Report on New Academy 2010-2011
‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them’
It was Albert Einstein who thus reinforced Plato’s original idea for an Academy of the wisest and
clearest thinkers. Our latter day version of this forum, the New Academy, met regularly throughout
last year to consider some of the most interesting and most complex issues, to wrestle and to
reflect, to propose and test new ideas.
The Headmaster opened proceedings with the fascinating topic of innate sensitivities and
subconscious prejudices. Students tested themselves on-line via a Harvard research project before
bringing their thoughts and reflections to the meeting.
This was followed by two powerful presentations by Mr Smith on the philosophy of punishment.
These were preceded by some extensive reading on the subject of retribution and criminal
responsibility and was followed by a visit to Lewes prison to see the reality for those judged
unsuitable for society. This visit was for many the most powerful single moment during the academic
year and we all departed keen to re-evaluate our own views on punishment.
Two other topics challenged members to devise new ways of thinking. Mr Hawkins asked us to
create the conditions for a perfect society and Mr Beer challenged us to solve the proverbial
irresistible force meeting the immovable object as environmental pressures vie with economic ones
in the developing world.
In the Lent term Mr Ruskin introduced members to the Extended Project as a way of developing
personal understanding of an area of personal interest. Its totally voluntary and independent nature
is its very strength – would members possess the necessary skills and the intellectual persistence to
make it happen? Specific expert training was made available from the College Librarian on academic
research and from Mr Wilders on project management.
This term also saw members spending two days at the University of Cambridge. 30 students from
Y12 and Y11, accompanied by Mr Ruskin, Mr Toy, Miss Phelps and Miss Briedenhann, visited several
Colleges, spoke to admissions tutors in both the Sciences and Arts Faculties, toured the University
Library, had a city centre tour with current Old Eastbournian students, dined in College halls and
laughed to tears at the University amateur production of Noises Off.
Socially, ever closer friendships were made within the Society and among the scholars body as a
whole. In January members were invited to the Headmaster’s home for supper and an evening of
intellectual games. The challenges ranged from spatial dexterity board games and logic puzzles to
connecting apparently random events and dingbats.
The Society year ended with the annual Scholars Feast. With the theme of the nine planets,
members enjoyed a meal true to its billing whilst engaging in a table challenge to agree on the most
interesting thought had by those at each table, to discuss it and work it up into a two minute speech
delivered by a pupil representing each planet. We also enjoyed a thought-provoking speech from Mr
Hawkins which anticipated the Olympics with its message of the need and importance of academic
rigorous training and the pursuit of excellence.
Post AS exams members of the New Academy join the Casson Society, a society led entirely by its
members. Two papers chosen by the students are delivered and debated in a civilised and
unashamedly intellectual atmosphere.
My sincere thanks to all members of the New Academy, more numerous this year than ever before. I
would also especially like to thank the Honorary Secretary, Daniel Yu, and all members of staff who
support our most able pupils in Y12, ever encouraging and challenging in appropriate measure.
DJR