Sociology

Welcome to the Sociology Department

Subject Leader: Martin Lodziak m.lodziak@holyfamily.waltham.sch.uk

The Sociology department consists of four teachers who teach different modules of the course at A-level and one teacher responsible for the teaching of GCSE Sociology.  The subject is taught in KS4 and KS5.

Department Aims

• To develop a sociological imagination amongst 14-18 year olds which will allow students to think critically about the society in which they live so that they can be in the position to challenge inequality and injustice in their own lives and the lives of others.
• To create an atmosphere where pupils wish to learn and to value each other. In doing so, to encourage empathy, so that each pupil approaches issues of social class, ethnicity, gender and age with tolerance and insight.
• To employ teaching methods and resources that allow all pupils to have equal access to Sociology and to experience success and enjoyment in their work.

Extra-curricular Opportunities

Educational trips will be planned for all sociology students for the 2011-2012 academic year which will enhance the understanding and application of sociological thought.

Furthermore, revision conferences run by expert sociologists for GCSE and A-level students will be offered to students to boost the students’ exam preparation and ultimately their achievement in Sociology. These are usually full day conferences in central London which give expert advice on tackling the exam papers. Students find the conference invaluable for their revision.

A-level sociology students are ideal students for taking part with the debating club which is offered as sixth form enrichment. Debates cover a range of topics and themes, often with a contemporary agenda. The club helps develop the students own analytical and critical mind which can be well applied to sociological discussion and essay writing.