| Departmental Staff | |
| Miss N Preston | Curriculum Leader |
| Mrs C Hutchinson | Sociology Teacher |
| Mrs L Ollier | Sociology Teacher |
Course Information Key Stage 5 only
Sociologists want to understand the behaviour of people in terms of the age, gender, social class and other groups they belong to. They try to find and explain patterns of behaviour common to the people in these groups. Sociology is not just common sense as sociologists must provide evidence to support the claims they make. Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues and changes. They will learn the research methods and how different sociologists see society in very different ways and be able to apply and evaluate a range of research methods through active involvement. Students are encouraged to develop skills that will enable them to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society and develop a lifelong interest in social issues.
What will I study?
| Year of Study | Topics Covered |
| Year 12 | Education with Research Methods
Families and Households Beliefs in Society |
| Year 13 | Crime and Deviance
Theory and Methods |
Further information about the course can be found here:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192
How is the course assessed?
There are three external exams taken at the end of year 13.
| Unit 1 | Education with theory and methods |
| Unit 2 | Topics in Sociology:
· Families and Households · Beliefs in Society |
| Unit 3 | Crime and Deviance |
Each paper is 2 hours long and is one third of the overall A ‘level qualification.
Homework is set at regular intervals which use practical activities, research and essay based questions. Students are also encouraged to be responsible for their own learning. Sociology is an interesting and enjoyable subject, which repays effort and enthusiastic commitment.
Who’s it for?
Students who become successful Sociology students have a keen interest in people and how society controls and effects individuals. Students will be able to learn and understand a range of theories and studies that explain different phenomenon’s. The knowledge gained must then be expressed effectively in writing using evidence that can be found in theories or studies in Sociology. There needs to be a high level of commitment and the willingness to work hard.
What skills will help me/ personal qualities?
Students are encouraged to make use of the Media, to keep up to date with current affairs and wherever possible make use of the Internet with research. Sociology encourages a questioning approach, the development of an enquiring mind and the ability to think for oneself. Students are also expected to work independently. They are also encouraged to develop an awareness of current affairs in the media.
How will I develop over the two years?
As a sociology student you will learn how to create a sociological argument drawing in critical and reflective thinking. Understand the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues. Focus on individuals personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society.
Potential career paths
Students may progress onto University. Sociology degrees may be combined with other subjects and refined in a number of ways e.g. Social Work Degrees, Development Studies and Urban Development courses, each offering interesting possibilities for study and leading on to higher degrees and research opportunities.
Sociology is flexible as it is useful for most careers which involve working with people. It sits comfortably with any combination of other subjects, and leads onto careers in Social Work, the Probation Service, Welfare Rights, Personnel, the Law, Medicine, Nursing, Teaching, the Police, Media, Journalism, Accountancy, Pharmacy, Optometry and research in higher education.
