Sociology

Overview

Sociology intends to develop students’ understanding of society from a range of different viewpoints. It can be defined as the scientific study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture of everyday life. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organisations, and societies, and how people interact within these frameworks. The course aims to foster a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change, drawing together the knowledge, understanding, and skills learnt in different aspects of the course. Throughout, students are encouraged to use examples drawn from their own experiences in society. At present, Sociology is only available as an option subject at A-Level.

Years 12 and 13

Students follow the AQA Sociology (7192) specification, full details for which are available here. The year 12 course begins with the culture and identity topic, reviewing societal attitudes towards gender, ethnicity, and social class. Students then apply these concepts to experiences within education, deliberating whether factors outside or inside schools are more influential to educational achievement. Year 12 concludes by evaluating theoretical debates and methods of conducting Sociological research. Year 13 focuses on the media, deliberating ownership and control, and discussing the relationship between audience and owners. Finally, the topic of crime and deviance considers social control, crime distribution, and the best approaches to lower reoffending rates.