“We are delighted to welcome local high school students to our inaugural War Studies Widening Participation Summer School. Students engaged with academics in rich and lively discussions on key global security issues. War and conflict can have profound repercussions on society, and our core message is that everyone is welcome to study these important topics at our university, regardless of social class, gender, or race”
Dr Hassan Elbahtimy, Senior Lecturer in the Department of War Studies and co-organiser of the Summer School
07 August 2024
King's Summer School enhances young people's understanding of international security
Students from 14 local secondary and sixth form colleges in London participated in the first-ever Widening Participation Summer School at the Department of War Studies. The Summer School was designed to improve young people’s understanding of current global conflicts and to inspire them to explore solutions to international security challenges.
The Summer School featured a packed programme of activities bringing together academics and staff from the Department of War Studies and local secondary and sixth form students. This included a role-play simulation led by Dr David Banks and PhD student Evan D'Alessandro, where students acted out a high-level diplomatic conference involving six states to discuss war and peace in pre-World War I. Each team prepared their country's national position and negotiated an international treaty to avert war, enhancing their understanding of the dynamics of conflict and diplomatic negotiations.
The session "Why Study International Security?" by Dr Stephan Engelkamp highlighted the importance of understanding peace and war and their impacts on society and the world. In addition, Dr Jeni Mitchell led an interactive workshop "Trends and Threats: Can We Predict the Future of Global Security?" which engaged students in discussions about future threats from emerging technologies and climate change. Students also got the opportunity to tour King’s Strand Campus and learn about the history of the university.
“Hosting the inaugural War Studies Widening Participation Summer School was an absolute privilege. We were delighted to see ambitious and talented high school students engage with timely and complex topics in international security and peace. The team eagerly anticipates organising more initiatives like this to broaden access to higher education”
Carmen Falco, Lecturer in the Department of War Studies and co-organiser of the Summer School
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Senior Lecturer
Lecturer in Middle East Studies Education
Lecturer in War Studies Education
Senior Lecturer in International Relations Education