The College was delighted to welcome Lauren Newall (E 14-19) as their guest speaker on Friday night. Lauren had dual engagement; delivering the inaugural talk of Bradfield’s Science Week ‘Cloudy with a chance of persistent precipitation bias’ as well as returning to the Diadati Society overseen by Head Librarian, Emily Stannard, the focus of this article...

A gifted mathematician, Lauren read for a degree in Maths and Physics at The University of Warwick before studying for a Masters in Weather and Climate at Exeter.

Lauren remembers their time at Bradfield fondly, as a pupil they were involved in everything, from CCF to Drumming as well as being a member of the Diadati Society throughout their time at the College. Asked to provide a word of advice to a future Bradfieldian they would advise them to make sure that they have fun, keep their options open, not necessarily pigeon-hole themselves to the exclusion of other potential areas of interest. So, for those scientists not to ignore the potential of exploring Art and the Arts.

Emily’s first recollection of Lauren was in Faulkner’s when they visited the library before a weekend and asked to take out a book on Quantum Physics, not your average weekend reading material, and she could tell that this was a pupil to watch.

The Bradfield pupils who choose to attend the Diadati Society, past and present, are nothing if not intellectually sharp and curious. Munching on chocolate biscuits and drinking hot chocolate deviously labelled as ‘Hot Water’ to deter any potential pillage, their demeanour and enjoyment of simple pleasures belie their ability to incisively and intricately dissect the subject of the evening ‘Leadership’.

Lauren chose the topic having recently followed a lecture series given by American Professor, Author, Lawyer and Political Commentator, Robert Reich, who argues that America’s traditional leadership class have abdicated their moral responsibility, leaving it to the US citizens to stand up for democracy instead.

Following a round-robin introduction which included advocation of a specific leadership characteristic, the discussion on ‘what makes a good leader’ was launched and Lauren did well to chair the well-articulated and widely varying opinions in the room. The pupils even self-recommended the creation of a ‘talking object’, heralding the debut of ‘Sammy the hamster’ a small toy was thrown between pupils giving the bearer permission to speak. Everyone had their say as the hamster rocketed from one side of the room to the other, from one point of view to another, democracy in action.

The discussion progressed to a ‘thought experiment’ where pupils then became the leaders. They were given a set of conditions and asked whether they were for or against the imposition of these conditions. The initial set of conditions were then varied to elicit the extent to which a leader’s principles would be tested, highlighting reality of the punishingly difficult decisions that leaders need to make. Economics, politics, values, all featured in the arguments posed and buffeted between participants.

A fantastic Diadati Society meet of thoughtful and thought-provoking discussion for all.

Bradfield pupils truly appreciate the opportunity to hear and learn from outside speakers. If you would like to return to Bradfield to talk about what you are doing now, please do get in touch with the Bradfield Society on bradfieldsociety@bradfieldcollege.org.uk