GCE A Level in Sociology
at Maidstone Grammar School, Maidstone · school or sixth form
What the college says
This new and exciting course is intended to engage learners in an intellectual journey by addressing important and contemporary social issues. Are we dominated by a global culture? Is our identity shaped more by nurture than by nature? Is the media a tool of propaganda for a ruling class? Is the education system designed to favour the interests of the middle class? Is religion a necessary means of helping us cope with modern social and psychological insecurities? Have we witnessed the breakdown in the family unit? Why is the divorce rate comparatively high in modern Britain? Is a sexually permissive society a threat to social order? Is social inequality natural or even desirable? Is it possible to have a fair society even if it is an unequal society? Who rules Britain? Is poverty an inevitable consequence of capitalism? How has the digital revolution impacted on our social experiences? Is the sexual objectification of women in advertising evidence that we live in a sexist society? How can we account for the rise in religious fundamentalism? Is there such a thing as secular fundamentalism? These are just some of the controversial and interesting questions that will be examined. Components of study: A Level Sociology (2-year course) Paper 1 Socialisation, culture and identity. Paper 2 Researching and understanding social inequalities (extended version). Paper 3 Debates in contemporary society. For further information about the specific details of each component, please visit oc
What you need to get on
There are no specific subject pre-requisites for the A Level course, although students of GCSE History, Geography and Classical Civilisation will find an overlap in some of the themes and ideas. A Grade 5 in English Language is the only minimum requirement due to the essay based nature of the assessment criteria (Grade 6 is desirable). Also, at least Grade 5 in GCSE Maths.
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Maidstone Grammar School
BARTON ROAD, MAIDSTONE, ME15 7BT
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · MAIDSTONE
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
The Sixth Form College Farnborough
South East · 2 years
- Their version
Central Foundation Boys' School
London · London · 2 years
- Their version
Westcliff-On-Sea · East of England · 24 months
- Their version
Borehamwood · East of England · 2 years
- Their version
Maidstone · South East · 24 months
- Their version
Aylesbury · South East · 15 months
- Their version
Hayes · London · 2 years
- Their version
Altrincham · North West · 2 years