Culture, Media & the Arts

Should artefacts be returned to where they were taken from?

15th - 22nd September 2023

For this VoteTopic, voters mused about where historical and cultural objects belong, in light of the ongoing debate around the repatriation of artefacts to different nations and peoples from museums in the UK and worldwide.

Should there be more rules at live shows?

07th - 14th July 2023

For this VoteTopic, voters put audience etiquette in the spotlight. They reflected on the way people behave at live shows, and considered the impact that rules could have on others in the audience and the performers themselves.

Are you interested in Harry and Meghan?

20th - 27th January 2023

There is daily intrigue into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. With regular news reports on their activities, a Spotify podcast by the Duchess, a memoir from Prince Harry entitled ‘Spare’ and a Netflix documentary of their experience in the Royal Family, many people in the UK have formed an opinion on the couple. Our voters considered their own thoughts on Harry and Meghan and discussed the impact of their frequent media coverage.

Do seasonal traditions stop us trying new things?

30th December 2022 - 06th January 2023

As students returned to schools following the winter break, our voters considered how inflexible the traditions attached to the winter and subsequent New Year holidays are. They explored the purpose of traditions, what they provide to society and their relationship to change. With this information, they decided whether traditions are important to keep or if they prevent us from having more varied experiences.

Is it time for the BBC to be switched off?

14th - 21st October 2022

As its Centenary celebrations approach, our voters explored the BBC’s memorable history and its mission to act impartially and in the public interest. They considered how far the BBC has achieved this aim and whether the license fee expectations are justifiable for each household.

Will the future feel different to the second Elizabethan era?

16th - 23rd September 2022

Following the recent passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our voters explored her significant 70 years on the throne and what possible changes the future may hold as His Majesty King Charles III begins his reign. They considered how smaller adjustments may impact our daily lives, such as changes to stamps and the national anthem as well as larger societal shifts.

Will the Lionesses' win create long-lasting change?

02nd – 09th September 2022
To mark the Lionesses’ victory in the European football championship this July, our pupils explored the history of women’s football and its ongoing fight for equal recognition. They considered the increase in media coverage and support for the Lionesses’ during Euros 2022 and the potential impact this could have on the future for gender equality.