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-on experiences, and the long-term benefits of nurturing eco-aware habits in children.

Takeaways

• The Great Big Green Week is a flagship event for promoting sustainability.
• Activities include walking, gardening, and reducing waste.
• Children are encouraged to take ownership of environmentally friendly habits.
• Eco Councils enable pupils to lead real, meaningful change.
• Parental involvement strengthens community engagement in sustainability efforts.
• Small, everyday actions can collectively lead to lasting environmental impact.
• Sustainability education should begin at an early age.
• Practical, hands-on activities help children connect with and value the natural world.
• Collaboration and critical thinking are key skills fostered through these initiatives.
• Parents can reinforce sustainable practices within the home environment.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools

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 community and connection.

Takeaways

• Becoming a chaplain was a journey of discovery.
• Following your passion can lead to unexpected paths.
• Students often ask profound questions about faith and existence.
• Chaplaincy integrates physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
• Well-being initiatives are a collaborative effort at school.
• Anger can be a valid emotion that needs constructive expression.
• Inclusivity is key in supporting students of all faiths.
• Celebrating diversity enriches the school community.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools

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 community among students and staff.

Takeaways

• Heatherton School offers a close-knit community for girls.
• The transition from nursery to reception is carefully managed.
• Year 5 and 6 focus on preparing students for senior school.
• Holistic education is emphasized at Heatherton.
• Innovative teaching methods are being adopted from global best practices.
• The school encourages resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Career talks inspire students to think about their futures.
• The importance of a strong pastoral system is highlighted.
• Students engage in practical and entrepreneurial activities.
• Heatherton adapts to future educational trends to prepare students.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools

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 initiatives aimed at engaging alumni, the notable figures who have emerged from the school, and the importance of preserving the school's history through artifacts and archives. The dialogue emphasizes the evolving nature of the school and the ways in which alumni can contribute to the current student experience, fostering a sense of community and continuity.

Takeaways

• The Old Berkhamstedians Association connects alumni with current students.
• Engagement with alumni spans various age groups and interests.
• Notable alumni have made significant contributions in various fields.
• The school's history is preserved through artifacts and archives.
• Alumni involvement is crucial for mentoring current students.
• The school has evolved significantly since its founding.
• Communication is key to maintaining alumni relationships.
• The website serves as a hub for alumni engagement.
• Historical artifacts provide insight into the school's legacy.
• Future archivists will continue the work of preserving history.

Berkhamsted online
Roger Courtney Article: Roger Courtney
Berkhamsted Connections: https://connections.berkhamsted.com
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools and https://instagram.com/oldberkhamstedians
Twitter: @berkhamstedsch

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 personal experiences and interactions, emphasising the importance of understanding different perspectives. Ben reflects on his growth during this time and his current enjoyment of university life, highlighting the connections he's made and the courses he's passionate about.

Key Takeaways

• Ben took a gap year to have a positive impact on the world.
• He worked for a non-profit law firm focused on death row cases.
• His views on the death penalty changed through education and experience.
• He learned the importance of understanding different perspectives.
• Ben's experience in America helped him grow personally and professionally.
• He found that the death penalty is a complex issue with many facets.
• Ben believes everyone has the potential to change for the better.
• His time in Louisiana was filled with memorable encounters.
• He enjoys studying law at the University of Bristol.
• Ben values the connections he has made at university. 

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools

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 wellbeing. The conversation also addresses the challenges parents face in navigating social pressures regarding technology and offers practical advice for fostering healthy tech habits at home.

Takeaways

• Berkhamsted is a smartphone-free school up to sixth form.
• Social media addiction is linked to rising anxiety and depression in children.
• The smartphone-free movement is gaining traction globally.
• Education on digital wellbeing is crucial for children.
• Parents should model healthy technology habits.
• Open conversations about technology use are essential.
• Parental controls can help manage children's tech use.
• It's important to balance the positives and negatives of technology.
• Children need to learn about online safety and digital citizenship.
• Parents should seek resources to support their children's tech use.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools
Twitter: @berkhamstedsch

Smartphone Free Childhood
Amanda Gummer

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 development. They explore the core philosophy of physical education at Berkhamsted, emphasising enjoyment, participation, and performance. The conversation also highlights the transition from prep to senior school and the impact of physical activity on academic performance. The episode concludes with information on how to connect with the school's sports program.

Key Takeaways

• Physical development is crucial for children's overall success.
• The Motor Movers program addresses declining physical skills in children.
• Engagement in physical activity enhances academic performance.
• Enjoyment in sports is essential for children's participation.
• Children should be allowed to take risks in play.
• The transition from prep to senior school is seamless with proper preparation.
• Physical literacy is foundational for lifelong sports participation.
• Parents play a key role in supporting their children's physical activities.
• A child-centered approach ensures individual needs are met in education.
• Physical activity fosters social skills and teamwork among children.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools
Twitter: @berkhamstedsch

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 eating habits among children. She also addresses the impact of fad diets, the benefits of variety in food, and the role of parents in setting a positive example for their children.

Takeaways

• The importance of nutrition education in schools for promoting healthy eating habits among children.
• The challenges of working for a company that produces unhealthy products and the strategies for balancing nutrition and taste.
• The impact of fad diets and the benefits of variety in food for overall health and well-being.
• The role of parents in setting a positive example for their children by promoting healthy eating habits and a balanced diet.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Twitter: @berkhamstedsch
Instagram: berkhamstedschools and berkhamstednutrition

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 personal growth. They also mention the availability of counsellors and medical staff for support. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the boarding experience at Berkhamsted school.

Takeaways

• Boarding life at Berkhamsted school is characterised by a welcoming and family-like atmosphere.
• There are various food options available, including cooked meals, snacks, and special events like barbecues.
• Joint activities with the boys' house, such as games and social events, foster a sense of community.
• Support systems, including counsellors and medical staff, are in place to assist students with any issues or concerns.
• The boarding experience at Berkhamsted school offers opportunities for personal growth, socialising, and building relationships.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berkoboarders

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Instagram: berkhamstedschools

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's sixth form. 

Takeaways 

• The sixth form years are a crucial time in a student's academic journey, where important decisions about future paths are made.
• The role of the head of sixth form is to guide and support students as they navigate this critical period.
• Preparation for life after sixth form includes providing career guidance, university application support, and opportunities for personal development.
• American universities are appealing to students due to their extracurricular offerings, quality of education, and exposure to different cultures.
• The new building and teaching model at Berkhamsted's sixth form aim to create a modern and collaborative learning environment.

Berkhamsted online
Website: www.berkhamsted.com
Facebook: BerkhamstedSchool
Twitter: @berkhamstedsch
Instagram: berkhamstedsixth