The Academic Ambition programme restarted this term with a series of forums in which students from across the school discussed and debated a range of “hot topics” and other current affairs.
We began with a discussion on the new social media bill and how it would positively and negatively impact our lives. We then had a very thought-provoking seminar and forum hosted by Dr Nasser on “climate denialism” and the students were able to articulate their thoughts on the matter in a very mature fashion. For our third forum, we talked about AQA’s plans for online exams and debated the possible benefits and disadvantages of having to use technology to complete GCSEs and A Levels. Mrs Elden-Ford then hosted a fascinating session on the “Shock of the New” in the art world, which encouraged the students to reflect on what makes art, art. Our final seminar was expertly led by Grace in Year 12 on the topic of Astrology, in which students debated the plausibility of the different theories surrounding the “Christmas Star”.
I should like to take this opportunity to express thanks to Dr Nasser, Mrs Elden-Ford and Grace for each hosting a forum, and all the Sixth Form students who helped facilitate discussions at these sessions, acting as academic role-models to the younger students. A very fruitful start to the 2023/24 Academic Ambition programme!
A jam-packed, intellectually stimulating programme, the forums have proved rather popular and I look forward to welcoming even more students to our Academic Ambition events next term. A schedule of forums and lectures taking place in the spring will be published shortly on the Senior and Junior Teams channels. Students should remember to sign up on SOCs to all sessions they wish to attend.
We rounded off the term with a Scholars’ Tea with Ms Picton. All Academic Scholars were invited to tea and cakes with the Head to discuss their recent academic successes and endeavours and a jovial afternoon was had by all. Ms Picton and I very much enjoyed celebrating with the scholars and hearing about all their hard work this autumn. We cannot wait to see what our scholars get up to next term, as they continue in their academic journey here at SWPS.
Mrs Tommasi
Head of Spanish and Academic Ambition Coordinator
