Podcast
The Perse School Cambridge Podcast
Hosted by Perse · EN
The Perse School podcast series, brings you a wide variety of podcasts with voices from across our schools (Pelican, Prep, Upper and Sixth Form) and the local community.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Diary of a Future CEO with Dr James Bradley: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Jul 2200:28:08Tap to summarizeJoin us in this episode of The Diary of a Future CEO as we meet Dr James Bradley, (OP, 2008) a pioneering scientist whose research takes him from the frozen edges of the planet to the frontiers of science in search of answers to some of our world's biggest questions. At the Bradley Lab, microbiology, geochemistry, and climate science converge to explore how life survives, and even thrives, in the harshest environments on Earth. Watch to discover how zooming in on the microscopic helps us to better understand the planet’s past, present, and future. In this conversation James and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Microorganisms and how the earth shapes them and their evolution and activity.Working in remote and extreme environments.Climate change and its impact on the polar regions.Zombie microbes.Directing research programmes and supporting and mentoring colleagues on their journey as researchers in the field.Discovering new knowledge about how the world works.Advice for young people interested in following a path into scientific research.Sailing to Antarctica and working on the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough.The personal qualities needed to work in remote environments. Dr. James Bradley is CNRS Chaire de Professeur Juniorat the Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography in Marseille, France.Find out more - https://www.jbradleylab.com/ Instagram @DrBradBrad You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/bbQJzXSrxCE
Transcribe →The Diary of a Future CEO with Ben Parker: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Jul 2200:27:48Tap to summarizeMeet Ben Parker, Director of Outdoor Education and Head of Climbing at The Perse School Cambridge. In this conversation, Ben reflects on his journey from a childhood passion for the outdoors to leading world class expeditions to places like Ladakh and Bolivia. Ben shares the profound impact outdoor education has had on his own life, as well as on the thousands of Perse students who have taken part in the many adventures he's led over the years. Ben and Claire Ziwa discuss a range of topics including:Personal growth through adventure.The wide range of lifelong skills and leadership qualities students gain from taking part in outdoor pursuits.Embracing failure.The importance of children 'unplugging' from the digital world.Developing self-worth in children.Preparing students for high risk expeditions.The longer term positive impact of taking part in Perse Outdoor Pursuits.The importance of giving children an adventure and learning by having fun.The experience young people need of making difficult decisions and accepting their consequences.Being brace enough to trust your gut.Perseverance as a crucial lifelong skill.A mentoring leadership style.Being brave and taking risks. So, if you've been one of the students who’ve taken part in PES, or if you're motivated by outdoor adventures – this podcast is for you. You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/v1vxAeHrkrM Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
Transcribe →The Diary of a Future CEO with Smera Sachin: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Jun 1800:16:51Tap to summarizeSmera, a talented student from The Perse, (OP, 2025) is heading to Harvard to pursue her passion for engineering and STEM. A gifted musician and dedicated all-rounder, Smera balances academic ambition with a vibrant and fulfilling life beyond the classroom. Listen to discover more about her inspiring journey. In this podcast Smera and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics.The journey to Harvard.Studying the Liberal Arts Programme.A passion for engineering.Making a wind powered generator.Being awarded an Arkwright Scholarship.Training at the Royal College of Music.Playing the piano and bassoon.Playing in the National Youth Orchestra.Performing at the Royal Albert Hall and the BBC Proms.Gaining an amateur radio licence.The importance of parental support.Being organised! You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/QYd8DgVn8ec?si=ZqLoa08eT02ZCKpl Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
Transcribe →The Diary of a Future CEO with Beatrice Rogers: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Jun 1800:16:25Tap to summarizeBeatrice Rogers (OP, 2024) is making a name for herself in the world of women’s football. Known for her sharp footballing mind, natural talent, and relentless drive, she’s become one to watch as she climbs the ranks of the game. Her journey hasn't been without challenges – but through hard work, determination and an unshakeable belief in herself, Beatrice has continued to grow, inspire, and impress on and off the pitch. Listen now to discover more about the footballer lighting up the pitch and inspiring the next generation. In this podcast Beatrice and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:Falling in love with football in the school playground.Being scouted.The challenges of being a girl playing football growing up, when lots of your friends aren't playing.Playing in defence.Playing with the FA Advanced Coaching Centre.Joining a boys' football team.Taking on the role of team Captain.Transitioning to adults' football.Longer term dreams as a footballer.Being an Arsenal fan.The lack of female role models when Beatrice was growing up.Inspiring role models like Laurent Koscielny.Advice for girls playing football today.Coping with injury and staying positive.Future plans and interests in social media creation and sports presenting. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YSeAVbyvq_A?si=sA6gfJkWtENav397 Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
Transcribe →The Diary of a Future CEO with Mark Emerton: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Jun 1800:31:09Tap to summarizeMark Emerton, an Old Persean (1979), has led an extraordinary career spanning the Royal Navy, the legal profession, and the judiciary. After studying Geography at Oxford while on a Naval Cadetship, Mark went on to qualify as a barrister and serve in a range of legal and operational roles within the Navy, including establishing the Summary Appeal Court. After leaving the Navy in 2002, he joined the Criminal Cases Review Commission, investigating miscarriages of justice. In 2009, he became a full-time Employment Judge, specialising in equality and human rights law. Mark’s commitment to justice has extended beyond the courtroom. He's trained judges across Europe, served on the Judicial College Board, and championed diversity and inclusion within the judiciary. Now 'retired' Mark remains deeply involved in public service through roles including being a Judicial Member of the Senior Salaries Review Body, Governor at the University of Lincoln, and Master of the Bench at Gray’s Inn. Listen to hear Mark reflect on his journey, from The Perse School to public life, and the lessons he's learned along the way. If you're interested in a career in law this podcast is for you! In this conversation Mark and Claire Ziwa discuss the following topics. Joining the Royal Navy.Reading Geography at Oxford University.Drama in the courtroom.Making a difference.The intellectual challenge.A passion for the rule of law and justice.Working in immigration law.The Criminal Cases Review Commission.Being Freeman of the City of London.Setting up the Summary Appeal Court.Becoming a Judge. Being a Dad.Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis.Understanding your strengths.Guiding new entrants to a career at the Bar.Working out if a legal career is the right choice for you.The Senior Salaries Review Body. Artificial Intelligence.Advice for life. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M5R4Xq_mA7k?si=74sba1G-DfEU3ylq Production Credits:Host and Executive Producer: Claire ZiwaFilm Editor: Adam Crossland
Transcribe →Behind the Wardrobe: Bringing Narnia to Life
May 21, 202500:10:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Claire Ziwa talks to some of the cast and production crew involved in the Lower School production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They share what it’s like to be part of the show – from performing on stage to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s a fun and insightful look at how the magic of Narnia is brought to life by a talented team of pupils. * The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was written by C.S Lewis and adapted by Glyn Robbins.
Transcribe →Neurodivergence at The Perse: Shaping a More Inclusive Learning Environment
Mar 13, 202500:15:09Tap to summarizeIn this podcast, Emma Rothwell, Assistant Head for Inclusion, Equality, and Diversity, and Nikki Wells, Head of Learning Support, speak with Sixth Form students about their personal experiences of being neurodivergent and the crucial role early diagnosis plays in unlocking the support needed to reach their full learning potential.
Transcribe →Unmasking Sweeney Todd: Behind the Scenes of the Forthcoming Sixth Form Production
Mar 13, 202500:08:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Claire Ziwa takes you behind the scenes of our Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street School Edition production, sharing insights from the cast and crew on what it takes to bring this iconic musical to life.Many thanks to Perse students Sam, Martha, Oliver and Ella for taking part.
Transcribe →Inclusion and Healthcare on Zero Discrimination Day
Feb 27, 202500:14:52Tap to summarizeIn this podcast to mark Zero Discrimination Day, Emma Rothwell (Assistant Head for Inclusion, Equality and Diversity) talks to Sixth Form students about inclusion in healthcare and how discrimination in healthcare practices impacts us all.
Transcribe →The Diary of a Future CEO with Marcus Wentzell: Inspiring stories to ignite the next generation
Feb 5, 202500:10:09Tap to summarizeHead of School Marcus Wentzell shares his experience of being a student at The Perse, reflecting on his exciting Rouse research into the effectiveness of muometric positioning systems in underground navigation, as well as his passion for playing the saxophone and his important role as an anti-bullying ambassador.In this podcast Marcus and Claire Ziwa discuss:Marcus's experience as Head of School.Looking back on the last 15 years as a student at The Perse School, Cambridge.The breadth of skills learned at the school.Playing the saxophone and taking part in music competitions.The balance of academic and extra-curricular work.The Rouse award and Marcus's physics research into positionings systems and how GPS doesn't work underground.Applying to university to read Physics.Having a curiosity for learning.Taking on a leadership role as an anti-bullying ambassador. You can also watch this podcast on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/5bIVrOczbRM?si=QCrKUB29Xu55UvST
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