Mount Kelly Conversations

Join us as Elena Liebrenz shares her inspiring experience studying at Mount Kelly in the UK while maintaining her Swiss educational goals. Discover how school abroad can shape discipline, cultural insights, and future opportunities. Plus practical tips for students considering international studies.

In this episode:

• The benefits of repeating a school year during exchange programs for academic pressure relief
• Language skill development and cultural immersion through international schooling
• The holistic education at Mount Kelly including leadership, networking, and discipline outside academics
• Elena’s transition back to Switzerland and her future plans at ETH Zurich
• How extracurricular activities like swimming and triathlon complement academic success
• The importance of creating and maintaining global networks during school years
• Advice for students and schools on leveraging international education for personal growth

This podcast features Maria, an experienced educator, and Brooke, a former student, discussing inclusive education, neurodiversity, and the challenges and successes in supporting students with additional needs. They share insights on school support systems, the impact of policies like EHCPs, and personal stories that highlight the importance of understanding and advocacy in education.

[email protected]

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 development. He emphasises the importance of seizing opportunities and immersing oneself in diverse experiences during school years.

Takeaways

1. Take every opportunity that's thrown at you.
2. Creativity is woven into the fabric of education.
3. Being a parent at Mount Kelly is as rewarding as being a pupil.
4. The core values of the school remain unchanged over the years.
5. Seizing the moment is crucial for personal growth.

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 Kelly, highlighting upcoming events and productions.

Takeaways

1. Music at Mount Kelly caters to a wide range of musical interests.
2. Students are encouraged to explore different instruments and genres.
3. Music education fosters commitment and teamwork among students.
4. Performing arts, including musicals, play a significant role in student expression.
5. Opera can be an accessible entry point for new listeners.
6. Dan's personal experiences shaped his passion for music education.
7. Choral music is a vital part of the music programme at Mount Kelly.
8. John Williams' compositions are recognised for their brilliance and impact.
9. The school is preparing for exciting musical events and productions.
10. Communication with interested parents and students is encouraged.

Contacts:

Tel: 01822 813100

Dan's email: [email protected]

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 representation on women's sports.

Takeaways

1. Football is integrated into the timetable for 16 hours a week.
2. The academy collaborates closely with Chelsea FC for training.
3. Resilience is a key lesson learned from playing football.
4. Training focuses on individual improvement as well as teamwork.
5. The academy has a rigorous training schedule with daily commitments.
6. There are opportunities for scholarships for talented players.
7. The growth of women's football is gaining more media attention.
8. Playing alongside international students enriches the experience.
9. The pupils balance academics with football training effectively.
10. Leadership skills developed in sports can translate to future careers.

Link: https://www.mountkelly.com/sixth-form/girls-performance-football/

YouTube link: https://youtu.be/8FxlySwv6Rk

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 strategies for encouraging urban dwellers to engage with nature, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to education that includes outdoor experiences.

Takeaways

• Outdoor education can enhance academic performance.
• Nature connection is vital for health and well-being.
• Short walks can significantly improve mental health.
• Engaging with nature can be integrated into daily routines.
• The Nature Project aims to connect students with nature.
• Nature connection can influence attendance and behavior positively.
• Urban schools can still foster nature experiences.
• Nature connection is essential for lifelong well-being.
• COVID highlighted the importance of nature in our lives.
• Small changes can lead to greater awareness of nature.

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 visits, the support offered to international families, the role of assessments in class placement, and the importance of finding the right fit for pupils. The episode concludes with advice for families considering Mount Kelly.

Takeaways

• Admissions is all about building relationships.
• Families should feel welcomed from the first enquiry.
• The admissions process is tailored to individual needs.
• Personal visits provide a better understanding of the school.
• Boarding is a common concern for parents.
• Communication with families is prioritised.
• Virtual tours are available for international families.
• Assessments help with class placement but are not pass/fail.
• Finding the right fit for pupils is essential.
• Families are encouraged to visit the school.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 and rewards of adapting to a new environment, the importance of independence, and the supportive community within the school.

Takeaways

• Pupils attend to improve their English language skills.
• The immersion programme enables students to integrate into British classrooms.
• Experiences at Mount Kelly differ markedly from those at their home schools.
• Students value the supportive and approachable nature of UK teachers.
• Cultural differences, such as meal times and wearing school uniforms, stand out.
• Boarding school life fosters independence and adaptability.
• Homesickness is common but manageable with appropriate support.
• Volunteering offers opportunities to make friends and practise English.
• The programme encourages open-mindedness and cultural curiosity.
• Adjusting to the UK weather can be challenging, but students adapt quickly.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 rural Devon to city life in Munich and describe the personal growth they experienced through trying new activities and navigating challenges.

Takeaways

• Clara and Nele are both from Munich but had never met before coming to Mount Kelly.
• Their motivations for studying abroad included improving their English and gaining independence.
• They appreciated Mount Kelly’s traditional British boarding school atmosphere and rural setting.
• Both students joined through the same agency and wanted a school away from London.
• They tried new sports like netball, rugby, and hockey, as well as extracurriculars like the LAMDA public speaking course.
• The supportive school environment helped them adapt, especially during moments of homesickness and illness.
• Staff, such as their housemistress and members of the catering team, played a key role in making them feel at home.
• Clara and Neely observed the high discipline and achievement of Mount Kelly’s athletes, which broadened their perspectives.
• They valued the cultural exchange and the close-knit community of boarding life.
• Their confidence in speaking English grew significantly over the year.
• Their advice to others considering a year abroad: be open, say yes to everything, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or step out of your comfort zone.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 staff, stressing the importance of fostering a reflective learning culture. Johnson also provides insights into the use of the exam wrapper process and shares the school’s future aspirations for embedding these practices more deeply.

Takeaways

• The concept of a thinking school centres on metacognition.
• Metacognition involves being aware of and regulating one’s own thinking.
• Teaching critical thinking skills is vital for pupil success.
• Accreditation is viewed as a continuous journey of development, rather than simply an accolade.
• The exam wrapper process encourages pupils to reflect on their learning and performance.
• Engagement with parents plays a key role in the school’s progress.
• Ongoing professional development for teachers is essential for adopting new strategies.
• Pupils are supported in articulating how they learn and think.
• The school is committed to embedding metacognitive practices into everyday classroom activities.
• Future aims include strengthening community engagement and improving communication.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com