Sociology

Course Overview

A Level Sociology encourages students to explore how society works and how social structures, institutions and cultural values influence people's lives. Students develop critical thinking, analytical and research skills while examining contemporary social issues using a range of sociological perspectives.

Throughout the course, students will engage with key sociological theories, evaluate evidence and construct well-supported arguments, preparing them for higher education and a wide range of careers.

Our Curriculum

Sociology Curriculum Map

What Will Students Study?

Year 12

• Year 12 Sociology Subject Page
• Year 12 Sociology Tier 2 & 3 Vocabulary 
• Year 12 Sociology Curriculum Booklet

Education

• The role and purpose of education
• Educational achievement of different social groups
• Relationships and processes within schools
• Educational policies and their impact
• Sociological perspectives on education

Research Methods

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Designing and evaluating sociological research
• Ethical issues in research
• Analysis and interpretation of data

Year 13

• Year 13 Sociology Subject Page
• Year 13 Sociology Tier 2 & 3 Vocabulary 
• Year 13 Sociology Curriculum Booklet

Families and Households
Students explore the changing nature of family life in contemporary society, including:

• The relationship of the family to wider social structures
• Changing patterns of marriage, divorce, cohabitation and family diversity
• Gender roles and relationships within families
• Childhood and demographic changes
• Government policies affecting families
• Sociological perspectives on the family

Beliefs in Society
Students examine the role of religion and belief systems in modern society, including:

• The relationship between religion, social change and social stability
• Different religious organisations and movements
• Secularisation and the changing role of religion
• Religion, globalisation and identity
• Religion and social inequality
• Sociological explanations of belief systems

How Will Students Learn?

Teaching combines a variety of approaches, including:

• Interactive classroom discussions
• Independent and collaborative research
• Analysis of contemporary case studies
• Debate and critical evaluation
• Examination practice and structured essay writing
• Use of current news and sociological research to apply theory to real-world issues

Assessment

The course is assessed entirely through examinations at the end of Year 13.

Students complete three written 2 hour examination papers worth 80 marks per paper:

• Education with Theory and Methods
• Topics in Sociology (including Families and Households and Beliefs in Society)
• Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Assessment focuses on students' ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply sociological concepts, analyse evidence and evaluate different viewpoints through extended written responses.

Skills Developed

Students will develop:

• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Essay writing and extended written communication
• Evaluation and interpretation of evidence
• Independent research skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Confidence in discussing complex social issues

These transferable skills are highly valued by universities and employers and provide an excellent foundation for further study and careers in areas such as law, education, policing, social work, journalism, business, marketing, public policy and the civil service.

Subject Leader

Josh Miller

jmiller@carshaltonboys.org