Sociology

Sixth Form
Course title: AQA GCE A level Sociology 7192, AQA-7191-7192-SP-2015.PDF

What are the knowledge and skills that students will gain over Key Stage 5?

The study of AQA Sociology develops skills of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity. Sociology students develop an awareness of the importance of how society is structured and how people can actively engage with the contemporary world. Knowledge of social processes and change are critically evaluated through the topics and sociological research. Skills of sociological methods and research are taught and students are taught the principles of carrying out their own research. Students will:

• acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes
• appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate
• understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process
• develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society
• develop a lifelong interest in social issues.

Why is it delivered in this way?

The modules selected at JCS have been chosen to provide a broad range of sociological experience and to offer cross-curricular links with other subjects in our sixth form curriculum offer. In Year 12, after an introductory module where we introduce the key concepts, we deliver Sociology of Education with Methods in Context and Sociology of Families and Households. These modules are the ones students have direct personal experience of and therefore they view them as relevant and relatable are students are more willing to engage with these topics as they embark on their sociology studies. This underpins the skill of focusing on personal identity and developing an interest in social issues. During the Summer Term we introduce the Year 13 Theory element to begin to prepare them for introducing a synoptic approach to their writing, as Sociological Theory is expected across all extended writing in addition to 3 stand alone questions on Theory or Methods.

In Year 13, students study Sociology of the Media and Sociology of Crime and Deviance. These modules benefit students who also study Psychology and/or Media Studies at A Level. During Year 13, Sociological Theory and Sociological Research Methods, are continually revisited through application within each topic module. The development of synoptic writing is a key skill required to reach the higher grade boundaries.