Overview

Students do not need to have a GCSE in Sociology to study this subject at A Level. Students will learn mandatory topics in Year 12 and Year 13. The Topics taught in Year 12 are Education with Methods in Context and Families and Households with Research Methods. The Topics in Year 13 are Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods and The Media. This course will develop theoretical knowledge of Sociology and enable students to understand societal processes and structure as well as what causes societal action and change. The two core themes that are covered are Socialisation, Culture and Identity and Social Differentiation, Power and Stratification

KS5 Intent Statement

Studying Sociology gives students the opportunity to delve deeper into society and understand how it functions through critically examining ways of life. Sociology A level builds upon foundation knowledge within humanities subjects. The sociology curriculum has been sequenced in such a way that is most beneficial to student learning, starting with topics that are most applicable to students’ everyday lives. For example, beginning the course assessing the British education system whilst simultaneously studying what we mean by contemporary family. We move to more complex topics with increasingly greater sociological concepts and knowledge once students are secure in their ability to apply real world examples. We aim to inspire students in sociology through the consistent linking to everyday life encouraging discussion and curiosity surrounding contemporary issues. For example, the impact new media has for different cultural groups in society. We further student curiosity by linking areas of the course to future pathways. Research methods and sociological debates awakens students to the different routes a sociologist can take, whether humanities based or as a social scientist. Crime and Deviance engages students in an area of society linked to social justice and injustice. This area of the course leads to a wealth of enrichment opportunities featuring aspirant law and criminology pathways. The critical examination of society equips students with the skills of analysis and evaluation which are essential to A level study and corresponds well with leadership and management in the workplace.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Title: Sociology
Qualification Specification Code: 7192
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the AQA webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:
•Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods in Context
•Paper 2: Topics: Families and Household and The Media
•Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Method

Possible Career Paths

Sociology and/or Psychology related degrees, NHS, Human Resources, Social Work, Civil Service, Journalism, Law, Researcher, Teaching, Marketing, Criminal Justice System, Counselling, Media and many more. Learners will develop transferable skills that are vital in Further and Higher Education as well as in the workplace. They will also be able to use the knowledge and understanding learnt in A Level Sociology to work with others in the work place and understand the processes of wider society.