18: Student Conference

18: Student Conference

In this special episode of Britannicast, we take a slightly different route—bringing you a lively and insightful panel discussion recorded during the recent Orbital Schools Leadership Conference. Joining us in the studio are three brilliant student voices and one teacher, representing Orbital schools from Slovenia, Spain, and Albania. Together, they explore what it really means to be part of an international school community—sharing perspectives that are thoughtful, funny, and occasionally surprising. This episode is a true celebration of global student voice and cultural exchange. Topics include: * 🇸🇮 🇪🇸 🇦🇱 Life in Orbital Schools Across Europe What’s similar? What’s different? And how does each school shape student experience? * 🍜 Chinese vs European School Life (and Cuisine!) From canteen culture to classroom expectations—some fascinating comparisons! * 👔 The Great School Uniform Debate Are uniforms a unifying force—or do they suppress individuality? Expect strong opinions! * 🗣️ Leadership, Identity & Student Voice What does leadership mean to young people today? And how can schools nurture it? * 😂 Plenty of Humour & Honest Moments This is a relaxed, unscripted conversation—so expect laughter, surprises, and genuine insight. Stick around until the end for something truly special—a fantastic Year 6 Rap Medley, produced with the help of our brilliant Music Department. It’s energetic, creative, and the perfect way to close out this international episode. Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode offers a refreshing look at: * The power of student voice in international education * The importance of cross-cultural understanding * How young people today are thinking about identity, leadership, and community international school podcast, student panel discussion, Orbital schools, student leadership conference, international education podcast, school uniform debate, student voice in education, global schools discussion, Britannicast podcast, school culture comparison, international students podcast, Year 6 rap performance, school music showcase We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Join the conversation and connect with us: 👉 Search “Britannicast” on your favourite podcast platform 👉 Share your feedback through the school community channels international school podcast, student panel discussion, Orbital schools, student leadership conference, international education podcast, school uniform debate, student voice in education, global schools discussion, Britannicast podcast, school culture comparison, international students podcast, Year 6 rap performance, school music showcase #Britannicast #InternationalSchool #StudentVoice #OrbitalSchools #LeadershipConference #GlobalEducation #SchoolLife #StudentLeadership #EducationPodcast #SchoolUniformDebate #CulturalExchange #Year6 #SchoolMusic #RapMedley #EducationMatters #PodcastForSchools 🌍 What’s Inside This Episode?🎤 Special Feature: Year 6 Rap Medley🎧 Why You Should Listen🔍 SEO Keywords📢 Get Involved🏷️ Hashtags

17: Homework & CNY

In Episode 17 we tackle a question every student, parent and teacher has asked at some point: what is the point of homework? Harisha brings a senior-student perspective on workload, independence and university preparation, while Year 7’s Lianna explains how homework feels when you’re just getting used to secondary school. Head of Secondary and Vice-Principal Mr. O’Brien explains the school’s approach to homework — its purpose, how it supports learning, and the balance the leadership team aims for between practice and wellbeing. Expect a thoughtful, practical conversation that looks at routine, feedback, and tips for making homework more useful (and less stressful). We also celebrate community: the episode captures highlights from Britannica’s Chinese New Year festivities — student performances, cultural activities, and the ways the celebration deepens students’ understanding of Chinese traditions and shared identity. The result is a lively episode that blends policy, pupil voice and school life: principled insight from senior leadership, honest student experience across age groups, and colourful festival moments that show the school’s spirit. The featured interview is with Miss Liu, Britannica Shanghai's Deputy Head of Mandarin Studies. #Britannicast #BritannicaShanghai #HomeworkDebate #StudentVoice #ChineseNewYear #SchoolLife

16: Merry Christmas

So, it's a shortened Britannicast this festive month, as circumstances conspired against producing a full show. However, Britannica Principal Mr. Farrell is in the studio to talk through all things past, present and future. Talking of Christmas Carols, Igor from Year 9 visits the Winter Wonderland to take in the Festive Spirit. #Britannica #WinterWonderland #Classof25 #happynewyear

15: EAL & Pumpkins

Episode 15 of Britannicast celebrates language learning and seasonal fun: Mister Smith is joined by Enrico and Aidana, plus EAL teacher Mister Edwards, to explore studying English as an additional language (EAL) and the recent Pumpkin Palooza / Halloween celebrations at school. The episode features an interview with Mrs. Crew‑Hall about English teaching at Britannica and closes with a special live cover by the Staff Band.Full show notes Recorded episode — timestamps removed. Episode highlights: * Discussion about EAL strategies, classroom support and how we help international students build confidence in English. * Reflections from Enrico and Aidana on their experience of Pumpkin Palooza — costumes, activities and how celebrations bring the community together. * An in-depth interview with Mrs. Crew‑Hall on English teaching approaches, reading for pleasure and advice for learners and parents. * A show-closing live performance: the Staff Band’s remarkable rendition of a David Bowie classic. * EAL at Britannica focuses on practical language use, confidence-building and integration with mainstream lessons. * School events like Pumpkin Palooza strengthen community bonds and provide creative learning moments outside the classroom. * Mrs. Crew‑Hall shares top tips for encouraging reading and improving writing at home and school. * The Staff Band demonstrates the school’s vibrant extra-curricular life with an energetic musical finale. Key takeaways (quick bullets) Britannicast Ep.15 — EAL learning, Pumpkin Palooza highlights and an interview with Mrs. Crew‑Hall on English teaching — plus a David Bowie cover by the Staff Band.Please contact Britannicast via our school website: BritannicaShanghai.com

14: Shakespeare and Ted

Episode 14 of Britannicast brings student voices and staff insight together: Mister Smith is joined by Lianna (Year 7) and Shaswat (Year 11), plus Head of English Mister Arnold, to chat about studying English Literature (sorry Ted Hughes) and our exciting new facilities that were installed over the summer. Don't miss a fascinating interview with Mister Walker, Britannica’s Head of Art. We close with a beautiful classical performance from the Year 10 ensemble. * New campus facilities enhance practical learning across art, music and English. * Mister Arnold highlights teaching approaches that make literature accessible and fun for all year groups. * Mister Walker outlines fresh opportunities for student artists, exhibition plans and portfolio-building tips. * Student voices (Lianna & Shaswat) show real enthusiasm for the term ahead—and the Year 10 ensemble offers a lovely musical finale. #Britannicast #BritannicaShanghai #SchoolPodcast #StudentVoices #EnglishLiterature #SchoolArt #Year10Ensemble #EducationShanghai 1tZPjrCHXWs8y3sHYRKo