Curriculum overview for A Level Sociology

Curriculum intent – the knowledge, understanding and skills that students will learn
Students will acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and social changes. They need to appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate such as is sociology a science, the strengths and limitations surrounding the research process, theoretical debates about power, control, consensus, stratification and differentiation.  Students will understand the research process and be able to evaluate practical, ethical and theoretical issues. They will develop skills that allow them to question personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society, free will versus determinism and develop the lifelong skill of a sociological imagination. Students will be able to apply different sociological theories to a range of topics, e.g. Education, meritocracy, crime/control and apply this understanding to any given topic once they think like a sociologist. 

Curriculum implementation – teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Sociology is taught didactically: students are given books for each unit and are expected to make detailed notes. Lessons are interactive: we want students to ask and answer questions and engage with what they are being taught. Outside of classroom learning, students are expected to review their notes regularly and do additional reading around the subject. They are given access to curriculum review articles and other relevant material on TEAMS, but any additional reading and research is encouraged. There is a Sociology/Psychology library where students are encouraged to borrow books to enrich their learning.  Assessment is varied including classroom question and answers; end of topic exam-style questions and essays, for which students are prepared. Assessments are completed in lessons, under exam conditions, as preparation for the actual exams. During the A Level course, students sit three PPE (or Mock) exams which mirror their final exams in Year 13, and they are carefully supported for these assessments. Topics are sequenced in line with their final exam papers, but Theory and Methods are emphasised throughout the course to encourage students to make synoptic links.

Curriculum impact – intended outcomes for students 
Within Sociology, our intention is not only to enable students reach their aspirational targets but to create future Sociologists with a sociological imagination.  We want students to have a genuine curiosity and love for the subject.  This is demonstrated by the number of students we have who go on to University to study Sociology.  Students will develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Sociology through gaining an understanding of its significance to everyday life from Brexit, to COVID, to education or Crime: all aspects of society which can be explained and analysed through the lens of Sociology.  Also, the skills of application, analysis, evaluation and critical analysis will benefit students in all their subjects and for the rest of their lives.  We want our students to feel happy and safe in lessons, so they are confident to be inquisitive, to ask questions, make mistakes, and develop a Growth Mindset.

Course overview for A Level Sociology 
Exam board: AQA - https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/sociology/specifications/AQA-7191-7192-SP-2015.PDF
Coursework: Not applicable

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods            
Section A: Education 
Section B: Methods in context 
Section C: Theory and Methods 

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology        
Section A: Families and Households 
Section B: Beliefs in society 

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods                    
Section A: Crime and Deviance 
Section B: Theory and Methods