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Sociology

Sociology is available in the sixth form only; the AS course is taken and examined in year 12; the A2 course, which completes the A level award, is taken and examined in year 13. Sociology is an interesting and useful subject which develops an awareness of cultural diversity and change and promotes an understanding of the social world in which students live.

Topic areas include socialisation and culture, family and households, social inequality and education and training. These are taught within the framework of social class, gender, age and ethnicity. Sociological theory and research methods form a substantial part of the syllabus. Social problems such as crime, racial conflict and school exclusion are also dealt with.

Society is constantly changing and students need to keep abreast of current affairs by reading and by selective use of the media. Class discussions and active research are important throughout the course and the essential skill of distinguishing fact from opinion is stressed. Many of the topics studied are highly controversial and students are encouraged to examine a range of views on these topics.

Course Content

Sociology is an interesting and useful subject which develops an awareness of cultural diversity and change and promotes an understanding of the social world in which students live.

Society is constantly changing and students need to keep abreast of current affairs by reading and by selective use of the media. Class discussions and active research are important throughout the course and the essential skill of distinguishing fact from opinion is stressed.

Candidates study the following units: In the AS (year 12) course the following topics are studied:

  • Socialisation, culture and identity: This module introduces students to key concepts and theories associated with a sociological understanding of human behaviour. Issues such as gender equality, social class and ethnicity are studied.
  • Topics in society: Our chosen topic in this unit is Families and Households and we study issues such as changing family types, changing gender roles in the family, divorce rates, family problems and the role of the State in family life. We also look at the way the family socialises new members of society.

    • In the A2 course (year 13) the following topics are studied

  • Sociological research skills: In this unit we study how sociologists carry out their research into social behaviour, the methods they use, and how they analyse the data they gather.
  • Power and control: In this unit we choose the education option and we study issues such as why some social groups do better in education than others, the different types of schools, and social problems in schools e.g. exclusions, gangs.
  • Social inequality and difference: This module focuses upon identifying and explaining the level and pattern of social inequality in contemporary Britain, using sociological concepts, theories and evidence. Class, gender and ethnicity are the main categories studied.

    • Learning Methods and Assessment

    An awareness of current social issues, and independent research and reading skills are necessary for optimum learning. Lessons include formal teaching and note-taking as well as group work. Students working in pairs to produce assignments or presentations is a feature of the AS and A2 courses, as well as essay writing and structured questions. Essay questions and structured questions feature in all exams.

    Clubs/Activities

    Students are encouraged to participate in the Updates Sociology Conference every March in order to hear from contemporary researchers in sociology.

    Expectations of Students

    Students should have good reasoning skills, a willingness to consider a range of views objectively, and the ability to think clearly about different kinds of information and how to interpret this information.

    Careers Implications

    As Sociology develops social awareness and critical thinking, it will combine well with most AS/A2 courses.
    A-level Sociology is universally accepted as an entry qualification for higher education courses and is an asset in a large number of employment areas where social understanding and analytical skills are important. Sociology is popular at degree level.