A Changing World’ Global Citizenship Conference Poynton High School, 6th Form

On 23rd January, colleagues and students recently attended ‘A Changing World’ Global Citizenship 6th form conference at Poynton High School, as part of the school’s PHS Aspire Programme. The school was keen to look at ways in which they could support their students to engage with the changing world beyond the curriculum. Phil Coombs, Rebecca Collins, Jayne Price, Brian Roberts, Andrew Firr, Michael Francis and students Laura Tuckey and Amy Bancroft spoke to approximately one hundred 6th form students and their teachers about topics including criminology and the police and AI. Students questioned what a good job might look like in a net-zero future taking part in a research project led by university students, and considered global affairs and international politics and how our news is presented to us. Sessions also looked at how some universities are using AI as a tool for learners and how counselling has had to be reflexive to the diverse landscape we find ourselves in.

The sessions clearly stirred the students thinking about the world they currently live in, and will live in, in the future. Their comments included:

“AI will potentially affect my job in the future (radiography) so it was very interesting to learn about the law involved when things go wrong”

“The most interesting for me was AI in law, eye opening and interesting way to think around an upcoming potential challenge in society and for the justice system. Also mentioned the importance of data privacy – made me much more aware of what I do on Social Media!”

“So interesting to learn that China can track crimes people do such as j-walking and take a fine directly from their bank account.”

“I enjoyed the Politics and Global affairs session so much. This felt so relevant to us in the current day and it was the most interesting and thought provoking.”

“Global Affairs and International Politics was my favourite session as we learnt important facts about the Russia Ukraine war which otherwise would be hidden by UK media.”

Staff from the school said “It was great to see our students engaging with critical thinking beyond their courses.  We wrapped the day up considering the following quote which sums up our intentions for the day: 'The world is moving forward whether we like it or not, and constant change is an ongoing reality that is better to try and understand than to oppose.' Bordoni'.