The experience offered a rare and invaluable opportunity to deepen subject knowledge while gaining a flavour of university-level study.
Dr Aisha Djelid opened the programme with a detailed and highly informative overview of the United States between 1865 and 1955. Her lecture provided crucial context and clarity, and students found her insights particularly helpful as they refine their revision.
Excitement reached new heights with the arrival of David Olusoga, whose many acclaimed documentaries and recent appearance on Celebrity Traitors, have made him a familiar face to many. As charismatic and engaging in person as on screen, he delivered a compelling lecture on the ‘classical’ Civil Rights era of 1955–1970, bringing the period vividly to life.
Just when we thought the day could not be surpassed, Dr Emily Brady offered a fascinating exploration of the movement between 1970 and 1992. She examined how the politics of the 1980s shaped the Black experience in America and encouraged students to consider how the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. has at times been simplified and repackaged to serve contemporary political agendas. It was a thought-provoking conclusion and an excellent introduction to the analytical depth of History at university.
We were also delighted that our Year 11 “bonus student”, Ray, joined us for the day. She impressed everyone by confidently posing a perceptive question to the academics, particularly commendable given that she has not yet begun the A Level course.
Beyond the lecture theatre, students enjoyed soaking up the sunshine and the sights of London (including a certain park we are not permitted to enter!), as well as sampling cinnamon buns and matcha. The train journey home provided a welcome opportunity to reflect on all we had learned and to enjoy a spirited game of Marvel Top Trumps.
We were immensely proud of how thoughtfully and enthusiastically our students engaged with the day. They were a credit to the school throughout and embraced this exceptional academic opportunity with curiosity, maturity and enthusiasm.
