Sociology
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Head of Subject:
Emily Israel
“The fascination of Sociology lies in the fact that its perspective makes us see in a new light the very world in which we have lived all our lives.”
Peter Berger
Please click the links below for further information on the Key Stage 4 and
Key Stage 5 courses which the College offers.
Key Stage 4
Overview of the course
GCSE Sociology helps you to gain knowledge and understanding of key structures, processes and issues in society.
You will develop analytical and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues e.g. divorce, poverty, socialisation.
This will help you in constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions. These are all valuable skills that can be used in many other subjects.
You will begin your Sociology GCSE with introductory lessons to the core perspectives, themes and key terms. Remember – no students will have studied this before so everyone is starting on the same level as you!
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What will you study?
You will study key ideas of classical sociologist’s consensus and conflict theories in society, for example:
Functionalism |
Marxism |
Feminism |
The New Right |
You will also learn how to apply various research methods to different sociological contexts.
The topics we study are:
The Sociological Approach |
Families |
Education |
Crime and Deviance |
Social Stratification |
Research Methods |
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Assessment
There is no coursework in GCSE Sociology. You will be examined by completing two examinations at the end of Year 11.
These examinations are both worth 50% of your overall GCSE grade and are 1 hour 45 minutes each in length.
The examination has a mixture of questions for you to answer:
Multiple choice questions |
Short answer questions |
Extended answers |
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Possible career path
What can you do with Sociology? The short answer is... anything!!
Possible career paths could include:
Criminology |
Teaching |
Medicine
|
Criminal Justice System (for example,
|
Police Officer |
Law |
Social Work |
Journalist |
Business |
Politics |
Human Resources |
Governmental Research |
Key Stage 5
Overview of the course
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Methods in Context |
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Research methods |
|
Families and Households |
|
Education |
|
Beliefs in Society |
|
|
Crime and Deviance |
|
Theory and Methods |
|
An understanding of an increasingly complex modern world is, many would argue, essential to success within it. Sociology, an academic subject in its own right, can equip you with the necessary knowledge and understanding to see where you yourself fit into society, and where you may want your career to lead.
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What will you study?
Some questions you will tackle include:
How has family life changed over the years? |
Are women any more liberated now than 50 years ago? |
Why is there inequality in education? |
What is the purpose of education? |
Is religion beneficial for society? |
Are we more religious now than 100 years ago, why/why not? |
Why do certain people turn to crime? |
Is there a particular type of crime that is becoming more common in society? |
How should we study society?
|
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New to Sociology or continuing from GCSE?
This subject can be taken as a new subject or a continuation from GCSE. Do not worry if you are new to it, the first year begins with an overview of the key perspectives such as...
Functionalism |
Marxism |
Feminism |
In Sociology we look in considerably more depth at what it is that makes modern society tick, and therefore a genuine interest in contemporary social issues is required. Independent study and exploration of current issues are vital skills for success in this subject.
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Assessment
The A Level is assessed via exams – there is no coursework involved.
As this is a linear course, content from across the two years of study will be examined at the end of the second year.
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Two hours | Two hours |
Education
|
Family and Households
|
| Paper 3 |
| Two hours |
Crime and Deviance
|
All papers carry equal weighting.
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Possible career path?
If you are considering a career in nursing or social work, Sociology is regarded as a strong subject to give you background knowledge and understanding on society. Other employers who look favourably in the subject are...
The
|
The
|
Education
|
Government
|
Sociology will help you to develop your skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thought. You will learn to research, present and support your arguments in a measured and academic manner.
As far as Higher Education is concerned, Sociology leads naturally into a number of undergraduate courses including...
Psychology |
Politics, Philosophy
|
...and Humanities subjects such as...
History |
Geography |
It can also assist in more applied subjects such as...
Media Studies |
Marketing |
Journalism |
Social Policy |
Social Work |
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Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs Grade 9-5
including
Grade 6 or above in English
and
Ideally Grade 6 or above in GCSE Sociology
(if studied)
or in a Humanities based subject
For example - History (Grade 5 minimum entry requirement)
and