A Level Sociology

"Create a society where people matter more than things."

^{Archbishop Desmond Tutu}

Sociology deals with the structure and functioning of societies, the nature of social interaction, the relationship between the individual and society, and the nature of change in human societies.

Students study the nature of sociological evidence and the methods used by sociologists to understand and explain society and make conclusions on the impact of class, gender, age and ethnicity on individuals and society. 

Through creative teaching in a vibrant atmosphere the Sociology department will provide students with an increased understanding of their place in the world and a heightened curiosity about why individuals, groups, communities and whole societies work they way they do.

What is the course about?

Sociology deals with the structure and functioning of societies, the nature of social interaction, the relationship between the individual and society, and the nature of change in human societies.

Students will study the nature of sociological evidence and the methods used by sociologists to understand and explain society and make conclusions on the impact of class, gender, age and ethnicity on individuals and society. 

What sort of work will I be doing?

Through five key topics: Families and Households, Education, Beliefs, Crime and Deviance and Sociological Theory and Methods.  Students will learn different theories that sociologists use to explain the workings of society.  Students will learn the importance of not taking things for granted and the need to question ideas and evidence.  A variety of resources, from films, documentaries and newspapers, will be studied and students will be taught to work in groups and independently.  They will be able to express sociological ideas effectively in both written and verbal forms.

How will I be assessed?

Candidates will sit three exam papers at the end of Year 13 and answer questions ranging from short answer to essay responses.  Sociological theory and methods questions will be incorporated into the Paper 1 and Paper 3 exams.  The exam board is AQA.

What qualifications are needed to take this course?

It is not necessary to have studied Sociology at GCSE in order to take A Level Sociology.  Students who have studied the subject at GCSE will have knowledge of some of the basics of the subject, and some terminology, but the depth to which the subject is studied at A level is far greater than at GCSE, so that students who are new to the subject are at no disadvantage.  The examination is mainly essay based, and so any student wishing to start the course must have proven skills in English. The minimum requirements to do this A level are 5 4/C grades in 5 academic subjects. Nobody will be admitted to the course without at least grade 5 in both English and English literature GCSE.  Grade C and above will also be required in at least 3 other academic subjects, having taken the higher papers and at least a B in sociology if studied at GCSE is required. 

What extra work can I do?

Students must have an interest in the workings of their society and an enquiring mind. Students are encouraged to keep up with current affairs and watch the news or read a newspaper regularly.

What do the students say?

‘Apart from being very interesting in its own right, Sociology has helped in my understanding of other A level subjects, such as History and politics.’ Imogen

‘Studying Sociology has made me think more critically about aspects of our society.’ Jessica

And finally….

Through creative teaching in a vibrant atmosphere the Sociology department will provide students with an increased understanding of their place in the world and a heightened curiosity about why individuals, groups, communities and whole societies work they way they do. They will have a stronger cultural awareness of diversity and perspectives on social, moral and cultural issues.