Sociology A Level

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

Sociology is a popular course that builds upon the interest students will have developed in their core subjects and their observations of life. It involves the study of society and the structures within it, for example the education system, families & households, crime, and the impact of the media on society. The course aims to enable students to reflect on their own experience of the social world in which they live. This will include developing skills that will enhance their ability to participate more effectively in adult life, appreciating the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate, understanding sociological methodology, as well as acquiring knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary social processes and structures, for instance gender and class conflict in society.

Critical thinking, analytical skills, forming an effective argument and essay writing. You will learn the following:

• Education with Theory and Methods – This involves the study of the education system, and its role is in society according to different theoretical approaches. We look at gender, class and ethnic differences in achievement and the impact of these social characteristics.

• Families and Households – This unit investigates changes to the family in contemporary society, we will look at patterns of marriage, divorce and other changes such as increase of same-sex marriage. We study traditional views of the family and how these are changing and the impact of social policy on family life.

• The Media – This topic includes the study of the increase in the new media and its role within society, globalisation and popular culture, the selection and presentation of the news, the relationship with the audience and representations of different social groups, for instance, the objectification of women in the media and the omission of disabled individuals.

• Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods – In this unit we investigate the social distribution of crime according to ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime. We use real-life examples and contemporary events to support learning. Students also explore the relationship between globalisation and crime, control and surveillance and crime prevention and punishment. We also study victims of crime and the role of the criminal justice system, for example, who is likely to become a victim of crime.

• Paper 1 – Education with Theory & Methods; 2 hour written exam

• Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology (Families & Households and The Media); 2 hour written exam

• Paper 3 – Crime & Deviance with Theory & Methods; 2 hour written exam

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE Grades in the range of 9-4, including Maths and English at minimum Grade 4.

Prospective students must be willing to undertake reading & research in their own time. Students will need to develop their essay writing skills and will regularly complete extended writing tasks under exam conditions.

If students wish to pursue a career in Sociology, we encourage them to gain work experience in the field of journalism, social work and other social sectors to develop their employability skills. Other areas could include volunteering for pieces of research conducted online, or volunteering for the Kent police force.