Sociology
Staff
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Megan Kirkpatrick (HOD)
A Level
Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. The course is designed to assist in developing a range of essential skills that will prove invaluable in today’s working environment. The specification fosters a deep understanding of modern social processes and changes, encouraging learners to critically analyse theoretical and conceptual debates. Students explore sociological research methods, developing practical skills through hands-on research experience. This course also promotes personal growth, helping individuals understanding their roles and responsibilities within society while cultivating a lifelong interest in social issues.
The WJEC (Welsh Joint Education Committee) specification is studied, and it is a modular course, with exams in May/June each year. It consists of Four Units:
At the end of Year 13 students sit external examinations for their two AS modules. They are as follows:
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AS Unit 1: Acquiring Culture (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 focuses on families and households with compulsory questions and a choice between two essay questions.
AS Unit 2: Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry (25% of qualification)
Section A: 35 Marks
This section comprises one compulsory question. This will be based on an item which will be a synopsis of a piece of sociological research.
Section B: 55 Marks
This section focuses on education with compulsory questions on data and a choice between two essay questions.
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Students proceeding to A2 Level will sit examinations in two further modules:
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A2 Unit 3: Power and Control (25% of qualification)
Unit 3: 70 Marks
The questions in this section are on the theme of power. We focus on the topic of crime and deviance, and this includes compulsory questions and a choice between two essay questions.
A2 Unit 4: Social Inequality and Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry (35% of qualification)
Section A: 40 Marks
One compulsory question which will require learners to design, justify and evaluation a piece of sociological research.
Section B: 60 Marks
Questions in this section are on the theme of social differentiation and stratification. These include a compulsory question and a choice between two essay questions.
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For more information on the course, visit the WJEC Website
[https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/sociology/r-sociology-gce-as-a/]
CEAIG
This course helps develop essential skills that are highly valued in today’s workplace. Past A Level Sociology students have gone on to pursue careers and further study in diverse fields such as Law, Journalism, Teaching, Criminology, Social Work, and more.
Previous students have said:
“Sociology is one of my favourite subjects. I enjoy learning about all aspects of society and the theoretical views involved. The knowledge and skills I’ve gained will benefit me as I progress to university”.
“The topics in Sociology provide fascinating insight into the world around us. I would recommend to this subject to other students.”
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