After a flurry of Scholars' Masterclasses, we look back at the topics that were presented to our scholars and members of the wider College community. From media censorship to researching policing, and from trans-women in sport to trekking across Siberia; there were a variety of topics on hand for our scholars to delve into.
Trans-women in Sport and Media Censorship, Thursday 12 January
In the first talk, Year 11 pupil J Scanlon discussed trans-women and their place in female sport. A highly relevant and topical subject, J Scanlon first defined the term 'trans-woman', before giving examples of current trans-woman athletes competing. He concluded his presentation with opinions from other athletes, as well as giving his own take on the subject. The presentation was then followed by a debate among the scholars with many getting involved - there were different opinions and ideas presented to the group and it was good to hear such discussion from the scholars.
In the second talk, Head of Media Studies, Mr Milburn, presented on media censorship. Specifically, he spoke about the Video Recordings Act 1984 which was a piece of legislation that states that commercial video recordings offered for sale or hire in the UK must carry a BBFC classification - U, PG, 12A, 15, and 18. The act was a legislative reaction to a moral panic concerning what was known as 'video nasties' in the early 1980s.
Mr Milburn's presentation primarily focussed on the journey and the reasons as to why this act came into legislation. He presented several headlines that were published which linked 'video nasties' to high profile crimes such as murders, subsequently leading to a moral panic which, in his presentation, he describes as catalysts for change.
Despite passing in 1984, the Video Recordings Act has resonated on a global scale and even today continues to influence. For example, the Online Harms Bill, which features in the news on a regular basis, is a proposed Act intended to improve internet safety. An Act that is described as controversial by many, it has been a source of huge debate, as well as political rebellions, in the Houses of Parliament.
On Thin Ice: A Siberian Winter's Walk, Monday 16 January
Shiplake scholars and other interested members of the Shiplake community were delighted to welcome back adventurer, writer and speaker, Charlie Walker, to speak about his most recent expedition to Siberia. An expedition in one of the coldest environments on Earth, Charlie trekked 1,600km along the frozen Lena River from Yakutsk, in continental Siberia, to Tiksi, on the Laptev Sea.
In a captivating Masterclass, Charlie spoke of what inspired him to pursue such a gruelling expedition, as well as how he adapted, and ultimately proceeded with his trip, in light of the situation in Ukraine, which unfolded during his hike.
Charlie also spoke about the numerous villages and people that he came across during his journey, and also recounted to the audience how he coped with the extreme cold. For example, tasks, that in ordinary circumstances would take but a moment, could often take up to an hour to do in the freezing temperatures owing to Charlie having to warm his hands up after 90 seconds!
Charlie concluded his talk with details on what happened at the end of his trek where he was arrested on 'charges' of 'photographing sensitive military sites' and 'conducting illicit journalism while traveling on a tourism visa'. Charlie was subsequently tried, found guilty, fined, and sentenced to deportation with a five-year ban from returning to Russia. What should have followed was a deportation within days. In reality, Charlie was held at a detention centre for a month, with a constant fear that he would be sentenced to a 15-year prison term.
Eventually, Charlie was released and returned to the UK via Dubai. He is currently writing a book on his experience and is planning for another expedition later in the year!
Researching Policing in a Divided Society, Tuesday 17 January
In another Masterclass talk given by a member of staff, it was the turn of sociology and criminology teacher, Ms Magee, who gave a fascinating presentation on research she conducted in Northern Ireland.
Having grown up in Belfast, Ms Magee was four years old when 'The Troubles' started. She went on to study sociology at university which eventually lead her to conducting research into policing in Northern Ireland. Her research was later published in a book she co-wrote with her supervisor at the time.
Throughout her talk, Ms Magee encouraged the scholars present to pursue theory - to question why something hasn't been researched or looked at. It was similar thoughts and questions that led her to spending a year inside the police. During her research, she would go with the police, often in armoured vehicles and with armoured vests. It was, as she described, an unusual situation to be in. No research had previously been carried out on policing in Ireland; something made even stranger especially considering the events that were unfolding at the time.
Thank you to everyone who presented over these series of talks - we are sure that they have been inspiring to not just our scholars, but to other attending members of the College community!
