Reflections on a Humanities Festival rich in memories and experiences
The 2024 Humanities Festival at Fairfield has concluded, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and experiences. The festival was a celebration of our three humanities subjects: RE, History and Geography, featuring a diverse array of events that delved into themes of nature, philosophy, history, community, and identity.
Event Highlights:
Hot Poets Workshop: During the first week of Humanities Fest, Year 10 students were lucky enough to join in a ‘Hot Poets’ workshop. Hot Poets is the UK’s leading climate science and literature project, working nationally and internationally to make real change. The inspirational workshop was one of hope, focussing on climate change solutions and empowering our students, as global citizens, to feel able to make real change for their planet. Chris Redmond led the workshop, first sharing his own poetry and story of how his poem was handed to the Egyptian President and transformed a desert region. It was amazing to see Fairfield students enjoy being creative and making their own poetry which weaved together their personal identities and their relationship with the natural world. Students also shared their fears and wishes about the future of our planet and left feeling motivated for change.
Asylum Speakers talk from Gulwali Passarlay: Among the highlights was a special event coordinated with Refugee Week, featuring the acclaimed author and former refugee, Gulwali Passarlay. the author of The Lightless Sky, whose deeply moving talk captivated our students. Gulwali shared his harrowing journey as a twelve-year-old refugee fleeing war-torn Afghanistan, offering a raw and poignant account of the trials and triumphs that shaped his path. His story interweaved our topics of migration, religion and Afghanistan’s history. The narrative was rich with resilience and hope, provided profound insights into the refugee experience, fostering a deep sense of empathy and understanding within our community.
Queer History workshop: A small group of Year 8, 9, and 10 students recently had the unique opportunity to attend a workshop on queer history at the University of Bristol. This workshop, part of the Hums Fest, provided a fascinating look into the past through various historical sources, including badges and T-shirts from the first Bristol Pride in the 1970s. During the session, students learned about the process of selecting materials for archival purposes and the importance of these choices in preserving history. One particularly captivating story was that of a man who, during World War I, restored soldiers’ mobility through needlework—a task traditionally seen as women’s work. This experience was both educational and inspiring, offering a deeper understanding of queer history and the importance of preserving diverse narratives. If this kind of exploration interests you, consider joining the Pride Club, which meets every Monday lunchtime in room 3e01. Don’t miss out on more exciting trips and activities!
Bristol University Philosophy session: Year 9 students attended a Philosophy session led by Bristol University. We were lucky enough to have a Philosophy lecturer come to show students what Philosophy is and to challenge student ideas of Philosophy! Students were discussing areas such as consciousness, desire, power, intelligence, ethics and being encouraged to think critically. It was amazing to see the development in students thinking and discussion skills.
The Humanities Festival was more than a series of events; it was a journey of discovery and connection. From Hot Poets climate change workshop, Bristol University Philosophy debates, Wildscreen nature film workshop, the festival as a whole served as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and celebrating our shared humanity. We hope the students who took part have a deeper appreciation for the diverse stories that shape our world.