sociology

AS/A2 Sociology

Why choose Sociology at Carmel?Sociology is an immensely challenging and exciting discipline. It aims to understand howsociety works, the social rules and processes that bind people, not only as individuals, but asmembers of groups, institutions, etc. If you study Sociology at Carmel, you will be taught bywell qualified, enthusiastic and experienced staff in a variety of vibrant teaching methods tohelp you reach your full potential.

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WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

Are you interested in contemporary, modernBritain? Do you want to acquire knowledgeand a critical understanding of the socialworld in which you live? Then chooseSociology – learn to develop your skills inorganising and presenting information, ideas,descriptions and arguments.

The Sociology department at Carmel is asuccessful and lively one. We offer a range ofteaching styles and learning experiences andaim to broaden your understanding of thesocial and political world around you, as wellas enabling you to achieve exam success.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

The AS course consists of 2 modules. In thefirst module, you will study Families andHouseholds (how the family has changedand the debate about the roles andrelationships within the family). In thesecond module, you will study theSociology of Education (how and why somegroups do better than others and changesin schools and education).

You will then study Research Methods andhow Sociologists have used these to studyissues in education.

If you successfully complete your AScourse, you can continue through to A2.

This course includes:

• The Sociology of Religion (how thepurpose and importance of Religion haschanged over time) or Power and Politics(how power is distributed and what is therole of political parties);

• An analytical examination of the differenttheories in Sociology, as well as revisitingthe different research methods used;

• And finally, Crime and Deviance (whysome groups are more likely to commitoffences than others and the impact ofcrime on society).

AASS//AA22 SociologyEXAM BOARD: AQA

What is the Sociology Department like?Our Sociology department has a range of specialist resources to help you with yourknowledge, skills and interest in the subject. We have multi-media projectors andinteractive white boards in each of our teaching bases, specialist journals, an up-to-dateand wide ranging collection of books, DVDs, CD-ROMs and a well-developed dedicatedarea on the college intranet site.

We tackle contemporary topics in exciting ways and work on developing your researchskills for you to become a sociologist in the making. We use a wide variety of teaching ande-learning methods to help you to make sense of your own experiences in society, and togive you the ‘tools’ which will allow you to become a better informed and more sociallyaware member of society.

STEPHANIE BEATTY

The Byrchall High School

Studying: Sociology, EnglishLanguage, Psychology, Maths

Sociology is a very interesting subjectto study and the more you learn, themore you notice things around you insociety. I enjoy the style of teachingand the fact that you are treated likean adult. The teachers are reallysupportive and the facilities areexcellent. Carmel is a friendly placeand there is always someone there ifyou need help. The college’sEnrichment Programme offers a lot ofactivities to students and I chose theIntroduction to Counselling Skills asthis also went well with my subjects.When I leave college I would like tostudy Psychology or Criminology.

Sociology students listen to a presentationfrom a guest speaker

ANDREA MATHEWSHead of Sociology and AQAExaminer

MARIE GETTINGSSociology Tutor and AssistantPrincipal

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What support will I receive?In Sociology, you will develop the necessary skills to enable you to assess different viewsand reach conclusions about society, based on a careful consideration of evidence. Asmost schools do not offer GCSE Sociology, it is not necessary to have any prior learning inthe subject – we help you to develop and understand the elements and skills in Sociology.We have an established and sound tutorial system where you can ask any member of theDepartment for help at any time. In addition, you can use the Study Centre Mentors forspecific help, for example, with essay writing.

WHAT EXAMS DO I HAVE TOTAKE?

Each module will end with an exam. You will sitthe one hour exam for your first module inJanuary. The remaining exam will be sat inMay and will be 2 hours long.

There is no coursework for the AS qualification.

WHERE CAN SOCIOLOGY LEAD?

Students of Sociology go on to a hugelydiverse range of careers and H.E. courses,from jobs in the media, such as researchersand journalists, to teaching, police work,social work, health care – the list is endless!

There is also a wide variety of opportunitiesin all aspects of social research, such asyouth services, criminal justice system,education, etc.

Students visit Central Park in New York

Visit to Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

meet the tutorsmeet the tutorsLIZ HANLONSociology Tutor

ARWA MOHAMEDBHAISociology Tutor

LAUREN HUGHES

St Gregory’s

Studying: Sociology, EnglishLanguage, Textiles

Sociology covers a wide range ofsocial issues; I particularly like howyou learn different social attitudesfrom a range of perspectives whichmakes the discussions reallyinteresting. I also went on a trip toLondon with the Sociologydepartment where we visited theHouses of Parliament which relatesto the Crime and Deviance topic.Carmel College has a really friendlyatmosphere and the teachers arevery passionate about theirsubjects. The Sociology staff arereally helpful, even out of timetable;I received extra tutorials and helpwith revision. After I leave I hope tostudy Sociology at LiverpoolUniversity and eventually I want tobecome a police officer.

How can I enrich my Sociology Studies?

Along with an immensely challenging and exciting discipline, you will also have the

opportunity to experience the social world first hand. We organise visits and speakers

in the following areas:

• Visits to the Crown Court where you will meet the staff and sit in the public gallery ina variety of different cases;

• Speakers from different religions who talk about their beliefs and how they affect theirlives;

• Revision visits to Manchester University to help with preparation for your exams;

• Visits to the Houses of Parliament and The Old Bailey, Washington DC and New YorkCity;

• Sociology Day with guest speakers and activities.

HOW SUCCESSFUL ARECARMEL’S SOCIOLOGYSTUDENTS?

We have an excellent and established ALevel course. We have a 100% pass rate,with the majority of our students achieving agrade A*-B. Most of our students use thissuccess to progress on to a Sociologyrelated degree or career.

WHICH SUBJECTS COMPLEMENTTHIS A LEVEL?

It really depends on your career options, butany of the following work well withSociology: Government & Politics, Health &Social Care, History, Media Studies, Law,Psychology, Philosophy & Religion.

CAN I STUDY SOCIOLOGY IF IHAVEN’T TAKEN IT AT GCSE?

Yes! Most schools do not offer GCSESociology, so the course is taught with theassumption that you have no priorknowledge of the subject.

WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFULSOCIOLOGY STUDENT?

An interest in social and political issues; awillingness to participate; an ability to writeeffectively; effort and initiative; keeping upto date with the news, documentaries, etc;respecting and listening to other people’sviews.

Sociology students visited St Paul’s Cathedral, New West End Synagogue and Houses ofParliament during their visit to London

St Paul’s Cathedral

New West End Synagogue

Frequently Asked Questions

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A detailed course specification isavailable on the exam boardwebsite: www.aqa.org.uk

Contact the Sociology departmentany time if you want to find outmore: andrea@carmel.ac.uk

Big Ben and the Houses ofParliament