On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming from Dr Tom Penfold from UCL’s History department for a lunchtime lecture. Dr Penfold provoked some interesting discussions about the role and significance of statues in shaping our history. Drawing upon his expertise on South African history, Dr Penfold walked us through the history of race relations during the Apartheid era, prompting us to reconsider how much progress has been made when looking at the current employment figures, and limited access to higher education, for Black South Africans.

Dr Penfold also highlighted the debates surrounding the #RhodesMustFall movement and left us thinking about how we can take action in a safe and measured way. He emphasised the importance of talking, listening, and exchanging stories to prompt change and action. Our aim is to strengthen our relationship with UCL so we can continue to offer stretch & challenge lunchtime lectures.

Thank you to the large audience of pupils, spanning UIV to UVI, for attending the lecture and asking such intelligent questions.

Ms Lewis, Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning)