The Wider World

Diana Darke

The Influence of Islamic Architecture in Europe
Against a backdrop of Islamophobia, Europeans are increasingly airbrushing from history their cultural debt to the Muslim world. But this legacy lives on in some of Europe’s most recognisable buildings, from Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament. In this illuminating talk Diana will give pupils a fascinating exploration of Europe’s medieval architectural wonders—and the Muslim master-builders behind them.
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Sophia Lovell Smith

The Stage – A career in Theatre Design

Sophia has been designing for theatre, opera, dance and interactive performances for children for over 30 years. This talk will discuss her work in theatre and routes into a creative career.

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Isla van Tricht

Pursuing a Career in the Arts

As well as delivering PSHE talks in schools, Isla is a theatre, TV and film writer. Her work has been produced in London, off Broadway, New York and across the UK. She currently has four original TV series and two feature films in active development as well as a short film for which she is writer/director.In this presentation, Isla will discuss her work in the artistic field and her routes into a creative career.

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Annabel Taylor-Ross

Blankets or Barriers – Understanding the Refugee Crisis and Our Response
When does giving help create more problems? What are we trying to achieve - genuine help or appeasing our own guilt? How do we ‘Do no harm’? This talk will enable your pupils to see the refugee crisis with empathy from a perspective that is more than just a headline or a thread on social media
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Jim Holmes

Humanitarian Vision
For over 30 years Jim Holmes has documented humanitarian work as a professional photographer for international organisations around the world. Jim’s presentation opens a window onto places and lives that are far removed from most of our own lived experiences. Issues discussed and illustrated range from refugees, clean water and rural healthcare to landmine clearance and natural disasters - including the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Indonesia. His presentations are illustrated by the best of his photographic portfolio and talks are passionate, professional and thought provoking with time available to take questions which often cover creative, career and the personal impact of these experiences.
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Diana Darke

The Ottoman Cultural Legacy

Diana Darke is a Middle East cultural expert and published author. With degrees in Arabic from Oxford University and in Islamic Art & Architecture from SOAS, London, she has spent over 30 years specializing in the region, working for both government and commercial sectors. In this talk Diana celebrates the culture of the Ottoman Empire, from aesthetics and architecture to scientific and medical innovations, the significant role of women, and explores the crucial part commerce and trade played in supporting the empire and increasing its cultural reach, presenting the magnificent achievements of an empire that lasted over 600 years.

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