LOOKING AHEAD

Ambition | Independence | Responsibility

As a busy school year comes to a close, we should pause for a moment to reflect on all that has taken place during this term: from academic achievements to extra curricular activities and the wonderful array of additional opportunities, the list is fabulously long! I am delighted to share some of the highlights of Summer Term 2023 here in this newsletter, which comes to you from Year 12 & 13 pupils themselves. Each and every pupil has contributed through their involvement in all aspects of school life, and are to be congratulated on their curiosity for learning and zest for school life!

Best wishes,

Dr Bowdrey

bowdrm@malvernstjames.co.uk

Tutor Group Debates

Year 12 have been debating! Tutor groups were paired up to argue for and against diverse motions: “This house fears AI”; “this house believes free speech has been unduly curtailed” and “Social media sites should filter out fake news”. Prior to the speeches, pupils voted in favour or not of the proposal, and afterwards too, to see if opinions had been swayed. Whilst the statements appear straight forward at first, it rapidly became apparent that each of the arguments is very nuanced: that which initially appeared black and white, when dissected revealed significant shades of grey. We all were reminded how important it is to listen carefully to different points of view, regardless of what we initially believe, as this is how learning progresses, and with it our understanding of wider issues which affect us all. Well done to all the pupils for building such persuasive arguments, and delivering their speeches so confidently.