We were honoured to welcome renowned broadcaster and political commentator, Tim Marshall, as guest speaker at our annual ‘John Rae Lecture’.
More than 160 people from local schools, the wider community and Taunton School students and staff attended in the newly refurbished theatre to hear his talk titled ‘Divided – Why we’re living in an age of walls’.
Tim Marshall’s perspective on the current political global landscape and the literal and metaphorical walls that divide our nations was humorous, at times controversial, and very thought-provoking.
Rick Kirtland, Head of Academic Scholars at Taunton School said: “All of us, as members of this school community, are invested in educating the next generation. Understanding what is moving and shaping the political landscape – one which, arguably, is the most complex and fluid it has ever been – is a challenge which requires a variety of perspectives and expert guidance. Tim Marshall shared a message which was relevant, illuminating and, ultimately, encouraging.”
Rick added: “His thought-provoking, educational lecture and subsequent question and answer session was enjoyed by all, and will, I’m sure, be of great benefit to the students who attended, some of whom got to meet Tim for a pre-talk chat.”
Tim Marshall is a leading authority on foreign affairs, with more than 30 years of reporting experience from conflict areas in over 40 countries. He was formerly diplomatic editor and foreign affairs editor for Sky News, and is a regular guest commentator on world events for the BBC. He is also a New York Times & Sunday Times bestselling author and founder and editor of the respected and highly influential current affairs website TheWhatandtheWhy.com.
The lecture was delivered under the School’s “John Rae Society”, the pseudonym for the Senior Scholar’s Society which was created in 2005. Mr John Rae was a prominent Headmaster of the School in the late 60s and early 70s and activities within this group are carefully chosen to challenge the pupils beyond their day to day curriculum.
