Week 1: What does growing up look like in British law and custom?
From lowering the voting age or raising the age for criminal responsibility and other reassuringly confident positions (not!) And let's not even get into 'retirement age'!
Week 2: Are Jews any better?
Explore the significance of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Why these ages when there are so many other ages of 'responsibility' in Jewish tradition? What about the Liberal tradition of Ben/Bet Torah? Are we cheating or treating our children with the accent on partying? Is taking responsibility anything to celebrate anyway or does that immediately demonstrate that everyone's missed the point?
Week 3: When is a child not a child?
A discussion on the legality and definition of children and childhood, with a particular focus on international law and distress about children in warfare.
Week 4: From Sweet Sixteens and Quinceañeras to lion hunts and gathering bullet ants, how do other communities celebrate coming of age?
Learn about the diverse coming-of-age rituals and their significance for communities across the globe.
Week 5: Choosing a spouse, choosing a secondary school, choosing a religion and other important decisions. When should adults allow young people to choose their own path?
An impossible question or a delicate balance?
NB: This series will take place both in the building and online. To attend in in person, click the "Book Now" button on this page. To attend online, click the button below.