Section C (Option): Education

Section C (Option): Education in the WJEC A-Level Sociology syllabus invites students to critically examine the role of education in contemporary society. This topic explores how educational systems reproduce social inequalities, shape identities, and reflect broader power structures. You will analyse key sociological perspectives—functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and interactionism—to understand how factors like social class, gender, and ethnicity influence educational attainment. The module also covers policies such as the 1988 Education Reform Act and marketisation, linking them to debates about meritocracy and social mobility.

Understanding education is vital because it is a primary institution through which individuals are socialised and allocated into the labour market. By studying this option, you will develop the ability to evaluate competing theories and apply them to real-world data, such as statistics on free school meals or university admissions. This topic directly connects to wider sociological themes of stratification, power, and social change, making it a cornerstone for any student aiming to grasp how society perpetuates inequality.

In the exam, you will be expected to write essays that synthesise theory, evidence, and policy. Mastery of this section requires not only memorising key studies (e.g., Ball, Willis, Archer) but also critically engaging with contemporary issues like the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on education or the debate around grammar schools. A strong performance here demonstrates your ability to think sociologically—linking micro-level classroom interactions to macro-level structural forces.