Social Science learners at Solihull Sixth Form College expanded their learning by attending guest lectures from visiting academics this month.
Dr Birgan Gokmenoglu (pictured top) is a lecturer in Sociology at Birmingham City University and she visited the College to talk to the entire Year 12 Sociology cohort, delivering a lecture entitled “Time Matters”. Her presentation focused on concepts around the changing perception of society due to historical and social factors.
During the talk, A level Sociology students were invited to think about how they define their time, including the time they devote to studying and leisure. Dr Gokmenoglu then asked learners to consider how this perception is affected by race, class, gender and time in history. For example, the division of labour in the home is dominated by women and concepts like holidays, a 5-day working week or a 7-hour day came about due to political struggle and were not always freedoms that society enjoyed.
Meanwhile, Asher Jacobsberg (pictured above) from the European Liaison Office in the UK led two excellent interactive sessions for Year 12 Politics students. Although the UK is no longer a member of the European Union, the A level Politics course includes a topic examining the aims, role and impact of the European Union on UK government. The sessions helped our learners gain an understanding of the European Union and how it works, how and why it was established, and an insight into the new UK/EU relationship.
Julie Watts, Curriculum Leader for Social Sciences, commented:
“We are grateful to Dr Birgan Gokmenoglu and Asher Jacobsberg for giving up their time to visit the College and speak with our young people. Both sessions complemented their current A level learning, while signposting additional independent study.”
17 June 2024