Year 12 and 13 Sociology Students Visit UCL for A-Level Sociology Talk

On 9th January 2025, Year 12 and 13 sociology students embarked on an exciting trip to University College London (UCL) for an A-Level Sociology talk, organised and led by Miss Tijani. This enriching experience provided students and teachers the unique opportunity to engage with leading sociologists, explore contemporary sociological issues, and gain invaluable insights to further their studies.

The day featured presentations from some of the most prominent voices in sociology:

• Caroline Oliver: Her talk focused on Resettled Afghan young people’s accounts of education, place, and belonging, exploring how visual methods can shed light on their experiences.

• Dylan Kneale: He discussed Health and LGBTQ+ people, offering a critical analysis of health disparities and sociological perspectives on identity.

• Louise Archer: Using Bourdieu’s theoretical framework, she explored Nike girls and ‘bimbos’: The pathologisation of working-class femininity in education.

• Ozan Aksoy: His presentation, Sundays Unbound: Blue Laws, Church Attendance, and Shifting Moral Attitudes in the US, examined the sociological implications of religious practices and legislative changes.

• Ann Phoenix: She captivated the audience with her talk on Childhood and the global polycrisis, linking childhood experiences to global challenges.

• Stephen Ball: His thought-provoking session, What are schools for?, questioned the purpose of education systems in contemporary society.

A standout moment of the day came during one of the seminars when a student bravely asked a powerful question about the desexualisation of ethnic minority girls and how this is changing with the rise of social media. The question was highly praised by Louise Archer for its depth, articulation, and relevance to the topic at hand. Further highlighting the intellectual curiosity of the students on the trip, demonstrating their engagement with complex sociological issues.

Students had the chance to meet and greet the speakers, allowing them to ask questions and engage in deeper discussions about the topics presented.

Two students shared their reflections on the trip:

• “It was an amazing opportunity to hear directly from experts in the field. The topics were so relevant and helped me understand how sociology applies to real-world issues.”

• “I found the talks inspiring and thought-provoking. It gave me a new perspective on how diverse sociology is and how I can apply it to my own studies.”

The trip not only deepened students’ understanding of key sociological concepts but also ignited their enthusiasm for the subject. Miss Tijani’s leadership in organizing the trip ensured that the experience was both educational and inspiring. This visit to UCL exemplified the value of connecting classroom learning to the wider sociological community, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.