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Members of the Department
Miss Fell
Aims
Sociology is a forward-thinking subject area which strives for excellence in providing a tailored learning environment for its students.
Sociology is the study of society. This subject allows us to take a step back from our own lives and helps us see the bigger picture by developing a critical awareness of society and to consider causes, consequences and impact of events, movements, trends and change. It is based on a framework of critical thought which challenges many commonly held assumptions and ideas about how and why society operates as it does. The first wisdom of Sociology is that “things are not what they seem” (Berger).
Sociology is an engaging subject which equips its student to have an open and enquiring mind, develop an interest in current affairs and encourage students to read and research widely. Studying Sociology will develop empathy and the ability to express perspectives using coherent arguments grounded in real evidence.
“I have loved the past two years of A-Level Sociology in St Dominic’s and know that it has equipped me with skills that I will carry for the rest of my life.”
Ellie Campbell-Brennan
Key Stage 5 (GCE)
A-Level Sociology follows the WJEC specification. The structure of course and scheme of assessment is as follows:
AS LEVEL
Two examinations at the end of Year 13 - 40% of A-Level:
Unit 1 - Acquiring Culture: Culture, Identity and Families and Households (15% of A Level). Written paper 1 hour 15 minutes 60 marks
Unit 2 - Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry: Education and Sociological Methods (25% of A Level). Written paper 2 hours 90 marks
A2 LEVEL
Two examinations at the end of Year 14 and an option to repeat AS modules - 60% of A-Level:
Unit 3 - Power and Control: Crime and Deviance (25% of A Level) Written paper 2 hours 70 marks
Unit 4 - Social Inequality and Applied Methods of Sociological Enquiry (35% of A Level) Written paper 2 hours 15 minutes 100 marks
Transferable Skills
Thinking critically
Developing arguments
Debating
Working with others
Problem solving
Awareness of local and global affairs
Extended writing
Managing information
Recent Trips
A-Level Sociology Conference at Queens University Belfast Crumlin Road Gaol
Career Opportunities
Studying Sociology may lead on to a wide variety of careers including Criminology, Social Work, Law, Journalism and Media, Administration and Medicine. Many sociology students go onto study this subject either on its own or as part of combined Arts or Social Science degree. A background in Sociology is useful for many other subject areas.