Sociology

Very few students who take Sociology at A level have ever studied the subject before, so there is a significant introduction into what Sociology actually is at the start of the course.  Students will develop a number of skills by taking this subject, including an ability not only to understand important changes to the Family and Education in Britain today but also to examine this material critically.  The examination of research methods provides an opportunity to apply this knowledge to an area of study, notably education, and to analyse the value of a particular research method.  Students with A level Sociology move into a number of related professions including the Police, Nursing, Management, Social Work, Probation Work, Teaching and Law.

 

Qualification: 
AS Sociology
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 Periods a week
Unit 1: 

The unit provides an exciting opportunity to examine some of the key questions facing society in the twenty first century.  For instance:

  •  Why are people choosing to stay single?
  • Does marriage have a future?
  • What are the types of household that people are choosing to live in?
  • Why does Britain have the highest number of teenage pregnancies in Europe?
Unit 2: 

Studying Education is extremely fascinating – especially when we examine the fact that there are clear patterns of achievement when it comes to GCSE results.  One example of this is gender – why do girls get better results?  What has changed female attitudes toward education?  What is the real picture with regard to male achievements?  Another pattern is by social class – why is it that a child from a poorer background is still far more likely to get lower GCSE results than a child from a wealthier background?

Examining research methods gives the student the opportunity to investigate how sociologists actually collect their information and the pitfalls that can possibly occur here.  The student will study a variety of methods including interviews, questionnaires and participant observation (where the sociologist has actually joined a group – for example a criminal gang – in order to understand why they behave in such a deviant fashion).

What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

 The department possesses a wealth of teaching experience which can be handed on to students.

The department also includes previous AQA examiners.

It has achieved grade 1s at each inspection.

The department prides itself on providing an innovative way to teach the subject including the use of up to date technology.

The subject is very popular with students and most will take it further onto the A2 and some onto degree level.  This has been reflected in many of the comments made at the close of the course:

 

‘I have enjoyed my first year at Loreto, especially Sociology, and will be carrying it on at A2. I am looking forward to next year.’

‘Sociology is an interesting course, I enjoyed it. Also different teaching methods were used which made it easier to learn.’

‘The course is excellent.’

‘The AS was brilliant.  Staff are helpful and know how to teach the course.’

 

Exam Board: 
WJEC
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements.