Sixth Form: Sociology

Subject Overview

Sociology is the study of the Society that we all live in. It has been taught in British Universities since the very beginning of the twentieth century.  Some of the controversial issues we have looked at recently include that of Mark Duggan, ‛Fake news’, the phone-hacking scandals, sexism in the media and growing up in a country where homosexuality is an accepted norm!

A Level Sociology has a more theoretical base than GCSE Sociology and so we look at society from different perspectives such as Marxism, Feminism and right wing approaches. By taking the subject you will become more aware of the world around you and you will develop critical thinking skills.  Sociology opens your eyes to issues and problems that you otherwise wouldn’t really think twice about!

Entry requirements

  • Grade 5 or higher in English Language or Literature

Skills needed

The ability to write extended pieces of writing is crucial as the examinations feature a number of essay questions. An interest in society and contemporary debates is highly beneficial and the ability to make links between topics and concepts ensures access to the highest grades.

Assessment

Assessment is 100% examination. It is made up of three two hour exams. Paper 1 and 3 are all compulsory questions ranging from 4-30 marks.  Whist paper 2 features questions of between 10 and 20 marks.

Paper 1:  Compulsory – Education with Theory and Methods

Assessed

  • 2 hours written exam
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3% of A level

Paper 2: Options: 2 selected by the Sixth Form – Topics in Sociology (Families and Mass Media)

Assessed

  • 2 hours written exam
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3% of A level

Paper 3: Compulsory -Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Assessed

  • 2 hours written exam
  • 80 marks
  • 33.3% of A level

Please see AQA website: for more information on the specification

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

Sociology works especially well as a complement to other essay writing subjects such as, History, Psychology, English, Law, Business Studies.

Course Activities

Annual visit to the Court (Birmingham Crown Court) as part of Paper 3.

Subject Resources

  • Tutor2U
  • AQA Sociology Book One
  • AQA Sociology Book Two ( Rob Webb, Hal Westergaard, Keith Trobe, Annie Townsend)
  • Suceed at A-Level Sociology Book One (AQA) Robb Webb and Keith Trobe
  • Suceed at A-Level Sociology Book Two (AQA)
  • CGP A-Level Sociology complete revision and practice

Schemes of Work

Past paper question practice is essential in Sociology as it is 100% exam. Therefore it is highly advisable to download as many questions from the following website:

Other Information

Sociology is the study of life in this society. It is therefore relevant to all students who will live and work in this society. After taking A Level Sociology, students go on to study a wide range of degree subjects and go on to careers in media, journalism, law, police/probation work, business, marketing, recruitement and teaching.  Students will develop essay writing skills in this course whilst debating current social issues. They will begin to understand more about the world in which they live, from a variety of points of view. All of these skills are not only useful for any university course, but for life in general.

For more information please contact Miss M Taj,  Subject teacher: Sociology