Sociology A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Sociology

AS level AQA 7191 & A level AQA 7192

You do not need to have studied Sociology at GCSE to undertake AS and A level. Sociology will be an enjoyable experience for anyone who is interested in the contemporary society that we live and participate in. It involves examining a range of social issues in a new and exciting way. You will examine how and why different sociologists adopt a wide range of theories and methods to study society. There is no coursework.


AS Examination:
Compulsory content:
Education
This unit examines the purposes of the education system and how the issues of social disadvantage affect levels of achievement.

Research Methods and Methods in Context
These involve an examination of the different sociological methods Sociologists use to study the world.

Optional Topics in Sociology:
Families and Households
You study different types of families and households and major sociological shifts and trends.
Other topics may be taught such as Health, Culture and Identity and Work, Poverty and Welfare.
(N.B. Not all topics will necessarily be taught)

A-Level Examination:
Compulsory content
Education with Theory and Methods
This unit examines the purposes of the education system and how the issues of social disadvantage affect levels of achievement as well as examining a range of sociological theories that have been considered and their relationship with methods.

Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Here you will examine behaviour in society, including why and how certain groups commit crime or deviate from ‘normal’ behaviours well as examining a range of sociological theories that have been considered and their relationship with methods.

Optional Topics in Sociology
Option 1
Families and Households
You study different types of families and households and major sociological shifts and trends.
Other topics may be taught such as Health, Culture and Identity and Work, Poverty and Welfare.

Option 2
Beliefs in Society
You explore contemporary beliefs that people hold including religion and science and how these beliefs affect social change.
The Media
This examines the content and effect of all forms of modern communication on audiences in society.
Other topics may be taught such as Global Development and Stratification and Differentiation
(N.B. Not all topics will necessarily be taught)

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where does Sociology lead you?
Sociology is a useful subject for those people who have an interest in society and can be used in a multitude of career options after further or higher education. It has applications for anyone hoping to go into the caring, legal, financial, teaching, business management, personnel and media professions, to name but a few.