Sociology
Welcome to the Sociology Department
What we will study?
Sociology is about human social behaviour, why people behave as they do and what things influence and affect their lives. It is about how people organise themselves into groups and are able to control the behaviour of their members and sometimes control the behaviour of others.
You will study the main themes of culture and identity, power, social class, gender and ethnicity and consider how they affect an individual or group’s life chances. You will also develop a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of the major sociological theories underpinning research and the specific research models employed by sociologists.
Aims
The overall aims of the course are to give students opportunities to develop an understanding and awareness of:
- society in all its diverse aspects, with particular reference to the chosen syllabus topics
- patterns of advantage and disadvantage, for example, in relation to gender, ethnicity, class, age and culture
- the importance of constructive discussion, collaborative work and the ethics and skills of research
- the ability to be receptive to different viewpoints in order to evaluate information and ideas to reach their own balanced judgements
Who should do this course?
This course is ideal for students considering going on to further education at university. It will help students develop analytical and evaluative skills and help students write essays in a logical and coherent manner.
Our Intent
Students at BCA study AQA A Level Sociology, which offers a key focus of society in contemporary Britain and the journey of societal change from past, to present and future evolutions. In the UK, we are provided with a wide-ranging opportunity to discuss sociological issues, which encourages students to take a critical perspective on society and to ask important questions concerning social life in the context of their world. Sociology is an intellectually rigorous subject and students are encouraged to challenge their pre-existing beliefs about society and to think about the world outside of their textbook.
Students will be introduced to a range of sociological skills and knowledge, as well as an appreciation for the work of key sociologists, both past and present. This course allows students to examine society through many sociological lenses underpinned by consensus, conflict and social action theories. In addition to considering how key variables such as, social class, gender and ethnicity can impact and shape an individual’s opportunities in life and what we can do to ameliorate the effects of inequality in the UK.
The A Level has strong links to British values and EDI, as it teaches traditional British values as a core element of the course. By widening their experiences of the local and global community, and by exploring ideas about equality and diversity throughout the curriculum, Sociology provides students with the knowledge and understanding to be safely involved in the world around them, to be respectful, tolerant and confident citizens.
Resources and Facilities
Currently we have 1 dedicated classrooms which all have projectors and audio capabilities. We also have a bank of 20 laptops.
Resources for all key stages can be located on our Learning Web which is available in and out of the Academy premises. It is very well organised to allow students to find the exact resource they need quickly and efficiently.
KS5 Structure
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| Year 12 | Theories & Perspectives Research Methods | Education and Methods (Paper 1) | Education and Methods (Paper 1) |
| Families and Households (Paper 2) | Families and Households (Paper 2) | Families and Households (Paper 2) |
| Year 13 | Crime & Deviance (Paper 3)
| Crime & Deviance (Paper 3) | Course Revision & Exams |
| Beliefs in Society (Paper 2) | Beliefs in Society (Paper 2) |
A2 Assessment (7192, AQA)
Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
Paper 2 - Families and Households & Beliefs in Society
Paper 3 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
A Level assessment (7192): These are three examinations taken at the end of Year 13 which count for 100% of the total A-level. Grades and marks achieved in Year 12 are not counted.
Entry requirements: Students will need a minimum grade 6 in GCSE English.
Supporting Learning at Home
Resources for all key stages can be located on our Learning Web which is available in and out of the Academy premises. It is very well organised to allow students to find the exact resource they need quickly and efficiently.
Students have access to an archive of past examination papers and marks schemes within our Learning Web.
Where can the course lead?
Sociology prepares students for many careers and Higher Education courses, such as human resource management, social work, marketing, nursing, journalism, law, teaching, the police, the media, personnel, probation and advertising. There are also a wide variety of opportunities in all aspects of social research such as youth services, criminal justice system, ethnic minority rights and the leisure industry. As a Social Science, Sociology compliments other areas of study such as Psychology, History, Geography, English Literature and Health & Social Care.
