Sociology

INTENT

Sociology enables students to develop knowledge and understanding of a wide range of theories and research about how society works. For example, we look at how the education system prepares young people for their future lives, and how different groups are impacted by different social systems such as the justice or health system. An understanding of the different world views that shape society is very important in these times of increasing polarization, and the Sociology curriculum enables students to develop critical thinking in relation to different theories of society such as Marxism and Feminism. We also learn about how sociologists carry out research in real life situations such as schools and workplaces.

Implementation

A-Level Sociology starts with an overview of major perspectives on society, and then presents these perspectives in relation to a series of topics. Education, Crime and Deviance and Research Methods are the compulsory topics and students choose two options such as Families and Households, the Sociology of Health, Religion, Media or Globalisation. Students are invited to discuss topics in lessons as well as evaluating and comparing the work of different theorists, working up to more extended written discussions on subjects such as race, class gender and sexuality in relation to the different areas studied. Topics are linked to contemporary issues by using up-to-date statistics, newspaper and news reports and documentaries as examples in lessons.

Impact

Students will develop the skills to think critically about different viewpoints and a deeper understanding of the issues that impact our day-to-day lives and the confidence to write about complex social theories. Students will also develop the awareness of other lives and cultures which equips them for active citizenship. Successful completion of the A Level provide the skills for students to move on to further study of sociology, media or cultural studies, and equipped with the skills to analyse the forces that shape and change society.