External Speaker Programme

External Speaker Programme

Introduction

to the Haberdashers’ Boys’ School External Speaker Programme We are delighted to present Haberdashers’ programme of talks, lectures, masterclasses and stand-alone lessons that members of the teaching staff are keen to provide to local voluntary organisations, clubs and societies, and Senior and Prep schools.

This external speaker programme reflects the school’s commitment to contributing to the academic and cultural life of the community of which it is part. Habs staff have a deserved reputation for expertise and excellence in teaching, and many also pursue areas of special interest outside of the regular curriculum.

The diversity of subjects and activities outlined in this programme testifies to

the richness of this Habs tradition and the school is excited to be able to place these possibilities at the disposal of the local community.

Speaker visits can be arranged either in school or after school hours depending upon the requirements and convenience of the audience. There is no charge for this service.

It anybody would like to arrange an advertised visit, or wishes to enquire further as to the opportunities on offer, they are warmly encouraged to contact the school via the email below.

Dr Ian St. John

External Speaker Programme Lead stjohn_i@habsboys.org.uk

For Preparatory and Primary Schools Suitable for children 5 to 11 years old

Preparatory and Primary (5 to 1 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

The joy of visual image-making: analysing historical cartoons and paintings

Deborah Bardou

This hands-on talk enables students to discuss paintings and cartoons from a range of periods of History. From the Delaroche portrayal of Lady Jane Grey’s execution to David Low’s inter-war anti appeasement cartoons, it introduces students to how we can make sense of images from the past, provoking students to think of the kind of questions they may ask about a visual image and how they can interpret its meaning today.

Getting Started in French

Melvyn Bardou

In this session, Melvyn will help beginning students take their first steps in French by introducing some simple conversational dialogue that all pupils will be able to learn through some engaging role play activities.

Breaking the Land’s End to John O’Groats Record

Michael Broadwith

In June 2018 Michael set the fastest ever time for cycling the length of the UK, breaking the previous record by 39 minutes. In this talk, Michael sets out the problems he encountered in planning his record attempt, the ways in which he prepared physically and mentally for the effort, and the unexpected challenges of the ride itself and the techniques he evolved to surmount them.

Frankenstein

Will Brotherston In his talk, Will explores the themes of Frankenstein focusing on ideas of ambition, scientific over-reaching and the monster within. Situating the text and the author within the early nineteenth century, the talk draws attention to the ideas which led to its creation and which inform the narrative’s relationship to the Gothic tradition from which it derives.

Democracy: What is it and why does it matter?

Introducing pupils to the idea and practice of democracy and the civic values it represents.

World War II

A talk on the causes, nature and impact of the world’s largest and deadly conflict. As the key participants organised their economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities behind their war effort, the distinction between civilian and military became blurred. We will look at how the Second World War changed the 20th Century and how it continues to influence the world around us. There will be lots of opportunity for questions.

Stephen Clark

Preparatory and Primary (5 to 1 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

An Introduction to Russian Language and Culture

Alison Drake

A brief introduction to Russian culture, including a quiz, a guide to basic greetings in Russian, and the opportunity to learn some letters of the Russian alphabet and read some shop signs and posters in Cyrillic.

Poetry as a Type of Knowledge

John Dunn

Wordsworth believed that ‘poetry is the first and last of all knowledge’. But what does that mean? What is different about poetry? By exploring two poems on the natural world, John introduces students to the ways in which poetry can provide its own unique insights, how it may begin to communicate the uncommunicable. In a world that increasingly offers simple solutions, poetry reminds us of the value of doubt and ambiguity.

Roman Chariot Racing

Writing and literacy in the Roman Empire

Nicholas Geering

A talk about the ancient world’s most popular attraction of all: the chariot races. This sport had everything: majesty, skill, danger, and even the odd riot. Why was it so beloved? Who were these young drivers who inspired fanatical devotion in their fans? How was a race organised and run? These are just some of the questions we will explore.

A brief overview of writing in Roman times, concentrating on the development of books in late antiquity. There will be an opportunity to view and handle a number of the speaker’s own reproductions of books from the first to the fourth centuries, as well as trying out different kinds of written communication.

Spanish Language and Culture

Eva Gomez

A brief introduction to the life and culture of Spain, giving pupils a chance to learn some simple Spanish words and phrases.

‘What’s that bird?’

Identifying the birds in your garden

Tom Hardman

A lively illustrated introduction to the birds that appear in our gardens, with insights into bird behaviour and techniques for identification. There will be a quiz and nest-box prizes for the winner.

Hands on in Maths

Nina Harte

Targeted at Years 5 and 6, Nina introduces core mathematical ideas in a fun interactive way with prizes and certificates for those taking part.

Preparatory and Primary (5 to 1 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

Having a Gas

Gordan Hobbs

Dr Hobbs provides a practical exploration of some common gases. This demonstration based presentation will amaze and excite (as well as enthuse and inform)!

Philosophy for Children: Communities of Enquiry

Adam Lawrence

Adam and members of the Habs Theology Department lead 45 minute Philosophical enquires into worldview questions including: Why am I here?

Is there life after death? Is there a God? Why is there evil and suffering?

Learn Italian

Fiona McEwan-Cox

Join a whistle stop tour of Italian food and major cities; experience café culture while using key phrases to greet the locals.

A Day in the Life of a Roman Gladiator

Melanie Pfeffer Greek Mythology

Everyone has heard of the Roman Gladiators. But who were they? How did you become a Gladiator and what were your prospects of surviving? What really happened in the arena? This talk answers these and many other questions about one of the most notorious and controversial aspects of the Roman Empire.

This session introduces pupils to the rich world of the Greek myths and asks what they tell us about the society that produced them.

Cancer: It’s Causes, Detection and Treatments

Becky Randall

This class provides a simple introduction to what cancer is and its myriad causes. It surveys current treatment options, and highlights ground breaking research that is being used to develop new screening and treatment options.

Physics in a Box

James Smith

The Habs Physics Department have equipment available to loan to Primary and Prep schools to investigate the science of rolling an object down a slope. With a wide range of investigations related to force and motion topics with the equipment, this topic features in the KS2 national curriculum and above. If you would like an introductory session then please get in touch.

Preparatory and Primary (5 to 1 years old)

Title

Staff

A guide to St Albans Cathedral

Ian St John William Buckland: Geology, Dinosaurs, and Natural Theology in the 19th Century Jazz Assembly

Details This talk presents a visual virtual guide to St Albans Cathedral. The Cathedral, originally the Church of St Albans Abbey, has a history of more than a thousand years, and this amply illustrated talk introduces the architectural history and details of the building, highlighting its many striking and fascinating features.

This class discusses the career of the pioneer English geologist William Buckland, a brilliant professor at Oxford and the first man to publicly name a land-living dinosaur. It shows how he sought to combine science with his personal belief in God and the creation stories of the Bible.

Tom Taylor and Matt Herd

Habs has some of the best young jazz musicians in the country. As well as performing, they will talk about their musical journey and outline their experiences learning and playing jazz music. Tom and Matt will bring an elite jazz ensemble to perform for and inspire your students.

The Peasants’ Revolt Catherine Turbett

An introduction to source enquiry: what happened when Wat Tyler met King Richard at Smithfield in 1381? An interactive workshop using role play to introduce the concept of historical interpretations.

Thinking about God

In this presentation Kevin Watson introduces pupils to different ways people have conceived the nature of God or a Divine Being. There will then be an exploration of the various arguments people have advanced for believing that God exists, encouraging pupils to reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.

Kevin Watson

For Secondary Schools Suitable for children 11 to 18 years old

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

The joy of visual Deborah image-making: Bardou analysing historical cartoons and paintings

This hands-on talk enables students to discuss paintings and cartoons from a range of periods of History. From the Delaroche portrayal of Lady Jane Grey’s execution to David Low’s inter-war anti appeasement cartoons, it introduces students to how we can make sense of images from the past, provoking students to think of the kind of questions they may ask about a visual image and how they can interpret its meaning today.

Breaking the Land’s End to John O’Groats Record

Michael Broadwith

In June 2018 Michael set the fastest ever time for cycling the length of the UK, breaking the previous record by 39 minutes. In this talk, Michael sets out the problems he encountered in planning his record attempt, the ways in which he prepared physically and mentally for the effort, and the unexpected challenges of the ride itself and the techniques he evolved to surmount them.

Frankenstein

Will Brotherston In his talk, Will explores the themes of Frankenstein focusing on ideas of ambition, scientific over-reaching and the monster within. Situating the text and the author within the early nineteenth century, the talk draws attention to the ideas which led to its creation and which inform the narrative’s relationship to the Gothic tradition from which it derives.

A Guide to Brexit

What will Brexit mean for the UK? What are the arguments for and against?

Democracy: What is it and why does it matter?

Introducing pupils to the idea and practice of democracy and the civic values it represents.

World War II

Stephen Clark

A talk on the causes, nature and impact of the world’s largest and deadly conflict. As the key participants organised their economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities behind their war effort, the distinction between civilian and military became blurred. We will look at how the Second World War changed the 20th Century and how it continues to influence the world around us. There will be lots of opportunity for questions.

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

Medical Ethics

Richard Davis

The ultimate question at the heart of philosophy is: what is a human being? This is all the more significant in medical ethics, where practices such as abortion, euthanasia and genetic engineering give rise to further questions such as: when does personhood begin? What should we prioritise: sanctity or quality of life? Just because we can, does it mean we should? In this talk Richard shows how an awareness of these issues can inform the moral debate concerning these controversial, contemporary topics.

Othello and Story Telling

Poetry as a Type of Knowledge

Shakespeare’s character, Othello is, by all accounts, an excellent storyteller. In this talk, John argues that in The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice everyone is telling stories, and most of the time, they are rehearsing and performing the ‘story of themselves’. Who we are, it seems, depends wholly on our ability to convince others of our tale.

John Dunne

Beyond Sassoon.

World War I writing from Britain’s Allies

Nicholas Geering Is that meant to be funny?

The Humour of Moilere

Wordsworth believed that ‘poetry is the first and last of all knowledge’. But what does that mean? What is different about poetry? By exploring two poems on the natural world, John introduces students to the ways in which poetry can provide its own unique insights, how it may begin to communicate the uncommunicable. In a world that increasingly offers simple solutions, poetry reminds us of the value of doubt and ambiguity.

The ultimate question at the heart of philosophy is: what is a human being? This is all the more significant in medical ethics, where practices such as abortion, euthanasia and genetic engineering give rise to further questions such as: when does personhood begin? What should we prioritise: sanctity or quality of life? Just because we can, does it mean we should? In this talk Richard shows how an awareness of these issues can inform the moral debate concerning these controversial, contemporary topics.

This talk provides a chance to explore, with some examples, the humour of Moliere. Nick will use some examples from the French master dramatist’s best-known works, but will concentrate on the Comedy-ballets, some of the rarer of his plays.

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Louis XIV and the revocation of the edict of Nantes

The French Army in World War I

Nicholas Geering

Colour

by Numbers

The Mathematics of Bridge

Details In this talk, Nick will give a brief overview of the Edict of Nantes, examining why it was revoked by Louis XIV. He will consider the consequences of Louis’ policy in the context of Religious politics in Europe in the 17th century.

This talk is intended to benefit anyone doing History or French at A Level, or to anyone with an interest in French history, or the history of Religion. It is also available as a live zoom broadcast, including evenings.

When Britain went to war in 1914, the BEF was fighting alongside the French Army. In this talk, Nick provides some insights into the contrasting style of the French Poilu and his officers. France’s military had taken a very different approach from that of the UK - relying on universal military service. The French General Staff had done much to modernise the army after the disastrous defeat of 1870-71, but they were still not ready for the war that was to come.

Nevertheless, the performance of France in the First World War was remarkable.

In this talk, aimed at able Mathematicians in Year 10 and above, Stuart shows how Colouring and Diagrams can be used to solve Mathematical Problems.

Stuart Haring

An accomplished Bridge player and mathematician, Stuart shows the relevance of mathematical reasoning to effective Bridge play and provides some tips for improving performance.

Having a Gas

Gordan Hobbs

Dr Hobbs provides a practical exploration of some common gases. This demonstration based presentation will amaze and excite (as well as enthuse and inform)!

Why did Rome end?

Christopher Joyce

Was the Roman Empire rotting away for centuries, or was its disintegration the result of unforeseen circumstances which had nothing to do with decline and fall? This talk promises to give a fresh outlook on an old historical problem which goes back to Edward Gibbon in the 18th century.

Learn Italian

Fiona McEwan-Cox

Join a whistle stop tour of Italian food and major cities; experience café culture while using key phrases to greet the locals.

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Terrorism in its psycho-historical context

Antony McLarin The birth of Modern China, 1839 to 1949

Details This talk examines how larger historical and social forces interact with personal psychologies in order for terrorists to justify their actions, particularly focusing on Terrorism in the 1960s-80s, and the strategies that can be effectively employed by governments and societies in order to prevent the incidence of terrorism.

This presentation provides a brief exploration of the challenges that faced late Qing Imperial and early Republican China from internal struggles to external threats and how these played a role in shaping the growing global power and its outlook today.

Gender fludity and Androgyny in Shakespeare

Emma Nairne

This talk explores the Renaissance understanding of gender, and how this was reflected in some of Shakespeare’s plays. Contemporary science backed up a fluidity in both performative gender and biological sex, thereby creating an interesting contrast against the more rigid views of today; cross-dressing on stage was normalised and 19th Century anxieties about homosexuality were almost non-existent. This talk will consider the practicalities of some of Shakespeare’s plays in performance, as well as how gender is performed or even deliberately ignored. Suitable for classes aged 15 and above.

Physics in a box

James Smith

The Habs Physics Department have equipment available to loan to Primary and Prep schools to investigate the science of rolling an object down a slope. With a wide range of investigations related to force and motion topics with the equipment, this topic features in the KS2 national curriculum and above. If you would like an introductory session then please get in touch.

A guide to St Albans Cathedral

Ian St John

This talk presents a visual virtual guide to St Albans Cathedral. The Cathedral, originally the Church of St Albans Abbey, has a history of more than a thousand years, and this amply illustrated talk introduces the architectural history and details of the building, highlighting its many striking and fascinating features.

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

Disraeli and the Historians

Benjamin Disraeli is the most unlikely political figure of the 19th century and the only Prime Minister to have written a novel after leaving office. In this illustrated talk, Ian StJohn, the author of The Historiography of Gladstone and Disraeli, surveys Disraeli’s political career and reflects upon the differing interpretations historians have formulated to account for his actions.

Murder in Radlett 1823

In this illustrated talk, Dr StJohn traces the background, events, and investigation of one of the most notorious murders in British history.

Germany’s Hyperinflation of 1919-23 destroyed the value of the German mark and had profound consequences for German society and politics. This talk relates the details of the inflationary process and seeks to answer the question: why did it happen? It will of interest to student of History and Economics.

The causes of German Hyperinflation

Ian St John The Economics of Marxism

Marx devoted most of his adult life to writing Das Kapital.

This talk introduces the economic ideas of Karl Marx and reflects upon their relevance today.

The Political Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott

This talk provides an introduction to the political thinking of Michael Oakeshott, perhaps the most important British political philosopher of the 20th century. While often seen as a conservative, this talk highlights the significant liberal aspects of Oakeshott’s ideas and discusses his critique of rationalism and his emphasis on concrete over technical knowledge.

William Buckland: Geology, Dinosaurs, and Natural Theology in the 19th Century Jazz Assembly Tom Taylor and Matt Herd

This class discusses the career of the pioneer English geologist William Buckland, a brilliant professor at Oxford and the first man to publicly name a land-living dinosaur. It shows how he sought to combine science with his personal belief in God and the creation stories of the Bible.

Habs has some of the best young jazz musicians in the country. As well as performing, they will talk about their musical journey and outline their experiences learning and playing jazz music. Tom and Matt will bring an elite jazz ensemble to perform for and inspire your students.

Secondary (1 to 18 years old)

Title

Staff

Details

Why was the Islamic Empire successful?

Catherine Turbett

In this workshop, we will examine evidence about the city of Baghdad and developments in maths, science, art and architecture to decide what made the Islamic Empire so great.

Drama workshop

Richard Weinman

This workshop explores ensemble, playfulness and authenticity in performance. Rich Weinman is an associate artist for the National Youth Theatre, the Lyric Hammersmith and The National Theatre, and has worked extensively with young actors from all backgrounds and levels of experience.

Thinking about God

Kevin Watson

In this presentation Kevin Watson introduces pupils to different ways people have conceived the nature of God or a Divine Being. There will then be an exploration of the various arguments people have advanced for believing that God exists, encouraging pupils to reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of each argument.

Dr Who The English Language

A look at the history of the longest-running science fiction television series in the world.

Ian Wheeler

What is it? Where does it come from? How does it work?

A trip through the rich and varies tapestry of the English language. This talk can be general or tailored to specific areas, such as dialect, gender and power.

For Adults

Suitable for those 18 years old and older

Adults (18 and older)

Title

Staff

Details

Breaking the Land’s End to John O’Groats Record

Michael Broadwith

In June 2018 Michael set the fastest ever time for cycling the length of the UK, breaking the previous record by 39 minutes. In this talk, Michael sets out the problems he encountered in planning his record attempt, the ways in which he prepared physically and mentally for the effort, and the unexpected challenges of the ride itself and the techniques he evolved to surmount them.

Frankenstein

Will Brotherston In his talk, Will explores the themes of Frankenstein focusing on ideas of ambition, scientific over-reaching and the monster within. Situating the text and the author within the early nineteenth century, the talk draws attention to the ideas which led to its creation and which inform the narrative’s relationship to the Gothic tradition from which it derives.

Medical Ethics

Richard Davis

Othello and Story Telling

John Dunne Poetry as a Type of Knowledge

The ultimate question at the heart of philosophy is: what is a human being? This is all the more significant in medical ethics, where practices such as abortion, euthanasia and genetic engineering give rise to further questions such as: when does personhood begin? What should we prioritise: sanctity or quality of life? Just because we can, does it mean we should? In this talk Richard shows how an awareness of these issues can inform the moral debate concerning these controversial, contemporary topics.

Shakespeare’s character, Othello is, by all accounts, an excellent storyteller. In this talk, John argues that in The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice everyone is telling stories, and most of the time, they are rehearsing and performing the ‘story of themselves’. Who we are, it seems, depends wholly on our ability to convince others of our tale.

Wordsworth believed that ‘poetry is the first and last of all knowledge’. But what does that mean? What is different about poetry? By exploring two poems on the natural world, John introduces students to the ways in which poetry can provide its own unique insights, how it may begin to communicate the uncommunicable. In a world that increasingly offers simple solutions, poetry reminds us of the value of doubt and ambiguity.

Adults (18 and older)

Title

Staff

Details

Beyond Sassoon.

World War I writing from Britain’s Allies

In this talk, Nick Geering will seek to introduce you to the First World War literature of France, Italy and Russia. With some concrete examples and recommendations, he will discuss the experience of the war from the point of view of those who lived through it, and their relationship with the public they wrote, and fought, for. He will also reflect on the artistic price the Allies paid for victory in 1918.

Coptic Bookbinding

In this workshop, Nick will teach you how to make a book using Coptic stitch binding and ancient bookbinding technique. In this way you will be able to manufacture your own sketchbooks.

Louis XIV and the revocation of the edict of Nantes

In this talk, Nick will give a brief overview of the Edict of Nantes, examining why it was revoked by Louis XIV. He will consider the consequences of Louis’ policy in the context of Religious politics in Europe in the 17th century.

This talk is intended to benefit anyone doing History or French at A Level, or to anyone with an interest in French history, or the history of Religion. It is also available as a live zoom broadcast, including evenings.

Nicholas Geering The French Army in World War I

When Britain went to war in 1914, the BEF was fighting alongside the French Army. In this talk, Nick provides some insights into the contrasting style of the French Poilu and his officers. France’s military had taken a very different approach from that of the UK - relying on universal military service. The French General Staff had done much to modernise the army after the disastrous defeat of 1870-71, but they were still not ready for the war that was to come.

Nevertheless, the performance of France in the First World War was remarkable.

The graveyard of Empires? The Soviet experience in Afghanistan

From 1979 to 1989 the USSR fought a bloody and protracted war in Afghanistan. The conflict is often dubbed ‘The Soviet Vietnam’. In this talk, Nick Geering will explore the background, conduct and aftermath of the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan; examine the lessons the Russians learned; and discuss the implications for NATO’s Afghan involvement since 2001. There will be an opportunity to see firsthand some of the equipment and clothing used by the Red Army.

Adults (18 and older)

Title

Staff

Details

The Mathematics of Bridge

Stuart Haring

An accomplished Bridge player and mathematician, Stuart shows the relevance of mathematical reasoning to effective Bridge play and provides some tips for improving performance.

Why did Rome end?

Christopher Joyce

Was the Roman Empire rotting away for centuries, or was its disintegration the result of unforeseen circumstances which had nothing to do with decline and fall? This talk promises to give a fresh outlook on an old historical problem which goes back to Edward Gibbon in the 18th Century.

Learn Italian

Fiona McEwan-Cox

Join a whistle stop tour of Italian food and major cities; experience café culture while using key phrases to greet the locals.

Gender Fluidity Emma and Androgyny in Nairne Shakespeare

This talk explores the Renaissance understanding of gender, and how this was reflected in some of Shakespeare’s plays. Contemporary science backed up a fluidity in both performative gender and biological sex, thereby creating an interesting contrast against the more rigid views of today; cross-dressing on stage was normalised and 19th Century anxieties about homosexuality were almost non-existent. This talk will consider the practicalities of some of Shakespeare’s plays in performance, as well as how gender is performed or even deliberately ignored. Suitable for classes aged 15 and above.

A guide to St Albans Cathedral

This talk presents a visual virtual guide to St Albans Cathedral. The Cathedral, originally the Church of St Albans Abbey, has a history of more than a thousand years, and this amply illustrated talk introduces the architectural history and details of the building, highlighting its many striking and fascinating features.

Disraeli and the Historians

Ian St John

Benjamin Disraeli is the most unlikely political figure of the 19th century and the only Prime Minister to have written a novel after leaving office. In this illustrated talk, Ian StJohn, the author of The Historiography of Gladstone and Disraeli, surveys Disraeli’s political career and reflects upon the differing interpretations historians have formulated to account for his actions.

Adults (18 and older)

Title

Staff

Details

Everything you wanted to know about Hegel’s philosophy but were afraid to ask

Hegel has a justified reputation for being an obscure and intimidating philosopher. Yet his theory of History remains a major contribution to the field of philosophical history. Dr StJohn introduces Hegel’s ideas in an approachable way, seeking to shed light on the work of this challenging thinker.

Murder in Radlett 1823

In this illustrated talk, Dr St John traces the background, events, and investigation of one of the most notorious murders in British history.

The causes of German Hyperinflation

Germany’s Hyperinflation of 1919-23 destroyed the value of the German mark and had profound consequences for German society and politics. This talk relates the details of the inflationary process and seeks to answer the question: why did it happen? It will of interest to student of History and Economics.

The Economics of Marxism

Ian St John

Marx devoted most of his adult life to writing Das Kapital.

This talk introduces the economic ideas of Karl Marx and assesses their relevance today.

The Political Philosophy of Michael Oakeshott

This talk provides an introduction to the political thinking of Michael Oakeshott, perhaps the most important British political philosopher of the 20th century. While often seen as a conservative, this talk highlights the significant liberal aspects of Oakeshott’s ideas and discusses his critique of rationalism and his emphasis on concrete over technical knowledge.

William Buckland: Geology, Dinosaurs, and Natural Theology in the 19th Century

This class discusses the career of the pioneer English geologist William Buckland, a brilliant professor at Oxford and the first man to publicly name a land-living dinosaur. It shows how he sought to combine science with his personal belief in God and the creation stories of the Bible.

Impressionist painting

Stuart Todhunter

This illustrated talk introduces impressionism, a movement that radically altered the course of art in the mid-1800s.

With the invention of photography, artists had to reinvent themselves in order to portray the world in a new form. Édouard Manet was the leader of the impressionist movement, which sought to portray the effects of light and shade on the natural world.

Adults (18 and older)

Title

Staff

Details

The English Language

Ian Wheeler

What is it? Where does it come from? How does it work?

A trip through the rich and varies tapestry of the English language. This talk can be general or tailored to specific areas, such as dialect, gender and power.

The History of Haberdashers’ Boys’ School

John Wigley

In this talk John Wigley, the author of the School’s official history, explains how in just over 300 years Haberdashers’ moved from Hoxton to Hampstead to Elstree and changed from educating 20 ‘poor boys’ to nurturing cabinet ministers.

For Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Title

Staff

Details

Poetry as a Type of Knowledge

John Dunne

Wordsworth believed that ‘poetry is the first and last of all knowledge’. But what does that mean? What is different about poetry? By exploring two poems on the natural world, John introduces students to the ways in which poetry can provide its own unique insights, how it may begin to communicate the uncommunicable. In a world that increasingly offers simple solutions, poetry reminds us of the value of doubt and ambiguity.

Fostering highquality student talk in schools

Joshua Plotkin

In this presentation, Joshua draws upon his experience in nurturing effective group work and high-quality student talk in a diverse range of primary and secondary schools and outlines strategies teachers can use to promote these highly effective learning skills.

William Buckland: Ian St John Geology, Dinosaurs, and Natural Theology in the 19th Century

This class discusses the career of the pioneer English geologist William Buckland, a brilliant professor at Oxford and the first man to publicly name a land-living dinosaur. It shows how he sought to combine science with his personal belief in God and the creation stories of the Bible.

Using feedback to promote pupil progress in the secondary school classroom

This session aims to help teachers embed live marking and metacognition into the classroom. It builds on the latest research and offers practical suggestions and ideas for improving pupil progress.

Sharing Excellence in Teaching Stretch and challenge for more able students

Catherine Turbett

Strategies for disseminating good practice within schools and ideas for how to embed a culture of innovation.

Catherine Turbett, who was previously responsible for Gifted and Talented training for the London Borough of Enfield, presents an evidence-based practical workshop and top tips for helping the most able students to achieve best possible outcomes.

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is an independent day school located in Elstree, on the edge of North London. It is renowned not only for the excellence of its academic standards, but also for the richness and diversity of its programme of co-curricular activities. It has both a Preparatory and Senior School on site, which draw students from across North London and Hertfordshire.

Stay connected to Habs www.habsboys.org.uk /habsboysschool @habsboysschool @habsboysschool Haberdashers’ Boys’ School

Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire. WD6 3AF