For our latest edition of Masterclass Monday, we were delighted to welcome Miss Misha Hassan, a visiting speaker from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). Misha delivered an insightful and thought‑provoking talk in our Lecture Theatre, guiding students through the history of nuclear weapons, the current global approach to non‑proliferation, and a range of compelling facts about the extraordinary and destructive power these weapons possess.
Her lecture was both sensitive in tone and fascinating in content, offering students the opportunity to explore an issue that has shaped international politics for decades. Misha explained the various sides of the debate surrounding nuclear weapons, clearly outlining the arguments both for and against their continued existence. Throughout the session, she encouraged students to reflect, question, and share their own thoughts on the place of nuclear weapons in the modern world.
In addition to discussing the weapons themselves, Misha also touched on the role of activists and protestors, highlighting how individuals can make their voices heard and contribute to meaningful change. Her talk offered valuable insight into how people engage with global issues, and demonstrated that there are many ways to participate responsibly and thoughtfully in public debate.
The themes explored during the session resonated strongly with our Shiplake values, particularly reflection, curiosity, and open‑mindedness. Students were challenged not only to learn about the topic, but also to consider their own responses and to appreciate the complexity of the issue.
We are very grateful to Misha and CND for visiting us and sharing such an engaging perspective. Our next Masterclass takes place on Tuesday 10th February, when we look forward to hearing from a West End singer and performer.
