Staff

Mrs M Fitzpatrick (Leader of Learning)
Mrs T Warwick
Miss B Brown

Examination Board: WJEC

Sociology involves the study of society and the ways in which people act in social groups. It is based on a framework of critical thought which challenges many common sense assumptions about social life. This course focuses on the detailed examination of several areas including education, the family, religion and crime. The course also draws on a wide range of theories and approaches to social research.

Sociology students need to have an open and enquiring mind, a keen interest in current affairs, a willingness to read and research widely as well as the ability to express opinions whilst listening to the views and opinions of others.

Structure of the Course and Scheme of Assessment (WJEC)

This specification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS unit and 2 A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A level qualification.

AS = 40% of qualification overall
A2 = 60% of qualification overall

AS Unit 1

AS Unit 1 :  Acquiring Culture.

Written Examination: 1 hour 15 minutes.

60 marks – 15% of qualification

Section A (15 marks)

This section comprises one structured question on the key concepts and processes of cultural transmission, socialisation and the acquisition of identity.

Section B (45 marks)

This section offers a choice between two options:

• Families and Households
• Youth Cultures

Each option includes compulsory questions and a choice between two essay questions.

AS Unit 2

AS Unit 2 : Understanding Society and the Methods of Sociological Enquiry.

Written examination: 2 hours

90 marks – 25% of qualification

Section A Methods of Sociological Enquiry (35 marks)

This section comprises one compulsory question. This will be based on stimulus material which will be a synopsis of a piece of sociological research.

Section B Understanding Society (55 marks)

This section offers a choice between three options:

• Education
• Media
• Religion

Each option includes compulsory questions based on data and a choice between two essay questions.

A2 Unit 3

A2 Unit 3 : Power and Control.

Written examination: 2 hours

70 marks – 25% of qualification

The questions in this section are on the theme of power. There is a choice between four options:

• Crime and deviance
• Health and disability
• Politics
• World sociology

Each option includes compulsory questions and a choice between two essay questions.

A2 Unit 4

A2 Unit 4 : Social Inequality and Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry.

Written examination: 2 hour 15 minutes

100 marks 35% of qualification

Section A Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry (40 marks)

One compulsory question which will require learners to design, justify and evaluate a piece of sociological research.

Section B Social Inequality (60 marks)

Questions in this section are on the theme of social differentiation and stratification. These will include a compulsory question and a choice between two essay questions.

Many Sociology students go on to study this subject either on its own or as a part of combined Arts or Social Science degree.  A background in Sociology is also useful for many other subject areas.  This may lead on to a wide variety of careers including Law, Teaching, Social Work, Administration, Journalism, Media and Criminology.