Year 12 history students at Tewkesbury Academy participated in an engaging session exploring the experience of African Americans in the USA from 1920 to 1955.
The session was led by Dr Christian O’Connell, a distinguished lecturer in American history from the University of Gloucestershire.
Dr O’Connell’s lecture delved into the origins of the American Civil Rights movement that emerged during these pivotal years. He traced the progress made, highlighted key eras of change, and explained the factors contributing to the slow pace of progress at times.
The session provided students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and the complexities surrounding the Civil Rights movement.
In addition to experiencing a university-style lecture, students engaged in interactive questions designed to encourage deeper reflection on the topic. This interactive component stimulated thoughtful discussion and enhanced the students’ grasp of the material.
Lucie Davis, a history teacher at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “I was delighted to see several of our students’ volunteering answers and sharing their views. It was a really interesting talk which will hopefully have deepened the students’ understanding of the topic and inspired them to pursue their studies at a higher level in the future.
“Thank you to Dr O’Connell for giving us his time and delivering such an interesting talk.”
The session was a valuable opportunity for Tewkesbury Academy students to gain insights from an expert in the field and to enrich their historical knowledge, potentially inspiring future academic pursuits in history.
