What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of our society and the way it is formed. It helps us to understand the world around us, and sociologists try to explain why the world is the way it is. You will be taught by qualified and experienced teachers in this subject, who are subject specialists. The Teaching staff includes Mr. A. Hart and Miss S.Trivedi.
What students study
We use the exam board AQA, as this allows the students to assess the main areas of sociology in depth. The areas of sociology that we will look at over the two years are:
Family: How the family is structured, diverse families such as lone parents, and divorce.
Education: The structure of education in Britain, peer group pressure, why we achieve at different levels in education.
Social change and stratification: To understand different social classes, life chances, power, income and wealth and inequalities in society.
Poverty and the welfare state: understanding the welfare state, e.g. the N.H.S, job seekers allowance. Why people live in poverty in Britain today.
Power and politics: Voting behavior, power of the trade unions, political parties.
Sociology of work: What employment is and how attitudes may affect this, organisations, patterns of employment
Migration and movement: Ethnicity and age, migration between countries, urban life and rural life.
Social control and deviance: What types of individuals commit crime, stereotyping and crime, crime figures, and criminal behaviour.
How are students assessed?
There is a higher paper and a foundation paper. Students are assessed by both an examination and coursework. Depending on which level they are entered for the length of the exam will differ. The examination is in June of the second year of the course.
Higher Paper: 2 and a half hours exam. Grades available A *- C
Foundation paper: 2 Hours exam. Grades available C- F
They will also be assessed on coursework, which accounts for 20 % of your final grade. The coursework topic is based on any area of sociology we have studied, and the choice is the students’!
Careers and sociology:
Sociology is a discipline that is accepted by universities and employers. Students of sociology go onto a range of careers from:
- Jobs in the media as researchers, and journalists.
- Police work.
- Social work.
- Health e.g. health care management.
- Teaching.
- University researchers.
- Politics.
- Occupational therapy.
- Government research teams.
- Business and public relations.
- Many students also chose sociology because it has a great basis for any area of employment, including law, medicine, social work and counselling.
Teaching and learning styles:
Within sociology we try to provide a varied range of teaching methods and learning experiences.
These will include:
- Student centred learning. E.g. group work, and presentations.
- Discussions.
- Videos.
- Handout and notes.
- Internet.
- Use of ICT.
- Use of OHT.
- Study skills development.
- Questions and answer sessions.
- Key word cards.
- Practice examinations
- Research.
- Using newspapers for up to date events in the world.
- Textbook searches.