In this section
Sociology (Humanities)
Head of Humanities Department: Mrs Green
Head of Subject: Ms Shah
Overview
Sociology is the study of society and of people and their behaviour. In studying a variety of topics, sociologists create theories to explain human behaviour and the workings of society. The subject is evidence based which means that the sociologist’s personal opinion must be backed up by facts about society. Sociologists therefore collect evidence methodically by carrying out research to establish whether their theories are correct. Sociology is about a particular way of looking at society and social life. This primarily takes place by questioning and examining the assumptions on which our everyday lives are based.
The subject helps students to understand not only the unparalleled changes that are occurring in the world and the changing patterns of relationships between peoples, but their own lives, predispositions, values and expectations. Sociology is a subject that students can relate to because it is relevant to their everyday lives so that they can immediately engage with the subject even if they have not studied it before. Studying Sociology encourages students to develop critical and reflective thinking skills and a respect for social diversity.
Sociology is a popular and successful subject at GCSE, AS and A Level.
GCSE Course(s) overview
This course encourages students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad coherent course of study and to reflect on their own experience of the social world, to enhance their ability to play informed roles within different contexts.
Aims:
- To enable students to recognize that their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills help them to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between individuals, groups, institutions and societies.
- Analyse critically the nature of sources of information and to base reasoned judgements and arguments on evidence.
- Organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding in different and creative ways, and reach substantial judgements.
The course is divided into two units:
Unit 1
Studying society
Education
Families
Unit 2
Crime and deviance
Mass media
Power
Social inequality
Assessment format:
Unit 1
Written paper – 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks – 50%
Students answer all questions in all three questions.
Unit 2
Written paper – 1 hour 30 minutes
90 marks – 50%
Candidates choose three sections from four section options. Candidates answer all questions in each question.
GCSE Exam Board Used:
Board: AQA
Duration: two years
100% exam
AS/A Level Course(s) Overview
Sociology at AS and A Level is taught using a variety of teaching methods. Students use a wide range of sociological texts, and they are further encouraged to critically engage with the subject by reading and analysing novels, plays, films, political and historical sources.
AS Sociology gives students a broad knowledge and understanding of the social processes and social change that affect their every day lives. From the start students are encouraged to see the links between the different areas of Sociology through two sociological themes:
- Socialisation, culture and identity
- Social differentiation, power and stratification
These themes underpin the topic areas and encourage students to think about the topic as a whole. At A2 there is the opportunity for more detailed study and specialisation.
Aims:
AS and A Level course based on the AQA specification enables students to:
- Acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of the contemporary social processes and structures.
- Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate.
- Understand sociological methodology and a range of research methods.
- Reflect on their own experience of the social world in which they live.
- Students are able to adopt a critical, evaluative and interpretive approach to theoretical and methodological issues and demonstrate a critical appraisal and reflection on debates, based on a broad and diverse range of sources.
AS Sociology
Module 1 Families and households
Module 2 Education
Module 3 Sociological methods
A2 Sociology
Module 4 Beliefs in society
Module 5 Theory and methods
Module 6 Crime and deviance
Assessment Format
AS Unit 1 SCLY 1
Families and households
Written paper – 1 hour
40% of AS: 20% of A Level
Students will answer one question which will consist of five parts.
Unit 2
Education and sociological methods
Written paper – 2 hours
60% total AS marks, 30% of total A Level marks
a) Candidates will have one question on education. This consists of four parts.
b) One question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of one part. In addition, candidates answer one question on free standing research methods. This question consists of four parts.
A2
Unit 3
Beliefs in society
Written exam – 1 hour 30 minutes. 20% of total A Level marks.
Candidates will answer one question on beliefs in society, one compulsory question and one question from a choice of two.
Unit 4
Crime and deviance, theory and methods
30% of total A Level marks
Written exam
a) Candidates have one question on crime and deviance. This consists of two parts.
b) One question on sociological research methods in the context of the chosen topic. This question consists of two parts. In addition candidates answer one question on theory and methods.
AS/A Level Exam Board Used:
AQA
Possible careers and Higher Education:
Students can go on to study a variety of courses at university and enter a range of careers such as the law, medicine, journalism, marketing, social work, teaching and the media.
