A Level Sociology on the UP - but is AS on the way OUT?

The latest A Level entry data from summer 2017 suggests that A Level Sociology is an increasingly popular option. However, like other reformed A Levels, the AS qualification is being abandoned by many centres.

Entries for A Level Sociology (Year 13) grew by 1,600 candidates (5.0%).

However entries for the second sitting of the decoupled AS Sociology fell sharply by 25,350 (53%), broadly in line with the experience of other reformed A Level subjects (e.g. Psychology fell by 57%).

Amongst the factors being cited by centres for abandoning AS Sociology entries are:

• Schools opting for a genuinely two-year linear approach (relying on internal end of Yr12 assessment)
• The need to significantly cut costs (AS entries are a big drain on centre funds)
• Centres encouraging students to take three, not four subjects from the start of Year 12