Aquinas Citizens

With the results of the 2020 US Presidential election all but confirmed we are now able to publish our November @AquinasCitizens podcast, this one in conjunction with the newly launched @AQTripleA Aquinas 'Triple A' scheme. 

The episode begins with a discussion about the likely consequences of the US elections -  I was joined by a group of current students (Rory, Holly, Sean and Jake) for that. Approx. 0-28 mins.

As part of gathering resources for the college's Triple A programme as well as for @AquinasCitizens, the middle section is an interview with four ex-Aquinas students who are now studying at some of the UK's top universities. Kathryn, Liv, Sally, and Sophie share their experiences with us, and offer advice to anyone considering applying to uni this year or in future. Approx. 28-53 mins. 

Finally I spoke to Matthew Torbitt, friend of the college, about his activism, his work as a parliamentary assistant, and his future career plans. From 54 mins to end. 

Thanks to everyone involved for giving of their time, and I hope we have done them justice in the edit. 

Enjoy, and stay 'active with the activists'! 

For October's @AquinasCitizens podcast I spoke to some of our current upper sixth Politics students (thanks Harvey, Daisy, and Will) about some of the issues facing the UK and US governments currently. This has put something of a time pressure on editing and publication because as we all know 'a week is a long time in politics', especially in 2020. The issues we discussed remain relevant, though events have moved on somewhat, and you can judge us by the conclusions we came to. 

For the second part of the podcast, from about 22 mins in, I spoke with students who have recently taken Politics A Level at Aquinas and who have since gone on to study politics-related courses at universities around the UK (thanks Vikki, Charlotte, and Phoebe). I learned from them about how their studies at Aquinas, and their political engagement generally, helped them to successfully apply to uni. Hopefully you'll agree that they have offered some words of wisdom that will be useful to current and future applicants. 

For the final part, the last 2o mins or so, I chatted with Councillor George Jones about his studies and political work since Aquinas. He only left last year and is already an elected councillor. Thanks to George for making time :)

Enjoy, and subscribe, wherever you listen. 

Best wishes, Luke

@AquinasCitizens