Academic Review 2024

ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD

An introduction from the Warden

Welcome to the second edition of the St Edward’s Academic Review, an annual celebration of the School’s academic culture. In its combination of work by pupils and their teachers, the Academic Review is an expression of the School as a community of learners, united in their pursuit of scholarship and excellence.

wanting to read more widely, to think more deeply and to develop new ideas of our own. Teddies is a vibrant and inspiring place in which to live and work, not least for the breadth of interests amongst the pupils and teachers. The Academic Review reflects that diversity - read on to learn how personalised medicine could be integrated into the NHS, about the importance of passive resistance during the German occupation of France and the significance of Sunny's interactions with Holden in The Catcher in the Rye . These essays are interspersed with stunning work created over the last year by pupils in the Art Department, a very different but equally inspiring form of expression and communication. I hope that you enjoy this second edition even more than the first.

At Teddies we educate our pupils not only to acquire knowledge but to approach their learning with curiosity. We want them to leave here with a lifelong interest in the life of the mind and the ability to question, to reflect, and to communicate and collaborate with others. If we have equipped them with those valuable tools and an enthusiasm for learning, we have done our job well. When you have read this second edition of the Academic Review, I hope that you will share my view that we are well on our way to achieving that objective. For me, this Review is the very definition of scholarship: building on the work of others to find new ways of thinking, making connections between subjects and across centuries of learning, expressing ideas with clarity, conveying passion, inspiring enthusiasm, and leaving us

Introduction from Hugh Stephens, Director of Teaching and Learning The Academic Review showcases the curiosity of our community over a broad range of academic areas and exemplifies our willingness

Choosing pieces to include in this publication is a considerable challenge and the work presented here is only a small sample of the academic excellence and achievement to be found among the pupils and staff at Teddies. I hope you enjoy reading the Academic Review and find inspiration from the remarkable essays and outstanding artwork.

to tackle challenging questions and our creativity in presenting solutions and new perspectives. This second edition presents a selection of the most outstanding thinking and academic writing at Teddies from the past year.

Cover image: Paddy Smith

All of the essays and artworks published in this edition of the Academic Review have been written by current pupils or 2023 leavers, with the exception of the essay entitled 'To what extent is it frustrating or disappointing that Austen's heroine in Persuasion becomes emotionally fulfilled by marrying the man she loves?' which was written by Anastasia Elliott, Teacher of English.