Any kind of further study you undertook after leaving Bedales, and any qualifications that you gained.
I completed a four year integrated Masters in Natural Sciences (Maths and Physics) at Durham University and am currently in the fourth year of a PhD in Particle Physics, also at Durham.
What kind of work you are currently involved in, and how and why you came to be doing it.
My PhD is in theoretical particle physics, in particular the study of the force that holds protons and neutrons together. I work in the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP) at Durham, which means we focus on the interplay between theory and experiment. My research aims to improve the precision of theoretical predictions of collisions between particles, for example in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. I loved Physics at Bedales and have always wanted to dive deeper into the structure of our universe, so I have continued ever since!
Whether being at Bedales has helped you in getting to where you are now, and what you enjoy about what you are doing.
Bedales is an unusual school for many reasons. However, the thing that always strikes me as noteworthy is the culture. Two examples: “Work of Each for Weal of All” and handshaking. The first is a motto for all of us (teachers and students); we are aware that we are part of a community and can achieve more when we work together. The second is where teachers and students all shake hands after every assembly; it reinforces the basis of mutual respect between those who have valuable experience and those who are growing into themselves but have a valuable point of view. These have left an immeasurable mark on my identity, and they shine through in every activity: research collaboration, teaching younger students and work integrity. The research collaboration is the best part of my core work – sharing at conferences, making connections and plans with international researchers. I am very lucky to be part of such a vibrant worldwide network. On teaching, I love running workshops with undergraduates and tutoring school students - teaching grounds my current research and reinforces my background understanding, while of course helping students to foster their own love of Physics. On work integrity, I am very fortunate to work in an industry such as Physics research, where the work is worth doing for the work’s sake.
What Bedales Assessed Courses you took and how have they influenced your life since taking them.
The BACs I took were English Literature and Philosophy, Religion & Ethics (PRE). While I did not continue these subjects beyond age 16, these two courses were fascinating and, in many ways, far greater than their GCSE counterparts. English Literature gave me a broad grounding in different genres of classic novels, plays and poetry and was so much more inspiring than the English GCSE I also studied. We had far fewer exams (which suits the subject) and lots of opportunity for self-expression. I still love reading today of course and always have a book on my bedside table. PRE was my favourite BAC but perhaps the course I worked hardest on too! The topics covered were again far broader than on any similar GCSE, however the most influential components were the Utopia Project and the Thinking Journal. The Utopia Project gave us the unique opportunity to work on a bold investigation into politics, philosophy, state religion (or not), law and education all at once! The Thinking Journal was a blank canvas to investigate anything in the PRE remit and receive feedback every week. These experiences developed my independent working skills and really suited my inquiring mind, which matches up with my PhD, where I conduct lots of independent research.
And other interesting activities or occupations that you have been involved in since leaving school.
I was always involved in the musical side of Bedales and this did not change in Durham. I have been part of various choirs in Durham, particularly St. Cuthbert’s Society Choir (a Durham college) and Northern Spirit Singers (NSS). Through these groups, I went on choir tours to France, Ireland and the Netherlands; performed in Durham Cathedral and the Sage Gateshead; and made great friends. On a separate note, I fit the stereotype of Durham graduates who met their spouse at university, and we got married in 2019!