Independent School Parent Prep Autumn 2018

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E V E R Y B E S T I N E D U C AT I O N

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT Bursaries & Scholarships ENT EDU ND

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LONE OW K!

F R E E | P R E P E D I T I O N | AU T U M N 2 0 1 8 | i n d e p e n d e n t s c h o o l p a re n t .co m

CHOOSING A SCHOOL

BOARDING OR DAY, SINGLE SEX OR CO-ED?

All you need to know and how to apply

How to narrow down the options

LITERACY

HAPPY DAYS

Inspiring a lifelong love of reading

at CHESHAM PREP

EXPERT ADVICE HELP YOUR CHILD

ADJUST TO CHANGE

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION

Star alumni in the art, sport & business worlds

An all-through education for your whole family Boys and Girls 2-18 years old To book a tour of any of our Nursery, Preparatory or Upper Schools visit:

www.eatonsquareschool.com Belgravia

Kensington

Knightsbridge

Pimlico

Mayfair

INSIDE

WELCOME

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT • PREP EDITION • AUTUMN 2018

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In brief A round-up of the latest school news

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How to choose a school Advice on finding the right school

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The great outdoors The positive impact of outdoor learning

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Question time Get the most out of parents’ evening

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The whole child Why a holistic approach works

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Good old-fashioned fun Keeping high jinks on the timetable

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Getting personal A look at relationship and sex education

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Taking the lead We chat to a Head and Deputy Head Girl

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Tomorrow’s world Preparing students for the future

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Storytime Instilling children with a love of reading

Read Mark Taylor’s advice on how to apply for a bursary on page 42

W

elcome to the autumn term! I hope you feel refreshed and ready to embrace a new season. While teachers were preparing for the school year ahead, we’ve been hard at work redesigning the magazine and adding even more pages to fully celebrate the very best that an independent school education has to offer.

The start of the school year is a good time to think about the next stage of your child’s education. On page 14, Chair of the Independent Schools Council, Barnaby Lenon offers sage advice on what to look for.

There’s no doubt that private education is an expensive investment, but there’s a lot of help out there for parents now. In our Bursaries and Scholarships special on page 42, Mark Taylor, Bursar at The King’s School, explains the process of applying for fee assistance, while Amaya and her mother speak candidly on page 48 about how they secured a bursary to London’s James Allen’s Girls’ School.

Parents of children starting Reception will know your first parents’ evening beckons: Rebecca Lyons-Smith of St Swithun’s shares some tips on page 23, from what questions to ask to managing your time slots.

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In pursuit of happiness Improving mental health in girls’ early on

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Bursaries & scholarships A case study special

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Plastic. No. More Educating pupils on single-use plastics

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Sweet charity Going beyond fundraising

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From acorns Going behind the scenes

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Ask the experts Adjusting after the summer holidays

61 Tweet us @ISParent

School hero The life of a dedicated archivist

62

In 10 pictures...

Chesham Prep

Like us at @Independent SchoolParent

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Ones to watch The all-star alumni

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Family life Holidays and diary dates

CLAUDIA DUDMAN, EDITOR

Follow us @ISParent.Mag

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School memories Crime fiction writer, Anna Mazzola

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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Barney.

Be part of it. www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

Thinking about Sixth Form?

BE

UNPRETENTIOUS

Barney.

Be part of it. www.barneysf.org.uk

WHO’S WHO

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INDEP E

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Meet the experts sharing their years of invaluable educational experience

PETER YOUNG is an independent school governor and Chairman of the Business Marketing Awards.

EDITORIAL Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Editor Claudia Dudman Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editors Laura Sutherland, Natalie Keeler Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton

AILEEN KANE is the Boarding Schools Association’s Director of Operations, which oversees all media, marketing, sponsorship, finance and HR facilities. Aileen is also a member of BSA’s senior leadership team.

Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado PUBLISHING Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Publishing Director Paul Rayner Director of Media James Dobson Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by William Gibbons Head of Circulation Daniel Webb 020 7349 3710 ADVERTISING Head of Market Freddy Halliday Advertising Manager Harriet Cottrell Senior Sales Executives Andrew Mackenzie, Henry Barton

RACHEL KERR has worked with independent schools since 2000.

She is currently Communications Manager at the Girls’ Schools Association.

DAVID MONCRIEFF

A publisher specialising in education and heritage, he previously worked for more than 12 years as Director of Marketing Services at the British Tourist Authority.

ALISON FLEMING has been Headmistress at Newton Prep, Battersea since September 2013. Educated at grammar school, she began her teaching career learning her “craft” in state schools.

Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media. Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2018 All rights reserved

MARK STRETTON joined the Headmasters and Headmistresses’ Conference as Communications Manager last year. He has more than 15 years’ experience and expertise in education sector communications.

DISTRIBUTION Independent School Parent is for parents of children in Prep and Senior independent schools. The Independent School Parent magazine in Prep and Senior issues is published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent. com/register © The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2018. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in The Guide to Independent Schools 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.

DR HELEN WRIGHT is a former President of the GSA and Vice-Chair of the ISC. Since 2014 she has worked in international education and advises, recruits and coaches senior leaders in schools across the world.

IAN MASON after working in local authority communications teams across London, Ian became the Head of Media and Communications for the Independent Schools Council in 2017.

TORY GILLINGHAM

is the Managing Director for AMCIS, Admissions, Marketing & Communications in independent schools, which now has over 500 schools in membership. She has more than 25 years’ experience of the independent schools sector.

Independent School Parent also publishes The Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right school.

JULIAN THOMAS is Master of Wellington College and Chief Executive of the Wellington College Group of Academies and Schools.

BEN VESSEY joined Canford in 2013 as Headmaster from Christ’s Hospital, where he was Senior Deputy Head. He is currently Vice-Chair of the HMC Professional Development sub-committee.

COVER: HANDCROSS PARK, WEST SUSSEX

ANDREW FLECK is Principal of Sedbergh School, Cumbria. Having been Headmaster since 2002, he relinquished this position to take up his new role which includes strategic oversight and operational direction.

SUE WOODROOFE has been a Headteacher for 12 years, first at The British School of Brussels and now at The Grammar School at Leeds.

SIR ANTHONY SELDON

is Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham. He was 13th Master of Wellington College in Berkshire from 2006 to 2015.

COLIN BELL is CEO of COBIS which works with and supports students, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors from high quality British international schools in more than 80 countries worldwide.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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GORDON’S SCHOOL A UNIQUE EDUCATION

TOP 1% FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Ranked in the top 1% of all schools in England and Wales over the past 3 years at GCSE and A2 Levels.

Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form Residential Boarding places available from £5,378 per term

www.gordons.school

SCHOOL NEWS

IN BRIEF

STUDENT SUCCESSES • LANDMARK CELEBRATIONS • FUNDRAISING FEATS • NEW HEADTEACHERS The Charles Dickens Evensong tribute took place at Rochester Cathedral

Great expectations Gad’s Hill, Rochester, Kent

The Junior choir paid tribute to Charles Dickens at a special service, in Rochester Cathedral. A choral Evensong, marking 148 years since the author’s death, was attended by parents, fellow students and staff. Director of Music Mr John Stone said: “Our children are privileged to be taught in the former home of such a great novelist, and for many, this is their first recital. I’m sure they’ll always remember honouring a man who continues to have an impact on their studies.”

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOL NEWS

Felsted School, Essex

IN BRIEF

• GIVING BACK Downsend School, Surrey

Downsend’s Jenny Graham presented Liz Mullins from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity with a cheque for £17,459. The school raised the sum through a year of fundraising events.

• GOLDEN YEAR Cranmore Prep, Surrey

Under the sea Felsted School, Essex

A 90-strong cast sang, danced and acted their way through The Little Mermaid at the school’s theatre, The Hunt last term. The Year Five and Six pupils, who performed for parents, pupils and staff were supported by the excellent musicians from the school’s own orchestra and stunning costumes and props made by the art department. Last year’s The Sound of Music was a hard act to follow, but this year’s show more than matched it.

• SWEET SIXTEEN Kingswood House, Surrey

The leading all-boys’ Prep School known for its supportive ethos has announced that it will now take pupils until the age of 16 and all the way through to their GCSE examinations.

Headmaster Gareth Jones swam in ice-cold conditions

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Cranmore’s year-long 50th anniversary celebrations culminated in a treeplanting ceremony with former parent, the Rt Hon Anne Milton MP, and a Mass with Bishop Richard Moth.

Channel Challenge

A good read

Congrats all round!

St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne

Perrot Hill, Somerset

Westbourne House, Sussex

To raise money for the refurbishment of the school pavilion, Headmaster Gareth Jones undertook a challenge to swim in the English Channel each day of the 73-day summer term. On the final day, he swam to Holywell, where he was greeted by the whole school and a hearty breakfast.

A conga line led by a ukuleleplaying storyteller could only mean one thing: the Perrott Hill Children’s Literary Festival.

Schools across the West Country, such as Merriott, Broadwindsor and Colyton Grammar School attended workshops with authors such as Martin Maudsley (above).

A total of 46 scholarships were won for some of the country’s top Senior Schools.

All Year Eight pupils secured places at their chosen schools following excellent Common Entrance results. The range of awards cover academic, music, drama, choral, art and all-rounder scholarships.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

• ROYAL AFFAIR St Wystan’s, Derbyshire

Harry and Meghan’s wedding was celebrated with gusto. Seven-year-old Alex Wright was beautiful as the bride, while Thomas Boddy, eight, played the royal groom to perfection.

Open Mind. Open Door.

Open Future.

Prep School

Senior School

Sixth Form

Open Days 2018 7th and 8th November 9.30am – 12 noon

Please call Admissions to book your personal tour.

2 mins walk from Northwood Tube An Independent Day School for Girls aged 3 – 18

www.sthelens.london

Admissions 01923 843230

SCHOOL NEWS

HEADS ON THE MOVE It’s all change for these schools

Bart Wielenga becomes Head of Blundell’s School, Devon this September. He was previously Deputy Head.

Up, up in the air

Taking up the reins at Cranleigh Prep, Surrey this term is Neil Brooks.

Barrow Hills, Surrey

Under the expert guidance of The Kiteman, Michael Goodman, Middle Prep pupils perfected their kite-flying skills. The hobby develops handeye coordination, gross motor skills and kinesthetic awareness. The children made their own before taking them for a test run.

Driven by a 30-year passion, Michael has introduced thousands of people to the joy of kites with his dramatic displays, workshops and festivals.

Beaudesert School, Glos, welcomes Chris Searson formerly Dep Head of Highfield and Brookham Schools, Liphook.

Robert Relton becomes the eighth Head of Foremarke Hall, Derbyshire.

Keith Metcalfe, former Deputy Head of Harrow, will take up the reins as Head of Malvern College, Worcs in April.

Pupil Cameron Arasteh with grandparents Brian and Val Horan

Weird science

Respect your elders

King’s Taunton, Somerset

Beech Hall, Cheshire

Staff and pupils were excited to open the school’s new science labs. Built by Qube Construct and costing £1m, they boast cutting-edge apparatus: a Van de Graaff generator, multimeters and circuit equipment. To mark the occasion, Bristolbased Science Boffins ran a plasma workshop and opened the labs with a thrilling ribbon-burning ceremony.

Pupils’ elders were invited to celebrate Grandparents’ Day at the school. They had a nutritious breakfast and recounted stories from their own school days in assembly, before joining lessons. Head James Allen said: “We understand the importance of family involvement in learning, which is why we hold a variety of annual family-orientated events.”

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOLS

754 £16m At the last count there were

69,979 boarders at independent schools

904 SCHOOLS SHARE THEIR ACADEMIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERTISE WITH PUPILS AND STAFF FROM THE STATE SECTOR

WAS RAISED FOR CHARITY BY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN 2017/18

SCHOOL STATS

171,488

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL BRINGS TOGETHER SEVEN ASSOCIATIONS OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, THEIR HEADS, GOVERNORS AND BURSARS. THEY REPRESENT

1,137

Have the facts and figures at your fingertips

1,326

THE PUPILTEACHER RATIO AT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IS

8.6

852

ARE DAY SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS IN THE UK

THERE ARE 529,164 PUPILS EDUCATED IN THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR

474

ARE BOARDING SCHOOLS

PUPILS RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH PAYING SCHOOL FEES

schools in partnership

with state schools

There were 106,668 pupils new to independent schools last autumn

And what are the costs? £90,111: TOTAL JUNIOR SCHOOL DAY FEES FROM 4-11 £140,193: TOTAL JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOL FEES FROM 8-13 £103,062: TOTAL SENIOR DAY SCHOOL FEES FROM 11-18 £169,935: TOTAL SENIOR BOARDING SCHOOL FEES FROM 13-18

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

*

*ALL FACTS, FIGURES AND FEES ARE TAKEN FROM THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS COUNCIL CENSUS 2018. SCHOOL FEES ARE BASED ON AN AVERAGE TERM’S FEE OF £4,291 AT JUNIOR DAY SCHOOL, £8,243 PER TERM AT JUNIOR BOARDING SCHOOL + TWO YEARS SENIOR BOARDING FEES FOR YEARS SEVEN-EIGHT. SENIOR DAY SCHOOL AVERAGE TERM’S FEE £4,862, SENIOR BOARDING SCHOOL AVERAGE TERM’S FEE £11,001. SIXTH FORM BOARDING AVERAGE TERM’S FEE £11,821. SIXTH FORM DAY AVERAGE TERM’S FEE £5,022.

schools regularly invite pupils from the state sector to attend lessons, workshops and educational events

WITHIN THE ISC:

SENIOR SCHOOL

How to

CHOOSE A SCHOOL BARNABY LENON, former Head of Harrow and chairman of the Independent Schools Council, advises on finding the right school for your child

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

parents also choose independent schools because of their extracurricular activities and the highly professional approach to pastoral care.

Schools within ISC membership are increasingly providing greater amounts of fee assistance so that families from all walks of life are able to access the high-quality education that independent schools offer. Transformational bursaries widen access to those who otherwise couldn’t afford the fees and almost £400m was provided in meanstested bursaries and scholarships last year.

So, what are the different types of school out there?

Single-sex or coeducational schools

Around one fifth of schools within ISC membership are single-sex. The choice of a single-sex or co-educational

s

hoosing the right school for your child is a tricky process, with many different factors to take into consideration. Independent schools are diverse; there are single-sex schools, boarding and day schools, preparatory (prep) schools, those with specialisms in music, drama or art, schools that cater for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, those that nurture sporting talent, and highly academic schools.

Independent schools remain a popular choice for many families, and 2018 saw the number of pupils at ISC member schools reach a record total of 529,164. In 2018, nearly two thirds of GCSE entries at ISC schools received A/7 or higher, and close to half of A-Level entries scored an A* or A grade. Most pupils go to top universities. But

SENIOR SCHOOL

SCHOOLS WITH ISC MEMBERSHIP ARE INCREASINGLY PROVIDING GREATER AMOUNTS OF FEE ASSISTANCE so that families from all walks of life ARE ABLE TO ACCESS THE HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION THAT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OFFER

Harrow School, Middlesex

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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SENIOR SCHOOL

SCHOOLS THAT EXCEL AT NURTURING SPORTING TALENT ARE ABLE TO OFFER excellent facilities, often with provisions for activities that AREN’T EASILY AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE

Oakham School, Rutland

NARROW IT DOWN So, after learning about all the different schools out there, where do you begin in choosing the right one for your child? Here are our top tips:

school could be down to several factors, such as your child’s age or what’s available locally.

Specialist schools

There are numerous specialist schools parents can look into which meet particular requirements that might not be easily met in schools elsewhere. These range from highly academic, selective schools to cathedral schools, offering pupils the experience of singing in a cathedral choir. If you have a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), they may need extra support and there are a number of independent schools offering some of the best SEND provisions in the country.

Sporty schools

Schools that excel at nurturing sporting talent are able to offer excellent facilities, often with provision for activities that aren’t easily available elsewhere, such as sailing, climbing, fencing or horse riding. At independent schools generally, sporting opportunities form part of a school’s extracurricular programme, which is much valued by many parents and children.

Pupils appreciate the value of physical activity

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

Canford School, Dorset

and associated health benefits, whether taking part in a particular sport, jogging, gym sessions or other recreational activities.

Arts schools

If your child’s a budding actor or a flourishing musician, many schools offer impressive drama and music departments. There are endless opportunities for pupils to get involved in school plays, orchestras or choirs – a fantastic chance for young people to learn how to manage their time, grow in confidence and develop their talent.

Boarding or day schools

Many independent schools take boarders, with a larger number of boarders at Sixth Form. Boarding schools have the advantage of a longer school day, which provides the opportunity for more lessons and activities.

• Visit prospective schools and attend open days.

This is a really important opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for the school environment and make comparisons. Also visit on a non-open day so you can gain a picture of day-to-day school life. Visiting a school on a normal weekday is also essential, as it enables you to see the school without the open-day “spin”.

Since every independent school is different, visits will give you a much clearer picture of the type of school you think will best suit your child. When visiting a school, pay attention to the pupils – are they happy, polite, respectful and well-presented? Do staff and pupils have a good relationship with one another? If you like what you see, arrange an appointment with the Headteacher and take it from there.

• Don’t rely too much on exam league table positions.

Ask for value-added or progress data – the important issue is how much children improve when attending the school.

• Start researching options early.

Give yourself plenty of time to review the options to ensure you’re satisfied with your final decision.

Where the magic begins

A first-class education for girls aged 4-18, since 1887

Discover how we prepare your daughter to flourish and fly at one of our open events, taster days or tours. www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net

What type of school suits your child?

Take our fun quiz to find out…

Not necessarily

Need help with fees?

Money no object

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Do you need a specialist school? 

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Yes

Out in the sticks or bright lights, big city?

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Do you want to keep it in the family?

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Start

No

Bookish

Yes please!

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Scholarship and Bursary Schools

Is your child the next Einstein?

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 Yes

Yes

Yes ACADEMIC SCHOOLS

Abingdon House School, London, CO-ED

SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY SCHOOLS

Appleford School, Wiltshire, CO-ED

Christ’s Hospital, East Sussex, CO-ED

City of London School for Boys

Fairley House School, London, CO-ED

City of London School for Boys

Headington School, Oxford, GIRLS

Frewen College, East Sussex, CO-ED

Latymer Upper School, London, CO-ED

King Edward’s School, Birmingham, BOYS

Mark College, Somerset, CO-ED

St Paul’s Boys’ School, London

Manchester High School for Girls

More House School, Surrey, BOYS

St Peter’s School, York, CO-ED

North London Collegiate School, GIRLS

Northease Manor School, East Sussex, CO-ED

Rugby School, Warwickshire, CO-ED

Westminster School, London, BOYS

SEN & DYSLEXIC SCHOOLS

Brighton College, West Sussex, CO-ED

Shapwick School, Somerset, CO-ED

Wycombe Abbey School, Bucks, GIRLS

St David’s College, Conwy, CO-ED

St Paul’s Girls’ School, London

The Moat School, London, CO-ED

No

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Suited & booted?

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Country bumpkin

Yes, smart is best Not essential

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City-slicker

What kind of atmosphere?

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Steeped in tradition?

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Independent

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Active or bookworm?

Close-knit

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No

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Is your child creative?

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Yes

Yes

Maybe

Do you want a boarding school?  Yes

SPORTY SCHOOLS

CREATIVE SCHOOLS

TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS

Repton School, Lancashire, CO-ED

The Arts:

Eton College, Berkshire, BOYS

Benenden School, Kent, GIRLS

Bedales School, Hampshire, CO-ED

Downe House, Berkshire, GIRLS

Bolton Schools, Lancashire BOYS & GIRLS

Bryanston School, Dorset, CO-ED

Harrow School, Middlesex, BOYS

Cranleigh School, Surrey, CO-ED

Godolphin, Wiltshire, GIRLS

Kilgraston, Perthshire, GIRLS

Millfield School, Somerset, CO-ED

Hurtwood House, Surrey, CO-ED

Malvern College, Worcs, CO-ED

Newcastle High School for Girls

Specialist Music and Dance Schools

Oakham School, Rutland, CO-ED

Chetham’s School of Music, Lancashire, CO-ED Purcell School, Herts, CO-ED

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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No

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Is your child the next David Beckham?

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Sporty

Yes

Royal Ballet School, London, CO-ED Wells Cathedral School, Somerset, CO-ED Yehudi Menuhin School, Surrey, CO-ED

Oundle, Northamptonshire, CO-ED Sedbergh School, Cumbria, CO-ED Roedean, East Sussex, GIRLS Wellington College, Berkshire, CO-ED Winchester College, Hampshire, BOYS

COMMENT

HEADS UP

THE GREAT OUTDOORS DAN THORNBURN Head of Edgeborough School, Surrey espouses the positive impact of outdoor learning for pupils and teachers alike It’s important for all children to experience and enjoy the natural world

“W Dan Thornburn is the Headteacher of Edgeborough School

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e learn to love nature as children, and our commitment to nature later in life – respecting it, protecting it, restoring it or simply enjoying it – is built on that childhood foundation. That’s why it’s so important that all children experience the natural world” says former Environment Minister, Rory Stewart.

When I first arrived at Edgeborough, among my many tasks was writing my Headmaster’s Welcome. After much toing and froing, I landed on what I thought was a greeting which conveyed everything the school was about, alluding to the fact that happy, motivated children who want to come to school will have successful adult lives.

As we return from the long summer break, happiness, motivation and excitement will be palpable on the first few mornings of term. With excellent teaching, tremendous facilities, a community atmosphere and dogs on site, the children are in good spirits day to day, but keeping them motivated for a whole school year, which for many includes the pressure of exams, can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

In 2016 England’s largest outdoor learning project, entitled, The Natural Connections Demonstrations revealed children were more

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

motivated to learn when outside, with 92 per cent of teachers surveyed saying pupils were more engaged with learning when outdoors, while 90 per cent of children said they felt happier and healthier as a result. As I write this surrounded by 50 acres of Surrey countryside, I realise how truly lucky we are that we’re in a position to offer this to children and their families. The school has always had outdoor learning as a key component of the curriculum, and in my first year here, I’ve been keen to embed this further.

And the results show. With a 100 per cent pass rate in Common Entrance exams, our younger year groups also performed extremely well in tests; warm-ups for what faces them further down the line.

But it’s not just the pupils we care about. As I touched on, we’re a family and the teaching staff are one of the biggest successes of the school. With a low turnover rate of staff, it’s sometimes clear to see why. The same report found that 79 per cent of teachers reported positive impacts on their teaching, as well as 72 per cent reporting improved health.

In my first term as Headteacher, I opened up the school woodland area and Headmaster’s Lawn, both of which had previously been closed to children during break times. The latter was an outdated tradition and was my final push to make the school and space inclusive to all, with the former allowing children to explore for themselves outside normal structured lessons. The ability to run through woodland and clamber on trees may lead to some bumps and bruises, but I wholeheartedly believe children should be able to make their own mistakes, learn from them and grow from them. It’s what allows us to say we offer an “all-round education”.

Surbiton High School is an aspirational independent School for boys aged 4-11 and girls aged 4-18, which inspires, encourages and empowers its pupils with an innovative, creative and inspirational learning curriculum.

Boys’ Prep

Upcoming Open Events 2018

Tuesday 16 October 9.30am Wednesday 7 November 9.30am

INSPIRE /surbitonhigh

|

ENCOURAGE

Girls’ Prep

Monday 15 October 9.00am Tuesday 6 November 9.00am

|

EMPOWER

T 020 8439 1309 | E admissions@surbitonhigh.com | www.surbitonhigh.com | 13-15 Surbiton Crescent Kingston upon Thames KT1 2JT An independent School for boys aged 4-11 and girls aged 4-18

@SurbitonHigh

Surbiton High School is part of United Learning

WELCOMING CHILDREN FROM 9 MONTHS

EDUCATION -

THE GREATEST GIFT Top quality boarding provision with superb pastoral care Rated ‘excellent’ in all areas of the latest Inspection Report Over 80 co-curricular activities available Reputation for sport and links with professional clubs Inspirational music, drama and creative arts

BOOK A VISIT AND SEE OUR PREP SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION CENTRE WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU T. 01225 734460 E. kpsreception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk An Independent Co-educational Boarding & Day School for pupils aged 9 months - 18 years

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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ation A bespoke educ ation A bespfookreeevdeurcy pupil for every pupil

Kingsley School Bideford Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3LY

Head Teacher: Mr Pete Last BA Hons (Cantab), Ad Dip Ed London, MEd Buckingham Admissions: Mrs Louise Wivell admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk 01237 426200 boys and girls, 0-18 years TOTAL PUPILS: 400, boys 200, girls 200 TYPE: Day, Weekly, Flexi, Full Boarding FEES: Nursery – Day from £50, Weekly from £250, Pre-Prep – Day from £1,980 Prep – Day from £2,080, Flexi Boarding from £49 per night, Full Boarding from £5,580, Senior – Day from £4,220, Flexi Boarding from £49 per night, Weekly Boarding from £6,995, Full Boarding from £8,945 per term ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see our website for details GENDER/AGES:

School Philosophy: Thanks to Kingsley’s relatively small intake of 400 children it has a large family atmosphere, children feel at home and supported whilst benefiting from a tailor-made education to build upon their talents and help target areas which need additional support.

We do have several Open Days each year, but we welcome families for private tours of the school all year round. kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk

One of Britain’s finest independent day and boarding schools for boys aged 10-18

‘Superb cosmopolitan boys school, with outstanding facilities and a strong academic reputation – an example of what education is really about’ Good Schools Guide

OPEN EVENING TUESDAY 9 OCTOBER 2018 | 4PM-8PM Open Afternoons by appointment Boarding by appointment

Generous scholarships and bursaries available admissions@whitgift.co.uk +44 (0)20 8633 9935 www.whitgift.co.uk/opendays Haling Park, South Croydon, CR2 6YT, United Kingdom

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

1,950

£ rm For more information: Call 01237 426200 a te Email admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk om Fees fr Visit www.kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk ,950 1 £ For more information: Call 01237 426200 a term Email admissions@kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk Visit www.kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk Methodist Schools

Outstanding achievements, outstanding individuals.

Methodist Schools

Northdown Road,

Bideford, Devon EX39 3LY Outstanding achievements, outstanding individuals.

Nursery | Pre School | Prep SchoolRoad, Northdown Devon EX39 3LY Senior School | Bideford, Sixth Form Nursery | Pre School | Prep School Senior School | Sixth Form

Whitgift.

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ADVICE

ADVICE

QUESTION TIME

REBECCA LYONS-SMITH, Head of St Swithun’s Prep School, Winchester explains how to get the most out of your child’s parents’ evening

P

arents’ evenings are a wonderful opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers and work as a team to support their academic and pastoral development. So what do you need to think about to get the most out of them? Firstly, be aware that parent’s evenings come in all different shapes and sizes.

In many Prep Schools, you’ll be able to sign up for an allotted time with your child’s teachers. Some schools will use a computer booking system and others will have sign-up sheets. The main thing to accept is that they often overrun. If you make your own bookings, try to leave gaps between appointments, especially if you know you have to move between different rooms or parts of the school.

Teachers will try not to overrun, but sometimes it happens. Some parents’ evenings will run to the ringing of a bell, and some teachers will have a timer on their desk – try to be respectful of all parents and keep to time. Try not to be the one to hog a teacher’s time. You can always arrange another meeting if the discussion needs to be continued. This is especially true when booking the last slot of the evening.

The other main type of parents’ evening is the ‘wait in line’ model – this is where you have to queue to see the teachers on a first come, first served basis. There’s a need to be strategic here and plan who you need to see in priority order. Sometimes, the best option is to divide and conquer if there are two of you, but make

BEING PREPARED FOR PARENTS’ EVENING

sure you take notes during discussions so that you can report back at the end.

How long these evenings take will vary from school to school – with some being conducted in military fashion with five-minute appointments, which ensure you are done and dusted in your allocated time.

What questions you ask will depend on whether or not you have recently received a school report. If the report is relatively generic, ask about your child’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to the rest of the class.

If not explicit in the report already, ask what your child’s next steps should be. Importantly, ask what you can do to help, and whether there are any recommended resources that you can work on at home. If you’ve not received a report then it’s important to know the general state of play. Ask how they’re doing; where they sit in relation to the rest of the class or year group; find out what data the teacher has relating to progress or tests that they’ve completed; and find out if your expectations are realistic.

SOMETIMES THE BEST OPTION IS TO divide and conquer if there are two of you, BUT JUST MAKE SURE YOU TAKE NOTES

• Talk to your child before the parents’ evening and ask if there’s anything they would like you to discuss, or anything they think their teachers might say.

• Introduce yourself to the teacher, especially subject specialists who might teach all of the children in the school – it helps to break the ice and reassure the teacher that they’re talking about the right child.

• Clarify, clarify, clarify – make sure you understand the subject grades, standardised scores and any technical jargon. If a grade has gone down this seldom means that your child has gone backwards – but that the work has got harder and their progress has slowed.

• Print out a copy of your schedule, write the times/teachers down or have it accessible on your phone. Take a screenshot so you can access the schedule even if you can’t access the internet.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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An independent, coeducational school for 3 to 18 year olds.

JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING

Thursday 11 October 2018 9.00am - 11.00am To book a place, please visit www.stdunstans.org.uk STANSTEAD ROAD, LONDON, SE6 4TY 0208 516 7200

FOLLOW US ON:

/STDUNSTANSCOLL

Maria Montessori School Authentic Montessori education for children aged 2 - 12 Our school nurtures independence and creativity.

It promotes hands on, self-paced, collaborative, and joyful learning.

Children in our school follow their interests, wherever their passion leads; giving them strong academics, leadership and a lifelong love of learning.

Hampstead, West Hampstead, Hornsey Rise (Crouch End), Bayswater, Notting Hill T: 020 7435 3646 E: schools@mariamontessori.org

www.mariamontessori.org/schools

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

DEVELOPMENT

THE WHOLE CHILD Adrian Palmer, Headmaster at Wycliffe School in Gloucestershire explains why a holistic approach is so vital in our formative years

V

isit my school on the edge of the Cotswolds and what you’ll see is learning in action – though not necessarily in the classroom.

In Lower Nursery the children are out and about learning about transport and making decisions. In Upper Nursery they’re practising their letters on the outdoor chalk boards.

The Reception class has just returned from a visit to a garden centre, where they had to write a shopping list of what they thought they’d find there and then write about their adventures.

There are two Year Eight girls camped on the school green in a shelter used by refugees. It’s part of their Kirby Challenge, an innovative scheme which encourages pupils to contribute to the school and the community and to push themselves out of their comfort zones to develop selfconfidence and independence.

I fundamentally believe that a happy child is far more likely to achieve their full potential. Above everything else, we offer pupils the support they need to develop a feeling of self-belief and self-confidence to allow them to express themselves eloquently both when in school and out of school and prepare them for the next stage of their life.

Parents often ask me about how important it is to invest in education from an early age. My response is

A CHILD WITH A FANTASTIC EARLY EDUCATION WILL DEVELOP a passion for knowledge which will ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE A LIFELONG LEARNER this – between the ages of two and 11 years old, all of the foundations for later life are laid. Just as a building with strong foundations will last longer, a child with a fantastic early education will develop a passion for knowledge which will encourage them to be a lifelong learner.

One of the key strengths of Wycliffe is the holistic education that every child receives, with a wide breadth of activities such as chess club, fencing, and judo to keep them inspired and give them new challenges.

As part of their weekly school timetable the pupils can swim in the school pool, have drama sessions in the theatre, and enjoy music lessons. Many arrive at school at 8am, before school officially starts and Wycliffe offers wraparound care for working parents at no extra cost.

Class sizes are small, so that each child can have more one-to-one time with their teacher. Those in Reception, Year One and Year Two have three full-time members of staff in the classroom with them at all times.

That high level of personal attention continues with pastoral care which is absolutely critical in ensuring that the children are happy.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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EXTRACURRICULAR

WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO encourage pupils out of their comfort zone. IT HELPS THEM EMBRACE THE WORLD AND THINK INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT INHIBITIONS

Girls at Hanford School, Dorset monkey around after prep

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EXTRACURRICULAR

Good oldfashioned fun Schools are working hard to keep screen-free high jinks on the timetable and the results are both eccentric and exciting, writes Katie Hughes

V

isit Queen Mary’s School near Thirsk of a weekend, and you may well witness pupils surfing down its grand staircase on gym mats: a tradition embedded in school practice and approved by Queen Mary and King George, whose portraits survey the scene with “great pride and amusement,” says head Carole Cameron. When we speak, she’s preparing a Secret Pirate Mission for pupils on the local river, complete with boats, flags and pirate hats.

Forget about having to force children off their screens – this sort of good-old fashioned fun is a potent pull for pupils. And it’s alive and well in schools all over the country.

Pure imagination

“Parents often comment on the Enid Blyton-ness of it all,” says Amanda Kirby, Joint Head of Cundall Manor School in York, which, like Queen Mary’s, advocates retro high jinks in spades. There’s go-karting down the school hill in summer (pupils build their own karts); conker competitions in winter; Wild Wood explorations and tipi campouts.

There are also Creme Eggs launched by trebuchets at Easter and even (carefully supervised) axe-throwing sessions. “We’re not afraid to encourage pupils out of their comfort zone. It helps them embrace the world and think independently and without inhibitions,” says Kirby.

Hanford in Dorset similarly sees the benefits of fun.

Its dressing-up box (“well it’s more of a room,” says Headmaster, Rory Johnston) is stuffed with ball gowns, hats, feather boas, costume jewellery and all manner of garb for girls to lose themselves in. Then there’s the Hanford Hullaballoo, when pupils wear gloves and goggles to feed chocolate to friends with a knife and fork. There are pillow fights in blindfolds; races across polished floors in Welsh blankets and riding hats; and the sort of outdoor freedom that many children can only dream about.

“It’s the ideal place for girls with the imagination to create their own fun,” says Johnston. “Senior schools

comment on how much fun the girls are and how good they are at finding ways to occupy themselves.”

Animal magic

Animal fun features widely in schools, too. At Prior’s Field in Surrey, pupils frolic with the school dogs, and “need to be passionate about animals”, says Head Tracy Kirnig, who takes in rescues from Battersea Dogs’ Home. One recently ran the cross-country in a shark costume.

At Queen Mary’s, the school chaplain mingles with an eclectic collection of creatures on the school lawn: lizards, stick insects, horses, dogs and more – all enthusiastically brought in by pupils for the annual pet service.

Other schools variously offer children the fun of flamingos and peacocks (Whitgift, Croydon); chickens, pigs and sheep (Radley, Oxfordshire) or pygmy goats and guinea pigs (Knighton House, Dorset).

“Children have incredibly pressured lives these days, and animals are a fantastic de-stresser,” says educational psychologist Alan McLean.

Serious fun

Having fun is a serious business. Research shows that recreational deprivation has been linked to criminality, obesity and declining creativity. “Play is a banquet for the brain, a smorgasbord for the senses, providing nourishment for body and spirit,” writes Rob Parr in Psychology Today.

Life lessons can be learned from fun activities too. Take schools like the Elms, where pupils can bring in their own ponies, hop in the saddle and, at the same time, learn about the responsibilities of caring for another living creature.

Look too at the good-humoured league table for manners at Hanford, where pupils are branded Royal Guest or Cave Lady depending on their table manners.

And, wherever it comes from, all this fun is going down well with parents. “It makes you want to go back to school,” says one mother at Cundall Manor.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

27

PSHE

GETTING PERSONAL

Relationships education will become compulsory in primary schools next year, so how will this be reflected in the independent sector? Charlotte Phillips finds out Barnardo’s. The plan is that from September 2019, relationships education will become compulsory in all primary schools.

What about Prep?

For families at independent Prep Schools, the good news is that little will change – for the very good reason that well-planned, ageappropriate lessons, designed to ensure that children absorb knowledge in incremental steps are already in place.

“We take it very seriously,” says Alex Gear, who’s also outgoing Chair of the Independent Schools Association. “It’s a big issue that we as a sector have always done.”

The sex factor

Sex education is normally covered in Years Five and Six. It happens only after parents have

Let’s talk about it

But however cute the babies, whether furry, feathered or merely human, RSE remains a sensitive subject. You can tell just by how normally forthcoming schools become reticent when you approach them for their thoughts.

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Teachers who are prepared to air their views, however, make no bones about why the subject really matters. Get it right and schools can play a vital role in helping children make informed choices later on. Fail to do it properly and the internet is there, 24/7, to fill the gap.

Out in the open

Things can go wrong even in the best-regulated families, agrees Gillian Cross, Deputy Headmistress at Streatham & Clapham High School, “A junior pupil can come across something accidentally. We’ve had a couple of incidents where we’ve got family devices that are linked and something has popped up in an account that it shouldn’t have.”

Despite all this, RSE hasn’t had the profile it deserves. One survey, by the British Humanist Association, found it was mentioned less than any other subject in inspection reports.

Finally, ministers are doing something about it, no doubt nudged by substantial lobbying from influential groups like Mumsnet and

been consulted and given their consent. The vast majority are happy to do so – and possibly a little relieved, too. “I think it’s still a difficult conversation to have,” says Victoria Smit.

Knowledge empowers

Talbot Heath School’s gentle approach includes looking at the ingredients you need to make something. After covering how to make a cake and grow a tree, it’s a logical step to talk about babies. “It’s discussed and worked on really carefully,” says Sally Weber-Spokes.

And its these fundamental messages about what Gillian Cross describes as “human decency” that really matter. “We want girls to look after, like and respect one another,” she says. “That should be the same sort of thing that you’re getting in a romantic relationship, that idea of protecting one another.”

The role of RSE isn’t just to get the facts across but to empower from an early age, she says. “You have the choice because you have the information, and with that comes power.”

SOURCE: BBC.CO.UK/NEWS/EDUCATION-38759861 (OFSTED FIGURE) . PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

W

hen it comes to relationships and sex education (or RSE for short), schools have an almost infinite variety of methods for getting the message across.

You can say it with guinea pigs, chicks and humans. At HawleyHurst in Camberley, the very youngest pupils even get the chance to meet a real, live baby. “We persuade mums to bring their babies in so we can talk about them and what they need,” says Victoria Smit, Principal at HawleyHurst School.

At Oakhyrst Grange School, in Caterham, in contrast, the patter of tiny feet has a distinctly primeval feel, courtesy of a nest of dinosaur eggs. “The children went home from school and when they came in the next day, there were eggshells all over the place and little dinosaur footprints,” says Headteacher, Alex Gear.

WE WANT girls to look after, like and respect one another. THAT SHOULD BE THE SAME SORT OF THING YOU’RE GETTING IN A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP

Pre-Register online for our next Open Morning.

Independent Co-Educational Day School, set in 40 acres of woodland and parkland, in Berkshire.

Now accepting registrations for Nursery, Reception and Year 7, September 2019

www.crosfields.com

Open Morning

Saturday 29 September 10.00am – 12.30pm

Catholic independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 to 13.

Goring Heath, South Oxfordshire, RG8 7SF email: office@oratoryprep.co.uk website: www.oratoryprep.co.uk tel: 0118 984 4511

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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COMMENT

PUPIL VOICE

TAKING THE LEAD IMOGEN WALLACE, Head Girl, and EMMA SMITHIN, Deputy Head Girl, both 10, of Portsmouth High Prep talk about their hopes for the year ahead How did you feel when you heard you had been appointed to your posts?

IMOGEN: I was so surprised when I heard my name announced as Head Girl and incredibly excited too, as I had thought so much about what the role would be like when I was going through the application process. I also felt very honoured that I’d been appointed to carry out such an important role for the school.

EMMA: When our Headmaster first announced the Head Girl and Deputy Head Girl, I felt a bit overwhelmed and wondered if I was dreaming.

I had to pinch myself to make sure it was really happening!

Who did you tell first?

IW: It was announced during registration time who had been selected for the roles.

I was so excited to tell my Mummy at the end of the school day as I knew she’d be so proud of me, but the first person I told was my recorder teacher. I’ve been having lessons with her since I was six and I knew she’d be so excited to hear my news.

ES: The first person I told was my Mummy. She cried!

Why do you think you were both chosen?

BOTH: We hope that our friends and teachers think of us as being kind, caring, trustworthy and dependable and that this is why we were

30

Emma and Imogen are ready to be good role models to Portsmouth High’s student body

chosen for the roles. All of the presentations by the girls applying for the position were excellent. We also work well together and bring out the best in each other.

What will the role involve?

BOTH: The main thing will be to present a positive image of the school, help the teachers in representing PHS and being a good role model for the other girls. We’ll meet with the Headmaster, Mr Marshallsay, on a regular basis and take part in lots of different events around the school.

What do you hope to achieve in your role?

BOTH: As part of our application for the role of

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

Head Girl, we were able to suggest our own ideas for improving the school.

We both came up with similar ideas of starting a ‘here for you group’ where each Year Six girl has a small group of children from the younger years in the school they can take responsibility for and help look after. This is something we’d like to work on putting in place together and would be delighted to look back and say that we have achieved.

We also hope to present a good image to new girls and parents who are interested in joining the school and to help everyone in the school to work together as one big community, all working towards the same goals.

What kind of things will you work on together?

IW: As well as introducing a buddy system, we’d like to work on a new awards board for girls showing grit and resilience, which are some of the qualities shown by girls in our school.

We’ll also have weekly meetings and make ourselves available at break times, so that other girls can approach us with any issues or suggestions they have.

ES: We’ll work together when taking part in school events, both sharing the responsibility of speaking and representing the school.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges?

IW: For me it will be overcoming my nerves when speaking in public, but it’s a challenge I look forward to facing head-on.

ES: It’s a big responsibility to be Head or Deputy Head Girl and we’ll be expected to put in extra time, over and above our normal school work time, to help promote the school. We’ll also need to always be aware of any problems the other girls are having and be there to help them out.

Any special privileges?

BOTH: We’ll have our names printed on the board in the school reception, so our names will become part of Portsmouth High’s history.

p 02 riv Boo a w. 3 st 9 te k a jo 2 t hn 8 sc 1 ou 5 ol 1 le 1 r ge 8

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.co .u k

Grow

Students thrive at St John’s College An independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 2-18.

Come and see our School in action! info@stjohnscollege.co.uk | @SJCSouthsea

Grove Road South, Southsea, Hampshire, PO5 3QW

extraordinary Come and see what Stowe has to offer at one of our Open Mornings!

Mixes the erudite with the sporty and studious, with space reserved for the eclectic and maverick. Ideal for those keen to learn within and beyond the bounds of the classroom.

Good Schools Guide

admissions@stowe.co.uk | 01280 818205 | www.stowe.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

31

PEDOGOGY

TOMORROW’S WORLD

To prepare today’s pupils for the radically changing working world of the future, a new curriculum has been introduced at Talbot Heath Junior School, says former Head Sally Weber-Spokes

T

he modern world is ever-changing. Experts predict that 50 per cent of the jobs our children will undertake as adults don’t exist yet. Imagine that: we have to prepare them for the unknown. How do we do that? We combined educational research with the latest pedagogy and engaged with businesses for an insight into the desired skill set for young adults entering the working world.

It’s clear that students now need to be digitally proficient, creative, adaptable, resilient and work well both independently and as part of a team. This is no small ask, given that Key Stages Four and Five are so data heavy. So, we decided to build an inter-disciplinary curriculum that allows pupils to develop these skills from the start of their educational journey with us.

The Early Learning Goals in Nursery and Reception classes act as perfect foundations. However, fundamental to our new curriculum was the need to weave subjects together, so that children from the age of three can begin to make links between disciplines. Take Goldilocks and the Three Bears as a starting point. As well as looking at the narrative, social and emotional concepts behind the story, we also build in opportunities to look at the science behind it, too. Why did Baby Bear’s chair break? How could its design be improved? This, with Reception-age children,

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

EXPERTS PREDICT THAT 50 PER CENT OF THE JOBS OUR CHILDREN will undertake as adults don’t exist yet. IMAGINE THAT: WE HAVE TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE UNKNOWN provokes interesting thought and facilitates problemsolving. Furthermore, we’ve built the opportunity for children to reflect upon their own work, and constructively critique the work of their peers, into the curriculum. These are essential skills for becoming well-rounded young adults.

Going into Key Stages One and Two, we build upon the foundations set in the Early Years by facilitating opportunities to learn computer animation, architecture and design, again weaving these areas into existing topics so pupils get a good grounding. Year Three pupils won’t simply study Ancient Greece with a textbook; they’ll build a temple using architectural concepts from the historical period and animate the process, using digital technology and 3D-printing. All at seven years old!

Our girls’ thirst for knowledge is wonderful for nurturing these skills. Meanwhile, their mindset is led to innovate, collaborate, reflect upon success and try again after failure.

An inter-disciplinary approach is the future. To prepare children for their futures, we must teach them to apply their knowledge to diverse scenarios. The single-subject approach can’t be sustained when we know that we have to draw on our full skill set to solve problems.

Today I was inspired‌

At Croydon High, we see every day as an opportunity to teach, learn and experience something amazing. We aim to provide girls with the spark that will ignite lifelong curiosity and love of learning, in an environment where they are nurtured and challenged in equal measure.

Why not bring your daughter along to our next Open Event?

We guarantee there will be plenty here to inspire her.

Please call 020 8260 7543 to find out more.

Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 13 October 9.30am-12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening: Tuesday 16 October at 7pm

www.croydonhigh.gdst.net

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

33

LITERACY

Story time

How do you inspire a love for the written word in children? SAMANTHA GIBBON, Deputy Head at St Nicholas Prep School, London explains…

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

LITERACY

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

35

Bromsgrove School Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7DU

Traditionally Modern

Head Teacher: Mr Peter Clague BA, MBA Admissions: Ms Rachel Scannell admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk 01527 579679 boys and girls, 7-18 years 1,467, boys 812, girls 655 TYPE: Day, Weekly, Full Boarding FEES: Prep: Day from £3,880 - £5,035, Weekly Boarding from £5,895 - £7,130, Full Boarding from £8,080 - £9,965 per term Senior: Day £5,550, Weekly Boarding £8,240, Full Boarding £12,430 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Prep – 20, Senior – 16, Sixth Form – 2-12 FAITH: Anglican MOTTO: Deo Regi Vicino (God, King and Neighbour) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Entrance Test and Interview GENDER/AGES: TOTAL PUPILS:

School Philosophy: Bromsgrove’s scope is staggering: from A level to the

International Baccalaureate, day to boarding, the arts to sport, pupils can soar.

Utterly dedicated to the individual pupil, despite its size, Bromsgrove shuns public school drones and instead looks to produce creative citizens with a strong moral compass and a dash of pizzazz to boot. The Good Schools Guide says; “The pupils we met were delightful and genuine. They were articulate and thoughtful and all quite different from each other, which was refreshing.

The situation of the school is an asset – it is in a good central England location, easy to reach from all corners of the country”, while the Tatler’s Good School Guide called us a “Great school with a fantastically global perspective”. Friendly, engaging and – despite its ranking - not driven by league tables, Bromsgrove is a local, national and international centre of learning.

Academic Record: Bromsgrove achieves outstanding results at both A level and IB Diploma. Over 98% of Sixth Form leavers continue to world class universities with the majority going to the Russell Group of Research universities.

Extra-curricular: The Extra-curricular life of the School is hugely important with activities sessions every afternoon and on Saturday mornings. Pupils are encouraged to reach their highest possible level at sport, music, drama, debating, CCF and in numerous other areas.

CatholicIndependent IndependentSchool School AACatholic forand boys andaged girls 3-11 aged years for boys girls 3-11 years

020 8449 8336 | www.vitaetpax.co.uk

Nursery Open Morning viewings Every Friday 9.30-11.00am Open Day dates Wednesday 3rd October 2018 Saturday 6th October 2018 Wednesday 10th October 2018 Interim Headteacher address at 10:15am and 11:20am

Notable Achievements and Alumni: LLord Digby Jones of Birmingham,

A E Housman, Poet. Lucilla Wright England Hockey team Olympics and Commonwealth games. Olivia Safe Opera singer. Andy Goode England Rugby.

Ben Foden England Rugby.

Open Mornings: Prep (7-13) 29th September Senior (13+) 13th October www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

6a Priory Close, London N14 4AT Email: info@vitaetpax.co.uk 020 8449 8336 www.vitaetpax.co.uk

LITERACY

The new library at Beaudesert Park School in Gloucestershire

T

he relationship between reading for pleasure and educational success is well established: in 2011, The National Literacy Trust published a report showing a positive relationship between reading frequency, enjoyment of reading and academic attainment, but how can parents help children begin that journey and inspire in them a love of the written word?

Reading for fun

IN FACT, COMPLETING A SCHEME IS FAR LESS IMPORTANT than

ensuring that a child understands

WHAT HE OR SHE IS READING AND IS REALLY ENJOYING IT

It must be remembered that the written word comes in many forms: storybooks, e-books, newspapers – such as First News (aimed at children aged seven-14) and The Week Junior (for children aged eight-14), and magazines such as National Geographic Kids. Any of these can be engaging for children, particularly those who are less interested in fiction, and can be a wonderful way to ignite interest in both reading and the world around them. It can also help children for whom the transition to chapter books can seem rather intimidating.

However, it’s important that children are still encouraged to read fiction, as the grammar and sentence structures tend to be more complex in fiction books and it’s important these are modelled for the children, as they’ll have to reproduce this type of writing in their English lessons in the years to come.

Specialist subjects

Central to the idea of reading for fun is that children are able to read books on topics that interest them, so if football is their passion books about football will inspire them, if unicorns or fairies light their fire, these books can develop their interest in reading and a wider variety of subject matter can be introduced later, as their confidence in reading grows. When a child has older siblings, it can be very tempting to pass down their books, particularly if the siblings enjoyed them. The potential pitfall here is that the younger child misses out on the experience of looking for a

new book, whether in a library or bookshop, and the excitement of taking home a book he or she has chosen.

There’s a tendency for parents of a primaryschool-age child to think they can measure how successful their child is at reading by how fast that child completes the school’s reading scheme. In fact, completing a scheme is far less important than ensuring that a child understands what he or she is reading and is really enjoying it.

mind a link between reading and relaxation – a link which can be carried through to adulthood. But reading to children at other times in a more active way can also be beneficial. For example, discussing the story, possible alternative endings, even drawing out the plot on paper or a white board can all be of significant benefit and this type of kinesthetic approach will enhance a child’s comprehension of the text. Discussing new vocabulary is also essential, using it in a different context or posting new words in a jar which can be revisited another day, can make the experience more exciting.

Becoming a bookworm

Reading can be done in a variety of chunks; a book that simply cannot be put down, commuter reading, even a bedtime chapter. But for young children, five minutes here and there’s more manageable, so one idea is to put baskets of books (a mix of fiction and non-fiction) in places where children may otherwise be bored, for example, in the car or the bathroom. Sometimes a child may want to read the same book over and over again. This can be beneficial for their understanding of grammatical structures or vocabulary and can help them comprehend a concept contained in Joining in the book more thoroughly.

Once children have mastered the technicalities Local libraries are a treasure trove for of reading, it’s easy to think that now they’re young children. off, they can read on their own.

They regularly hold This can be a false dawn and TOP TIPS FOR storytime sessions and children should continue to YOUNG READERS reading challenges. read aloud to parents or carers, Being surrounded if possible, to the end of their • Choose books on topics by other children primary or Junior School years that interest them. enjoying reading may and beyond. If young children are • Introduce a wide range cement your child’s always left to read on their own, of writing styles to enjoyment. Reading there’s the temptation for them to pique their interest. clubs, which are so start to skim read which, although • Listen to your child read popular among adults, a skill in itself, can detrimentally and read to them. can also be a good affect their comprehension skills.

• Discuss the vocabulary way to get children Reading to children, or reading and ask questions to together and an books together, as part of a child’s check comprehension. opportunity for them bedtime routine is a popular • Enjoy trips to the library to recommend books and constructive approach. It or book shop. they’ve enjoyed. can also establish in the child’s AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

37

Durston House

A LeADInG LonDon PreP sCHooL

CHARACTER | CURIOSITY | CAPABILITY

Durston House, in Ealing, is a leading London prep school, for boys aged 4-13 years, which has a fine record of preparing boys for future success. Founded in 1886, Durston House continues to enjoy a strong reputation for academic, sporting and cultural excellence. A boy is shaped by the development of his character, his curiosity to learn and discover more, and his expanding capability. These three concepts, Character, Curiosity and Capability are the cornerstones of his success at Durston House and his success in life.

Find out more by visiting our website, attending an Open Day or touring the school.

Call 020 8991 6530 Email info@durstonhouse.org

4t OP h EN O C MO T 9: OB RN 30 E I am R NG 20 18

www.durstonhouse.org

St. Nicholas Preparatory School An outstanding education for boys and girls up to Year 6

The quality of the early

years’ provision, including its leadership and management, is outstanding.

School Inspection Report 2017

NURSERY TO YEAR 6 (boys and girls 3 – 11 years) Call Admissions now to secure your place: 020 7591 2631 www.stnicholasprep.co.uk 23 Princes Gate I London I SW7 1PT

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B9637 StNP 129x202mmL 2.indd 1 independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

22/08/2018 11:27

WELLBEING

IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS A mental health research study that’s being trialled across GDST schools has had some impressive results, writes its creator, DR BRIAN MARIEN

PHOTOGRAPHY ISTOCK

S

ince 2016, the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) a network of independent girls’ schools has been working with Positive Group to help support their teachers and enhance the wellbeing of staff and pupils.

Positive is a specialist learning provider using research in psychology, neuroscience and the medical sciences to help individuals and groups to think, feel and perform at their best.

Over 200 members of staff from the GDST have now been taken through the Positive Teacher Programme, which combines accessible scientific theory with practical tools to help individuals build resilience and develop skills such as emotional literacy and self-awareness. Once trained, teachers are then supported in translating their learning for pupils to create a school-wide positive culture.

Following this success, teachers at the GDST are now some of the first to experience PIE, Positive’s new digital programme which is delivered entirely through the Positive app. The hope is that this programme will help to make the core Positive content accessible to a broader audience, including parents.

The second exciting development this year is the opportunity for trained Positive teachers to become Positive Action Researchers (PARs).

PARs work together to carry out focused action research at their schools to help measure the impact of the initiatives and direct future work around wellbeing.

In one of the first completed studies, three PARs from GDST schools came together to investigate whether Positive tools could be used to improve break-time experiences for junior school pupils. It had been observed that breaks could sometimes be a source of stress due to friendship issues or disagreements in the playground, causing shifts in moodstate.

The PARs worked with 63 pupils from Years Three to Five across a six-week period.

They first introduced all pupils to the Positive Emotional Barometer (EB) tool, which is available via the Positive App and is a simple way of capturing moodstate at any time. A class Emotional Barometer was created using a large magnetic whiteboard. Pupils recorded their moodstates by placing a magnet on this Emotional Barometer after break each

Gratitude journals have been shown to improve positivity in girls

I THOUGHT THE GRATITUDE LOG WAS THE BEST THING TO DO, IT

made me think of the good things in life

AND I BECAME MORE POSITIVE IN SCHOOL AND OUT OF SCHOOL day. After one week, the experimental group was introduced to the concept of a gratitude journal, and for the remainder of the test period recorded three positive things about their lives in their journal each day before break. The control group carried on logging just their moodstates. At the start and end of the six weeks, all pupils also completed a Resilience Framework Assessment, a questionnaire designed to give a measure of their general wellbeing.

When analysing the EB data, the experimental group were found to log significantly less negative high-energy emotions than the control group. There was also a significant increase in the number of positive high-energy emotions recorded by the experimental group after the gratitude journal was introduced compared to the control group.

“The combination of the gratitude log and

EB had such a tangible, positive impact on the pupils that we are keen to extend these strategies to as many year groups as possible,” explains Julie Maloney, Deputy Head of Junior School at Northwood College and one of the leading PARs on the study. “When girls reflected on the positives in their lives, trivial playground disagreements seemed less important to them. Teachers reported that pupils were in a more positive frame of mind and ready to learn the moment they returned to the classroom after break. There was also a more far-reaching impact: focusing on the positive aspects of their lives resulted in pupils feeling happier about their lives in general.”

“I thought the gratitude log was the best thing to do,” said one pupil from Nottingham High School. “It made me think of the good things in life and I became more positive in school and out of school.”

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

39

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

Call us to book a visit

When you board

01572 758758

You’ll never get bored

What makes Oakham so special?

Benefit from all that Oakham has to offer

oakham.rutland.sch.uk/Arrange-a-Visit

We are a fully co-educational boarding and day school for 10-18 year olds, offering the IB Diploma and A-Levels, located in the heart of rural England.

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

NEW Step-by-step explanations and worked examples to support children preparing for Independent School and Common Entrance Exams.

e at n i l n o r e d r O o.uk c . n o i s i v e r letts 40

Independent Schools Common Entrance Exam 1/2pp ad.indd 1

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

29/05/2018 15:04

ThePrep Prep School School philosophy reimagined The Preparingfor formore morethan thanjust justthe the 11+ 11+ Preparing Successfulschools schoolsdo donot notrest rest on on their their laurels. laurels. Valuing Valuing Successful traditionand andheritage, heritage,alongside alongside aa commitment commitment to tradition innovation and creativity, allows schools to evolve evolve innovation and creativity, allows schools to authentically.From FromSeptember September 2018, 2018, Sydenham Sydenham High High School School authentically. is taking our pioneering spirit forward as we launch is taking our pioneering spirit forward as we launch SydenhamHigh HighPrep.

Prep.No Nostrangers strangers to to educating educating fearless fearless Sydenham girlsfrom fromthe theage ageof of four, four,IIam am so so excited excited to to build build on on girls our expertise and popularity as a school with a difference, our expertise and popularity as a school with a difference, consistentlyensuring ensuringeach eachand and every every girl girl isis prepared prepared for for the the consistently worldofoftomorrow. tomorrow.Rather Ratherthan than solely solely aa commitment commitment to to world 11+ preparation, our Prep School commitment is to prepare 11+ preparation, our Prep School commitment is to prepare ourgirls girlsfor forevery everyaspect aspectof of life life beyond beyond the the school school gates: gates: our academic, social and emotional. academic, social and emotional.

MeaningfulRelationships Relationships& & Specialist Specialist Teaching Teaching Meaningful Happiness has the biggest impact on performance and Happiness has the biggest impact on performance and development.Our Ourstaff staff are arehighly highly committed committed and and development. motivated;their theirnumber numberone onepriority priority isis to to ensure ensure they they motivated; carefully understand each girl and tailor the pupil carefully understand each girl and tailor the pupil experience to get the best out of our girls as learners, experience to get the best out of our girls as learners, ensuring aspirations are high, pastoral care is impeccable and ensuring aspirations are high, pastoral care is impeccable and expectations are exceeded. Our provision is characterised expectations are exceeded. Our provision is characterised by specialist teaching, with experts cultivating specific skill by specialist teaching, with experts cultivating specific skill acquisition and a culture of innovation from the very acquisition and a culture of innovation from the very beginning of a child’s learning journey. This provides a beginning of a child’s learning journey. This provides a powerful springboard to excellence. powerful springboard to excellence.

Bespoke Curriculum Curriculum Our CONNECT+ CONNECT+ curriculum curriculumisisentirely entirelyunique uniquetotoSHP, SHP, delivering a variety of rich and varied thematic approaches variety of rich and varied thematic approaches to to learning. learning. Anchored Anchored in in aa clear clearcommitment commitmenttotoself-reself-reflection and independent thought, the best practices flection and independent thought, the best practicesinin meta-cognition meta-cognition development development underpin underpinour ourteaching teachingand and learning. learning. Our Our girls girls work work collaboratively, collaboratively,innovatively, innovatively,crecreatively and critically; requisite skills for shaping their own atively and critically; requisite skills for shaping their own futures. futures.

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Specific Specific skill skillacquisition acquisitionand andaaculture cultureofof innovation innovationprovide provideaapowerful powerfulspringboard springboard to excellence. to excellence.

Unrivalled Unrivalled Co-Curricular Co-Curricular Programme Programme Sydenham High Prep brims Sydenham High Prep brims with withopportunities opportunitiesfor forgirls girlstoto immerse immerse themselves themselves in in aa wealth wealthof of exciting excitingactivities activitiesfrom from fencing, architecture, or philosophy to refining skills in fencing, architecture, or philosophy to refining skills in sports, music, art and all aspects of STEM. Adventurous sports, music, art and all aspects of STEM. Adventurous international trips give our girls opportunities to become international trips give our girls opportunities to become more independent and resilient. Furthermore, being part more independent and resilient. Furthermore, being part of the Girls’ Day School Trust also affords us access to a of the Girls’ Day School Trust also affords us access to a range of exclusive events and resources. range of exclusive events and resources.

To see where the magic begins, come and visit us!

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- Claire Boyd, Head of Sydenham High Prep - Claire Boyd, Head of Sydenham High Prep AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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FOCUS

The King’s School, Canterbury

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

FOCUS

BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIAL Putting your child through independent school can be eyewateringly expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Mark Taylor, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at The King’s School, Canterbury, looks at the options available to parents to make fees more affordable

P

arents considering an independent school education for their son or daughter will understandably need to think carefully about affordability.

There has been much in the press about exorbitant fees and other expense-related stories. All independent schools charge fees, but they vary widely depending on the type of school and boarding requirements. Extras can add considerably to the bill (perhaps another 10 per cent), depending largely on which activities your child chooses to take part in – for example, music tuition or school trips. Allowance should be made for expenses relating to books, entries for public examinations, stationery and uniforms.

As a rough guide to current fee levels, the average overall termly fee is £5,744 (excluding nursery fees). The average boarding fee is £11,228 and the average day fee is £4,854 (ISC Census 2018). The average overall fee is up by 3.4 per cent, which equals the lowest annual fee rise since 1994.

Making the fees more affordable

Scholarships

Many Senior Schools and a few Preparatory Schools offer

s

Having embarked upon a private education, many parents experience difficulties in funding school fees continuously

from taxed income. There are a number of schemes available that are designed to help parents in this situation with payment of school fees. The purpose of these plans is to improve cash flow and hence make school fees more affordable. In essence, this involves spreading an element of the school fees over a longer period of time. For example, a parent may be able to comfortably afford 70 per cent of the school fees from income; however, the additional amount may prove to be a strain on finances. In this instance, it may be possible to take out an equity draw-down plan to spread the school fees for the balance of 30 per cent over say a 10-, 15- or 20-year period.

Early investment of capital can avoid the need to use income for providing for school fees in later years, or at worst go a significant way towards reducing reliance on income. The need for tax efficiency and flexibility of approach can be tailored to individual requirements. Regular saving for school fees should ideally be started as soon as possible. The longer that you save, the less the impact there’ll be on income when school fees fall due – or, better still, consider some sort of life assurance policy. Income or capital sums derived from such policies are normally tax-free.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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FOCUS

CASE STUDY: 1

PREPARATION IS KEY

ADELAIDE FIDDES of Heath Mount, Hertfordshire explains the scholarship application process for Senior School

A

pplying for a scholarship to a Senior School can be a daunting prospect for families with inevitable questions such as ‘is my child good enough?’, ‘how and when do I apply?’ and ‘how are scholarship applicants assessed?’ coming to mind.

For a talented pupil, a scholarship opens up additional opportunities, enrichment programmes and often provides parents with a small fee discount. It’s worth noting that the value of scholarships has declined significantly as schools now focus on funding bursaries rather than scholarships which, at most Senior Schools, aren’t means tested.

When considering whether a scholarship is the right goal for your child, do consider how your Senior School of choice assesses its potential scholars.

Schools vary considerably in terms of the prerequisite skill levels required to apply and

difficulty of the assessments.

Some schools look for countylevel sport involvement, others not. Some schools require a pupil to be studying two musical instruments at Grade Six or higher, at others the grades can be lower. The level of academic achievement required also varies from school to school.

Pupils apply for Senior School scholarships in the year before Senior School entry (usually Year Eight) but preparation should begin a few years before that.

Heath Mount identifies potential scholars in Year Six, then offers them a tailored programme of activity for their final two years at the school. The aim of this two-year programme is to nurture and encourage pupils to draw out the best of their talents so that they’re fully prepared for the competitive Senior School scholarship process.

I spend a great deal of time tracking the differing entry requirements of Senior Schools

Ollie felt well prepared for his sport scholarship assessment

Heath Mount School, Hertfordshire

PREP SCHOOL REFERENCES

including a Headmaster’s reference, are sent confidentially TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL

and the differing timelines for scholarship registrations and assessments. Parents can be advised about what they need to do. The scholarship application is an important part of the process, with parents needing to gather references from any

teachers and coaches their child has outside of school, such as a music teacher or sports club coach. Meanwhile, a child’s Prep school references, including a headmaster’s reference, are sent separately and confidentially to the Senior School.

Ollie Hodges-Jackson, 13, was awarded two scholarships to Haileybury College, Hertfordshire. Here, he explains how being in the scholarship stream at Heath Mount helped prepare him for scholarship assessment for Senior School “As a former Heath Mount pupil, I was identified by the school in Year Six and joined its two-year scholarship programme. Joining the Sporting Excellence Program enabled me to take my sport to a higher level. The programme gave me two extra sports sessions a week, mental skills training, guest-speaker masterclasses, dietary advice and visits to sporting centres of excellence. When I went for the assessment at Haileybury I felt really well prepared. There were many more pupils than I’d expected there, which made me realise how well I was going to have to perform.”

Ollie was also awarded a music scholarship when he was at Heath Mount.

According to Ollie, the great thing about being a music scholar was that he was given the opportunity to play in orchestra days at nationwide Senior Schools and had weekly one-to-one sessions with the Director of Music to refine his playing.

“I wanted to be a music and sports scholar because I wanted to learn both to a higher level,” says Ollie. “Anyone with a passion should do the same.”

Do you need to have been on a Prep School scholarship programme to be awarded a Senior School one? No, but it helps. Over 90 per cent of Heath Mount’s scholars move on to their Senior School of choice with at least one scholarship. s

44

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

Senior School Open Morning Saturday 9 March 2019 9.30am to noon Boys and girls 13 to 18 (Entry at 13 and 16) HMC – Boarding and day Upper Dicker East Sussex BN27 3QH T 01323 843252 admissions@bedes.org

Prep, Pre-Prep and Nursery School Open Morning Saturday 2 March 2019 9.30am to noon Boys and girls 3 months to 13 IAPS – Boarding and day Duke’s Drive, Eastbourne East Sussex BN20 7XL T 01323 734222 prep.admissions@bedes.org

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AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

45

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Record results for Aysgarth

A

The The North North Yorkshire Yorkshire Prep Prep School School celebrates celebrates the the best scholarship success in 141 years best scholarship success in 141 years

ysgarth School ysgarth School is delighted to is delighted to announce that announce that the scholarship the scholarship tally achieved tally achieved by this year’s pupils applying by this year’s pupils applying to Senior Schools is the highest to Senior Schools is the highest since the school’s inception in since the school’s inception in 1877. Furthermore, these awards 1877. Furthermore, these awards have been made by some of the have been made by some of the most prestigious Senior Schools most prestigious Senior Schools in the UK including Eton, Harrow, in the UK including Eton, Harrow, Oundle and Shrewsbury.

Oundle and Shrewsbury.

The number of scholarships The number of scholarships awarded to the Year Eight pupils awarded to the Year Eight pupils reached 22 when one boy was reached 22 when one boy was awarded a prestigious King’s awarded a prestigious King’s Scholarship to Eton College.

Scholarship to Eton College.

Aysgarth does not focus Aysgarth does not focus solely on the academic, however, solely on the academic, however, and it’s also renowned for the and it’s also renowned for the musical talent of its boys. With musical talent of its boys. With

close to two thirds of the boys close to two thirds of the boys participating in one of the school’s participating in one of the school’s choirs and the majority of boys choirs and the majority of boys playing a musical instrument, it playing a musical instrument, it was no surprise that awards were was no surprise that awards were secured to Eton, Shrewsbury, secured to Eton, Shrewsbury, Sedbergh and St Peter’s.

Sedbergh and St Peter’s.

Sport plays a crucial role at Sport plays a crucial role at Aysgarth, with every boy able Aysgarth, with every boy able to represent the school on the to represent the school on the sports field. The calendar includes sports field. The calendar includes rugby, cricket, football, rugby rugby, cricket, football, rugby VIIs, tennis, swimming and cross VIIs, tennis, swimming and cross country. Aysgarth is extremely country. Aysgarth is extremely proud that the sporting prowess of proud that the sporting prowess of the boys is recognised through the the boys is recognised through the scholarships awarded to them. scholarships awarded to them.

Further scholarships were Further scholarships were awarded for all-round ability, art, awarded for all-round ability, art, D&T and leadership to schools as D&T and leadership to schools as diverse as Harrow, Ampleforth, diverse as Harrow, Ampleforth, Sedbergh and Oakham.

Sedbergh and Oakham.

Some of Aysgarth’s 22 Some of Aysgarth’s 22 record-breaking scholars record-breaking scholars

Oakfield Preparatory School 125 -128 Thurlow Park Road, London SE21 8HP T: 0208 670 4206 www.oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

Where every child is valued and nurtured, leading to exceptional outcomes 130 years of education for boys and girls aged 2 to 11

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018 4646 | AUTUMN 2018 46 independentschoolparent.com independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

To book a visit or register your child please email admissions@oakfield.dulwich.sch.uk

FOCUS

COMPETITION IS STRONG BUT, AS LONG AS THE PUPIL MAKES SATISFACTORY PROGRESS, a

scholarship is normally held for the duration OF HIS OR HER

TIME AT THE SCHOOL Bursaries

Increasingly, a growing number of both boarding and day schools have bursaries, which are grants from the school to help parents struggling to pay or afford the fees. These are generally awarded after a means test of family income and aren’t dependent on examination performance, although some account will be taken of academic ability. Bursaries may be awarded in addition to a scholarship where financial need is demonstrated and the child would otherwise be unable to enter the school. To obtain a bursary, parents will usually be asked by the school’s bursar to fill in an application form, giving details of their financial circumstances, supported by documentary evidence and including capital assets. The application is likely to be considered by a combination of governors, the headteacher and the bursar. The award will usually remain in force only until the pupil has sat the next relevant public examination – an award made before GCSE won’t necessarily continue into A-Level. Most schools review bursaries annually to ensure that the justification for an award remains. Bursaries are rarer at Prep Schools, though a surprisingly large number of Prep Schools do offer awards. It’s interesting to note that fee assistance increased by just over 7.2 per cent, this year and now eight per cent of pupils at Independent School Council schools (ISC) are in receipt of means-tested bursaries. Of those, nearly 50 per cent had more than half their fees remitted by the school.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

s

scholarships to attract bright or talented pupils. A scholarship is awarded for academic promise or on the basis of special ability in music, art or some other specialism or all-round merit; some schools give awards for drama, sport, and design and technology. They’re usually awarded, after a competitive examination and interview, and normally take no account of financial need. Academic scholarships are the most common, followed by scholarships for music, art, design and technology, and sport. Talented children are invited to compete in open scholarship examinations. The schools hold these exams in the September– December and January–April terms of the year before admission.

Scholarships will usually be awarded at ages 11, 13 and 16, with pupils already at the school having the opportunity to sit for awards at ages 13 and 16.

Scholarships at the age of 16 for candidates already at the school are frequently awarded on the basis of GCSE results, with awards for new students being made as a result of an interview and report from the previous school, usually with the requirement to achieve certain grades at GCSE. Competition is strong but, as long as the pupil makes satisfactory progress, a scholarship is normally held for the duration of his or her time at the school. Past papers are available from many schools, which will give an idea of the standards demanded.

Take advice from the Head of your child’s present school about the chances of success. Scholarships vary in value – they might be worth as little as 10 per cent. You should find out from the school what scholarships are offered, and what each is worth so you’re not disappointed if you can’t afford the remainder of the fees when your child wins one of the smaller awards.

47

FOCUS

CASE STUDY: 2

HOW I DID IT

AMAYA LEWIS-PATEL, 13, is a Year Nine pupil and bursary recipient at James Allen’s Girls’ School, London. She and mother MONICA discuss the application process and how she qualified for it When did you apply?

AMAYA: I was at JAGS Prep School and I think I must have started the process during the summer term in Year Six – when information was sent to me by the secondary school – about Year Seven.

How much did you know about the bursaries on offer at Jags and what did you have to do to apply?

MONICA: I knew there were bursaries on offer, as I know that most fee-paying schools offer them. I needed to fill in some basic paperwork about my financial status and then submit documentation to support it. There was also a brief meeting with the Finance Director at the school once the offer was confirmed, to talk through how the bursary would work, what would be covered and how payments were made – which was helpful.

Do you have the bursary provision for the entirety of your school life?

Amaya what qualities do you have to have to consider applying for a bursary?

AMAYA: You don’t need to have any specific qualities – just as long as you work hard and value the school and how it can help you in your future. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to be at JAGS because of the bursary, so I feel like I should do it justice by working hard and contributing to school life.

MONICA: The bursary is assessed every year, at the end of the school year, and in preparation for the next, in the event that your circumstances have changed. The level of bursary you’re offered may then also change – it could go up, it could go down.

Amaya attended JAGS Prep School before applying for a Senior School bursary

Did you apply for a bursary at another Senior School or just to JAGs? MONICA: Just JAGS – we weren’t considering an alternative school for Amaya.

Were you approached by one of the teachers at your daughter’s school

48

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

saying that she might be a good candidate for a bursary or did you pursue the information yourself?

MONICA: We weren’t approached by anyone, but we were sent information about it in the general pack we got as part of our welcome pack when Amaya was at Prep School.

Which members of staff know that your daughter has a bursary and do the other pupils know? If so what’s their reaction?

MONICA: I don’t know who knows – apart from the finance department and Mrs Huang, the Head, to be honest! It doesn’t matter.

Some of Amaya’s friends know – some of them have bursaries themselves – and there are no issues.

What checks does the school make to ensure that your family is a worthy bursary candidate?

MONICA: You have to submit documentation to show your major outgoings and income (mortgage statement and recent payslips) – and fill in a finance form detailing any other significant financial assets or outgoings. It’s pretty comprehensive and you need to provide supporting evidence.

The main question is, I suppose: if you have significant assets, what is preventing you from ‘liquidating them’ to pay the full fee? No one queries your lifestyle or the holidays you take, though. I had a meeting with the Finance Director at the very start of Year Seven, to talk through the paperwork and how the bursary works – in subsequent years, I’ve just had to fill in the form.

There’s also the option of the Finance Director paying you a home visit – but that hasn’t happened in our case.

FOCUS

A BROADER SOCIETY Julian Thomas, Master of Wellington College, Berkshire explains his campaign to increase fee remission for 25 per cent of pupils over the next decade

L

ast term, the College launched a campaign that will increase dramatically our bursary provision. Our aim may be an ambitious one: to provide significant fee remission for 50 per cent of students by 2038. Our methods may be unique: alongside traditional fundraising, we’ll use the income generated from our international schools to fund bursary places in the UK. But, for us, this is less about being pioneering and more about getting back to our roots. Social responsibility was conferred on independent schools at our foundation. Many independent schools are stepping up their bursary provision and the effects will be transformative – for individual students, for individual schools, and for the entire sector. At Wellington, we’re committing to this long-term; over the coming years, it’ll remain a priority for our staff and for our students.

Why? Because widening access is part of our DNA. But there’s another reason: because we value diversity, and we believe that a more heterogenous student body will bring opportunities for all, irrespective of their background.

When I became Master of Wellington College three years ago, I stated that I wanted the College to become ‘needs blind’. It had already stopped funding scholarships, directing the money instead into means-tested bursaries, so extending our bursary provision was the logical next step. Our aim is to raise funds to provide significant fee remission for 25 per cent of students by 2028, and double this to 50 per cent by 2038.

We need to find creative ways to reach a broader spectrum of society – and the good news is that the momentum’s building. Not only is there a greater commitment from independent schools to be more inclusive through bursaries, but there’s an increasing interest in meaningful collaboration between the state and independent sectors. Partnerships are being developed in ways that are genuinely reciprocal: at Wellington College, for example, our staff and students benefit hugely from resources and expertise shared by teachers at the

A diverse school community delivers the skill set that business leaders look for

Wellington Academy in Wiltshire. Through such initiatives, we celebrate diversity and encourage inclusivity; our bursaries campaign will make a significant addition to the opportunities already available. It’s no coincidence that we named our most recent initiative the WOW campaign (Widening Opportunity at Wellington). The word ‘opportunity’ captures the spirit of reciprocity; the word ‘access’ implies a one-way street.

When I speak to business leaders and CEOs about the skills they’re looking for in future employees, the message is consistent. They prize two qualities above all others: resilience and empathy. It’s difficult to develop resilience and empathy in an environment that is completely homogenous. At Wellington, we seek to produce outwardlooking citizens. Our co-educational community includes individuals from over 40 different countries. We have a long-standing commitment to serving the local community and a growing commitment to social entrepreneurship.

We sponsor two state academies and we’re part of an independent-state school partnership of 11 local schools.

We recognise that the best way to develop empathy is to live and work alongside people from different backgrounds, and dramatically extending our bursary provision to reach 50 per cent of our students will have a profound and beneficial impact on the College.

So, we must keep looking backwards, reminding ourselves of how far we’ve come, but also look forward, acknowledging the changing world our students will live and work in.

IT’S DIFFICULT TO DEVELOP RESILIENCE AND EMPATHY in

an environment that’s completely homogenous. AT WELLINGTON,

WE SEEK TO PRODUCE OUTWARD-LOOKING CITIZENS

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

49

COMMENT

HEADS UP

PLASTIC. NO. MORE. RICHARD CAIRNS, Headmaster at Brighton College, West Sussex, describes the policy behind his widespread ban on single-use plastic Pupils will stay hydrated using refillable bottles

E Richard Cairns is the Headmaster of Brighton College

50

arlier this year, pupils started coming to see me about David Attenborough’s documentary Blue Planet, which exposed the plight of marine life being strangled by plastic in our oceans. Horrified, they asked me how we could play our part in stemming the rising tide of discarded plastic.

A few months later I announced that I intended to ban single-use plastic water bottles, straws and non-biodegradable cups from being used onsite – by pupils and staff alike.

And I intend to make sure this ban is adhered to – I’ve told the pupils that if they’re seen using any of the items then there will be consequences. Initially, we’ll enforce the changes with a system of formal warnings for pupils breaking the rules but there’s also the appetite, if it proves necessary, to use sanctions – in large part because the potential for sanctions highlights the significance of the issue.

I don’t think for one minute that pupils will ignore this ban but if any do, I’ve decided litter picking on the beach – just a few hundred yards from the school’s entrance – is a fitting punishment. We’ll treat plastics and non-biodegradables as anti-social, just like cigarettes.

Incredibly, a third of all UK-caught fish contain plastic. And we’re

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

eating it with no idea of the health consequences. Some 8.5bn straws are used every year in the UK: made of plastic that takes hundreds of years to decompose.

Horrifyingly, between 5m and 13m tonnes of plastic leaks into the world’s oceans each year.

As estimates stand, by 2050 the ocean will contain more plastic by weight than fish.

To ensure that our pupils are regularly hydrated, we’ve installed additional water fountains and water stations. A party of pupils and staff has been set up to research companies producing refillable bottles and when we order them, each will be etched with key environmental messages to remind pupils of our aim.

We’re also looking into trying to switch petrol and diesel vehicles with electric ones onsite. The World Health Organisation has classified diesel as a class-one carcinogen and the cause of thousands of premature deaths in Britain, yet it powers nearly all school minibuses.

I’ve written to major motor manufacturers seeking their support, and asked the school’s science department to establish a Sixth Former research group to analyse the evidence and advise me of possible ways forward.

In the meantime, we’re incentivising the drivers of electric or hybrid cars by installing electric chargers in our school car park.

The plastics ban is starting this term and the reaction from pupils to my announcement has been very encouraging. One Sixth Former wrote to me saying: “It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of plastic and pollution that making any personal changes can feel futile, so this is a chance for us to be part of something which can really make a big difference in the fight against it.”

TERMLY OPEN MORNINGS admissions@stgeorges-ascot.org.uk www.stgeorges-ascot.org.uk 01344 629959

ST GEORGE’S ASCOT

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18.

Private transport available for day girls and weekly transport service to and from Central London for London boarders.

Co-educational boarding and day 3–13 Years

Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 8LD registrar@cheamschool.co.uk +44 (0)1635 268242 www.cheamschool.com @cheamschool

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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OUTREACH

SWEET CHARITY

The community work that pupils at Bolton Junior Boys’ School engage in enables them to learn about how they can help others, writes Headmistress SUE FAULKNER

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ne of the stated aims for our boys is that we wish for them to grow into citizens of the future with an excellent understanding of their responsibility to the wider community. Such lofty ambitions are certainly worth striving for and our parents share that vision with us, however actually doing this in a meaningful way takes a little more thought.

We undertake a great deal of charity work during the course of the year, raising funds or gathering resources for local and national organisations. Our annual Fun Run raises between £8-10,000 per year, with the boys selecting a range of charities to support which have, in recent years, included the local hospice and a local mental health charity. Food donations collected at the Harvest Festival are given to a nearby homeless charity, and many ad-hoc fundraising opportunities which arise throughout the course of the school year are also supported.

However, working with and for the community has to be about more than just sharing our good fortune with others. In a world where we’re all so busy that it can be easier to give our money rather than our time to help others, we are always looking for ways to further develop our work with the local community, and the opportunities we have found have been many and varied.

One of our most recent and enjoyable projects has focused upon building a connection with a local school for deaf children. The buzz among the boys as they returned from their visit was palpable as they talked about their wonderment at the difficulties some of these children had overcome and set to practising their sign language with real vigour in preparation for

GROUPS OF OUR BOYS MADE REGULAR VISITS TO A PRIMARY SCHOOL DURING LUNCH BREAKS, sharing ideas and working creatively to support the pupils IN TERMS OF SHARING EXPERTISE

Last summer Bolton School became the first school in the country to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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the following week. While those visits might have been brief, they’ve made a lasting impact upon our boys as they gained an empathy for those with such a disability; something that no amount of instruction can establish.

Working with another primary school in our area, our aim was to help to develop literacy skills with their pupils. Groups of our boys made regular visits to the school during lunch breaks, sharing ideas and working creatively to support the pupils in terms of developing and articulating ideas, as well as sharing their expertise from working with iPads to build variety and creativity into their work.

From this work, our pupils developed their communication skills and understanding of how we learn through the sharing of ideas. The confidence and pride that the boys displayed

as they embarked upon this work was matched only by their enthusiasm for each weekly visit.

Of course, the food donations and fun runs are very much a part of the rhythm of school, but we need also to demonstrate to our boys that it’s important to reach out and do something with, rather than necessarily for, others; gaining an understanding of the needs of others and discovering how we can help and learn from each other is vital in establishing a sense of worth and responsibility.

As a wider school community, the Bolton School Foundation has been nationally recognised for its voluntary work as recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Serving communities, both locally and nationally, and in doing so establishing in our pupils a habit of volunteering for the benefit of themselves and others, is what we believe sets our school apart.

EXPERIENCE MORE Nursery | Infant | Junior | Senior | Sixth Form 023 9236 0036 | www.pgs.org.uk

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PREP

Pupils’ free time is spent in the grounds

BEHIND THE SCENES

FROM ACORNS

Successfully sowing seeds for later life starts from age 10-13, says Oakham’s Head of Lower School, ADRIAN MORRIS

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t’s an incredibly exciting time at Oakham’s Lower School, as over the last year there have been investments totalling nearly £1m to our facilities, as well as a series of changes and developments in our approaches to teaching, learning and pastoral support – all to further develop and grow the education on offer to our 10-13-year-old pupils.

A place to grow

Oakham’s Lower School offers everything that a pupil of this age needs. They’re still young, emotionally, and therefore need strong pastoral support within a friendly, close-knit environment. Having our own Lower School campus, adjacent to the main school’s facilities and opportunities that, provides our pupils with the best of both worlds: a secure home base in which to work and play, with access to our outstanding science, art, design technology, drama, library and sport facilities.

Pupils’ free time is spent in the Lower School buildings and grounds – so they’re safe and free to play in the way in which they want. ‘Free’ is an emotive word – but an important one at this age – they’re at Senior School, yet our

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Oakham’s Lower School pupils enjoy a diverse and engaging timetable

Lower School environment allows them to relish the last few years of their childhood before adolescence firmly takes hold and they move into our Middle School Houses.

Day pupils and boarders are now mixed together into one of four Houses, with their own Housemaster or Housemistress, with relaxing spaces and creature comforts.

When the end of the day beckons, as the day pupils go home, likewise our full and transitional boarders (who choose to stay from two-five nights per week to suit their families’ needs) head up the stairs to Hodges, their Oakham home. Here they’re cared for by our new Head of Lower School Boarding and his team of expert resident staff. They, along with me and my wife Sue, work hard to provide a home-from-home boarding experience, with an interesting array of fun activities in the evenings and weekends for pupils to enjoy.

Pupils can flourish

The significant investments that we have made to our

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Oakham becomes like a home from home for boarders

Pupils have access to an outstanding library Oakham students are benefitting from enhanced facilities

Lower School campus include a substantial extension to our classroom building, enhanced common-room facilities, new and extended changing facilities, as well as fresh adaptations to create an even more homely experience for our Lower School boarders.

The right roots

SCHOOL STATS NAME

Oakham School LOCATION

Rutland

AGE RANGE

8-18

NO. OF PUPILS

1,041

HEADMASTER

Nigel Lashbrook MOTTO

‘Et quasi cursores vitai lampada tradunt’ (And, like runners, they pass on the torch of life)

Oakham’s Lower School has always stood apart because of our unique Lower One (Year Six) class. As pupils can join us in Lower One, or into our Form One class (Year Seven), we can offer families three or four years of curriculum that’s exceptional and distinctive, free from the constraints of teaching for Common Entrance and National Curriculum assessment. This has always meant that we can offer a truly diverse and engaging timetable and curriculum – which is absolutely critical in these vital years, where habits are formed, and enthusiasms need to be nurtured.

This academic year, and in the years that follow, we’re taking this even further – using this time to develop the essential knowledge, aptitude and skills they’ll need as they move through Oakham and to be equipped for the

world of 2030 and beyond. We’re embarking on the phased development and implementation of the internationally celebrated IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) for our students aged 11 to 14, before they move on to study for their GCSEs. The IB MYP is much more than just a set of subjects: it’s a framework for learning that addresses all aspects of pupils’ needs – their intellectual, social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Rather than just acquiring knowledge, pupils learn how to ask and answer great questions, big and small. They’re also encouraged to understand the relevance of what they’re learning, both locally and globally, and enabled to use their learning to make things happen.

Essentially, the IB MYP provides an excellent framework for us to further build on the holistic education we offer to our youngest pupils.

The Lower School, with all of our new investments and initiatives, is very much the first step in the Oakham journey – and while students do join us at 13+ and 16+ to study for A-Levels, Pre-U, BTEC or the IB Diploma, I strongly believe that it’s these vitally important Lower School years that allow students to settle and sow the seeds for a successful future.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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Outdoor learning in 40 acres of Sussex countryside Close to Gatwick - easy access from central London Chaperoned London train service for exeats & half terms Busy and fun after-school and weekend co-curricular programme Flexi-boarding available

“One of the most charming and wonderful prep schools

“

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting...

Tatler Schools Guide 2019

Open Day

9.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 17th November, 2018

To find out more about the world-class education that Ashdown House can offer your child or to arrange a visit, please contact our admissions team: admissions@ashdownhouse.com

01342 822574 ashdownhouse.com

Independent Day School for Girls 4-18 years registrar@tormeadschool.org.uk www.tormeadschool.org.uk

@Tormead_JS

Tormead School, Cranley Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2JD

ASHDOWN HOUSE

Co-ed Day and Boarding Prep School

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Registered Charity No: 312057

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Angels & Urchins magazine - Portrait.indd 1

21/09/2018 11:13

ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS

How do you settle your child back into school after the long summer break?

Our headteachers give their advice

Ballard School, Hampshire

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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HIS FUTURE’S BRIGHTER AT BEDFORD

OPEN MORNING TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK YOUR FAMILY’S PLACE, PLEASE CONTACT OUR ADMISSIONS TEAM ON 01234 362216 OR VISIT bedfordschool.org.uk BOARDING & DAY FOR BOYS AGED 7-18 A-LEVEL & IB AT SIXTH FORM

STUNNING 50-ACRE ESTATE AWARD-WINNING FACILITIES

BEDFORD SCHOOL IS PART OF THE HARPUR TRUST

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ADVICE

Handcross Park School, West Sussex

Anne Fidelo, Head of Junior Years, Kilgraston Girls’ School, Perthshire Returning to school is always a tricky adjustment. Both staff and pupils feel the change required in pace and concentration.

However, it’s definitely not the cliff edge that it once was. Kilgraston’s Junior Years understands that being new to the school – or just coming back after a holiday – can be a daunting process; for children and parents alike!

Our new pupils are invited to spend at least one day with their teacher and class prior to fully starting; a booklet details what to expect.

Parents come into school at the beginning of term to meet their child’s teacher again and to learn what their daughter will be studying.

We encourage parents to talk with their child about going back to school right from the beginning of the holiday period: ‘Everything’s going to be alright,’ ‘You’ll see your friends and make new ones,’ and ‘Wait until you tell them about your holiday adventures!’

Rebecca Reid, Head of Pre-Prep, Marlborough House School, Kent By working closely with parents, teachers are able to gain an understanding of what motivates each child to learn and can then structure personalised learning journeys that really play to a child’s strengths and interests.

When learning can be individualised, children quickly adjust to school routines because they feel a sense of control over how their day will play out. The more teachers know about what makes a child tick, and preferably in advance of day one, the better. It also helps if parents choose a school that upholds the same values as their own. When children see teachers reinforcing those values in the classroom, it creates a learning environment that feels safe.

Teachers understand that starting school, whether it’s for the first time or returning after the holidays, can be a daunting prospect

bedtime and morning routine when they’re first back at school. If you’ve set this in motion a few days before the term starts, then they should slip back into their school routine fairly easily. Children thrive on routines but their body clocks will take a little time to adapt after the relaxed holiday timetable.

For the first few weeks of the new term, make sure you’re well organised in the mornings.

Have the new uniform all ready, bag packed and car keys in place. Get up in plenty of time so you’re not in a rush and calmly get your child to school. Organise a full day of activities for the whole family, so I believe the key is for yourself if you’re not going to work, so that to keep it simple, make it personal and don’t you don’t spend the day counting down the underestimate the power of talk. hours to pick-up time.

Try to make a few new friends yourself by talking to parents at Andrew Cleave, OUR EXPERTS the school gates, and after a few Headteacher, Ballard days you both should have settled School, Hampshire happily into a routine.

The key to a child’s successful return to school is positive communication. The question that Jason Gayler, Head of parents should ask themselves is Nursery and Pre-Prep, how can this be achieved?

Handcross Park School, Andrew Cleave You should reassure your child West Sussex BALLARD SCHOOL that all children starting school Manage your own anxieties and will be feeling the same and talk worries. Children are incredibly about your own experiences and perceptive and will pick up memories of your first days in a on anything you’re feeling. Be new place. positive and reassuring about Routines are key. During the school. Model the excitement and first few days and weeks, try to confidence you want your child to Hilary Wyatt HYDE PARK NURSERY ask specific questions to start have. This is so important. conversations. If you ask a child At drop off, drop off and go. ‘how was your day?’ the likelihood Have a clear routine of hugging is that you will get a ‘fine’ in and kissing your child goodbye, return. So, choose your words saying you know that they’ll have carefully: ‘What three things did a great day, you’ll miss them and you like the most?’ ‘What was that you look forward to seeing Jason Gayler your favourite lesson?’ and ‘Which them later at pick-up time. This HANDCROSS PARK teacher did you talk to?’ reassures the child in their own By asking these sorts of emotions (which will be exactly questions, children are more likely the same as yours) and puts to open up and start a dialogue. everyone in control of what’s Car journeys are some of the best happening. Don’t linger – stick to times to encourage your children the routine! to talk, so time your questions Lastly, savour every moment!

Anne Fidelo KILGRASTON SCHOOL well. If you ask when your child Your child starting school is too tired, too hungry or needs in Reception, or even at the a little downtime you may have beginning of a new term, is such a missed your opportunity. unique and special time. It’s one of the main reasons I enjoy and feel so privileged to have worked with Hilary Wyatt, Headmistress, Early Years children throughout Hyde Park Nursery, London Rebecca Reid my teaching career.

Try to get your child into a regular MARLBOROUGH HOUSE AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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St Mary's ad ISP Autumn 2018 129mm h x 99mm_Layout 1 13/09/2018 12:33 Page 1

A happy, high-achieving independent school

Excellent academic results and opportunities for the arts, music, sport and adventure for girls aged 4-16 at our Lower and Senior Schools, and girls and boys aged 3-4 in our beautiful purpose-built Kindergarten.

For more information or to arrange your visit, please call our Registrar on 01206 594180 or visit www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk

Come along to our Autumn Open Days!

St Mary’s Colchester

Inspiring intellectually brave, morally sound and confident young people

Register at admissions@altonschool.co.uk

Open Morning

Friday 12 October at 9.30am Co-educational Catholic school with Nursery, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form Alton School, Anstey Lane, Alton, Hants, GU34 2NG.

Tel. 01420 82070

A leading independent day and boarding school in Somerset, offering excellence in education to rising 3-13 year olds

OPEN

I believe in keeping an open mind

Mornings Friday 5th and Saturday 6th October 2018

www.perrotthill.com

Open Mornings Saturday 13th October, 10am Wednesday 14th November, 10am

@perrotthill /perrotthillschool

Telephone: 01234 361918 www.bedfordgirlsschool.co.uk Bedford Girls’ School is part of The Harpur Trust

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SENIOR

SCHO OL HERO

HOWARD BAILES Being an archivist is a diverse role at St Paul’s Girls’ School, London

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Pastures new

n article on the Senior common room for the alumnae magazine Review; a search to help an historian studying the architect Justin Blanco White; thanks to an Old Paulina for her field-trip journals; ensuring that another Old Paulina has access to the fi lm of the Queen Mother’s visit in 1954; examination of the books used by Gustav Holst for Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda; a welcome talk to exchange students from Hangzhou, China; these are activities typical of an archival day at St Paul’s Girls’, and reflect the delights and diversity of the role.

A love of research

School archivists are varied in provenance. Some are professionally qualified. Others are volunteers, giving of their time out of affection for an institution.

Many are teachers, either retired or preserving the memory of their schools amid the whirl of the academic year. I belong to the latter group. I entered the teaching profession as I was completing my PhD (on the Victorian army) at King’s, London. Although I’d found my topic fascinating, and managed to publish the thesis, teaching did mean an end to

In 2014, I retired from the classroom but remained as parttime archivist. This allowed for more research, this time on the Arts & Crafts architect of our 1904 school and the 1913 Music Wing. Gerald Callcott Horsley, based on manuscript collections at the Bodleian and elsewhere, contemporary journals, editorial help from my wife and, of course, site visits, was published in 2017.

With whole days to devote to the archives, progress in indexing and scanning has been rapid. For some time, too, we had assistance from Heather Heath a professional archivist, who left us with a legacy of cataloguing and advice on document conservation.

Dr Bailes in the Sir Siegmund Warburg Library at St Paul’s Girls’ School, where some of the archives are stored

research on Queen Victoria’s ‘little wars’. So, when I was asked, some 14 years after I’d joined the history department at St Paul’s Girls’ School (1981), to care for its records, I felt cheerful to be returning to original documents.

However, this responsibility was additional to my chief work as a teacher and senior tutor.

Saving time

The northern façade, St Paul’s Girls’ School

My first step, I recall, was to establish an entire run of the minutes of the governors’ meetings and of the school magazine (Paulina), both scattered in various cupboards and corners across the Brook Green site.

All-star alumnae

I was also keen to use the records for some historical writing. A chance to do so came when Janet Gough, High Mistress from 199298, asked me to compose a school history. This had to be written in snatches between lessons on, say, the French Revolution or the Great War. Gone were the uncluttered years I’d devoted to postgraduate research. But racing to a deadline amid teaching and domestic duties did wonderfully focus the mind.

Moreover, numerous Old Paulinas and teachers were willing to be interviewed, there was a portfolio of memoirs already to hand and I had a free run of the St Paul’s fi les at Mercers’ Hall. Once a Paulina (James & James) appeared in 2000, and since then I’ve written many pieces on the school and edited a Paulina Anthology (2004).

At St Paul’s, we’re fortunate in that the governors and the High Mistress support archival work.

Though young compared with the ancient schools, of, for instance, The Clarendon Report, St Paul’s Girls’ has holdings of more than local interest. In part, this is so because of the remarkable careers of so many Paulinas. We have, for example, Rosalind Franklin’s prize books and school projects, photographs and magazines concerning the Stepney charities created by the SPGS Union for Social Work, and the sumptuous facsimile (1981) of The Boke of Idrography, compiled by Jean Rotz for Henry VIII and edited

by Helen Wallis, then the nation’s Map Librarian. We also hold scores in the autograph of Gustav Holst. Together, our archives form a remarkable resource and one to which historians turn with increasing readiness.

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PREP

IN 10 PICTURES…

Chesham Prep Founded in 1938 this friendly, family-orientated school is nestled in the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire

We’re nurturing – at Chesham Prep each and every child’s welfare and safety is of the utmost importance Music is a key part of our school’s curriculum.

Whether it’s in the class music lessons, which start from Nursery, recorder groups, the string and woodwind ensembles, the orchestra, the choirs or individual lessons, our children are encouraged to involve themselves to the full

Lessons in the classroom are regularly enhanced by trips to various places of interest locally and further afield; from our newly-built Dragonfly Pond in our extensive grounds to the Saatchi Gallery and Tower of London

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Set in the Bucks countryside, Chesham Prep has a well-deserved reputation for being a family-orientated school at the heart of the local community

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We’re passionate about learning. At Chesham Prep, there’s an excellent relationship between teachers and pupils. Our staff deliver inspiring interactive lessons and the children relish in debate and discussion

We pride ourselves in supporting pupils’ talents both in and outside the classroom.

We offer a vast range of extracurricular activities and after-school clubs to allow each of our students to try out and excel in as many areas as they choose

We strive to instil a love of sport in our pupils and give them an excellent, practical foundation for the next stage at Senior School. Competing in fixtures is a fundamental part of our philosophy as a tool for improvement and coping under pressure We believe that the performing arts can provide children with the tools to build confidence and character and encourage them to use their imaginations and push their creative boundaries

‘My aim for the school has been that it should be able to provide an opportunity to enable parents from a wide cross-section of the community to choose independent education in a school with a family atmosphere and a Christian background.’ – Christina Adlington, Founder of Chesham Prep

Chesham Prep provides an environment where academic and personal development go hand in hand, and every pupil is stretched with a wealth of opportunity, both in and out of the classroom

IN THE BEGINNING...

Christina Adlington, the founder of Chesham Prep, was a qualified teacher and she with her husband Ernest brought together a team of dedicated and talented people to make a success of their new venture. The importance placed on passionate teaching staff exists to this day and is reflected in the school’s exam results, sports fixtures and creative arts.

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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STAR PUPILS

ONES TO WATCH Independent schools have instilled drive, determination and excellence in these talented alumni

Elysia Gilman, 18 Artist, Rydhal Penrhos School, Wales

Batter Eva Gray is delighted to have been called up to join the Surrey Stars in the Kia Super League. She won her place on the 15-strong squad after impressing selectors during her time in the Women’s Surrey County Cricket Club as well as the England Academy programme.

Kingston Grammar’s Head of Cricket Dominic Reed said: “Not only is Eva forging her own fantastic pathway in professional sport, she’s forming a legacy at the school for girls in cricket.”

Eva who started playing cricket from age 11, says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be selected. It’s long been an ambition of mine to represent my county and I’m looking forward to training with the other girls in the squad.”

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Ryan Lumsden, 21 Amateur Golfer, Wellington College, Berkshire Ryan was a member of the most successful golf team that Wellington has ever seen, alongside Edoardo Lipparelli (L, 2015) and Daniel List (M, 2016). For two years, they won every major event in the UK except the HMC Foursomes, including a record-breaking win in the National Championships at Royal St George’s back in 2015.

After reducing his handicap to +3 during his four years at Wellington, Ryan won a place on the team at Northwestern University in Illinois, where he has enjoyed the combination of a fantastic academic education and a world-leading golf programme.

This combination of sport and academics was what attracted Ryan to Wellington in the first place, and the demands are clearly not mutually exclusive, as Ryan has made the Dean’s List in each of his three years so far.

Jessica Baker, 15 Equestrian, Rendcomb College, Gloucestershire Jessica has enjoyed great equestrian success having steadily climbed the ranks with her beloved horse, Pete. Juggling the demands of school and representing Rendcomb’s Equestrian Club, she recently sat a history GCSE exam in the morning, before dashing off to compete at the Mitsubishi Motors Cup. Out of the 91 entrants, Jessica placed an impressive fourth. She has also had the privilege of representing the South Wales and Central U18 British Eventing Team at the four-day championship competition at Frickley Park in South Yorkshire.

Mrs Karen Coups, leader of Rendcomb’s Equestrian Club said: “Jessica regularly represents the Rendcomb at NSEA Events and is an inspiration to all of our riders.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLUN CALLENDER FOR CRAFTS MAGAZINE

Eva Gray, 17 Cricketer, Kingston Grammar School, London

Having left school this summer, Elysia Gilman is a talented young artist with the world at her feet.

Her exceptional paintings have seen her secure an unconditional place at the University of Loughborough, where she’ll study Art, and her attention to detail within her portraits has also been recognised with a prestigious national competition win.

The ex-prefect enjoyed a fantastic final year which began by emerging victorious from the Under-18 category at the annual Museum of Modern Art for Wales competition.

Elysia also received the Public Vote distinction for her portrait of sister Lydia while exhibiting at the showcase.

Her work has also drawn widespread praise from various exhibitions throughout North Wales and the North West in recent months, and the School’s Head of Art, Mark Sherrington described Elysia as “one of the most creative and innovate artists I have had the pleasure of working with in my teaching career.”

STAR PUPILS

Edmund Le Brun, 29 Entrepreneur, Alleyn’s, London

Edmund and his co-founder Flore de Taisne

Edmund was recently named as one of 2018’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Social Entrepreneurs, after cofounding ISHKAR in 2016 while working in Afghanistan.

ISHKAR is an online marketplace and a “sanctuary for craftsmanship in its purest form,” helping jewellers, weavers and artists in wartorn countries connect to the international market online and in London. “These places have incredible traditions of making,” says Edmund.

Edmund has always been drawn to Afghanistan. “When I was 18, I went to live in Xingiang, North West China for a year. It’s a Muslim area just on the border – big mountains, lots of mudbrick houses, a labyrinthine old city – and a lot more cultural similarity to Afghanistan than the China we commonly think of in the west. So I was always intrigued by the country just over the border...”

He lived in Afghanistan for three years after graduating from Oxford, setting up small craft businesses. But there wasn’t a domestic market for Afghan products. He met co–founder, Flore de Taisne, and they created ISHKAR to connect those craftspeople from countries at war with customers who have the buying power.

The products are really only one part of what makes ISHKAR. “We set up the business not because we were interested in retail but because we care about showing a side to war-torn countries that people don’t usually get to see,” explains Edmund.

For him, the travelling is the best bit. They go to Afghanistan twice a year and probably spend a third of their time travelling but that’s still not as much as he’d like! www.iskhar.com

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Independent excellence for boys and girls aged 3 to 13

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Our inspiration is you

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Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Every girl is unique, with their own character, passions and idiosyncrasies. That’s what makes life at Malvern St James so enjoyable and rewarding.

We are constantly inspired by our pupils and we support them to have the confidence to excel, to love life, stand up for all that they believe in and shape a wonderful future.

Be anything, achieve everything

Book your place at our forthcoming Informal Open Morning on Monday 26 November malvernstjames.co.uk

Our long held school values, ‘The Cumnor Way’ underpin the ethos and curriculum at Cumnor House School. Our children strive to achieve their academic potential by expanding their sense of curiosity, understanding the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, objectivity and reflection.

To find out more visit www.cumnorhouse.com / 0208 645 2614 admissions@cumnorhouse.com Autumn Open Mornings Boys School

Girls School

Reception

18th Oct 2018

16th Oct 2018

16th Oct 2018

Day & flexi-boarding in a stunning rural location 15 minutes from Harpenden, 20 minutes from St Albans

OPEN MORNINGS

19th October 2018, 15th February 2019, 24th May 2019

AL3 8AW

01582 840333

Bringing out ‘‘ the best in boys’’

A day in the life of Aldro... come and see for yourself If you would like to attend an Open Morning, request a prospectus, or arrange an individual tour, please contact the Admissions Office on 01483 813535 or email: admissions@aldro.org Aldro, Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS www.aldro.org

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TIME TOGETHER

ENJOY THE SEASON

FAMILY LIFE Our round-up of skiing trips, bonfire parties and festive fun

Wrap little ones up warm before the winter chill sets in. Update wardrobes with duffle coats, woollen sweaters, pretty yet practical dresses and sturdy leather footwear. The outfit pictured is from the AW18 selection at lacoqueta.com

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

67

MOUNTAIN ESCAPE

Piste de résistance ARABELLA SOAMES ditched planning the annual family ski trip and called in the experts at Powder Byrne to ensure they had a holiday to remember

T

o take the stress out of arranging our annual family ski trip, which usually involves complicated logistics and levels of energy not normally exerted on relaxation, I decided to put my faith in the well-known ski holiday experts Powder Byrne. Guided by their very hands-on team, my husband, John and I chose Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps as the destination for our family sojourn.

This charming village in the Bernese Alps – surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau – wholly lived up to our snow-globe expectations, complete with a variety of on and off-piste skiing high jinks, as well as a buzzing main street crowded with bars for that all-essential après-ski.

We started in style with a private chartered flight (available during peak school holiday periods) and with extra luggage allowance, no extra costs for bulky ski equipment and private

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airport transfers, our holiday felt like it started long before reaching our mountain idyll.

Arriving in the picture-perfect village of Grindelwald, we checked in at The Schweizerhof, a five-star chalet hotel with a traditional Alpine style that belies its contemporary light and spacious interiors.

With its cosy rooms and one, two- and three-bedroom apartments ideal for families, younger ones can enjoy the swimming pool or games room complete with bowling alley, while for adults there’s a Finnish sauna, herbal steam bath and ice grotto for post-piste pampering.

There’s top-notch dining too, with a quality half-board dining room, and a superb a la carte restaurant, or Gaststubli if eating traditional Swiss dishes takes your fancy.

Conveniently located close to the main ski lifts, skiing in Grindelwald is great for

The five-star Schweizerhof Hotel in Grindelwald

families whose skiing abilities might range from beginners to seasoned pros. The resort is well suited to novices thanks to the designated Bodmi beginners’ ski area, but there’s also extensive skiing for intermediates, with links to nearby Wengen and Mürren. There’s

HOLIDAYS

There are ski programmes available for family members of all ages

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED CLOSE TO THE SLOPES, skiing in Grindelwald is great for families WHOSE SKIING ABILITIES MIGHT RANGE FROM BEGINNERS TO SEASONED PROS

AND IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SKIING...

• Hiking and Nordic Walking: There are more than 100km of groomed winter hiking trails, which lead to several quaint mountain huts where you can savour a deliciously hearty Swiss lunch.

• Day and night sledging: This will be a real hit with the children.

• Snoeshoeing: There are over 20 trails to choose from, and you can even enjoy a special moonlight snowshoe hike where your guide will identify various stars for you.

fantastic off-piste and itinerary routes for advanced skiers with 213km of slopes across the Jungfrau Top Ski Region, including an 8km piste from Oberjoch to Grindelwald. Serious skiers can take on the breathtaking Black Rock slope that comes down from the foot of the Eiger, and in Mürren there is the hair-raising vertiginous Kanonenrohr run. The infamous Lauberhorn World Cup downhill ski run is a great challenge for skiers and mountain guides will oversee some fantastic heli-skiing if it’s a high-octane experience that you’re after.

Most of our time was spent at Jungfrau, which is ideal for families, with its variety of pistes: from longer blue slopes to steeper black runs, there was something for all of us.

There are popular ski programmes for the children to take advantage of, including Yeti Primer for three and four year olds, the Yeti Club for four-nine year olds and the SnoZone for 10-14 year olds. On the days that John and I decided to go it alone, it meant that we were able to ski with the peace of mind that our children were safe, having fun and making friends. The programmes are run by professional ski instructors and include lunch on the mountain, early suppers and popular movie nights, with additional evening activities on the SnoZone programme, such as ice skating, bowling and indoor climbing.

Meanwhile, we made the most of Powder

Byrne’s complimentary ski guiding, taking the worry out of map reading and trying to find the best runs. For beginners or those looking to build confidence, a Learn to Ski in Style programme is perfect for honing skills without being stuck on the nursery slopes.

A popular spot with my family was the Piz Gloria restaurant, which features in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and is a perfect place for people watching. After a long day of fresh alpine air, we all looked forward to the slower paced old-world charm of Grindelwald and its bars and restaurants from which we could relax and re-fuel. If you’re stuck for some novel ideas as to what to do, the Powder Byrne Mountain Host team are on hand to provide recommendations, make reservations and organise activities such as night sledging, which we found was a fun way to tire the children out before bedtime.

For a seamless, stress-free escape to the slopes, we were prepared to spend some money, but with every element taken care of from start to finish, it really allowed us to focus on the important stuff, like making memories and enjoying new experiences together.

Stay with Powder Byrne at Hotel Schweizerhof , Grindelwald in February 2019 from £3,295 per person on half board, including private flights from London to Zurich, private transfers and in-resort service. powderbyrne.com AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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OPEN OPEN MORNING MORNING

Saturday 6th October, 10am - 12noon Saturday 6th aOctober, 10am - 12noon To book visit please contact To registrar@horrishill.com book a visit please contact registrar@horrishill.com

OPEN MORNING

• The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education horrishill.com • Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record horrishill.com • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London

OPEN MORNING MORNING OPEN

Saturday 6th October, 10am - 12noon To book a visit please contact registrar@horrishill.com

OPEN OPEN MORNING MORNING OPEN MORNING OPEN OPEN MORNING MORNING MORNING MORNING OPEN OPEN MORNING

• The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • The goldschool standard in and boys’scholarship preparatory education • Excellent top senior entry track record • Excellent top senior school entry scholarship track record • Wonderful rural setting withand easy access to M4/London • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London • Outstanding academic reputation • Outstanding academic reputation • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities

• Outstanding academic reputation • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities

SAVE THE DATE | YEAR 7 2019 ENTRY OPEN AFTERNOON 5TH OCTOBER | ENTRANCE EXAM 13TH OCTOBER

• The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education

• The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record • horrishill.com Excellent top senior school entry and scholarshiptop track record • Excellent senior school entry and scholarship track record • Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London Saturday 6th October, 10am - 12noon • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London urday 6th October, 10am - 12noon • Outstanding academic reputation Saturday 6th October, 10am - 12noon • Outstanding academic reputation • The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education urday 6th October, 10am - 12noon • Outstanding academic reputation To book a visit please•contact • Outstanding academic reputation To book a visit please contact The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education To book a visit please contact • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities To book a visit please contact •co-curricular Excellent top senior school entryofand scholarshipopportunities track record registrar@horrishill.com Huge breadth co-curricular registrar@horrishill.com • Huge breadth • Excellent top senior school entryofand scholarshipopportunities track•record registrar@horrishill.com registrar@horrishill.com • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London • The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education gold standard in boys’ preparatory education • •The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education Saturday 6th October, - 12noon urday 6th October, 10am -The 12noon • Outstanding academic reputation The gold standard in boys’10am preparatory education • top Thesenior gold standard in boys’and preparatory education • Excellent school entry scholarship track record • Outstanding academic reputation Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record To book a visit please contact •• Excellent topsenior senior school and scholarship track record Excellent top school entryentry and scholarship track record To book a visit please contacttop senior school Excellent entry and scholarship track record • Huge breadth • Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities Wonderful rural setting easy access to M4/London of co-curricular opportunities Wonderful rural setting with easy access tosetting M4/London registrar@horrishill.com registrar@horrishill.com ••• Wonderful rural withwith easy access to M4/London Wonderful rural setting with easy access to M4/London Wonderful rural setting with easy access tosetting M4/London • Wonderful rural with easy access to M4/London th October, 10am 12noon rday 6th October, 10am - 12noon Outstanding academic reputation • Outstanding academic reputation • The gold standard in boys’ preparatory education th October, 10am - 12noon • Outstanding academic reputation rday 6th October, 10am 12noon academic reputation • inOutstanding academic reputation k abook visitaplease contact • Outstanding academic reputation TheHuge goldOutstanding standardofinco-curricular boys’ preparatory education To visit please contact • The gold standard boys’ preparatory education breadth opportunities k abook visitaplease contact • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities • Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities To visit please contactHuge breadth• ofExcellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record co-curricular registrar@horrishill.com Excellent top senior school entry and scholarship track record strar@horrishill.com •Huge Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities •opportunities breadth co-curricular opportunities • Excellent top senior school entryof and scholarship track record registrar@horrishill.com strar@horrishill.com Wonderful rural setting easy access to M4/London Wonderful rural setting with easy access tosetting M4/London •• Wonderful rural withwith easy access to M4/London th October, 10am - 12noon rday 6th October, 10am - 12noon Outstanding academic reputation • Outstanding • Outstanding academic reputation academic reputation k abook visitaplease contact To visit please contactHuge breadth of co-curricular opportunities Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities • •Huge breadth of co-curricular opportunities registrar@horrishill.com strar@horrishill.com

MORNING

MORNING horrishill.com horrishill.com

horrishill.com horrishill.com

horrishill.com

horrishill.com

horrishill.com horrishill.com horrishill.com horrishill.com horrishill.com horrishill.com

SPARKLING LAPLAND ADVENTURES! Dreaming of an unforgettable family holiday in a sparkling winter wonderland?

It all starts here with Activities Abroad. With dog sledding adventures, reindeer sleigh rides, thrilling snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights hunts and exclusive meetings with Father Christmas; every single day will create magical family memories.

01670 785 072 activitiesabroad.com 70

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

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

Ani ndependentschoolf orgi r l saged2 1/2 1 8year s

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 OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday 10th October 2018 Thursday 11th October 2018

W estbourne . Pr epar at ory . Seni or . Si xth Form Gi veyourdaught ert hebes ts t ar ti nl i f e

For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

Tr ans por tf r om Sut t onCol dfiel d,St r eet l y,Sol i hul l ,St our br i dge

Academi c,Mus i c,Spor t ,Ar tSchol ar s hi ps 01 21454 5831admi ssi ons@edgbastonhi gh. co. uk www. edgbastonhi gh. co. uk

The Gregg Preparatory School An independent day school for boys and girls aged 3-11yrs

Independent Day School for girls 4-16 years Day Nursery & Pre-School for girls & boys from 6 months

Every step of the way...

Nursery

Open Morning

Prep

Senior

9.30am - 12noon

Wednesday 17th Oct 2018 We are also happy to show you our lovely school during the school week. If you would like to organise a tour, please call the school office on 023 8055 7352

www.thegreggprep.org 17-19 Winn Road, Southampton SO17 1EJ Tel 023 8055 7352 email: office@thegreggprep.org

Abbot’s Hill is a happy and thriving community in which pupils are encouraged to aim high, to grasp opportunities, enjoy learning and make lasting friendships.

Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP 01442 240333 | registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk | www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com AdGreggPrepISMagazine.indd 1

25/09/2018 11:30:13

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HOLIDAYS

Out of Africa

Rekero Camp, Kenya

If this summer’s sunshine has left you wanting more, an African safari should see you through the winter ahead…

Kinondo Kwetu Hotel, Kenya

WHERE TO STAY

Giraffe Manor, Nairobi and Sasaab, Samburu Scott Dunn offers a seven night itinerary in Kenya from £4,800 per person. This includes three nights at Sasaab and two nights at Giraffe Manor. This is based on a family of four travelling and includes return international flights and private airport transfers. scottdunn.com

Kinondo Kwetu Hotel, Kenya

T

hey say never work with children or animals, but how about holidaying with them? There’s nothing quite like seeing your child’s faces as they get up close and personal with the Big Five – lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceroses – for the very first time.

Some camps will take pre-schoolers (be sure to check policies beforehand), but keep in

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mind that in order to reach any safari resort you’ll be travelling for at least 10 hours in total. The ideal age for your child’s first safari is around seven or eight – not only by that age are children more engaged with the world around them and ready for the experience, they’re also more adept at travelling, flexible with mealtimes and better behaved when out on long game drives. When you’re there, try to incorporate a mixture of activities into your days, including walks, horse riding and cultural excursions.

Tswalu Kalahari offers one of the largest private safari reserves in Africa, with all the big-game characters, or head to Madikwe – currently the fifth largest – which is home to more than 8,000 animals in South Africa.

There are many other lesser-known areas, too, such as those in Namibia, where you’ll find zebra, rhinos and giraffes, not to mention a significantly large population of cheetahs.

Madikwe Lelapa Lodge, South Africa Lelapa means family so it could not be more apt a place to stay and spend time together.

For four nights based on a family of four, inc fights, £2,079 per adult, £1,265 per child under 12. turquoiseholidays.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Q&A SESSION with Holland Park Education

S

ince 2004, Holland Park Tuition & Education Consultants has been a leading source of private tutors and educational guidance. Over the years, it has cultivated strong relationships with, and secured places at, the top nurseries, schools and universities in London and around the world.

Its tutors and consultants are committed to bringing the best out of students, as well as helping families to understand and navigate the range of educational options available to them. Here, Holland Park’s Director of Consulting, Camilla Smiley, answers some of the key recurring questions that parents ask about their children’s education.

boarding school at 13? If so, a country Prep is the perfect stepping stone, with the opportunity to board in a couple of years and staff who are experts with boarding school admissions.

However, if you plan to target London day schools at 11+ or 13+ then your son is much better positioned in a London Prep, where entrance to St Paul’s, Westminster or King’s Wimbledon is common. Not only will teachers be able to advise you more effectively, your son’s friends and their parents will be going through the same process. Though it seems a long way off, leavers’ destinations should thus be a critical factor in your thinking.

IF YOU PLAN TO target London day schools at 11+ or 13+ THEN YOUR SON IS MUCH BETTER POSITIONED IN A LONDON PREP WHERE ENTRANCE TO ST PAUL’S, WESTMINSTER OR KING’S WIMBLEDON IS COMMON

We live in Notting Hill and we’re thinking about a Seven+ move for our son.

Should we target a London Prep or look at one further out?

Indeed, as competition for London Prep Schools becomes increasingly intense, It’s Open Day season! What West London parents are should we look out for? looking further afield. Many Approach Open Days critically, preps on the outskirts of and remember that this is London run school buses very important marketing for which pick children the school – both Camilla Smiley, up from Brook teachers and pupils Director of Consulting Green, Holland Park will be suitably or Chiswick and briefed! Keep your promise a more eyes and ears open rounded education as you walk around in less urban the school and surroundings. don’t be afraid to Think longdig deeper. term, though. Are 1. Observe the you considering interaction between

your student guide and other students/teachers that they come across. Is it warm?

Caring? Natural? How formal or informal is their interaction and how does that sit with you as a parent?

2. Speak to the teachers you come across. Ask them what they enjoy most about teaching at the school. Are they inspiring, dynamic and approachable? Would you like to be taught by them?

3. Ask your student guide about pastoral care. If they

thought a friend was unhappy, who would they talk to? Do they seem to know?

4. Ask Year Sixs, Year Eights or Year 13s where they’re going to Senior School/ university and where their friends are going. Often this paints a different picture to the official leaver statistics!

If you would like to speak to the Holland Park team about your educational requirements, please contact the London office on 020 7034 0800 or enquiries@ hollandparkeducation.com

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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I N D EPEN D EN T DAY S C H O O L FO R G I R L S AG ED 4 TO 1 8

how do bacteria cause disease?

Can we reverse climate change?

Why does snow sometimes disappear without melting?

Why does lightning smell?

Does iodine sublime?

Queen’s Gate offers girls a warm, supportive environment where individuality is nurtured, academic standards are high and a broad-based curriculum ensures a well-rounded education.

Can we improve on photosynthesis to capture the sun’s energy?

Why are airbags dangerous?

Junior School At-home Receptions 2018 Thursday 4 October · Wednesday 17 October Tuesday 6 November · Thursday 15 November To book, please visit queensgate.org.uk/jsopenevents Queen’s Gate Junior School, 125–126 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LJ registrar@queensgate.org.uk · 020 7594 4982

The school for adventurous minds Where will yours take you...?

O P EN M O R N I NG S Fri 8 March 9-11:00 Visit our beautiful 25-acre day and flexi-boarding school, where boys and girls aged 3-13 thrive on personalised learning.

Fri 3 May

9-11:00

Contact Jackie Williams on 01932 862 264, at admissions@feltonfleet.co.uk or visit www.feltonfleet.co.uk Means-tested bursaries are available.

COBHAM SURREY KT11 1DR

W H E R E I N D I V I D U A L S R E A L LY M AT T E R

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Worcester, WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 Worcester, WR6 6DD abberleyhall.co.uk T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk Worcester, WR6 6DD T: 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER SENIOR, JUNIOR & PRE-PREP OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER Please register at kesbath.com

or call 01225 820 399

@KESBath

Where learning Where learning goes hand in hand Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery goes hand in hand with discovery with discovery Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire Co-education Boarding & Dayfrom PrepLondon, School for countryside.

Two hours 2-13 year olds, in 90 and acres of Worcestershire an hour from thebased Cotswolds Birmingham Airport. countryside.

Two hours Co-education Boarding & Dayfrom PrepLondon, School for an hour from thebased Cotswolds Birmingham Airport.

2-13 year olds, in 90 and acres of Worcestershire countryside. Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport.

SCHOLARS OF 2018

OPEN MORNINGS Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH www.cranprep.org

B0013 CPS 129x202mmL.indd 1

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS 7th November & 13th February 9.00 am - 12.00 pm Moor Park Richards Castle Ludlow Shropshire SY8 4DZ 01584 876 061 www.moorpark.org.uk

Saturday 6 October 2018 Wednesday 27 February 2019 Please contact Catherine Staples to book an appointment: 01483 542051 admissions@cranprep.org

23/08/2018 15:00

More than just a school…. a community where individuals matter More Affordable Pre-Prep Fees*Same Outstanding Provision (ISI 2016) *Fees reduced from September 2018

New Performing Arts Centre September 2018 New Early Years Facility Open September 2017 35 scholarships and awards to senior schools in 2017 from 35 pupils.

head@moorpark.org.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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DIARY DATES

CALENDAR Our round-up of fun and inspiring things to do this autumn

A dream come true

Sky runners

London 6 OCTOBER & 1 DECEMBER

Windermere, Lake District [NOW]

If your child has ever wanted to explore the Science museum after dark on a big sleepover, then they’d love Astronights.

They can take part in workshops, science shows and activities before bedding down in one of the iconic galleries. It all culminates with a big breakfast the next morning and an IMAX 3D film to watch. sciencemuseum.org

Imagine giant walkways, tunnels, slides and trampolines, all suspended 40ft from the ground in the tree canopy. Fun for all the family – from three years and upwards, all you need to bring to Treetop Nets is a sense of adventure!

Tickets for children, aged five and upwards, £20, adults, £13. treetopnets.co.uk

Fun for all ages at Treetop Nets

BONFIRE NIGHT

Have a banging time!

Heaton Park, Greater Manchester 5 NOVEMBER

The Bonfire Night display at Heaton Park will be one of the biggest in the region. As well as fireworks, there’ll be pop-ups selling tasty bites such as toffee apples and hamburgers. manchester.gov.uk

Food for thought St Austell, Cornwall 6-14 OCTOBER

Learn about farming, food provenance, sustainability and taste at Heligan Harvest as its team and guest speakers take you through demonstrations and talks during this week-long celebration at the estate.

This year, Heligan Feast Night also returns for two nights only. Book your place at the table on 5th and 12th October, where two guest chefs will show off their skills and produce a mouth-watering meal using fruit and vegetables sourced from the gardens. heligan.com/events HALLOWEEN

It’s spooktacular!

Join the castle’s family-friendly Halloween ghost walk. Suitable for children aged six and upwards, you and your little ones can follow in the footsteps of Joey Essex and Most Haunted to learn about the castle’s spooky past! Join their experienced paranormal team this All Hallow’s Eve to hear the tales of those who walked its hallowed corridors before you! bodelwyddan-castle.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Bodelwyddan Castle, Wales 31 OCTOBER

s

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HAPPI NE SS • C ON FID EN CE • AC HIEVE ME N T

‘ Excellent ’ Latest ISI Inspection

Northease Manor School Open Mornings: Wednesday 10th October 2018 Wednesday 20th March 2019

10.00am—12.00pm Co-educational Independent day and weekly boarding school for students primarily with Autism and / or Dyslexia, Year 4—11.

Specialist staff and resources, high quality teaching, fully integrated occupational, speech and language therapy and outstanding pastoral support .

Register today: office@northease.co.uk

Open Mornings 5 March & 1 October 2019 A happy, caring environment for girls & boys in Woking aged 3 - 13 & just 25 minutes from London

hoebridgeschool.co.uk admissions@hoebridgeschool.co.uk 01483 227909

Micklefield Preparatory School 10-12, Somers Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9DU

Head Teacher: Mrs Lyn Rose Admissions: Mrs Deborah Fowler admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk 01737 224212 GENDER/AGES: TOTAL PUPILS:

boys and girls, 2yrs 9 months – 11 years 290, boys 143, girls 147

Day Nursery – £1,120 - £1,820, Pre-Prep – £2,390 - £3,105, Prep – £3,680 - £3,975 per term ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Non selective TYPE: FEES:

School Philosophy: Here at Micklefield we provide a stimulating, caring and

challenging environment that fosters the pursuit of high standards throughout all areas of the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to become successful learners and to grow into individuals who will confidently take their places in society.

Open Day: Tuesday 9th October, 10am to 12noon micklefieldschool.co.uk

Open Morning dates: Wednesday 8th February Wednesday 24th May

OPEN MORNING DATES 2018: open• 9.30) Wednesday 17th(Doors October Tuesday 30th October (9:30am – 11:00 am Doors Open at 9:20am)

LYNDHURST HOUSE

Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

77

DIARY DATES

HALF TERM

It’s a kind of magic

Meet all the characters from the Thomas the Tank Engine books

Norwich, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Great Yarmouth

A day out with Thomas

Across four of East Anglia’s finest towns the Magic Moments Festival, featuring conjuring, wizardry and illusion, will be held.

Headlining are the worldfamous Swedish sensations, Charlie Caplin and Malin Nilsson with their show, Minor Miracles. Each location will also be hosting a fabulous series of shows packed full of mindblowing magical marvels. visiteastofengland.com

Bury, Lancashire 6-7 OCTOBER

Would you like to meet the Fat Controller and other favourites, such as Rusty and Dusty, made famous in the Thomas books? There are Thomas-themed activities in the Imagination Station, including colouring-in and Thomas films to watch. eastlancsrailway.org.uk

A day at the races Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire 3 NOVEMBER

Calling all foodies!

Castle Howard, York 5-7 OCTOBER

If you fancy a food and drink-themed weekend in a spectacular setting that’s suitable for the whole family, look no further than the Fantastic Food Festival.

The grounds will transform into a foodie paradise with more than 50 stalls offering a range of local produce and beverages, including artisan breads, pastries, cheese, meats and charcuteries, with plenty of opportunities to sample along the way. Entrance included with standard admission, castlehoward.co.uk

Fill your plate at the The Fantastic Food Festival

Hit the wall Ratho, Edinburgh [NOW]

All you have to do is clip ’n’ climb… your child can now experience the newest addition to Europe’s largest climbing arena. Fun for the whole family, and yes, scaling dizzying heights really never looked so good. edinburghleisure.co.uk

The write stuff Bath, Somerset 28 SEPTEMBER – 7 OCTOBER

Bath Children’s Literature Festival – Europe’s largest – takes place with a variety of talks and workshops designed to inspire a love of reading in your child.

With authors such as David Walliams and Lauren Child, there’s much to take in.

There’s even a Peter Brown masterclass where you can learn to illustrate with the maestro. bathfestivals.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: MAGIC MOMENTS, VISIT EAST ANGLIA

Kick off the National Hunt season with a memorable day out. From 10:45am, the racecourse will be hosting a medley of top-class jump racing and live entertainment. The £100,000 Sodexo Gold Cup Chase is the feature race of seven, with plenty of fun to be had off the track too, with fairground rides and a huge fireworks display. ascot.co.uk

s

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OPEN

DAY Fr

iday 8th Februa ry

Getting the Best out of Boys To attend an Open Day please contact

pa.registrar@moulsford.com

• 01491 651438

Moulsford Preparatory School, Moulsford-on-Thames, Oxon, OX10 9HR Independent day and boarding school for boys aged 4-13

• www.moulsford.com

Forest School encourages outstanding academic progress and personal development, offering single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18yrs. Forest is a city school on the edge of North London with 30 acres of grounds.

Forest - Where People Grow 0208 520 1744 | admissions@forest.org.uk | www.forest.org.uk

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

79

Hawkesdown House School

For Boys & Girls aged 3 to 11 years

500 pupils (boys aged 11-18 and girls aged 16-18) Full, weekly and flexi boarding to suit your needs Weekly West London bus route available New Sixth Form Centre and Boathouse Coming Soon

Open Mornings

Saturday 22 September, 9.15am (Whole School) Saturday 6 October, 9.15am (Sixth Form)

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk CPS_Independent_sch_parents_Ad_AW.pdf 1 26/06/2018

Book your attendance at

www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays

14:44

#teamcheshamprep Bright children

Exceptional opportunities

Wet play?

No problem.

With 3 indoor sports halls to add to our 70m x 40m huge all-weather pitch

Bright children, exceptional opportunities: visitors to Newton

OPEN DAYS

Prep in recent years have included the

Dalai Lama, Michael Gove MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Johnny Ball.

World Cup Rugby player Josh Lewsey, top authors like Cressida Cowell and film director Alan Parker.

we have more sports facilities than most secondary-level London schools.

Wednesday 10th October 2018 9:00am – 11:00am Saturday 13th October 2018 9:30am – 12 Midday C

M

Our annual Open

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Day is on Saturday 13th

October, 9.30am-12.30pm; we also run small Headmistress’s Tours most Fridays during

CM

MY

term-time: sign up on our website.

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Thinking big: with

“Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves.

All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.”

650+ pupils, aged between 313, Newton is London’s biggest stand-alone prep school.

Current parent We can offer 100% Bursaries

If music be the food of love, we are eating well

from Year 3 upwards for sparky

at Newton: over

300 children learn a musical instrument

or take singing lessons

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children who might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.

Bright children Exceptional opportunities

A co-ed London prep school for children aged 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

K

WE ARE ADVENTUROUS

We are Chesham Prep Superb results at 11+ and 13+ T 01494 782619 registrar@cheshamprep.co.uk www.cheshamprep.co.uk Chesham, Bucks HP5 3QF

Chesham Preparatory School Independent education for boys and girls aged 3 to 13

DIARY DATES

PHOTOGRAPHY: RBG KEW; ATTINGHAM PARK, IAN DUNNING

Call of the wild Attingham Park, Shropshire [NOW]

CHRISTMAS

From its pretty stabled courtyard and to its lush, verdant deer park, there’s much to see on this great estate. The 370-acre parkland is home to creatures big and small, primarily 200 fallow deer that are historic to the estate. The walk is of moderate ease, taking just one hour. Look out for barn owls, ravens and buzzards, five species of bat, plants and flowers and some of the tallest and straightest oak trees in the UK. nationaltrust.org.uk

Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire 27-28 OCTOBER

Present and correct

Stroll Attingham Park’s grounds to discover its animal population

Enjoy a weekend packed with Christmas shopping, food and fun at The Newark Festive Gift & Food Show. The show is going to be packed with original Christmas gifts, presents for all the family and delicious food and drink.

You’ll also be able to enjoy live music from Britain’s Got Talent finalist Pippa Langhorne, and embark on some magical unicorn carriage rides. festivegiftshow.co.uk

All of the lights Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, West Sussex 16-18 DECEMBER

The hotel’s ever-popular Carols by Candlelight returns to the enchanting surrounds of its 13th-century chapel for three performance dates. The intimate setting, specially lit with hundreds of candles, will bring a new dimension to the talent and beautiful voices of The Agnes Collective, which has previously performed at The Royal Albert Hall. hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt

Mad about Kew Richmond, London 22 NOV-5 JAN 2019

As twilight falls, the magic begins. Now in its sixth year, Kew Gardens will transform into another amazing Christmas at Kew this November. After dark, follow an illuminated trail of over 1,000 lights and watch as a festival of colour explodes around you with art, light and sound produced by a roster of artists, including Brightonbased Ithaca. kew.org Prepare to be mesmerised by Christmas at Kew

AUTUMN 2018 | independentschoolparent.com

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MEMORY LANE

SCH OO

L M E MOR I E

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ANNA MAZZOLA The historical crime fiction writer recalls pranks, prizes and an English teacher who helped forge her career success at Croydon High School What was your first attempt at writing? It’ll surprise no one to learn that I was a bookloving child. Every writer I know loved books from a very early age and most of us were writing our own stories by the age of seven. I recently found my first attempt at a crime novel, written shortly after I’d joined Croydon High: The Kidnapping of Lucy. The plot centres on the abduction of a baby and I gave it to my mum on Mother’s Day. Which is disturbing enough in itself, but all the more so when you realise that at that stage I had a baby sister with the middle name Lucy. Sorry, mum.

How did school instil a love of literature?

Instead of setting me on the straight and narrow, Croydon High nurtured my strange writing and reading instincts. I recently returned to give a talk in the CHS library with another author, SD Sykes, and found that the staff had dug up some of my early writings, including a disturbing poem called The Tunnel, illustrated with skulls, spiders and monsters.

Who was your best friend?

I have a strong memory of being found, age nine, in the art cupboard with my friend Amanda reading Forever by Judy Blume, and of us being reprimanded. I regret nothing.

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illustrated poem about trains and pylons. I blew all my prize money in Topshop.

What are your earliest recollections of CHS? I remember being shown around the school before I was joined by a girl only a few years older than me and thinking how confident and articulate she was.

Any pranks? We did some terrible things, particularly to new or shy teachers.

There was a maths teacher who clearly dreaded us all. During her lessons, we would gradually move our desks forward so that by the end of the class she had her back pressed up against the blackboard, sweating.

MRS LOEWE ENCOURAGED ME TO APPLY TO OXFORD, WHICH I hadn’t

even considered up until that point.

MIRACULOUSLY, THEY LET ME IN

I don’t think children should be told off for reading, even if it is about willies called Ralph.

Which teacher stays with you to this day? Susan Loewe, who sadly died last year. She was the first person to really show me, through close reading of texts, what language could do. I can still quote lines from Milton’s Paradise Lost (which she

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2018

taught us at A-Level).

Mrs Loewe encouraged me to apply to Oxford to study English, which I hadn’t even considered up until that point.

Miraculously, they let me in.

Any prizes? In Sixth Form I was awarded a prize for creativity, despite my entry being some bizarre

What did you want to do when you left school? After studying English, I converted to law and became a human rights and criminal justice solicitor. I now try to combine law with writing and childwrangling. I’ll leave it to you to imagine just how successful that is!

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THE WHITE HO 2.5-11 years Co SW12

Open Day: Saturday 13th October 9:30–11:30am

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