As part of the Minerva Lecture Programme, pupils had the incredible opportunity to hear from Simon Parker, a journalist and documentary filmmaker. His visit was both inspiring and insightful, offering a fresh perspective on politics, geography, and journalism.
Simon shared his remarkable journey of cycling across America, where he met people who shaped his understanding of the country’s most pressing issues.
“What made Simon’s story so fascinating was how he organically met people who taught him about the real issues affecting the country, rather than just relying on the media’s perspective.”Gulsen, Year 12 pupil
Simon explained how, rather than relying on media narratives, he learned from ordinary people, like a woman campaigning against nuclear weapons near a major storage facility. Simon’s resilience, despite challenges like a torn tire and an unexpected tornado, illustrated his determination.
One particularly impactful moment was when Simon shared an interview with a 17-year-old boy from Alaska, who spoke about the increasing division in America, even within families. This highlighted the growing difficulty of having open political discussions. Simon also showed clips from his documentary, revealing the creative effort behind storytelling and journalism. He shared how he packed a drone, camera, computer, and tape – proving that powerful stories can be told with minimal equipment.
Pupils also analysed various newspapers, including The i, sparking discussions about how journalism is adapting to modern readers’ preferences for quick, concise news.