Sociology

Martin Luther King, Tony Blair, Michelle Obama and past president, Ronald Reagan all have something in common – not only were they all very influential leaders in their own right but they have also all studied sociology. This should come as no surprise as the subject equips students with the ability to identify and understand the processes, methods and concepts that shape lives, create experiences, solve problems and explore possibilities in the modern world.

Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who lead in the fields of politics, law, business and education.
Sociologists understand social inequality, patterns of behaviour, forces for social change and resistance, and the workings of social systems. Sociology is an exciting discipline with expanding opportunities for a wide range of careers.

Method of assessment

A level: Assessment is by three written exams at the end of the course.

Paper 1: Education with Methods in Context

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology, including Families and Households and Stratification

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Topic areas covered

Paper 1 – Education with Methods in Context: shorter and longer answer questions on education, with a special focus on analysing research methods within the context of education.

Paper 2 – Students will study both families and households and stratification in great detail, answering shorter and longer essay questions.

Paper 3 – Analysing and interpreting levels of crime in society, and applying key theories and perspectives. The paper also includes a special focus on research methods used within sociology.

Level: A level

Board: AQA

Head of department:
Miss J England

Teachers:
Mrs A Hussain (lead teacher)