Local educationalists tackle big ideas

Teachers from Cornish secondary schools are being invited to explore the critical debates of the day with academics at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus, known locally as the Tremough Campus.

Islamic radicalisation and environmental catastrophe are some of the key areas of concern in the world today and will form part of the Humanities and Social Sciences outreach programme. The event will be held on Wednesday 10 December 2008.

The outreach event is an opportunity for both teachers and scholars to discuss their research ideas and current interests in the social sciences and engage in the topical debates of the day. The four presentations will be given by leading experts from the University and will cover the challenges faced by religious teachers, guidance on how to find the best and avoid the worst history sites on the internet, the use and abuse of the ‘environment’ in history teaching and finally, understanding radicalisation and the terrorist threat.

History Lecturer, Anne Murphy, said ‘It is an opportunity for everyone involved to challenge their understanding of some these highly relevant issues; such as religious creationism and how to guide students beyond relying on wikipedia for their research. The benefits are both personal and professional for academics and teacher as they and we can gain a better understanding of the needs and interests of local schools.’

She added, ‘We want to inform teachers about what we do at the University and seek to encourage Cornish students to consider Higher Education’.

The Humanities and Social Sciences Teachers’ Day on 10 December forms part of a series of outreach events at the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus that continue into 2009.

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