Super-curricular
Learning beyond lessons Trinity offers a wide range of supercurricular societies that challenge students, and often staff, to think beyond the curriculum and discuss new ideas. Students find the sessions enriching and the skills learnt help prepare them for university applications, interviews and future study. Academic societies give students an opportunity to explore topics they're passionate about and form opinions on contemporary issues. As well as student-led sessions, external speakers and Trinity alumni are regularly invited to speak, bringing different perspectives into the mix. Who needs TED Talks when some of the larger societies below – which attract up to 60 attendees – cover such big ideas?
“Getting involved in such a varied society can spark lifelong interests and friendships.” Dhyan Ruparel
Literary Society LitSoc has been running for 29 years and meets every week. The sessions allow students to express personal interests and draw connections between literary texts and wider cultural life. This year has seen presentations on a range of topics from Japanese Literature and Confessional Poetry to Horror Games as Literature and Fanfiction. Dhyan Ruparel says, “Getting involved in such a varied society can spark lifelong interests and friendships for anyone interested in the world around them. Society meets are always a highlight of the week, helping to build a strong sense of curiosity and community across the school.” Abbie Daly says, “Whilst preparing my own talk on ‘The importance of diversity in Literature’, I came across a quote from Professor R. S. Bishop that ‘books are both windows and mirrors’. This has left a strong impression on me.”
Politics Society PolSoc is the school’s premier studentled forum for political discussion and is currently open to all students in the Sixth Form. Students set the agenda and each session features a 20-minute talk by an individual or group of students followed by 15 minutes’ discussion. Recent topics included ‘The Arab-Israeli conflict’, ‘Meta irony and the Alt Right’, ‘The masculinisation of women in politics’ and ‘The political importance of Taylor Swift’. Aidan Keogh says, “PolSoc is a great opportunity to discuss interesting or obscure topics beyond the curriculum and often into the context of global politics, such as the war in Ukraine or the politics of Eurovision. I’d recommend getting involved in an academic society as it gives you a rich insight into your subject, or perhaps one you don't study but are interested in.” PolSoc students are also encouraged to enter a range of student essay prizes, with many students being highly commended in the John Locke Essay Prize this year.
