A Level Sociology Feedback 2010 David Bown - Chair of Examiners Joanna Lewis - Subject Officer Principal Examiners Barbara Greenall Janis Griffiths

Assessment processes External pressures on assessment processes include: –Statistical screening –Requirement for challenge

January series Large entry for SY 1 Some for SY 2 Generally well tackled, despite ongoing problems with some aspects of the specification

June series Larger entries for both SY1 and SY 2 Larger entry than for previous series, so more centres new to WJEC coming on board. Weaker candidature for SY1 and SY3 in June

General observations Fewer rubric errors or candidates attempting answers for which they had not been prepared in January.

General observations Some centres are relying on studies and evidence that is desperately dated. Candidates who misread questions fail to respond appropriately.

Knowledge Many candidates had knowledge but less understanding Research methods needs to be understood for candidates to score highly – this is a distinct weakness in SY2, especially with key terms not being understood.

Using the item Candidates had difficulty contextualising their answers and this needs to be addressed. Where questions specify that the item needs to be addressed then that issue will be part of the mark scheme for the answers.

Tackling the new specification The ability to answer the question directly is very significant. Understanding of key terminology is important. Essay writing skills will need to be emphasised.

Specific weaknesses Mis-reading of questions –Clear understanding of command words is essential and many candidates failed to fulfil the success criteria because they failed to respond to the command words. –Advise candidates to refer back to the commands throughout the response.

Specific weaknesses Mis-reading of questions –No reference to the item in the responses which required this –Mis-reading of key terms Time allocation for answers; still evidence of over and underwriting.

Structuring answers Some weaknesses in the organisation and planning of answers –Not defining key terms –Limited deployment of paragraphs –Repetition –Limited use of evidence and AO 1 –Dated studies

Style Most wrote well in whichever language was used. However … Use of personalisation – ‘I think…’ Use of rhetorical questioning – ‘Marxists believe that … but is this correct? Is it true? Do we believe it?’

Knowledge of key terms Some basic terminology not fully understood: –Sampling in SY2 mishandled, for example

Options Few attempted ‘Community and culture’ or ‘Understanding Religion’ Limited transfer of AO1 so candidates mentioned studies in options but not in Research Methods where it is a requirement.(AS)

Research design SY4 A significant number of candidates failed to design the research using qualitative methods. Many decided to employ structured or semi structured interviews and appeared to have decided this before seeing the design brief.

For further information, please contact the subject officer at the WJEC Joanna Lewis 245 Western Avenue Cardiff CF5 2YX