AKS is proud to mark an exciting milestone—our first-ever recorded student-led podcast! This achievement highlights the creativity and leadership of our students, showcasing their ability to engage in meaningful discussions and produce high-quality content.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we welcomed alumna Alex Boothman, who shared her professional journey with our senior school and sixth-form students. Alex, who attended Arnold School from the age of 11, has built a distinguished career at Barclays Bank and now holds the position of Director, Head of EMEA Electronic Trading Compliance.
During her visit, Alex conducted informal sessions with our Year 10 and Year 13 girls, offering valuable insights into her career path. She reflected on her experiences at school, including being one of the only girls in her Further Maths A-Level class and the crisis of confidence that led her to discontinue the subject—a decision she now sees as one of her biggest regrets.
Alex emphasised the importance of self-belief and resilience, urging students to pursue their passions and remain open to opportunities. She highlighted the significance of networking, work experience, and adaptability, stressing the benefits of extracurricular involvement in developing essential skills such as time management, collaboration, and strategic thinking.
A highlight of the day was our very first recorded student-led podcast, featuring Sixth Form student Katie L interviewing Alex, with technical support from Rhys N. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrated the talent and dedication of our students, setting the stage for future podcasts that will give voice to important conversations within our school community.
Alex’s visit was a source of inspiration, reinforcing the importance of empowering young women to embrace challenges and seize opportunities in their pursuit of success. Her success story highlights the transformative power of education and the role that financial assistance can play in helping talented students achieve their full potential.
This podcast marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter at AKS, and we look forward to many more student-led productions in the future!