About A-level Sociology

The A-level Sociology examination is ideal for students wishing to pursue an undergraduate degree in Sociology or other life-science related subject.

The candidate is given the opportunity to analytically explore the social, cultural and political processes that are shaping current trends, and to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past.

In order to obtain this A-Level, students must take three separate examinations. The titles of the three papers are:

Paper 1: The Family

Paper 2: Theory and methods

Paper 3: Education, Global development, Media, Religion

More specifically, Papers 1 and 2 make up half an A-Level (25% & 25%), known as the AS Level and Paper 3 makes up the other half (50%), known as the A level.
The syllabus is typically taught within two academic years, but can be completed sooner on the premise that the student is willing to input more time and effort.

Please see the table below for a detailed analysis of the three papers.

Paper 1: Unit 1: The Family

Topics covered: The family and social change; Family roles, marriage and changing relationships; The social construction of age

Examination length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment: Candidates answer one compulsory data response question
and one essay question from a choice of two, worth 25% of total marks.

Paper 2: Unit 2: Theory and Methods

Topics covered: The sociological perspective; Socialisation and the creation of social identity; Methods of research; The relationship between theory and methods

Examination length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Assessment: Candidates answer one compulsory data response question and one essay question from a choice of two, worth 25% of total marks.

Paper 3:

Unit 3: Education
Topics covered: Education in social context; Structures and processes within schools

Unit 4: Global Development
Topics covered: Development and inequality; Global issues

Unit 5: Media
Topics covered: Ownership and control of the media; Media representation and effects

Unit 6: Religion
Topics covered: Religion and social change; Religious movements

Examination length: 3 hours
Assessment: Candidates answer three essay style questions from four
sections with two questions per section, worth 50% of total marks.

For any further information please visit the official Cambridge International A- Level site here.
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/202968-2017-2019- syllabus.pdf

FAQ

When and where can sit the modules for the IAL Biology?
The examinations for the IAL are held 3 times a year: in January, May/June and October. If your school is not an official test center then you can definitely make the necessary bookings at your nearest British Council.

How often can I sit the IALs?
Theoretically you can take them as often as you wish though most students prepare themselves properly so that they succeed on their first attempt. Most students sit Units 1 & 2 together and perhaps one more paper (most probably Unit 3, which is the substitute for the practical) in one sitting and then six months later they sit the remaining 3 modules. There are many though who do not succeed on their first attempt, or they do not attain the grade that they desired or deserved and therefore elect to re-sit the specific examination. A prospective test taker ought to be careful, however, not to sit the same examination too on too many occasions as the universities may take this into account when assessing the candidate’s application.

How long will it take me to complete a whole IAL?
With the correct preparation and timing a whole IAL in Biology and be managed in one year. Generally, the maximum amount of time a student will take is two years.

How many hours per week of tutoring would be ideal?
Generally, we recommend that a serious student does 2 hours per week. The tutorials can be organized so that the tutee has a whole week to prepare the relevant homework for the next relevant tutorial. This system maximizes the progress and performance.

How many hours will I have to study every week?
As a general guideline, we reckon that for every one-hour tutorial you, the tutee, will need to do approximately 5 hours of homework.

How many hours of tutorials will I need to cover a whole IAL Biology A-level?
This is a difficult question to answer accurately. The strong student can manage a whole IAL Biology A-level with 60 hours of tutoring. The maximum that someone should need is 100 hours.

What materials – textbooks will I require?
We always suggest that you acquire the recommended textbooks that Edexcel/Pearson endorse. These can be found here.

Where can I find past papers to practice?
There are numerous papers available for free at the Pearson/Edexcel website here.

Important links

For more information on A-Level Biology please follow the link below:
https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/demo/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/biology-b-2015.html

Practice materials – Recommended textbooks

There are many textbooks for GCE A-level Biology, but the one we suggest is The Pearsons AS/A Level Biology B Book 1 by Ann Fullick, endorsed by Edexcel.