Sociology
BackHead of Department: Ms L Stockdale
Teachers: Above plus Mrs J Matthews
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of human social life, groups and societies. Studying Sociology helps students to develop a critical approach to understanding issues around crime, religion, families, education, power and identity. It is a fascinating subject and focuses on our own behaviour as social beings. The scope of the A Level course is wide ranging – from the analysis of how people present themselves to others in different social settings to the investigation of globalised society.
Students will learn a number of skills including the use of evidence to support arguments, how to investigate facts, and critical thinking. A willingness to discuss social issues and a questioning mind is essential since debate and evaluation form an important part of the course. We expect students to have the maturity to discuss the range of issues covered, as well as to be prepared for the significant written work.
Sociology is relevant to the society in which we live so students are bound to enjoy topics that are relevant to everyday life; plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers. [Updated 2023/24]
One of the greatest joys known to man is to take a flight into ignorance in search of knowledge.
Robert Staughton Lynd
A Level: Years 12 and 13
Course content
This course provides students with the opportunity to examine contemporary society and human behaviour through a range of topic areas as listed above.
Assessment
Students sit three 2-hour exam papers at the end of the course, each worth 33.3% of their grade:
- Paper 1: Education, Methods in Context, Theory and Methods
- Paper 2: Topics in Society – Families and Households, Stratification and Differentiation
- Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Exam board: AQA
Careers Education
Sociology is a great choice of subject for people considering careers in nursing, social work, policing, teaching, law, and journalism – essentially any work with the public. Many students go on to study the following courses at degree level – Sociology, Criminology, Psychology, English, Business, Law and Teaching.