FROME College welcomed the former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, for a special presentation at the Merlin Theatre to coincide with Earth Day.
Students in Year 10 and 13 gave a presentation to their parents and special guests. Frome Cadets welcomed the guests to the theatre, including members of Frome Rotary Club and former Frome Mayor, Peter MacFayden.
Teacher at Frome College Chris Curtis said, “Year 10 students gave outstanding presentations on particular aspects of climate change and human rights including issues of gender, women in politics, democracy and freedom of speech and how we can all play our part in tackling climate change.
“The presentations were the culmination of eight weeks of research on a social justice module, planned and delivered by University of Bath’s researcher, Ioannis Costas Batlle and students, Lydia Salter and Robin Guy, part of the college’s work with the university’s widening participation office.
“Year 13 A-level students presented a thoroughly researched, perceptive and articulate assessment of the issues surrounding the Maldives and introduced a fantastic audience participation question and answer session.”
Chris Curtis, who introduced the evening, stated that the former president is a beacon of light for climate change and human rights. He said, “Your achievements at the Copenhagen Summit in 2009 are extraordinary and will be a lasting legacy for all time. The agreement for world leaders to honour the 350 PPM for CO2 emissions will be one of the most important decisions of our generation.”
The former presidents’ words from the Copenhagen summit were also quoted, “If we cannot save the Maldives today, then what hope is there to save England tomorrow.”
Chris Curtis continued, “The result was a stunning evening of presentations and an inspirational talk about important issues in the world given by His Excellency, who is the first ever democratically elected leader of the Maldives.
“He gave an inspirational speech to the audience and emphasised the need for every country to place human rights and tackling climate change at the forefront of its policy making.
“He said he was deeply moved by the passion and determination of Frome College students, and congratulated them on the exceptional levels of research and understanding they had shown in a truly unique evening.
“The former President gave a moving account of the many challenges he has had to overcome including being sent to prison as an innocent man on many occasions and being tortured twice.
“His Excellency wishes to build on the success of the evening and expressed a wish to continue to keep in contact with Frome College and forge exciting links with the people of the Maldives. He planted an apple tree near the Merlin Theatre, and a plaque to recognise his contribution to the world stage will be unveiled in the near future.
“We would like to thank Frome Rotary Club for sponsoring the event, Combe Grove Manor in Bath for generously providing accommodation, The little Flower Co for the beautiful flower arrangements, Emma Chapman Pottery for the bowl presented to the former First Lady and to Grace Barnes in Year 12 for her fantastic portrait of the former President, which she presented to His Excellency on stage.”
The presentation was organised by Hana Thompson and Chris Curtis as part of the progression with the Able & Ambitious Programme at the University of Bath. Other guest speakers also gave talks on the issues of climate change.
The University of Bath Widening Participation Office (WPO) has an ongoing relationship with Frome College to plan innovative activities for the students. The KS4 Project is aimed at the school’s Able & Ambitious students within Key Stage 4, therefore Years 9 to 11. It is designed to stretch and challenge the students while encouraging them to see going to university as a viable, attainable option.
