In the Berkhamsted spotlight

In this episode we explore the evolving landscape of career education in schools with Simon Long, Head of Careers at Berkhamsted. He shares insights on early career development, the importance of resilience, and how schools can prepare students for an unpredictable future shaped by AI and changing industries. Key topics: The importance of starting career conversations early, from Year 7 onwards. S...

In this episode, Alan Gillman, Head of Estate Services, discusses various aspects of school management, including the importance of coach routes, innovations in tracking systems, safety measures, and sustainability initiatives. He shares insights into how the school engages with students and parents, ensuring a safe and environmentally responsible learning environment. Takeaways The school operate...

In this episode we speak with Martin Walker, Vice Principal and Principal at Berkhamsted School, about his journey into leadership, the importance of community, and the evolving role of technology in education. Martin shares insights on school values, leadership challenges, and how to inspire students and staff alike. In this episode: Martin's motivation for joining Berkhamsted and his journey fro...

In this episode we hear from Debbie and Ryan at Berkhamsted who explore the significance of early years education. They discuss the structure of early years programmes, the importance of play in learning, and how risky play fosters resilience in children. The conversation highlights the critical role of parental involvement and the need for nurturing curiosity and imagination in young learners. Ta...

This podcast episode explores the sport of Eton Fives at Berkhamsted, featuring insights from pupils and staff. We have Oliver from Y6, Tom from Y13 and Mr Davey, Head of Rackets. We discuss the history, rules and unique aspects of the game, emphasising its benefits for students' physical and social development. The conversation highlights the importance of sportsmanship, strategy, and the persona...

Today we explore the theme of curriculum innovation in education, focusing on how schools are adapting to the changing needs of students in a rapidly evolving world. The discussion includes insights on global perspectives, skills development, innovative learning tools, and the importance of independent learning. The guests share their experiences and strategies for creating a curriculum that prepa...

In this conversation, Heads of Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls, Tom Hockedy and Jo Vila what makes Berkhamsted such a special place to learn and work, and reflect on the close collaboration between our Girls and Boys schools. They also explore our “diamond” structure which enables pupils to benefit from the best of both worlds at Berkhamsted. They explain the strengths of a single-sex educa...

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...

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...

071 - 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 co...

070 - 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 significa...

069 - 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&apo...

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 Schoo...

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 f...

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 disc...

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 In this podcast episode, Kathryn Blurton and Simon Jones discuss the importance of physical education in schools, focusing on the Motor Movers program designed to enhance children's physical deve...

064 - 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 eat...

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 welc...

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 chang...

061 - 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...

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 receive...

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...

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 va...

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 righ...

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 no...