THE KINGDOM OF BENIN
Posted on: | Category:

We are proud of the many opportunities students at Wilson’s have to explore their interests and passions in co-curricular activities. One such opportunity is History Club, where students can speak to their peers about a historical subject of interest to them. Myles in Year Thirteen recently presented on the Kingdom of Benin:

During this week’s History Club, I delivered a presentation on how and why the Kingdom of Benin was able to maintain such longevity in West Africa. I was able to boil the reasons for Benin’s success down to three reasons: its trade links with Western Europe, its military strength and its strong sense of cultural identity. Throughout the presentation, I compared these three factors to one another, ultimately coming to the conclusion that the kingdom’s trade was its most important asset - it presented Benin as an almost invaluable ally for Britain and other European powers at the advent of the Industrial Revolution, while also opening up opportunities for advancements in all other sectors of Beninese society long before its other West African contemporaries.

Following my talk, the floor was opened up to questions, where I was asked about my thoughts on the Benin Bronzes, the significance of the Kingdom of Benin to African society today and the relevance of the navy to Benin’s 600-year tenure. Overall, it was enjoyable to present a topic that genuinely interested me to both my peers and younger students within the school, and was a great opportunity to practice public speaking and presentation skills in a low-pressure environment.

Wilson’s School

A boys’ grammar school in the London Borough of Sutton (UK), Wilson’s School is:

  • committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment
  • a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 7536970). Registered office: Mollison Drive, Wallington, Surrey SM6 9JW
Translate this page

© 2024 Wilson's School   Contact Us