Sociology
Why study A Level Sociology?
A level Sociology presents students with an informed and multi-dimensional understanding of contemporary society. It fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking skills with a respect for social diversity. Sociological research aims to understand and apply its findings to improve society and as such, sociology provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining how society functions. Ultimately Sociology will develop students to be articulate, global citizens, with a life-long interest in social issues and the emotional, and intellectual capital to instigate positive change in society.
How will I study Sociology?
Students will study Sociology through a deep exploration of substantive knowledge. This will empower students to engage in evidence-based debate and discussion. They will be encouraged to draw upon their own experiences to contextualise sociological research. Each of the components is sequenced to embed fingertip knowledge and then develop mastery and a fluency of substantive concepts; this will enable students to build upon and draw on connections between the different components. Students will evaluate the methodological strengths and weaknesses of classical and contemporary research and utilise this to develop a synoptic and holistic understanding of the different institutions in society. Throughout their study, students will be encouraged to carry out their own small-scale sociological research. This will foster independent thinking skills and students will be equipped to ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, problem solve and develop perspective and judgement on key issues facing contemporary society. Students are offered one-to-one support from teachers and subject ambassadors who will aid their learning.
What will I study at Key Stage 5?
At A level, Sociology students study a range of topics which gives them a deep and broad understanding of how society functions. At AS level, students explore the sociology of education and analyse issues pertinent to students’ own experiences – such as the role of education, differential achievement, and educational policy. This is followed by the study of Families and Households and Research Methods. In the second year of study, learners expand upon this substantive knowledge to analyse Crime and Deviance, Media and Sociological theory. The breadth and depth of the components studied will equip learners to apply sociological theory to the most pressing issues of our time, including the sociology of poverty, health, and religion.
Assessment at Key Stage 5
AS LEVEL SOCIOLOGY: AQA 7191
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| AS Sociology Paper 1 Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 60 marks |
Education; Methods in Context; Research Methods. Combination of short answer and extended writing |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| AS Sociology Paper 2 Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 60 marks |
Families and Households; Research Methods. Combination of short answer and extended writing |
A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY: AQA 7192
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| A Level Sociology Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours 33% of the qualification 80 marks |
Education; Methods in Context; Theory and Research Methods. Combination of short answer and extended writing |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| A Level Sociology Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours 33% of the qualification 80 marks |
Families and Households; Media. Extended writing |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| A Level Sociology Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours 33% of the qualification 80 marks |
Crime and Deviance, Theory and Research Methods. Combination of short answer and extended writing |
Enrichment
The Social Sciences offer subject-specific enrichment to enhance the learning experience and nurture intellectual curiosity among students. This includes, amongst others, The Sixth Form Debate Society through which students take part in the prestigious national Mace competition; HE* Social Sciences that prepares learners for applications to leading universities; Money Matters Enhancement which explores the economic issues of the day and Ethics in Action in which students are introduced to key philosophers as they embark on academic debate on contemporary ethical issues. Trips include Media City: Salford, The Crown Courts, Parliament and being an audience member in Radio 4 Any Questions.
Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.
Careers
The Social Sciences can lead to a broad range of future careers. Alumni have graduated from Russel Group universities including University of Oxford, UCL, The University of Manchester and King’s College London and embarked on successful careers with within The Civil Service, local and national Sociology, medicine, international relations and law.