Sociology

Students will need to demonstrate an ability to study at least 3 A-level subjects by achieving an average of 38 points over 8 GCSEs with a Grade 4 at least in English and Mathematics. Students should gain a Grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A Level. Points are worked out on the bases that a Grade 9 = 9 points, Grade 8 = 8 points etc.

Please check for subject specific requirements.

Please note, our preferred method of application is via https://wymondhamhigh.applicaa.com/year12

SOCIOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF human social life, groups and societies. It is a dazzling and compelling enterprise, having as its subject matter our own behaviour as social beings. The scope of Sociology is extremely wide, ranging from the analysis of passing encounters between individuals in the street up to
the investigation of world-wide social processes. Sociology is a subject which questions, investigates and tries to make sense of the world around us. I

It is a subject for those who like to discuss, question and understand the world they live in. It encourages a critical awareness of the socialstructures and the taken for granted assumptions of the world we live in.
It helps us understand ourselves and our relationship with our own society.

CONTENT

This GCE Sociology specification has been designed so that candidates
will acquire the essential knowledge and understanding of central
aspects of sociological thought and methods, together with the
application of a range of skills. It has also been designed to allow the
integration of sociological themes, such as socialisation, culture and
identity and social differentiation, power and stratification.

In Year 12, students will study 3 topic areas; Culture and Identity or The Family,
Education and Sociological Theory and Research Methods.

In Year 13, students go on to study Beliefs in Society and Crime and
Deviance with Theory and Research Methods.

Throughout the course candidates will focus on contemporary society
but they should demonstrate an increasingly wider range and greater
depth of knowledge and understanding and more highly developed
skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation. Knowledge
and skills from all topics covered in both years will be assessed across 3
exam papers, each being 2 hours in length and worth 33.3% of their final
A-level grading.

The course has a substantial amount of content that requires extended
writing and it is important that prospective students are aware of this.
Students will gain regular experience in answering exam-style questions
to ensure they are prepared fully for their A-level examinations.

CORE SKILLS

AO1: Knowledge and understanding of the theories, methods,
concepts and various forms of evidence and of the links between them;
communication of knowledge and understanding in a clear and
effective manner.

AO2: Demonstration of the skills of application, analysis, interpretation
and evaluation.

Two thirds of the Sociology course is examined by essay writing so a 4 or above at GCSE English Language is essential.

Sociology is a useful subject if you are considering a career in the Media, Law, Research and Marketing as well as in the caring professions of Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Teaching, Police etc, and of course further study in the world of Social Sciences. It is accepted as a good academic qualification when applying for courses in higher education.