Sociology

Applications Open - 10th November 2025

Applications Close - 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements - For entry into year 12 to begin A Level and/or vocational courses, students must meet the minimum requirements in English and Mathematics (grade 4), however most courses require significantly higher grades in certain other GCSE subjects to access them.

How to Apply -

• Internal students – apply via Applicaa (school have emailed all students a link)
• External Students – apply using Applicaa from the Trinity School website under Sixth Form - Apply here

Students are required to study a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 subjects.

Sociology's prime benefit is gaining a greater understanding of why mankind can be seen as so complex yet also charmingly simple in nature, and the societies in which we organise ourselves. By studying societal behaviours we can make comparisons, attempt to solve issues and gain a rational understanding of some of society's more frustrating habits. This course helps students to gain a critical understanding of society in which they live. They learn how society shapes their ideas, social behaviour and cultures and how, in turn, people interact together and shape their societies.

Skills Acquired
In our increasingly diverse world, the study of sociology gives you the skills 21st century workers need: critical and analytical thinking, writing ability, cultural competence, and self-awareness. Mastering the basics of sociology teaches you to understand the situations of people different than you, another advantage in this rapidly globalising world.

Students Suited To The Course
If you are the type of person who doesn't necessarily follow the crowds (but are fascinated by their behaviour), the type who is truly interested in what is going on in the world, then Sociology should interest you. Sociology helps us look more objectively at our society and other societies. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together and change, and the consequences of that social change. We are faced with an ever increasingly complex and rapidly changing social milieu in modern industrial-bureaucratic societies.

What Other Subjects It Combines Well With
Sociology combines well with essay based subjects like English, History, Philosophy & Religion as well as Biology and Geography.

Co-curricular
Trips and visits, Outside speakers.

The three topics are taught parallel to each other across two years.

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Unit Content

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (2 hour written exam)
Students examine sociological explanations of the following content

• Education
• Theory and Methods

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (2 hour written exam)

• Culture and Identity
• Families and Households
• Health
• Work, Poverty and Welfare
• Beliefs in Society
• The Media
• Stratification and Differentiation

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hour written exam)

• Crime and Deviance
• Theory and Methods
  
  

A-Level assessment consists of three written exams over the two year course. Each exam is worth 33.33% of the final grade.

GCSE grade 5 in English as well as a grade 5 in another essay based subject.

The skills developed during a Sociology course are applicable to many areas of work. Sociology is a great foundation for many occupations including social work, journalism, social care, teaching, probation officers, civil service, community officers, media, charitable and voluntary organisations, public relations, management and research.