Sustainable Futures Conference

‘Sustainable futures’ Student Conference

Last week, a group of ten students represented Thomas Telford School at a conference held at Reading University.  The event was organised for year 12 students from schools associated with The Mercer’s Company and included representatives from Thomas Telford, Walsall, Sandwell and Hammersmith Academies as well as St Paul’s Boys and Girls Schools in London, and Collyer’s Sixth form College in West Sussex. 

The broad theme of the conference was ‘Sustainable Futures’ and the aim was to bring together students from eight, varied and diverse schools to learn about, discuss and debate ideas on the theme of sustainability.

The Keynote speaker was Lord Robert Winston, the British professor, medical doctor, scientist, television presenter and Labour peer who spoke eloquently about his career as a scientist and his pioneering work on the subject of fertility.  He encouraged students to consider views on a broad range of topical issues such as genetic engineering and AI and reminded them that learning from failure is essential to their growth and development.  Students also took part in workshops with Reading University academics, Dr Stuart Black and Professor Julian Park who guided students through ideas about sustainable development, food security and the UN’s sustainability goals.

The Thomas Telford group enjoyed a memorable stay on campus and had a unique opportunity to learn from world-leading experts.  They all made an active contribution to the discussions and really made the most of the experience.  Well done to all!