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On the evening of 19 March, the History Department hosted an engaging conversation between Ms Devine and acclaimed journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera at the Arundel Centre. The discussion centered on Sanghera’s work, Empireland, which examines the enduring impact of British imperialism on contemporary society.
Sanghera, known for his insightful exploration of Britain’s imperial past, shared the motivations behind writing Empireland. He stressed the necessity of acknowledging and understanding the complexities of the British Empire to fully comprehend the nation’s current social and cultural dynamics. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Sanghera highlighted how imperial history continues to influence modern Britain, from societal structures to national identity.
Mrs Devine guided the conversation with thought-provoking questions, wit, and encouragement, prompting Sanghera to elaborate on the challenges he faced in addressing such a multifaceted subject. He discussed often-overlooked narratives within British history and emphasized integrating these perspectives into mainstream education.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including students and teachers from our partner schools network and members of the Channing community—students, teaching, and non-teaching colleagues alike. Attendees actively participated in the Q&A session, posing insightful questions about imperialism’s implications for current societal issues and addressing historical injustices.
Sixth Form students from William Ellis School found the event particularly enlightening, as they are currently reading Empireland as part of their History Book Club. Many students seized the opportunity to have their books signed and engage further with Sanghera on topics of interest.
The History Department remains committed to facilitating such meaningful discussions, reflecting its dedication to promoting critical thinking and deeper historical understanding within the community.