Enrichment speakers inspire at Dunhurst

From artists and authors to musicians and actors, pupils at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst enjoyed hearing from a range of speakers in the Autumn term as part of the school’s Jaw programme.

A Bedalian institution, Jaw takes the place of chapel in more traditional independent schools. Introduced at Bedales Senior as Sunday evening prayers under the school’s founder, John Badley, it has evolved to become a broader opportunity to hear and reflect on a diverse range of views, often through visiting speakers. At Dunhurst, the whole school attends Jaw every Friday afternoon to hear from speakers “from all walks of life” in a programme coordinated by Head of Drama and Dance Simon Kingsley-Pallant.

Steven and David from Wise Moves were the first speakers of the term, talking to pupils about African music and the Windrush generation. Other speakers included award-winning war artist Arabella Dorman, Petersfield Museum curator Alice Shaw, musician Noel Gallagher, author Damian Le Bas, author and illustrator Philip Reeve and actors Deborah and Jamie Parker.

Each of the speakers gave fascinating insight into their life, work and experiences before answering questions from pupils. Some speakers even delivered interactive workshops during their visit to Dunhurst – such as Philip Reeve, who gave mini workshops on creating literary worlds to pupils in all year groups.

Head of Dunhurst Colin Baty said: “We are delighted to have welcomed such a range of enrichment speakers to Dunhurst last term for Jaw, which is an important aspect of school life and one which pupils find both enjoyable and inspiring. At the end of an exciting week, Jaw gives us an opportunity to come together as a community to pause, reflect and hear from others. Thank you to all the speakers who have taken the time to come in and talk to us about their work.”