Debating the future of education at Wellington College – Day 2

Following the success of the first day of the Festival, festival goers woke up early on a Saturday morning to be delighted with many more innovative and thought provoking sessions. Among many other speakers, Iain Henderson, Assistant Head at Wellington College UK, explored the power of a coaching approach to unlock potential in pupils. Paul Dale-Vickers, a celebrated and multi-talented artist and lecturer, discussed performing arts education placing it at the heart of learning. During the second morning session, Ian Warwick, renowned educator, looked at ways to stimulate curiosity in young people and Jeffrey Forshaw, a particle physicist, talked about the amazing workings of our universe. Later in the morning, Dr. Deng Yaping, Table Tennis World and Olympic Champion and currently the Deputy Secretary General of People’s Daily, gave a keynote speech entitled ‘Building Resilience and Character through Education and Sport’.  It was followed by a compelling panel discussion on the importance of sport in education with Wellington staff members – Mr Carlton Palmer, Mr Alex Lloyd, and Mr Michael Larsen-Disney debating many questions including “Should pupils be competitive in school and in sport?”. A panel discussion between the Festival Director and guest speakers Roger Lewis, Paul Dale-Vickers and Ian Warwick discussed among other the question if schools will still exist in 100 years. Following this, we welcomed on the stage Eleanor Prescott and David Cook for their closing remarks thanking the audience and all festival goers on joining the debate at Wellington during the past 48 hours!