LaSWAP Students Inspired at the British Academy Ideas Festival

Year 12 Psychology students enjoyed a fantastic day out at the British Academy Ideas Festival, travelling into central London for a day packed with thought-provoking talks, interactive exhibits and inspiring discussions.

Meeting in the summer sunshine at the foot of the Duke of York Column, students were in great spirits — a welcome contrast to the rain-soaked trip the previous week!

The day began with a fascinating session on fake news in history, exploring how misinformation has shaped the way famous figures have been viewed over hundreds of years. Students also had the chance to experiment with AI tools and explore the growing issue of AI “hallucinations”, linking historical misinformation with modern technology.

After some time to explore the local area and grab lunch, students returned to browse a wide range of exhibits hosted by academics and professionals. With over a dozen interactive displays, there was plenty to get involved in, and LaSWAP students threw themselves into discussions, asking thoughtful questions and engaging brilliantly throughout.

The final talk, 2050 and You: How Do You Shape the World You Want to Live In?, was a real highlight. Speakers shared honest reflections on their own journeys, including setbacks and failures as well as successes. Their message was clear: there is no single perfect route to success, and resilience matters just as much as achievement — an important reminder for students thinking about university, careers and life beyond sixth form.

Our students represented LaSWAP exceptionally well, asking insightful questions and showing real curiosity, maturity and enthusiasm throughout the day. A brilliant experience all round — and one we hope to be invited back to next year.