Overview
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science that uses investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human activity. Sociological research can lead to social policy. Studying sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. We are a supportive department with great experience and expertise. We have excellent enrichment, fantastic exam results and passionate and creative teaching which draws on examples from the real world. It’s a very popular course (6th most popular A-Level nationwide) which is growing in numbers each year.
Key Stage 5 A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Link to Specification: Click here.
Course Content
Paper 1: Education and Theory and Methods, 33.3% of A-level
2-hour written exam(80 marks)
Section A: Education: short answer and extended writing, 50 marks
Section B: Methods in Context, extended writing, 20 marks
Section C: Theory and Methods: extended writing, 10 marks
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology, 33.3% of A-level
2-hour written exam (80 marks)
Section A: Families and Households, extended writing, 40 marks
Section B: Beliefs in Society, extended writing, 40 marks
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance, 33.3% of A-level
2-hour written exam (80 marks)
Section A: Crime and Deviance, short answer and extended writing, 50 marks
Section B: Theory and Methods, extended writing, 30 marks
Skills Gained from Taking this Course
EXAM SKILLS:
AO1: Knowledge and understanding: Theories, methods, concepts, studies
AO2: Application: Link ideas, theories and studies to the question showing their relevance. Also, using the item and using other relevant examples from the news or other topics.
AO3: Analysis: Explaining things in detail, comparing and contrasting, organising ideas logically and drawing conclusions.
Evaluation: Judging something like advantages and disadvantages or for and against arguments. Breaking down an argument into the ideas which make it up, organising essays into introduction, logical reasoning leading to an appropriate conclusion.
St Marylebone Entry Requirements
To gain entry into the sixth form at St Marylebone School, students must gain a minimum of five 9-6 grades at GCSE and a 5 grade in English and Maths GCSE.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in English Language GCSE.
Entry Suggestions
Students need to be able to learn sociological studies, concepts and theories and answer questions using these. They need to think creatively and construct their own hypotheses on topics and include a clear rationale and distinct conclusion. They must be able to both describe, analyse and interrogate the material and go beyond simply presenting the information.
If you are made an offer, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:
Read AQA A-Level Sociology Book 1, Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townsend (ISBN 978-0-9540079-1-1. Read p1-14 ‘What is Sociology?’
Resources Needed for this Course:
AQA A-Level Sociology Book 1 and Book 2, Webb, Westergaard, Trobe and Townsend
