Intent Statement 

Our intent is to deliver A Level Sociology and offer an engaging and effective introduction to the subject, providing a sound basis for student wishing to study Sociology at a higher level. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by Higher Education (HE) and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking, structured essay writing and research. Staff will deliver interesting and informative lessons on key sociological issues based on British and global societies.

The topics we deliver are : Culture and Identity, Education, Theory and Methods, the Media, and Crime and Deviance. These contemporary topics relate to societal issues and will broaden students' knowledge of the world we are living in today, equipping them with the thinking skills required to keep up and make the most of any opportunities that present themselves.

The course is supported by visits from external speakers, trips to sites of cultural interest, and small-scale research projects to allow students to apply their knowledge in practice.

Department Information

Sociology is part of the Social Sciences department, which includes all the subjects the provide explanations for human behaviour and social life - including criminology, psychology and sociology. 

Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. It is the study of society to include Culture and Identity, Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods, The Media and Education. Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

Key Stage 5

Year 12

In Year 12 students will study the Culture and Identity topic, in which they will explore the way that society's values and expectations shape our understanding of who we are as individuals and as part of social groups.

Students will also look at the role of Education and also consider how students perform in relation to Class, Gender and Ethnicity. Students will consider the role of the School and also look at key Educational Policies. Students will consider a range of sociological research methods.  

Year 13

In Year 13 students will enhance the knowledge they have gained about sociological theories in their first year by studying the Theory and Methods topic, which explores the key debates within the academic discipline of sociology, as well as the practical methods of researching society. 

They will also study the Media topic, which looks at how the Media represents different members of and how this can influence culture and behaviour.

Finally, students will study Crime and Deviance. This will give them the opportunity to evaluate the various sociological explanations for criminal behaviour, as well as the motivations behind punishment and how crime and deviance is changing in a globalised world.

A level Sociology Learning Journey