What I REALLY Learnt at School - Alfredian Voices

The VOICE of Stephen Brandes, Class of 1971

In episode 17 of Alfredian Voices, Stephen Brandes (OA 1971) speaks with Tamlyn about his profound experiences at the King Alfred School. Stephen recounts his late entry into the School at age 12, navigating the tightly knit KAS community, but still being warmly welcomed and forming lasting friendships with fellow Alfredians. As a former council member and past parent as well, Stephen is an Alfredian through and through. He shares cherished memories of the school's buildings and grounds, highlighting his involvement with council and the Grounds and Building Committee. As a career architect, Stephen astutely reflects on the aesthetic and environmental importance of the School's architecture and open spaces. Later in life, Stephen sent his own children, Humphrey and Bertie, to KAS. Like Stephen they too love KAS to this day. This episode paints a vivid picture of the KAS legacy and the vision for its future.Stephen and Tamlyn recorded this episode outside in the gardens of the King Alfred School, during the school day. The voices of children, the School and indeed London itself are audible throughout. 

The VOICE of Joe Leader, Class of 1998

In this episode of Alfredian Voices, Heather Roberts sits down with Old Alfredian Joe Leader, a professional musician who revisits his formative years at King Alfred School (KAS). Joe shares fond memories of 'The Axe Monsters,' an early collaborative musical performance, and reflects on how KAS's progressive and open-minded environment in the 80s and 90s nurtured his musical talents. Joe attributes his confidence and career choice to the school's supportive teachers, particularly Andy Hampton and Robert Hersey, who were instrumental in his development as a musician. Recounting his school days, Joe talks about overcoming academic challenges with the help of approachable teachers and the inclusive ethos that celebrated diversity and acceptance. He reminisces about memorable school performances, like 'Bugsy Malone' and 'The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,' and the immersive experience of performing in the main hall. Joe also touches upon his achievements, including winning the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Awards and touring worldwide with Italian pop legend Eros Ramazzotti. He emphasizes the lifelong impact of KAS's values on his personal and professional life, from fostering a nurturing and accepting attitude to inspiring others through music. Joe advises current KAS saxophone players to stay true to themselves and enjoy their music. The episode concludes with Joe expressing gratitude for the school's lasting influence on his journey, aiming to inspire the next generation of musicians with his story.

The VOICE of Juliet Mitchell, Class of 1958

In this episode of Alfredian Voices, Old Alfredian Juliet Mitchell shares her vivid and heartwarming memories of her time at King Alfred's School during World War II. Juliet recalls her initial experiences coming from New Zealand and describes the unique democratic governance of the school, which deeply influenced her personal values. Juliet highlights how the school's culture emphasized reading, critical thinking, and a democratic approach, which enabled her to connect with people from all walks of life. Despite being an independent school, she points out how it fostered a sense of equality and community among students. Towards the end of the episode, Juliet discusses the impact of King Alfred's on her life choices and expresses her strong desire to send her granddaughter to the school, underscoring her continued affection for its distinctive ethos. 

The VOICE of Stephanie Young, Class of 2010

In this episode of 'What I Really Learned at School, Alfredian Voices,' Old Alfredian Stephanie revisits King Alfred School, sharing her journey and reflections with Deborah Castillo. Stephanie recounts the heartwarming experience of reconnecting with past classmates and influential teachers.. They were pivotal in shaping not just her analytical skills but also her understanding of the world and the holistic impact of education. She elaborates on how their rigorous academic yet caring teaching methods instilled essential life skills, particularly the ability to think critically and empathetically. Having transitioned from a student to an educator herself, Stephanie spent eight years teaching before moving on to work at the Economist Educational Foundation. Here, she applies her rich educational background to develop resources that help teachers discuss current events in classrooms. She touches on the unique challenges and rewards of creating unbiased, fact-checked materials that engage young minds in meaningful discussions about global issues. Reflecting on her time at King Alfred, Stephanie praises the school's enrichment-focused approach, which allowed her to explore varied interests, particularly in the arts and music. She underscores the value of such a nurturing and holistic learning environment, comparing it to the often less flexible mainstream educational systems. Stephanie believes that this unique educational experience empowered her to enter adulthood with a strong sense of identity and purpose. Lastly, she advises current students to seize every opportunity for enrichment and exploration, as these experiences are foundational to personal and intellectual growth. Stephanie’s journey from King Alfred School to making impactful contributions in education and beyond showcases the school's lasting influence on its students, fostering a deep-seated love for learning and personal development.

The VOICE of Nick Nielsen, Class of 1994

In this episode of 'What I Really Learnt At School, Alfredian Voices', Old Alfredian Nick Nielsen delves into his formative years at King Alfred School. Reflecting on his journey that began in Reception, Nick shares how his mother's unique background in Brazil and her left-wing views led him to this creative and unconventional educational institution. Despite initial fears, his reception year grew into 13 transformative years that shaped his personal and professional life profoundly. Nick highlights the sense of freedom and encouragement KAS gave him to explore his interests, bridging both Arts and Sciences, a path that eventually led him to Cambridge and then into a fulfilling career in social enterprise.His close-knit relationships with teachers and peers, the space for individual growth, and the encouragement to take risks are central themes in his narrative. Funny stories from his school days, like sneaking extra milk and ending a recorder lesson early by misstating the time, add a light-hearted touch to his experiences. Now a consultant for social purpose organizations, Nick continues to cherish the values and ethos instilled in him at KAS, which he hopes his own children will equally benefit from. This episode captures Nick's heartfelt gratitude and the lasting impact of his education at King Alfred School.