Oriel Magazine

It’s a real pleasure to introduce this edition of Oriel, a magazine written entirely by our pupils and shaped by their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

This issue is a testament to the richness of our School community, its ideas, its questions, and its willingness to engage with the world beyond the classroom.

At the heart of this edition is our recent enrichment week visit to Rome, a trip that offered pupils the chance to explore one of the world’s most historically and spiritually significant cities. From the grandeur of the Vatican to the haunting beauty of the Colosseum, the experience was both educational and deeply reflective. Pupils were encouraged to think about the intersection of faith, history, and culture - and many of the articles in this issue are inspired by those moments of insight and exploration.

You’ll find reflections on the ethical and philosophical questions that emerged during the trip, as well as broader pieces that tackle some of the most pressing moral debates of our time. Articles on euthanasia, animal rights, and religious fundamentalism show just how engaged our pupils are with the world around them. These are not easy topics, and I’ve been impressed by the maturity, sensitivity, and intellectual rigour with which they’ve been approached.

One of the joys of editing Oriel is seeing how pupils use writing to process
their experiences and challenge their own thinking. Whether they’re grappling with the ethics of assisted dying or questioning the role of religion in modern society, their voices are thoughtful, passionate, and refreshingly honest. This magazine is not just a showcase of academic achievement - it’s a space for dialogue, for disagreement, and for growth.

I’d also like to highlight the collaborative spirit behind this edition. Pupils have worked together to edit, design, and curate the content, and their commitment to producing something meaningful and well-crafted has been inspiring. Oriel is a pupil-led project in every sense, and I’m proud to see it flourish.

As you read through the pages, I hope you’ll be struck—as I have been—by the depth of thought and the range of perspectives on offer. These articles reflect the kind of education we strive for: one that encourages questioning, nurtures empathy, and prepares pupils to engage with complexity.

Thank you to all the contributors, and to the staff who supported them along the way. I hope you enjoy this edition of Oriel as much as I’ve enjoyed helping bring it to life.

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Mr Cory Cambridge
Editor of Oriel Magazine