Throughout the week, students enjoyed fascinating talks on diverse topics. Headmaster Mr Paget-Tomlinson opened with “Waterloo – the tale of a battle and its impact,” providing historical insight into one of Europe’s most significant conflicts. Mrs Mortarotti transported students to the heart of Renaissance art with “Habemus Papam: The Story of the Sistine Chapel’s Masterpiece,” while Ms O’Toole explored the powerful and moving relationship between Music and the Holocaust.
For those inspired by adventure, Ms Perrett’s talk ‘Nothing Great Is Easy’ shared personal experiences of climbing Kilimanjaro, swimming the English Channel, and completing an Ironman. Adding to the excitement, Major Matt O’Sullivan gave an engaging account of life as a Royal Marines Commando Officer and pilot, offering students a glimpse into the world of military leadership and aviation.
Alongside the talks, students took part in a wide range of activities and challenges, including the Nepalese Tomato Transport Challenge, a Language & Culture Escape Room, English Language: Origins and Influences, and a *Mini Model UN Conference, creativity, and critical thinking.
We were also delighted to welcome author Olivia Tuffin, known for her popular horse-themed books, who spent time with students and visited the Leweston stables, much to the delight of our equestrian enthusiasts.
Year 12 students enjoyed a busy programme of their own, with residential fieldwork at Skern Lodge, as well as a visit to the University of Southampton to explore future academic opportunities.
Additional highlights included the inaugural academic enrichment dinner, where 50 students from our academic scholars and able, gifted, and talented lists enjoyed a lively evening of delicious food, inter-year quizzes, and an inspiring keynote by Old Antonian, Emma Bateman. Emma spoke about her journey, from education into derivatives trading, retail, and customer analytics.
Years 7 and 8 welcomed local MP Mr Edwards Morello, who discussed his role in public service and answered thought-provoking questions from our students.
The week concluded with the Thriving Minds: Able and Ambitious Conference led by Julie Arliss from Oxford University. Students from various schools gathered in our Pensabene Library to explore advanced topics, from Aristotle to nanotechnology, and participated in a debate on animal rights. Four Leweston students delivered compelling arguments for the motion, which was successfully carried.
Academic Enrichment Week at Leweston was a resounding success, offering students fresh perspectives, new skills, and plenty of inspiration for their future learning journeys.