Megan NG
A-Level Sociology
Grade 6 in a humanities subject or GCSE English (Lit or Lang)
Sociology is the study of human society. Sociologists are interested in looking at how our identities and behaviour are shaped by society and by social groups such as our families and friends, and by institutions such as schools and the mass media. Sociology also tries to explain how and why society is changing, for example why divorce is much more common today than 40 years ago, or why girls have overtaken boys in their academic performance in the last few decades. Studying sociology will give you a better understanding of the society in which you live and the social influences shaping your life. Sociology encourages you to look at the social world in a critical way and to answer questions about society based on evidence rather than just opinions.
Sociology can lead on to further study in a range of subjects and be useful in a variety of careers. Many students could follow the course with a degree in sociology or psychology, but there always a huge diversity here.
Students find the skills and knowledge gained from sociology useful in areas such as law, politics, social work, market research and journalism. .
12 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Education | Develop an understanding of: (1) the role and functions of the education system (2) Differential educational achievement of social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity in contemporary society (3) relationships and processes within schools (4) the significance of educational policies |
Research Methods | (1) Evaluate sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, participant and non-participant observation, experiments, documents and official statistics (2) Identify the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research (3) Apply sociological research methods to the study of education | |
Families and Households | Develop knowledge of the sociological explanations of: (1) the relationship of the family to the social structure and social change (2) changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce, childbearing and the life course (3) gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships within the family in contemporary society (4) the nature of childhood and changes in the status of children in the family and society (5) demographic trends in the United Kingdom since 1900: birth rates, death rates, family size, life expectancy, ageing population, and migration and globalisation. | |
13 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Crime and Deviance | Develop understanding of sociological explanations of: (1) crime, deviance, social order and social control (2) the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class (3) globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes (4) crime control, surveillance, prevention and punishment, victims, and the role of the criminal justice system and other agencies. |
Beliefs in Society | Develop understanding of sociological explanations of: (1) ideology, science and religion, including both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions (2) the relationship between social change and social stability, and religious beliefs, practices and organisations (3) religious organisations, including cults, sects, denominations, churches and New Age movements, and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice (4) the relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices (5) the significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world, including the nature and extent of secularisation in a global context, and globalisation and the spread of religion | |
Theory and Methods | Develop understanding of: (1) consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories (2) the concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory (3) the nature of science and the extent to which Sociology can be regarded as scientific (4) the relationship between theory and methods (5) debates about subjectivity, objectivity and value freedom (6) the relationship between Sociology and social policy |
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods
You will learn about functions of the education system, what contributes to the different educational achievement of social groups in addition to various educational policies. You will also be introduced to the world of sociological research methods and theory.
Assessment: 2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology
Optional Unit 1: Families and Households
In this unit, you will learn about the relationship of the family to social structure and social change, changing family patterns and demographic trends, gender roles and power relationships within the family in contemporary society, and the nature of childhood and changes in the status of children in the family and society.
Optional Unit 2: Beliefs and Society
You will cover topics such as the significance of religion and religiosity in the contemporary world, religious organisations and their relationship to religious and spiritual belief and practice in addition to the relationship between different social groups and religious/spiritual organisations and movements, beliefs and practices.
Assessment: 2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
You will learn topics including the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, globalisation and crime in contemporary society, the media and crime, green crime, human rights and state crimes and the role of the criminal justice system and other agencies.
Assessment: 2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Encourage regular revision and completion of homework
If possible, help them revise by quizzing them based on flashcards they make
Essential stationery, folder, notebook, textbook
The homework mainly consists of making notes from the textbook, writing essay responses to past paper questions, and revising for quizzes. Students should consistently make revision materials throughout the year and should also practise writing timed essays in their own independent study time.
Lectures by Guest Speakers
Each subject is also part of our ‘Super-curricular’ initiative, which aims to develop your wider understanding of academic subjects and support your learning – more information can be found here.
Cambourne Sixth Form
Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne
Cambridge CB23 6FR
Tel: 01954 284000
Email: info@cambournesixthform.org
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