The words 'round table' were not just buzzwords among fans of 'The Traitors' this week!

King's Ely Senior and Sixth Form students with a thirst for learning came together in the Old Palace after school on January 22nd for the first of our Lent Term Round Table Lecture series - organised to enrich pupils' knowledge beyond the curriculum.

We were delighted to welcome Old Elean, Hattie Pinto, back to school to deliver the lecture, titled 'AI and the Climate Emergency'. Hattie left King's in 2017, having completed her A-Level studies with us, to read Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. She graduated with a first-class honours degree. After working in management consultancy for several years, Hattie has recently completed a master’s degree in global sustainability, and it was this work that informed her talk. 

Mr Colin Currie, Head of History at King's Ely Senior and who helps to organise our Round Table Lecture programme, said: "Before turning to the main focus of her lecture, Hattie spoke about her educational and career journey since leaving school. She emphasised that it is not always necessary to know exactly what you want to do when you leave school, and that career changes are not only possible but increasingly common - a message that I hope offered both comfort and encouragement to our students.

"Hattie went on to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis and artificial intelligence individually, before exploring the ways in which the two intersect. While acknowledging the significant difficulties this presents, she was also careful to highlight areas of potential, including the role AI might play in helping scientists to predict and model climate outcomes.

"The talk was clear, engaging, and well-pitched for our audience. Hattie responded thoughtfully to questions from pupils and staff at the end of the lecture, and remained behind afterwards to speak with students who wished to continue the discussion. I would like to thank Hattie for returning to King’s and for sharing her insight and experience with us."

Our Round Table Lectures are held throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms as part of our thriving academic enrichment and co-curricular programme. The talks are given by visiting speakers and members of our own school community on a wide variety of STEM and Humanities topics.