SOCIOLOGY A Level 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Sociology is a social science. It seeks to gain understanding of the changing nature of modern human societies. It looks at how people live, behave and work together in groups. It asks questions about the world that we live in and tries to explain why society is the way it is. Its content overlaps with the related disciplines of Economics, Politics, Psychology, History, Anthropology and Law.

Sociology is excellent intellectual training that sharpens interpretive and analytical skills, you will also learn essay technique and how to respond to information. It is a discipline that is valued and recognised preparation for a wide range of university subjects.

In the A level course, we seek to answer such questions as:

Why are most convicted criminals young working class males?

Why do girls do better than boys in education?

Does religion still have a place in society?

To what extent should sociology be considered a science?

Is the family in decline or just changing?

During the two years you will study the following units:-

• Education with Theory and Methods
• Families and Households
• Beliefs in Society
• Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

In class, you will be involved in discussions and activities to deepen understanding of issues and arguments. Assessment is by an externally marked examination paper for each unit. There is no coursework for the course.

• The minimum requirement is three 6 and three others at a 5
• At least a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics
• You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level
• To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a 7 or above
• To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a grade 6 or above in Business or a related subject
• Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway
• For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9 and this will be your 4th A Level subject
• Photography will also be offered as a 4th A Level option
• Short courses count as half a GCSE
• You will need a positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for the school aims, objectives and ethos
• Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and your school community

Sociology students go on to a hugely diverse range of careers from jobs in the health service, to police work, social work, to teaching and jobs in the media.