Round Square History Lab - Colonialism in Britain

Our final Round Square History Lab of the academic year saw L6 students Alice, Annabel and Lucinda joining U4 students Carmen, Philippa, and Alicia to discuss the impact of Colonialism across the world and how it is taught and represented.

Approximately 120 students from 24 schools in 11 countries (UK, Belgium, UAE, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Canada, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Kenya) came together to discuss the meaning of colonialism, the experience for both the colonisers and colonised, and its legacy. The latter in particular led to important and insightful conversations about cultural diversity and global communication, but also cultural appropriation, ‘stolen’ artifacts in museums, and neocolonialism. Carmen confidently shared her own personal view of growing up in Chile where the dominant language, culture and religion is that of previous colonial power Spain, with indigenous Chileans (who make up less than 13% of the country’s total population) finding much of their culture eroded. Meanwhile, Annabel spoke passionately about the importance of education and how conversations such as these are crucial in broadening perspectives.

Alice, Annabel and Lucinda said of the experience that ‘the call provided us with an insight into an important topic from a variety of different perspectives on the impacts of colonialism, particularly considering the role Britain played. The conversation, although difficult at times, was important as it exposed us as students to the impact of the British Empire, and the accountability that we must take in order to both educate and learn from the matter of Colonialism.’

The host school, St Stithian’s Girls’ College in South Africa, did an excellent job of leading this important conversation, and facilitating discussion between countries representing both colonised and coloniser.

I look forward to sharing a final round up of Round Square activity before the summer break, but would like to thank students and staff alike for their enthusiastic engagement with Round Square opportunities to date.

Academic year 2024-25 will see even more link-ups with schools across the global network through exchanges, conferences and collaborations. In the meantime please contact Victoria Kay-Barrero ([email protected]) if you would like to know more.