We were delighted to welcome Dr Oyawale, a political historian specialising in empire, political violence and global power, to speak to our KS4 and KS5 students. His talk, “Terrorism and Empire: A Historical Perspective,” offered a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of how terrorism has been understood and shaped over time, particularly in relation to the British Empire.
Dr Oyawale encouraged students to think critically about the complex relationship between empire and political violence, exploring how definitions of terrorism have shifted and how language plays a powerful role in shaping perceptions. Through a range of historical examples, he challenged students to consider multiple viewpoints, including the idea that individuals labelled as terrorists may see themselves as freedom fighters, raising important questions about perspective, power and morality.
Students were highly engaged throughout and responded thoughtfully to the ideas presented. Dr Oyawale skilfully applied these global concepts to smaller-scale, relatable scenarios, helping to make complex ideas accessible to all. By drawing comparisons between world leaders and authority figures, and between revolutionaries and those challenging systems closer to home, students were able to grasp the nuances of the topic more clearly. Fay S and Abi B (Year 9) described the talk as “really inspiring and intriguing,” noting how it helped them understand “the connections and similarities” between empire and terrorism. They also reflected on how “terrorism has different viewpoints,” highlighting the way the talk encouraged them to think beyond a single narrative. Dr Oyawale later commented on how receptive the students were, praising the insightful and thought-provoking questions posed during the discussion at the end.
Dr Oyawale’s engaging and charismatic delivery made complex ideas accessible, and his talk has sparked ongoing discussion among students and staff alike. It was a valuable opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of both historical and contemporary global issues, and to reflect on how the legacy of empire continues to shape the world today.
We are very grateful to Dr Oyawale for giving his time and sharing his expertise with our students.