What I REALLY Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices

In this episode of 'What I Really Learnt at School', Tamlyn Worrall sits down with alum Richard Thomas. Known for directing the first Dalek stories of Doctor Who, Richard reminisces about his time at King Alfred School. He shares vivid memories of learning calligraphy, his experiences with teachers like Renée Soskin and Miss Marsh, and how attending the school helped him flourish after struggling in earlier education.

Richard also reflects on his acting career, including his role in the film 'Brief Encounter,' his work with the BBC, and his adaptation of Strindberg's play into a six-part series. This heartfelt conversation takes place in Richard's home, offering a personal glimpse into his journey from student to successful director and the enduring influence of his school days.

In this episode, Helen Craig (OA 1950), renowned for her work on the Angelina Ballerina children's book series, reflects on her school days and the major influences that shaped her artistic career. This detailed narrative offers a deeper dive into Craig's educational experiences, the challenges she faced, and the inspirations she drew which set the foundation for her future work. From her vivid memories of wartime education at Flint Hall Farm during evacuation to her later years at King Alfred School in Golders Green, Helen provides an evocative account of how these formative years contributed significantly to her becoming a celebrated children's book illustrator.

In this engaging episode of 'What I Really Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices,'  Ian Lush, OBE candidly reflects on his challenging yet fulfilling journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recorded in early 2021 via Zoom with Tamlyn Worrall, Development & Alumni Relations Director at King Alfred School, Ian shares his experiences managing NHS charities amidst unprecedented circumstances.

Ian shares a detailed account of his year, primarily spent working from home as the Chief Executive of Imperial Healthcare Trust and Chair of NHS Charities. He reflects on the early move to close their office, his role as chair, and the overwhelming support following the national appeal and Captain Tom's fundraising phenomenon. Ian discusses the operational challenges and extraordinary teamwork involved in rapidly distributing funds to the NHS frontline. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes, from receiving an OBE to his musical journey and reasons for transitioning from professional music to arts management.

Ian reminisces about his 14 years at King Alfred School, emphasizing the school's liberal values, sense of community, and the lasting impact of influential teachers. The conversation explores the school's unique ethos, extracurricular activities, and his lifelong involvement in various committees, underscoring a commitment to making a difference.

In this episode, Tamlyn visits Sara in her London studio for an in-depth conversation about her unique creative process and life journey. Sara explains the fundamental basis of her art: the 'trickster whore' character derived from the Harlequin pattern and its roots in Italian comedy. Her work deconstructs female roles, societal expectations, and gender dynamics, using large-scale, textured paintings to portray these themes.

Sara shares her transition from a successful fashion design career to painting, driven by a desire for deeper creative expression and influenced by her early experiences in art at King Alfred School. She delves into her artistic techniques, emphasizing the unpredictability and emotional depth of her work.

The discussion also explores the significant impact King Alfred School had on Sara's development, from nurturing her confidence to fostering a sense of accountability and self-expression. Personal anecdotes reveal her cherished memories and lasting relationships from her school days. The episode highlights the family legacy at King Alfred School, with three generations attending the school, underscoring its long-lasting influence on their lives.

Sara reflects on how the school's child-centric approach and respect for individuality have shaped her and her children's resilience and creativity. This engaging episode offers a blend of personal stories and professional insights, providing listeners with a profound understanding of the intersections between art, education, and identity.

In this episode, Preeyus shares his profound journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery at King Alfred School. He emphasizes the unique, open environment of the school that allowed him to overcome the constraints often found in traditional education systems. Having struggled with dyslexia, Preeyus found King Alfred’s supportive and flexible learning methods crucial to his success. The school fostered his passion for science, guiding him beyond textbook learning to develop a deep passion for the subject. 

This holistic approach helped shape his career, leading him to become an Associate Director of Environment at a multinational engineering firm. He discusses the significant impact of teachers like Jeff (Maths), Steve (Chemistry), Vicky (Maths), and Diane, who provided invaluable support in overcoming his dyslexia. Preeyus reflects on the school's culture of academic freedom, acceptance of failure, and the strong bonds formed with teachers. These experiences and relationships have had a lasting influence on his personal and professional life, helping him achieve notable successes in his career, including leading large-scale environmental projects globally.

In this episode, Honey Kinny Ross shares her cherished memories of King Alfred School, a unique educational environment in Central London. She recalls the school's sense of freedom and open space, highlighting experiences from playing in the mud as a child to lounging on the grass during summer breaks.

Honey revisits her involvement in school musicals, particularly her fond memories of being the lead in 'Into the Woods.' She also talks about the supportive environment, mentioning her favorite teachers who encouraged her passions for English and the arts. Honey discusses the founding of the feminist society at the school, which significantly influenced her values and activism.

Now a writer and feminist activist, Honey credits her time at King Alfred School with instilling confidence in herself and an understanding of the importance of using her voice for change. This episode beautifully encapsulates the lasting impact of King Alfred's unique educational approach on Honey's life and career.

In this episode, Esmond Harris MBE (Class of 1945), recounts his childhood fascination with trees, spurred by Sunday walks with his father in the Chilterns and his early exposure to sapling trees and their labels in the grounds of The King Alfred School. Despite a challenging early education, including evacuations and unsatisfactory prep schools, Esmond found his passion in forestry, guided by influential teachers and experiences. The narrative unfolds his deep-seated love for woodwork, nurtured during his time at KAS, and highlights various school traditions, weekly crafts, and elective afternoons. 

His story encapsulates a nostalgic reflection on how his brief yet significant stay at KAS shaped his personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of progressive education and the community spirit fostered by the school. Post-war, Esmond pursued forestry education, obtained a degree from Bangor, an MSc from Oxford, and joined the Forestry Commission. Highlighting his teaching and mentorship roles, Esmond shares how his formative years at King Alfred School influenced his career and educational philosophy. 

Esmond's lifelong passion for forestry was recognized in 2009 with an MBE awarded by Prince Charles for his contributions to forestry and conservation in the South West. He owned woods in Cornwall and a small farm dedicated to educational purposes and is a retired director of the Royal Forestry Society.

In this episode, Julian Anderson (Class of 1956) shares his memories and reflections on the unique educational philosophy and community spirit of KAS, comparing it with his experiences in other educational institutions and the broader world. He discusses the importance of small class sizes, individual attention, and a curriculum that encourages independent thought, leadership, and respect for others beyond their titles or positions. He also reflects on how these experiences and values shaped his life, career, and worldview, emphasizing the importance of questioning authority, making informed decisions, and the value of community and family ethos in education.

This interview was conducted on a Zoom call between Tamlyn and Julian in 2021 during the pandemic. 

Julian's legacy, including a generous bequest to the school, reflects his gratitude and lasting impact on the King Alfred community. His passing in late 2022 marked the culmination of a life dedicated to honouring the school's values. We are deeply grateful for his contributions, which have enriched the lives of countless KAS students. 

An in-depth conversation with Richard Oblath, Class of 1970, discussing his upbringing, education, and career journey. Richard shares his educational journey with a particular emphasis on King Alfred School, where his initial values were instilled.

He learned the importance of treating people equally, irrespective of their gender. He talks about how the inclusivity in the school atmosphere influenced his worldview and interaction with people of varying backgrounds. This led him to nurture strong relationships within culturally diverse groups and engage in mentoring activities later in life, especially when he moved into the business world after his PhD.

Richard dives into his aspirations of becoming an engineer and making contributions to the energy industry, inspired by early moments in his life living opposite the first suspension bridge in the world. The conversation also provides glimpses of British society in the 60s and 70s, touching on the themes of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. Oblath also shares poignant memories about his mother, who escaped Nazi Germany. The episode draws to an end with Richard expressing gratitude for his educational experiences, reflecting the substantial influence of King Alfred School.

This conversation takes place outside in the school garden.

Julie, a former King Alfred's School student, describes moving to England in 1947 due to her father's deployment in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Adapting to the climate and infrastructure of improvised army huts, she recalls her educational experience, emphasizing a variety of subjects and activities as an important part of King Alfred's learning model. She often played 'boys' parts' in drama courses and was the only girl in her cricket team. After leaving school, she studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), pursued directing in a male-dominated theatre industry, and built a career in television. Julie credits much of her success and resilience to King Alfred's School's gender-inclusive environment and the encouragement to try everything.