Sociology is one of the subjects within the ‘Social Sciences’. The main objective is to understand and explain the society in which we live.  Sociology allows students to explain individual and social behaviour in relation to a variety of topics, such as Families and Households, Education, Crime and Deviance and Beliefs in Society. 

The course will explore how members of society are influenced by the social structures in which we live and how we have the potential to shape norms and values.  It is hoped that the study of Sociology will not only be of value to those who intend to take it further at degree level, but will enable students to develop useful skills for many other areas of study.  Students will leave the course with a detailed understanding of how society works and how they can be more involved in decision making processes.  It will make students question and challenge events that many of us take for granted and will show them the reasons behind the decisions those in power make. The course will ensure that students are developing critical thinking skills through discussion, evaluation and analysis. These are skills held in high esteem by universities and employers alike.

Entry Requirement

A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Lang plus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 5 in Sociology (if studied at GCSE). Grade 5 in English Language, and grade 5 in a Humanities subject.

Assessment

The Sociology teaching staff use a mixture of formal learning methods (e.g. note taking and essay writing) and less formal methods such as debating.  Students will be expected to regularly write essays and present research findings to both teachers and students. We actively encourage
Sociology students to watch the news and social documentaries to both consolidate and extend their learning and on occasion such tasks may be set for homework. Sociology aims to push individuals to learn independently while also ensuring the necessary support is provided through structured revision/drop in sessions which take place on a weekly basis.

Students will be encouraged to undertake additional reading tasks to enhance their knowledge and to improve their analysis and evaluation skills. We have a large variety of resources available to students, including set text-books, articles from newspapers and magazines and other relevant textbooks.  Students will apply what they learn in the classroom to real life events to help them appreciate the real life value of studying Sociology and to ensure they get high Ao2/Ao3 marks for application and analysis in their exam answers. Formal assessment consists of three exams at the end of year 13 which last 2 hours each.  However, regular and timely assessments will occur throughout the A-level course to ensure student progress. This will include a variety of tasks such as homework research tasks, timed essay practice, research projects and regular PPE examinations.

Future Applications

Sociology is a useful subject if you are considering a career in the Media, Law, Research and Marketing as well as in the caring professions of Nursing, Medicine, Social Work, Teaching, Police etc, and of course further study in the world of Social Sciences. It is accepted as a good academic qualification when applying for courses in higher education.

Alumni

Roisin - Sociology - University of Nottingham — Graduated with a 1st class honours degree
Jasmine - Sociology - University of Nottingham - Graduated with a 1st class honours degree