Understanding humanity through anthropology

Inspired by early conversations with her father, sixth former ROSIE MENZER developed a passion for human behaviour, society and culture. She explains how that passion drove her to set up RGS’s first Anthropology Society

FROM as early as I can remember, the conversations I have shared with my dad, who works as a sculptor on film sets, have rarely revolved around the mundane topics of daily life.

Rather than exchanging brief greetings or discussing what’s for dinner, our conversations, reflecting his passion for nature, cultures and exploration, have always been about the world, its history, and the people who inhabit it.

Around the age of nine, I became fascinated with rocks that I imagined might have once been used as tools. I would eagerly collect them and attempt to show my dad how they seemed to fit perfectly in my hand, convinced of their historical significance.

I distinctly remember the day he brought me a child-friendly book on the basics of evolution. After reading it, I immediately asked him probably twenty-five or more questions in a single sitting. I’ve always been a very inquisitive individual. From that moment, my curiosity for understanding humanity and the world around us deepened.

Over the years, my interests have grown and refined into a focus on human behaviour, society, and culture. I discovered that the combination of my favourite topics has a name: anthropology.

Anthropology is the study of humans, both past and present, and is often divided into four branches: social, biological, linguistic, and archaeological.

While my primary interest lies in social anthropology, I appreciate the field is inherently interdisciplinary, often lending itself nicely to a crossover between multiple branches.

Social anthropology, in particular, appeals to me because it explores how societies are structured, how cultures develop, and how individuals navigate social norms.

I aspire to pursue a degree in social anthropology, followed by a law conversion, combining my understanding of human society with the analytical skills required in law. My current A-levels in history, religious studies, and psychology, along with an extended project qualification examining the cultural setting of Corsica and its influence on the formation of the island’s constitution, allow me to develop a solid foundation in understanding human behaviour and beliefs.

I pride myself on my curiosity, so above all I want to preserve that.

Beyond my academic work, I have sought opportunities to engage with anthropology further and, having noticed RGS did not have an anthropology society, decided to establish one myself.

Since then I have dedicated my society periods to planning sessions, organising guest speakers – including from University College London and Durham University - and conducting extensive research into anthropology to ensure that the society would be both educational and engaging. I’m also exploring the possibility of a museum trip to complement our learning. I have to give a shout out to head of careers, Mr Walker, who has been extremely helpful in organising the guest speakers.

Our first meeting attracted seven members, which is great for our first session, and we will meet every Wednesday afternoon in N5.

Establishing the Anthropology Society has not only reinforced my own understanding of the subject but has also allowed me to share my passion with others.

Through both my studies and extracurricular initiatives, I continue to develop my curiosity-driven approach to learning, and am hopeful that the Anthropology Society will be a huge success!

*Rosie, pictured centre, with members of RGS's new Anthropology Society