Brentwood School - Brentwoodian 2020

88 The French poet Voltaire once suggested that “Whilst I may not agree with what you say, I will defend to my death your right to say it”. This is indeed a somewhat extreme mantra, but I believe in a way it perfectly captures what I have cherished so greatly about my membership and position as Chairman within Sir Antony Browne’s Society over the last school year. Within the uncertain times in which we live, a time of moral divides and “fake news”, the spirit of academic discourse and enquiry has lived on within the lively debates and lectures we have witnessed over the last year. We have entertained debates on topical issues such as Brexit, gender dysphoria and animal testing in which students and staff alike have passionately voiced opinions and ideas that will surely be relevant for decades to come. Furthermore we have been incredibly fortunate to enjoy guest lectures from a diverse and acclaimed range of speakers such as Rabbi Andrew Shaw, who spoke on the current state of anti- semitism in the UK, and politician Jack Straw, who gave us his take on the state of British politics. A personal highlight came in the form of the IEA Head of Political Economy, Dr Kristian Niemitz’s talk on the case for free-markets, in which the society was privy to nuanced socio-economic arguments and theories that we went on to discuss with Mr Niemitz at length. Another highlight for me was a recent debate in which four students presented their opinions on the potential abolition of the British monarchy in what proved to be a spirited and erudite debate, highly relevant in light of recent political controversies. The Society also recently enjoyed our annual dinner hosted in the Weald Dining Hall, where we heard a presentation from Professor Anthony Slinn on Salvador Dali’s surrealist movement and an evening speech from Old Brentwood and journalist, Andrew Billen, who spoke fondly of his experiences and memories of his time at Brentwood School. Sabs I must take this opportunity to thank Vice Chairman, Hassan Bajwa, and Society Secretary Kimberley Shaw for their tireless work throughout the year, as well as teachers Mr Bowley, Mr Dean, Mr Pickering-Carter and Dr Bryan for their attendance and support. Most importantly we must thank our Director Mr Willis for his much appreciated immense organisational role within SABS this year. As he leaves the School after 47 years we wish him a joyful and fulfilling retirement. To conclude, this year has certainly been an interesting one for SABS. With current affairs being so polarising and enthralling we have never found ourselves without a controversial view to dissect or an unusual opinion to hear. Finally, I would like to wish next year’s Chairman, Ziggy Wamae, every success in his appointment starting next academic year. By Ethan Cooper