Bedales Podcast

Bedales School
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Welcome to the Bedales Podcast. Bedales is, and has always been, a unique community; there’s lots to talk about. Join us as we sit down with former and current students, staff and speakers alike to discuss a range of topics centred around the school and life beyond Bedales. As per our philosophy, we talk to the whole person - head, hand and heart. Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bedales School. Credits: Bedales Podcast logo created by Agnes; jingles created by Anna; Intros/Outros created by Nadia, all 6.1 (year 12) students at Bedales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Mar 26

    Beyond Bedales - Creating buildings that inspire learning

    A journey through the school’s most characterful spaces to uncover how architecture shapes life and learning at Bedales. Old Bedalian Sofia walks the campus with illustrator, author and former Chair of Governors Matthew Rice, exploring the stories, craft and philosophy behind the buildings and the handmade structures born from outdoor work. In the second half, architect and Old Bedalian Katie Shannon reflects on how growing up at Bedales sparked her passion for inclusive and sustainable design. She shares how spaces can influence creativity, confidence and wellbeing, and how Bedales’ values continue to inspire her work. Together, their reflections offer a vivid picture of how the school’s built environment has evolved while staying rooted in its ethos of head, hand and heart. It’s a thoughtful look at how buildings can enable community, curiosity and the freedom to learn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Beyond Bedales - Creating buildings that inspire learning

  2. Feb 12

    Beyond Bedales - Rethinking Science education

    This Beyond Bedales podcast episode explores how STEM education is being transformed at Bedales School. Head of Science Faculty Liz Stacy discusses her journey from the chemical industry to teaching, highlighting Bedales' unique approach that emphasises creativity, autonomy, and real-world relevance over rote memory. The school is developing an exciting new science curriculum to replace the outdated GCSE system, focusing on critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and continuous assessment in addition to terminal exams. Alumni and parents then discuss Bedales’ influence in fostering their fascinating STEM careers in fields ranging from AI and engineering to digital education, emphasising that creativity and human connection remain essential skills in an increasingly automated world. This episode is produced by Old Bedalian Sofia GM. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Beyond Bedales - Rethinking Science education

  3. Jan 22

    Life@Bedales - Conversations with international students finding home far from home

    Welcome to Life@Bedales - Finding home far from home, conversations with Bedales international students about what it’s like to join a UK boarding school and build a life here. In this episode, students reflect on their experiences of settling into Bedales School - from discovering British food to becoming part of a small, close‑knit community that quickly starts to feel like a second home. They talk about the friendships they’ve formed across different year groups, the fun of weekend BBQs and celebrations like Thanksgiving, and the confidence they’ve gained from trying new things and finding their strengths across the curriculum. Sport features strongly too, with students loving the facilities and the chance to get involved in activities they’d never tried before. They also speak about the freedom to express themselves, whether that’s through their work, their interests or simply by wearing their own clothes. A recurring theme is the authentic relationships students build with teachers. First‑name terms and a culture of mutual respect help create an environment where they feel genuinely cared for and understood. It’s a place where they’re encouraged to “be yourself and have a go” - advice they’re keen to pass on to anyone joining the school for the first time. You’ll hear honest reflections on how Bedales has shaped our students: how they’ve grown more confident, more open and more at home in themselves. This is life at Bedales, told through the voices of those who travelled farthest to find it. Music performed by Bedales students. Interview recordings by George Purves and edited by Old Bedalian Sofia GM.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Life@Bedales - Conversations with international students finding home far from home

  4. 12/22/2025

    Life@Bedales - Christmas special

    Welcome to this Christmas episode of the Bedales Podcast featuring interviews, carols and readings from members of the Bedales School community. We hear from Clare Kirkham (Head of Bedales Prep) and Will Goldsmith (Head of Bedales) in conversation with Sixth Form students Orlando and Aaron. We then enjoy highlights from the Bedales Service of Carols and Readings for Advent and Christmas, recorded from All Saints’ Church, Steep in December 2025, led by Doug McIlwraith, Director of Music, and featuring the Bedales Senior Choir and readings from students and staff. Thank you to Harry Boulton, Assistant Director of Music, for the recording of the service, Rev Canon Dr Susie Collingridge for taking the service and making available the church, The congregation for joining in so heartily with the singing, and to Sofia GM, Old Bedalian, for producing this episode.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Life@Bedales - Christmas special

  5. 11/20/2025

    Life@Bedales - Talking politics

    Sixth Form students Aaron and Orlando talk all things politics with Bedales Senior’s Head of Humanities Faculty, Abi Wharton. The conversation initially focuses on the democratic legitimacy of a government and the pros and cons of lowering the voting age to 16 in England. The need for more education on democracy and citizenship is raised, to help young people make the most of such a change. The increasing influence of social media is considered as well as wider global developments in politics, and in particular in the US. If you’d like to learn more, tune in! This edition was recorded and edited by Bedales 6.1 (year 12) student, Arthur.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Life@Bedales - Talking politics

  6. 10/16/2025

    Beyond Bedales - In conversation with fashion designers Charlotte Dellal and Alexander Yetman

    Welcome to this episode of the Bedales Podcast focussing on the fashion industry. We’re joined by two trailblazing fashion designers and Bedales alumni - Charlotte Dellal (1999), founder of Charlotte Olympia, known for her bold, whimsical, award-winning designs centred around luxury shoes which she grew into a global brand, and Alexander Yetman (2015), who has developed his childhood passion to create his own label of handmade clothing based from his London studio. Together, they reflect on their creative approaches, influences, the fashion industry and how their time at Bedales shaped their creative journeys. This episode is produced by Bedales alumna Sofia G-M (2014). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Beyond Bedales - In conversation with fashion designers Charlotte Dellal and Alexander Yetman

  7. 09/25/2025

    Beyond Bedales - Behind the scenes with the theatrical Stansted Players

    This podcast is all about the Stansted Players, a theatrical group of Bedales alumni, directed by former Bedales teacher Alastair Langlands. They come together every year to produce a play, usually a little-known one, which is then performed at Bedales. The acting troupe of Stansted Players was founded in the late 1920s by the Earl of Bessborough of Stansted House. In this episode, current player Christy Callaway-Gale (2012) finds out from Alastair how he revived the players in 1990 and moved its home to Selborne and Bedales. Old Bedalian Sofia G-M (2014) then meets up with other players Serena Brett (2011), Nick Tier (1986) and Jordan Theis (2010) during rehearsals for their 2025 production of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona. The Stansted Players perform at Bedales School annually at the end of August. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Beyond Bedales - Behind the scenes with the theatrical Stansted Players

  8. 09/11/2025

    Beyond Bedales - Leading food and lifestyle photographer Georgia Glynn Smith in conversation

    In this episode, Bedales alumna Sofia GM (2014) heads to North London to meet world leading food and lifestyle photographer Georgia Glynn Smith (1985) in her home and studio in Islington. Celebrated by Jamie Oliver as the “best food photographer in the world”, Georgia has photographed over 50 books for the biggest names in food, as well as more recently developing innovative businesses in the food industry. Sofia and Georgia get stuck into conversation and laughs, in good Bedalian fashion, and discuss all things from Georgia’s extensive career, the influence of her school, and most recently a thrilling trip across India on a rickshaw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Beyond Bedales - Leading food and lifestyle photographer Georgia Glynn Smith in conversation
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About

Welcome to the Bedales Podcast. Bedales is, and has always been, a unique community; there’s lots to talk about. Join us as we sit down with former and current students, staff and speakers alike to discuss a range of topics centred around the school and life beyond Bedales. As per our philosophy, we talk to the whole person - head, hand and heart. Please note the views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bedales School. Credits: Bedales Podcast logo created by Agnes; jingles created by Anna; Intros/Outros created by Nadia, all 6.1 (year 12) students at Bedales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Bedales School
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bedales School
  • Show Website
    Bedales Podcast