Sociology is the systematic study of society, social structures and social behaviour. Studying Sociology will help you to make sense of the society we live in and understand the cultural and identity issues which affect us all. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. Sociology is a popular subject that appeals to students because it develops valuable skills such as critical analysis, independent thought and sociological research. These skills are highly transferable to further study and employment across a wide range of fields. The AQA Sociology qualification provides students with an engaging and thought-provoking introduction to social issues, inequalities and institutions, combined with the academic rigour valued by Higher Education and employers.
During your Sociology studies you will:
In Year 12 Sociology lessons, students examine the major sociological approaches used to explain patterns in social behaviour and societal organisation. Key topics including Education, Families and Households and Research Methods are explored, each with real-world implications for understanding contemporary society.
In Education, students investigate the role of the education system, reasons for differential achievement and the influence of class, gender and ethnicity. In Families and Households, students analyse changing family structures, demographic trends and sociological debates about family diversity. In Research Methods, students learn how sociologists gather data through surveys, interviews, observations and official statistics, as well as the strengths and limitations of these methods.
In Year 13 Sociology lessons, students deepen their understanding by studying Crime and Deviance, Beliefs in Society, and advanced sociological theory and research methods. Students will also engage with wider issues and debates such as structural versus action approaches, globalisation, feminist and Marxist perspectives, and the relationship between sociology and social policy.
Diverse teaching methods ensure that all learning styles are supported. Our aim is for each student to develop strong subject knowledge and confidence in applying sociological thinking to the world around them.
Universities recognise Sociology as a rigorous social science. It is a popular undergraduate pathway leading to careers in Social Work, Criminology, Education, Public Policy, Journalism, Human Resources and the Civil Service. Employers increasingly value applicants who can understand social issues, analyse data and think critically.
Studying Sociology equips students with critical thinking, research and communication skills and provides a strong foundation for a wide range of future opportunities. GCSE grade 5 or above in English, Science and Maths is required. Curiosity about people and society is essential.
Curriculum Design
The purpose of our Sociology curriculum is to inspire students through the exploration of society and social life. We aim to secure excellent academic outcomes while introducing students to new, challenging and thought-provoking ideas. Our students enjoy debate, think critically about the world and show resilience when faced with complex questions. Our aim is to nurture sociologists of the future who will contribute thoughtfully to their communities and understand the real-world impact of sociological research.
The Sociology curriculum at Wood Green School has been carefully designed so that students’ substantive and disciplinary knowledge becomes more comprehensive and sophisticated as they progress. By studying a broad range of topics, students discover individual areas of interest, build confidence and develop a growth mindset. The curriculum introduces students to key sociological theories and approaches, encouraging them to evaluate each perspective and its application to contemporary society. We emphasise independence, organisation and the ability to engage with sociological evidence.
Our learners become socially and critically literate, able to articulate sociological arguments with clarity. Students develop strong research literacy and learn how to plan, conduct and evaluate small-scale sociological research. They also learn the necessary mathematical and analytical skills needed to interpret data and sociological evidence.
Alongside learning key concepts and terminology, students apply their understanding to a wide range of real-world contexts and evaluate studies, theories and explanations. A strong social scientist understands core concepts and can apply them practically and in writing. We ensure that all students are encouraged to aim high and are supported to succeed. Our inclusive curriculum ensures that even complex ideas are accessible. As Sociology is new to most Year 12 students, we begin with the foundational sociological theories before expanding into applied topics. Knowledge is consistently revisited and built upon throughout the course.
Students’ disciplinary knowledge also develops in depth. Early on, they learn to evaluate research in terms of validity and reliability, later progressing to evaluating theoretical debates, ethical considerations, social implications, researcher bias, and the usefulness of sociological evidence. They learn to think like sociologists—critically, analytically and inquisitively.
We use principles of cognitive science to structure our curriculum, so students develop deep, long-lasting knowledge by revisiting key ideas across different contexts. Sequencing is carefully planned to support retention, understanding and metacognitive thinking. While strong outcomes are important, we avoid teaching solely to the exam; instead, our curriculum is enriched with cultural capital and contemporary case studies that help students connect sociological content to the real world.
More detail on the A level curriculum
Year 12
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Year 13
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Formal Examinations
There is no coursework element for Sociology A-Level. All assessment is through examination at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology
Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
A level Sociology specification
Updated November 2025
