Pupils attend 'Geography at University' Workshop at Royal Geographical Society, London
A report by Year 12 pupil, Clara.
On Tuesday 21 May, a small group of First Year Specialists (Year 12) attended the above event, accompanied by Mr Price. The day was dedicated to giving Year 12 pupils the opportunity to experience what a university seminar is like and what kind of topics may be covered. The first talk was given by a graduate from Exeter, who delivered an incredible lecture about the ‘Images of the Earth’ which explored how, for generations, civilisations have positioned themselves at the centre of all activity, with everything revolving around them. This was originally shown by primitive maps, where important locations were physically larger, and centralised. This, she argued, contributed to the development of nationalism and identity.
Another graduate spoke about the connection between places and people, and how discrimination can occur in certain areas. As an example, she showed our group of nine a series of pictures of some neon benches displayed along the South Bank last year. They were unusual and playful, as they twisted and bent which made them, inevitably, an attraction to children. It also added to the artistic environment along the South Bank, as they made passers-by stop and question function as opposed to aesthetic. However, the graduate from Queen Mary pointed out how they were inaccessible to homeless people, who had previously used normal benches along the South Bank to sleep on. Therefore, they had been displaced, which she discussed the impacts of.
The day consisted of four seminars, lunch, and a final lecture about studying the subject as a degree. Overall, it was an insightful day which gave both of us a broader idea of what it would be like to study the subject at a further level.
