Courses
We offer a broad and balanced curriculum, for key stage 3 (Years 7-9), key stage 4 (Years 10 and 11) and key stage 5 (Years 12 and 13 - Sixth Form). Click the appropriate button below to find the details for each subject offered in each key stage.
Further details of our curriculum are available on the curriculum page.
Overview
Sociology
Introduction
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organisations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. We consider what factors determine this behaviour and consider the ideas of norms and values, socialisation, and conformity and deviance in shaping who we are.
Sociology works well combined with psychology, English, health and social care, economics, geography, history, or any other essay-based subjects.
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
AQA
Course leader
Mrs L Donohue
Assessment
- Examination: 100%
- 33.3%: paper 1, education with theory and methods, 2 hours.
- 33.3%: paper 2, topics in sociology, 2 hours.
- 33.3%: paper 3, crime and deviance with theory and methods, 2 hours.
- Non-examined assessment: 0%
Curriculum
Course content
The A-level sociology course covers key topics such as health in society, education, theories of society, how sociologists conduct research, beliefs in society, and crime and deviance. Students will develop skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis, focusing on contemporary social issues. Assessment involves demonstrating knowledge, applying concepts, and evaluating evidence. This course prepares students for higher education and careers in social work, education, law, and public policy.
Topics
- Health
- Education
- Theory and Methods
- Beliefs in Society
- Crime and Deviance
Skills and requirements
Entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE English language or English literature.
- Grade 4 in GCSE sociology (if studied).
Beyond the classroom
- We have a planned trip in Year 13 to Shrewsbury Prison, an 18th century jail which closed in 2013, to support the crime and deviance unit.
- We have a Sociology Review e-library subscription giving students access to academic articles beyond the curriculum.
- We also host external speakers on careers and higher education courses.
Future pathways
A vast range of higher education courses and career options are available, from research to social work, marketing to PR, the health service, law, journalism, teaching, criminology, politics, social policy and government research. Students can gain access to a very wide range of university courses with a sociology A-level and sociology is accepted by all the Russell Group universities.
Former students have also successfully applied to courses in medicine, sciences and languages.
