Sociology

It explores everything from crime to religion, family to government, and social inequality to cultural beliefs. At its core, Sociology seeks to understand how human behaviour both influences—and is influenced by—the social and cultural structures around us.

In Sixth Form, Sociology is a fascinating and dynamic subject that helps you make sense of the world. It delves into the social forces behind personal experiences like love, identity, family dynamics, and faith. On a broader scale, it examines pressing societal issues such as crime, education, poverty, and discrimination. Globally, it tackles major challenges like migration, conflict, and economic change.

Studying Sociology equips you with a deeper understanding of the world and your place within it—offering new perspectives on the complexities of modern life.

A Level Sociology

Our A Level Sociology programme offers students the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of central aspects of sociological thought and methods. It is designed to encourage students to demonstrate the application of a range of skills and consider the integration of sociological themes:

• Socialisation, culture and identity
• Social differentiation, power and stratification

The A Level requires students to complete four units which culminate in three written examinations: 

• Education with Theory and Methods

• Topics in Sociology:

• • • Families and Households
    • The Media

• Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Students refine their skills in group work and become adept independent learners as well. Some lessons involve practical tasks, videos and discussion and students are encouraged to take an active part in all class activities.

Co-curricular Activities

Recent opportunities include: 

• A visit to the Houses of Parliament to examine social policy 
• A visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood to consider the evolution of childhood. 
• A visit to the Crown Courts and Scotland Yard
• We are fortunate to have links with Sheffield University and our pupils are able to participate in workshops and attend lectures within their Social Sciences Department.

Clinic is available twice a week.

Future Careers

The traditional occupation for Sociology graduates has been social work or some other form of public sector welfare work such as the probation service. However, in practice, Sociology graduates go into a much wider range of jobs. In industry, for instance, human resource management (or personnel as it used to be called) is one application close to welfare, but additionally aspects of marketing draw upon sociological skills.

Virtually all Sociology courses include methods of social research and these can have an enlightening effect upon market research. Fields such as Civil Service, Police, Local Government Services and teaching would all benefit from studying Sociology at this level or further.