Sociology

Sociology provides an understanding of how to function effectively in the social world and is therefore a part of students’ everyday lives. As a broad, multi-faceted discipline, Sociology has links to many other subjects and our students are able to continue their learning journey by joining the Law and Media pathways, which are part of the Langton Extended Curriculum. Many of our students also lead or contribute to the People of Power Society and The Feminist Society, fuelled by their awareness of the prejudices faced by minority groups. We offer an inspiring and rewarding curriculum with plenty of opportunities for students to extend their knowledge and appreciation of Sociology beyond the classroom.

Students studying A Level Sociology are challenged to look beyond the superficial, by being presented with intellectually challenging ideas and concepts. Teachers are not afraid to tackle controversial issues and students become independent and creative thinkers, inspired to discuss social, moral and cultural questions. The curriculum is sequenced logically; initially, students gain knowledge of fundamental sociological theories, allowing them to build a sociological vocabulary, before being challenged to debate the relative values of different theoretical perspectives and how Sociology can lead to social change. Each topic makes synoptic links to previous content, allowing students’ understanding to expand and develop. Students gain a holistic and critical appreciation of the subject, which allows them to apply their understanding to current events and topics in the real world. They leave us with a wide variety of academic skills, such as the ability to interpret different sources of data, which are vital for success in a broad range of careers and university courses. Many of our students continue their academic journey into further education and the study of Sociology or related subjects at degree level remains the most popular choice at our school, reflecting the quality of provision.

Minimum Entry Criteria

Desired: 7 in English Language or 7 in English Literature

Essential: 6 in English Language or 6 in English Literature

Board

AQA

Outline of the Course

Unit 1 (Education with Theory and Methods): Education; Methods in Context; Theory and Methods

• Within this unit we look at the role education plays in society, and who it benefits. We investigate why some social groups get better GCSE results and whether this is due to factors inside or outside of school.
• We also explore the research methods that are used to reach such conclusions, and how this can affect our viewpoint of society

Unit 2 (Topics in Sociology): Families and Households; The Media

• Here we look at the role of the family in maintaining the structure of society and explore how the family has changed over time and whether this is positive or negative; including the increase in nuclear, lone-parent and reconstituted families
• In the media topic we examine the extent to which the media has an impact on audiences within society and who it benefits through the ownership, selection and presentation of the news. We also study how age, social class, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and disability are represented within the media

Unit 3 (Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods): Crime and Deviance; Theory and Methods

• Crime and Deviance explores why some groups are more likely to commit crimes than others. We evaluate different ways of lowering crime, from tougher punishments to early intervention and investigate the role crime has in society
• Theory and methods takes an evaluative glance at different sociological perspectives and asks questions such as whether Sociology should be a science and whether it’s possible to be objective and value free in Sociological research

Assessment

 Bridging Task - SociologySixth Form Programme of Courses