Sociology

Have you ever wondered why we have developed into the society we are today? Why some pupils achieve more than others? How attitudes to childhood have changed? Whether men or women are more likely to commit a crime? A Level Sociology will help you develop a critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identiity, crime, families and social power.

Paper 1: Education and methods in context - you will examine the role of education in society. For example you will look into gender and ethnic differences in school achievement. You will also learn how to apply your own sociology research methods to the study of education. Paper 2: Topics in Sociology - We study 2 options: Families and **Households and the Media. Paper 3: Crime and deviance with theory and methods - you will learn about criminal and deviant behavuiour, including factors that might lead people to commit crime and how the media portrays them. You will also examine theory and methods

There are three exams taken at the end of the course. Each account for one third of your a level grade. The 3 exams last 2 hours and are worth 80 marks each. The exams consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions.

There are no entry requirements above those required to enter the Sixth Form. However, it will best suit those with an enquiring mind, and an interest in current affairs and today's society. Some of the examination questions require extended writing, so an ability to write well is helpful.

Sociology is a great choice for people who want a career in social work, nursing or medicine. The subject is also useful in a number of careers such as marketing, advertising, PR, journalism, law or teaching. According to bestcourse4me.com, the top six degree courses taken by students who have an A level in Sociology are: Sociology, Psychology, English studies, business studies, Law and Teaching.