Friday the 25th of June saw the Lower Sixth embark upon a trip to the Royal William pub in Cranham for a day packed with activities, including lectures, a treasure hunt and debates. Our honorary guest, Gloucester MP, Richard Graham began the day reminiscing about his 18 year old self and, were he to turn back time, how he would change particular things. Richard’s reflection allowed the day to begin on a positive note and certainly enabled everyone to appreciate their youth and the importance it holds. Mr Huband’s speech, which proceeded Richard Graham’s, explored the mind blowing possibilities of science; possibilities which may become available in the next ten years such as mind reading computers and the development of genetics and nanotechnology, as presented by Tom Frank. Ultimately, this lecture illustrated the effect that these advances are sure to have on the way we live our lives.
Equally thought provoking was Mr Webster’s exploration of the future of religion. With the assistance of Rachel Sherrington, Mr Webster presented the history of religion and its steady decline in popularity. Lack of popularity was highlighted through various facts, most prominently that of the suggestion that less than 20% of marriages take place in churches in England. This was certainly a lecture that demanded our full focus in order to fully comprehend it. Numerous questions were also posed to students in the hope that all would thoroughly involve themselves in a discussion and each individual definitely took something away from the discussion. Following Mr Webster’s speech was a treasure hunt, a bonding activity strengthened by the requirement that each group was to include both boys and girls. Prizes were also distributed to the winning teams which brought to light the more competitive sides of students!
The pub provided everyone with a delicious buffet lunch which prepared individuals for an afternoon of debate and learning. Miss Billingsley provided an in depth analysis of the history of art which culminated with the suggestion that art is the future and an essential factor of society. A PowerPoint presentation aided the lecture and allowed pupils to see celebrated works of art for themselves. The day was concluded with a debate, chaired by the Headmaster and supported by Ben Carlton and Trinity Axelson. One side of the room maintained the belief that ‘this house has no confidence in the future’ whilst the other side offered contrasting ideas. The debate was lively and interesting and provided the opportunity for all to involve themselves and propose their own beliefs. Each side offered relevant points, therefore implying that it was a fairly balanced debate within which everyone could expand their own knowledge of the current society.
Overall, this was an incredibly successful day out as each individual came away from the event with an opinion on the topics discussed and explored. The combination of lectures and debates meant everybody learnt something about a subject that is, perhaps, not one they are studying and, thus, much was gained from the day.