Mount Kelly Conversations

Stu Anderson is a governor, a parent, and one of the school's alumni. Stu shares his experiences as a pupil at the school during the mid to late 1980s. He reflects on the vibrant atmosphere of the school, highlighting how it fostered his love for the arts and creativity. Stu discusses the various opportunities he had, from participating in plays to sailing, which contributed to his artistic develo...

Simon speaks with Dan Robson, the Director of Music at Mount Kelly, about the diverse musical opportunities available to students at the school. They discuss how music education evolves as students progress, the personal development skills gained through music, and the role of musicals and opera in education. Dan shares his personal musical journey and insights into the future of music at Mount Ke...

Today we explore the experiences of three pupils from Mount Kelly, a school with a performance football academy in association with Chelsea FC. The pupils discuss their love for football, the rigorous training schedule, the balance between academics and sports, and the growth of women's football. They share personal stories of resilience, aspirations for the future, and the impact of media represe...

Simon speaks with Katy Kelly, Assistant Head Nature at Mount Kelly, about the importance of nature connection in education. They discuss how outdoor education positively impacts academic performance, personal experiences with nature, and initiatives like the Nature Project aimed at increasing nature connection among students. Katie shares insights on well-being, the Nature Connection Index, and st...

Summary In this podcast episode, Heidi Bower and Samantha Heal, Admissions Managers at Mount Kelly, discuss the admissions process for prospective pupils. They emphasise the importance of building relationships with families, the distinctive experience of visiting the school, and a tailored approach to each family’s needs. The conversation also covers the differences between open days and personal...

Summary In this episode of Mount Kelly Conversations, two 17-year-old students from Munich, Clara and Nele, reflect on their year abroad at Mount Kelly School in Devon. Having spent their Lower Sixth year immersed in British boarding school life, they share how the experience helped them improve their English, develop independence, and form international friendships. They also compare life in rura...

Summary  This conversation explores the immersion programme at Mount Kelly, where French and other international pupils experience British education and culture. Aude Richer-Langsford, a teacher, along with several pupils, share their insights on language development, cultural differences, and the benefits of living and studying in another country. The discussion highlights both the challenges an...

Summary In this conversation, Alan Johnson explores the concept of a ‘thinking school’ and the significance of metacognition in education. He explains how Mount Kelly has integrated thinking skills across a range of subjects and outlines the school’s journey towards accreditation with the University of Exeter. The discussion highlights the positive impact of these approaches on both pupils and sta...

Summary Today we have a different, unscheduled episode mostly in response to a recent Panorama programme about bullying in swimming in some high profile swimming schools. Mount Kelly wasn’t referenced in the Panorama programme at all but, nevertheless, the school wanted to be open and fully transparent to everybody. So we’re about to hear from Emma Collings Barnes, Director of Swimming at the...

Summary In this podcast episode, Simon Jones engages with James Whitehead, the subject lead for biology at Mount Kelly, and three year 13 pupils. They discuss the biology curriculum, the importance of practical work, and the students' experiences as they navigate their A-levels and university applications. The conversation highlights the students' aspirations, particularly in the field of genetics...

Summary In this episode, Esther Anne Thomas shares her experiences as a military family navigating education at Mount Kelly. She discusses the importance of a supportive school environment, the challenges faced by military families, and offers advice for those returning to the UK. Esther highlights the significance of co-educational settings and the value of community support, while also celebrati...

Summary In this episode, Simon Jones interviews Piers Davidson, the academic lead at Mount Kelly, discussing his journey into education, teaching philosophy, and innovative methods used in the classroom. Piers shares insights on the importance of engagement, confidence in students, and the role of outdoor learning in education. He also reflects on his personal interests and the significance of cur...

Summary In this conversation, Barnaby Ryder shares his journey as a young swimmer, discussing his early experiences in Dubai, his transition to Mount Kelly School, and his aspirations to swim the English Channel. He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness, particularly for men, and how his upcoming swim is tied to supporting a charity focused on this issue. Barnaby's passion for swimm...

In this episode of the School Podcast, Carys Twyman shares her journey from being a young student at Mount Kelly to becoming a newly qualified pharmacist. She reflects on her early memories of school, her passion for music, and the various extracurricular activities that shaped her character. Carys discusses the importance of leadership roles, her experiences during university, and her aspirations...

In this episode, Simon Jones interviews Marcus Coleridge, an alumnus of Mount Kelly, exploring his educational journey, passion for music, and future aspirations. Marcus reflects on the stability and sense of belonging he found at Mount Kelly, the importance of pursuing one's passion, and the various extracurricular activities that shaped his experiences. He shares insights into his music educatio...

In this episode, Simon Jones speaks with Dom Floyd, the head of Mount Kelly Prep, about his journey into education, the importance of play in child development, and the unique environment at Mount Kelly. Dom shares insights on the significance of building relationships, the benefits of a longer prep school experience, and the role of boarding in fostering independence. He emphasises the need for a...

In this episode, Simon Jones interviews Guy Ayling, Head Master of Mount Kelly. They discuss podcasts as a means of communication and connection, as well as Guy's background in education and his experiences working in Japan. They also explore the unique aspects of Mount Kelly, including its focus on outdoor education and the boarding programme. Guy emphasises the value of challenges and resilience...

We're really excited for this. Our new podcast is coming soon and we'll be hearing from people in the whole school community. To stay updated on what's happening in school make sure you Subscribe (or Follow) this podcast channel right now. The first episode's coming out soon! Links: www.mountkelly.com This podcast is produced by The Bonjour Agency www.thebonjouragency.com