Our final two Spring Term Sixth Form lectures – ‘Better Known‘ podcast with Alexandra Tolstoy and Dr Jessamy Hibberd’s ‘Overthinking, the imposter syndrome and life’ – provided a wealth of inspiration for our students.
Firstly, Lower Sixth Emily I reported she she was ‘fortunate enough to attend a live recording of the ‘Better Known’ podcast with Alexandra Tolstoy and host Ivan Wise as part of our Sixth Form lecture programme. The premise of the show is simple but brilliant: each guest chooses six things they believe should be better known, and Alexandra’s selections gave us a fascinating window into her world.
Our eyes were immediately opened by her stories of Kyrgyzstan – from riding and skiing through vast mountain landscapes to the sheer beauty of a country that clearly holds her heart. She went on to share her love for Sailor’s Valentines, the intricate shell artworks rich with history and craftsmanship, before introducing us to the Savitsky Museum, a remarkable gallery known for its extraordinary collection of avant‑garde art, as well as much more, including Victorian literature and female explorers. Lastly, in a wonderfully relatable moment, she even championed something far more universal: carbs.
Overall, the talk was insightful, warm, and unexpectedly inspiring. Alexandra encouraged us to see life not as a straight line, but as a journey of curiosity – a path shaped by the passions we collect along the way. It was a reminder to stay open, keep exploring, and allow the world to surprise us.’
Secondly, Dr Jessamy Hibberd joined us for British Science Week (18/3) to speak about her new book ‘The Overthinking Cure’. Dr Hibberd is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, bestselling author and speaker with more than 20 years’ experience helping adults with mental health challenges.
Sixth Formers, Issy P and Octavia P, reported, ‘On Wednesday, Dr Jessamy Hibberd visited St Mary’s Calne to give this year’s British Science Week Lecture in the Delscey Burns Theatre. Speaking to a large audience of members of the school community, parents and the public, she explored topics such as overthinking, imposter syndrome and the pressures of everyday life.
Her lecture was really interesting and easy to relate to, covering themes that resonated with many in the audience, including overthinking and procrastination. She shared practical advice on how to manage negative thought patterns and build confidence. The talk was followed by a Q&A, which made it even more engaging.
Earlier in the evening, A Level Psychology students were lucky enough to attend a supper with Dr Hibberd, where she gave valuable insight into her work and her journey to becoming a psychologist and author.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and insightful evening, and students came away with a better understanding of why these challenges arise, along with useful strategies to manage them.’
