Sociology

Sociology is taught as part of the social science curriculum.

In common with other social science subjects, Sociology aims to develop in students, a critical and evaluative approach as we strongly believe that knowing how different people see the world allows our learners to make sense of the world, ask questions of it and know how to change it.

Sociology provides students with a language, with which to critically evaluate their social world. Sociologists should seek to understand the development, structure, and functioning of human society. Sociology asks fundamental questions on whether human action is determined or negotiated through agency. It asks difficult questions which should challenge students existing assumptions on the nature of social life. Students, in turn, should use these theories and concepts to question the world around them, and ask questions of others. Sociologists should be critical, have a thirst for knowledge and learning. It further questions the nature of academic research and its methods and the very nature of truth. This allows learners to question the very nature of the social world and whether social policies are able to create change, or are parts of the problem.

Sociology has been a popular A level course for many years at Allerton Grange, with many of our students choosing to study it beyond A level at University. We follow the AQA specification.

Sociology is the study of society and the way in which it operates. It looks at the various differing perspectives on the relationship between society and individuals, and then uses these perspectives to investigate elements of society. If you have an open mind and are interested in the way in which people interact, then this course would suit you.

You will gain an insight into the world and a realisation that few things in life have right or wrong answers, just different views. The course requires a lot of written work and a critical approach. Students with a wide knowledge tend to do well, especially with those with an understanding of the other social sciences.

Sociology fits well with other social sciences, such as Economics, Psychology, History or Politics, as well as Humanities, such as Geography and Religious Studies.

Future Opportunities:

Sociology provides you with good analytical thinking skills which are sought after by universities and employers. Many of our students follow degrees in sociology or combined degrees involving sociology at university.

Sociology
APPLY NOW

Course content - Year 12
The course is a two year linear A level course which is formally examined at the end of Year 13. Students will, however, sit a PPE (mock) examination to determine the suitability to continue to Year 13.

Autumn Term
In common with all Social Science subjects, the course will begin with with some Core Social Science Knowledge around Society, Economics, Politics and Law. This will be built on over the course to enhance your understanding of Sociology.

We then move on to:
- General sociological concepts and theories.
- Education. The role and purpose of the education system, differential achievement by class, ethnicity and gender, and government education policies.

Spring Term
- Work, Poverty and Welfare
- The nature, existence and persistence of poverty in contemporary society, the distribution of poverty, wealth and income between different social groups.
- Responses and solutions to poverty by the state and by private, voluntary and informal welfare providers in contemporary society.
- Organisation and control of the labour process, including the division of labour, the role of technology, skill and de-skilling, the significance of work and worklessness for people's lives and life chances, including the effects of globalisation.

Summer Term
- Sociological methods.
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods in sociological study.
- Methods in context.
- Revision for the pre-public examinations.
- Start of Year 13 work.

Regular catch up sessions are held in the pod every Tuesday and Thursday. They are optional and voluntary for students, however, students may be directed to the sessions if their progress is below target.

A minimum of five subjects at grade 4 (or above) including Maths at grade 4 (or above), and grade 5 (or above) in English Language is required for this course.

The course is a two year linear A level course which is formally examined at the end of Year 13. Students will, however, sit a PPE (mock) examination to determine the suitability to continue to Year 13.

More information can be found at http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192