John Glyn Scholars’ Society returns

The John Glyn Scholars’ lecture series, which aims to foster intellectual curiosity, challenge perceptions and spark discussion, is back. First up in the 2021-2022 series was Kate Phillips, Director of Entertainment and Comedy at the BBC – and recently Interim Controller of BBC1.

The John Glyn Scholars’ Society was set up to enrich the academic life of the school through an annual programme of lectures which are compulsory for academic scholars and enjoyed by many others in the school community.

Academic scholars from Years 8-13 and Media Studies students were excited to hear Kate discuss her own career in the changing landscape of television. During her talk, she offered advice to anyone considering a career in the media, including the importance of self-belief, the willingness to start at the bottom and taking every opportunity offered.

Kate then touched on the changes in television consumption as a result of viewing on demand and the rise of competing providers. She involved the whole audience by surveying their recent viewing and use of subscription services. The pupils were able to ask her wide-ranging questions, both about her career and about television more generally.

It was a great opportunity for pupils to hear someone at the top of their field speak so passionately and everyone enjoyed Kate’s relaxed and entertaining delivery, truly meeting the BBC’s stated mission to “inform, educate and entertain”.