Sociology (AQA

Entry Requirements

Sociology is only available in the Sixth Form. A desire and ability to write at length is required and therefore a grade 6 or above in a comparable subject such as GCSE English, History or RS can be used as a guide for subjects suitability. Course Content

Y12

Families and Households Changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation and divorce. Gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships. Does the new man really exist? The nature of childhood and the status of children in the family and society. Why are British children the unhappiest children in Europe? Are families essential for social harmony or does the family have a ‘dark side’? Should the government intervene in family life to engineer idealised family structures?

Education and Methods in Context What is the function of education for the individual and the wider society? Does the system fail working class pupils? Why are girls now performing better in exams? Are schools institutionally racist? Does the set you are in determine your success? Should public schools be abolished?

Sociological Methods This unit will give students an understanding of how sociologists carry out research. Can we trust their results? How do sociologists study deviant and/or criminal groups? Should ethical principles apply to gangsters?

Y13

Beliefs in Society Are we becoming less religious as a society? Is this a global trend or has there been a religious revival? What does the increase in fundamentalism contribute to this debate? Are superstitious beliefs the same as religious beliefs? Should we have faith schools? What is the role of religion in modern society? Does religion continue to inform our moral behaviour? This is clearly a departure from Religious Studies with a focus on the political and social place of religion today.

Crime and Deviance Who commits crime and why? Are all young people deviant? Does society need criminals so the rest of us know how to behave? Are the police institutionally racist? Do women commit less crime than men or are they more adept at evading detection? How do we prevent crime? What are the functions of punishment?

Theory and Methods Not only will the student have a thorough grounding in methodology by this stage of the course, but they will also engage in wider theoretical debates. Is Sociology a science? Can Sociology be value free? Should it be value free?

Sociology at Berkhamsted

Sociology allows students to challenge their pre-conceived ideas about the world around them. They have the opportunity to examine a wide range of contrasting explanations of the way society works (or does not) and to use sociological arguments to engage in lively classroom debate, as well as developing their ability to write persuasively.

Students have the opportunity to design and carry out their own independent primary research, enabling them to demonstrate a sound understanding and appreciation of the research process. In recent years some of the most innovative projects have included titles such as ‘To what extent have school reward and sanction systems changed over time?’ ‘How do pupils best learn and retain information?’ ‘How does parental involvement impact on student wellbeing?’ and ‘Do same-sex or co-educational systems produce more well-rounded students?’

Student Comments

Sociology has provoked me to look twice at the world we live in. Why is society so corrupt? This subject helps me to challenge and question and see the world differently.

Future Prospects

As well as Sociology, our students have gone on to study subjects at university such as Psychology, Law, History and Criminology. Sociology is a valuable qualification for careers in journalism, social work, medicine, the police service, teaching, charity and research work.

Berkhamsted Sixth, part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group

Sixth Form Centre, Castle Campus, Castle Street, Berkhamsted HP4 2BB 01442 358052 sixth@berkhamsted.com berkhamsted.com @berkhamstedschool @berkhamsted6th @berkhamstedschools