Academic Lecture Series - Summer Term
A real favourite in the Academic Lecture calendar, we were delighted to welcome Jack, Science Communicator from the Exotic Zoo, for an excellent academic lecture combining hands-on learning with fascinating insight into animal adaptations, habitats and behaviour.
Pupils had the opportunity to meet a range of animals up close, including Bartok the Tenrec, Charlie the White’s Tree Frog, Woody the Three Banded Armadillo, Cupid the Uromastyx and Fennel the Ferret. The session was highly engaging and provided a memorable way to deepen understanding of biological concepts through real-world examples.
Pupils were invited to attend a lecture led by our very own Geographer, Mrs Tickner, titled “Are We Using the Wrong World Map?”
The lecture explored the history and impact of the Mercator projection, one of the most widely recognised world maps, created in the 16th century for navigation purposes. Mrs Tickner explained how, despite its practicality for sailors and explorers at the time, the Mercator map presents a distorted view of the world, exaggerating the size of countries further from the equator while shrinking others closer to it.
A key discussion point was how the projection reflects the imperialist perspectives of the era in which it was developed, placing Europe at the centre of the world and unintentionally shaping global perceptions for centuries. Pupils were encouraged to question how maps influence our understanding of geography, power, and cultural importance.
The final Academic Lecture of the half term was delivered by our Head of Design and Technology, Mr Hunter, who explored the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society. The lecture considered how AI may shape the future of work, education, creativity, and everyday life, while also raising important questions about ethics, responsibility, and human interaction with emerging technologies.
Thought-provoking and engaging throughout, the session encouraged students to think critically about both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents. Mr Hunter's insights sparked lively discussion and left attendees with plenty to consider as technology continues to transform the world around us.