Sociology is for people who have an interest in knowing why society works in the way that it does. It’s a useful subject that allows you to develop your own opinions of a range of topics.
You will need 5 GCSE's at grades 5-9, including English Language.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free | You will need to provide your own stationery (A4 pad and lever arch file for each unit). The textbook that is recommended by the exam board is Brisbane S et al (2015) OCR Sociology for A-Level Book 1. You may want to consider buying your own copy, however, there are copies in the Learning Resource Centre for loan. You will also be given the opportunity to take part in trips and visits, which may incur a cost. |
You will be assessed by 3 exams at the end of year 2, which are set by the exam board, OCR. Your progress will also be monitored internally with in-class assessments, homework tasks and practice exams.
English and maths are important life skills that will help you to achieve your best in your studies and progress to your dream career. If you have not already achieved grade 9-4 in GCSE maths and/ or English at school, we will support you to improve your skills.
This is a 2 year, full-time course. Timetables will be confirmed at enrolment.
The sixth form day is Monday-Friday between 9am-4.15pm.
You will study each of your subjects for 4hr 45min per week, across three separate lessons.
Your timetable will be determined by the combination of subjects that your study, which will be made available to you at the start of the academic year.
You are not required to be on campus when you do not have a timetabled lesson, although we would strongly recommend that you are. Making effective use of our learning facilities and resources during such study periods, will ensure that you keep on top of your work and make significant progress in your studies, not to mention developing important time-management, organisation and independent-study skills.
The main aim of the course is to prepare learners by providing a suitable foundation for the study of sociology or related courses in higher education.
By studying Sociology, learners will be able to:
- Recognise that their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills help them to develop an understanding of the inter-relationships between individuals, groups, institutions and societies
- Critically analyse the nature and sources of information, and to base reasoned judgements and arguments on evidence
- Organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding in different and creative ways, and reach substantiated judgements
- 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
This is a two-year course where you will study 3 units.
In year 12, you will study:
- Socialisation, Culture & Identity (Youth Culture)
- Debates in Contemporary Society (Education and Globalisation and the Digital Social World)
In year 13, you will study:
- Debates in Contemporary Society (Education and Globalisation and the Digital Social World) - continued
- Researching Social Inequalities
Sociology opens a clear route to university where you can continue your studies. This could then lead to a career in teaching, social work, human resource management, journalism, youth work, police or the prison service.
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