Sociology

Studying sociology is a journey of exploration into the intricate web of human society. It offers the opportunity to delve deep into the complexities of culture, behaviour, and societal structures, fostering critical thinking and empathy. The interdisciplinary nature of sociology provides valuable insights in an increasingly interconnected world. Through this discipline, one can not only gain a profound understanding of the world but also contribute positively to social change and personal growth Sociology is a path to unlocking the secrets of human interaction and the forces that shape our lives. Additionally, it opens doors to diverse career opportunities and contributes to personal growth.

Students typically study through a structured curriculum. Below is an overview of how students may study the subject.

Interactive lectures/lessons, discussions and debates, textbooks and reading, assessments, mocks/Examinations, independent study, AST classes, revision, support and guidance.

Sociology is the study of Society, the ‘social world’: you will study the way people are affected by society, and how society is affected by people. Sociology looks beyond the day-to-day and asks questions like “what is the real nature of Society, why does it function like it does and for whose benefit?” In Sociology, we will ask you to understand and apply key concepts such as power, gender, ethnicity, and class to analyse the most important institutions, which shape the world we live in. At AS Level, you will study education and the family, address questions such as, “Why do girls do better than boys at GCSE?” and, “What is the impact of an increasingly ageing population?” You will also consider crime and the one institution that appears to influence every aspect of our lives – the mass media. In both your first and second year, you will consider the usefulness of the different research methods used by Sociologists.

Sociology offers students a profound enrichment of students intellectual and emotional horizons. It is a discipline that fosters a deeper understanding of the intricacies of human society, unveiling the underlying patterns and forces that shape our lives. This subject allows students to develop a heightened awareness of cultural diversity and societal dynamics. Moreover, sociology empowers students to engage with social issues, fostering empathy and a sense of social responsibility. This enrichment extends beyond the classroom, preparing students to navigate in an increasingly complex and interconnected world while contributing positively to their communicates and society at large.

A Level Sociology is a stimulating and relevant course, which will offer you the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. It acts as a good foundation for further study in the Social Sciences or related subjects, such as History, Law, Business and Psychology. Students of A Level Sociology have gone on to a wide range of careers including Politics, Social Work, Journalism, Public Research, Teaching, and Law. Sociology will also provide a good balance, if your other subjects are mainly Science based

Pupils with SEND are offered a wide, aspirational and ambitious curriculum across all subject areas through the All Stars Succeed strategy which emphasises the importance of Quality First Teaching. Every teacher has been trained on the understanding of pupil needs and implementation of high-impact adaptive strategies to enable pupils with SEND to make excellent progress, such as the use of High 5 strategies (informed by research conducted by the EEF) to create an inclusive environment in their teaching spaces. Moreover, the subject-specific All Stars Succeed charters allow for the implementation of subject-specific support in the classroom to help pupils overcome their barriers.

Collaboration between Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) and classroom practitioners on MS Teams before, during and after a lesson is a pivotal mechanism to ensure there is a coordinated approach towards support for pupils with SEND. This is evidenced with a purple pen in student books.

Star Maps are created in collaboration with the SENCO, class teachers, pupils and parents advising on strategies to help break down any barriers to learning. Strategies include adaptive teaching methods that are specific to a particular need as well as subject-specific adaptive teaching methods for subjects in which a pupil may find additional challenge due to his need. Star Maps are reviewed on a termly basis strategies by teachers, parents and pupils. These meetings are led by members of the senior leadership team. Star Maps support pupils with a variety of needs including, visual impairment, cognition and learning difficulties, physical disabilities, speech, language and communication difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder, dyslexia, and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Ancillary aids and assistive technologies are also utilised to enhance provision and ensure access. Learning aids are deployed to specific pupils with SEN, particularly those with visual impairments and difficulties with writing. Pupils are provided with a mobile learning device to aid research, independent working and innovative approaches to learning. Pupils are also given access to a Virtual Learning Environment through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft
OneNote to access resources and complete learning at school and at home with a device.

Specialist careers advice is provided by New Directions to prepare pupils with SEND for further education and transition to adult life.

Sociology Central: resources (Resources website)

AQA | AS and A-level | Sociology | Assessment resources (Resources/Specification website)

SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources (hectic-teacher.co.uk) (Resources website)

Teaching Resources (britsoc.co.uk) (Subject Association)

A Level sociology lays the foundation for students to embark on leadership journeys in various spheres. It fosters critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that are valuable in leadership roles. This subject undoubtedly equips students with the tools and perspectives needed to become leaders who challenge societal norms, promote inclusivity and work towards a fairer world.