Sociology
St Birinus School - Oxfordshire
01235814444
Mereland Road, Didcot, OX11 8AZ
Course summary

Sociology is the scientific study of social behaviour. It is an academic subject with close links to anthropology and psychology. Sociology is concerned with real-world issues with policy relevance, such as social inequality, organised crime, the social basis of political conflict and mobilisation, and changes in family relationships and gender roles. Some theorists see certain individuals as powerful in shaping society, while other theorists look at the processes within society including, labelling individuals, as a crucially important factor in shaping society. What is undeniable is that, as individuals, we spend almost all our time in groups, and in order to understand our behaviour we have to examine and assess the impact of those groups and institutions on us. There are five topic areas covered over the two-year course. Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (year 1) - this topic examines the function and role of education in society and the impact of educational policy changes over time. Within this topic area, students will also examine a range of research methods and their relationship with sociological theory Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: Culture and Identity (year 1) - within this topic area students will examine the key influences on human behaviour, from our genetic make-up, to our environmental experiences. Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: The Media (year 2) - students will examine and evaluate the role and influence of the owners of the media and what safeguards are in place to prevent bias or harmful information reaching the public. They will also examine the impact of globalisation on the media and the influence on British culture. Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (year 2) - this option examines the nature of crime, deviance, social order and social control. Areas covered include: globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes.

Entry requirements

- Grade 6 in English GCSE, and Grade 6 in at least ONE of these subjects: Geography, History, Religious Studies, English Language or Literature - Entry to this programme is determined by GCSE results. It is generally necessary for students to have achieved at least a level 6 at GCSE in the subject (or related subjects) they intend to study at A Level.

How you'll be assessed

Assessment mirrors the key skills required to be successful in the final examinations. This will include short answer knowledge questions, and essay questions, where the focus will be analysis and evaluation. These assessments will be set regularly in class and for homework. Final external assessment: 100% examination – 3 equally weighted written papers at the end of year two.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityOxfordshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeBoys
AddressMereland Road, Didcot, OX11 8AZ