This term we have continued our exciting lecture series with some excellent presentations covering a wide variety of themes.

Isobel Jacobs, our first speaker, is an FHS parent who has spent many years working in the fashion industry on both sides of the lens.  Now the former fashion editor of Metro is keenly involved as an activist seeking reform of the industry.  Isobel’s talk was brought to life by eye-opening first hand experiences such as witnessing the issues of overcrowded, underpaid employees, child exploitation, unsustainable use of natural resources and the overuse of synthetic materials with no attempt to recover the waste. Isobel’s speech really captivated the audience and our Eco Club are now brainstorming on how we can address this issue in school.

Following Isobel, we welcomed back Dr Aric Sigman who enlightened us on the outcomes of the most recent research into the lessons learnt from lockdown. Essentially, good diet, regular fresh air and plenty of sleep are qualities that make everyday life manageable, whether in lockdown or not.

Most recently, we were really pleased to welcome back renowned poet Harry Baker.  He performed his poetry with characteristic quirky vocals (including a dinosaur squeal!) and engaged us all thoroughly.  Incredible how such a wide variety of topics, from prime numbers to paper people, can form the basis of such personal yet politically aware poetry.  Harry delivered all of this with his gentle humour and great story telling.

Jane Melchers, Assistant Head of Sixth Form