The vision for our brand new Lecture Series is to inspire students with opportunities to experience lecture type talks from guest speakers from many areas of expertise. The aim is that it gradually develops a university atmosphere, promoting independence, supporting UCAS applications and bridging the gap between school and higher education. The talks will also promote an awareness of the wider world with live speakers complemented by TED talks, webinars and existing lectures from Universities.
The first lecture series event took place on Thursday 19th November, through Speakers4Schools Brank Bjelobaba delivered a talk about engaging in democracy. This followed students’ work on understanding more about UK politics during UK Parliament Week and the live Q&A with their local MP. Students were evidently spurred on by that experience as they asked Branko some excellent and challenging questions, including discussion about Scottish independence, the politics of Northern Ireland and the difference between left and right wing views.
Student feedback from the event:
“I found the talk today a helpful insight into politics, the history about it all and voting. The information I have gained will help me know a bit more for when I make my votes in the future.” – Year 13 student, Jeanette Roe.
“I found the talk today a helpful insight into politics, the history about it all and voting. The information I have gained will help me know a bit more for when I make my votes in the future.” – Year 13 student, Jeanette Roe.
“…It is good to research, look at each party’s manifesto and know which party you support. So, you are able to vote easefully when the time comes.
It is vital to consider that we should not look down upon or disregard those who may have different viewpoints. Looking at the Conservatives and Labour party they never really work together as one and that type of behaviour shouldn’t be transferred on to us. We should be able to talk about our different opinions with each other freely and listen to what the other side has to say. This way we can help and learn from one another, making our society even better.
In conclusion, one thing I have learnt from Mr. Branko Bjelobaba is that it is important to be involved and engage! This talk was a great experience and there are more to come so please don’t miss out, take part and I promise you will only gain and not miss!” – Year 12 student, Nmachi Itumoh
