A student has won a national prize for her interpretation of sociology’s role in a changing society.

Amy MacKenzie, 18, at St Benedict’s School in Ealing, won the British Sociological Association Sixth Form Competition for her entry on the theme of ‘Changing society – what is the role of the sociologist?’

Entrants aged 16-19 were asked to present their responses in a 2000 word written piece, a 10 minute podcast or YouTube clip.

Amy’s work took a novel approach, putting herself 11 years into the future. She wrote a letter to her 18-year-old cousin explaining what she thinks she, as a sociologist, has done to improve the life chances of his generation.

Amy was presented with her prize, an iPad 2 for herself and £250 for her school in Eaton Rise, during an assembly last Wednesday (July 2).

The 18-year-old said: “I was very surprised but excited to have won.

“Sociology is my favourite subject so I am overjoyed to have done so well.”

This is the second time the competition has been run, and entries were received from sixth forms across the country.

It is organised by the British Sociological Association’s Teaching Group, and sponsored by Polity Press.