A Level

AQA

Subject Leader: Mrs L Fenner-Jiggins
Subject Teacher: Miss A Keely

A Vision for Sociology

Students at Richard Challoner should study Sociology because it is relevant to every individual regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, social class or ability. It creates critical thinkers and students who question the world they live in. It raises consciousness of inequalities that exist in society and what this means for people in terms of their life chances. Sociology encourages students to appreciate that decisions made for them by others will have an impact on both a micro and macro level. It enables students to make meaningful decisions and have discussions using evidence-based ideas as well as being able to hold others to account in a mature way.

Course content: Sociology is the systematic study of human groups and social life in modern society. It is a social science based on logical arguments and evidence. Sociology attempts as far as possible to minimise bias and to maintain objectivity when looking at the social world. If you have an interest in people, then sociology may be a good subject for you, because the focus is on the influences from society which shape the behaviour of people, their experiences and their interpretations of the world around them. Studying sociology will give you an understanding of the social structure of institutions such as the family, education and the political system. It will foster the development of critical and reflexive thinking with a respect for social diversity. Sociology is an exciting, relevant and interesting subject that will enable you to develop an excellent understanding of contemporary society and social life as well as a lifelong interest in social issues. While many sociology graduates enter work in the public sector in a social or welfare role, others go into a variety of jobs throughout the private sector. Some employers include local and central government, industry, the NHS, education authorities, and charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations.