A Level Sociology

Entry Requirements:

Candidates would normally be expected to have successfully completed a GCSE in English Literature and a humanities subject at grade 5. This course is taught over two years leading to terminal examinations for A2. Candidates will not normally be entered for AS external examination and accreditation.

Course Content:

Sociology of Education with Methodology

Students will study the role that Education plays in modern societies. They will explore the role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure. They will question differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society whilst exploring the significance of educational policies.

Culture and Identity

Students will debate different conceptions of culture, including subculture, mass culture, folk culture, high and low culture, popular culture and global culture. They will look into the socialisation process and the role of the agencies of socialisation

Knowledge and Belief

An opportunity to study ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions. We will focus on religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice whilst discussing the relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices.

Crime & Deviance with Theory and Method

Students will become familiar with sociological explanations of the following content: crime, deviance, social order and social control.

Sociology Resources

Assessment in A Level Sociology

We expect students to complete the course at A2. They will sit three two hour exams.

Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology
Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Year 1 Assessment

We expect that students will not sit the Year 1 external assessments (from the examination board – AQA) but will complete assessments set and marked in school based on the topics taught .

Year 2 Assessment

We expect that students will sit the full A2 qualification at the end of Year 2. Students will complete an assessment set and marked in school before the external public examinations.

Marking and Feedback

Assessment feedforward sheets are used as part of the assessment marking process at the end of each unit which usually marries up to each term. Staff comments provide guidance on how students can improve their level of understanding. Staff are expected to review all peer assessed and self-assessed work and provide guidance when necessary.

Setting in A Level Sociology

As this is an Option Block, there is no setting for A Level Sociology and all students at all levels work within the same groups. This is supported through carefully differentiated delivery of the curriculum.

Homework

Homework is set in line with the School Homework Policy.
Homework typically includes practice exam questions, consolidation homework, creative tasks, and flipped learning work.

Supporting Your Son or Daughter in A Level Sociology

Encourage discussion about the course and the subjects that they are studying.

Debate and discuss the issues we have studied in class
Encourage wider reading around the subject
Make sure that your son/daughter equipment for lessons – A4 files and paper plus pens, notes and filing materials
Help them to spot where they need more help and encourage them to participate fully
Enable access to broadsheet newspapers