AS/A Level Sociology
12 July 2016
Change to the component 2 specification content for AS/A Level Sociology (from 2015) (H580, H180)
Based on feedback we have received from teachers, we have amended the content of component 2 (Content of researching and understanding social inequalities) in the specification for AS and A Level Sociology. The amendment made provides a clear learning outcome and meets department requirements.
We have amended the wording in the 'Learners should' column for Key Question 1 (What are the main patterns and trends in social inequality and difference?) in Section B 'Understanding social inequalities'.
Old wording
| New wording
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|---|
| Consider the main patterns and trends in relation to work and employment, income and wealth, poverty, and social mobility. Patterns and trends in the UK may be compared to general global patterns and trends. | Consider the main patterns and trends in relation to work and employment.
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| Consider evidence of social inequalities from a range of areas of social life. | Consider evidence of social inequalities from a range of areas of social life.
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| Consider how social inequalities affect life chances. | Consider how social inequalities affect life chances. |
The assessment material we have already released in the form of the Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) and A Level practice papers demonstrates the different ways that this part of the specification content can be assessed.
There could be:
- General questions on inequality. For example the AS Level SAM question 'Describe two ways in which males are disadvantaged'
OR
- More specific questions on inequality. For example the A Level practice paper ‘Outline ways that a person’s ethnicity may affect their opportunities in work and employment' or the AS Level exam for 2016 'Outline two ways in which social class may affect a person's life chances'.
The specification still requires students to ‘consider evidence from a range of areas of social life’. This offers teachers and students the flexibility to select evidence of inequality that is of interest, and, for those studying the A Level, offers the opportunity for synopticity. For example, you might choose education, crime, and health and find 2 or 3 pieces of evidence for each of the factors of inequality (factors at AS being social class and gender, and additionally at A Level ethnicity and age).
The change to the specification will require us to update our A Level SAM, (component 2, section B, question 5). The updated A Level SAM and new versions of the AS and A Level specifications will be available on the qualification pages of our website for September (2016). We will also be making the appropriate changes to our resources that support the delivery of component 2.
Qualifications