The 2024 History Lecture Series ended on a real high on Wednesday after school when the UVI History Prefects delivered the final talk in the programme. Talking about ‘The Vietnam War: Roots, Conflict, Legacy’, Ismay and Ella gave the audience a detailed insight into the causes of the conflict, as well as a clear exposition of how the war unfolded, followed by a thoughtful assessment of its impact, not just from the American angle but also from the Vietnamese perspective.

It was wonderful to have such a diverse audience – students, teachers, parents, an alumna, and friends and supporters of the School – all of whom were impressed by the Prefects’ knowledge and understanding of such a complex historical issue. They fielded incredibly difficult questions at the end, doing so on a topic which they chose to investigate quite independently of the A-Level History curriculum.

As Miss Hunt, the Head of Year 13, says, “We are incredibly proud of Ismay and Ella for producing and delivering this outstanding talk, despite also studying three A-Levels and sending off their UCAS applications!” They have indeed set the bar high for the incoming History Prefects, one of whom observed that it “was fascinating to hear about a topic that has such extensive media attention”.

On behalf of the whole History Department, I would like to thank Ella and Ismay for the marvellous work they have done during their tenure as History Prefects. We are hugely grateful for the significant contribution they have made to supporting and enriching the study of History at FHS.

Miss Boon, Head of History