17 OCT 2024

Academic Scholars Sessions – Year 10 & 11 - The Human Rights Act 1998

Engaging sessions to stretch our more able students with extension activities. 

Emma Low's Year 10 & 11 fortnightly scholars mini lectures for the first half term continued with a look at human rights and the complex case of Shamima Begum. 

Emma started the lecture with a discussion about Shamima Begum’s case, the UK government's decision to remove her British citizenship and The Human Rights Act 1998 and the fundamental rights and freedoms that everyone in the UK is entitled to. 

Emma said: “I was really impressed with how the class thought about this difficult case.  We looked at both sides of the argument for questions such as; Does the UK have a responsibility to protect her now? What punishment if any do you think she deserved for her actions? Is it morally acceptable to make someone stateless? If yes on what grounds? Many of the students in the class are themselves 15 years old and we discussed at what age is too young to make decisions. The students agreed that they know right from wrong but at 15 you are impressionable online. They thought sensitively about her actions and the questions I posed. They discussed the ethical issues in depth and displayed a great deal of critical thinking.” 

Next term our Year 10 & 11 Academic Scholars will focus on an independent research project.  The topic is chosen by the students, and they will present a mini ‘viva’ to the group.   

Emma said: “PHD students have a ‘viva’ to present their findings, this can go on for several hours.  You will do a mini ‘viva’ and it will be a few minutes long. This is great public speaking experience.   You can have a chat with me about a topic or one of your subject teachers e.g. if you're thinking about a science topic, you may like to talk to your teachers to discuss your ideas.” 

Well done to our Year 10 & 11 scholars for your hard work in these sessions and we look forward to hearing about your research topics.