This term’s enrichment talks, delivered by Upper School boys, commenced with a brilliant current affairs session from Finn Adams and Millan Verwoert.
During the lively session, which was more a debate than a talk, the two Lower Sixth Formers touched on a wide range of current affairs with the Y6 boys in attendance, including Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Hamas, China’s increasing military pressure on Taiwan, the cost-of-living crisis and issues around the NHS in the UK.
The Prep and Upper School boys delved into issues such as whether countries should give financial or military support to countries, the role of NATO in conflicts, and the history at the root of many of these territorial claims, to name just a few.
Finn and Millan did a brilliant job of not only sharing their knowledge but also prompting the boys to consider and discuss the many complex, interconnected and often ethical elements surrounding the conflicts, engaging boys on the impact of geopolitics and the domino effect that actions can have worldwide. In turn, the Sixth Formers were equally impressed by the “really, really, good knowledge” shared, most eloquently, by the boys.
The week’s second session focused on a very different but equally fascinating topic: the Permian extinction. Lower Sixth Former Victor Otulana spoke with the boys assembled about this dramatic period when all life on Earth was almost obliterated.
Victor described how scientists believe that 100,000 years of volcanic eruptions caused large amounts of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere, causing a large-scale global warming effect. Ash from the eruptions blocked out the sun, and high levels of CO2 in the water made it acidic—the result was the loss of about 95% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.
Victor, who is studying biology, geography, economics and politics, also enjoyed taking time to speak with the boys, who shared his passion for the topic.
Next week, boys can look forward to a practical DJing session from Upper Sixth Former Charlie Faulkner.