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

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 school. I had a chance to ask her about the coaching values, what she has set up at Mount Kelly, and what makes a good, safe, balanced school swim programme.

Takeaways

• We put some real core values in place.
• It's important to create an understanding of why values matter.
• A lot of work can be done on oneself outside the pool.
• We had a leadership team that acted as a bridge between swimmers and coaches.
• We have an open door policy for athletes to talk about their challenges.
• The environment feels like a family, a home away from home.
• We need to treat everyone individually in a large programme.
• It's crucial to focus on the person before the athlete.
• We recognise that not all athletes want to go to the Olympics.
• Actions speak louder than words; ask the athletes about their experiences :)

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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, and the supportive environment at Mount Kelly that fosters their academic journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Keep it fun, natural, and authentic in learning.
• Biology at Mount Kelly emphasises practical work.
• Genetics is a fascinating field with much to explore.
• Students have secured offers from universities.
• Transitioning to A-levels can be a smooth process.
• Friendship groups can form quickly in new environments.
• The biomedical society enriches students' experiences.
• Personal statements are crucial for university applications.
• Students are encouraged to explore various career paths.
• There is a supportive community at Mount Kelly for students.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 celebrating military children and their unique experiences.

Takeaways

• Esther's family has a strong military background, with her husband serving in the army.
• Both daughters attended Mount Kelly, with one now at university and the other in her final year.
• The family chose Mount Kelly for its supportive environment and continuity of education.
• Esther emphasises the importance of a co-ed school for diversity and opportunities.
• Military families should research hidden costs associated with schools.
• Esther works for the Army Family Federation, supporting military families globally.
• The school encourages students to take risks and learn from failures.
• Community involvement is crucial for military families, especially when relocating.
• Esther's daughters have developed resilience and independence through their education.
• April is recognized as the month of the military child, celebrating their unique challenges.

Links:

Army Month of the Military Child - Army Families Federation

Navy NFF - April marks the Month of the Military Child

RAF Month of the Military Child | Get involved in MotMC < RAF Families Federation

General MOD Resources for independent advice and Continuity of Education Allowance:

Defence Children Services (DCS) - GOV.UK The Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK), contactable at [email protected], is part of DCS. It provides professional independent information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service Children in the UK. It is Tri Service. 

Background info for you Month of the Military Child - GOV.UK

Every April, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) celebrates the ‘Month of the Military Child’ - a time to highlight Service children and remind people of the positive impact they make in their schools and communities.

Month of the Military Child logo. Purple as "Joint" Services

The month is led by the Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Team (AFFS) within the MOD, with support from charities, schools, and other MOD departments.

The activities organised vary from art and poetry competitions to events at military bases and schools. The last Friday of the month is ‘Purple Up! Day’ - a chance for everyone to dress in something purple to show their support. This year it falls on 25 April.

Six ways to celebrate the Month of the Military Child:

1.        Enter the Month of the Military Child art and poetry competition.

2.      Hold an assembly to discuss Service life and the many things Service children have experienced.

3.      25 April is ‘Purple Up! Day’. Wear purple to show your support for Service children and run an event on that day. Remember to use the hashtag #MotMC.

4.      Brainstorm ideas with your children to create a permanent reminder in the school of your support for Service children.

5.      ‘Share your story’project: ask children to think about their life experiences and how they might share this with the rest of the class.

6.      Mark all the locations your Service children have lived on a map and build this into lessons.

·           Celebrate Month of the Military Child this April - Forces Children’s Educationwww.mountkelly.com

Month of the Military Child: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/month-of-the-military-child

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 curiosity in teaching.

Key Takeaways

• Piers Davidson teaches maths and has various responsibilities at Mount Kelly.
• Kahoot is an engaging tool for learning that children enjoy.
• Piers transitioned from a law career to teaching after discovering his passion for education.
• Building relationships with students is at the core of effective teaching.
• Teaching styles vary based on the needs of different students.
• Outdoor learning provides context and enhances student engagement.
• Mount Kelly emphasises a diverse range of learning experiences.
• Metacognition helps students understand how they learn.
• Confidence is key in helping students take risks in their learning.
• Piers enjoys podcasts and cycling in his spare time.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 swimming and his dedication to both his sport and mental health advocacy shine throughout the discussion.

Takeaways

• Barnaby started swimming at the age of seven in Dubai.
• He trains seven times a week, now up to eight or nine sessions.
• Competing in the Ocean-man 10K was a nerve-wracking experience for him.
• He came second in the under 19 category at the Ocean-man.
• Mount Kelly School has a strong family feel and has greatly impacted his swimming.
• He dropped a minute and a half in his 1500m time in just half a term at Mount Kelly.
• Only 1,800 people have ever successfully swum the English Channel.
• Barnaby is swimming for the men's mental health charity, Man Up.
• He believes the phrase 'man up' is a myth and harmful to men's mental health.
• Cold water swimming has significant mental health benefits.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

Go Fund Me Link

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 the pharmacy field. She emphasises the supportive community at Mount Kelly and offers valuable advice for new students to embrace every opportunity.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com