073 - This podcast episode explores the Learning Pathways programme at Berkhamsted School, focusing on the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) for Year 10 students. Sophie Brand, the acting Head of Learning Pathways, discusses the structure and benefits of the HPQ, including how it allows students to explore their interests and develop essential research skills. Graduate Teaching Assistants Amber and Fran share their experiences and insights on guiding students through their proje...

072 - In this engaging podcast episode, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Gavin Rees discuss their experiences in sailing, with a particular focus on the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Sir Robin recounts his historic voyage as the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the globe, while Gavin speaks about his role as a skipper in the forthcoming race. The conversation explores the challenges of sailing, the importance of leadership and crew dynamics, and the life lessons gained from such...

Summary In this episode, Simon from Bonjour speaks with Laura Thompson and Sarah Blackmore about The Great Big Green Week, a key event dedicated to sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives within schools. They discuss a range of activities designed to involve both children and families in sustainable living, highlighting the role of Eco Councils in fostering environmental responsibility. The conversation emphasises the importance of community and parental involvement, the value of hands-o...

Summary In this episode, Reverend Becky Taylor shares her journey to becoming a chaplain at Berkhamsted School, discussing the importance of engaging with students on big questions about life and faith. She highlights the role of the chaplaincy in promoting well-being, integrating spirituality into daily school life, and supporting students of all faiths. The conversation also covers the significance of annual events and celebrations at the school, emphasising the value of communi...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Alison Holmes and Andy Manley from Heatherton School about the unique educational environment they provide for girls. They discuss the school's structure within the Berkhamsted family, the support offered at each key stage of education, and the importance of preparing students for future challenges. The conversation highlights the school's commitment to holistic education, innovative teaching methods, and fostering a strong sense of commun...

068 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. This conversation explores the significance of the Old Berkhamstedians, the alumni association of Berkhamsted School, highlighting its role in connecting past and present students. Lesley Koulouris, the School Archivist, and Vicky Rees, Old Berkhamstedians Coordinator, discuss the various initiative...

067 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. Summary In this episode, Ben Garman shares his journey from Berkhamsted to the University of Bristol, detailing his gap year experiences, particularly his impactful work with a non-profit law firm in America focused on death row cases. He discusses how his views on the death penalty evolved through pers...

066 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. Summary This conversation explores the growing movement towards smartphone-free schools, the impact of social media on children's mental health, and the role of parents in managing technology use. We discuss the initiatives at Berkhamsted School to limit smartphone usage and educate pupils on digital wel...

066 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. Summary In this podcast episode, Kathryn Blurton and Louise McCallum discuss the importance of physical education in schools, focusing on the Motor Movers programme designed to enhance children's physical development. They explore the core philosophy of physical education at Berkhamsted, emphasising enjo...

065 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. Summary Grace, a nutritionist, discusses the importance of nutrition education in schools, the challenges of working for a company that produces unhealthy products, and the strategies for promoting healthy eating habits among children. She also addresses the impact of fad diets, the benefits of variety i...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks to three students, Bea, Orissa, and Amelia, as well as the house captain and deputy house captain, Ada, Boya and Emmy. They discuss various aspects of boarding life at Berkhamsted school, including their experiences, food options, joint activities with the boys' house, support systems, and the sense of community. The students highlight the welcoming and family-like atmosphere of the boarding house and the opportunities for socialising and pers...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones interviews Nick Cale, the Head of Sixth at Berkhamsted. They discuss various topics related to sixth form life, including the importance of the sixth form years in a student's academic journey, the role of the head of Sixth, and the preparation of students for their next stage in life. They also touch on the appeal of American universities, the changing landscape of post-sixth form options, and the new building and teaching model at Berkhamsted'...

062 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Emma Oakley, Emily Gray, and Sofia Wise about their experiences with lacrosse. They discuss their time at Berkhamsted School, their journey to playing for England, and their recent victory at the European Championships. The conversation highlights the...

Summary Sarah Baharaki, a youth activist and advocate for education, shares her inspiring journey from Afghanistan to the UK and her commitment to making a difference in the world. She discusses the importance of education and its impact on personal growth and shaping the future. Sarah highlights the challenges she faced when joining a new school in a different country and the support she received from teachers and peers. She also talks about her experiences speaking at the United Nati...

059 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. In today's episode, we're speaking to Miss Jessica Thackray and Marianne Ponsonby-White, they discuss the boarding experience at Berkhamsted. They talk about the roles they play in the boarding house and the importance of having teaching staff involved. They highlight the benefits of boarding, such as th...

058 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. In today's episode, we're speaking to Debbie Cooper, Head of Stepping Stones, the Nursery at Berkhamsted, who discusses the importance of play and its role in brain development. She emphasises the value of risky play and the need for children to take managed risks to develop important skills. Debbie also...

057 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. In today's episode, we're speaking to Mark Costin, Head of Girls' Cricket and Millie from Year 13, who is the captain of the girls' first team. Come with us as we get into this episode right now. Berkhamsted online Website: www.berkhamsted.com Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool Twitter: @berkhamstedsch Insta...

056 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted school community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights. In today's episode, we're speaking to four pupils from Year Seven, and they're going to tell us what it was like transitioning in from Year Six. Come with us as we get into this episode right now. Berkhamsted online Website: www.berkhamsted.com Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool Twitter: @berkhamstedsch Ins...

055 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing a remarkable community. Now today we’re speaking to someone really quite special. When Stephen Thorpe is on TV or in the movies he’s more commonly known as Stephen Campbell Moore. But today he’s not with some of the biggest names in the industry (I’m talking Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, Dan Aykroyd) he’s not with them at all because he’s with us. And he’s about to talk about his life when he was at Berkhamsted. We find out how ...

054 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing a remarkable community. In this episode it's time for the Nativity at Christmas! 🎄 Berkhamsted online Website: www.berkhamsted.com Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool Twitter: @berkhamstedsch Instagram: berkhamstedschools