On 11 April 2022,  Caden Chuang a Grade 10 Learner in Mallett House, presented a talk to The Historical Bench, entitled "The China-Taiwan Divide".  [The Historical Bench was formed in 1999 when Bishops turned 150].

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Grant Weich, a Grade 9 Learner in Birt House, wrote up the following. 

"The creation of interconnected parallels between two or more different narratives is one of a historian’s many abilities that can be utilized in order to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the often chaotic and complex world surrounding them. Said aforementioned ability may also be vital whilst attempting to create a calculated and realistic prediction relating to the outcome of a particular conflict, in this instance, said conflict refers to the tense political rivalry between China and Taiwan, as well as the heavily debated “one country, two systems policy.” Such a conflict’s history can be paralleled with the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, and questions can be raised relating as to whether or not the state of Taiwan may befall a similar fate to that of the Ukraine in the near future. One’s thirst for knowledge can be satiated by opportunity for discussion, and such an opportunity to receive an insight of a relatively unspoken dispute has been provided by the Historical Bench, who encourages those who possess such a thirst for knowledge to take that first step."

The above view of a student and member of one of the societies at school, demonstrates the importance of having societies at Bishops such as the Historical Bench and many others.  The Historical Bench is run by the students themselves, they select their topics, they present them, with the teacher there to advise and support (the topic is first discussed between the teacher and the presenter). 

At the presentation by Caden, through the use of a Power Point Presentation, he explained the current China and Taiwan divide, beginning with some historical context of the situation.  He explained the tension that exists between the two and the future prospects for the region.  

The day after Caden's presentation, another school society, Lingua Franca, presented a talk entitled" "Putin, Umpire or Empire - or Crazy Cardshark/p". 

For further details of these societies or if you would be interested in addressing the students on a topic of interest at the societies, please contact Paul Murray the Teacher-in Charge: pmurray@bishops.org.za