Sociology
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- You are required to meet the Sixth Form entry requirements to study Sociology at AS - 5 GCSEs Grade 5 and above (including English and Mathematics).
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Sociology A Level sits well with English A level and other Humanities subjects, Ethics, Geography, History and Psychology.
COURSE AIMS
The OCR A Level specification in Sociology enables our students to:
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Promote an understanding of one’s position in Society and to enable students to develop a critical, rigorous and analytical approach to Sociology and the world around them, how groups in society inter-relate and to look and explore reasons why modern society is the way it is i.e. increase in certain types of crime, changes in family relationships and different cultural values and norms.
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Develop an interest and enthusiasm for Sociology.
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Focus on contemporary society. It is designed to foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity; and to encourage an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in explaining social issues.
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Recognise that their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills help them to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between individuals, groups, institutions and societies.
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Analyse critically the nature and sources of information and to base reasoned judgements and arguments on evidence.
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Organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding in different and creative ways, and reach substantiated judgements.
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Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate.
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Understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process.
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Develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society.
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Develop a lifelong interest in social issues
KEY STAGE 5 OVERVIEW
Overview of A level in Sociology
Students must complete all components (01-03) for full A level
and Components 01 & 02 for AS
Year 12 AS Sociology Assessment overview
| Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting |
| Socialisation, culture and identity (01) | 75 | 1 hour 30 minutes |
50% |
| Researching and understanding social inequalities (02)* | 75 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 50% |
Year 13 A Level Sociology Assessment overview
|
Component |
Marks |
Duration |
Weighting |
| Socialisation, culture and identity (01) | 90 |
1 hour 30 minutes |
30% |
| Researching and understanding social inequalities (02)* | 105 | 2 hours 15 minutes | 35% |
| Debates in contemporary society (03)* | 105 | 2 hours 15 minutes | 35% |
Sociology is taught by Mrs Coyle and Miss Cooney.
Year 12
Students must complete both components (01 and 02) to be awarded the OCR AS Level in Sociology.
Content overview
Component 01: Socialisation, culture and identity
Introduces students to key themes of socialisation, identity and culture, which are developed in closer study of the Youth Subcultures option.
Component 02: Researching and understanding social inequalities
Explores the methods of sociological enquiry and uses the context of social difference and inequality to develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary social processes. This fosters the development of critical thinking around social diversity in terms of social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
YEAR 13
Students must complete all components (01, 02 and 03) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Sociology.
Content overview
Component 01: Socialisation, culture and identity
Introduces students to key themes of socialisation, identity and culture, which are developed in closer study of the youth subculture context.
Component 02: Researching and understanding social inequalities
Explores the methods of sociological enquiry and uses the context of social difference and inequality to develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary social processes. This fosters the development of critical thinking around social diversity in terms of social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
Component 03: Debates in contemporary society
This component introduces students to contemporary theoretical debates and how they relate to global society. Section A is a compulsory topic, ‘Globalisation and the digital social world’, and in Section B Crime and Deviance is the context chosen.