The AQA A Level Sociology course is made up of three compulsory units; Education, Crime & Deviance and Theory and Methods with Methods in Context. We also cover two optional units; Families & Households and Beliefs in Society. Course Aims: The study of Sociology focuses on contemporary society and fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues. You are encouraged to develop your own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world. In Year 12 students will cover: Education – This unit allows you to reflect on the competing sociological perspectives and their views concerning the roles of the education system. You will investigate both internal and external factors and processes that affect the patterns of educational achievement of students of different classes, ethnicities and genders whilst also understanding how school can reinforce traditional gender identities. You will also have the opportunity to understand how government policy impacts both the education system and the individuals within it. Families and Households – This unit offers you the opportunity to unpick what sociologists suggest are the main roles of the (nuclear) family and how these roles may be changing, alongside how power relationships and the domestic division of labour may be altered in contemporary society. You will discuss the changing nature of childhood as a social construct and how demographic changes have impacted this alongside how they have impacted other areas of the family such as patterns of marriage and divorce. You will also understand the implication of social policy on families and households in society. Research Methods with Methods in Context – You will investigate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of sociological research methods from both positivist and interpretivist perspectives and apply your knowledge of these advantages and disadvantages to different research contexts within the field of education. In Year 13 students will cover: Crime and Deviance – Here you will reflect on how crime and deviance effects individuals and society. You will look at how sociologists explain crime and deviance, what patterns of criminal and deviant behaviour exist and what solutions sociologists offer to reduce these acts and better control members of society. You will also see the effects of globalisation on patterns of crime and deviance and will be able to conceptualise how power affects criminal and deviant behaviour and the punishment of these acts. Beliefs – You will understand how beliefs in religion, science and nationalism shape society in modern Britain. You are also offered the chance to see how religion is viewed through various sociological lenses and to investigate both religions’ role in social change and how religious beliefs have changed over time. Theory and Methods - The unit of ‘Theory and Methods’ is the perfect way to underpin the synoptic links of the linear course. You will re-explore the sociological research process within the context of objectivity and values and social policy making and then contextualise the major sociological theories.
A minimum of seven grade 5s in full course GCSE subjects with a grade 6 at GCSE for Sociology if taken but is not required. This is an extended writing subject. English 5 and Maths 5. Not required but if taken, grade 6 at GCSE. Extended writing subject
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods Assessed 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks Paper 2: Topics in Sociology 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Merton |
| Ofsted Rating | Outstanding |
| Gender Type | Mixed |
| Address | Wide Way, Mitcham, CR4 1BP |
The AQA A Level Sociology course is made up of three compulsory units; Education, Crime & Deviance and Theory and Methods with Methods in Context. We also cover two optional units; Families & Households and Beliefs in Society. Course Aims: The study of Sociology focuses on contemporary society and fosters the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. It provides an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues. You are encouraged to develop your own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world. In Year 12 students will cover: Education – This unit allows you to reflect on the competing sociological perspectives and their views concerning the roles of the education system. You will investigate both internal and external factors and processes that affect the patterns of educational achievement of students of different classes, ethnicities and genders whilst also understanding how school can reinforce traditional gender identities. You will also have the opportunity to understand how government policy impacts both the education system and the individuals within it. Families and Households – This unit offers you the opportunity to unpick what sociologists suggest are the main roles of the (nuclear) family and how these roles may be changing, alongside how power relationships and the domestic division of labour may be altered in contemporary society. You will discuss the changing nature of childhood as a social construct and how demographic changes have impacted this alongside how they have impacted other areas of the family such as patterns of marriage and divorce. You will also understand the implication of social policy on families and households in society. Research Methods with Methods in Context – You will investigate the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of sociological research methods from both positivist and interpretivist perspectives and apply your knowledge of these advantages and disadvantages to different research contexts within the field of education. In Year 13 students will cover: Crime and Deviance – Here you will reflect on how crime and deviance effects individuals and society. You will look at how sociologists explain crime and deviance, what patterns of criminal and deviant behaviour exist and what solutions sociologists offer to reduce these acts and better control members of society. You will also see the effects of globalisation on patterns of crime and deviance and will be able to conceptualise how power affects criminal and deviant behaviour and the punishment of these acts. Beliefs – You will understand how beliefs in religion, science and nationalism shape society in modern Britain. You are also offered the chance to see how religion is viewed through various sociological lenses and to investigate both religions’ role in social change and how religious beliefs have changed over time. Theory and Methods - The unit of ‘Theory and Methods’ is the perfect way to underpin the synoptic links of the linear course. You will re-explore the sociological research process within the context of objectivity and values and social policy making and then contextualise the major sociological theories.
A minimum of seven grade 5s in full course GCSE subjects with a grade 6 at GCSE for Sociology if taken but is not required. This is an extended writing subject. English 5 and Maths 5. Not required but if taken, grade 6 at GCSE. Extended writing subject
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods Assessed 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks Paper 2: Topics in Sociology 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods 2 hour written exam 80 marks 33.3% of A-level Questions Section A: extended writing, 40 marks Section B: extended writing, 40 marks
