Sociology - The Nelson Thomlinson School

The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton
Sixth Form
New A Level
Sociology
The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX
Tel: 016973 42160 Fax: 016973 49160 Email: [email protected]
www.nts.cumbria.sch.uk
Sociology
AS/A2 Level
Exam Board - AQA
Course Outline
AS Course
On the AS course students study three units:
Families and Households
Education
Theory and Method
1. Families and Households explores an area that everyone thinks
they know something about. What is a family? We all have one,
but what is a ‘proper’ or ‘ideal’ family? Has a breakdown in family
life led to social problems such as a rise in crime, male
underachievement at school and a rise in teenage pregnancies? Is
childhood something created by society? If you can think about
these questions and put aside your own prejudices and emotions,
and make judgements on the basis of evidence, you will find this
topic both challenging and interesting.
2. Education gives the opportunity to learn about the different
kinds of schools in England today: comprehensives, secondary
moderns, grammars, independent and public schools. It teaches
new ways of thinking about teachers, pupils and the way they
interact. Finally, it asks questions about the way gender, class and
ethnicity affect educational achievements.
3. Theory and Method gives the opportunity to experience the
different types of questionnaire, interview and observation
techniques used by sociologists to collect primary data. Scientific
knowledge is considered from a philosophical point of view and
we ask “Is Sociology scientific?”
Each of these units is assessed by an exam. There are two exams at
the end of the course, each exam lasting one and a half hours.
A2 Course
The Upper Sixth requires further study of Theory and Method, which is
assessed through the study of two topics:
Beliefs in Society explores theories of religion and social change and
questions whether or not religion can survive in the modern world. It
is very wide-ranging and takes into account New Age, traditional and
non-European religions, large and small.
Crime and Deviance is about those who are disapproved of by
Society, including (but not restricted to) those who actually break laws.
It investigates the causes of criminal and deviant behaviour.
These two units will be assessed by written examinations. Students
will also be assessed on the knowledge covered on the AS course.
There are three exams at the end of the course, each one lasting two
hours.
What kind of person would be suited to this course?
To be successful in Sociology you must be ready to read widely, to
write essays, to learn about aspects of society that may lie well beyond
your present experience and to explain your point of view in open
classroom discussion. You will benefit further if you are prepared to
use your initiative in following up the many questions which will arise.
While the issues are often fascinating and controversial, the
theoretical knowledge is demanding and a rigorously academic
approach should be expected.
Potential opportunities at the end of the course
In the past, our students have gone on to study in a wide range of
university departments. Sociology will be of value to students aiming
at careers such as media, health care, social work, teaching and other
similar fields.
At least a grade C in English/English Language GCSE is required
For further information see Mr P Johnson, Head of RE