Article Date: 21 April 2016
Article Date: 21 April 2016
On the 24 March, 39 Sociology students visited the Mercury Theatre in Colchester and attended an AQA examination seminar. The morning began by being greeted by Colchester Sixth Form College staff, and students received a revision booklet filled with useful tools and tips.
Students were then seated in the theatre where the first two chief examiners, Alan Mears and Laura Pountney began their talk. These examiners gave invaluable insights into the two exams students sit at AS and A level and provided students with expert advice on how to succeed. During the session, students had filled pages of their notepads, writing down the specialist advice which will most definitely improve their work. Throughout the session, students were encouraged to take part in some interactive activities. Our students got involved and gave a couple answers to questions posed by the examiners; this was very impressive!
During the afternoon session, students were incredibly privileged to hear Dr Alpesh Maisuria, a senior lecturer from the University of East London share his research into ‘Educational Policy and Social Class’. Students found this to be very interesting and enjoyable. Hearing Dr Maisuria’s research enabled students to not only hear about research into education, but also how he conducted it. This is particularly important, as part of the A level exam is ‘Research Methods’. This part of the day, made Sociology come to life, allowing students to see and hear a researcher rather than reading about them in a book.
The session ended with an A level student from Colchester Sixth Form advising students on how to survive exams. The students found her advice useful as they could relate to her experiences she faced during her first year. Both students and staff believed this trip to be important for their upcoming exams, which I am sure will be reflected in their results.
Ms Pacheco, Sociology Teacher.
