JUNIOR ACADEMICS SOCIETY (JAS)

This is a young society (founded in 2006) for interested pupils in the Third and Fourth Forms. All-Round and Academic Scholars have to attend, but the society is also open to other pupils in those year-groups who are curious about academic matters, and who wish to broaden their intellectual horizons in an environment of like-minded people. The ethos of the society is that there is more to intellectual life than exam-bound classroom subjects, and that pupils should get as much joy as possible from academic pursuits which are not connected with classroom work.

Mr Moule oversees the society, and is ably assisted by a committee of fourth formers. The society meets once fortnightly: most of the meetings consist of presentations given by members. In the past these have ranged from examinations of Michelangelo's art, to creation theory, to bird-life in Jordan. The variety of the presentations has been remarkable, and the standard generally very high.

In addition to this, the JAS has a discussion forum, and a lively programme of outside events. In February 2008, for instance, there was a quiz contest against King's College. Most departments have set up generous prizes for Junior Academics for extra-curricular academic work. JAs will also man the front of house at the History and Arts Lectures. There is also an affiliated society, 'Cultural Studies', which meets every Tuesday afternoon to discuss the arts, and many JAs are members of this too. As such, they have the opportunity to go on specialist trips, for instance to seek medieval remains in Exeter or Bristol.

The scholars themselves are obliged to collect a few 'points' over the year: they do this by taking part in the events listed above. No particular event is compulsory, so that they can play to their strengths.

History and Arts Public Lecture Dates - Spring 2008