Sociology
Head of Faculty Ms A White
Sociology will give you the opportunity to consider the impact of society on the individual and the impact of the individual on society.
You will be able to develop your knowledge about the behaviours of individuals and groups in society. It involves studying societies and the way that they shape people's behaviour, beliefs, and identity. Sociology enables us to make sense of the rapidly changing world that we live in. Perhaps most fundamentally of all, Sociology enables us to understand ourselves. The way that we think, behave, and feel, indeed our very sense of identity, is socially produced.
How will it be assessed?
Sociology A-level, two-year linear course.Examining board: AQA.
Total of three papers with equal weighting.
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods, 2 hours (33.3%)
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology, 2 hours (33.3%)
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods, 2 hours (33.3%)
Where will it lead?
Sociology complements other Social Sciences, History, and Geography and can be taken by those wishing to balance a Science or Humanities curriculum with a Social Science. As an A-level subject Sociology teaches you many transferable skills that are essential in any chosen career path. It allows students to develop their analytical and evaluative skills preparing them for University and many Sociology students go on to study it further at University. A degree in Sociology can also lead to many different areas of work such as Social work, Policing, Research and Teaching.
Enrichment opportunities
Conferences (annual New bridge crime conference), Museums (Foundling Museum), Crown Courts (Old Bailey).
Entry requirements
Grade 6 in GCSE English plus grade 6 in GCSE Sociology. If not studied, grade 6 in GCSE English plus grade 6 in a Humanities subject.
Recommended reading
‘Chavs’ by Owen Jones.
‘The Spirit Level’ by Wilkinson and Pickett.
‘Criminology: The Basics’ by Sandra Walklate.
‘Living Dolls’ by Natasha Walter.
‘The Sociological Imagination’ by C. Wright Mills.
‘Capital’ by Karl Marx.
‘We Should All Be Feminists’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
‘Animal Farm’ by George Orwell.
‘Gang Leader for a Day’ by Sudhir Venkatesh.