Inspire Lectures

I N S P I R E L E C T U R E S

The Frank Terry Memorial Lecture - David Owen (1979-1986)

We were delighted to welcome David Owen (OR 1979-1986), Professor of Structural Cell Biology at the University of Cambridge, as our guest speaker for this year’s Frank Terry Memorial Lecture on Thursday 18th November. David left Reading School in 1979 to read Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at the University of Oxford. He spoke with fondness of his Reading School education. In particular, of the inspiration and influence of his former Biology teacher, Mr John Oakes (Former Head of Biology & Boarding House Master-1970-1997), who was in attendance. The Frank Terry Memorial Lecture is an annual lecture series in memory of the late Frank Terry (History Teacher and Boarding Headmaster from 1946-1982). Mr A M Robson (Headmaster) introduced the lecture with some words in his commemoration before David delivered his lecture on ‘Using Structural Biology to understand the ‘white van’ delivery system of the cell’ to Year 12 Biology and Chemistry students in Big School. Professor David Owen also visited the Phillip Mitchell Science Centre, ahead of the Frank Terry Memorial Lecture. Here he saw Year 7 students demonstrate the simple distillation of Ink. They discovered that the solvent (water) and the solute (ink pigments) can be separated from a solution (ink) in their Chemistry practical lesson (below). Also, Year 12 Biology students explained the genetic engineering practical set, called 'pGlo bacterial transformation' by BIORAD. They genetically engineer bacteria with a gene from jellyfish (Green Fluorescent Protein) so they glow in UV light.

“I can honestly say that his lecture was one of the best in the series, and reflected a great deal of careful preparation and empathy on his part. He has the knack of seeing his subject from the point of view of a non-specialist outsider as much as a seasoned expert. And that is exactly what was needed for the audience."

Francis Terry (OR 1956-1963)

Alex Mortlock (OR 2003-2010) visits Year 8 English class

In June 2022, Old Redingensian, Alex Mortlock visited the school to speak to a Year 8 class about his experiences since leaving Reading School. Alex currently lives and works as a safety officer at Whistler Blackcomb, a ski resort located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Mountain-related non-fiction literature is currently the focus for Year 8 students as they spent half a term studying texts about amazing, challenging environments, and the adventurers who tackle them. We explore the techniques used to create excitement and tension in books like “Touching The Void” and “Into Thin Air”, the poetry of Helen Mort, and media texts such as “Free Solo” and “The Alpinist”. This was a valuable opportunity for the class to hear from an OR whose professional experience has included mountain rescue. Alex’s talk enhanced the student's understanding of their texts by presenting them with the practicalities of real-life scenarios, how to keep safe in risky situations and even how to consider a similar career within the industry.

"Alex Mortlock is a very inspiring OR, and we are so lucky that he has kept in contact with us at Reading School in the twelve years since he left. The career path chosen by Alex and his brother James (also an OR) is fascinating: the stories of the effort and commitment they have had to invest to follow their passion, the literal and metaphorical heights they have achieved, and the obstacles they have overcome along the way, are really motivating for our current students."

Mr R Baldock (Head of English)

Aarav (8S) said, "I found Alex Mortlock's visit very interesting and inspiring, and also gave me a much better insight into mountaineering and working life conditions in such environments. I learned cool tricks like using explosives to blow up snow to minimise the risk of an avalanche, and I was taken aback by how many people they needed to rescue per day. I found it inspiring how he worked hard to pursue his passion which is quite obscure, and how demanding his mountain job is."

We warmly welcome visits and contributions from our alumni and parent communities, especially the sharing of professional and real-world experience. If you would like to host a talk, inspire lecture or workshop, please email communications@reading-school.co.uk.

'Building Bridges' with Lecturer in Operations Management, Dr Mona Ashok

Dr Mona Ashok is an Associate Professor of Digital Transformation at the Henley Business School The session was part of the year 9 Floreat leadership program, designed to get the students collaborating and thinking about effective planning and delivery of a small-scale team project. They were asked to write up a proposal to build a bridge (out of match sticks and blue tack) that would support a board marker. The best proposals got the chance to try and build their bridge to see if they could turn their plan into reality. They were then asked to reflect on what they did well and what they had learned from the session. It was great to have someone external with the credentials to add value and give another perspective on how to utilise teamwork and collaboration in a tangible business setting.

OR Levi Tebbutt (2006-2013) returns for the Black History Month Project

The Black History Month project is evidence of our men who have demonstrated excellence and integrity by contributing to a project that builds a culture of belonging for all and cultivates an outward-facing outlook that shares thoughts, views and ideas across our community. Levi Tebbutt (OR 2006-2013) left Reading School to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford. He is currently a Data Analyst at KPMG. In his candid interview, Levi shared his lived experience with authenticity as he touches on wide-ranging themes of; complexity; heritage; identity, culture; stereotypes and hope. We also heard from Mr Saa Mondeh who worked with us from 20212022 as our Student Support Worker and Academic Mentor. Mr Mondeh is a recent graduate of Educational Psychology and in his interview, shared a snapshot of his Sierra Leonian heritage, what Black History Month means to him and his thoughts on race and inclusivity.

Reading School welcomes any thoughts and views on, how we as a school can ensure all voices that make up the Reading School community are heard, respected and shared throughout the UK’s secular, cultural and religious calendar.

S E A N W A L T E R S ( O R 1 9 7 6 - 1 9 8 1 )

When boys leave Reading School, they lead successful careers that are significant and rewarding. As men, they often reflect that during their time at boarding school a real foundation is laid for later success in life. They comment that the sense of belonging, the commitment to sportsmanship and a caring faculty have influenced them for a lifetime.

Reading School recently welcomed Sean Walters (OR 1976- 1981) back to school to talk to a class of Year 7 History students about his time at Reading School. Sean spoke about his memories as a boarder in South House and offered a glimpse of his life as a boarder and recalled in details a typical day in boarding, a routine that hasn't changed considerably in 40 years, "the day started off with first bell at 7:15am, followed by second bell at 7:30am and ‘five pips’ at 7:40am. Breakfast was served in the form of either porridge or cereal, followed by cooked food, at 7:45am. Boys wore a hat at breakfast if they weren’t a morning person and didn’t fancy talking. Breakfast was followed by chapel and school started at 8:40am. In between lessons, we would have lunch back at South House and Tea at 5:45pm. In the evening, we had prep and 6:30pm for an hour and a half, followed by prayers at 8pm and bed at 9pm." Sean captained the 2nd XI cricket team, bowling leg spin and a best batting innings of 54 not out against Harrow on the school field. His involvement with the Redingensian Cricket Club began whilst he was at school, playing with Old Boys and House masters. Reflecting deeper, Sean spoke with appreciation for the culture of school at Reading. He was heavily involved in various sports, including, rugby and running. He captained the badminton team to victory in the Berkshire Cup, beating Eton 7-0 in the final. He also captained the Boarders to their first Badminton Cock House Cup victory, and their chess team.

After leaving Reading School, Sean went on to graduate in Social Sciences at the University of Leeds and complete an MSc in Information Systems Engineering, becoming a Training Manager at Sharp Electronics. He ran a B&B in Suffolk for four and a half years and is now semi-retired, still playing cricket for the 2nd XI at Long Ashton Cricket Club.

When asked about advice he would give new students coming to Reading School, he said “take advantage of the opportunities and facilities here, and always give your best”.