School Matters 36

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SIXTH FORM LECTURE PROGRAMME Ms Rachel Palmer, Head of Sixth Form rounds up recent contributions to the ever-engaging VI Speaker Programme. We thank all our speakers this year, including those on whose talks we have not had room to report here.

Verity Babbs touched on many aspects of life at one of the world’s top universities, having graduated in 2019 with a degree in History of Art from Oxford University. She spoke meaningfully about the academic pressures and deadlines of the university week, as well as the excellent strategy of carving out extra-curricular interests as a way of shaping oneself. She shared humorous anecdotes about open days and interviews, making many aspects of the next stage of education less intimidating and more relatable.

Montaz Marché delivered a fascinating lecture about the lives of black women in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century London. Having completed her MA at UCL, Montaz was awarded a prestigious three- year Wolfson Postgraduate Scholarship in the Humanities and admission to the PhD programme in the Department of History at the University of Birmingham. She introduced pupils to her doctoral research’s most illuminating findings. Having scoured hundreds of legal documents and parish records, Montaz described the rich and varied lives of black women in eighteenth- century England, firmly dispelling the myth that black women arrived in England only from 1948 as part of “the Windrush generation”. Montaz also spoke about the experience of conducting her research during the pandemic and the lecture was a superb introduction for pupils to university-style lectures.

Jo Baxter and Bernie Brennan from the Alton Regeneration Team delivered a fascinating talk about the plans for our neighbouring estate. Bernie gave us an insight into the planning process, how the council is seeking to fund the project, and outlining some of the challenges the team have faced. As Community Engagement and Cultural Coordinator, Jo set out some of the innovative ways she has sought to engage residents, many of whom were initially reluctant to come forward and speak to the team. From an ‘Over 60s Reggae Night’ to family-friendly bulb planting, the team has worked tirelessly to unite the community and hear their views

Performance in Education (Wandsworth Council) delivered a Driver Safety session to LVI pupils called ‘Braking Point’. This focused on staying safe behind the wheel and creating vital awareness surrounding young and inexperienced drivers. Pupils investigated their own attitudes to personal safety and responsibility whenever they are in a vehicle, either as a passenger or young driver. The engaging workshop techniques challenged preconceptions and helped pupils make informed decisions to positively change their behaviour and understand their responsibility to other road users and passengers. Georgia McBride (OI, 2012) delivered an impressive talk in which she espoused the many benefits of learning languages and studying abroad, sharing highlights of her time spent in Biaritz, Madrid and Vancouver. Georgia gave pupils valuable information about how to get the most out of their time at university and sage advice to pupils about how to find their feet in the workplace. A dynamic Q&A session followed with tips varying from recommendations on the best spots for night life in Madrid to how to effectively manage a team early on in your career.

Devin Ibanez Zoomed in from Boston to talk about his experience of being the first openly gay professional rugby player in the USA. His story gave pupils a fascinating insight into the passive and active homophobia he experienced while he was growing up and while playing club and university level sport. In a sensitive account, he outlined some of the challenges he faced and why he felt the need to hide his sexuality for so long. His ultimate message was one of hope and served as a valuable reminder to pupils of the power of kindness.

Annie Price , documentary maker and burns survivor shared her story of building resilience using the power of positivity, living in the moment, not looking too far in the future, being grateful for small things, and the power of forgiveness.