Independent School Parent Junior Summer 2017

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Summer 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY & PREP EDITION

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WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL WHY IT’S COOL TO BE A CLEVER CLOGS EXPERT ADVICE

LEARNING SUPPORT SOCIAL MEDIA SPORTS DAY

GAME, SET & MATCH!

JUDY MURRAY’S TOP TENNIS TIPS

HOW TO BE HAPPY LESSONS IN EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

PLUS

• SCHOOL ALUMNI • WHAT TO DO AT HALF TERM • ANNIVERSARIES •

FARLEIGH HOUSE IN PICTURES • BEHIND THE SCENES AT WALDEN SCHOOL

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CLAUDIA DUDMAN

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

The Chelsea Magazine Company, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Editorial Assistant Natalie Keeler Designer Annel Christopher PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Finance Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Brand Manager Chatty Dobson Head of Circulation Daniel Webb 020 7349 3710 Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by William Gibbons ADVERTISING Group Advertisement Manager Freddy Halliday Sales Executives Oliver Blalock, Sam Carvalho DISTRIBUTION Independent School Parent magazine is for parents of children educated in Prep and Senior independent schools across the UK. The Prep and Senior issues are published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent.com/register Independent School Parent also publishes The Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right school. © The Chelsea Magazine Company. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Independent School Parent magazine has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

Welc me According to the recent Independent Schools Council’s annual census, there are now a record 522,879 pupils at independent school – the highest number since records began in 1974. It’s easy to see why more and more parents are choosing to educate their child in the sector: teacher/pupil ratio, glorious facilities, solid exam results and first-class experts on hand to guide pupils and parents through a school career.

And nowhere is that expertise more called for at the moment than in the emotional wellbeing of children. In A Head Start on Happiness (page 12), read about how Prep Schools are leading the way in creating a blueprint for emotional health for young pupils; how they are teaching children to build emotional resilience in order to help them face life’s challenges.

We take a lighthearted look at schools celebrating anniversaries in our feature, Happy Birthday (page 30): it was fun looking at pictures from school archives and reading about their history.

And don’t forget to enter our competition, on page 72, where you can win an activities-led holiday to the olive groves of Tuscany, independentschoolparent.com/win.

Claudia Dudman, Editor

Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

COVER: Holmwood House, Essex

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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TATLER

THE WEEK

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

50

36 12 26

30 62

WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 29 Summer 2017

7 12

News

25

A Head Start on Happiness

benefits inside and outside the classroom

28

The Thrill of the Outdoors Pre-Prep Schools are a nostalgic haven

Left to Their Own Devices

for the simple beauty of the outdoors

Why children should learn how to

Game, Set, Match!

manage friendships on social media

Heads Up

40 46

Cool to be Clever

A School in Ten Pictures

48

Breaking the Barriers Schools are adopting new methods to

High School’s Clever Clogs Conference

support children with SEN

A Frame of Mind

Talking Heads

Happy Birthday

52 56

How parents can get the most from their child’s Sports Day this summer

A Moral Focus

Ones to Watch The up and coming stars of the

61

independent schools sector

School Hero Peter Breakwell, Head of History at Feltonfleet School, Surrey

62

Welcome to Wine Country Claudia Dudman explores the exquisite

68

Farleigh School in Hampshire

Being brainy is all the rage at Wimbledon

drastically improve performance

58

On the tennis courts at Queenswood School, with top tips from Judy Murray

things for themselves, writes Jo Webbern

How the growth mindset concept can

30

39

for emotional health for children

Pupils learn best when they experience

26

Behind the Scenes: Walden Prep A balanced approach to learning reaps

How Prep Schools are creating a blueprint

23

36

Our round-up of hot topics

amos, , amaat am

beauty of Bordeaux, France

Escape to Greece Five Star Greece share their favourite holiday spots across the Ionian Islands

72

Competition Win a seven-night family activities holiday to Tuscany, Italy

77

Calendar

82

School Memories

Things to do over May half term

Three schools celebrating anniversaries

Orwell Park explains the positive impact

TV Presenter, Jimmy de Ville fondly

this year dip into the history books

of their school’s strong community spirit

recalls his days at Abbotsholme School

Download our free app to read the magazine on your phone or tablet...

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Moncrieff, Chairman Colin Bell, COBIS Claire Bourne, Hawkesdown House Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School Alison Fleming, Newton Prep Tory Gillingham, AMDIS Ed Holmes, Independent Schools Council Aileen Kane, Boarding Schools’ Association Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Christine Ryan, Independent Schools Inspectorate Heidi Salmons, HMC Sir Anthony Seldon, University of Buckingham Kris Spencer, Latymer Upper School Julian Thomas, Wellington College Helen Wright, Educational consultant Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register

x + y2 = 4 Keep in touch with us Tweet us @ISParent

Like us on Facebook

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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NEWS

Our pick of the top parenting and education news MISCHIEF MANAGED! [Barnard Castle Prep School, County Durham] To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book being published, pupils at Barnard Castle Prep enjoyed a host of magical activities as their school transformed into Hogwarts for a day.

Students received lessons in wandmaking and writing spell poems, and maths tasks included Bertie Bott’s bean counting.

Older pupils headed to the science lab to make potions, and the art room was taken over with owl mask-making. The school’s AstroTurf even worked as a venue for Quidditch and broomstick flying! Staff and pupils also dressed up in creative witch and wizard outfits, as well as characters from the series, including Dobby the House Elf, Hagrid and the Dementors.

Headmistress, Laura Turner said: “The children loved it and really appreciated all the effort that the staff had put in to the day.”

TELL US A STORY...

[Brabyns Preparatory School, Stockport]

Award-winning author, Ruth Eastham recently visited pupils at Brabyns Preparatory School to run creative writing workshops as part of National Storytelling Week.

The author said, “We journeyed through the Amazon Rainforest in search of El Dorado, and I was so impressed with the children’s creative writing.”

FAST GIRLS [St Swithun’s Junior School, Winchester] Four sporting stars from St Swithun’s Junior School took part in the British Modern Biathlon National Championships in February, having qualified through a series of events in October.

The event, which involved an 800-metre run and 50-metre swim, saw the girls race against the best in their age groups from schools across the UK. Hermione Murray in the U10s category came 6th, while Mia Goodale, Grace Clark and Imogen Watson (the U11s team) placed 4th overall.

SKIING SUCCESS [New Hall School, Chelmsford] Talented skiers from New Hall School recently took to the slopes at the British Schoolgirls Ski Races in Flaine, France.

After two days of intense training, the girls competed in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and Dual Slalom events, with each student appearing on the podium at least once – including Year Nine pupil, Isabelle Lander, who was delighted to secure a first-place position in the Giant Slalom.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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The school plans to create a modern and innovative learning environment IT’S A WIN-WIN [Knighton House School, Dorset]

STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING [Edge Grove, Hertfordshire]

Edge Grove Prep School has announced that it will extend its current pre-school provision after acquiring a new stateof-the-art facility in Aldenham. The facility is expected to open its doors for the first time in September 2017.

The new learning environment is set to include three teaching playrooms, kitchen facilities, a covered outdoor play and learning area, gardens, and static play equipment.

The U13s hockey team at Knighton House School celebrated an unbeaten match season in autumn 2016, culminating in victory at the In2Hockey tournament at St Mary’s Shaftesbury.

Despite the freezing cold, the girls won against five different teams, earning a place at the regional competition to represent Dorset last term.

The girls had a great day at the regional competition, placing a very respectable fourth overall. The school’s hockey coach, Justin Perry said, “This hockey team has made huge progress over the last two seasons.

This is a well-deserved successful season for them.”

x + y2 = 4

Sch ol tweets

Year 5’s “Play in a Day” is in full swing.

They started the day with nothing and are writing their own material and making their own sets!

[St Mary’s School @StMarysSchoolGX]

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS [Silcoates School, Wakefield] Pupils at Silcoates School were so inspired by the NSPCC workshops held at their school that they decided to arrange a sponsored “Buddy Workout Challenge”, performing a variety of physical challenges, while raising money for the charity.

Each day commenced with an aerobics session led by Year Six, while individual classes took part in Zumba sessions and other athletic activities. £5,500 was raised for the NSPCC, and a fantastic week was had by all.

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

GETTING ARTY [Bolton School, Lancashire] Students at Bolton School got stuck into a colourful Arts Week, which saw children painting on ice and designing their own rockets. Classes also visited the zoo, creating patterns with feathers in a Damien Hirst-inspired morning, and made clay Inuit sculptures after exploring art from different countries.

Lower School pupils proved that they were very capable of busting a move or two when @PerformUK provided a brilliant dance workshop today!

[St George’s School @stgwindsor] Such a special morning welcoming ex-pupil Jane, who was a boarder here 65 years ago! Our Prep girls loved hearing her memories #loveboarding (Kent College Pembury, @KentCollegePemb)

Share your school news and tweet us @ISParent

Whole School Open Morning Wednesday 14th June 2017 9.30am – 12.00pm Please contact Admissions on 01923 843230 to book a tour St Helen’s School An Independent Day School for Girls aged 3 - 18 Eastbury Road, Northwood, HA6 3AS admissions@sthelens.london

HEADS on the move

NEW BILINGUAL SCHOOL OPENS

Tony Jackson becomes Headmaster of Barnard Castle School, County Durham.

Rebecca Lyons is appointed Headmistress at St Swithun’s Junior School in Winchester.

Robin Gainher will become Headmaster of Knighton House School in Blandford, Dorset Simon O’Malley will become Head of Thomas’s Battersea for the September term.

Craig Williams has been appointed Head of Abingdon Prep School in Oxfordshire.

The first dual English Chinese Prep School in the UK will open its doors from September 2017. Kensington Wade, London will offer an immersive bilingual education for children ages three to 11 years, with a curriculum that’s focused on both traditional English and Chinese cultures.

To register and find out more, visit kensingtonwade.com ROCKING OUT! [Truro School, Cornwall] Budding musicians at Truro School, Cornwall took to the stage as part of the Junior and Senior Charity Rock Concerts, two annual fundraising events organised by the students.

Both concerts were a big success, raising £1,600 for Children’s Hospice South West and Tourette’s Action, and saw pupils perform a selection of stunning covers from famous artists, such as Adele and Ed Sheeran.

RACING TO VICTORY [Barrow Hills School, Surrey]

GOING GREEN [Rydal Penrhos School, Conwy]

A group of Year Eight pupils at Barrow Hills School have reached the national finals of Land Rover 4 x 4 in Schools, a competiton that challenges students to design a radio-controlled 4 x 4 vehicle.

The team attended the regional heats at the Ben Ainslie Racing HQ in Portsmouth, but successfully demonstrated their skills and their car’s impressive performance.

Children at Rydal Penrhos School have achieved Bronze as part of the Green Tree School Award.

The pupils took part in several eco-themed activities, including a writing competition, and will now start working towards their Silver award.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MENTAL HEALTH

HAPPINESS Elizabeth Ivens looks at how Prep Schools are leading the way in creating a blueprint for emotional health for young children…

H

APPINESS lessons for children as young as eight will be on the agenda for some maintained schools from this month, in the wake of stark warnings about the state of our children’s mental health.

The lessons will form part of one of three trials currently being planned by the Government to tackle the issue. The idea may have been borrowed from the independent sector – happiness lessons were pioneered at Wellington College by its then Head Anthony Seldon – but it is the emphasis on the young age of children being targeted that has hit the headlines.

The tip of the iceberg

Sadly, the crisis in mental health care for teenagers has become increasingly well-known and talked about, but many are unaware that the latest NHS statistics show a huge rise in very young children needing help – 65,000 children under 11 – with more than one in six of these five and under.

These may well be the tip of the iceberg,

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

as many children who need help never become an official statistic. And with experts agreeing that more than half of mental health disorders manifest themselves first in childhood, this is clearly a crucial time to tackle early signs.

While the Government’s “Preventive” mental health programmes – targeting wellbeing for children between Year Four and Year Eight – are to be trialled in 100 primary schools and 50 secondaries, many independent schools have long worked on the assumption that prevention is better than cure.

Instilling social and emotional learning

Increasing numbers of Prep Schools have been embracing a holistic approach from as early as age four, and Dragon School in Oxford, has been working for nearly two decades on incorporating what it calls “social and emotional learning” into the very fabric of its education.

As with other schools, educating pupils, staff and parents, and giving them the tools to cope, are both seen as key to developing lifelong emotional health for young children.

Mary Taylor, Deputy Head of Social

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

The latest NHS statistics show a huge rise in very young children needing help – 65,000 children under 11 – with ore than one in si of these a t all fi e and nder

DRAGON SCHOOL, OXFORD The Dragon works closely with Family Links, a national charity dedicated to empowering children, parents, families and schools to be emotionally healthy.

The school community works together to create an environment to best support the academic, social and emotional development of pupils.

The school’s 10-week Parent Groups look at the demands of family life and share strategies, language and of how feelings drive behaviour.

Above, Dragon School, Oxford

Creating a blueprint for the emotional health of their pupils is increasingly becoming one of the number one priorities of Prep Schools

A holistic approach

Many are working commendably hard on holistic approaches from a young age, recognising how crucial pastoral care is, not just as an add-on to the academic side of school life, but as an integral part of school life.

Simple pastoral initiatives are promoted, peer group and mentoring are helpful, as are liaisons and partnerships with specialist organisations. Structures within schools for pupils to seek help are clarified and explained to pupils, staff and parents.

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One innovative approach is at Bedales Prep School, Dunhurst, in Hampshire, where all Year Eight pupils have been trained to be peer listeners.

“This has been very successful as pupils often feel more comfortable talking to other pupils initially,” said Nick Robinson, Deputy Head of Pastoral at Dunhurst.

Activities like mindfulness and meditation are also being explored more

by Prep Schools, and many have counsellors available for children to talk to.

Dunhurst has employed a counsellor for eight years – “We use her skills in the traditional counselling sense as well as coaching, self-help strategies and even body language,” says Robinson.

At Dunhurst, getting close to nature is even on the curriculum.

“Timetabled outdoor work – which pupils can study right through to GCSE level at Bedales – can involve rearing animals, hedge-laying or growing vegetables. The school has animals such as pigs, chickens, sheep and an alpaca.”

The outside environment is also a vital part of school life at St Gabriel’s in Newbury, where it is seen as space to relax, learn and play. The school prides itself

Right, the entire school works to create the right environment for pupils

on providing a balanced education in and out of the classroom, with Head Ricki Smith saying: “I am aware there seems to be a lowering of the age where some issues might come to the fore.”

Practising good mental health

Smith, who is both Head of the Prep and Senior Schools, also values getting back to basics to promote good mental health: “The joy of being a through school in a beautiful setting is that the environment can be used positively to bring variety in the learning – outdoor learning is a great way to ground pupils and allows them to see things from a different perspective.”

“Young people can be very anxious about lots of things, and it is our job to help them deal with these anxieties, to have strategies to cope.”

At Holmwood House in

Pupils at Holmwood House School, Essex during a yoga class

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

and Emotional Learning at The Dragon, warns: “There is huge pressure on children today – this strange pursuit of perfection and grades – and in turn parental anxiety is very high. It can be overwhelming for parents.” From Reception, The Dragon offers a group programme for parents to explain the school’s ethos of a ‘“whole cultural community’ with emotional learning built into everything we do” and says Taylor, “we run the programme for 10 parents at a time, and it is always over-subscribed.”

Creating a blueprint for the emotional health of their pupils is increasingly becoming one of the number one priorities of Prep Schools.

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MENTAL HEALTH

What is

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE?

PHOTOGRAPHY: NICKY J SIMS/GETTY IMAGES FOR ROYAL FOUNDATION

Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, control and express your own emotions, recognise the emotions of others, and handle interpersonal relationships empathetically.

Colchester, Essex, while Head Alexander Mitchell is keen to point out that everything the school does reflects the school’s motto – Laetatus sum (I am happy) – he is realistic about the pressures on today’s children.

The school has an Emotional Intelligence programme as part of the curriculum, and the school has used a counsellor for two years and recently employed two others, as well as instigating training and policies to reflect the importance of emotional wellbeing, says Mitchell.

Holmwood, in common with other schools, has a robust pastoral system geared towards educating staff to spot early warning signs “which indicate a pupil is experiencing mental health or emotional wellbeing issues.”

Alex Mitchell says: “These warning signs should always be taken seriously. At our school, we have consistently been very open to the idea of children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing being of high importance.”

Holmwood recently held an inaugural Wellbeing Week to highlight the importance of emotional health. Aimed at every child – as well as parents and staff,

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have spearheaded the Heads Together campaign

experts were brought in – including speakers on body image and self-esteem.

Top right, Prince Harry has spoken candidly about the emotional problems he suffered from as a result of his mother’s tragic death

How schools are getting the message across

Holmwood House pupils during their inaugural Wellbeing Week

“At our school, we have always been very open to the idea of children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing being of singularly high importance” Alex Mitchell – Holmwood House School, Essex

“It is imperative that we, as adults, model good habits in our own attitudes towards our mental wellbeing if we hope for our children to take these messages seriously,” says Mitchell, “Aims and objectives include ensuring children understand that we all have mental health that needs looking after as much as our physical health.”

Many Prep Schools are also working closely with specialist outside organisations to promote wellbeing in their schools under expert guidance.

For The Dragon, this means a close relationship with Oxford-based Family Links who they have worked with for years to develop their own nurturing programme.

“We have been hugely helped by having that nurturing programme to build up from. I have spent 19 years here

HOLMWOOD HOUSE, COLCHESTER, ESSEX The school held its inaugural Wellbeing Week recently “to help equip children in every year group with the enduring skills, habits and attitudes that they require for future health

and happiness, and to raise awareness of the community of the importance of good mental health”. Speakers included experts on body image and self-esteem in

children and on mental health first aid. Holistic approaches to physical, mental and emotional health were looked at with the visit of an alternative therapies practitioner.

Holmwood House School’s Headmaster Alex Mitchell SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MENTAL HEALTH

developing that programme. We build on it, develop it and always return to it.”

Meanwhile Dulwich Prep School in Cranbrook, Kent, has launched an innovative partnership with mental health charity Place2Be to provide ongoing support services to pupils, parents and staff.

“Place2Be is an initiative that’s already proving to be a valuable addition. We have noticed that some children come forward with concerns that have not previously been identified. Place2Be also engages with parents and staff offering them support with any concerns that they may have around the child. With the charity’s help, the school is hoping to develop a more emotionally resilient community with children who are better equipped to deal with the challenges they will no doubt face in life,” says Alison Eckersley, Assistant Head Welfare.

And St Gabriel’s in Newbury, Berkshire, has scored a first for the independent sector by working with West Berkshire NHS on their Emotional Health Academy.

Ricki Smith explains: “This will involve one of their health workers spending two days a week with us, offering PSHE sessions to all year groups on any issues that we feel the need to be covered or we would like to pre-empt.”

Above, assembly at Dulwich Prep, Kent. Below, pupils enjoy the outdoors

“With the help of Place2Be, the school is hoping to develop a more emotionally resilient community with children who are better equipped to deal with the challenges they will face in life” Alison Eckersley, Assistant Head Welfare, Dulwich Prep School, Kent

At Dulwich and elsewhere, Heads and senior staff are candid about the pressures on young children.

Body image, social media and exam pressure are most frequently cited as concerns for Prep Schools tackling mental health issues among their pupil community.

From the outside in

Alison Eckersley notes “an increase in children displaying anxiety, stemming from a variety of causes”.

She says: “Online activity can cause problems for some children, and although this is predominantly due to their online behaviour outside school, the worries can come into school and as a result we can find ourselves dealing with social fall out and difficulties surrounding peer group pressure.”

DULWICH PREP SCHOOL, CRANBROOK, KENT The school has recently joined forces with mental health charity Place2Be. From this term, Place2Be will be working alongside the school three days per week.

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Place2Be offers children a number of support services, including a universal drop in, Place2Talk. This gives children somewhere to talk about friendship worries and family

upset – possibly with a friend.

Children can also ask to see the school project manager for individual support either on a “one off” basis or for a series of meetings.

Nick Robinson adds: “There has been a definite increase in anxiety and stress related issues. Body image for boys has become more prevalent and concerns about sexuality. Social media and online communication means many children will never switch off from issues at school.”

Alex Mitchell cites social media as one of the biggest causes of anxiety: “Social Media – to be accepted and ‘liked’. Media – to be beautiful and perfect.

Consumerism – to have ‘things’. To own ‘stuff ’. Acceptance – to be liked and accepted by your peers.

“Society throws many more things at young children these days. They are bombarded by adverts and images of perfect people; happy and successful.

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MENTAL HEALTH

Below, Head Ricki Smith with pupils at St Gabriel’s, Berkshire

ST GABRIEL’S, NEWBURY, BERKS Its wellbeing structure includes a “Who can help?” poster detailing information on tutors, pastoral heads, DSL, nurse and counsellor, as well as Child Line and the Children’s Commissioner. A school matron is available all day every day. And pupils are supported by their form teacher and all of the junior school staff. The assembly programme covers wellbeing and there is an aptly developed PSHE programme.

children’s mental health.

Alison Eckersley says: “Some pupils will sit several demanding scholarship exams within a narrow time frame and this can impact on their emotional state and wellbeing.”

“Stand-alone Prep Schools face pressure from parents for Senior School entrance success and scholarships – and their success is often judged as a result of this.” values – that children’s academic Leading the way development can be impeded without the Ricki Smith adds: “Pastoral care in the right social and emotional climate. independent sector is very strong as there The days of measuring only academic is a higher ratio of staff to pupils, and achievement in schools seem therefore more time to be numbered for the sake of to notice and pick up Nick Robinson, Deputy Head, on things. This is Pastoral Care, Dunhurst absolutely key as happy pupils achieve, and is one of the overarching benefits of educating a child in the independent schools sector.”

Above, the former Master of Wellington College, SIr Anthony Seldon, who brought concerns about young people’s mental health into the mainstream

Alex Mitchell at Holmwood agrees: “What independent schools have been doing for decades is dealing with the whole person.

All-round education is in the DNA of independent schools. Values, character, grit and happiness feature highly in most independent schools’ aims. You have to have happiness as an aim woven through your school – you can’t add it on as a bolt-on or an app. You can’t ‘add in’ happiness or character. It needs to be a result of everything you do as a school.”

While Mary Taylor from The Dragon sounded a resonant reminder for parents: “If we can maintain the hope we have for our children when we first hand them over to the school at the age of four or five, that they will make friends, get on with others, feel supported by their teachers, enjoy their learning, then they might be able to achieve all the necessary grades, as well as be able to use them well for themselves, and the world as they become adults.”

BEDALES PREP SCHOOL, DUNHURST, HAMPSHIRE

Timetabled outdoor work at Dunhurst has a positive effect on pupils’ mental health 20

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Dunhurst shares the “wellbeing” ethos of the senior school, says Nick Robinson, Deputy Head, Pastoral. A senior pastoral team meets weekly to bring

together all information.

There is a rigorous system of recording pastoral details, enabling sharing and cross referencing of information.

The school has adapted the

way it teaches PSHE, introducing wellbeing lessons for every year group (35mins per week). These are taught by staff trained in mental health and wellbeing.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ROBERTO RICCIUTI/GETTY IMAGES

Life isn’t always like that.

“The pressure on girls to be beautiful has increased and the sexualisation of girls is a major concern for boys and girls. Too many images place sex as a male-led, dominated activity.”

Exam pressure as many children head towards Senior School entrance examinations or Common Entrance can also create increased stress, although some put this down to parental pressure and expectations.

Nick Robinson at Dunhurst says: “Stand-alone Prep Schools face pressure from parents for Senior School entrance success and scholarships – and their success is often judged as a result of this.

This is a challenge for these schools – in delivering this Common Entrance success and maintaining pupil wellbeing.”

Schools almost universally recognise – and some have already made this clear to potential parents – in their vision and

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i n c i p e

Outstanding Catholic Independent school for boys & girls aged 3 - 18

View our website for details of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254 www.stbenedicts.org.uk independent_school_parent_prep_half_page.indd 1

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“A school with mind, heart and constant fizz . . . hard to imagine it done better.”

The Good Schools Guide, 2016

Inspired | Intellectual | Independent | Individual | Inclusive

Discover more about the Wellington Identity at wellingtoncollege.org.uk

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“A clear-eyed, energetic, forward-thinking school” - The Good Schools Guide

HIS FUTURE’S

brighter AT BEDFORD

When you board

You’ll never get bored Benefit from all that Oakham has to offer

Join us on Saturday 30th September for our

open morning TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR FAMILY’S PLACE, PLEASE CALL OUR DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS ON 01234 362216 OR VISIT bedfordschool.org.uk

With a proud heritage and progressive outlook, Oakham is a high-achieving independent school in the heart of England where opportunities are both inspirational and obtainable. A shared belief in making the most out of any opportunity and to be the best you can be sets us apart from other schools. With a welcoming and friendly support structure, Oakham offers an ideal environment for boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 to learn, thrive and prosper in our modern world. We’re one of the UK’s top schools for the IB Diploma and our students achieve consistently excellent A-level results, whilst still having time to enjoy an exceedingly rich extra-curricular lifestyle.

What makes Oakham so special? oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Meet-Us

Oakham in their words

Bedford School is part of The Harpur Trust

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423954 Bedford - Open Morning 99x262 AW.indd 1

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To organise a visit please get in touch with our admissions team: admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk 01572 758758 oakham.rutland.sch.uk We look forward to meeting you

ONLINE SAFETY

GEMMA BIRT

Assistant Chaplain, Alleyn’s School, South London

M

y grandmother always used to say that becoming a mother is easy, being one is not.

And as a mother of four children, aged between 15 and seven, I can see her point!

Seeing the changes in challenges that children face as they mature is a great privilege. One of the hardest aspects of parenting is helping children deal with the pressures that come from social media use.

Many voices suggest that constant social media use may be contributing to the stresses felt by young people, and so it seems only right, that as Prep or Junior school parents, we start thinking about how we help them manage their use of smart phones and their social media, before they even get to the stage of being allowed to have a phone.

So here are some thoughts:

There are age limits on social media apps for a reason. Don’t just say “YES” – it is all too easy to succumb to the argument that because all your child’s friends are on Instagram, they should be allowed on it, too.

Think about why you feel it’s not a good idea that they are on social media at aged 11, and discuss this with them. Consider whether they will have the maturity not to become pre-occupied about how many “likes” their post gets, whether they will be able to understand that the images they see do not mean their friend has a better life than they do. Encourage them to start thinking critically about why they want to have access to a social media site.

Think about how you will teach them about how to behave and manage relationships on social media. The key message is: only say and do what you would do if that person was standing right in front of you and you were speaking to them directly.

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LEFT TO THEIR OWN DEVICES Learning to manage friendships on social media is the key to a positive experience, says Gemma Birt Children look to us for guidance, spoken and unspoken. And as adults we know that our phones (and Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp chat groups) can be all-consuming at times, and it is difficult to put our phones down, switch off and focus on what is happening in front of us.

Consider setting boundaries on phone use: for example, all family phones must go to the charging station in the kitchen at 9pm; it may help family members sleep better if they are not chatting to friends on social media or texting until the early hours.

Healthy supportive friendships are an essential part of what makes life good. We can leave a playground but we can’t easily leave what is said on a WhatsApp chat group. Think about helping them understand this and how you ensure they still get some down time.

But the reality is that things do still go wrong from time to time, and so I feel it is important to remember the words of wisdom from the author, CS Lewis, who encourages us as parents and carers, to “carry on from day to day on ordinary principles of affection, justice, veracity and humour”. ISP

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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HEADS UP

I

n 1893, a visionary man named John Haden Badley recognised that the authoritarian regimes of Victorian public schools were not giving children the best start to life, and so he founded Bedales as a humane alternative. The school has since grown from strength-to-strength, and remains a beacon for innovative education.

Badley believed that children should be encouraged to be curious and spontaneous through concrete learning. As pupils grow and progress through their schooling, he proposed they should be allowed to flourish independently and guided by expert practitioners, through constructive intervention where learning can develop.

Engaging with the senses Bedales Pre-Prep School, Dunannie, puts an emphasis on learning through doing and making. We believe that minds are inspired more by experiences rather than just being told about things. Students should also engage the senses – the “head, hand and heart” that forms our motto.

A standard lesson might involve children wandering through the Bedales estate, looking at vegetation, the farm, animals, seeing changes in the environment with their own eyes, and taking their own cameras and documenting what they see. Pupils are also encouraged to engage with the local community, as well as broader national and international matters. At harvest time, they support food banks and deliver packages of treats to local care homes, and recently the school financed the purchase of a cow for an African family. As they progress through the school, children’s involvement can

JO WEBBERN

Head, Bedales Pre-Prep School, Dunannie, Hampshire

A SENSORY EXPERIENCE Children learn best when given the freedom to experience, do and make things for themselves, says Jo Webbern continue and grow stronger, as shown in the case of the annual school trip organised by Sixth Formers, who support a community in Swaziland and help them become self-sufficient.

Independent thinking

Accordingly, we encourage younger children in Pre-Prep to take responsibility in small ways – putting on their own Wellingtons and outside clothes, looking after book bags or organising fundraising events. And this continues at Bedales Prep School, Dunhurst. We want our children to begin the process of acquiring independence of mind, not least because this is a key part of their more senior education.

Children can learn Mandarin, access science labs to carry out experiments, and participate in art and design projects and World Book Day activities

Above, pupils at Bedales Pre-Prep, Dunannie, visit the animals on the school’s farm

We provide every opportunity for children to succeed on their own terms, fostering individuality, and encouraging initiative and creativity, and this sees us stray very consciously beyond the borders of the conventional curriculum. Children at Dunannie can learn Mandarin, access science labs to carry out experiments, and participate in art and design projects and World Book Day activities.

It goes without saying that the learning, development and progression of students is at the heart of everything we do, and academic expectations at Bedales Prep and Senior Schools are challenging. However, the curriculum also demands that pupils engage with it creatively and with maturity.

It would be restrictive of us to simply teach young people the nuts and bolts of passing examinations. Rather, we remain conscious that we are nurturing children, and everything we do is informed by this perspective. I believe that this is what sets us apart, and I Iike to think that John Haden Badley would approve.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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PUPIL INITIATIVE

W

hen the phrase “clever clogs” springs to mind, it isn’t typically thought of as having positive connotations. And while we’re certainly a long way from the “blue stockings” mindset of the 19th century, girls today still get the impression that it’s good to be clever, but not too clever.

In a bid to challenge this, we decided to hold a Clever Clogs Conference at Wimbledon High School. Clever Clogs was inspired as Wimbledon High’s alternative to TED Conferences – the engaging online talks that have become a staple of classroom learning. In the same way that TED talks can captivate an audience in 10 minutes, our conference worked as a full day of academic inspiration, motivating girls to find joy in learning for the sake of learning.

The day began with an opening speech

by Baroness Alison Wolf, Professor of Public Sector Management at King’s College, who offered an alternative insight into the role of women in business and education. This provoked a lot of discussion on what is still largely perceived as a male-dominated area, and was an effective call to arms to embrace the opportunities granted to women today.

The girls then participated in the “Big Think” – an activity that provoked cross-disciplinary debates, with such topics as, “Does the right to free speech include the right to offend?”, and “How would you describe a human being to someone from Mars?”.

We wanted to cultivate a sense of collaboration, encouraging students from different year groups to share and develop ideas. This was the key to the session’s success, as everyone discovered how much they could learn from each other.

We were happy to see how the younger girls enriched the older girls’ thinking, and vice versa.

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

IT’S COOL TO BE CLEVER Being brainy is all the rage at Wimbledon High School, as students hold their first Clever Clogs Conference Above, pupils at Wimbledon High School, London.

Below, the Clever Clogs logo

Next, the girls were invited to choose from a range of symposia (or as we called them, Wimposia), which allowed us to investigate new and exciting ideas. We were keen to provide interactive talks, not just to girls further up the school, but to those lower down the school who may not be offered such opportunities as regularly as A-Level and GCSE students.

We also welcomed Dr Emily Grossman, whose talk on weird and wonderful science facts covered everything from how to block

a tickle, to the average urination time of all mammals larger than a dog.

We’re lucky enough to be part of a school where it truly is cool to be clever, and where we hope the Clever Clogs Conference will now become a permanent feature.

There is so much scope for women to continue breaking boundaries in education, and in time reclaim “clever clogs” as a term for themselves. ISP Written by Phoebe Schenk, a Year 13 pupil at Wimbledon High School in London.

We wanted to cultivate a sense of collaboration, en o raging st dents fro di erent ear groups to share and develop ideas

The original girls’ school

Do you want to be part of the Roedean adventure?

‘Excellent in every area’ in its recent ISI inspection report, Roedean has a holistic approach to education which embraces the wonder and excitement of learning, develops the talents of every girl, and kindles new passions.

Happy, relaxed, and engaged, the girls are challenged in their learning, play cricket with the sea behind them, enjoy accommodation which is like a boutique hotel, and grow up at their own pace. www.roedean.co.uk

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SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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PASTORAL CARE

ANNA BUSHBY Head of Classics, Felsted Prep School, Essex

A FRAME OF MIND

Anna Bushby demonstrates how the growth mindset concept can drastically improve academic performance

A

s a Latin teacher, “I can’t do this, it’s too hard!” was something I was used to hearing from my pupils.

But when this assumption that they wouldn’t achieve their best in lessons was starting to negatively impact their learning, I knew I would have to make some changes.

I looked into the growth mindset concept – a simple idea developed after years of research by psychologist, Carol Dweck.

Dweck states that in a fixed mindset, people are convinced their intelligence cannot be developed. However, if they adopt a growth mindset, they believe their abilities can be improved through effort and hard work.

I decided to tape lists of “banned” statements and questions on to each pupil’s desk for a term, and gave appropriate

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Above, pupils who adopt a growth mindset are more likely to see their skills improve

statements or questions to replace them. For example, instead of saying, “I don’t understand” and “I’m the worst in the class”, I encouraged the children to ask, “please can you explain this another way?” and “please can you give me some extra help?”.

The change was immediately noticeable – the children became more determined to solve issues on their own, and the number of questions asked also decreased. In Year Eight’s Set Two, 74% of pupils said they felt more positive about their own progress.

However, 35% of students in the Set One declared that they hadn’t used the changes at all, possibly because they felt they could get by on their intelligence alone.

When Year Eight took their end-of-year exams, the results were startling. One child from Set Two, who previously had a negative mindset, achieved a mark that placed them second in the entire year group.

Furthermore, another seven pupils out of the 20 in Set Two gained marks that moved them up into Set One for the following year.

My experiment proved that the way in which pupils speak, enquire and react in classrooms has a very immediate impact on their progress. Creating an atmosphere of positivity allows children to become independent, happy learners, with no limits placed on their progress by their own negative mindset. ISP

One child from Set Two, who previously had a negative mindset, achieved a mark that placed them second in the entire year group

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SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES

Happy

BIRTHDAY A school anniversary is a celebratory occasion, but also a chance to reflect on where it all began, says Natalie Keeler

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A unique atmosphere with remarkable opportunities, where every pupil achieves their personal best.

SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES

A

s part of its 70th birthday celebrations, Hanford School in Dorset will host a large garden party this summer for former students, who are known as the “Old Girls”.

It was Rev Clifford Canning and his wife, Enid who opened Hanford in 1947, after searching for the perfect place to start a girls’ school. Rev Canning had previously been a housemaster at Marlborough and Headmaster at Canford School, but it was Enid’s dream to run a girls’ school, with a vision that Hanford would be a school that felt like a home, and believing happy girls would be successful.

“There have been changes to modernise and improve the site, but the interior still feels like a family home” Hanford has since grown to be home for more than over 100 girls – a few more since than original 24 pupils. Part of the school’s appeal is a feeling that somehow time has stood still. Of course, there have been some changes to modernise and improve the school’s site, but the interior still feels very much like a family home.

SCHOOL: HA NFOR D SCHOOL, DORSET FOUNDED: 1947

70

YEARS

Clockwise from left, pupils in 1970, students in 1947, the girls aim for fun at a weekend archery activity

Enid made some progressive decisions when Hanford opened. There was no uniform, no head girl, lots of ponies, and an open and relaxed atmosphere where girls could freely explore the school and grounds.

Today, Hanford is very much the same, and there are even a few subjects that remain unchanged, including art appreciation, handwork and scripture.

125 YEARS

SCHOOL: HABER DASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS FOUNDED: 1892

H

aberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls is delighted to be celebrating its 125th anniversary, and has organised an exciting array of events to mark the special occasion,

including an Old Girls’ reunion, a summer ball, an HMSG alumnae sports day and a service at St Lawrence Jewry in London.

Monmouth School was founded in 1614 as a place to educate local boys, but the trustees felt that girls should be also given the right to an education. In 1892, Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls opened its doors, with 46 girls in attendance – a stark contrast to the 625 pupils that now walk the halls.

Tuition fees were originally fixed at £6 a year, and boarding fees at £40 a year. Boarders used

From left to right, pupils pose with Chocolate the donkey in 1910, girls practise violin in 1953, current HMSG girls wearing the new uniform

to knit in their time outside lessons, and sent much of their needlework to patients at a London hospital, including handmade dolls.

In 1911, cottages were acquired for boarders to use at the weekends, and the children would have their bedding and necessities transported by Chocolate, who was the school’s donkey.

HMSG acquired Direct Grant status in 1946, and they finally became independent in 1976. In 1997, Haberdashers’ Agincourt School also joined the family as a Pre-Prep School for girls and boys.

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SCHOOL ANNIVERSARIES

din SCHOOL: Pan gbourne College, Rea FOUNDED: 1917

100

g

YEARS

P

angbourne College in Reading is hosting a spectacular range of events this year to commemorate its 100th anniversary. The school has even established a Centenary Charity to support educational opportunities for local young people, and hopes to raise £100,000 throughout the centenary year. Guests have also been invited to attend a piano festival among many other celebratory lunches and dinners, as well as a car festival and centenary ball.

The college first opened in 1917, first known as The Nautical College, a merchant navy training school, and its early history was nautical in every sense of the word. Until 1927, there were no beds, and the boys slept in hammocks that were strung up across the dorms every night. In the first few decades, work at the college

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“Until 1927, there were no beds, and the boys slept in hammocks that were strung up across the dorms” was mainly aimed at seafaring and the vocational, and compass and sailing training were some of the mainstays of the daily programme. Training on the water didn’t just include learning how to sail – The Nautical College’s sailing boats were used to stage re-enactments, including Viking battles, Roman invasions and pirate raids.

The first of many royal visits to the college took place in 1927, with a visit from the Prince of Wales for

Clockwise from top left, a parade in 1935, a student rowing in the 1990s, students fencing in the 1940s, the hockey team in the 1950s

Founders’ Day. His brother, George VI visited in 1943, bringing with him his eldest daughter (Princess Elizabeth). In the Founders’ Day celebrations since, some aspects haven’t changed, while others are completely different. One year, acrobatic formations were part of the proceedings!

The school’s programme continued to focus on the nautical into the 1960s, where The Boat Club was established.

This has since been the source of much success for the college, securing the first Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup win at Henley Royal Regatta in 1963.

In the 1970s, the school was renamed Pangbourne College and transitioned to a public boarding school. Girls were introduced in the mid-1990s, and since then it has continued to go from strength to strength. ISP

Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery

Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.

A: Abberley Hall School, Worcester, WR6 6DD | T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.

A: Abberley Hall School, Worcester, WR6 6DD | T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

BEHIND THE SCENES Right, pupils at Walden Prep School in Essex

STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE Walden Prep School, Saffron Walden, Essex

A balanced approach to learning reaps benefits both inside and outside the classroom, says Sally Meyrick Students are taught creative and critical thinking

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

A

hidden gem, Walden Prep School sits in the heart of Saffron Walden, surrounded by 25 acres of playing fields and gardens. It has an ethos based on Quaker principles of simplicity, truth, equality, peace and sustainability, and this generates an environment of balance between work and play, rigorous academic pursuit and creativity, and activity in sport and purposeful reflection.

While many schools tailor their curriculum to provide more practice in

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core subjects, like English and maths, we cling tenaciously to a broad curriculum that offers opportunities and inspiration in sport, art, music, the humanities, and food and design technology.

This is balanced with activities outside the classroom, too, including our Forest School, where children learn to assess risk, work cooperatively and solve problems, as well as observe the changing seasons.

Add to this our many visiting speakers, plus day and residential trips that have pupils measuring rivers in Snowdonia, and understanding the threat of rising sea levels on the North Norfolk Coast.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Left, the school’s broad curriculum offers inspiration in the arts and music

Left , the school balances work and play

Each day we alternate between busy lessons and periods of silence and stillness, to allow space and time for knowledge to settle and self-knowledge to grow We believe this is how school should be, and recognise that not all children thrive in the pressure of a hot-house schooling environment. For many, a balanced approach to learning that mixes core skills with purposeful activity has benefits both inside and outside the classroom. It can promote creative and critical thinking skills, develop strong social skills and grow competence in softer skills, such as perseverance, resilience and tolerance.

Each day we alternate between busy lessons and periods of silence and stillness, to allow space and time for knowledge to settle and self-knowledge to grow.

Celebrating students’ success is balanced with recognising their efforts required for noticeable improvement, and children are encouraged to challenge themselves; to experience the thrill of trying something new, different or difficult, to prove that with determination and a positive attitude, most things are achievable.

Above right, Head of Walden Prep, Sally Meyrick

Each term the children balance working hard towards their own goals, by looking into the wider community and asking what they can do to make it a better place. Their House charity events raise money for local charities that they have nominated, and they also join in with national and international events to raise money for worldwide charitable organisations.

As well as this, they hold a bi-annual sponsored swimathon to raise money for a school in Zimbabwe, and their House Business Initiative teaches them the value of hard work and prudent budgeting.

But as with any balance, it is easy to tip one way or the other, and getting the balance right is vital if children are to thrive at school. At Walden Prep,

we want our children to be happy, as we know that happy children engage better with their learning, acquiring the all-important skills and knowledge that prepare them for life beyond education.

Keeping the balance requires commitment from all stakeholders at the school, but we are fortunate to have staff dedicated to delivering this balance, whether their role be teaching, administrative support, management, maintenance, catering or cleaning. We are also lucky enough to have the commitment of our parents, who are all working for the benefit of our chief stakeholder, the students.

We think this balance works, and the evidence is in our pupils who grow into responsible, intelligent, caring individuals, and are socially and intellectually confident. Because of this, we feel assured in the knowledge that they are ready to take on the challenges of the next stage in their education and beyond.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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Caldicott

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KATIE GEDYE Head of Pre-Prep Moor Park, Shropshire

THE THRILL OF THE OUTDOORS In a world that’s now dominated by digital, Pre-Prep Schools remain a nostalgic haven for the simple beauty of the outdoors, writes Katie Gedye

T

he world for today’s children has changed beyond recognition from that of the current generation of parents.

The outdoor freedom that many experienced growing up has, sadly, been replaced by boundaries, firewalls and technology, and time outdoors is something that feels organised, forced and solely used as a break away from our screens. But don’t our children deserve more than that?

Moor Park is situated in 85 acres of parkland, including an assault course and a Woodland School. The words “outdoorsy” and “adventurous” would be apt descriptions for our pupils, who make the most of the grounds in their free-time.

Even the 13-year-olds retain that care-free love of running around, playing games and

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climbing trees. The idea that teenagers are “too cool” to play just doesn’t exist here.

Vital too is the emphasis put on using the outdoors as a learning environment, and teachers subscribe to the idea that children learn better outside. Recent memorable lessons have included a Second World War frontline re-enactment in the woods, and a maths lesson which deployed a drone over the pitches, so that children could spot symmetry from the sky.

While keeping our children safe is at the forefront of everything we do, we take great care in not “bubble-wrapping” the pupils.

They are supervised, but not “nannied”,

which means they judge risks themselves, make decisions and gain independence.

Educating children about the digital world and its dangers is vital – however, there needs to be balance. Vastly more important are the skills they gain from the freedom to play and engage creatively in the environment around them. Making decisions, solving problems and teamwork are skills that will make them capable, confident and independent adults.

In a world where technological developments are altering our way of living, Prep Schools remain a haven of nostalgia as these children progress to adulthood.

Making decisions, solving problems and teamwork are s ills that ill a e the apa le onfident and independent adults

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

39

TENNIS

CATHERINE SLUTER

Director of Tennis, Queenswood School, Hertfordshire

GAME, SET, MATCH! Think tennis is only a “summer sport”? Think again, says Catherine Sluter, – Queenswood School for Girls serves up opportunities to play all year round

T

ennis has an unfair reputation as an elitist sport. It is actually both extremely accessible and sociable, and because of its relatively low physical impact, one of the few sports that can become a healthy hobby for life.

There are more and more tennis courts popping up in parks where people of all ages can play for free. Many children from independent schools who play tennis love to practise rallying and keeping score, enabling families and friends to play together socially, as well as competitively.

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Tennis is naturally associated with the Great British summer, and the sound of gentle rallies on balmy school afternoons is incredibly evocative. But many independent schools that have extensive sporting facilities are also able to offer tennis the whole year round, too.

Here at Queenswood, we take advantage of our indoor facilities to run tennis clubs for all abilities and ages throughout the winter months, with squads and clubs for every year group.

The focus is on participation, and simply enjoying learning how to play the game.

Our Senior students also play many of their competitive matches throughout the

winter, so as to minimise the impact on exams in the summer term.

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Beyond the court

The psychology of tennis is a fascinating area of study, and many students are discovering that the attitudes they develop on court are transferrable to the classroom. As Matthew Syed, author of Bounce (a book about how to achieve sporting success) has observed, it is learning from failure, adopting a growth mindset, marking marginal gains, and embracing the power of practice that are all vital skills for students. At Queenswood, alongside our Strength ▶

TENNIS

The focus at Queenswood School is participation, and simply enjoying learning how to play the game

Four times more boys come to the sport of tennis than girls

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

41

TENNIS

and Conditioning clubs, we have introduced a new “Mind Set and Match” initiative to keep players engaged and developing their mental skills during winter.

For those who wish to pursue tennis beyond a recreational activity, many schools also offer pupils access to individual sessions with Lawn Tennis Association coaches during PE lessons and after school. Over the summer, tennis players of all ages have the chance to compete in both friendly and league matches. The AEGON Team Tennis events and the Road to Wimbledon tournament for 14-and-under players are popular.

Open school tournaments, where the impetus to compete comes from the students themselves, are fantastic for promoting fair play and competitive spirit.

Queenswood’s homegrown tournament is incredibly popular – last year, over a quarter of the school took part, playing a total of 136 matches. As ever, the afternoon of the finals brought everyone together in celebration, with Old “Queenswoodian”’ and former GB No. 6 Naomi Cavaday presenting the trophies.

Alongside the main event, our parent-anddaughter doubles competition was as hotly contested as ever.

Right, tennis offers pupils the chance to travel and compete in national tournaments

Open school tournaments, where the impetus to compete comes from the students themselves, are fantastic for promoting fair play and competitive spirit

International play

School tennis offers great opportunities for travel. At Queenswood, we organise annual tennis tours for players of all ages and abilities, and this Easter we headed to the Catalunya Tennis Resort in Barcelona. After five days of practising tactical singles work, improving volleys, smashes and doubles play, even our less experienced players were starting to look like professionals!

Alongside their regular school tennis programmes, many schools offer scholarship opportunities for advanced players. Queenswood runs an elite tennis performance academy with Gosling (one of a few high-performance tennis centres

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based in the UK). We have approximately 10 scholars, who follow a programme of at least 14 hours of tennis a week, including individual lessons, squads, fitness and strength and conditioning.

The bespoke academic timetable adapts from week to week depending on their schedule. And given the disciplined mindset required to play at this level, tennis scholars tend to be very intelligent, and several also hold academic scholarships.

Successful young sportsmen and women can act as inspirational role models for the whole school. National competitions such as the Glanville and Aberdare Cups are hotly contested, as the winners qualify for

Below, tennis is great for promoting fair play and competitive spirit

the World Championships. Queenswood has a long and proud history in the Aberdare Cup, having won 27 times, and achieving Silver and Bronze respectively in the World competition in 2013 and 2017.

Several of our girls have played Junior Wimbledon and other Junior Grand Slams in the world. Ultimately, their achievements help to inspire the next generation of ▶ students to pick up a racket and play.

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acetennis.co.uk

TENNIS

Judy Murray’s

TOP TENNIS TIPS hat are the enefits of introd ing tennis to hildren?

Tennis is a sport that you can play from age four, right into your 80s! It doesn’t favour men more than women – it’s a sport that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It can also be played both indoors and outdoors, but getting children outside and enjoying the fresh air can only be a good thing. o an parents en o rage their hildren to get in ol ed in tennis?

The most important thing is that you love the sport, and that you engage with it – not just play it, but follow it on television.

Watching the best, most exciting tournaments and the top players helps develop a real passion for the sport, in the way that many people do with football.

The aim is to get children to understand the world of tennis, as well as play it.

Tennis is competing with so many other things for children’s attention, that we have to make our sport fun, stimulating and as easy as possible. We should help them to develop the skills that they need to be able to improve, because if children are good at something, they grow in confidence and are more likely to stick with it.

o do o eep o r oti ation going d ring the dar inter onths hen pla ing o tside an e hallenging?

That is certainly one of the challenges, as tennis is traditionally a summer sport.

This said, there are now a lot more indoor courts around than there used to be. You can also improve on the skills that you need for tennis by playing other sports, such as badminton or squash.

When I was young, there weren’t any indoor courts and we played tennis in the summer and badminton in the winter.

There is nothing wrong with going outside and playing in the rain – a little bit of water doesn’t hurt. We live in a more spoilt culture these days. My advice would be to get out and play, whatever the weather! o do o o er o e arriers in sport s h as one and getting girls interested?

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to play at the local park, but most outdoor tennis clubs are not that expensive to join.

When it comes to encouraging girls, we have four times as many boys coming into tennis than girls, and we have probably

Judy believes tennis needs more female coaches to encourage girls to play the sport

Share your thoughts on Twitter @ISParent

five times as many male coaches, compared to female. So, one of the things we need to work on is having more female tennis coaches. They can all be role models for the girls and I think that’s so important.

If there were more female coaches who understand how girls feel at that age, it could make such a difference.

Judy Murray’s Coach Consultant Workshops Judy Murray recently hosted a Junior Masterclass at David Lloyd, as part of her new role as Coach Consultant for David Lloyd Clubs. To see the full range of David Lloyd Clubs facilities, visit davidlloyd.co.uk.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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Inspired by dedicated teachers and outstanding facilities, Farleigh pupils – like Florence, undertaking an experiment in the science lab – are keen to learn.

The children gather under the iconic Farleigh Tree during Sports Day, with the beautiful Georgian house in the background

The brand new Mus ic 12 practice rooms, School opened its doors in January a classroom, a reco providing a Recital ridng studio and a Hall, “rock”room.

A HISTORY OF FARLEIGH, HAMPSHIRE in10 pictures Two boarding pupils at Farleigh, George and William, benefit from the stunning refurbishment of the Junior Boarding House.

Farleigh welcomes all faiths, or none, and the lovely Chapel is where Mass is held every Sunday, attended by boarders, families and others from the local community.

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Fr Simon Everson, Headmaster since 2004, with Maddie Hinch MBE, GB Women’s Hockey Goalkeeper, who was the guest of honour at the opening of the all-weather pitch in December 2016.

The school pool is not just for swimming lessons; the boarders also have great fun in the evening and at weekends, such as Ike, who learnt to paddle-board last term.

Grandparents’ Day has become a special date in Farleigh’s annual calendar, with hundreds of grandparents coming to support House Cricket and House Rounders with a delicious afternoon tea and musical accompaniment.

While the Pre-Prep has its own building, the children are very much part of the school community, and here they took part in their own “Tour de Farleigh”.

Year Four pupils used the outdoor classroom in the Farleigh woods to build structures in DT, made from marshmallows and coffee stirrers.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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KATIE HUGHES Education writer for national newspapers and magazines

BREAKING THE BARRIERS Katie Hughes investigates how schools are adopting new methods to support children with learning difficulties

T

here was a time when learning difficulties like dyslexia and dyspraxia were synonymous with stigma and secondbest – but not so today. Attitudes and provision have seen drastic changes over recent years, as has

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

the way in which children with special educational needs (SEN) are diagnosed.

When Chris Guest speaks to prospective parents in his role as Head of Learning Support at Wycliffe College, Gloucestershire, he tells them, “We place a great importance on boosting selfesteem, as poor self-worth can often be a barrier to progress.”

Above, staff at Bredon School help pupils identify what their skills are

Special methods

Resilience training is just one of the tactics used by the school to fulfil this commitment to pupils with learning difficulties. A sound-therapy programme, which helps children deal with auditory processing and concentration problems, is another. Both are provided by highlytrained staff at its Preparatory School

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Perhaps they are suffering from low self-esteem or frustration and are emotionally/socially immature?

Does this sound familiar?

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SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

49

“For each child, we look beneath any immediately evident educational and behavioural problems, to identify and deal with underlying issues.”

Learning Centre, which also offers occupational, speech and language therapy, one-to-one specialist teaching, and targeted teaching in small mainstream classes.

All this puts the focus on the individual pupil rather than a label; a shift similarly advocated by Adrian Wylie, Principal of Shapwick School in Somerset, which supports children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, and associated conditions.

Wylie explains, “For each child, we look beneath any immediately evident educational and behavioural problems, to identify and deal with underlying issues.”

Shapwick delivers this in “small, calm and highly structured surroundings, where anxieties can be kept at bay and pupils can focus on learning.” Tools such as assistive technology –speech-to-text software, interactive whiteboards, dictaphones, songs and more – are complemented by specialist teachers, integrated therapy and bespoke teaching methods.

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Above, Mayfield School, East Sussex

At Fairley House School in South London, the school embodies its motto that “nothing is impossible”. Beginning from a three-day multi-disciplinary assessment, specialist teaching, occupational and speech and language therapies are tailored to the child’s needs.

“The programme is modified depending on the child’s response,” says Headteacher, Michael Taylor. “Children receive two to three years of intensive support, following which the majority successfully return to mainstream schooling, with better skills and newfound confidence.”

It’s clear that pupils should not expect a one-size-fits-all approach. “Some find that being in smaller classes and taught in a manner that is sympathetic to their learning differences is all that they require,” says Deborah Jones, Head of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) at Bredon School in Bushley.

“Some are withdrawn for additional

support from specialist teachers, and some need support to access the curriculum and record their ideas.”

Detecting the signs

Jones says, “We help pupils to find out what they are good at, so that they can experience success, develop resilience and feel able to tackle the aspects of their learning where they need support.”

It’s not just the support itself that has developed over recent years, but also the

SEN

WHAT ARE SPECIFIC LEARNING DIFFICULTIES?

Left, pupils at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire

According to the British Dyslexia Association, “Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) affect the way information is learned and processed. They usually run in families and occur independently of intelligence.” SpLD is an umbrella term used to cover a range of frequently co-occurring difficulties, more commonly: Dyslexia Dyspraxia and DCD Dyscalculia ADD and ADHD

extent to which teachers and specialist staff work together. “High-achieving students with specific learning difficulties are less likely to slip through the net,” adds Jenni Foley, Head of Learning Support at Mayfield School in Sussex.

“General SEN conditions are usually detected early, when health visitors and parents notice babies and toddlers aren’t meeting typical milestones for their age,” says Adrian Wylie. “But Specific Learning Difficulties, or SpLDs, such as dyslexia,

Left, Bredon School tailors support depending on the needs of the child

“Children receive two to three years of intensive support, following which the majority successfully return with better s ills and ne fo nd onfiden e Michael Taylor, Headteacher, Fairley House School dyspraxia and dyscalculia, tend to be identified in younger children, at approximately six- or seven-years-old.

“Typically parents and teachers of small children will raise concerns, and an educational psychologist will test a range of cognitive functions including memory, reading, processing speeds and comprehension skills,” says Wylie.

“A diagnosis of dyspraxia might involve more than one professional, including occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, neurologists or paediatricians,” adds Deborah Jones. “It is vital that parents and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinators) work together, as this always gets the best outcome for the young person.”

Beyond Prep School

Schools are getting better at identifying specific learning difficulties, too – even when they manifest themselves in older

Above, pupils at Mayfield School in Sussex

years, according to Jenni Foley. “Clever students and good readers sometimes find that comprehension difficulties cause their progress to wane when they face the challenges of Years 10 and 12,” she says.

And what about when children move up to Senior School? “Prep Schools should also provide opportunities to visit their Senior Schools and become familiar with the surroundings,” says Chris Guest. “An understanding of children’s profiles gained over their time at Prep School should be passed on seamlessly to the Senior School.”

Teachers and parents should also remember that children’s learning profiles are unlikely to remain static. “Causal thinking and working memory all change in adolescence,” says Jenni Foley. “Teenagers’ learning profiles change almost daily, and there are lots of opportunities for them to reinvent themselves.”

For advice on accessing the right education for children with SEN, visit ipsea.org.uk

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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EXPERT ADVICE

TALKING HEADS Five headteachers explain how parents can get the most out of their child’s Sports Day this summer term

Mark Beard

James Womersley

UCS Hampstead, London

Beaudesert Park School,

Athletics is a rare sport in that it challenges both the individual and the team. Children should always be encouraged to try their hardest, and see if they can beat any personal bests, whether this be an individual achievement or as a contribution to their team.

Parents should also act as role models, in striking a balance of being humble in victory and gracious in defeat. They should embrace the ethos that competing is at the heart of sport, not winning. Tell your child how much you enjoy watching them play sport, and remember to provide sunscreen, but more likely waterproofs if Sports Day falls in the great British summer!

Cotswolds

There are a few golden rules worth keeping in mind when it comes to Sports Days. The first is: don’t run on their behalf! Nothing is more embarrassing for a child than their parent trying to run the race for them. It’s also important that you try to stay cool, whether your child wins or loses.

Avoid dressing up for Sports Day – remember it is a sporting occasion, not a garden party! Finally, parents really should let the school run the day exactly as it sees fit. Parents who wish to relive their own athletic triumphs (or failures) will only spoil the day for their children and others.

Pupils put their best feet forward at Beaudesert Park School, Cotswolds

Pupils play hockey at UCS Hampstead, London

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Below, Beaudesert Park School

Ben Evans Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire

Sports Day is a celebration of a whole year of sport, and a chance for each pupil to compete with good humour, collaboration and enjoyment.

Parents should be wary of seeing Sports Days as an opportunity for their athletically-gifted child to return home with all the medals, and instead as a chance for them to demonstrate skills and perform to their best ability as part of a bigger team.

Remember it’s a school Sports Day – not the Olympics! Schools work hard to make the day enjoyable for spectators and competitors, and parents should have fun and make the most of the occasion, too.

Sports Day is a chance for youngsters to actively enjoy exercise

Pupils at Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire

Paul Norton

Christopher Wilson

Olivera Raraty

Kings Monkton School,

Lockers Park,

Malvern St James Girls’

Cardiff

Hemel Hempstead

We encourage healthy, friendly competition, but Sports Day isn’t actually about winning at all. Instead, it’s a chance for youngsters to learn about teamwork and actively enjoy exercise.

Feel free to celebrate wins, of course, but be respectful of other children who might not have done quite so well. If it’s your own child who ends up disappointed, make sure you praise them for taking part.

It’s important to communicate to them that they’re taking part in something with their peers, not against them. And finally, wear trainers. There’ll undoubtedly be a parents’ race at some point!

Pupils at Lockers Park in Hemel Hempstead celebrate Sports Day

Sports Day is a chance for pupils to celebrate sport and learn important life lessons about teamwork. At Lockers Park, we encourage pupils to be involved in and try out as many sporting activities as possible, giving them the opportunity to uncover hidden talents as well as boost their confidence.

Parents should always understand this ethos and celebrate with their children, whether they win or lose. As founder of the Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin said, “The most important thing is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

Share your sports day stories @ISParent

School, Worcestershire

Sports Day at MSJ is a big event and parents even get the opportunity to team up with their daughter for the famous family obstacle race!

Inevitably, not everyone is brilliant at sport, but that’s OK. Those who are not the fastest or strongest bring other talents to the mix, whether this is leadership, tactical thinking, encouragement or a sense of humour and perspective.

Competitive spirit is important, but it’s not all about the winning. Sports Day is about fun and celebration, stepping into the great outdoors, and showing our children our unreserved support – win or lose.

Sports Day at Malvern St James Girls’ School in Worcestershire

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

53

ADVERTORIAL

W

hen carving your child’s educational path, there are some tough decisions to make, including: private or state; day or boarding; co-educational or single-sex; or private tutoring.

The choice of schools in the UK has never been greater, and with most parents busier than ever, there is often very limited time for research and reconnaissance.

Schools have to be thorough when processing applications, so registration forms can often be detailed and lengthy. If you have made the decision to send your child to independent school, the financial planning will also have to be considered.

And not all that long after your child has settled into Prep School, it will be time to turn your mind to Senior Schools when the choice can be even more difficult.

Parents must again consider: day or boarding – and if boarding, there is the choice of full, weekly or flexi-boarding; preparation for pre-tests and Common Entrance examinations; whether to transfer to Senior aged 11 or 13; preparation for interviews, among other forms of assessment.

Once you’ve identified the right Senior School, you are likely to find that the process is very competitive, but your child’s Prep School Head will be able to offer invaluable advice, with detailed knowledge of your child’s strengths and interests.

And as years fly past, and the challenge of GCSEs and A-Levels surface, your child’s Senior School will provide support throughout, as well as supporting the passage through the teenage years.

These days, more and more parents choose to seek

54

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE St James’s Educational Consultancy explains the importance of choosing the right independent school for your child

Share your school memories @ISParent

professional advice, to help them make the best decisions for their child. So what can a Professional Education Consultant offer?

Explain the system and application process in detail and answer your queries, Get to know your child and provide an honest, impartial summary of options, Discuss long and short lists of schools that might be within reach of your child, Support your child’s aspirations and guiding your family every step of the way.

As Chief Education Consultant to St James’s Group, I have more than 30 years’ experience in five independent schools, with 17 years as Headmaster of two schools. I now appraise and mentor Heads and have indepth knowledge of the independent sector.

St James’s Educational Consultancy acts independently and impartially to give parents the widest choice of schools. If you’d like to discuss your child’s path, please call St James’s Educational Consultancy on 033 393 98049 or visit stjamessguardians.co.uk

These days more and more parents choose to seek professional advice to help them make the best decisions for their child’s education

Amelia, Harvard University.

Tom, Oxford University.

Both received Wycliffe Scholarships.

Our community truly values the individual characteristics and qualities of each boy or girl.

Every child’s potential is nurtured and developed.

Our academic value-added scores consistently see us placed in the top 20% of all UK schools.

Co-educational from 2-18 Nursery

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PASTORAL CARE

ADRIAN BROWN Headmaster, Orwell Park, Suffolk

A MORAL FOCUS Adrian Brown explains how Orwell Park’s strong and positive community spirit underpins the school’s ethos and aims for its pupils

A

s a school, we are committed to ensuring that the pastoral care we provide goes from strength to strength. Our aim has always been to agree upon and embed a set of values that influence every aspect of life at school, and to promote positive behaviour and attitude.

Why we need core values

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that many children have low levels of wellbeing, and that this is caused by the excessive focus on individuals in our culture – known as ‘excessive individualism’.

This has led to children from various social classes becoming unhappier, as well as a significant rise in mental health problems in young people. Many schools are also forced to overlook emotional intelligence, character development and moral education in favour of driving children towards success in exams.

But at Orwell Park, we have built a community with positive human values at its heart, which help pupils grow into happy and well-adjusted people. These values

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Above, Orwell Park in Ipswich, Norfolk

underpin a school atmosphere where students can thrive in all areas, inside and outside the classroom.

It’s equally important to provide children with positive role models. Children today have more information to process than ever before – they are bombarded with messages through the media (television, music, the Internet, magazines), and can be heavily influenced by celebrity culture. So, as a school we try to play our part in providing children with a strong moral compass.

An early intervention

Mental health is as important as physical health, and is a topic that we intend to focus on over the coming years. A values-based approach helps children to become reflective, and enables us all to focus more on our emotional health.

There is evidence that mental health problems are on the rise and that most of these problems can be traced to their origins

in early childhood. Early intervention before the teenage years, is the most effective way to help manage mental health problems.

Exploring values

It is essential for everyone to ‘buy in’ to the ethos of the school in order to feel part of it.

Our overarching value is integrity, and we aspire for this to underpin everything we do.

We have five core values, each with supplementary values, which provide a common moral framework within which we conduct ourselves: kindness, collaboration, courage, spirit, and respect.

And we seek to explore these values, deepen our understanding, improve our application of them, and weave them through the fabric of the school – in displays around classrooms and in the halls, during assemblies, through our rewards and sanctions and, perhaps most importantly of all, through staff and parents who model our chosen values. ISP

At Orwell Park, we have built a community with positive human values at its heart, which help pupils grow into happy and well-adjusted people

Equipping our children for the brightest future Co-educational school in the heart of Hampshire • Nursery, pre prep, prep, seniors, sixth form, boarding • Nursery – rated ‘Outstanding’ by ISI 2017 • 82% of pupils achieved A*-B grades at A-Level, with 92% gaining their first choice university • Sherfield School is ranked 4th in The Telegraph league table* • Top sporting and extra-curricular opportunities including equestrian, cricket, rugby, athletics, golf, gliding, netball, ice skating and gymnastics • ‘Excellent’ Personal Development ISI 2017.

A leading independent day school for boys 6 months – 11 years & girls 6 months – 18 years

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SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

57

1 Edward Bluemel, 23 Actor Taunton School, Somerset

Edward (pictured left) recently landed a lead role in ITV’s World War Two drama series, The Halcyon, playing the role of ‘Toby Hamilton’. The drama, set in 1940, showed London life through the prism of war and the impact it had on families, politics, relationships and work.

Edward was a pupil at Taunton School from Pre-Prep right through to the Senior School in 2011, and both his parents are also teachers there. While at school, he was involved in a number of productions, including The Taming of the Shrew, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables.

He later attended a RADA Foundation Course, achieving a BA Hons in Acting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2015. As well as his role in The Halcyon, he has just starred in the sold-out show, Love In Idleness at the Menier Chocolate Factory in the West End. Edward will also play a leading role in the film Access All Areas, which is due to be released later this year.

2 James Botham, 18 Rugby player Sedbergh School, Cumbria

James (second from right) made his first appearance for the Wales Under 20s at the Six Nations in January, playing against Scotland, and even scored his first try for the team. The rugby star, who started playing while at Cundall Manor Prep School in York, is the grandson of cricket legend, Ian Botham.

He credits his rugby coach at Cundall Manor for his love for the sport, but it wasn’t until James won a sports scholarship to Sedbergh School in Year Nine, that his talent in rugby truly flourished. He has now played for the Wales U18s team, Wales U20s, Wales Sevens, and has signed up with Cardiff Blues.

Wales U20s Head Coach, Jason Strange told us that, “James is a very good athlete who, through hard work, has built on his natural talents as a sportsman to become a real prospect in the game.”

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1 ONES TO WATCH

We catch up with the stars of the independent school sector

2

STAR PUPILS

3

3 Niamh Brown, 17 Track runner Reigate Grammar School, Surrey

Niamh has added another title to her name after winning Gold for England in the International Association of Athletics Federations cross-country event in Cáceres, Spain. Already ranked second in the UK for 3000m under-17 and fourth in 1500m, she is now setting her sights on Olympic glory.

The track star started taking running seriously in Year Eight, and has gone on to achieve regional and national accolades, representing GB and England on numerous occasions. Niamh is also currently studying for her A-Levels in biology, PE, and philosophy and ethics at Reigate Grammar School.

4 Sonya Passi, 28

Lawyer and entrepreneur Withington Girls’ School, Manchester Sonya has been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as the winner of the 2017 Law and Policy Category, thanks to her advocacy work on domestic violence, including her own not-for-profit charity, freeform.org.

Sonya attended Withington Girls’ School, where her passion for charitable work was ignited – she and a friend once raised £7,000 for tsunami relief efforts. Sonya later took up a place to study history at Trinity College, Cambridge, before moving to America to study law at UC Berkeley School of Law and Harvard Law School.

5 George Panayi, 19

Cricketer Lockers Park School, Hertfordshire

4 5

George excelled at cricket during his time at Lockers Park between 2005 and 2011, securing the highest average runs ever recorded in the school’s illustrious cricketing history – 134.5!

He later moved on to Shrewsbury School as a music scholar, but yet again surpassed all cricketing expectations, signing his first professional contract with Warwickshire last year.

George is now also playing for the England Under-19s, as he starts to forge a successful career as a cricketer.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

59

E E N I INL L N NO E O E EFRE R F

DIRECT DIRECT RY RY

*ALL *ALLNEW* NEW* Independent Independent Schools Schools Directory Directory

www.independentschoolparent.com www.independentschoolparent.com

Showcasing over 1,600 of the toptop Showcasing over 1,600 of the independent schools. independent schools.

TheThe essential online guide forfor essential online guide parents considering sending their parents considering sending their children to independent school. children to independent school.

Covering every stage of aofchild’s Covering every stage a child’s educational journey: nursery, preeducational journey: nursery, preprep, prep, senior andand sixth form. prep, prep, senior sixth form.

Search by by age,age, location, boarding / / Search location, boarding dayday / flexi, boys / girls / co-ed. / flexi, boys / girls / co-ed.

Interactive map giving directions Interactive map giving directions to the school. to the school.

www.independentschoolparent.com/directory www.independentschoolparent.com/directory

STAR STAFF

SCHOO

HEROL

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

F

or me, it all began back in the late 1960s at the Downs School, Wraxall with Colonel Ronald, who was my history and geography teacher.

Ronald would transfix our class as he regaled us with his stories of his globetrotting days in the army. His enthusiasm and passion to educate but entertain was inspirational, so much so that 11 years later I found myself back in the same classroom, teaching history to another generation of pupils.

I completed my training at St Luke’s College, but my initial teaching career was short lived. After three years with, at that time, little prospects of earning a decent salary, I decided to join the Metropolitan Police, and patrolled the streets of south London for the next 10 years.

This job was difficult, demanding and at times depressing, but one that gave me a handle on life and a realisation of what was important. I learnt how most issues can be resolved simply through respecting other people, regardless of differences or opinions. The job was taking its toll on my

PETER

BREAKWELL This Head of History at Feltonfleet School, Surrey, explains how a decade in the police force inspired his career in teaching

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personal life, but a chance meeting with a teacher, who had been a victim of street robbery, rekindled my thoughts on teaching. With better pay on offer, I took the plunge and returned to the classroom. And I haven’t looked back since!

I am now in my 28th year of teaching, and have spent the last 18 at Feltonfleet, where I have been incredibly fortunate. Through coaching sport, I have travelled

extensively, particularly enjoying success with coaching the first XV rugby team for 13 seasons, notching up 128 victories from 150 fixtures. In the classroom, I hope I have continued to inspire a love of history with my storytelling and jokes – I’m sure Colonel Ronald would approve!

The world of teaching has changed so dramatically in many ways throughout my

career. Some teachers may still remember slaving away for hours to produce worksheets using Banda or Roneo machines, only to see your work destroyed when the master copy became mangled by the machine. Thank goodness for computers and photocopiers!

My experience has taught me that a successful teacher has to be devoted, not only to their job, but more importantly to their pupils. Despite many years of teaching, I am reminded of Jean Giraudoux’s quote “that only the mediocre are always at their best”. I am still learning about teaching and about what makes children tick, and am constantly striving to make my teaching the best it can be, to ensure that those under my care have the best chance to succeed.

All children are gifted – they just unwrap themselves at different times. Getting the pupils to believe in and push themselves is imperative.

Vincent van Gogh summed it up perfectly: “If you hear a voice within you say you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.”

I am still learning about teaching and about what makes children tick, and am constantly striving to make my teaching the best it can be

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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Right, dine in Le Grand’ Vigne, the “daddy” of the hotel’s three restaurants

Left, an idyllic view from one of the hotel rooms

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/ GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCK

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efore they married, Daniel and Florence Cathiard didn’t, like most engaged couples, ask for the normal kind of wedding presents with which to set up their marital home. No beautiful French bed linen or a contribution towards some fine china. Instead, they requested that their friends and family give them something that they both loved: really good wine from Bordeaux.

Fast forward 20 or so odd years, and having sold up their respected businesses, the pair bought the prestigious 219-acre vineyard, Château Smith Haute Lafitte in Bordeaux, south-west France. “That was in 1990,” explains Florence, a glamorous former VP of advertising giant, McCann Europe, “but we fell in love with it, and decided to continue its tradition of excellence.”

The road to success The Cathiards sold everything they had – including their second home

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

– to pay for the vineyard and for the huge investment needed to modernise it. Over the next five years, they renovated the winery buildings and constructed a large underground cellar that could hold more than 1,000 barrels. Their first years were very hard: in 1991, there was the famous spring frost that produced a disastrous vintage; in 1992 there was too much rain, 1993 was another bad year, and by 1994 Daniel and Florence thought they were ruined. But the business turned around in 1995, winning awards for the Château, and they realised they had finally mastered the art of the wine business.

The vineyard is now a distinguished label in the French wine world, renowned for its elegant red wine and its sophisticated white – not that common in the region – and of which Florence is particularly proud.

pirit and air

The estate owes as much to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Cathiards as it does to their two daughters, who have driven the business forward and on to the next generation. The oldest of the two,

Bordeaux is one of the leading manufacturers of French wine, producing up to 700 million bottles per year

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Les Source s de Caudalie w as awarded P alace status last November – one of of the fine st fi e star h otels in France

«««««

Welcome to

WINE COUNTRY Claudia Dudman explores the exquisite beauty of Bordeaux – the home of the French wine world

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Chef Nicolas Masse’s signature dish, oeuf de ferme

Right, the rooms include double doors that open onto a wooden decking area

The vineyard is now a distinguished label in the French wine world, renowned for its elegant red wine and its sophisticated white – not that common in the region

Right, the hotel’s chef, Nicolas Masse has created a restaurant that holds two Michelin stars

Things to Do: BIKE RIDE TO CHÂTEAU LE THIL Grab one of the hotel’s bikes and cycle past 18th-century Château le Thil, which used to be the summer residence of the Mayor of Bordeaux. Le Thil is Les Sources’ chambre d’hötes. Basically a b&b, albeit a very, very smart one.

Mathilde, has pioneered and developed the now internationally renowned spa and skincare brand Caudalie, while her sister, Alice with husband Jérôme Tourbier, conceived and built the estate’s 49-room hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, and have been running this for the past 18 years.

The easiest of mini breaks

It is its proximity to Bordeaux airport, a mere 20-minute drive from the estate, preceded by a very easy 75-minute flight from Gatwick, that makes visiting Les Sources de Caudalie a very doable destination for us here in the UK. It comes with the minimum of stress that travelling for a weekend break overseas sometimes incurs: no impossibly early morning flights – ours was at 8am on the Friday – and a very civilised return flight home at tea time on Sunday evening.

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A room with a view

The hotel, which was awarded the prestigious Palace status last November, lies right in the heart of the estate amid the Château’s rolling vineyards, and you can sit from your room, as I did, and watch horses plough the gravelly earth that brings its distinctive taste to the wine.

I stayed in one of the 12 new suites, essentially wooden cabins that rest on stilts (redolent of those of the fishermen’s cabins from the nearby Archacon bay), and include an amply-sized bedroom and a separate sitting room, with double doors opening on to a wooden deck area; a bathroom with his and hers sinks, a

RELAX IN THE SPA You can’t go to Les Sources without visiting the Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa. It is based on a pioneering concept created ten years ago, combining the benefits of naturally warm spring water with those of vines and grapes.

TAKE A TOUR OF THE WINERY Find more about the history of the Château and indulge in some of its produce while you learn.

VISIT ARCACHON BAY The Cathiards have a traditional pinnace boat at Arcachon Bay, which accommodates 12 people and can be hired on a daily basis.

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Moor Park, Richards Castle, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 4DZ head@moorpark.org.uk 01584 876061 www.moorpark.org.uk SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

The Château’s rolling vineyards lie at the heart of the estate

Stays at Les Sources de Caudalie are from ¤300 per night, based on two sharing a Prestige Room on a B&B basis, sources-caudalie.com; +33 (0)5 57 83 83 83 Getting there: easyJet flies from London Gatwick to Bordeaux, up to seven days per week, with prices starting from £23.24 per person (one-way, including taxes and based on two people on the same booking).

All flights can be booked at easyjet.com

Bordeaux fact

Merlot is Bordeaux’s principal red grape variety and it grows more of this than any other region in the world.

bath, loo and rainfall shower. The cabins are placed slightly away from the main hotel, but still have its facilities at your disposal – so you can really sack in and spend your time here. This is made all the more easy because Alice clearly has great taste and applies her eye for design, which means the rooms are a delight to stay in.

They are decorated in a country-chic style borrowed from the history of the Aquitaine region, the local wine trade and France’s colonial past. Walls are whitewashed panels creating an intimate atmosphere, and are decorated with a jumble of photos, witches’ mirrors and butterfly collections.

Le Grand’ Vigne

Le Grand’ Vigne is the “daddy” of the hotel’s three on-site restaurants and deservedly so.

Having held two Michelin stars since 2015, the chef Nicolas Masse’s menu, which is entitled, Five Steps Through the Regions, was a

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Alice Tourbier’s Secret France Above, the hotel’s wooden cabins were inspired by those at Arcachon Bay

Walls are whitewashed panels creating an intimate atmosphere, and are decorated with a jumble of photos, witches’ mirrors and butterfly collections masterclass in the very best that French cuisine has to offer. Housed in the former orangery and overlooking a lake with swans, we were left just slightly awestruck by his canon of creativity.

We started with an oyster and cucumber mousse, which was then followed by braised seared scallop with cauliflower,

Arcachon Bay and its stunning endless white-sand beaches are just under an hour’s drive from Les Sources. La Dune du Pyla, which is the highest sand dune in Europe, heralds its entrance.

Here you’ll find the “cabanes tchanquées” – wooden houses on stilts. You can also choose to visit the bird sanctuary, or try a taste of delicious locally-sourced oysters.

rolled carpaccio of veal stuffed with Aquitaine caviar and smoked with dried vines, oeuf de ferme, wild turbot with chanterelle mushrooms and butternut squash, and a caramel and hazelnut cake with praline to finish. All a perfect backdrop with which Nicolas showcased the Cathiards’ wines. ISP

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SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

ESCAPE TO GREECE Five Star Greece shares their favourite holiday spots across the stunning landscapes of the Ionian Islands

F

or those of you with sun-drenched images of the young Gerald Durrell roaming free through dappled olive groves, searching for clams on pebbly coves with waves lisping on the shore, or pottering around in a boat, the best islands to visit are just off the west coast of Greece.

Green and calm, the Ionian Islands – which were once part of the British Empire – include Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, and their mountains enfold pretty pastel-washed villages, innumerable bays, and offer the best swimming spots in Europe.

Villas range from the large, prestige villas on the Gold Coast of North East Corfu, with full staff and private jetties, to exclusive secret gems on the smaller islands, and affordable small villas for single families. Having easy access to the water – either by having a boat moored

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Above, Eagle’s Nest is a luxury six-bedroom villa on the island of Paxos

nearby, or having a beach at the bottom of the garden – is the classic way to enjoy these islands.

Enjoy island-hopping

Over in the Cyclades, Mykonos and Santorini are the King and Queen – there is something for all ages here. Mykonos has the best beach scene bar none in the Mediterranean, with great dining, shopping and sporting and boating possibilities. However, if you

have children, you should bear in mind that the summer crowds can make it less than relaxing, so choose a villa where you are happy to spend a lot of your time.

Páros has a well-earned reputation for being family friendly. It is considered a lower-key Mykonos, with a wide choice of beaches and activities, from a first-class scuba-centre, to riding, tennis, and a world-class wind and kite-surfing scene.

Their churches and stunning, whitewashed villages, and even a Valley of the Butterflies, are the perfect escape when the beaches are too crowded, or the Meltemi winds blow too strongly. The beautiful harbour of Naoussa at sunset is the place for drinks. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Across a narrow channel lies the small island of Antiparos, while Serifos, Sifnos, Tinos, Andros, Milos and Syros all have distinct

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Left, the island of Syros is easily reached by plane from Athens

FIVE STAR GREECE Five Star Greece is a member of UltraVilla, a useful directory of the best villa rental experts in different countries. Save time trawling through the internet, and get straight in touch with the real specialists, wherever you want to go. Visit ultravilla.com

personalities. Each offers the iconic Cycladic lifestyle, with chilled tavernas on the beaches that are shaded by feathery pepper trees, and sleek minimalist villas to return to at sunset. Milos and Syros can be reached by plane from Athens, but the others involve an easy ferry boat trip that children will love.

A family-friendly getaway The Nantucket of Greece, if you will, is Spetses, based in the Argosaronic Gulf.

The island is brim-full of history, with horse-drawn carriages and scooters only

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Above left, a luxury villa in Corfu.

Above right, take in the sea views on the island of Serifos

allowed on its cobbled streets. Pine-clad and fragrant, Spetses is a family island par excellence, with refined taste and a lively yet innocent nightlife.

Water taxis can be hired for trips to the mainland to see the archaeological sites of the Peloponnese, while the eateries conspire to keep people in town, where

renting a waterfront villa or historic mansion is the popular choice.

Skiathos and Skopelos are the major islands in the Sporades, offering lush landscapes in the northern Aegean, and some of the most famous soft and sandy beaches in Greece. Great villas are few and far between, but worth looking for!

Mykonos has the best beach scene bar none in the Mediterranean, with great dining, shopping and sporting and boating possibilities

Feltonfleet School

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

Byfleet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1DR

T: 01932 862 264 E: office@feltonfleet.co.uk W: feltonfleet.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr Alastair G Morrison BA (Hons), PGCE Admissions: Mrs Jackie Williams E: admissions@feltonfleet.co.uk

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 402, boys 219, girls 183 Type: Day, Weekly, Flexi Boarding Fees: Nursery £2,035 (mornings), Reception to Year 2 £3,800, Main School Day £5,580, Boarding £7,675 termly.

Entrance procedure: Early registration is recommended for Nursery and Pre-Prep.

Main entry points to the Prep School are 7+ (Year 3) and 11+ (Year 7) but places are sometimes available at other points. Entry to the Prep School is by assessment.

School Philosophy: High quality teaching, excellent pastoral care and outstanding facilities underpin the unique and nurturing family atmosphere at Feltonfleet, where every child is encouraged to attain high standards in their learning, develop confidence in their abilities and adopt a positive attitude towards learning, living and leading. Recent developments include our new state of the art performing arts centre and theatre. The school’s ISI Inspection Report highlights the school’s excellence in all areas of educational provision.

Open Days: Saturday 30th September 2017, Friday 23rd February, Friday 4th May 2018 or please contact the Registrar to arrange a private visit.

EXPERIENCE MORE SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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The 14th century farmhouse is the perfect place to relax after an actionpacked day

WIN Activities Abroad’s holidays are ideal for active families

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

A FAMILY ACTIVITIES HOLIDAY TO TUSCANY, ITALY

A Â

ctivities Abroad has been providing thrilling family adventure holidays for over 15 years, offering a fantastic range of year-round, multiactivity experiences in the sun and the snow.

All their holidays are specificallydesigned for active families, and range from multi-activity trips in Europe, adventures to the likes of Costa Rica and Borneo, to snow holidays in the Arctic Circle, where you can try dog sledding and chase the Northern Lights. On an Activities Abroad holiday, you are guaranteed to share exhilirating yet safe experiences and return home with a host of wonderful memories.

COMPETITION

WIN!

We are delighted to partner with Activities Abroad to offer one lucky family the chance to win an exciting summer holiday in the sun-drenched Tuscan countryside. This summer escape combines a true taste of this delightful Italian region, its culture and history with an exciting array of activities.

Guests will stay in a traditional 14thcentury Tuscan farmhouse, a private retreat located in a tranquil setting. This idyllic location is the perfect place to unwind and sample delicious local cuisine by the on-site pool.

Spend your action-packed trip taking full advantage of the Tuscan landscape, as you abseil into the ancient La Tana Che Urla caves and navigate an orienteering route. Test your head for heights at a

Above, guests can experience and conquer the Tuscan landscape

canyon as you jump, slide and conquer the landscape, and set off into the rolling hills on a mountain bike, taking you off-thebeaten-track through fields and vineyards.

Spend your evenings enjoying the warmth of the Tuscan sunset and turn your hand to traditional pizza-making. For the adults, there’s an opportunity to sample fragrant Italian wine, Tuscany’s most famous product.

In your free time, you can venture from your renovated farmhouse and head to where the Renaissance began. Explore the stunning cities of Lucca, Florence and Pisa and delve into ancient history, incredible culture and the many wonders this scenic region offers. For more information, visit activitiesabroad.com.

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win a seven-night activity holiday to Tuscany, simply answer the question below and enter it on the link by 20th June 2017 at: independentschoolparent.com/win Q: In which country will you find the region of Tuscany?

A Italy B France C Spain Terms and conditions: The holiday must be taken on either 22nd July 2017, 29th July 2017 or 12th August 2017. The prize must be booked before 1st July 2017. The prize package includes accommodation for seven nights at Casa Carbonaia, including two lunches and three dinners. Activities include rock-climbing, cave and cascade adventure, canyoning and mountain biking. The prize is based on two adults and two children (aged nine to 13) sharing an apartment.

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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2017 SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

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A WEEKEND OF TRAVEL TALKS AND EXHIBITIONS TO INSPIRE THE WHOLE FAMILY

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Independent Day School for Boys and Girls Junior School ages 7-11 Senior School ages 11-16 Sixth Form ages 16-18

Education as individual as your child Wolverhampton Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in the country, founded in 1512. As a selective and co-educational independent school, it enjoys an outstanding reputation.

WOLVERHAMPTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL JUDGED “EXCELLENT” IN ALL AREAS BY THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE To arrange a guided tour or to learn about one of our open events please contact Mrs Jane Morris, Admissions Registrar tel 01902 422939 or email jam@wgs-sch.net “This is a remarkable school. The atmosphere we encountered as we walked round with a succession of delightful guides was smilingly friendly. There is a real feeling of happiness.” The Good Schools Guide

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

01902 421326

www.wgs.org.uk Wolverhampton Grammar School Compton Road Wolverhampton WV3 9RB

CALENDAR

Our round-up of fun and inspiring things to try this summer

27-30 July

Festival fever

EXPLORE ANCIENT EGYPT

[Dorset]

[Liverpool] The Ancient Egypt Gallery at Liverpool’s World Museum reveals one of the UK’s most fascinating collections of Ancient Egyptian and Nubian antiquities.

Visitors can also visit the Mummy room, which currently has ten mummies on display. The gallery takes visitors on a journey spanning 5,000 years, with over 1,000 key objects to view – many of which have never been on public display before. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Renowned for its family-friendly appeal, Camp Bestival is back for another year with an avalanche of activities for children of all ages. Learn a circus skill at BigTopMania, jump to your heart’s content on the bouncy castle, and discover fairground rides, face painting and the Insect Circus. You’ll also find performances from huge names in children’s entertainment, and parents can even enjoy some peace and quiet in the Breastival Mother and Baby Chill Out area. Child from £15, adult £197.50. campbestival.net WOODLAND WONDERS

27-3

May-Sept

HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

HANG ON!

[Warwick] Travel back to 1455 and experience War of the Roses Live, a fist-thumping live action show new to Warwick Castle. Families can witness perilous stunt riders, impressive jousting and state-of-the-art special effects, among fearless fighting from both sides. As the rivals clash, will you take the side of the Lancastrians, or pledge allegiance to the House of York? Prices from £13 per person. warwick-castle.com

[London] Children will love Clip ‘N Climb Chelsea, a thrilling physical activity that’s fun for all the family. The space is ideal for adults and children to exercise, play games and engage in some healthy competition. Test your fitness across 20 exhilarating challenges, including the "Vertical Drop Slide", "Leap of Faith" and "Stairway to Heaven". Child £17.50, adult £19.50. clipnclimbchelsea.co.uk

[Norfolk] BeWILDerwood is an imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses, zipwires, jungle bridges and mysterious marsh walks.

Take a trip through the "Treacherous Trail", brave "The Broken Bridge", and dare to discover what lives at the heart of the "Muddle Maze". Families can try out a range of activities, too – from puppet shows to craft-making. Child from £13.50, adult from £9.50. bewilderwood.co.uk

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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s

Free workshops

will also run alongside the Dinosaurs of China exhibition. lakesidearts.org.uk

4-28 Aug

1-29 July-Oct

[Nottingham] Perfect for budding paleontologists, Dinosaurs of China, is a new exhibition that tells the story of how dinosaurs evolved into the birds that live in our world today. Featuring fossils and specimens never before seen outside of Asia, many of the species are new to science, with some only discovered and named as recently as 2015.

Families can visit two different displays at Wollaton Hall and Nottingham Lakeside Arts. Child from £5.50, adult from £7.70. dinosaursofchina.co.uk

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EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE [Edinburgh] The famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a superb collection of talent from the arts and media industry. Shows best suited to families include "The Gruffalo’s Child", "Clowntown", "The Giant’s Loo Roll", plus the thrillingly-fun "Children’s Haunted Underground Experience". edfringe.com

5-6 Aug

SHREK’S ADVENTURE

DIG, DIG, DIG

HAVE A BLAST!

[London] Board the 4D DreamWorks Tours bus as part of Shrek’s Adventure, an exciting new attraction with stunning animation and captivating storytelling. Experience 10 live fairytale-themed shows, during which you can visit Shrek’s swamp and discover your fortune in a crystal ball. Child from £15.30, adult from £19. shreksadventure.com

[York] DIG is a hands-on archaeological adventure that gives children the chance to discover exciting relics from 2,000 years of York’s history. With four special indoorexcavation pits, diggers can search for replica Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian artefacts, and study their finds to reveal what they tell us about the lives of the people who used them. Child from £6, adult from £6.50. digyork.com

[Portsmouth] Be blown away by The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower’s Explosive Weekend. See the amazing “Bang! The Science of Movie FX” show performed by Wonderstuck – a team of scientists who run STEM workshops in schools – and get involved with fun-filled science experiments. Child £5, adult £7. historicdockyard.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHY: ©EDINBURGH FESTIVAL FRINGE SOCIETY

Dinosaurs of China

BOARDING

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

BY THE SEA BOURNEMOUTH

“The pastoral care & andard of education are out anding, our daughter achieves academically, enjoys a fun school life during the week and happy family life at the weekends, we feel we have found the perfect balance” Y7 parent, London.

Talbot Heath Independent School for Girls aged 3-18

• £4619 per term tuition fees • £3563 per term Full Boarding • £3180 per term Weekly Boarding • £50 per night, £120 for a 3 day Flexi Board package

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½

Call Kerry Wills and talk to us about a free taster night!

Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth | Dorset | Tel: 01202 761881 talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding

OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday 11th October 2017 Thursday 12th October 2017 For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

we are prepared for greater things

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Based in the heart of Chelsea, a school with a long and proud history of academia, the arts, sports and music.

OPEN MORNING Friday 16 June 9:30am

“Pupils success is the result of the excellent quality of teaching” Latest ISI Report

Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.

To book for an Open Morning or private visit, please call

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SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com GEMS 9212 - Hampshire School Independent School Parent Magazine.indd 1

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HOUSE SCHOOL

Leading Independent Prep School Co-educational Boarding and Day 2½ to 13

t: 01473 659225 e: admissions@orwellpark.org www.orwellpark.co.uk Leading Independent Prep School Co-educational Boarding and Day 2½ to 13 OrwellPrep Park, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER Leading Independent School Co-educational Boarding and Day 2½ to 13 t: 01473 659225 e: admissions@orwellpark.org www.orwellpark.co.uk t: 01473 659225 e: admissions@orwellpark.org www.orwellpark.co.uk Orwell Park, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER Orwell Park, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0ER

04/05/2017 08:09

Bringing out ‘‘ the best in boys’’

Coeducational Day & Boarding School for Pupils Aged 11-18

Luckley House School offers an exciting alternative to the London Day School.

Transport available from the West London area for weekly boarders.

OPEN EVENING - THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2017 Book online at: www.luckleyhouseschool.org

• OPEN AFTERNOON • Thursday 22nd June 2017 • 2:00pm–3:30pm

Luckley House School, Wokingham, Berkshire

If you would like to attend an Open Morning / Afternoon, request a prospectus, or arrange an individual tour, please contact the Admissions Office on 01483 813535 or email: admissions@aldro.org

T: 0118 978 4175

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A day in the life of Aldro... come and see for yourself

E: Registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

Aldro, Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS www.aldro.org

Free entry*

for those who have acquired an Eden Project Locals' Pass. edenproject.com

Space adventure [Cornwall]

Journey Into Space at the Eden Project invites visitors to uncover the secrets of the universe as part of a fascinating intergalactic adventure.

Begin your journey at the Space Academy, where you’ll discover if you have what it takes to become an Eden astronaut. Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll embark on an immersive journey into our solar system, discover the history of the Space Race, and venture into the biomes to explore extra-terrestrial plant displays.

Child from £12.60, adult from £22.50. edenproject.com

OPENS 22 July

A LIFETIME OF STORIES

27-3 July-Sept

*THE PURCHASING WINDOW FOR LOCALS' PASSES WILL REOPEN ON 1ST NOVEMBER 2017

[London] The work of one of Britain’s best-loved storytellers, Michael Morpurgo, is being celebrated in a free exhibition at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Michael Morpurgo: A Lifetime of Stories looks at the author’s life and writing process, as well as the lives he has created for his most famous characters. The exhibition also includes manuscripts and photographs, as well as the original life-size horse puppet, Joey, from the West End stage adaptation of War Horse. vam.ac.uk

1-2 July A TASTE OF HISTORY BE ON TV!

A ROARING GOOD TIME

[Manchester] The CBBC Interactive Tour at MediaCityUK, home of the BBC, gives families a behind-the-scenes look at how much-loved programmes, including Blue Peter and Newsround, are created. Children can even have a go at hosting a TV show!

Child £7.75, adult £11.75. bbc.co.uk

[London] The Land of the Lions exhibit at ZSL London Zoo features an awe-inspiring “windowless-view” of a lion enclosure, where families can observe a majestic pride of endangered Asiatic lions. Visitors can also explore a recreated version of the lion’s natural habitat in Sasan Gir, India, which offers an immersive 360-degree experience. zsl.org

[Birmingham] Cadbury World’s Heritage Weekends showcase places of interest within the Bourneville village, bringing to life George and Richard Cadbury’s vision to build both a factory and community. Visitors can also enjoy a fact-finding trail and explore the scenic village. Child £12.30, adult £16.75. cadburyworld.co.uk

SUMMER 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

81

MEMORY LANE

SCH

MEMOOOL R I ES

D

escribe

for me. I have just returned from

your

America, where I was part of the

school in

12-man team selected as the best

three

to represent the British Army.

words

Does that count as all-star?

Adventurous, caring,

Homework: all done by

inspirational.

Friday night or left until Monday morning?

Did you ever customise

We had homework sessions run

your uniform?

by the Sixth Form every night.

Absolutely. My uniform was

With their constructive, if not

customised with wellies and a

somewhat dictator-like guidance,

boiler suit twice daily, enabling

there was no chance of not

me to tend to the farm animals in my charge that particular week.

Our uniform as standard was both respectful and practical. In a school where we were challenged to customise our being, the need to attack my threads never apparently occurred to me!

Who was your best friend?

I couldn’t truly claim to having a “best friend” as it always felt to me like a place full of friends. I did none the less have a friendship with Tim Haines, (our

JIMMY

getting it done.

Team player or out for

DE VILLE The TV presenter and extreme engineer fondly recalls his days at Abbotsholme School, Staffordshire

I believe that only team players will truly achieve their goals.

Were you a stalwart of the detention room or a teacher’s pet?

Stay low, move fast, always.

Most embarrassing moment?

The previously mentioned Godfrey, who was full of

fathers had been at the school together, and we were repeating

Which teacher stays with

Would you rather have

the tradition). We went exploring

you to this day?

double maths or an

together in the holidays, and later

Wow! Tricky one, not because

afternoon of art?

on in life we narrowly missed

there isn’t one, but because there

I would prefer an afternoon of

each doing back-to-back tours

are so many I could choose. I

art, but if I learnt one thing at

with the British Army in Iraq.

would like to make a special

school, it was that a well-executed

wanted to be a…

mention to Mrs Wainwright, the

combination of skills makes for a

Farmer or stuntman mechanic.

What prize were you most

teacher who taught me to “own”

stronger person.

proud of?

my dyslexia. I’ve just bagged

I achieved third place at the

myself an Honorary MA in

Were you an all-star

would you give your

Stafford show with my pet

Engineering. Thank you, Helen.

sports captain or outside

school-age self?

field lingerer?

Just keep doing what you are

bull, Godfrey.

82

yourself?

exuberance at the Stafford show, mounted another bull with me Share your school memories @ISParent

hanging on to the end of his lead.

When I was growing up, I

Finally, what piece of advice

Let’s talk school food: only

I learnt to shoot at school, and I

doing, and follow what you are

Where was your favourite

fit for the slops pail or

always thought this to be an

passion about. You won’t believe

lunchtime hangout?

worthy of a Michelin star?

individual sport, so no captaincy

where this can take you.

It’s hard to say, as it would

You can’t talk about food at

depend greatly on the weather.

Abbotsholme without

There is, however, no finer place

talking about the Head

on earth than the sports field and

Chef, Alan. He cooked up

swimming pool corner by the

fine food for me over 20

River Dove on a beautiful

years ago and still works

summer’s day.

at the school today!

independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2017

“I couldn’t truly claim to having a best friend, as school always felt like a place full of friends.”

The No.1 for exam success Essential practice for 11+ and Common Entrance exams • A comprehensive range of practice resources for children aged 5–13 • Supports both GL Assessment and CEM 11+ exams • Covers all the key question types your child can expect in their exams: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning

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