We were delighted to welcome Dorothy Byrne, Editor-at-Large, to Bromley High School yesterday to speak to pupils as part of our Minerva Lecture Series.
Ms Byrne served as Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4 before becoming Editor-at-Large. A passionate advocate for women’s rights and freedoms, she is now President of Murray Edwards College at the University of Cambridge.
Ms Byrne spoke to pupils about the written word as a vital tool in safeguarding our freedoms, emphasizing how writing can expose injustice, hold those in power accountable, and inspire change. She encouraged them to develop the discernment necessary to navigate a world of misinformation and to become strong advocates for the preservation of truth. Drawing on examples from around the world – from the Carnation Revolution to the introduction of the polio vaccine – Ms Byrne took our pupils on an investigative and interpretive journey, offering access to her extensive knowledge and experience.
Pupils left the sessions with a renewed sense of purpose, a strengthened commitment to protecting freedoms, and a deepened ambition to use their voices for good.
“I found the lecture to be a powerful and moving experience, and I am so grateful to Dorothy for sharing her fascinating first-hand experience and her vast breadth of knowledge about journalism. The workshop was very engaging, and I felt all my contributions were appreciated.”Annabelle, Year 10 pupil
