Sociology is the scientific study of society. It is about all kinds of social relationships that people share with each other; in their families, in their schools and in work. The methods developed by sociologists are used in many other academic areas such as in market research and management studies.

Topics studied by sociologists include all varieties of human experience. The 'A' level course concentrates on a choice of family, the mass media, health and welfare policy, education, work and training and the study of the law and crime.

Social theory is important in Sociology. It teaches that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to studying the way that people live together. What is important for a sociologist is the ability to evaluate evidence and choose between possible explanations.

Students learn some of the methods used by sociologists and apply their knowledge to the study of a topic of their own choice to produce an individual piece of research for examination.

Sociology is a good general subject for students, because most professional careers, including medicine, require students to have some knowledge of Sociology and social theory.

Although a GCSE in Sociology would be useful to study the subject at 'A' level, it is not essential. Good grades in English language and literature are helpful as well, but the most important qualification is a sense of commitment and a willingness to work hard at a subject which can sometimes be difficult to grasp at first.

The type of person who will enjoy Sociology will be someone who is not afraid to have new ideas and who is prepared to work at a demanding pace. There is a lot of individual research and reading to do and for anyone who is interested in the world about us, there is much that is exciting to be discovered.

The course followed in Barry Sixth Form is the OCR syllabus with the Welsh Joint Education Committee. This is a popular ‘A’ level examining boards for Sociology, so many of the textbooks are geared to this examination.

There is some emphasis on the methods used by social scientists and these are linked to social theory

Some topic areas can be negotiated with your teacher, but the whole class will follow the same topic together. You will recieve more details of the syllabus in lessons and you can visit the OCR site for information.

AS level - proposed route through the course

• Unit 2532: The Individual and Society (stimulus paper)

• Unit 2533: Culture and Socialisation. The chosen options are Mass Media and Religion (structured essays)

• Unit 2534 (leading to a written examination in Research Skillls) or Unit 2535 (leading to a 1000 word report on a piece of research by a scoiologist)

A2 level- building on understandings

• Unit 2536: Power and Control: The chosen options are Crime and Deviance, and Education (essay paper)

• Unit 2537 (leading to a written examination in Research Skillls) or Unit 2538 (leading to a personal study chosen by the candidate)

• Unit 2539: Synoptic Module which concentrates on social inequalities in work, life experiences and discrimination. Students will look at sociological accounts which attempt to explain basic inequalities in society. (essay paper)

Each module will be examined. Questions will vary from stimulus questions to essays and structured essays. See above.

Which site?

Currently, Sociology is only on offer at the Bryn Hafren site and not at the Barry Comprehensive site.

You do not need a GCSE in Sociology for ‘A’ level though a good grade in English is recommended.

Sociology is taught using a variety of methods including group work, lecturing and personal research. There is a pack of materials to support each module and you are invited to look at these packs when you are considering your subject choices.

You will be expected to undertake various research projects in your own time and to report on them to the whole class.

You will be given as much help as you need and you will receive individual tuition should you require it and ask for it. The staff offer a high degree of commitment and expect it from students.

The Learning Resource Centre in Bryn Hafren is extremely well stocked with most of the current ‘A’ level texts although it is expected that you will also buy your own books. There are a variety of texts available in the Barry Comprehensive Resource Centre too.

In addition to textbooks there are a variety of other source books for you to use. You will be given research sheets and notes to supplement your own notes.

There is a heavy workload of individual reading in Sociology. You are expected to complete a minimum of three hours at home and three hours in school each week in addition to your taught lessons.

Sociology will suit people who enjoy being challenged by new ideas and who like discussion work, even though discussion only forms part of the subject.

You will need to be able to work on your own and use your initiative to look things up. You will enjoy Sociology a lot if you are prepared to make the effort for yourself. ‘A’ levels are challenging and students cannot expect to find everything equally interesting, but for those people who are prepared to work hard and to participate in lessons then Sociology is a good option.

You are invited to attend a lesson of Sociology at ‘A’ level to see if it will suit you and you are advised to look at some of the textbooks in the Bryn Hafren LRC to see what they are like.

Talk to people who are already studying the subject and ask for their opinions about what they enjoy or dislike about the subject.