SWPS Spotlight

To mark British Science Week, Year 12 students Liuba, Ellie and Genevieve turn the tables on their teachers - Dr Nasser, Mr Lawson, Ms Struebing and Miss Bahd - in a lively reverse quiz. Their thoughtful questions open fascinating discussions on consciousness, toxicity, the possibility of alien life and future STEM pathways. A brilliant showcase of student curiosity and scientific thinking.Key topics: The elusive nature of consciousness in animals, robots, and humansWhat makes substances poisonous and how doses affect toxicityPossibility of life elsewhere in the universe and recognising alien lifePathways into STEM careers and the role of GCSEs, A Levels, and work experienceRedesigning the science curriculum to focus on skills and curiosity-driven learning

Welcome to the SWPS Podcast – where we celebrate the experiences that make our students world-ready. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Sir William Perkins’s School. This incredible programme gives students opportunities beyond the classroom, builds confidence, and teaches skills for life that truly set them apart. We’ll be hearing from students who are taking part, and from Trevor Kirby, the DofE Award Scheme Manager at SWPS, about the impact of the award and how the school has achieved one of the highest participation and completion rates in the region. Let’s find out more, come with me now.Takeaways DofE provides a framework for personal growth and skill development.The programme includes bronze, silver, and gold levels, each with increasing challenges.Students gain confidence and leadership skills through participation.Wild camping is a key component, teaching self-sufficiency and resilience.The support system includes school staff and parent volunteers.DofE helps students stand out in university and job applications.Teamwork is essential for success in DofE expeditions.The programme encourages students to disconnect from technology and engage with nature.DofE is accessible to all students, regardless of prior outdoor experience.Parents play a crucial role in supporting the DofE programme.

SummaryIn this episode of SWPS Spotlight, we celebrate two exceptional Year 12 student-athletes: Taylor, an England Talent Pathway hockey goalkeeper currently competing at National League Level, and Sophie, proudly selected to represent Ireland in the U17 Europe Netball Championships. Joined by our Director of Sport, Mr Brown, they share what it truly takes to balance academic excellence with sporting ambition, how the school has supported them on their sporting journey, and why mindset is the key to driving success. Words of Wisdom from Sophie: "When you're in the place where you just don't think you're good enough, or you know you're further behind than others, just keep going because you can and will improve. Keep pushing forward and don't forget to enjoy it too." Taylor’s Mental Game: "Once you are past the skills and ability, it's all a mental game." An inspiring listen for all members of our community, packed with advice, resilience, and motivation from two elite athletes.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Sierra and Ashbury, share their academic journeys, personal growth, and experiences at SWPS. They discuss their impressive A-level results, memorable moments from school, and the leadership opportunities that shaped their confidence. As they transition to university life, they reflect on their aspirations in physics and the importance of balancing academics with social life.TakeawaysSierra and Ashbury both achieved four A stars in their A-levels.The pantomime at SWPS was a highlight of their school experience.Sierra felt supported by teachers during her time at SWPS.Ashbury gained confidence in making friends and being open.SWPS encouraged students to try a variety of activities.Leadership roles helped develop their organisational skills.Time management was crucial for balancing academics and extracurriculars.Both sisters enjoyed a vibrant social life during school.Sierra is excited about her future in physics at Oxford.Ashbury looks forward to studying physics at Edinburgh.

Join us in this insightful episode as we explore the transformative journey of SWPS transitioning to a co-educational school. Dr Steven Berryman and Heather O'Connor discuss the motivations, challenges, and exciting opportunities that come with this significant change. Discover how the school is preparing its staff and students for a new era of inclusive education. Key Highlights: The rationale behind SWPS's decision to become co-educational. Insights into the phased approach and its impact on current students. How the school is maintaining its strong academic and pastoral care reputation. The role of staff training in preparing for a co-ed environment. Exciting new opportunities in arts and sports with the inclusion of boys.

SummaryIn this episode, Dr Rachel Fentem shares her journey from being a student at Sir William Perkins’s School to becoming a diplomat and soon-to-be ambassador. She reflects on her various roles within the UK government, the impact of her education in classics on her professional development, and the vital role of cultural understanding in diplomacy. Rachel underscores the importance of pursuing one’s passion and offers thoughtful advice to students about discovering purpose in unexpected places.TakeawaysRachel’s career path was shaped by her early interest in diplomacy.Her education in classics provided critical thinking skills essential to her role.Cultural understanding is fundamental in international relations.Becoming an ambassador is both a great honour and a significant responsibility.Rachel highlights the importance of passion when making career choices.She encourages students to embrace non-linear and unexpected career paths.Inspirational teachers can leave a lasting impact on students’ lives.Language skills are crucial for success in diplomacy and global engagement.Her experiences in Japan and Germany underscore key cultural differences.It’s never too late to pursue personal passions, such as music and dance. Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryThis conversation explores the Peter Jones Foundation's Tycoon Challenge, an initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills among students. The discussion includes insights from teachers and students about the challenge, their business ideas, the lessons learned, and the importance of sustainability. The conversation also touches on the broader educational opportunities for developing entrepreneurial thinking and the debate on whether entrepreneurial skills can be taught or are innate.TakeawaysThe Tycoon Challenge encourages entrepreneurial spirit among students.Students create business plans and receive loans to start trading.The challenge is open to students across the UK, free of charge.Participants develop transferable skills like teamwork and problem-solving.Sustainability was a core focus of the students' business ideas.Time management was crucial for balancing schoolwork and business.Financial literacy was a key lesson learned during the challenge.Networking with business owners provided valuable insights for students.Educational initiatives help students practice entrepreneurial skills.Entrepreneurial skills can be taught and are essential for future successLinks www.swps.org.uk

SummaryThis conversation explores the importance of oracy in education, with a particular focus on how it supports students’ communication skills, self-confidence, and overall academic achievement. The discussion features insights from both educators and students, highlighting the practical use of oracy in school settings, the value of extracurricular involvement, and the crucial role parents play in helping children build these abilities.TakeawaysOracy is vital for developing clear communication and confidence.Students gain from structured opportunities to practise oracy.Strong oracy skills help prepare pupils for future job interviews.Activities such as Model United Nations effectively enhance oracy.Teachers are key in supporting and guiding oracy development.Confidence in public speaking improves with regular practice.Oracy skills are relevant across multiple subjects and learning areas.Parental encouragement plays an important part in oracy development.Effective time management contributes to academic success.Pupils should make full use of school resources to strengthen their skills.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Dr Steven Berryman and Ms Picton discuss the future of education, focusing on the balance between innovation and pupil well-being, the need for assessment reform, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the value of interdisciplinary learning. They stress the importance of preparing pupils for an unpredictable future while ensuring they enjoy their educational experience. The conversation explores both the challenges and opportunities posed by technology in education and underscores the importance of community involvement.TakeawaysPreparing pupils for a future that cannot be fully predicted is vital.Balancing educational innovation with pupil well-being is essential.Assessment methods must evolve to better reflect real-world skills.AI brings both opportunities and challenges to the classroom.Interdisciplinary learning boosts pupil engagement and real-world relevance.Collaboration and critical thinking are key areas of focus for pupils.Technology should be used thoughtfully to enhance learning.Strong community engagement enriches pupils’ educational experiences.Pupils value a school environment without mobile phones during the day.Education should strike a balance between subject knowledge and skill development.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this conversation, Bex shares her inspiring journey from being a passionate athlete to becoming a firefighter. She discusses her early influences in sport, her experiences competing at elite levels, and the challenges she faced due to injuries. Bex highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience, offering valuable life lessons for both teenagers and adults considering career changes.TakeawaysBex always dreamed of becoming an Olympian, which shaped her path in sport.She represented Great Britain in surf lifesaving and held a world record.Bex earned 19 caps for the Welsh rugby team while working full-time.Her transition from swimming to rowing was driven by her Olympic ambitions.Injuries led her to retire from elite sport, which was a difficult adjustment.Bex found motivation in setting small goals during her recovery.She loves the unpredictability and adrenaline of being a firefighter.The fire service community feels like a family, offering strong support.Bex emphasises the importance of enjoying life and not stressing over small things.Change is possible at any age, and it’s never too late to pursue new paths.Links www.swps.org.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/rowerugby/?hl=en

SummaryThis conversation explores the Model United Nations (MUN) experience from the perspectives of students and their teacher. The discussion covers the structure of MUN, the process of debating global issues, personal growth through participation, and the impact of attending conferences. The students share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse perspectives and the value of engaging with serious global topics.TakeawaysMUN allows students to represent different countries and debate global issues.Students prepare by researching their assigned countries and relevant topics.Debating in MUN helps develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.Participation in MUN fosters personal growth and confidence.Students often feel intimidated at first but find support among peers.MUN encourages collaboration and teamwork among students from different year groups.Attending conferences provides valuable real-world experience.Students learn to advocate for perspectives that may differ from their own.MUN discussions often tackle serious and complex global issues.Engagement in MUN can inspire students to explore global cultures and issues further.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryThis discussion delves into the significance of VE Day, particularly in light of its 80th anniversary, through the perspective of students engaging with historical documents and personal reflections. Pupils share their experiences of learning from letters written during the war, emphasising the emotional impact and the importance of understanding history. The conversation also considers the legacy of Winston Churchill and how his role is viewed in today’s society, underlining the need to remember and educate others about past sacrifices.TakeawaysEngaging with historical documents fosters empathy and understanding.Pupils discovered personal connections to history through wartime letters.VE Day commemorations encompassed both celebration and mourning.The effects of war on young people are profound and enduring.Churchill’s legacy continues to shape contemporary views of British identity.Historical narratives reveal enduring human experiences across generations.Commemorating major historical events remains essential.Pupils’ projects reflect meaningful engagement with history.Letters offer unique insights into the everyday lives of people during wartime.Educators play a vital role in helping students understand the past.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this podcast episode, we discuss effective revision strategies for students. The conversation covers the importance of retrieval practice, various techniques such as mind maps, brain dumps, flashcards, and low stakes quizzing, as well as the Pomodoro technique for efficient studying. The experts emphasise the role of parents in supporting their children's revision and the significance of maintaining a balanced approach to studying.TakeawaysThe aim of the podcast is to support parents and students in effective revision.Retrieval practice is essential for embedding knowledge in long-term memory.Mind maps should be concise and visually organised to aid recall.Low stakes quizzing helps identify knowledge gaps without pressure.The Pomodoro technique encourages focused study sessions with breaks.Students should experiment with different revision strategies to find what works best for them.Saying answers out loud reinforces memory retention.Parents can play a crucial role in their children's revision process.Using technology can enhance revision techniques and engagement.Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is important during exam preparation.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryThis podcast episode explores the vital role of sustainability and climate change education within schools. Featuring insights from educators and students, the conversation highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into the curriculum, empowering students as agents of change, and fostering a culture of environmental awareness. The discussion also covers various initiatives undertaken by the Eco-Committee and the significance of community involvement in addressing climate issues.Key TakeawaysA whole school initiative is essential for sustainability.Education research is key to meaningful climate change education.Students are increasingly aware and concerned about climate change.The Eco-Committee plays a vital role in promoting sustainability.Interdisciplinary approaches are necessary to tackle climate issues.Students should be empowered to be agents of change.Community involvement enhances sustainability efforts in schools.Sustainability education should start at a young age.Schools can make a significant impact on climate awareness.Every small action contributes to larger environmental changes.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this podcast episode, Simon Jones engages with Emily White, Head of Drama at SWPS, and two Year 12 drama students, Erin and Nina. They discuss the structure and offerings of the drama programme at SWPS, the transition from Lower School to A-Level Drama, and the personal experiences of the students. The conversation highlights the importance of drama in building confidence, social skills, and teamwork, as well as the various career paths available to drama students. Additionally, they touch on the role of LAMDA in enhancing drama education and the emotional impact of performing.TakeawaysDrama at SWPS includes a structured curriculum and co-curricular activities.Lower school drama focuses on confidence building and communication skills.A-Level drama involves deeper study of plays and practical application.Students often discover their passion for drama at different stages.Drama fosters a strong sense of community among participants.The skills gained in drama are transferable to various careers.Lambda provides additional support and training for drama students.Parental support is crucial for students pursuing drama careers.Performing arts can lead to unexpected career paths beyond acting.The emotional fulfillment from performing is unparalleled.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryIn this episode, Simon Jones hosts a conversation with Laura, a current Year 13 student, and Anne, an alumna from the 1960s, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of SWPS. They discuss their experiences at the school, the evolution of education, the importance of pastoral care, and the extracurricular activities that shaped their school lives. The conversation highlights the contrasts between school life in the 1960s and today, as well as the aspirations of students across generations.TakeawaysAnne feels privileged to help with the 300th celebrations.Laura finds being on a podcast a unique opportunity.The school has a strong network of student-teacher relationships.Pastoral care is emphasised in today's education.Food choices have greatly improved since the 1960s.Extracurricular activities are vital for student development.Pantomime remains a cherished tradition at the school.Laura aspires to be a race engineer in motorsport.Anne had a happy school experience despite personal challenges.Both guests reflect on their aspirations and career paths.Links www.swps.org.uk

SummaryThis conversation explores the rowing programme at Sir William Perkins's School (SWPS), highlighting the impressive facilities, the achievements of student athletes Annabel and Emily, and the vital role of coaching in their success. The discussion also delves into the balance between academics and athletics, the importance of discipline over motivation, and the future opportunities available through rowing, including scholarships. The episode concludes with information on how to get involved in the rowing programme.TakeawaysThe boat club has impressive facilities on the Thames.Annabel and Emily are leading rowers at SWPS.Rowing has provided opportunities for international competition.Coaching at SWPS is dedicated and caring.Discipline is more important than motivation in training.Rowing helps maintain academic discipline and efficiency.Scholarships for rowing are significant in the US.Rowing creates a strong sense of community among athletes.The program is open to all levels of ability.Rowing shapes lives and provides lifelong connections.Links www.swps.org.ukhttps://www.swps.org.uk/swpsbc/swpsbc-homehttps://www.instagram.com/swpsrowing/https://x.com/swpsrowing?lang=en

SummaryIn this episode the school celebrates the 300th anniversary of Sir William Perkins's School, focusing on Project 300, which emphasises community engagement, volunteering, and the importance of alumni connections. Tricia Tyler and Dr Steven Berryman discuss the school's initiatives to give back to the community, the significance of maintaining relationships with alumni, and the exciting events planned for the anniversary year, including a concert and an exhibition at Chertsey Museum.TakeawaysProject 300 aims to celebrate the school's 300th anniversary.Volunteering is a key focus, with every pupil participating.The school seeks to strengthen community ties and partnerships.Alumni play a vital role in the school's history and future.New traditions and opportunities are being established through Project 300.The school is committed to giving back to the local community.Upcoming events include a concert and an exhibition.The importance of fostering empathy and understanding through volunteering.Engagement with the Chertsey Museum enhances community connections.The school encourages alumni to reconnect and participate in celebrations.Links www.swps.org.uk

Welcome to our new podcast. This is an exciting new venture and we're really looking forward to bringing you engaging content for you to hear. If you have any questions about what's coming up, or if you'd like to be a guest on a future episode, then do please just get in touch. But in the meantime, please click the option to follow or subscribe and the first episode will be delivered straight to you. Links online: School website: www.swps.org.ukThis was produced by The Bonjour Agency.