Sociology
The word ‘Sociology’ is derived from the Greek ‘Ology’ meaning ‘the study of/ science of’ and the Latin ‘Socius’ meaning ‘Society’. A combination of the two, therefore, describes the basis of what Sociology is; the study of Society. From this original view as a scientific study of society, Sociology has developed into a more complex understanding of how society works. Sociologists aim to investigate and interpret the relationships that individuals form with one another, as well as the contributions of social issues such as class, gender and ethnicity in everyday life.
As well as investigating the individual relationships within society, Sociologists are also concerned with the bigger social institutions, such as education, and their role in maintain and controlling society. The task for our sociologists at Archbishop Holgate’s School, therefore, is to investigate society in a scientific way and offer theoretical explanations which can be applied to everyday situations.
“The deviant and the conformist… are creatures of the same culture inventions of the same imagination.”
Kai Theodor Erikson
Entry requirements
Automatic entry onto Level 3 courses includes students achieving 4 x Grade 9-4 or equivalent at GCSE alongside a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Mathematics. Students with either English and/or Mathematics at Grade 3 or below will have individual meetings to determine the most suitable pathway within the Sixth Form.
Course description
Students will study the following units over the full two-year course:
- Education with Methods in Context
- Research Methods
- Beliefs in Society
- Families and Households
- Crime and Deviance
- Sociological Theory
What can this lead to?
Many of our Sociology students gain places at prestigious universities. Due to the breadth of the sociology discipline, the careers are incredibly diverse and depend largely on individual student interests. Although teaching and research are the largest areas of employment for sociologists, students may find careers in applied or clinical sociology including government administration, social services, non-profit organizations, private business, education, health care and the prison service.
Exam board
Past papers
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192/assessment-resources
Assessments
There is no coursework in Sociology. The qualification is examined via 3, 2 hour written papers, each account for one third of the A-level grade. The exams consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions.
Ways to help my child succeed
- The topics we cover in lessons relate to all our lives, so your child will be keen to discuss all things sociology related at great length! Pleases encourage this, spending time discussing and debating any issues or topics which come up.
- They should have a strong understanding of current affairs and contemporary issues in the news.
- Encourage your child to seek out relevant academic journals on-line (see websites below).