Sociology

Seeking to develop independent enquirers

We offer students the opportunity to study A'Level Sociology in Years 12 and 13. Further details about the A'Level course are available on the Sixth Form website.

Vision

Sociology helps all students to develop knowledge and understanding of the essential sociological theories and methods (such as Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism) with which sociologists make sense of the diversity of societies, and of the forces which have and will continue to shape social change.  Sociology will help students to think about society in a new and critical light, questioning the status quo and developing a sophisticated understanding of the real issues that affect the society we live in. It is an excellent subject for showing you how society works and for making you aware of the range of conditions that individuals within society experience. Students are encouraged, and supported, to develop VESPA behaviours and this is promoted and modelled throughout the two year course. As such, students are equipped to become independent enquirers and this prepares them for life beyond sixth form.

Sociology Learning Journey

This is a visual representation of how students' knowledge and skills develop through the Sociology curriculum.

(click on the image below to view a larger version)

Why study Sociology?

Sociology helps you to develop knowledge and understanding of the essential sociological theories and methods (such as Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism) with which sociologists make sense of the diversity of societies, and of the forces which have and will continue to shape social change.

Sociology will help you to think about society in a new and critical light, questioning the status quo and developing a sophisticated understanding of the real issues that affect the society we live in. It is an excellent subject for showing you how society works and for making you aware of the range of conditions that individuals within society experience. Students often comment that they didn’t realise how varied the human experience can be and how powerfully group identity shapes a person’s future.

Course details

There will be a focus on the following three areas:

• Education with Theory and Methods
• Culture, Identity and Family
• Crime and Deviance in Society

The course is delivered through a variety of teaching and learning styles., such as co- construction, as well as group team teaching. It involves a lot of reading and writing, strengthening your ability to develop an argument both in class and on paper. The subject requires you to debate issues for which there are several different but well- accepted explanations, and to become critical of different viewpoints. By analysing the strengths and limitations of all perspectives studied, you learn not to take things for granted, or to accept assertions at face value.

• Paper 1: A two hour exam on Education in Society, with associated sociological theory and methods
• Paper 2: A two hour exam on Culture, Identity and Family
• Paper 3: A two hour exam on Crime and Deviance, with associated sociological theory and methods

A'Level Sociology Exam specification information