Sociology

The AQA A-Level Sociology course is to develop students’ understanding of society through the systematic study of social structures, processes, and issues, equipping them with both substantive knowledge of key sociological concepts, theories, and topics (such as education, families, crime and deviance, and social stratification) and disciplinary knowledge of how sociological knowledge is produced, analysed, and evaluated. The course enables students to think critically and interpret the social world by engaging with a range of theoretical perspectives, including functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and interactionism, while developing their ability to analyse evidence, assess research methods, and construct well-reasoned arguments. Through a carefully sequenced approach, students make links across topics and apply sociological understanding to contemporary social issues, fostering independence, evaluative skills, and extended writing, and preparing them for A-Level assessment and progression to higher education and a range of future pathways.

Year 12

Term 1

Introduction to Sociology

Knowledge:

Students begin the course with an introduction to key sociological theories and terminology that they will use across the course. Students learn the difference between Marxist, Functionalist, and Feminists theories, as well as being able to identify the difference between consensus/conflict theories, positivist/interpretivist theories, and structural/action theories.

After being introduced to key sociological theories and concepts, students embark on the study of two key areas of society: Families and Households, and Education.

Useful Links

Sociology – Simply Psychology

Introduction to Sociology – ReviseSociology

Introduction to A-Level Sociology – YouTube

Families and Households

Knowledge:

Students begin to study Families and Households. This module focuses on introducing different types of family structure, the sociological perspectives behind the role and function of the family unit, changes in the family structure throughout the years and their causes, demographic trends, policy that has impacted the family, and the experience of couples and children within a family unit.

In the Autumn term, students develop a knowledge of different family structures and apply their knowledge of sociological theories to explain the role and function of these family structures in society. Students also consider the experiences of couples and children within the family, looking at how roles and responsibilities of different family members have changed over the years, and the influence of wider societal changes (such as women being more involved in the workplace) on the structure and function of the family.

Useful Links

Family and Households / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A Level Sociology Families and Households – ReviseSociology

Sociology: Families and Households (AQA A-Level Sociology) – YouTube

Education

Knowledge:

Alongside Families and Households, students study Education. This module looks at the role and function of Education in society, how this has been impacted by societal change and social policy, the sociological perspectives behind the role and function of the education system, as well as an in depth look at the internal and external factors which contribute to the achievement of different social groups, including Gender, Social Class, and Ethnicity.

In the Autumn term, students begin an in-depth investigation into different social groups and their experiences of education. They look at the achievement and experiences of students of different ethnicities, genders, and social classes, and examine internal and external factors that can contribute to and explain the trends identified.

Useful Links

A Level Sociology of Education | Perspectives & Achievement – ReviseSociology

Education | AQA A Level Sociology – YouTube

Education / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

Skills:

Students begin to develop analytical thinking, being encouraged to make and justify arguments and debate alternative viewpoints using evidence to support points made. Students are given a foundation of sociological theory to allow them to begin applying theories to different topic areas using key assumptions as a guide to their overall perspective.

Students begin working on extended writing early on, and develop skills in debating concepts on paper, using evidence and evaluative points to extend the depth of their work.

Assessments:

Quick Check Assessments given throughout the term to ensure understanding of content.

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20/30 mark questions.

Short Answer Questions (4-6 Marks – Education Only!)

November Prep Exams

Term 2

Families and Households

Knowledge:

In the spring term, students continue to investigate the role of the family, focusing on changes to the overall structure of the traditional family units, and the increased diversity. They do this through identifying and explaining demographics trends, such as birth rates, death rates, ageing, and migration, alongside considering explanations for and against family diversity and examining changing patterns of marriage, divorce, and cohabitation. The finish the topic with an application to Social Policy, looking at how government influence has shaped the family in recent decades.

Useful Links

Family and Households / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A Level Sociology Families and Households – ReviseSociology

Sociology: Families and Households (AQA A-Level Sociology) – YouTube

Education

Knowledge:

In the spring term, students investigate the role of education in wider society, considering sociological explanations (Such as Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist, New Right, and Interactionist Approaches) of the purpose of education in society. This module also ends with a link to Social Policy, considering how policy has changed education since the introduction of compulsory schooling, and how this has allowed education to take on a variety of functions. Students consider the impact of these policies on the education system and take an evaluative stance to explaining the benefits and limitations of the policies covered.

Useful Links

A Level Sociology of Education | Perspectives & Achievement – ReviseSociology

Education | AQA A Level Sociology – YouTube

Education / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

Skills:

Students continue to develop their analytical and evaluative skills, looking at concepts in depth and considering the pros and cons of different policies and changes on not only the individuals involved, but wider society. Students continue to develop justification of their arguments, bot verbally and on paper, to evidence the points they are trying to make.

Extended writing skills are consistently developed across the term, with students being given ample opportunities to practice and develop their writing style.

Assessments:

Quick Check Assessments given throughout the term to ensure understanding of content.

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20/30 mark questions.

Short Answer Questions (4-6 Marks – Education Only!)

February Prep Exams

Term 3

Research Methods

Knowledge:

In the summer term, students begin to study Sociological research methods, which forms one half of the ‘Theory and Methods’ topic.

In this module, students investigate the reason for sociological research, the factors that influence a researchers choice of topic and methods, including Practical, Ethical, and Theoretical Factors, and the process of conducting sociological research. Students also learn about 6 different types of method that can be used to conduct research, including how these are conducted, why they might be used, which sociologists prefer using them, and the strengths and limitations of using them.

Useful Links

Theory & Methods | AQA A-Level Sociology – YouTube

Theory and Methods / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A Level Sociology Research Methods | Quantitative & Qualitative

Methods in Context

Knowledge:

Alongside Research Methods, students also study ‘Methods in Context’. This topic requires students to combine their knowledge of the education topic with their knowledge of research methods as they explaining why a given research method may be useful/not useful for studying a particular aspect of education. Students are encouraged to consider research characteristics of schools, teachers, parents, and students, and use these factors to inform their evaluation of appropriate methodologies.

Useful Links

Methods in Context (Education) | AQA A Level Sociology Live Revision

Methods in Context | Topics | Sociology | tutor2u

Methods in Context: Education | AQA A Level Sociology

Skills:

In the summer term students focus on their application skills, looking to apply learnt content in Research Methods and Education to answer specific exam questions.

Through this students also continue to develop their explanatory and evaluative skills, and will show improvement in the quality of their extended writing at this stage.

Assessments:

Quick Check Assessments given throughout the term to ensure understanding of content.

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20 mark questions.

End of Year Assessments

Year 13

Term 1

Crime and Deviance

Knowledge:

In the Crime and Deviance Module, students investigate the causes and impacts of criminal activity, consider the accuracy of crime statistics, explain sociological explanations for criminal behaviour and skews in crime statistics, and assess the effectiveness of crime prevention and punishment strategies. They also investigate the global impact of crime, looking at large scale Green and State crime which cross national borders.

In the Autumn term, students first develop and understanding of the difference between Crime and Deviance, and begin to investigate Sociological explanations of the causes of criminal behaviour (Including Functionalist, Labelling, and Realist Approaches), and why certain social groups (Such as Men, Working Class, Ethnic Minorities) are more likely to be seen/represented as criminals in crime statistics.

Useful Links

Sociology – Crime and Deviance (AQA A-Level Sociology) – YouTube

A level Sociology Crime and Deviance: Key Theories and Concepts

Crime and Deviance / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

Beliefs in Society

Knowledge:

Alongside Crime and Deviance, students also studying the topic of Beliefs in Society. This topic aims to identify and discuss the changing face of religion and it’s role in society. Across this topic area, students cover sociological explanations of the role and function of religion, how religion has caused an inhibited social change, secularisation and the renewal of religion through new movements, globalisation and religious extremism, types of religious organisation, and how science and other secular ideologies can be considered belief systems.

In the Autumn term, students begin the topic by defining religion applying their knowledge of sociological theory to identify potential functions of religious organisations in society today. This is furthered by going on to question whether religion is used as a tool to maintain societies current values, or change them, before considering the potential decline and renewal of traditional vs contemporary religious organisations.

Useful Links

Beliefs in Society / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A level sociology beliefs in society

Sociology | Beliefs in Society (AQA A-Level) – YouTube

Theories and Methods

Knowledge:

Also in Year 13, students undertake a module which provides a more in depth account of the sociological theories they have become familiar with. Students study several sociological theories through this module, including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Action Theories, and Postmodernism. Alongside theory, students also consider various debates in Sociology, including whether sociology should be value free and objective, whether or not sociology should be considered a science, and the impact of sociology on social policy.

In the Autumn term, students focus on developing their knowledge of sociological theories and applying them to topics they have studied (and continue to study) throughout the course.

Useful Links

Theory & Methods | AQA A-Level Sociology – YouTube

Theory and Methods / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A Level Sociology Research Methods | Quantitative & Qualitative

Skills:

Students deepen their knowledge of sociological theories and concepts and begin to apply these more consistently to other topic areas. Analysis and evaluation skills are further developed, allowing students to effectively critique and oppose various viewpoints, raising the quality of their written work to meet higher level mark bands.

Assessments:

Quick Check Assessments given throughout the term to ensure understanding of content.

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20/30 mark questions.

Short Answer Questions (4-6 Marks – Crime Only!)

November Prep Exams

Term 2

Crime and Deviance

Knowledge:

In the Spring term, students consider the wider implications of criminal behaviour, looking at how the media plays a vital role in the perspective of crime, and how this can also directly and indirectly increase crime. They also consider crime on a global scale, looking at Green and State crime, and consider the ethics and intricacies of studying these types of crime. They finish the topic by turning their attention to the prevention and punishment of crime, considering how society can aim to reduce crime in certain areas, and the effectiveness of the punishments provided for offenders.

Useful Links

Sociology – Crime and Deviance (AQA A-Level Sociology) – YouTube

A level Sociology Crime and Deviance: Key Theories and Concepts

Crime and Deviance / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

Beliefs in Society

Knowledge:

Alongside Crime and Deviance, students also study the topic of Beliefs in Society. This topic aims to identify and discuss the changing face of religion and it’s role in society. Across this topic area, students cover sociological explanations of the role and function of religion, how religion has caused an inhibited social change, secularisation and the renewal of religion through new movements, globalisation and religious extremism, types of religious organisation, and how science and other secular ideologies can be considered belief systems.

In the Spring term, students begin to consider the impact of religion on a global scale, looking at the impact of the media on the spread of religion throughout the world and the rise of religious and secular extremism and why this may be occurring. They also study different types of religious organisations and differences religious affiliation between social groups. They finish the topic by considering other forms of belief system, explaining how science and various ideologies can be considered belief systems, and how these impact society.

Useful Links

Beliefs in Society / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A level sociology beliefs in society

Sociology | Beliefs in Society (AQA A-Level) – YouTube

Theories and Methods

Knowledge:

In the Spring term, students consider sociological debates. They investigate the claim that sociology should be value free and objective, the claim that sociology can and should be considered a scientific discipline and look at the impact sociology can have on social policy. They are able to justify their positions by applying the material they have covered throughout the course and make synoptic links with other topic areas.

Useful Links

Theory & Methods | AQA A-Level Sociology – YouTube

Theory and Methods / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

A Level Sociology Research Methods | Quantitative & Qualitative

Skills:

Assessments:

Quick Check Assessments given throughout the term to ensure understanding of content.

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20/30 mark questions.

Short Answer Questions (4-6 Marks – Crime Only!)

February Prep Exams

Term 3

Revision and Exam Practice

Knowledge:

Moving into the summer term, students focus on revision in the build up to exams.

No new content is covered at this stage.

Common misconceptions are revisited, and areas of weakness are identified and challenged.

Students are encouraged to consistently practice exam technique as skills are refined and perfected.

Skills:

Students refine their exam skills and cement their knowledge of the various topics studied across the two years.

Useful Links

Sociology – YouTube

Sociology past papers and questions

Exam Technique / SOCIOLOGY SUPPORT | Hectic Teacher Resources

Assessments:

Extended essay writing (at least 3 per term) – 10/20/30 mark questions.

Short Answer Questions (4-6 Marks)

A-Level Exams

Type of Qualification:

A Level

Course entry requirements:

English Language GCSE Grade 4

Are you interested in:

People, understanding society, social groups, inequality or current affairs?

Leading to a career in:

Social work, health sector, education, management and human resources, marketing, police and forensic work, advice work, community development work, international aid/development work.