Sociology Department

Department Staff

Ms M Bailey
Head of Social Sciences
Ms G Semambo
Head of Sociology

Departmental Aims

The Sociology department aims to provide students with an understanding of the main theoretical perspectives, such as Marxism and Feminism and how they explain aspects of society such as the family, education, religion and crime and deviance. Students are encouraged to question these approaches and to debate them with reference to real life scenarios.

Resources

The Sociology department has a range of resources available including textbooks, Sociology Reviews, Word documents and access to subject specific online programmes.

Curriculum

Key Stage 5

In years 12 and 13 students follow the AQA specification. This specification allows students to investigate a range of sociological concepts and theories. AQA also provides students with easy access to past examination papers and mark schemes online.  The course is 100% examination. There is no coursework.

In year 12, students will complete three modules. These modules are the family and households, education and sociological methods. Students will learn about sociological explanations of family relationships and the changing nature of family dynamics in modern society. Students will also evaluate explanations for the role of the education system and influences on educational achievement, including social class, gender and ethnicity. The research methods which are used to conduct such research will also be assessed.

AS assessment involves two examinations:
  • 1. Written paper on the family and households (1 hour, 20% of A level mark)
  • 2. Written paper on education and research methods(2 hours, 30% of A level mark)

In year 13, students will complete a further three modules. These are religion, crime and deviance and theory and methods. There will be thorough discussion of the influence of religion in society, including an evaluation of the range of religious beliefs, practices and religious groups such as denominations, cults and sects. Students will also investigate the changing nature of crime and deviance. They will analyse modern statistical evidence and evaluate explanations for the demographic changes in crime such as age, gender, social class and geographical location. They will also consider the effects of crime and deviance on social order and social control. These issues will be reviewed with reference to sociological theories, perspectives and research methods.

A2 assessment involves two examinations:
  • 1. Written paper on religious beliefs in society(1½ hours. 20% of A level mark)
  • 2. Written paper on crime, deviance, theories and perspectives(2 hours, 30% of A level mark)