Sociology

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Studying Sociology helps students develop a clear understanding of our society, including a wide range of different views about a wide range of important social issues.

The Sociology department has a team of subject-specialists with expertise covering all areas of the subject, from the study of crime patterns to the role of the media. Teaching is topical, in-depth and relevant, with a strong focus on preparing for examination success. Staff ensure the right balance between teaching research skills, theoretical views and real world examples. The department aims to develop in young people a strong sociological imagination so they can analyse, evaluate and interpret social patterns and suggest solutions to social problems.

At Key Stage 4 we teach the AQA GCSE specification, which is 100% examination-based, and there are two examinations. They include a range of question styles from short 1-mark questions up to 12-mark extended writing tasks. There are four main topics, which are families, education, crime and social stratification. We also study different research methods, e.g. experiments and questionnaires.  In the exam, questions on research methods are spread across all four topics.

At Key Stage 5, A-Level Sociology is offered via the AQA specification. The course is fully exam-based with three papers at the end of Year 13. A Level Sociology is valued highly by employers and universities as it develops excellent analysis and evaluation skills, as well as including social research methods and their practical application to education

The A Level course covers six main topics, which are families, education, crime, research methods, theory and global development. Questions vary in difficulty, with the shortest being worth 4 marks, and the longest being essays worth 20 or 30 marks.

How can you support your child? 

  • Encourage your child to watch TV programmes about social issues e.g. crime, poverty, benefits, government policies etc.
  • Encourage your child to have an opinion on social issues that they can back up with reasons, while also respecting other people's views.
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