Whitgift Conversations

Summary In this episode, Francesca O'Donnell discusses her experiences and insights as a teacher at Whitgift, focusing on the subjects of Theology and Philosophy. She emphasises the importance of engaging students in critical thinking and challenging discussions from a young age. Francesca shares her journey into education, the unique aspects of teaching theology and philosophy, and how these subj...

Summary In this episode, we explore the roles and responsibilities of school leadership at Whitgift, featuring the school captain, vice captains, and deputy vice captains. The conversation delves into the nomination process, the importance of alumni engagement, fundraising initiatives, and the impact of mentoring younger students. The leaders share their experiences in fostering community, cultura...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones speaks with Stuart Litchfield and Rob Woodward about the unique sporting culture at Whitgift School. They discuss their backgrounds in sports education, the dedicated staff, the impressive facilities, and the extensive fixture management that allows students to engage in a variety of sports. The importance of alumni involvement and the school's commitment...

Summary In this episode, Ian Hanley, head of science at Whitgift School, discusses the dynamic nature of teaching, his journey in education, and the collaborative ethos of the science department. He highlights the importance of real-world engagement in science education, the various extracurricular activities offered, and the pathways available for students after graduation. Ian also shares insigh...

Summary Faye, the director of sixth form at Whitgift, discusses her role and experiences in education. She talks about the upcoming academic year, her journey through different roles at the school, and the importance of pastoral support in the sixth form. Faye also shares insights into the decision-making process for students considering staying at Whitgift for sixth form or joining from another s...

Summary Chris Ramsey reflects on his time as headmaster at Whitgift School, discussing memorable moments, challenges, personal growth, and his upcoming transition to a new role in Madrid. He shares advice for students and reflects on the impact he hopes to leave behind. Keywords Chris Ramsey, headmaster, Whitgift School, memorable moments, challenges, personal growth, transition, Madrid, advice, i...

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones interviews Steven Henderson, the Director of Music at Whitgift School, about various topics related to music. They discuss chamber music, the role of music in exams, music to work to, the impact of AI on music, the qualities of a successful musician, and upcoming events in the music department at Whitgift School. Keywords music, chamber music, exams, AI, s...

Summary The conversation revolves around the sports mentoring programme at Whitgift School. The programme focuses on the holistic development of young sportspeople, addressing their identity, mindset, movement skills, and lifestyle. The mentors aim to support and guide students in their sporting journeys, helping them understand their strengths, manage challenges, and develop a positive attitude....

Summary In this conversation, Simon Jones interviews Adrian Norris, the assistant head pastoral at Whitgift. They discuss Adrian's role at the school, his experiences over the past 30 years, and the challenges facing young people today. Adrian emphasises the importance of building relationships, promoting good behavior, and prioritizing the well-being and pastoral care of students. They also touch...

S3 E13 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Now today’s episode is a little different because we’re recording this during the school summer vacation time. It’s the Whitgift Summer School and we’re honoured to have three students from around the world with us to explain what it’s all about. We also have member...

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Whitgift School online Website:  www.whitgift.co.uk Whitgift Global: https://www.whitgift.co.uk/global Twitter:  @WhitgiftSchool1 Facebook:  WhitgiftSchool LinkedIn:  whitgift-school  

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Now today I’m talking to Clemens Krammer, Head of Basketball at Whitgift because this is one of the fastest growing sports at school. Their fixtures have increased from only 23 games ten years ago to an unbelievable 143 matches just last season. Over 200 boys are currently i...

Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. And today we have a great guest back onto the show because James Hammond, Director of Drama, is with us and he’s talking about some of the recent productions in the past, what’s happening right now, and what we can expect to happen later in the school year. It’s a great epis...

S3 E4 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Now this is a great episode for anyone who’s interested in finding out more about IB, that’s the International Baccalaureate. Edmund White is the Director of IB and I get to ask him what the differences are between A levels and IB, we find out what’s actually involve...

S3 E3 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Today we’re talking all about the future of students at Whitgift. Kate Goldberg is an Assistant Head and she’s in charge of something called ‘Student Futures’. I get to ask her what that actually is, how’s it’s not just ‘career advice’ and what this really means for...

S3 E2 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Today’s episode is one you’re going to love whether or not you’re into sport. We’re talking to Karl Stagno, he’s the Director of Hockey at Whitgift. So I ask him how he got into this in the first place and what brought him to Whitgift but then I also find out from hi...

S3 E1 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, this is the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. And it’s the start of term so who better to speak to than Headmaster Chris Ramsey. Now this is a great episode, we talk about some of the highlights of the summer term but we also talk about what’s coming up in the Autumn term and later in the academic year....

S2 E20 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Now this is a cracking episode. We don’t have one guest, we have six. And they’re all in a band together so we’re talking about music; writing it, performing it, enjoying it. The band is called, ‘The Strange New Normal’ and today we’re talking to lead singer Gibran,...

S2 E19 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. Today we’re talking all about food, we have someone from Chartwells, they’re the catering company that manages the food provision at school. Isabella Wood is a Management Graduate for the company and she talks to us today about what the catering looks like at Whitgi...

S2 E18 - Welcome back to Whitgift Conversations, the podcast where we talk to staff and pupils about topics that are relevant to you. In this episode we’re getting all musical. Justin Miller is the Director of Choral Music and he’s joined by Fraser Ellson, a Graduate Music Assistant. Together we talk about what choral music looks like at Whitgift, what events have happened, what’s coming up soon a...