Mount Kelly Conversations

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

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 education, the impact of his choir experiences, and his ambitions to further his studies in opera.

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 positive school atmosphere and the joy of watching children grow and thrive.

Dom Floyd's email: [email protected] 

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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 in shaping young people, and the role of extracurricular activities in enhancing academic attainment.

Guy Ayling's email: [email protected]

Links:

www.mountkelly.com

This podcast was produced by The Bonjour Agency Ltd

www.thebonjouragency.com

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