As well as deepening and broadening students understanding of Sociology, the A Level course aims to develop skills such as critical thinking, analysis and essay writing.
Once the course starts in September students will be given access to Year 1 and 2 textbooks which will provide the basis to complete the course. Students are expected to undertake wider reading around the course and will be provided with a list of recommended readings.
Good combinations of other subjects to study with Sociology:
History, English, Psychology, Religious Studies, Geography.
The A level course is taught over 2 years and covers a range of topic areas. Final assessment consists of three written papers, all of which are taken at the end of the second year of the course. Topics studied are:
Content of Socialisation, culture and identity
In this topic we introduce you to the key themes of socialisation, culture and identity and develop these themes through the context of one of three options either: Families and relationships, Youth subcultures or Media. These options develop skills that enable you to focus on your personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society and develop a lifelong interest in social issues.
Youth subcultures
As the name suggests the unit focuses on youth as an important period in the socialisation process when individuals are developing a sense of identity within their peer groups. It allows learners to explore different types of youth subcultures and the roles they may play in society.
Research methods and researching social inequalities
In this section, you are introduced to a range of methods and sources of data as well as the factors influencing the design of sociological research and the relationship between theory and methods. You are encouraged to consider the practical, ethical and theoretical issues arising in sociological research and to apply knowledge of research methods to the particular context of social inequalities.
Understanding social inequalities
Within this section you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary patterns and trends of social inequality. You are able to engage in theoretical debate, explore conceptual issues and develop skills of analysis and evaluation of sociological research and evidence.
Revision
Revision sessions are provided during lesson time before examinations
Revision guides are available to purchase from bookshops (online and high street)
Additional materials and past papers with mark schemes are made available to students through Prince William School shared drives.
Year 12
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
| Socialisation, culture and identity: Key concepts in sociology |
Socialisation, culture and identity: Youth subcultures |
Researching and understanding social inequalities. Research methods
|
| Term 4 |
Term 5 |
Term 6 |
| Researching and understanding social inequalities: Research methods |
Researching and understanding social inequalities: Social inequality and difference |
Researching and understanding social inequalities: Social inequality and difference
|
Year 13
| Term 1 |
Term 2 |
Term 3 |
| Debates in contemporary society: Globalisation and the digital social world |
Debates in contemporary society: Globalisation and the digital social world |
Debates in contemporary society: Crime and deviance
|
| Term 4 |
Term 5 |
Term 6 |
Debates in contemporary society: Crime and deviance
Revision |
Revision |
|
Example of skill progression
Students learn a range of concepts and theoretical perspectives that form the foundation of sociology. Gradually they will learn to apply the abstract content to substantive issues within society including, youth subcultures and crime. Eventually students will be able to analyse theories when applied to social behaviour and the structures of society. They will also learn how to plan and conduct social research and evaluate the research process considering key ontological and epistemological issues.
