Sociology

Level 3 Pathway - In order to enrol onto our Level 3 courses, students must have achieved a minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE Level across 4 different subject areas; this should ideally include a Grade 4 for English Language and Mathematics.

It is important that students also pay attention to any individual subject entry requirements.

It may be that a small number of students are recommended to sit AS qualifications at the end of Year 12 in order to inform decisions about progression into Year 13, however these AS examinations are standalone and do not contribute to the overall A Level qualification.

Why?

Sociology is the study of society and human behaviour. This course is designed to equip students with knowledge of how our society works by looking at various aspects of our lives. It will do this by using both classical and modern theories of Sociology and by examining the effect of social class, ethnicity, gender, age and other factors on life chances. It also considers the role of government and other agencies in the provision of services and how social policy affects various aspects of life.

As part of the course students will be encouraged to develop transferable skills in research, evaluation, analysis, comparison and many other areas. An A level in Sociology is welcomed as a good foundation subject for a wide range of degree courses, for example; law, policing, politics and criminology. Sociology is excellent preparation for many careers. Examples include the caring professions such as nursing, social work, childcare and counselling; legal professions including police and solicitors; areas of business, especially human resources and human relations and teaching at both primary and secondary levels.

Course Structure

In Year 1 students will cover the paper 2 topics: Family and Housholds, and Beliefs in Society. They will then begin to complete paper 1 topics: Education, Theories and Methods, and Methods in Context.

In Year 2 students will further their knowledge of Theories and Methods for papers 1 and 3 as well as completeing the paper 3 topic Crime and Deviance.

To complete the A-level students will sit three two hour papers worth one third of the full A level each. Paper 1; Education, Methods in Context and Theory and Methods. Paper 2; Families and Households and Beliefs in Society. Paper 3; Crime and Deviance and theory and Methods. Each paper has a range of short answer and essay questions.

Extended Learning

Students are expected to build their knowledge of current affairs that are of particular social interest and to develop their awareness of government and politics and the ideologies behind policies and actions by watching or reading the news on a regular basis. Students are also encouraged to look at the topic areas in more depth in the Sociological Review.

Ideally Grade 5 GCSE English Language