3 minute read
Academic Enrichment
Despite the obvious challenges of the pandemic, it has actually presented us with a unique opportunity to enhance our Enrichment programmes.
Linda Cruse
Geography is no longer a barrier with the inception of Microsoft Teams, and means we have been able to tap into a pool of visiting speakers all over the world, while sitting in the comfort of our own living room.
The absolute highlight of our speaker programme this year has to be hearing from John McCarthy, who was held as a hostage in Lebanon for more than five years. What struck me most was his unwavering optimism and hopefulness in light of such extreme struggle. His resilience and courage are quite extraordinary and we could all learn a great deal from his attitude. It is astounding and inspiring to think he would happily shake the hands of his captors and talk about their differences. From a personal perspective, hearing from John made me reflect on some of the difficulties of my own day to day life. I hope I can speak on behalf of the School community in saying that he had a huge impact on so many of us who heard him speak.
We also had the privilege to hear from Chris Jewell, who was one of a team of British cave divers who risked their lives to save a group of young boys and their football coach after they became stranded for 18 days, deep underground in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. Based just down the road in Cheddar, Chris lives quite an ‘ordinary’ life as an accountant, but told a story that was quite extraordinary and inspired our community. Chris’s story was one of bravery, resilience, leadership and teamwork. so I really wanted to bring in someone who would inspire and enthuse our school community to make a difference. Niall McCann was the perfect fit. Niall is a frontline conservationist who is the executive director of National Park Rescue. He first led a Q and A with our Year 9 students which was hugely insightful. He then spoke to the students about his own adventures and the inextricable links between global biodiversity
Justin Webb
Dominic Grieve
Niall McCann
Lord Griffi ths
and climate change. While the messages were in part, sobering, they left us feeling like there is still so much we can do to slow this process down.
Linda Cruse, a front-line humanitarian and aid worker, broadcasted to us from Dubai. She spoke so wonderfully about her work supporting people in the poorest communities to thrive. Her story was so inspirational and again, something we can all refl ect upon.
I tried to weave a political theme into this year’s calendar, as I felt this was an untapped market. By far, the most enjoyable Q and A we ran was with Justin Webb, the BBC’s former chief political radio correspondent in Washington. Justin expertly responded to a whole array of questions from our very own Mr Woodgate, while maintaining balance and poise. He was so delighted to have the opportunity to talk to us, and those who attended had their views on US politics challenged. He truly was a tour de force and we would relish the opportunity to welcome him in person in the coming years.
We have hosted a series of frontline politicians, all via MS Teams. It has been particularly important to fi nd a strong balance between, not only political parties, but also characters and opinions. I am very proud of the line-up we have had, and it has meant that students, staff and parents have been able to discuss and think about their own views in detail. Speaking to Jacob Rees-Mogg MP (Conservative), Wera Hobhouse MP (Liberal Democrats) and Lord Griffi ths of Burry Port (Labour), provided such fascinating insights into so many different areas of local, national and international politics. We then wanted to engage pupils in the Brexit debate, so we talked to Ann Widdecombe and Dominic Grieve QC, who sat on polar opposite sides of the fence. As a complete non-expert, I learnt a huge amount about Politics, and I know many members of our community did too. My sincerest thanks to Mr Woodgate’s immense effort in preparing for, and leading, the Q and A sessions this year.
I am truly excited about what is yet to come next year. We will look to incorporate a blend of virtual and live talks as the global Covid-19 picture becomes more positive.
