A group of International Baccalaureate (IB) students from Bedford School and Bedford Girls’ School recently enjoyed a trip to Oxford as a part of their Theory of Knowledge course.
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is one of the main components of the IB programme, helping students to understand ‘the nature of knowledge’ and how we know what we claim to know.
It was therefore beneficial to the group to tour New College, Oxford and visit the eclectic Pitt Rivers Museum. The students were fascinated by the archaeological and ethnographic exhibits at the Pitt Rivers, where they learned how the museum is reconciling its colonial legacy and how it is working to support communities for an inclusive future.
They studied the ethical dilemmas that arise when considering the importance of taking artifacts from their place of origin and displaying them in museums in other countries. For example, some objects at Pitt Rivers are being repatriated or taken off display as the museum decides how to display them in a more sensitive fashion.
Oliver Pope, Lower Sixth Former, said, “The trip helped me with my course by giving me a wider world view and also allowing me to gain access to a deeper understanding of the Native American cultures and, in particular, the Haida Gwaii people. It also gave me a fresh perspective on some new topics I could possibly do for my extended essay.”
New College provided the students with a deep insight into the inner workings of an Oxbridge college and a glimpse of what life could be like if their aspirations led them somewhere similar.
Additionally, the tour of New College was one full of fond memories for the accompanying staff, who all have strong links to New College: Mrs Everitt from Bedford Girls’ School and Mr Finch, our Director of IB, are both former undergraduates. On the walk back to the coach, the group bumped into members of the Smith family (Dan Smith, former Head of School). It is surprising how small the world is when you have attended Bedford School!