A Level Sociology

In year 1 we look at how we become the people we are; what happens within our families, and how the education system shapes our attitudes and behaviours. We also look at research methods and the practical, ethical and theoretical issues associated with carrying out research in educational contexts.

In year 2, we seek to explain the social causes of crime from different theoretical perspectives, including Marxism, Functionalism and Postmodernism. We also examine the validity of official statistics; do they present us with the true picture of crime or do they simply tell us more about how the police and courts do their job? The role of the media is examined in contemporary society, including how they select and present the content of the news. Media representations of age, social class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability will also be considered.

Sociology is a subject that requires students to think critically of the social world, helping them to develop analytical and evaluative skills through discussion and debate. To support their arguments with examples students are required to pay close attention to current affairs. Sociology will open your eyes to the world around you, and help you to see it in a different light.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Students will take part in a range of different kinds of research activity, both in and out of school. There will also be the opportunity to attend Universities for taster lectures on Criminology.

Three exams at the end of Year 13 for the A level qualification.

General entry requirements of 5 GCSE grades at grade 4 or above. Plus a grade 5 in English Literature or Language.

Sociology is highly regarded by most universities, partly because of the range of skills it develops. Sociology requires enquiry skills, an ability to form a reasoned debate and the ability to ‘read’ and understand a wide range of data. It develops literacy skills and critical thinking skills through looking at competing theoretical perspectives. It is also highly valued by employers because it develops an understanding of the way people think and behave, which is useful in virtually every job/training role there is.