Sociology

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.

Course content
Year 12

The course is a 2 Year linear A level course which is formally examined at the end of Year 13. Students will, however, sit a mock examination to determine the suitability to continue to Year 13.

Autumn Term

• 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.

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

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.

Entry Requirements:

A good range of GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English and Maths. A grade of 5 or above in English Language is required for this course.

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.