Student Earth Summit

Tuesday 20th November – 21st November 2007

In November, ten Sixth Form students left the College at 5.30am for a two day visit to London to attend the Student Earth Summit. The conference took place at the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square and was open to students from across the country. The two sessions offered a unique opportunity for student delegates to explore the facts, opinions and prejudices about climate change. They heard from three experts and were given the opportunities to challenge views and ask questions. Some students had produced presentations which led to some interesting debates and discussions.

Our students found the conference quite illuminating, though they felt a little disappointed that the experts presented quite a one-sided view, as there was not enough discussion covering the arguments that climate change and global warming is not as worrying an issue as some scientists believe. Year 12 student, Scott Parnham said, ‘I certainly learnt a great deal about the issues, though it would have been better to hear a more balanced approach.’ They would have liked to have heard from an expert who was very sceptical about the issues of global warming.

After the conference on the first day, the students were given some free time to shop and explore the area around Leicester Square, which of course for some students such as Venexia Ashton, was the highlight of the trip. In the evening, they sampled the culinary delights of Planet Hollywood, before retiring to their hotel in Wembley for a well-deserved rest.

After another early start, the students attended the second session of the conference, which gave further opportunities for discussion, with the students themselves playing a greater role. The trip ended with a visit to the London Eye, though one student decided to give this a miss, due to her vertigo!

All in all, the students had thoroughly enjoyed the trip, with group leader Mr. Gray commenting that they were a credit to the College due to their positive attitude and enthusiasm throughout, despite the long journey and early starts. We hope to run the trip again next year.