Year 12 Students Engage in Thought-Provoking Post-Colonial Conference

Published by St Helen's School on Thursday 13th of March 2025

St Helen’s School hosted its second annual Post-Colonial Conference, where Year 12 students explored post-colonial themes in literature, history, and politics through engaging workshops and a keynote speech by award-winning poet Daljit Nagra.

On Monday 10th March, our Year 12 students participated in the second annual Post-Colonial Conference, an immersive and interdisciplinary exploration of post-colonial history, literature, and society.

The conference aims to deepen students’ understanding of the legacy of empire, celebrate the contributions of diverse figures, and encourage critical thinking about contemporary societal challenges.

The day was filled with interactive workshops, most notably one run by award-winning poet Daljit Nagra, whose work reflects his British-Indian heritage and offers powerful insights into identity, immigration, and cultural legacy. Daljit captivated the audience with reflections on his poetic journey, including his renowned collection Look We Have Coming to Dover! and his most recent work, Indiom, which was named The Guardian’s Poetry Book of the Year in 2023. Students were also given the opportunity to purchase signed copies of his books.

The conference featured a range of cross-curricular workshops led by members of the St Helen’s staff, each bringing a unique academic lens to post-colonial discourse:

Mrs Sinclair (History) guided students through an analysis of decolonisation and its ongoing impacts on global societies.

Mr Whalley (Head of Politics) explored the political structures and systemic inequalities that have emerged in post-colonial states.

Mrs Reidel-Fry (History of Art) examined how art has been used both as a tool of resistance and as a reflection of colonial histories.

Throughout the day, students engaged in dynamic discussions, analysing historical narratives, political implications, and cultural representations. By examining the past and its impact on the present, they developed a refreshing perspective on how societies continue to evolve post-empire, and the barriers that still exist today.

Reflecting on the event, Rhea, Amal, and Natalie in Year 12 shared their enthusiasm: “We felt very blessed and lucky to see so many knowledgeable speakers to teach us about such an important topic. It was highly enlightening and inspirational.” Similarly, Janae in Year 12 highlighted how the discussions broadened her perspective: “It was very informative and it urged me to expand and take interest in the politics behind colonialism.”

The conference also welcomed students from Pinner High School, reinforcing the importance of collaborative learning. One student expressed their appreciation, saying, “It was a great opportunity and I had a wonderful time. Thanks for inviting us.”

The Post-Colonial Conference is an important part of St Helen’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and critical engagement with global issues. Students left with a deeper appreciation for diverse voices in literature, history, and politics, and a renewed understanding of how they can contribute to a more inclusive and informed society.

A huge thank you to Daljit Nagra, our expert staff, and the English Department Conference Leads, Ms Ahmed and Ms Courtenay-Thompson, for organising such an enriching and thought-provoking day.