The Island Sixth Form recently welcomed back former grammar-stream Medina College student Ella Brear for a captivating, university-style lecture and seminar. Currently, in her second year studying Liberal Arts with French at Royal Holloway, University of London, Ella returned to share her academic expertise with A Level History, Politics, and French students. The hour-long session was designed specifically for those aspiring to study Politics and International Relations with languages at an undergraduate level, offering a taste of higher education discussion well beyond the standard A Level syllabus.

The seminar focused on a highly relevant and complex global phenomenon: the rise of right-wing parties across Western Europe. Ella provided a remarkably balanced and considered perspective. She shed light on how modern political leaders seek to "de-demonise" their parties to gain mainstream acceptability, while simultaneously playing on deep-seated societal fears.

The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A, with sixth formers asking highly insightful questions that demonstrated their critical thinking. To support their continued independent study, Ella provided carefully curated handouts that compared and contrasted the political parties while supplying essential historical background.

The Island Sixth Form extends its warmest thanks to Ella Brear. Her transition from Medina student to an articulate, inspiring university scholar provided our current A Level students with an exceptional model of academic excellence.