On Monday 16th September we were delighted to be visited at school by The Allusionist, aka Helen Zaltzman. 

Helen is the author and presenter of the hugely popular podcast, The Allusionist, and the star of a touring international live show.  The Allusionist is a show all about language and what we do with it, which is why we invited her to come into school to share some of her knowledge with us! 

Helen met with year 12 and 13 students studying English Language for A Level and the ensuing conversation darted with great energy between topics as diverse as the use of personal pronouns to the constantly changing grammar of writing both on and offline.  To have The Allusionist as the star of our grand launch for our new Etymology Club during lunchtime was an honour and a treat.

I think that everyone who came along found new insights into how uncovering the history of a word can reveal a lot about its meaning, as well as how languages are forming and evolving all the time.  Year 10 were energetically engaged in their session with Helen, where minority languages, power through words and gendered language were hot topics.

A massive thank you to The Allusionist for her appearance at NHEHS – I am sure that the stimulating conversations that she led during the day will spark new thinking and new ideas.  

Dr Williams-Foster