Thinking through making: why hands-on learning matters

Learning languages in a changing world

Sam Thater, Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Oundle, reflects on his own journey into languages and why the subject matters now more than ever.  With fewer young people in the UK choosing languages, the conversation explores some of the reasons behind the decline. It also considers what may be lost if the trend continues, and what helps sustain interest in language learning in schools today. Sam talks about the confidence, resilience and cultural awareness that come from learning a language, and why it is about far more than vocabulary and grammar.  An honest discussion about education, opportunity, and the role languages continue to play in a more connected and uncertain world

The power of a good book

In this episode of Oundle Voices, Head Dominic Oliver and Head Librarian Andrea Kimball reflect on the power of books in the National Year of Reading.  Together they explore why reading remains central to education and to personal growth. From the joy of discovering a good book to the role of families, schools and libraries in shaping lifelong habits, the conversation ranges widely. They discuss the importance of reading for pleasure, the balance between guidance and freedom in what young people choose to read, and the ways technology, audiobooks and graphic novels are reshaping how we engage with stories.  At its heart, this is a conversation about why reading matters. Not simply as an academic skill, but as something that deepens empathy, strengthens community and opens up the world.

Thinking through making: why hands-on learning matters

Design and Technology is in a tricky place nationally, yet the need for innovative thinkers has never been greater. In this episode, Ray Cilia, DET teacher at Oundle, reflects on the value of hands-on learning, the power of iteration and why moving ideas into three dimensions builds confidence, resilience and belief.