Year 12 students studying on the History A Level at Xaverian attended a lecture entitled ‘History Reimagined for a Changing World’ presented by Professor David Olusoga and graduate speaker, Maleehah Rehman at The University of Manchester. Professor Olusoga is Professor of Public History at the university and is a BAFTA-award-winning presenter of the acclaimed BBC TV programmes Civilisations, Black and British, Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners and A House Through Time and author of ‘Black and British: A Forgotten History’.
The lecture is aimed at students in Year 7 to 13 in schools and colleges to inspire them to think more deeply about history and its relevance in shaping our present and future. Professor Olusoga also spoke about Black British history and how it can reveal hidden narratives and why it is crucial to bring these stories to the forefront. He challenged students to think critically about whose stories are remembered, whose are overlooked, and why exploring a broader range of historical experiences is essential to understand both the past and the present. He also stressed the importance of reading widely, encouraging students to engage with books, articles and historical scholarship in order to deepen their understanding, challenge their assumptions and develop their own interpretations of the past.
Students also heard from University of Manchester graduate, Maleehah Rehman, who spoke about her journey studying History at the University of Manchester and the opportunities it had created for her. Her inspiring presentation highlighted the importance of representation within academia and demonstrated how studying History can empower individuals to pursue their interests, make an impact and follow a range of rewarding career paths.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, where Xaverian students impressed both speakers with the quality of their contributions.
Yasmin Muthra-Stone, from Chorlton High School and studying A Levels in History, Politics and Psychology at Xaverian, spoke about the talk by saying: “I decided to attend the talk because, as a student of colour, a lot of the topics Professor Olusoga advocates for resonate with me. I found it interesting how he highlighted how many ‘British’ traditions originate from other countries across the world. The talk made me question the curriculum I have been studying, and whether some parts of history have been censored and key historical figures ignored because of their race. The lecture was a useful experience to understand Professor Olusoga’s alternative view of history as a historian of colour.”
Curriculum Leader for History at the Xaverian, Hayley Flanagan, commented: “Many of the students commented on how inspiring and thought-provoking they found the talks and how there wasn’t enough time for all of their questions, as they were eager to continue the discussion! Overall, the visit provided a fantastic opportunity to engage with leading voices in the historical profession, gain valuable insight into university study, and reflect on the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping our understanding of the past.
“Our students asked thoughtful and challenging questions, including initiating discussions around government accountability and the role history plays in holding those in positions of power to account. Their engagement, curiosity and confidence were a real credit to the college and I’m sure they will take what they have learned with them into their university studies.”