The Perse School Cambridge Podcast
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.
Episodes
Meet 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 l...
Join 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...
Mark 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, ...
Beatrice 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...
Smera, 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 Program...
In 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 ...
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
Are you considering a career in sport? In this podcast we meet Tess Howard MBE, a GB Olympian, athlete, changemaker, trailblazer and academic.
Tess is an elite hockey player, representing her country at the highest level, including the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022, where she was part of the winning team, earning a gold medal. Tess established the Inclusive Sportswear Foundation, to build a future where s...
Do you dream of becoming a doctor and making a difference to the lives of patients? In this podcast we meet Dr Amelia Peak, working at the heart of patient care within the NHS.
In this podcast Amelia and Claire Ziwa discuss the following areas:
Working as a resident doctor in Oxfordshire.
What a typical day looks like working with patients and preparing their treatment plans.
The difference between working on the hospital war...
Head 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 1...
Busy student Versha shares her passion for making a difference in the world, with her research into anti-malaria interventions and her role with the Children and Young People's Board at Addenbrooke's Hospital.
This Perse student and Head of School is embracing life.
In this podcast Versha and Claire Ziwa discuss:
Research into anti-malaria interventions with Cambridge University Department of Pathology.
Wanting to make a...
Are you thinking about a career in medicine?
In this podcast we meet Neil, a third year medical student at the University of Cambridge who chose to intercalate medicine with engineering.
This combination gave Neil the opportunity to combine his love for engineering and data science with his passion for medicine.
As a busy student at Emmanuel College, Neil also fills his time with being a choral scholar, being President of the Emmanuel...
Are you a fan of TikTok?
In our podcast with student Ioanna MacKenna she shares her research about TikTok and its influence on young people and politics.
Ioanna is a passionate advocate for modernising politics and earlier this year was selected to deliver a prestigious TEDx talk on the subject.
In this conversation Ioanna and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:
Politicians as digital influencers on TikTok.
Political satire.
...
Ever wanted to work in lighting design?
In this podcast we meet Senior Lighting Designer George Lawton who completed his A level studies at The Perse School in 2016 before going to Rose Bruford College.
In this conversation George and Claire Ziwa discuss topics including:
A childhood fascination with lighting.
Drama and technical theatre at The Perse.
Doing a Lighting Design degree at Rose Bruford College.
The importance of soft skills f...
In this podcast Claire Ziwa talks to two students, Cate and Ines, involved in the Sixth Form play Shakespeare in Love.
In this podcast Claire Ziwa talks to Director of Science Allan Williamson about British Science Week at The Perse, and the wide range of opportunities available for students.
Perse students and academics gave a series of intriguing lectures in the first ever TEDx event held in the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre. In this podcast Claire Ziwa talks to Perse student Sergio Arcidiacono who organised the event, and Ioanna MacKenna, Sorcha Brickel and Neelkantha Mukherjee who all took to the stage to share their independent research.
Professor Rusi Jaspal Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange) at Brighton University, gave an inspiring talk to Perse students on breaking down stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination in this year’s Perse Josef Behrmann Lecture.
The annual event is held in memory of the Old Persean and Holocaust survivor, who went on to become a Hollywood actor, and ties in with the themes of Holocaust Memorial Day each year.
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