1991) Sociology for Everyone ISBN 978-0745607085
- Moore. S. (2001) Sociology Alive ISBN 978-0748754649
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-sociology-0495/support-material/
[Unfortunately, not one of these books is a CIE-endorsed book. They are very useful as reference sources, and much of the syllabus is found in different sections]
Syllabus
To have most success at passing the CIE examinations, it is important to read through the syllabus for the year that the student is taking the examination. It can be accessed on the CIE website at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-sociology-0495/
CIE Past Papers
1. Past papers for IGCSE Sociology can be obtained from the CIE website under the specific subject at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-sociology-0495/past-papers/
There are examiners’ reports, question papers and marking schemes for one of the previous year’s exam sessions.
2. If you want more past papers, go to the CIE website and click on the publications tab. There are usually three years' worth of past papers, examiners' reports and marking schemes. For minimal cost, you get a CD-Rom with all the papers in your specific subject. Check here for the latest publications catalogue:
http://www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teachers/orderpub
Websites
www.sociology.org.uk
This site is primarily aimed at AS and A Level Sociology for a different examinations board (AQA). However, it is useful for teachers as a reference source, and also for revision materials. There is a GCSE section, but this is not aimed at the CIE examinations. It might be helpful to the highly attaining students as a reference source, as they can disseminate the relevant material.
www.chrisgardner.cadcol.ac.uk/sls1/teachers/organs.htm#top
This is a Sociology portal, giving links to other sites. The material here is aimed at AS and A Level, but can still be a useful resource for teachers. There are also links to official statistics sources in the UK.
http://tutor2u.net/sociology/gcse-sociology.html
This is a revision site that covers many of the topics in basic detail.
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/barrycomp/bhs/
Crisp, easy to read and understand revision notes from this school site. A good resource for students and teachers, written by an experienced Sociology teacher, author and examiner.
www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ks4-home/vtc-ks4_sociology.html
Though this website is dedicated to a different examination board (WJEC), there is a lot of useful material on here, including PowerPoint starters, vocabulary lists and more. Useful for teachers to look through before sending students to the site, as it could be used for specific topics e.g. crime and deviance issues.
www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomePage.asp?GroupID=52756
A Sociology portal, giving links to other sites. Make sure to scroll down the page to find the links.
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072435569/student_view0/glossary.html
A glossary of sociology terms. Great for revision or to use as part of a lesson plan.
http://www.polity.co.uk/browne/
Another site aimed at AS/A Level, and for AQA rather than CIE board exams. However, teachers can use the material as a reference source, and high ability students should also find this site useful.
http://www.sociologyguide.com/index.html
This sociology guide has quick, crisp commentary on various topics. At IGCSE level, teachers can take the main points that are needed to understand the topics being covered – thus, a useful reference source for teachers.
Links I find wonderful links all the time when I am researching the Internet for materials, inspiration, or even a bit of fun. This page will be updated regularly, so come back often!
LINKS for multiple subjects and skills websites These websites are really useful for more than one subject, as well as for study and exam skills. Bookmark them and plan on returning often!
TED:Ideas worth spreading
Access to a diverse range of talks and presentations, freely available, searchable by topic. Inspirational, thought-provoking, and worth a visit. Click here www.ted.com/
Enotes
Self-described as an educational resource for teachers and students, this site has plenty of information on literature, history, science, math and more. Well worth a visit. Some free stuff, but also a subscription site for the rest. www.enotes.com/
Study Notes (USA)
Aimed at the US market of AP (Advanced Placement) high school classes, as well as SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) study notes. This is a developing site, with free information. www.studynotes.org/
Spark Notes
A great resource for literature summaries, analyses, and critiques, as well as giving useful help with other subjects and test prep. If you are studying one of the books on the Spark Notes list, use their resource as a guide. www.sparknotes.com/
Quia
Learning whilst playing games is a fun way to keep students interested, or energised. There are several subjects to choose from on this website. This is a fun resource for students, but it works best if students are first directed by teachers. Free trial, but this is a subscription site. www.quia.com/web
Quizlet
This site contains a vast number of flashcards, created by others, on various topics. It is best if teachers first browse the site to find the most suitable flashcards for a particular topic before sending students to the site. www.quizlet.com/
Cliff Notes
This is the original study guide resource, with notes written by teachers and professors. Apart from notes on literature, there are plenty of resources on other subjects. This is a very useful resource and reference website. www.cliffsnotes.com/
Revision World
This website is a helpful revision tool, offering a revision timetable that you can create for your own use, and giving revision notes for a number of subjects. The material is created by teachers for students tackling GCSEs and A Levels. http://revisionworld.co.uk/