What topics will students cover? 

Sociology is the study of people and human behaviour looking at the concepts of socialisation, culture and identify. The sociology course follows the linear exam system. 

Exploring Socialisation, Culture and Identity (Component 1) & Researching and Understanding Social Inequalities (Component 2)

At A level students look at two components including where we explore the research process – how do we research and where does out research come from? There is a general overview in the process of sociology and the formation of culture. The idea of culture is explored in a range of multicultural, global culture and popular culture examples in particular how these cultures are changing with new ideas and beliefs. Focus is given to areas of identify of different social groups including age, youth and gender. Within this unit we also look at how to collect data from a range of different methods. We also focus on the sociology of family and how society labels and explains the family structure of today.

A’Level: Debates in Contemporary Society (Component 3)

Students choosing the A’Level Sociology will be following the AS course above but also completing component 3. This unit explores globalisation and the digital social world – how a digital world influences people’s identity, relationships and social inequality. They will also explore how a digital world impacts on culture and conflict within those cultures.  The second element of this unit is the study of crime and deviance from a global aspect. Here students will look at why crime happens and how it can be reduced in society.

Students will develop a wide range of skills that can be applied to future careers. Students will analyse, research and evaluate their results with particular focus on how the methods have been applied. There are theoretical ideas and critical inquiry into how these theories can be applied to modern life in Britain today. Teaching styles will be based around individual, pair and group work with particular focus on independent learning and skills. ICT will be used to research and develop presentations by students and at the same time essay writing and debates will be used within class.

Careers – Progression.

Sociology allows students to progress onto further study at university including degrees in anthropology, sociology, criminology andpublic services amongst others. While future careersinclude public services/local government, research groups, journalism, education or voluntary organisations and charities.

Parliament visit, Youth Parliament membership, law courts, speakers (M.P.s/M.E.P.s/Barristers), London Mayor,  Debate club/Debating Matters competition, news show audience, lectures at universities and at Parliament, school council.