Sociology
Sociology provides an academic perspective on society, delving deep into areas of social life that most people take for granted.
In an intellectual environment that is at once dynamic, interactive and supportive, Sociology lessons explore what unites people in society, as well as the divisions and prejudices that surround us. Issues of wealth and poverty, crime, sexism and racism run through the course, while areas such as education and families & households are examined in depth.
Offered as a Sixth Form subject at AS and A-level, Sociology is taught in small groups; all students contribute to discussion and debate, and open-mindedness and tolerance of the views of others are essential.
We hope that our sixth-formers will finish the course with an excellent understanding of group dynamics and diverse perspectives – an understanding that will prove invaluable, no matter what their future plans. They will also be very able to construct and dissect persuasive arguments and to collect, manage and analyse complex forms of data, while communicating effectively through written and oral presentation. We use technology extensively to deliver the taught syllabus.
The study of Sociology will thus be useful for any degree course, including Law and Medicine, and indeed for any modern, high-level career. Extensive support and guidance is offered to pupils applying to read Sociology at university, with additional help available to those applying for Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS) at Cambridge, in the form of mock interviews and extended reading.
Every QE sociologist has the opportunity to attend Sociology conferences, which are usually run specifically for A-level students by specialist providers.
Old Elizabethans: Putting compassion into action
After reading for the Politics, Psychology and Sociology Tripos at Cambridge, Nicholas Millet (OE 2001-2008) began working for the multinational Capgemini and embarked on a career as a successful management consultant. All that changed abruptly, however, when he went on a visit to the Jungle refugee camp in Calais.
So moved was he by the plight of people there that the very next day he flew to Chios, a Greek island that was the arrival point for huge numbers of refugees who had fled to the EU through nearby Turkey. After initially leading volunteers working to ensure the safety of refugees making the sea crossing, he later gave up his job and used his skills to help set up and run schools and a youth centre for the refugees on the island.
Old Elizabethans: Master of online business
London School of Economics Sociology graduate Alex Halliday made his first forays into online business while still at QE. Within eight years, he was the youngest CEO of a company listed on London’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Shoreditch-based SocialGO allows groups and organisations to create and manage their own social networks.
Since 2012, Alex (OE 1996-2003) has been based in the San Francisco Bay Area and in 2016 became Senior Director of Product Management at MasterClass, which offers online classes across a range of subjects led by globally renowned experts such as photographer Annie Leibowitz, architect Frank Gehry and musician Herbie Hancock.
Head of Sociology: Mrs Nisha Mayer
Mrs Mayer has been teaching at QE since 2005, having previously taught at state schools – a girls’ and a co-educational school – in north London. A trained family counsellor, she has also worked in the charity sector.
“I love Sociology because of its incredible ability to illuminate every aspect of our daily lives and because of its critical nature, which does not allow us to leave anything unquestioned. As a new subject introduced to bright 16-year-old students, it really comes into its own. Curious and questioning, our boys quickly start to develop a sociological imagination.”
Mrs Mayer’s areas of interest include social and political theory and gender studies. QE is part of the North London Sociology Alliance, for which she delivers annual sessions on A-level examination feedback.
“Within the humanities there is very little that I don’t find academically interesting, which is why I head up QE’s Extended Project Qualification work.”
Upper School pupil: recognising social injustice
“My favourite aspect of studying Sociology is the ability to honestly critique the world,” says Jaime Ong. “Whilst other subjects also require you to analyse and think critically, Sociology is the best tool in my experience to directly criticise and discuss local, national and global events. Without it, I would still see the news and the world around me through a far more naïve perspective.” Studying the concept of ‘state crime’ has broken down some of the stereotypes he had subconsciously believed, such as that it is exclusively a third-world issue. “In reality, western powers are often complicit or directly responsible for state crime, yet don’t do a great job of taking responsibility. A good example of this is the Grenfell situation, a tragic injustice which I was able to consider in-depth.”
Jaime has particularly valued the detailed and frequent feedback from staff. He uses the information, often referring back to it, to help him achieve top marks in homework and tests.
Outside of lessons, as well as taking part in senior rugby, he is also a peer mentor. “Studying Sociology has highlighted how individuals from varying backgrounds encounter different struggles. It has taught me to better empathise with others, especially when I have little in common with them, which allows me to be more sensitive and understanding as a peer mentor.”
He would like a career as a corporate solicitor and is considering studying Sociology at undergraduate level before pursuing a law conversion course.
