Palace of Westminster Trip
Sociology
Year 9 & 10 Sociology
This term we have been looking at crime and deviance in society . As we progress through the course , our Year 9 and 10 students continue to enjoy the subject . They are beginning to understand why the study of Sociology is indispensable for the understanding and planning of society . This unit discusses the difference between crime and deviance , some of the theories that seek to explain why crime happens in society , and the relationship between crime and social factors like : social class , age , gender , ethnicity , racism and locality . Most of the students have found this an interesting unit .
Year 11s
Our Year 11 students have just completed the unit on mass media . In this unit we looked at the various mediums of communication , and the development that has taken place over the years that has significantly transformed the mass media . Students also looked at its impact on society and the political role it plays . Students have been really intrigued by the fact that the control of mass media in the hands of a few media barons , gurus or giants has had a significant influence on setting the agenda , upholding stereotypes and creating folk devils and moral panics in society . We have also looked at the representation of different groups in society . This unit has enabled the students to take relatively more objective views of what they see or read from the different mass mediums in society . It was an interesting unit .
Palace of Westminster Trip
On Wednesday 8th February , 45 students from Year 7-9 visited the Churchill War Rooms and the Houses of Parliament in London . At the Churchill War Rooms , we followed a self guided path around the exhibits , viewing where the Prime Minister lived and worked during the Second World War . We walked through Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall to Downing Street , where we “ peeped in ” through the security rails to see No . 10 .
Once we had passed through the security checks , we were given a tour of the Houses of Parliament . We learnt that during times of flood , MPs had rowed through the Palace of Westminster ! Students were transfixed at the MPs debating Brexit in the House of Commons , whilst the House of Lords was debating tariffs on agricultural products ! Finally , we took part in a workshop where we learnt how new laws are passed – students decided to vote to create a new law allowing 16 year olds to drive !!
Mark Pawsey introduced himself to students at the end of the day and encouraged the students to get involved in the democratic process , whatever their politics , just get involved . Student feedback included : “ I loved this trip ”, I enjoyed the House of Parliament a great deal as I learnt a lot of stuff I didn ’ t know ”, “ My favourite part of the trip was the debate ”, I enjoyed the trip ; I saw lots of cool stuff ” and “ The best part was seeing a live debate and how it all worked ”.