Members of Department
Mrs A. McPolin (HOD)
Mrs O. Coulter

Aims

Sociology is a modern, up-to-date subject which offers pupils the ability to study a range of issues that affect society. It provides analysis of the patterns in our world and attempts to understand how society works. It encourages us to see the world through the eyes of other people and questions that which appears as obvious or common sense.

Sociology at Our Lady s Grammar School is taught by dedicated and passionate staff, who have a thirst for the subject. Students are well supported throughout their time in the department. Students are encouraged to make use of teacher notes and reading lists, which are widely available in our school Shared Resources Area. This supports students in becoming active, independent learners.

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

The course is designed to assist you in developing a range of essential skills that will prove invaluable in today s working environment. For instance, you will be taught to interpret, apply and evaluate various sociological perspectives and make informed and responsible judgements based on this knowledge and understanding.

• Thinking critically
• Developing arguments
• Analytical and evaluation skills
• Debating
• Working with others
• Problem solving
• Awareness of local and global affairs
• Extended writing
• Managing information

Extra-curricular

A-Level Sociology Conference at Queens University Belfast
Educational visit to Newry Courthouse 2018-2019
Sociological competitions, such as those offered by the British Sociological Association.
Sociology workshops & mentoring scheme - This is an opportunity for all students, they engage in peer to peer learning while being provided with extra support from teachers, whereby they are able to revise, answer exam questions or review topics that they want further help with.

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.

Advice worker, Community development worker, Counsellor, Further education lecturer, Social researcher, Social worker, Charity fundraiser, Housing manager/officer, Human resources officer,Primary school teacher, Probation officer, Secondary school teacher, Youth worker, Barrister.