Small Island Podcast

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the idea of birds and what they represent in fiction, then reads some Ted Hughes and interviews Bede's Head of English Mr Oliver. Mr Oliver, a gifted poet and fantastic teacher, talks about the journey of his life, the magic of the written word, and his three favourite books - after which Mr Vaux challenges now Year 11 podcast producer Michael to solve another moral dilemma...

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the idea of dystopia, reads some Simon Armitage, and interviews Upper Fifth (Year 11) pupil Ellie Bostock-Smith. Ellie, an incredibly talented young writer, discusses the pressures of GCSE study, her writing processes, and her struggles with structure. She also, of course, talks us through her favourite books - all before Mr Vaux challenges Year 10 podcast producer Michael with a fiendish moral quandary - albeit one that he seems almost too quick to answer!

Upper Fifth (Year 11) pupil Lili Longden reads Laganas, a short story by Bede's pupil George Linehan. The piece won the 2018-19 First Year Travel Writing competition, which was presented in the Autumn Term by professional travel writer Suzy Joinson, author of The Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar and The Photographer's Wife.

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the idea of dreams, reads some Edward Young, and interviews First Year (Year 9) pupil George Linehan. George, who won the 'Lives of Others' Travel Writing competition last term, discusses his writing process, his passion for dance and his favourite books - after which Mr Vaux finally asks Michael, the podcast's Year 10 producer, a tricky question that he cannot seem to answer...

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the idea of 'bildungsroman' narratives, reads some Seamus Heaney, and interviews Bede's Headmaster Mr Peter Goodyer. In addition to talking about his favourite books, Mr Goodyer discusses growing up in South Africa, his interest in the mysteries of the human mind, and what it is like to be in charge of a school - all before Mr Vaux has another brief chat with Michael, the podcast's very honest Year 10 producer...

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the idea of winning in fiction, reads some William Ernest Henley, and interviews Bede's Co-Curricular Deputy Head Ms Rachael Woollett. As well revealing her favourite novels, Ms Woollett opens up about her life before Bede's and discusses the importance of learning outside of the classroom - all before Mr Vaux has another brief chat with the podcast's Year 10 producer, Michael...

In this bumper-length episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores what makes for a good story hook, reads some Robert Frost, and interviews Bede's Principal Deputy Head Mr Jerry Lewis. As well learning about Mr Lewis' life before Bede's, we discuss the complexities of pastoral care and mental health in schools, and chew over Mr Lewis' favourite novels, all before having another brief chat with Michael, our trusty Year 10 producer.

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the motif of heatwaves, reads some Shakespeare, and interviews Bede's Academic Deputy Head Mr John Tuson. As well learning about Mr Tuson's life before Bede's, we discuss his favourite novels - and then have another brief chat with episode producer (and Year 10 pupil) Michael.

In this episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the tricky business of endings, reads some W.B. Yeats, and interviews Lower Sixth pupil and winner of the Senior Prize in the Bede's 2018 Writing Competition Molly Fisher-Newton. As well as exploring Molly's favourite novels, the episode features a reading of Molly's award-winning poem Secrets by Lower Sixth Former Tom McGovern - and another brief chat with episode producer (and Year 9 pupil) Michael.

Lower Sixth pupil Tom McGovern reads Light in the Dark by Bede's pupil Holly Bromley, who is in the First Year (Year 9). The story won the Junior Prize in this year's school-wide creative writing competition Altered States, a contest which welcomed work from children in all year groups at Bede's, with prizes awarded at the end of the Spring Term.

Lower Fifth (Year 10) pupil Nathan De Silva reads Greek Violin, a short story by Bede's pupil Holly Bromley. The piece won the 2017-18 First Year Travel Writing competition, which was presented in the Autumn Term by Sara Wheeler, fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and author of several books including Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica.

In this introductory episode of the Small Island podcast, Mr Vaux explores the theme of summer, reads some William Blake, and interviews Year 9 pupil and winner of the Junior Prize in the Bede's 2018 Writing Competition Holly Bromley. As well as exploring Holly's favourite novels, the episode features readings of extracts of Holly's work by Year 10 pupil Nathan De Silva, Lower Sixth Former Tom McGovern, and a brief chat with episode producer (and Year 9 pupil) Michael.