Pod on Purpose

Charlotte Olley, Head of Secondary PE at the Alice Smith School, shares insights into how physical education extends beyond activity to incorporate holistic learning, technology, and career pathways. Discover how PE adapts post-COVID, the importance of academic recognition, and the exciting opportunities in sports careers. Main topics: The evolving role of PE curriculum beyond physical activity, i...

In this engaging interview, three lifelong friends share their nostalgic memories of school, the evolution of their friendship, and how their shared experiences have kept them connected over 28 years. They discuss the importance of community, support during tough times and the unique culture of Alice Smith School.

Join Malcolm Llewellyn and Jardine Jamieson as they share nostalgic memories of their time at Alice Smith School, spanning from the late 1940s to the modern era. This episode explores the school's evolution, their childhood experiences and the significance of its 80th anniversary. Key topics: Early days and memories of Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur The school’s growth and change over 80 years...

In this episode, Phil Welch discusses with Simon the evolving landscape of mathematics and computing education, the impact of AI, and how to inspire students’ passion for STEM subjects. It’s not just about numbers on a test or lines of code in a project; it’s about students’ curiosity, effort and questions driving real understanding and innovation. The conversation also explores innovative teachin...

This podcast episode explores the concept of enrichment in education, focusing on how extracurricular activities, sports, and performance arts contribute to student development. The discussion highlights the importance of creating an ecosystem of opportunities that fosters resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. The guests share insights on how structured programmes can instil grit and persever...

In this engaging podcast episode, Anne-Marie Francis shares her journey and passion for drama education, discussing how her early experiences ignited her love for the performing arts. She highlights the unique emotional connection that drama fosters among students, the importance of creating a supportive environment, and the transferable skills that drama education imparts. Anne-Marie also delves...

Tom McCulloch, Head of Geography at Alice Smith School, discusses innovative teaching methods, the importance of enthusiasm in education, and the integration of real-world learning and sustainability into the geography curriculum. He shares his experiences with fieldwork, the role of parents in education and his transition from Langley Park School for Boys to Alice Smith School in Malaysia, highli...

In this episode, Simon Jones speaks with Aaron Moniz and Scott Jamieson from Inspire Citizens about their work in global citizenship education at Alice Smith School. They discuss the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of whole-school programming, and how to engage various stakeholders in the educational process. The conversation highlights the need for intentional curriculum...

Neil Moggan and Richard Stockings from Future Action explain how the school is supporting students to perform under pressure in sport and beyond through innovative wellbeing programmes. Links: Latest blogs with parent resources : https://blog.alice-smith.edu.my/optimising-performance-and-wellbeing-in-school-sport-a-polyvagal-informed-approach-at-the-alice-smith-school https://blog.alice-smith.edu....

In this podcast episode, Simon Jones chats with Rebecca and Lynn to explore the concept of concept-based learning in education. They discuss the importance of pedagogy, the application of concept-based learning across various subjects, and how it fosters more profound understanding and transferable skills in students. The conversation highlights real-world applications, assessment methods, and tea...

In this podcast episode, Simon interviews Hyeinn Cecilia Roh, who shares her journey from attending Alice Smith School to Loughborough University to her current role at an international humanitarian organisation. Cecilia discusses her academic pursuits in gender studies, her experiences working in humanitarian aid in Yemen and Iraq, and the importance of believing in oneself and learning from mist...

In this conversation, Year 13 students Liam and Mei discuss their post-school decisions with Nicola Scott, Higher Education & Careers Counsellor, including their chosen universities and courses. They share their feelings about the transition to university life, the impact of AI on their career choices, and the essential skills they believe will be important for future success. The importance o...

In this podcast episode, Li-Kai Chen and Sian May discuss global educational trends and their implications for children. They explore the importance of personalised learning, competency-based education, the role of evidence in shaping curricula, and the significance of teacher quality. The conversation also touches on the challenges of parenting in a rapidly changing educational landscape and the...

In this engaging conversation, Niamh Walsh reflects on her formative years at Alice Smith School in Kuala Lumpur, discussing the profound impact of a diverse education on her personal and professional development. She shares insights from her early career in acting, experiences on set, and the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. Niamh emphasises the importance of resilience, creativi...

This podcast episode emphasises the balance between embracing heritage and fostering a global perspective. It explores the multifaceted concept of Britishness through the lenses of diplomacy, education, and personal identity. Ruzina Hasan, political councillor at the British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and a Governor on the school council, shares her insights and discusses with Sian May the i...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School. In this episode, Sam Hammett, co-founder of Lily's Homemade Sausages, shares his entrepreneurial journey and the success of his business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including being dyslexic, and how he overcame them. Sam emphasises the importance of persistence...

In this episode, Simon Jones sits down with James Worland, Secondary Principal, and Grace Dickinson, Higher Education and Careers Counsellor, to discuss how AI is transforming learning experiences, career guidance, and the skills needed for tomorrow's job market. From personalised education to navigating AI-driven career landscapes, this conversation unpacks the opportunities and challenges shapin...

Summary In this conversation, Emil Bernsten shares his journey from being a shy student at Alice Smith School to becoming an engineer at Petronas, working closely with the Mercedes Formula One team. He discusses the importance of education, teamwork, and interpersonal skills in the high-pressure environment of F1, as well as his passion for music as a creative outlet. Emil provides insights into t...

Summary This conversation explores the concept of learning spaces, their evolution, and the importance of designing environments that enhance student experiences. The discussion highlights the historical context of learning spaces, influential figures in the field, and the significance of stakeholder involvement in the redesign process. As part of our school masterplan, this discussion focuses on...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School with Navin Gopal & Francesco Corbetta. Summary In this conversation, Navin Gopal, from Astroscale, discusses the importance of space sustainability and the need to clean up space debris with Francesco Corbetta, Alice Smith School Physics Teacher, A Level Tutor and Leade...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School. Episode Summary In this podcast episode, host Simon Jones engages with Prakash Ravindran and Sian to delve into the essential topic of student wellbeing. They discuss the critical role of mental health in education, emphasising the necessity of having a trusted adult withi...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School. Episode Summary Alice Smith School alumna Melissa Tan, a former CEO turned full-time mother, shares her inspiring journey from fitting in at school to studying in Cardiff and Oxford, UK to leading her family's natural latex mattress business (Getha) and ultimately choosing...

In this episode, Sian May, with Richard Stockings and Helen Jones, discusses the importance of safeguarding and how it is implemented in their school. They emphasise the need for communication and open dialogue between parents, students, and the school. They also highlight the role of policies, procedures, and training in creating a safeguarding culture. The conversation covers topics such as the...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School. In this episode, we are talking to Alumni Natasha Chapplow, a humanitarian-focused professional with extensive involvement in large-scale scientific fieldwork projects. Natasha, an alumna from 2002-2012, has a remarkable story. She took time to ponder her path before decid...

We’re exploring purposeful minds and the process to understanding the meaning of purpose and impact at The Alice Smith School. In this outerspace episode, we hear from Mark Chang, alumni of Alice Smith School and aerospace industry veteran. Links online School website: www.alice-smith.edu.my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markchang2009/ This episode was produced by The Bonjour Agency .