Working with Mrs Donnison, students in Year 9 have been able to get involved in the Topical Talk Festival in partnership with Eton College and The Economist. ‘Topical Talk’ is a programme from The Economist Educational Foundation, which supports weekly discussions about the news.

The programme offers exciting opportunities for students to build confidence and develop personal skills in debate. Each week, students meet to participate in a series of online discussions on topical issues such as A.I: Education and the future of work, eco-anxiety, women in the media, and immigration: divisive policies.

The King James group, consisting of Alexa H, Poppy C, Millie S, Dakota H, Alex F, Jessica A, Morgan R, Tamzin I, Ella W, Brodie R and Lilly G, participated in a number of online discussions and conversed with students from across the globe. They engaged with schools in Greece, Spain, Romania, Ireland, Germany, Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Egypt, Bangladesh and India! Our students claimed 3rd place within the Eton Partnership schools, with Lilly receiving a special certificate in recognition of her outstanding contributions; she also placed 7th on the student leader board for contributions.