Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. It is a study of social problems and life chances. In sociology lessons, we study life chances and whether or not society is fair and equal and what could be done to make it more equitable. We investigate how people’s gender, identity, ethnicity, sexuality and social class can impact on their experiences in society. While biologists focus on the body and psychologists on the mind, sociologists look at the influences from society which shape the behaviour of people, their experiences and their interpretations of the world around them.

What will you study and learn?

We are very excited to be now offering Sociology as an A-level subject, which is proving very popular amongst our current and prospective Sixth Formers. At Kingsley, over the course of Years 12 and 13 we study the following topics:

• Sociological perspectives
• Education
• Family
• Theory and methods
• Crime and deviance
• The media

Course content and examination

In class, we explore pressing issues including:

• Are men or women more likely to commit a crime?
• How does the way you see yourself determine the way people identify you?
• Why are some people rich and others living in poverty?
• Is the education system institutionally racist?

The full A level will be assessed at the end of year 13.  There are three written papers. Paper 1 covers Education and Sociological Methods in Context.  Paper 2 covers the options studied in year 12 and 13 i.e. Family and Media.  Paper 3 covers Crime and Deviance and Sociological Theories. Questions range from short answers to longer essay questions. To succeed you will need a good level of literacy and be curious to find out more!

Where could the subject take you?

Sociology is a highly regarded A-level qualification as students develop skills valued by higher education and employers such as:

• Using evidence to support arguments
• Investigating facts and using deduction
• Critical thinking
• Making reasoned arguments
• Developing opinions and new ideas on societal issues
• Drawing conclusions

Studying sociology helps learners to advance their understanding of issues around culture, identity, religion, family, crime, poverty, social power and the media. Sociology students go on to a wide range of jobs in policing, social work, marketing, journalism, law, human resources, research, teaching, medicine, politics and civil service as well as taking jobs in the service sector. Graduates of sociology have higher levels of employment than many other subjects.