Academic Society

Armand-Jean du Plessis, Cardinal de Richelieu

Chief Minister of France, 1624 - 1642

Richelieu was certainly one of the greatest statesmen of the Seventeenth Century and arguably one of the greatest ever. He was the architect of the unitary French state and, as an act of sheer political will, he forged the absolutist French monarchy that died bloodily in the Revolution over one hundred and fifty years after his death. In addition, he was a theologian, philosopher, poet, playwright, military tactician and had an interest in science, architecture, painting, sculpture and music. Posthumously, he has also become a Hollywood villain!

That is why we have chosen him as the image of the new Sixth Form Academic Society. His superb intellect ranged freely over every area of learning, sometimes well, sometimes rather less well but he remained a polymath in the best traditions of the Renaissance.

We may not have any budding Richelieu's in the Sixth Form but, as you will know if you attended the recent Celebration Evening, we are keen to provide an opportunity for the most intellectually curious of our older pupils to explore together interesting and stimulating ideas and topics unconstrained by the demands of the examinations.

The Society will meet at least six times in each term and possibly more often to listen to academic papers, enjoy intellectual discussion and explore learning without frontiers.

The Term Card for the Autumn Term of 2008 - 9 is being finalised and will be published in September, once an initial group has been gathered together.

If you have an expertise or enthusiasm that intellectually curious young people might find ‘quite interesting' and would be prepared to come and share it, I should be delighted to hear from you.

Posted by: R E Golding
Date: Tuesday 15/07/2008