Independent School Parent Senior Edition Spring 2017

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Spring 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

SENIOR EDITION

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MINDS MATTER FIGHTING THE TEENAGE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

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A BIGGER PICTURE THE IMPACT OF

EXPERT ADVICE

BREXIT ON THE IB

• COURSE WORK AND REVISION • INDEPENDENCE • MAKING THE MOST OF UNI

SPLASH! SCHOOLS THAT THRIVE AT WATER SPORTS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

SCHOOLS CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES PLUS

STUFF TO DO AT EASTER • SCHOOL ALUMNI • BEHIND THE SCENES • PORTLAND PLACE IN PICTURES • THE MALDIVES • LESSONS IN TENACITY

EDITOR’S LETTER

CLAUDIA DUDMAN Editor

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

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

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Welc me Mental health is big news. Only in February, a Times newspaper report stated that: “Britain’s teenagers are among some of the unhappiest in the world”. In A Weight off Their Minds, page 12, Elizabeth Ivens reports on the truth behind the shocking headlines and how schools are getting to grips with the mental health crisis among our teens. As ever, independent schools are at the forefront, implementing groundbreaking initiatives and talking about, identifying and tackling some of the causes of mental health problems.

We take a lighthearted look at schools celebrating anniversaries in A Step Back in Time, page 40. From those that are marking 400 years since they were founded, to those that are a little younger, it was fun looking at photographs from the archives and reading about their history.

Don’t forget to enter our competition, where you can win a luxury family weekend away (page 74). Go to: independentschoolparent.com/win

Claudia Dudman, Editor

Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

Spring 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

SENIOR EDITION

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A BIGGER PICTURE THE IMPACT OF

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BREXIT ON THE IB

• COURSE WORK AND REVISION • INDEPENDENCE • MAKING THE MOST OF UNI

SPLASH! SCHOOLS THAT THRIVE AT WATER SPORTS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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COVER: Sherborne Girls, Dorset

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Registered charity 1101358

How do we prepare children for jobs that don’t exist yet?

None of us knows today what the world is going to require of us tomorrow. But some of us are keeping an extremely close eye on things.

At Sevenoaks School, many of the skills that will be called for in the future are embedded in our curriculum now.

Critical thinking for instance, is exercised here daily from the start. So is complex problem solving.

With one eye firmly trained on the world beyond our gates, we equip all our students with the skills they will need to reshape it.

So if sixty per cent of roles have yet to be invented*, Sevenoaks alumni will be ready to take them on when they are.

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*The Future of Jobs report, World Economic Forum. Potential jobs listed include: Space Pilot, Recycling Enforcer, Nano-medic, Memory Augmentation Surgeon, Hydroponic Farmer, Graphene Engineer, Experimental Food Developer, Ethical Hacker, Climate Change Reversal Specialist, Avatar Manager/Virtual Teacher

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12

32

70

40

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WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 28 Spring 2017

7

News Our round-up of hot topics

12 23

A Weight Off Their Minds

Ready for the Real World

40

A Step Back in Time

Teaching pupils “mental toughness”

How are schools tackling the teenage

Five schools celebrating anniversaries

mental health crisis?

this year dip into the history books

Heads Up Generous bursary schemes will help the

26

38

46

The Bigger Picture

50

Old Tricks for New Dogs

33 36

Water-Sport Wonders

Escape the ordinary with a once-in-alifetime trip to the Maldives

70

Talking Heads

The Art of Venice Delve into a world of fine art and

are supporting 21st century parents

52

A Piece of Paradise

theatre in the stunning city of Venice

74

Competition

Senior Schools are offering plenty in the

How can students balance revision and

way of water sports

chill-time during the Easter break?

family with Blue Chip Holidays

Behind the Scenes: Sherfield

77

Calendar

82

School Memories

A Bit of Yorkshire Grit

54

Scarborough College challenges pupils

Sherfield’s Sixth Formers are going

with lessons in resilience and toughness

from strength to strength

A School in Ten Pictures A history of Portland Place in Marylebone, London

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK,

64

How teachings from over 1,000 years ago

reap the rewards in life beyond education

28

Ones to Watch School alumni

Sevenoaks School tells us more

Pupils who learn to be independent will

University Rules New College of Humanities gives tips on making the most out of university

62

How has Brexit impacted the IB?

“squeezed middle”, writes Mark Bailey

Minds Of Their Own

61

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

59

Higher Education

Win a luxury UK getaway for your

Things to do over the Easter break Elena Peña, co-founder of fashion

What will you do once you’ve finished

brand, Muitt Madrid, on King’s

your post-16 exams?

College in Madrid

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

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NEWS

Our pick of the top parenting and education news

A royal splash [Mount Kelly, Devon]

Mount Kelly School was honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the opening of their brand new 50-metre swimming pool in January. The school already has a superb list of swimmers among its illustrious alumni, boasting 72 international swimmers, 17 Olympians and six Paralympians.

The new pool has now been built thanks to a grant of £706,000 from the National Lottery and Sport England. It is currently open for use by pupils, members of the local community, and swimming clubs from across the south-west as part of the ASA “Learn to Swim” programme.

Alex secured two medals at the Greater Manchester Championships RUN LIKE THE WIND! [Manchester Grammar School] A talented runner from Manchester Grammar School has qualified for the National Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships, after securing Silver and Bronze medals at the Greater Manchester Championships in January. Alex James, 12, ran 3.5km in just 13.03 minutes, and will compete in the national competition in Loughbourgh this March. Alex said: “I wanted to go to MGS because of the MGS Harriers, the school’s cross-country team, and I enjoy running races for the school.”

TEACHING WITH TECH [Bedford Girls’ School] Bedford Girls’ School has been recognised as an Apple Distinguished School for its innovative use of Apple technology. The school began integrating technology into teaching in 2014, and distributed iPad Minis to all pupils.

This new strategy has since transformed the way the students learn, as they can each research and submit work all on one device.

Headmistress, Jo MacKenzie, says: “This title from Apple acknowledges our commitment to preparing girls for the future.”

TAKING CENTRE-STAGE [Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire] Pupils from Bromsgrove School recently took to the stage to perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Charles Woollhead, Head of Prep School Drama, said: “It was so wonderful to see such talented performers rise to the challenge.” The school is currently building a new Performing Arts Complex, which will include two theatres and a music school.

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x + y2 = 4

Sch ol tweet

“Year 7 & 8 have been in some exciting #science lessons this week, learning about the reactivity of metals, hearts and holly leaves!” (The Downs Malvern @DownsMalvern)

Study in style

Collegiate AC is introducing luxury study spaces as part of its student accommodation. This will include free high-speed wi-fi, common rooms and group study areas, to create the perfect environment in which students can revise. Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, said: “A space where students feel relaxed and safe provides the ideal study environment.” collegiate-ac.com

Share your school news and tweet us @ISParent

FUN ON THE SLOPES [Farlington School, Horsham] Students from Farlington School took a ski trip to Folgarida, Italy in December. Many of the girls had never skied before, but had conquered their first run by the end of day one.

By day three, some were even ready for the slopes!

TOP OF THE CLASS [Canford School, Dorset] A SLIPPERY ADVENTURE [Barnard Castle School, Durham] A group of Year 10 pupils from Barnard Castle School experienced climactic extremes on their recent five-day adventure to Iceland. The students tried many activities, including walking on a glacier, exploring a lava tube, and swimming in the famous Blue Lagoon.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Canford School is celebrating the news that it has been ranked 25th in the UK among co-educational boarding schools for the A and A* grades achieved by A-Level pupils in 2016. The annual awards were organised by best-schools.co.uk, and naturally the school was thrilled with the results. Headmaster, Ben Vessey, said: “I am delighted that the excellent performance by our pupils has been so well recognised against top schools from across the country.”

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Sporting stars [Benenden School, Kent]

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHARLIE DING

Two Sixth-Form pupils from Benenden School are representing the UK in the World Cup Lacrosse Festival this summer.

Scarlett Johnson and Freya Hopkisson, both 17, will play for the U19 squad as part of the festival, which takes place from 12th to 22nd July. Scarlett Johnson (pictured right) said: “Playing for your country is the ultimate in sport. It makes us very proud that our hard work has paid off.”

CRACKING THE CODE [Oundle School, Peterborough] Espionage came to Oundle School in January, as teams of Year 10 pupils from schools across the UK worked alongside GCHQ representatives to crack codes and solve virtual crimes. Students were tasked with bringing down a drug-smuggling ring in just three hours, and had to present their findings to a judging panel. The winning team from Birkdale School in Sheffield was awarded a trip to Bletchley Park, courtesy of GCHQ.

HEADS on the move Mark Lauder will become Headmaster at Strathallan School, Forgandenny in January 2018.

John Cooper will take up the role of Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Millfield in autumn 2017.

Robin Lister is the founder Head of Malvern College Hong Kong, opening in September 2018.

Claire Farmer is appointed Headteacher of Northease Manor School in East Sussex.

Richard Pollock is promoted from Head of Juniors to Head at Cransley School, Cheshire.

WHITGIFT CELEBRATES 420 YEARS The Whitgift Foundation has released a short animation about its history, to celebrate the 420th anniversary of its charitable work within education. The story takes viewers on a journey from its origins through to the modern day, where over 3,000 students are currently educated in Whitgift Foundation schools across Croydon in London, and includes Trinity School and Whitgift School. To view the animation, visit whitgiftfoundation.co.uk

SIXTH-FORM SUCCESS [Queen Anne’s School, Berkshire] Queen Anne’s School has been awarded the 2016 TES Independent Schools Award for “outstanding post-16 innovative provision”.

The school recently built a new Sixth Form centre, (above) which includes a digital library, interactive screens and study pods.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MENTAL HEALTH

A WEIGHT OFF

Their Minds Today’s teenagers are under unprecedented pressure on and off line. How are schools coping with the fallout as record numbers of young people are reported to suffer from mental health problems?

Elizabeth Ivens reports...

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

MENTAL HEALTH

B

RITAIN’S teenagers are said to be “among the unhappiest in the world”, (The Times, February 2017), and teenage mental health problems are big news.

One in ten children aged between five and 16, and over a quarter of girls and young women aged between 16-24 are said to have mental health problems. So what is going on behind these shocking headlines?

In the last few weeks alone, child and teenage mental health has been in the spotlight more than ever: Prime Minister Theresa May has made a major speech on the subject, promising long overdue support for the beleaguered CAMHS (the NHS’ Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), and younger members of the Royal Family have reiterated their commitment to raising its profile.

Prince Harry spoke out on Time to Talk Day last month, on behalf of the Heads Together charity he spearheads with his brother and sister-in-law, saying it showed “strength” to talk about mental health.

Many independent schools have been quietly doing just that: talking about, identifying and tackling some of the causes of mental health problems and looking at ways that pupils can build emotional resilience.

They have also been in the vanguard of looking at mental health from a different viewpoint: prevention is better than cure – and mental health provision has almost become synonymous with what schools are doing to promote wellbeing.

Charlotte Avery, Head of St Mary’s School, Cambridge and President of the Girls’ Schools Association, said the school prioritises girls’ safety and mental wellbeing above “everything else”: “Prevention – doing what we can to prevent occurrences of mental ill-health arising – is also key, as cures are not guaranteed, and intervention is only effective in 50% of cases.”

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MENTAL HEALTH

piece of language. When you empower children to take risks, they need to accept that failure is part of learning.”

Next on the agenda at Wimbledon High is a Wonder Week, where she wants pupils “to learn how to play again” and “experience the joy of giving”.

Ricki Smith, Head of St Gabriel’s in Newbury, is very candid about the pressures on teenagers: “In the last three to four years, we have talked much more openly about mental health. There has always been self-harm and eating disorders, but the intensity has increased.”

WIMBLEDON HIGH SCHOOL, LONDON The school runs a holistic pastoral care programme called GROW, described

by Head Jane Lunnon as “a self-aware programme of wellbeing which introduces the notion of personal resilience, but should also be fun”.

Activities range from planting seeds for the Juniors – “a metaphor for their own wellbeing” – to the annual wellbeing week for the whole school.

Previous weeks have included 4G – Great Girls Get Gritty, Fail Better Week and the forthcoming Wonder Week. During Wonder Week, pupils will rewrite the lyrics of the group Oasis’ Wonderwall and create a Wonder Wall of their own made of sewn patches. “It’s all about giving,” says Lunnon, “We are educating girls that joy comes from giving so girls will take part in activities, including an all-day sponsored walk raising money for the education of girls.”

Last year, Wimbledon High welcomed a statue of a black dog Horace – to symbolise depression – often known as “having the black dog” – as part of an initiative with mental health charity SANE. Lunnon says: “It was at the school entrance so that every single person could see it and realise that there is no prejudice in talking about mental health.”

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SCHOOL: WIMBLEDON HIGH HEADMISTRESS: JANE LUNNON

Top, Jane Lunnon, Head of Wimbledon High – with black dog Horace – as part of an initiative with mental health charity, SANE

Schools have talked about and tackled some of the causes of mental health problems

Right, Prince William, The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry have spearheaded the Heads Together charity

At Alleyn’s School in south east London, Deputy Headmaster Andy Skinnard, also emphasised the need for children to feel free to talk. “The most vital part of the well-being ‘jigsaw’ is that our pupils know that there is always someone here for them to talk to. Here, they can approach any teacher, their tutor, Housemaster, Head of Section or the Chaplain, whoever they feel most comfortable with.”

The last decade has seen substantial investment in pastoral care support structures and staffing throughout the sector aimed at promoting wellbeing, hand in hand with staff, pupil and parent education about mental health issues.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, GETTY IMAGES

Jane Lunnon, Head of Wimbledon High School, South London, is passionate about the subject: “If we don’t talk openly about mental health, what hope have we got?”

At Wimbledon, Lunnon’s “very targeted pastoral programme” – the GROW programme – includes an annual week which focuses on mental health and wellbeing. In a previous Fail Better Week, Lunnon says: “Every single member of staff from the Head to the caretaker wrote down on bricks on our Failure Wall what they had failed at.”

She added: “We were reclaiming that

See success in action To book a personal visit or for further details, please contact the Registrar: Tel: 01283 559222 Email: registrar@repton.org.uk

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MENTAL HEALTH

Left, yoga is known for promoting positive mental wellbeing

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, GETTY IMAGES

SCHOOL: ST MARY’S, CAMBRIDGE HEAD: CHARLOTTE AVERY

Tutor systems and tutor groups are frequently at the heart of schools’ pastoral care provision to pick up the warning signs.

Ricki Smith says: “Personal tutors provide a valuable early warning system.

Some girls put so much pressure on themselves that they might be trying to score 60 out of 40 on a test. We will pick that up quickly with the tutor system and will put an early intervention in place with the school and parents.”

Counsellors are now commonplace in schools: more than 80% of HMC boarding schools – and 65% of their day schools – have in-house counselling services, where they may have been a rarity just a few years’ ago; mental health and wellbeing is increasingly covered on the curriculum, not just in PHSE (Personal Health and Social Education), but also across the curriculum – even areas like drama, in role play – and sport, where fair play is seen as a valuable skill to learn.

Activities like mindfulness, meditation, yoga and pilates – all seen as ways to promote good mental health – are increasingly part of life at many schools.

Skinnard explains: “We have a PSCHE – Personal, Social, Citizenship, Health and Economic Education-programme that promotes good mental health through consideration of different topics.

“However, mental health is not treated in isolation – it is integrated into everything we do, so we feel very proud

ST MARY’S SCHOOL, CAMBRIDGE

Right, Theresa May has made mental health a main priority of her Government.

Below, educationalist Sir Anthony Seldon who brought concerns about young people’s mental health into the mainstream

Tutor systems and tutor groups are at the heart of schools’ pastoral care to pick up warning signs when pupils recognise the importance of fair play in their sports fixtures, or respect for younger pupils when they lead them in activities like Form Prefecting or the CCF.” Many schools use peer group programme support or support programmes with younger pupils, while others have called on professionals such as Place2Be and Young Minds to help with training and understanding.

At all-girls Benenden in Kent, Head Sam Price, who also sits on the HMC’s own Wellbeing

The Senior School has a structured horizontal care structure in place as well as a vertical School House system with Form Tutors, Heads of Year and the Pastoral Deputy Head all playing vital roles, says Head Charlotte Avery.

As well as three school nurses, a school doctor and a counsellor “all providing medical care and advice, as well as a listening ear and retreat when needed,” the school has a Chaplain and an Independent Listener who is external to the school. Peer Mentors and the Sixth Form Senior Prefects are all also tasked with supporting the welfare and happiness of the girls.

The school has an interesting system of House “families” with new members “adopted” into the ranks of each family.

Avery adds: “Within each House we have House ‘families’ which comprise a member of staff – including the Headmistress – and girls from across each year group. These family bonds continue year on year, with new members being ‘adopted’ into the families as the older members of each family leave school. The House families meet regularly for activities, as well as swapping advice about various aspects of school life.”

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MENTAL HEALTH

Heads are concerned about girls’ need for affirmation on social media.

ALLEYN’S SCHOOL, SOUTH LONDON Deputy Head Andy Skinnard favours a focus on talking – in assemblies and classrooms, visibility, strong links with parents and reinforcing positive habits as well as providing a dedicated team of staff, who have all had Mental Health First Aid Training.

Chaplaincy too is an important part of Alleyn’s pastoral care and the school’s Chaplain Reverend Anthony Buckley is popular and well-respected as a listener to children and as an adviser to their parents, (see page 21).

Working Group, has a pastoral system in place to spot early signs of anxiety and to help girls who need extra support, ranging from a “light touch” for exam stress to a “Big Sister” programme for the Sixth Form to support younger girls. Prefects lead on IT use and even help to educate the SMT (Senior Management Team) on social media.

There is a very real emphasis on finding out how best to help young people under pressure, as well as to look at why they are under pressure. And teachers are better trained to understand the early warning signs of mental health problems.

At Benenden, St Gabriel’s and Alleyn’s, staff knowledge is helped by going on courses such as the Mental Health First Aid course, a programme which teaches them to recognise early warning signs.

Smith says: “All of our staff go on the Mental Health First Aid course: it helps

SCHOOL: BENENDEN SCHOOL HEAD: SAMANTHA PRICE

them to understand more about providing emotional help. We are told that this generation is the ‘Snowflake generation’, who melt under pressure, so it is important that educators from all schools

Above, an art class at Alleyn’s School. Being involved in activities together helps pupils feel good

BENENDEN SCHOOL, CRANBROOK, KENT The school’s system includes dedicated tutor time and reporting on each girl weekly and increased staff training – “meaning staff are more empowered to recognise the early signs of distress,” says Headmistress Sam Price.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Two counsellors job share: “Different personalities and areas of focus,” says Price. “All girls have ups and downs and it is more constructive to talk to someone fairly skilled.”

The school is holding a Phone Fast from 12th-15th March to

encourage girls to put down their phones. “We hope to extend this and make it a regular thing,” says Price.

“Modern boarding is a partnership between school and home. We can’t do our job without parents,” she says.

create resilience and that we protect children and give them the tools to cope when they are feeling low or down.”

At Loughborough High School, Head Gwen Byrom finds working with an external counselling service works well.

Byrom, President Elect of the Girls’ Schools Association, says: “We work closely with a local specialist psychology service, which can provide a range of support services from bereavement counselling through to anxiety treatment, working from a family perspective.”

It was only just over a year and a half ago, (October 2015), that the first major data was published on the way national teenage mental health concerns are affecting schools. The HMC carried out

Preparing children for tests with confidence

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SCHOOL: ALLEYN’S HEADMASTER: DR GARY SAVAGE

the research of 65 Heads to take a better look at the subject and how to support children in need. It found a huge rise in pastoral care spending: with nearly half increasing their spend by over £50,000 a year and one in ten over £100,000 – and more help for children and staff.

It also found more than nine in 10 schools now run sessions for parents on issues of pastoral concern, a huge increase in provision for nearly three-quarters of them, and 95% (an increase of nearly half) now have nursing cover of some kind.

Former Head of Wellington College, Sir Anthony Seldon is widely acknowledged for bringing concerns about young people’s mental health into the mainstream and discussing innovative ways of tackling them.

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Below, working together in a team sport promotes positive wellbeing

Jane Lunnon, Seldon’s former Deputy at Wellington, says: “Anthony understood that we needed to use a different kind of language and he got people talking about emotion. He talked about what good schools had been offering for a while but packaged it differently. People sat up and took notice when the Head of one of what might seem the epitome of British stiff upper lip masculine schools – traditionally known for rugby and the army, talked about emotion, without looking like a strange hippy or emotionally vulnerable.”

And schools are working hard to tackle one of what is universally seen by Heads and educationalists as a major reason for the increase in anxiety among young people – the rise of social media.

In the HMC research, Heads raised concerns about depression, self-harm and eating disorders, but their over-riding concern was the misuse of social media.

Sam Price’s concern, in common with other Heads, is about “the need for affirmation on social media”.

She says: “For a girl to post what she’s been doing and see how many likes she gets – this is then reflected in how she feels about herself. Body image problems have

“Social media is just their life: they are in it just as much as in the real world and there is no point in battling it”

been around for a long time with anxiety about images in the printed media, but anxiety is caused now when there is a constant need to be checking their phone and this affects concentration.”

Lunnon said: “Social media is their life: they are in it just as much as in the real world and there is no point in battling that. Instead, here we have golden rules about phone use for parents, staff and girls for their time in school and out of it. We ask parents to ensure the girls do not have phones in rooms when they sleep.”

And the future solution for pastoral care may well be hi-tech: by the end of this year, around 100 independent schools are also expected to be running an innovative tracking programme designed by British scientists Dr Simon Walker, himself educated in the sector at Felsted, and Dr Jo Walker, of Mind.World, who have spent 18 years developing a pioneering tool measuring a function of the brain for early indicators of worrying thinking patterns.

The system, called AS Tracking, identifies and tracks pupils, ideally from the age of eight, through twice yearly online assessments.

Dr Walker says: “Investment in this system means that instead of waiting for a pupil to crash, schools can respond much earlier at a lower level. Pupils can be very

MENTAL HEALTH

Left, the constant need to check a phone affects concentration

health issues must be taken extremely seriously, there is a clear need to balance that with a happy childhood.

Sam Price says: “Despite all of the pressures on today’s teenagers, I often look at them and hear them pealing with laughter and think we can catastrophise a bit about the state of teenagers today.”

Lunnon agrees: “Every time I read about a new survey looking at teenage mental health, I do worry that it is time to change the narrative, or it becomes a self-fulfilling reality. We need to help children reclaim

“Instead of waiting for a pupil to crash, schools can respond much earlier at a lower level” good at hiding what’s going on – hidden vulnerabilities. There are thinking biases that may not be manifest in specific behaviour yet.”

Senior Houseparent James Sertin, from Monkton School in Bath, one of the system’s earliest adopters, says: “It has actually led to a decline in welfare plans in our boarding house as the boys have received the right care at the right time.”

AS Tracking is now on the Government radar and is being recognised and discussed by all the major independent school sector associations.

But while many Heads agree mental

Below, Scientist Dr Simon Walker of Mind.

World, who has spent 18 years devising the AS Tracking system which many independent schools now use to identify worrying thinking patterns

the joy of childhood. Creating a sense of belonging is one of the most valuable things we can do in a world where there has been a change of culture and we have lost some of the things we used to be anchored by.”

And the sector’s hard work seems to be paying off – ISC research just weeks’ ago found pupils at ISC independent schools have good attainment, wellbeing and behaviour and are more resilient, better at dealing with setbacks and more open to learning as a result.

Ricki Smith adds: “What is hugely important is to remember that not all pupils are right for every school. Finding the right school is a parental responsibility – school days should be the happiest of your lives. An environment doesn’t have to be intense to be successful.”

Rev To The Rescue HOW TO TALK TO TEENAGERS

(Thoughts from the Reverend Anthony Buckley) l Prepare the ground with your general approach at home. If you create the gentle spaces, the conversations will happen. It does not have to be you (the parent) who talks to the child and it is fine to show concern but realise your child might want to speak to someone else and not you. l Remember to give children the space and time to talk.

QUICK TIPS l Do not say: “I am disappointed” – this is a killer phrase from a parent. l Do not say: “It was worse in my day”.

It wasn’t. l Respect their worries. If it matters to them, then it matters. l Ask questions of them. Remember that life as a teenager today is very different from when you were their age – don’t assume. l Do treat others in your family with respect. Your children will be watching how you respond to others before they decide to trust you. l Avoid saying: “Tell me everything, that is how daughters treat their mothers/sons their fathers”, or any variation on this theme. They may see that as emotional blackmail. l Keep the conversation between you unless you have their permission (unless there is a risk of danger).

Chaplain Revd Anthony Buckley of Alleyn’s School

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

21

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

PROFESSOR MARK BAILEY High Master, St Paul’s School, London

A QUALITY EDUCATION

The rising cost of private education means that it’s become a preserve only for the rich. Not so, says Mark Bailey, a generous bursary scheme puts paid to that

T

he annual Independent Schools Council (ISC) census contains a wealth of information.

In 2015 it documented a welcome 31% rise in the number of bursaries awarded at ISC schools since 2011, and confirmed that 33% of pupils receive fee support of some sort.

The bad news is that escalating fee levels

mean that fee remission is needed more than ever. Over the last 25 years, school fees have increased at twice the rate of average earnings, so the pool of parents able to afford them is shrinking.

Only for the rich?

Various articles in the media have attributed rising fees to a “facilities arms race”, driven by a determination to attract wealthy families from across the world. To

Above, Mark Bailey with pupils at school

prove the point, the Economist (May 2016) showed that capital expenditure in independent schools has risen threefold between 1997 and 2010.

But all is not quite what it seems. The building price index has doubled in the same period, so the increase in building expenditure in real terms is modest. Many schools fund construction projects from donations, not debt, and most are day schools, so are not in the market for wealthy foreign boarders.

St Paul’s exemplifies these objections to the arms race argument. We have spent £65m rebuilding the school since 2011, because the original 1960s prefab buildings are already 20 years beyond their lifespan, and not because we are competing for wealthy overseas applicants (we are a day school!).

And we have no debt, because the funds have been secured from donations and partly from revenue. So capital expenditure is a factor, but not a major driver, in explaining our fee rises.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

23

Leading HMC Co-educational Boarding and Day School for 11 – 18 Year Olds The Headmaster invites you to the following event:

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

HEADS UP

circle? Cutting fees would cut the quality of education. The other option is to abandon any commitment to wide access to our schools, and fill them with the progeny of wealthy families from overseas… except most of our schools are day schools!

elping the s ueezed middle

ta ng costs absorb around of the independent school budgets they have a higher teacher pupil ratio and fewer non-teaching assistants than state schools

So why have fees risen?

Why does it cost £5.5k per annum to educate a pupil in the state sector and £13k per annum in the independent sector? Simple. Staffing. Staffing costs absorb around 70% of independent school budgets, so that is where the main inflationary pressures lie. Independent schools have a higher teacher:pupil ratio and fewer non-teaching assistants than state schools. And the ratio has fallen from 11 pupils per teacher in 2000, to nine in 2014 (compared with 17 in state schools).

Independent schools pay higher salaries to their teachers, because they wish to compete, not just with the state sector, but with the graduate job market. If you want to employ a top maths or physics graduate, then you’ve got to pay them a competitive salary and remuneration package. It all costs. Plus, employers’ contributions to teachers’ pensions have almost tripled since 1997. Compliance costs too have soared.

So a quality education is increasingly expensive. The independent sector has responded to changing supply factors in

the labour market, which largely explains the fee rises. But this commercial reality rubs against the equality agenda, because the costs make an independent education less affordable and accessible even to middle Britain. How can we square this

Above, St Paul’s rejects the charge that schools are engaged in a “facilities arms race”

The only answer is to increase the generosity of bursaries. At St Paul’s we have extended part-bursary offers to families with an annual household income of up to £120k, because the squeezed middle require support to afford the fees as well as poorer families who receive full fee bursaries. We are hoping to increase the proportion of pupils on bursaries from 5% to 20% by the early 2020s, based on regular giving from parents and alumni.

The commitment to the principle of access runs deep, and is accepted without question by most people across the independent sector. There is a profound commitment to excellence, and to educating talent wherever it is found within society. Accessible educational excellence will ensure that the societal elite of the future is open to new talent and enriched by upward social mobility.

Bursaries matter to the independent sector as a matter of principle, not as a nod to charitable status. As the cost of a quality education soars, their importance soars.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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PASTORAL CARE

GIULIA RHODES Education writer for national newspapers and magazines

MINDS OF THEIR OWN Pupils who learn to be independent at school will reap the rewards in life beyond education, says Giulia Rhodes

ILLUSTRATION: ANDY WARD

F 26

rom remembering equipment and managing homework, through to studying for exams and preparing for university, Senior School demands a growing level of independence. But for many children and parents, this transition towards selfsufficiency can be a major concern.

“A good school will be instrumental in helping pupils through this process, providing a nurturing and supportive environment in which to flex fledgling adult muscles,” says Claire Osborn, Headmistress of Braeside and Normanhurst Schools, Essex.

“We are very mindful that as well as educational outcomes, we are preparing young people for life outside school,” she says. “It is a gradual process and shouldn’t be frightening. We want them to develop a sense of who they are, and learn to make decisions and understand responsibilities.”

From Year Seven, children should be encouraged to develop their autonomy. At Braeside, a girls’ school that goes up to age

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

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16, and Normanhurst, a mixed school that ranges from Nursery to Senior, pupils are helped to manage their own extracurricular projects.

Osborn is particularly proud of the school’s charity committee, through which pupils choose causes, create teams, fundraise and produce promotional material. “There is staff guidance, but really it is about the children’s ideas and initiative.”

The results are increased confidence and self-esteem, which feed directly into growing levels of independence both personally and academically. “It is really important for children to realise they are able to achieve, to make an impact and see outcomes,” says Osborn.

Building independence within the familiar and nurturing environment of school, and at home with family, demonstrates to students that independence does not mean isolation.

Osborn notes that she wants pupils to understand the power of a supportive community. “It isn’t just about managing alone, but recognising the individual contribution you can make to something bigger than yourself.”

While one child may feel prepared for Senior School, others may need more support, so encouraging children to voice their concerns is crucial

As with all elements of children’s development, the rate of progress varies.

While one child may feel prepared for the challenges of Senior School, others may need more support, so encouraging them to voice their concerns is crucial.

Parents can help children assume responsibility by making sure that routines, reminders and structures are in place, and schools can also reinforce this with targeted support. Nonetheless, taking over is not the answer, and allowing pupils

Above, a good school will support pupils as they make the tricky transition to adulthood

to prove that they can overcome their mistakes is all part of the process.

Headteacher, Tim Lello of Babington House School, Kent agrees that giving children some autonomy is essential for development. From teaching basic cooking, to encouraging pupils to debate, having a sense of ownership is crucial.

“The best way for children to learn is if they essentially come to it through their own efforts. These study skills, soft skills and practical skills will last a lifetime,” he says.

At Babington House’s Sixth Form, pupils participate in sustained work experience once a week, and also peer mentor younger students. “They fulfil an important pastoral role, and throughout the school years they develop their aspirations and responsibilities,” Lello says. “Increasing independence is built into school life.”

And with competition for university places and jobs higher than ever, being able to demonstrate motivation, confidence and experience can make a vital difference. ISP

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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KATIE HUGHES Education writer for national newspapers and magazines

WATER-SPORT WONDERS 28

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

WATER SPORTS

From water polo in a specially-adapted pool, to sailing in an 80-ft yacht, Senior Schools offer plenty in the way of water sports, says Katie Hughes

R

owing is more than a fast boat on race day.

Former Rowing coach at the Naval Academy, Rick Clothier, says: “It’s a complementary experience to a young man’s intellectual development.” And perhaps no more so than at Shrewsbury School in Shropshire, where at least 160 rowers take to an idyllic stretch of the River Severn four times a week or more.

The sum of Shrewsbury’s success is not just thirteen wins at Henley Royal Regatta, where, says the school’s director of rowing, Athol Hundermark, “the top school crews in the world travel to compete.” Nor is it about representing Great Britain, which three of its pupils did last summer. It is about something less tangible, but just as significant.

“The ability to stay committed through all the training, to manage the ups and downs and still put oneself on the start line to push to utter exhaustion, is the difference between success and failure in tackling challenges in life,” says Hundermark. To him, the lessons in discipline, time management, team work and commitment are all incredibly valuable.

Ed Green, Head of Rowing at Millfield School in Somerset thinks that “rowers achieve higher exam grades than average and the experience sets them up to take on further challenges.” The most successful, he says, even open up extensive US college scholarship opportunities.

Like ducks to water

Several schools embrace the benefits of water-based sports, which can extend options for those who find it hard to shine in conventional field or ball activities. ▶

“Students have a sense of adventure in all their lessons and are willing to tac le di cult sub ects, because they are not afraid of failing.

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WATER SPORTS

At Windermere School in the Lake District, water sports are embedded into the curriculum via an Adventure Programme that offers pupils canoeing and sailing amongst other activities, thanks to the spectacular lake on the school’s grounds. Sailing also sees many pupils representing the school in competitions, and some even qualify for prestigious squads.

Headmaster, Ian Lavender explains: “Sailing gives students inner confidence that transcends when taking part in the sport. They have a sense of adventure in all their lessons and are willing to tackle difficult subjects because they are not afraid of failing. Skills learned in sailing help students to think logically.”

WINNERS IN THE WATER

“Sailing encourages team spirit – it’s hard to sail a boat on your own, you have to work together. But the students make their own decisions, without being told what to do”

Team spirit

Ian Lerner, Sail Training Coordinator at Gordonstoun in Moray, says the sport “is also about intellectual challenge. You have to plan your journey, understand the wind and know how the boat works.”

Gordonstoun ensures that all pupils learn the basics of sailing, and when they are ready, sends Year Eight, 10 and 12 students out on the school’s sail training vessel around the West Coast of Scotland.

“Sailing encourages team spirit – it’s hard to sail a boat on your own, you have to work together,” adds Lerner. “But the

Above and right, pupils learn basic skills in sailing and canoeing

Left, the swimming pool at Alleyn’s in Dulwich is speciallyadapted for water polo

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SAILING: Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark won Silver for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics SWIMMING: Adam Peaty became a Gold medalist at the 2016 Olympics in Rio ROWING: Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won Gold medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016 CANOEING: Joe Clarke is a British slalom canoeist, and was awarded Gold at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil DIVING: Jack Laugher and Chris Mears won Britain’s first Olympic Gold medals for diving in 2016 WINDSURFING: Nick Dempsey was awarded Silver in the Rio Olympics in 2016

students make their own decisions, without a teacher telling them what to do. These are key transferable skills that enhance their ability to perform in all areas.”

Langley School has an integrated Kayaking Academy that caters to those who are serious about kayaking as their main sport. “It offers parents the peace of mind that their child will achieve their potential in both canoe racing and academic studies,” says the school’s Head ▶ of Kayaking, Trevor Kirkham.

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ou’re sitting on a remote Scottish shore beside your son, looking out over the bay where the ship lies at anchor. After three days of sailing, you’re finally beginning to understand the many sails and ropes. Breakfast is sizzling on a rock over a small fire you’ve built, and later you’ll explore the island together.

The link between a father and son is powerful, but finding time to be with each other is difficult, and boys now have few

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SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

31

WATER SPORTS Right, pupils at Gordonstoun are taught the basics of sailing

“The rhythmic activity of rowing, combined with being outdoors on the water, has an unparalleled impact on reducing stress.”

“The athlete will attend a normal school day, just like every other student at the school, and wrapped around the day, will train and race.”

Opportunities for all

Exposure to water sports isn’t just restricted to rural schools. At Alleyn’s in Dulwich, Assistant Head, Neil Green is a former GB Youth Women’s water polo coach whose skills are well-utilised by the school.

“Boys and girls train four times a week in our recently refurbished swimming pool complex,” Green says. “It has specific water polo modifications, including a deeper water level and electronic scoring and timing equipment.”

Like many other water-based sports, water polo embraces both genders and all abilities. “We can offer every pupil the opportunity to

32

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

represent the school if they wish to,” Green adds. “As a school with co-education at its core, water polo is a brilliant fit as the pupils compete in mixed teams up until the age of 16. Just this term, 18 of our boys and girls have played water polo at either county, regional or national level.”

The impact of water sports on mental health is also significant.

Renowned personal trainer, Samir Becic says “the consistent and rhythmic activity of rowing, combined with being outdoors on the water, has an unparalleled impact on reducing stress.”

Nick Hayes of Sailing Magazine also adds that “we willingly max out our bodies and minds, and there simply isn’t room for worry or other unimportant things.”

And who wouldn’t want their child to have that experience?

YORKSHIRE GRIT

CHARLES ELLISON

Headmaster, Scarborough College, North Yorkshire

A new element has been added to Charles Ellison’s Scarborough College curriculum – lessons in resilience and toughness

A BIT OF YORKSHIRE GRIT

D

eparture from my native Yorkshire for university in a previous millennium led to a blessed career within educational roles across the UK and abroad, but never back home in God’s Own

Country. The chance of a first headship on the Yorkshire coast at Scarborough College was therefore an enticing one.

Northern context

Assimilating with the professional and cultural nuances of diverse locations, such as Madrid and Nairobi, or even Berkshire and Guildford, one begins to tune in a little

Above, girls attend bootcamp classes as part of the Yorkshire Grit course

more consciously to how the surroundings, local societal norms and customs, and attitudes, affect the ways children learn.

Thus, as a product myself, I was immediately struck by the obvious differences within my new northern context and situation: parents seemed very straight-talking (brutally so, on occasion!), children seemed hardy, and materialism

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

33

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

YORKSHIRE GRIT

They are even thrown into public speaking – an environment seemingly feared by all pupils. With the beautiful coastline on our doorstep, and the North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds at our backdoor, we are not short of inspiring external classrooms. It’s simply a case of exposing our pupils to the natural phenomena that created the values and virtues of their forefathers. These challenges are tempered by concurrent courses in mindfulness, stress management and wellbeing to ensure that the children better understand the changing world around them.

eady for the world

he course involves pupils being ta en off-timetable to engage in environments that will e tend them beyond their comfort zones, challenging them both mentally and physically

seemed a little less evident. I could sense levels of natural resilience, toughness, geographical connection, strength of character and determination that I hadn’t experienced to the same degree elsewhere.

Acknowledging this publicly seemed akin to stereotyping, but it couldn’t be ignored. Instead, it excited me. Aren’t these the very attributes for which we independent schools are famous, that every school desires from its experience, and every parent from their investment?

So why aren’t we making the most of this positive genetic predisposition? And how do we nurture it further – especially among our non-Yorkshire boarders who hail from 21 separate countries?

Character building

So, the Yorkshire Grit course was born.

The term derives from the sandstone of the area that has, throughout time, been used for grinding corn and for

building houses and factories. Its solidity, permanency and immovability have become synonymous with the character of Yorkshire folk. Harsh winters, economic depressions, tough social conditions and the oppression of workers in factories and mines have instilled this grit steadily over centuries.

The caricature of the tough, plain-speaking Yorkshireman is known by all.

The course involves pupils being taken off-timetable for an afternoon every week to engage in environments that extend them beyond their comfort zones, test their nerve, and challenge them both mentally and physically.

The research into the importance of grit to achievement in education is well documented, so making it a timetabled lesson seemed very natural. Pupils spend afternoons building rafts to sail across lakes, learning to surf in the North Sea, rock climbing, kick-boxing, being put through bootcamps and made to understand how to cope when the elements become extreme.

Above, pupils go rock climbing.

Below, surfing lessons

It is all too easy to apply a blueprint educational experience – be it Prep, Senior, boarding or day – based on what is going on in other schools. Ultimately, for pupils to grow and develop as fully as possible, they need to be in-tune with the society and culture in which they learn on a day-to-day basis. A globalised world demands the attributes of cultural understanding and empathy. Furthermore, as the world races on at an increasing pace, it seems especially important that children have strong roots, to help them to remain upstanding when life throws its worst in their direction.

Beyond the countless benefits these lessons have provided, it has also established what is most important to us as a school: that pupils leave us judged on the people they have become during their time under our care, and not simply on the certificates that they hold in their hands.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

35

Outdoor sports, including football, are played in Regent’s Park, which is less than a ten-minute walk from the school

Most pupils sit GCSE exams for science as a Double Award, but some are given the choice to take either Single or Triple Award science

Students at the Up per School perform ed th rehearsed five hour s per week from Se eir first play,“Our Country’s Good”. ptember to January P to perfect their roles upils

A HISTORY OF PORTLAND PLACE, LONDON in10 pictures Students start the Design and Technology curriculum in Year Eight, where they undertake a variety of projects made from wood, metal and plastic

Pupils in the Junior Choir worked hard to prepare recitals for the school’s Winter Concert, and came together on the night to blow the audience away

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Staff and parents enjoyed an evening of The Grimm’s Fairy Tales, performed by Year Seven pupils. This was part of a cross-curricular project that combined DT, art, music and drama

In art and photography, students produce practical work in a variety of areas, including portraiture, still-life photography, and experimental imagery

Four students in Wigmore House were delighted to be crowned winners of the Tug of War at the school’s sports day

In English language, pupils are encouraged to express their creativity when writing prose, poetry and drama

Students from across several different year groups took part in a creative musical performance of “Anything Goes”

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MARK MORTIMER

Headmaster, Warminster School, Wiltshire

READY FOR THE REAL WORLD Education is not just about passing exams, it’s about creating whole individuals who are mentally prepared for the real world, says Mark Mortimer

M

ental toughness is not about physical strength, size or gender. It’s about a person’s attitude, self-control, tenacity and confidence, and the way in which they seize opportunities and thrive under pressure or in adversity.

Independent schools have attached great importance to the development of character and so-called “soft skills”. It’s a belief in educating “the whole person”, and equipping them with the tools they need – emotionally and socially, as much as academically and professionally.

Of course, exam results matter, but not as much as the qualities that allow pupils to leave school able to thrive in

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Above, pupils at Warminster School, Wiltshire

our fluid and ever-changing world.

Emotional intelligence, reaction to failure, optimism, perseverance, resilience and the ability to improvise and adapt on one’s feet are increasingly important.

The results of the Independent Schools Council’s research into soft skills development encourage me to believe that schools are on the right track. Indeed, we should continue to focus on the wider curriculum, but there is also a concern about the pressures young people have put upon them, as well as a rise in mental health issues. And this is something that schools should, and do, take very seriously.

Developing mental toughness allows us to alleviate some of these pressures – not eliminate them entirely, but equip children with ways to handle them. However, these attributes are hard to measure, take time to acquire and are often intangible, and in the state-sector, they don’t often get the resources or recognition they need.

Although it might seem odd for me to say as the Head of an independent school, I look forward to the day when there is no need for private schools, because all schools would offer similar opportunities.

It may be a long way off, but if we don’t start, we’ll never get there. ISP

Of course, exam results matter, but not as much as the qualities that allow pupils to leave school able to thrive in our uid and ever-changing world

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ANNIVERSARIES

A step

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

SCHOOL: Sibford School, Oxf ordshi re FOUNDED: 1842

B

irthday celebrations at Sibford School in Oxfordshire kicked off in style earlier this year, as pupils and staff came together to commemorate the school’s 175th anniversary. Nine-yearold student, Sofia Mattinson even stepped into the role of Sibford’s first ever pupil, Lucy Endall, to mark the big occasion.

Sofia dressed up in traditional clothes, much like the ones Lucy would have worn at school, and also joined her classmates in tucking into a special anniversary cake. Families and staff were also invited to a Burns Ceilidh in February, and celebrations will continue throughout 2017.

Left, a lesson in 1904.

Middle, the whole school in 1898. Right, cookery lessons in the present day

On Sibford’s first day on 16th January 1842, the pupils were all girls, and boys didn’t actually start attending the school until a month later. It is believed that first pupil, Lucy Endall arrived by carrier cart, bringing with her a bonnet, gowns, stockings and pinafores.

To begin with, fees ranged from £6 to £16 per year, depending on the means of the family involved, and the school day ran from 6am (6.30am in the winter) until 8pm. Pupils bathed in the mill pond nearby, but in 1853 the school built its first swimming pool.

This survived until 2002, when the current pool was built.

175 YEARS

To begin with, fees ranged from £6 to £16 per year, depending on the means of the family involved The first Headmaster, Richard Routh, was paid £50 per annum and was expected to manage: “the direction and superintendence of the children...and teach all the ordinary subjects of a good English education.”

In its first year, the school had 22 girls and 26 boys – a significant contrast to today, with 169 girls and 244 boys now in attendance. A total of 9,342 pupils have since registered at Sibford School.

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41

ANNIVERSARIES

475 YEARS

School, SCHOOL: The Ki ng’s FOUNDED: 1541

Gloucester

T

he King’s School in Gloucester celebrated its 475th anniversary at the end of 2016 with a gala event, where pupils showcased their talents in drama, music and dance. Head, Alistair Macnoughton said: “The performances by pupils were superb, and it was fantastic to hear so much about our history.”

The history of The King’s School is indeed remarkable, and while it wasn’t officially founded until 1541, the school

JK Rowling visited the school as its cathedral was chosen as one of the film locations for Harry Potter 42

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

site itself dates as far back as 681AD, when it began life as an Abbey. By 1022, Benedictine monks were residing there, where they are believed to have formed the beginnings of an education system.

In 1541, Henry VIII had closed the Abbey as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and instead established the building as a cathedral and prestigious new “College School”. By 1657, Oliver Cromwell had made plans to demolish the building, but City Council fought against it, and an Act sealed by Cromwell gave the city ownership of the cathedral and college.

Clockwise from top left, the rowing team, the current cricket team, the choristers in 1900, choristers in 1892, the choristers of today, Paddock House

When Maurice Wheeler became Headmaster in 1684, he opened a new library, and started a writing competition for students, The Combat of the Pen, which is still in place today. It was also at this time that the school officially became known as The King’s School.

Girls were finally admitted to the Junior School in 1969, but the school didn’t become fully co-educational until 1985.

J.K. Rowling also visited in 2000, as the cathedral was chosen as one of the filming locations for Harry Potter.

Many of the original school buildings remain, and it is believed that the classroom in the Little Cloister Hall is the oldest classroom in the world that’s still in use.

N E P S O AY D DAY HOUSES

For 2020 entry into year 9, but all ages welcome

Thursday 4 May (evening) Thursday 22 June (evening) Saturday 30 September Thursday, 23 November

16+

This event is aimed at prospective pupils applying for entry into our Sixth Form in 2018 Saturday 10 June Saturday 16 September

We would be delighted to see you at our Open Days.

To book a place, please call the Admissions Office team: 01788 556274 for 13+ boarding 01788 556276 for 16+ and day entry

#wholepersonwholepoint www.rugbyschool.co.uk

13+ Boarding For those interested in 2019 entry Saturday 4 March Saturday 22 April Saturday 29 April Saturday 13 May

T

he Abbey School in Reading is commemorating 130 years of girls’ education this year with a whole host of events, including a community art project, a celebration concert, alumnae drinks, a junior fun run, and a Victorianstyle Christmas market later in the year.

When the school first opened in 1887, the pupils studied subjects much like those taught today – including literature, history and maths, but then also needlework, Swedish drill and class singing. Children would travel to and from school in a horsedrawn wagonette – similar to a bus – which toured the town each morning and afternoon.

Clubs and societies were key to the school community even in its early history. As early as the 1890s, pupils would regularly take part in theatrical productions and performed many plays, including Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As the school continued to grow, the hall doubled as a space for a gym and dance hall, and by 1975, the school had also opened a specialist hall with a stage, dressing rooms and lighting.

Sport played a prominent role from the beginning, and tennis and hockey were popular with students. Swimming lessons were available at the local public baths, and in 1923, the school built its first swimming pool.

Early uniforms at the school included tunics, capes and boaters, and in snippets of old magazines, it’s reported that the boaters would often be blown away by the wind and would need to be held in place with elastic. The 1905 prospectus records the school fees as between four and six guineas per term, and for admission, children simply needed a certificate of “good character” from their last school.

Today, the Abbey School is continuing to offer a rich and vibrant community for pupils.

SCHOOL: THE ABBE Y SCHOOL, READING FOUNDED: 1887

130 YEARS

R

HOOL, WA RW ICK SCHOOL: RUGBY SC FOUNDED: 1567

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Clockwise from top right, pupils in the 1950s, students in 2016, The Abbey School in 1905, pupils in the 1960s

SHIR E

450 YEARS

ugby School is celebrating its 450th anniversary this year with an exciting calendar of events, including fundraisers, sports competitions and festivals, and a global event day. A special exhibition has also been opened to the public, and invites visitors to learn about the school’s fascinating history.

The origins of Rugby School date back to 1567, when Lawrence Sheriff, grocer to Queen Elizabeth I, funded the building of a “free grammar school for local boys” in his hometown of Rugby.

ANNIVERSARIES

HIGH SCHOOL, SCHOOL: MAYV ILLE FOUNDED: 1897

A

s part of its 120th anniversary celebrations, Mayville High School in Southsea, Portsmouth, is hosting a garden party on their playing fields in June. The party, which is still in its planning stages, will be attended by pupils, parents, alumni and former teachers.

Since it opened in 1897, Mayville has built a strong reputation for its charitable work within the local community, a notion set in place by its founder and first Headmistress, Charlotte West. In fact, it was reported in a newspaper on 12th January 1911 that “the pupils and staff of Mayville School, with their usual generosity again

There were fewer than 20 boys at the school in its early days, but by 1828, Rugby School’s most renowned Headmaster, Dr Thomas Arnold executed many reforms to the school’s curriculum.

As a supporter of the Broad Church Anglican movement, the school gained much publicity and pupil numbers increased enormously. The school also became the first to have a purposebuilt science block, established in 1885.

In the 1920s and 30s, a memorial chapel, music schools, a sanatorium and boarding house were built, and by 1976, the school had become fully co-educational. Since then, the school has opened a media studio, sports centre and art gallery.

PORTSMOU TH

Left, lessons in 1948.

Right, pupils of the 1960s model their uniforms

120 YEARS

entertained 100 poor children in the Diamond Street Mission Hall.”

Mayville became a boarding school in 1910 when it had moved to a bigger premises, and consisted of seven members of female staff, 13 older girls, 27 smaller girls and eight boys. As pupils had to pay for their education, it is expected that most of them came from reasonably wealthy families, though unfortunately no records of this survive.

Remarkably, the school was one of the few to stay open throughout two World Wars, despite the intensity of the blitz over Portsmouth between

The school was one of the few to stay open through two World Wars, despite the intensity of the blitz 1940 and 1941. They also took in many foreign pupils in the 1910s and 20s. By the 1950s, Mayville High School had expanded its premises, and since then, much more has changed – from the uniforms to the subjects taught to pupils. Now after months of planning, a senior block will open at the school in April, which will include six new classrooms and an ICT suite. ISP

Left, pupils at Rugby School, a sketch of the Old Quad, artwork from Tom Brown’s Schooldays, which is set at the school.

Opposite, the “Tin Tabernacle”, used to teach science until 1915

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

45

SENIOR

MARK BEVERLEY Director of Curriculum, Sevenoaks School, Kent

THE BIGGER PICTURE

I

How relevant is the International Baccalaureate in light of Brexit?

Mark Beverley explains its significance

t is less than a year since the UK voted to leave the European Union, and while uncertainties still exist, qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate – with its mission to develop intercultural understanding – are continuing to provide essential education for young people.

Sevenoaks School in Kent has been an IB school since 1978, and our ethos is to deliver an education with a strong global dimension in an open-minded environment. Our students come from over 40 countries, and our cultural diversity encourages awareness, understanding and healthy debate.

We believe that this country needs ideas that will bring people, nations and cultures together. The IB Diploma is a programme that offers just that, to young people with the passion, skills and intuition to devise

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Above, Sevenoaks School has offered the IB to pupils since 1978

solutions. Indeed, our pupils leave school knowing that they have a responsibility to work towards building a better world.

Failures to communicate appear to lie at the heart of the world’s problems, and yet these are skills that the IB teaches young people. Dr. Siva Kumari, the Director General of the IB, recently said that “The enemies of international-mindedness are a global phenomenon. Such developments demonstrate how necessary international-mindedness is, in a world which is becoming ever more global without growing ever closer together.”

At Sevenoaks, our pupils have a desire to become compassionate, responsible citizens, and we believe the IB Diploma Programme meets this. Unaffiliated to any government agenda, it remains stable and aspirational, offering academic freedom and providing new learning opportunities.

In light of Brexit, our view is that education in this country needs to become even more European in its outlook, in order for our teenagers to prosper in an increasingly global community. At Sevenoaks, we are confident that the IB will enable and support this. ISP

he I iploma is a programme that offers opportunities to young people with the passion, skills and intuition to devise solutions

Registered charity 1101358

Where are the skills our children will need to optimise the internet?

Well, complex problem-solving skills are embedded in the curriculum at Sevenoaks School, so in theory we need look no further.

Our alumni certainly go on to achieve extraordinary things; equipped as they are with the skills they need to change the waiting world.

Robyn Exton for example, mastered complex problem solving at Sevenoaks. She left in 2004, and

now runs a mighty tech-based business in Silicon Valley; a business she built from scratch serving a market worth billions.

It’s worth considering then, that many of the skills your child may need to make a significant impact, can be acquired here at Sevenoaks.

www.sevenoaksschool.org

Every day at Sevenoaks, students practise complex problem solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, negotiation, team working and service provision – essential skills our alumni will use to excel at jobs which have yet to be invented and to reshape their world.

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PASTORAL CARE

G

uiding teenagers through the difficult transition of childhood to adulthood is a challenging task – but is there a way schools and parents can unite and work together, to help make this transition a little bit easier?

A few years ago, co-educational boarding school, Ampleforth Abbey and College in North Yorkshire established a programme of day retreats for parents and teachers, helping them to develop cooperation skills in order to best support their children. The retreats take place on the day before parents meet their children’s teachers, and begin with talks from a monk, who outlines how the Benedictine school is continuing to take inspiration from the Rule of St Benedict, a 1,500-year-old book of precepts.

The art of balance

A different theme is developed each year – the school has previously looked at three Benedictine “balances”: between the individual and the community, between love and discipline, and between a written Rule and a personal Abbot. The retreat also teaches the importance of listening, belonging and perseverance.

These talks can provoke fascinating group discussions, complemented with time for individual reading and the chance to pray with the monastic community in the Abbey. Parents are joined by some of the monks and teachers for a lunch in the monastery guest room, where they are asked to recount a “golden moment” with their children, by way of balancing some of the difficulties and challenges already discussed that morning.

There is then the opportunity for more personal conversations, as parents are paired off for an afternoon walk. The pairs report on their deliberations to

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OLD TRICKS

FOR NEW DOGS How can teachings from over 1,000 years ago support parents of the modern age? Father Chad Boulton, Senior Chaplain at Ampleforth College, explains Above, the retreat days at Ampleforth have proven incredibly popular with parents

the rest of the group when they return, and afterwards are invited to contemplate further, either in silence in the Abbey crypt or as part of small groups.

Escaping comfort zones

These days have proven remarkably popular, and this coming week we are hosting nearly 30 parents of Year 11 students, which accounts for one sixth of the families. Many of the participants tend to already be invested in these teachings, but others might come with a slight

nervousness. Either way, we aim to create a relaxed environment, but also try to challenge parents and bring them out of their comfort zones.

The retreat is also a less pressured way to meet other parents, and allows them to understand the school and the context of their child’s education. It provides a structured, supportive space to discuss the challenges of parenting, and most seem happy to share their experiences with those who are going through it, or will do so in a few years as their children grow. ISP

The retreat is a less pressured way to meet other parents, and allows them to understand the school and the context of their child’s education

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SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

51

EXPERT ADVICE

TALKING HEADS Five headteachers explain how students can master the art of revision over the Easter holidays, while finding time to have fun, too Stephen Jones

Rebecca Williams

St Edward’s School, Oxford

Dukes Education Consultancy

The Easter holidays are a crucial time for revision, particularly if you are taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma, as IB exams begin in early May. If you build yourself a clear, achievable plan, you will feel a sense of comfort as you work your way through it. You should also be honest with yourself about the topics you need to tackle, as it is the problem areas that will require the most attention.

Eat and sleep well, take breaks, see friends, and continue taking part in the activities that make you feel good. A calm, well-prepared and well-nourished mind will always produce the best results on the day.

Pupils at St Edward’s School in Oxford

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& Tuition, London

Balance is the key: it is very important for students to relax, unwind and have some down-time during the Easter break – it is a holiday after all!

However, the holidays are also the ideal time to prepare and revise for exams, as well as complete any ongoing coursework.

Many students benefit from creating a timetable which can yield excellent results.

Always ensure that the timetable is realistic and includes regular breaks.

Group study sessions are also a good way to discuss and share ideas. Be careful though – it’s easy to get distracted when working with others, especially friends.

The offices at Dukes Education Consultancy and Tuition, London

If you find it harder to work alone, meet friends to go over the work together

Pupils at Sherborne Girls are taught to prepare for success

Students at Norwich High School for Girls

Elizabeth Cairncross

Kirsty von Malaisé

Jenny Dwyer

Wells Cathedral School,

Norwich High School

Sherborne Girls, Dorset

Somerset

for Girls

Ask classmates what works well for them, and share what works for you. Build a framework, and identify where is best to work, when and for how long.

Fill your framework with fun activities amongst revision periods, including sport, music, friends, and sleep. When you’re revising, leave your phone in another room, but when you’re meeting friends, leave your books behind – unless it’s a buddy session.

For parents – help children by firing questions and testing their knowledge.

And remember: “fridge full, mouth shut”.

Be the background when revision hits a brief pause and the fridge is raided!

Wells Cathedral School, Somerset

I would recommend having a couple of days’ rest to recover once the holidays begin. That way, when you return to your studies, you will feel that much fresher. The secret then is to pace yourself for the long haul!

Draw up a revision schedule, aiming to do no more than an-hour-and-a-half at a time. Give yourself rewards if you hit targets, avoid working late at night, and eat regular meals. If you find it harder to work alone, meet friends to go over the work together. And if you’re running out of steam, it’s best to take a little break and return to your work with a lighter heart.

Share your senior school memories with us @ISParent

Work backwards to make sure that at the end of the holiday, you are rested and have done enough work to face the exams with confidence. Prepare to succeed!

I always advise students to work for two thirds of the time, two thirds of the time.

This means if there are three weeks’ holiday, take a week off work and have some fun, but try to get into a reasonable routine. For the other two weeks, work two sessions either in the morning, afternoon or evening.

Tell yourself that this Easter you may need to work, but it will be worthwhile.

Hopefully you will find that all your hard work and revision pays off!

Students at Sherborne Girls, Dorset

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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BEHIND THE SCENES

AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME Sherfield School, Hook, Hampshire With an impressive academic record and success in extra-curricular pursuits, the school’s Sixth Formers are going from strength-to-strength

T

he beautiful Victorian manor house that forms the main body of Sherfield School, Hampshire has undergone multiple interior modernisations over the years.

The most recent of these is the multimillion-pound addition of a state-of-the-art Sixth-Form block and boarding house.

At Sherfield, pupils can choose up to four A-Level subjects, and alongside traditional options, like English and

mathematics, they can also opt for more original subjects, such as computer science or fine art.

And given the array of options available to Sixth Formers, the school’s academic record is exceptional. Sherfield achieved a 100% pass rate among A-Level pupils in 2016, with 82% of grades falling in the A* to B bracket. In mathematics, which has proven to be one of the school’s biggest strengths, over half of A-Level pupils achieved an A*, with all pupils who studied further mathematics achieving either an A or an A* grade.

Students can question what they’re being taught, whether this involves pushing the teacher for more information, or asking for support with work 54

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Tweet us @ISParent

One of the key factors behind the Sixth Form’s academic success is the size of classes. With a cap of 15 pupils per class, and a willingness to make subjects available even when take-up is minimal, small classes give Sixth Formers more contact time with teachers. What’s more, students can also question what they’re being taught, whether this involves pushing the teacher for further information, or asking for support on an especially challenging piece of work.

Making the decision on what pupils’ next step into higher education will look like is also becoming more challenging – as the variety of choices continue to grow, the quantity and quality of degree level

BEHIND THE SCENES

apprenticeships also seems to be increasing, and this can be bewildering for young people.

So, ensuring pupils receive the right advice should be, and is, a priority. Our Sixth-Form tutors support students throughout the whole year, and the school also welcomes guest speakers to talk about what lies ahead for pupils post-education.

Our speakers range from high-profile leaders at businesses, such as Shell and KPMG, to professionals who offer advice around matters such as managing workload. The school’s Headmaster, Dick Jaine also stages mock university interviews with students applying for particularly competitive courses, and pupils are allotted six days a year to visit different universities.

One of our more unique offerings is a scheme devised by current Head Boy, Thomas Jenkins, whereby Sixth Formers act as teaching assistants for classes in the lower years. Not only does this provide pupils with an insight into life as a teacher, it also improves communication skills.

Sherfield extends to those who are particularly gifted outside of the classroom, too. The school operates a partnership programme with local organisations, and this enables pupils who are excelling outside school to balance

Below left, The main body of Sherfield School is based in a beautiful Victorian manor house

their training with day-to-day studies.

Partnerships currently include tennis, performing arts, iceskating and flying.

An equally impressive variety of extra-curricular activities are also available to pupils, including jewellerymaking, pottery, chess, or debating.

Outside of school hours, Sixth Formers enjoy a vibrant social scene. For our boarders, activities and trips are laid on every weekend, including onsite zorbing, and visits to Thorpe Park, London and Oxford. All the school’s facilities are open to pupils, so if they do find themselves with some free time, there’s always the 75-acre grounds, tennis courts, or media suite to keep them occupied.

The school operates a partnership programme with local organisations, and this enables pupils who are excelling outside to balance their training with day-to-day studies

Right, Sixth Formers can choose from a wide range of subjects at A-level

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ADVERTORIAL

A

s suppliers of tutors for over 100 years – to famous names including the Royal Family and even the young actors in the Harry Potter films – Gabbitas Education has seen a number of changes in the way tutoring is used, the subjects on offer, and the impact of technology.

A more recent development growing in popularity is residential tuition, whereby tutors spend lengthier periods of time with families, either living at their home or accompanying them on holidays.

Residential tuition is a fantastic way to work through basic concepts, without the time restrictions of normal hourly tuition.

Not only does it provide students with the space to ask questions without the pressure of the classroom environment, but students can also learn and re-learn a topic as many times as needed if they feel unsure.

Having a tutor come into your family’s life for a week or more can be helpful in many other ways, too. They’re often well educated, ambitious young people who act as mentors for the students – and for children who aren’t keen on school, it can be a real boost to see someone who is genuinely passionate and enthusiastic about learning.

There are currently brilliant teaching resources available online, and these really enrich learning environments that might otherwise be a hotel room, a café that’s half way up a mountain, or a patio by the sea.

So, if you are going somewhere without internet access, you need to warn the tutor!

Many tuition resources are now saved online, and it saves tutors carting round huge libraries of books and past papers.

Gabbitas Education residental tutor, Tadhgh Barwell O’Connor is a Cambridge graduate with plenty of experience.

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A PERSONAL SERVICE Gabbitas Education explains why residential tuition is a popular new choice for families

Share your school memories @ISParent

Recalling his previous residential assignments, he says: “Don’t underestimate how much learning takes place during ‘down-time’ with the tutor. While the academic tuition is clear from the outset, tutors enjoy taking part in family activities if it’s appropriate for the time and place.”

“Whether that means trips to the Colosseum, looking at glaciers from cable cars, or getting lost in The Met in NYC,

interesting conversations throw up any number of educational topics. I’m always happy to have a chat with past students about their module choices or what to pack for university.”

If you’re considering residential tuition this Easter, make sure your tutoring agency is a member of the Tutors’ Association, and that appropriate checks are made, including references, qualifications and DBS checks.

For children who aren’t keen on school, it can be a real boost to see someone who is genuinely passionate and enthusiastic about learning

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SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MATTHEW BATSTONE

Dean of Careers, New College of the Humanities, Bloomsbury

UNIVERSITY RULES Students should embrace the opportunities that university offers – not just professionally, but emotionally, too, says Matthew Batstone

A

ll students experience university differently. Some students rarely leave the library, while others find themselves in such a blind panic about the world beyond education, that they dedicate all their time to preparing for it.

Few people will gain nothing from their time there, but those who make the most of it clearly appreciate how precious the experience is. At New College of the Humanities in Bloomsbury, we encourage our students to think and plan ahead, as well as live in the moment.

First-year students should try to: keep on top of their studies; join societies, and make themselves electable for a leadership position in Year Two; consider joining a club outside of university; and think about getting paid work – it can help your finances, but should never interfere

Above, students should be ambitious, but make time to relax and see friends, too

with your studies. It’s also worth applying for work experience during the summer break, and finding time to travel. Most importantly, first-years should have fun!

The next step

For second-years, our message is slightly different – first and foremost, we encourage students to aim for a 2:1 or better. They should also try running a society, and summer internships in the sector in which they’re interested is also wise. Students should be ambitious and follow their dreams, but it’s also important that they take time off to relax, see friends and do the things they enjoy most.

he final hurdle

Third years understand that their degree comes first, particularly if they are borderline 2:1-2:2. They should take a step back from societies and socialising, and keep their minds focused on their work.

It’s also a good idea to start browsing and applying for jobs, to prepare for life after university. Third year can also make a lot of physical and mental demands, so it’s important to try to keep healthy and stay fit. University is a unique opportunity to be stimulated, to pursue an interest, to reflect on important things that quickly get lost when you have bills to pay.

Don’t waste it – seize every opportunity. ISP

Students should be ambitious and follow their dreams, but it’s also important that they ta e time off to relax, see friends and do the things they enjoy most

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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1 Harry Rich, 29, and David Rich, 26

Horticulturists Christ College, Brecon

Having studied as landscape architects at the University of Leeds, brothers Harry and David Rich have since become two of the most refreshing and debonair talents in horticulture. The pair spent a couple of years building their business, Rich Landscapes, at home in Wales, which then lead to them winning a gold medal at the 2015 Chelsea Flower Show as a main show garden. Always looking to push boundaries and introduce more innovative designs, the brothers currently work in Shoreditch, east London with an array of interesting projects, ranging from international, public and private work.

More recently, they were seen in the BBC TV series, Garden Rescue with the presenter Charlie Dimmock, in which they transformed gardens across the country. In 20 years’ time they would love to have a patchwork of gardens around the world. They are also in the early stages of a commission, which involves designing the landscape around a spa retreat.

2 Aidan Urquhart, 12 Skier Falcons School for Boys, London

Aidan Urquhart has taken first place in the boys under-14s category at the British Independent School Ski Championships.

Aidan, who won the title for the second year running, completed the Special Slalom in an impressive 11.86 seconds.

Aidan now hopes to be selected for the England Alpine Quad in May. He will also be competing in the IAPS Skiing Championships in Italy in March, and the British Championships in France in April.

Headmaster at Falcons School for Boys, Deon Etzinger comments, “Aidan is a fantastic sportsman and we had no doubt that he would excel again at this year’s championships. We are proud to have him as a pupil at our school.”

Aidan adds, “I have a real passion for skiing and it is so exciting to be winning these championships. The staff at Falcons School for Boys have been so supportive.”

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1 ONES TO WATCH

We catch up with the stars of the independent school sector

2

STAR PUPILS

3 Dimitri Coutya, 19 Wheelchair fencer St Benedict’s, Ealing, London

3

Dimitri competed in the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016. The fencer, who finished his A-Levels last summer, represented GB in Wheelchair Fencing at both Epée and Foil. Dimitri finished fourth in Rio, and earned silver and bronze medals in the European Championships earlier last year.

When Dimitri joined St Benedict’s, he had no fencing experience at all, but soon made his mark. In July 2013, he became the World U23 Wheelchair Champion in Epée category B and then progressed to adult competition. Since Rio, Dmitri has won a gold medal in Epée in the World Cup and is now training for Tokyo 2020.

4 Phoebe Piercy, 18

4

5

Unconditional offer to MIT Truro School, Cornwall

Phoebe received an unconditional offer to study physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the world’s number one ranked university. With nearly 20,000 applications each year, there is an acceptance rate of just 3% for international students. Phoebe now prepares to join a list of notable alumni including Buzz Aldrin and Kofi Annan. Phoebe says, “On the day, I was nervously hovering over the enter button, online, preparing myself for the moment of truth. It felt amazing to discover that I had been accepted.”

5 Abby Gooderham, 16 Hockey player, Under 18s England Framlingham College, Suffolk

Abby was in action for the England U18s recently, scoring her first goal in a series of three victories, including a win over the Scotland U21 development team. Director of Sport, Nick Gandy, says, “Abby has had an exceptional year playing for Harleston Magpies in the National League, and the school in the National Schools Indoor U18s competition and 1st team.

She also played at the National Schools Tennis Finals in Bolton. Abby is a talented all-rounder, who manages to balance her academic studies as well.”

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A

fter a very early alarm call in Dubai roused me from my bed, we boarded a four-and-a-halfhour flight to the Maldivian capital of Malé, where a seaplane transfer, which was both breathtaking and thrilling, brought us to the tiny island resort of JA Manafaru.

It’s hard to believe that this paradise idyll really exists until you have seen it for yourself. Yes, you’ve browsed the brochure and scanned the website back home, and you yearn for what they both promise: the warmth of the sun’s rays on your skin, the softness of the bleached white sand on your feet, and the dazzling waters of the Indian Ocean, brimming with exotic sea life. But it’s not until you’re being helped off the plane and on to the jetty by the resort’s kindly staff, that you realise your dreams have become reality.

That the Maldives is a holiday destination only for honeymooners is a misconception. In fact, the island nation’s beauty, location and climate has meant that it has long caught the attention of

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The beautiful island nation of the Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean

India es Maldiv

FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Far left, the night-lit jetty.

Below, JA Manafaru’s 35-acre island idyll

A Piece OF PARADISE Claudia Dudman escapes the ordinary with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the resort of JA Manafaru in the Maldives

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

Guests can enjoy yoga classes with the resort’s expert teachers on hand

Paddleboarding is one of the many sports you can try

The villas are luxurious in finish and yet avoid falling into the “you could be anywhere in the world” trap the world’s thrill-seekers, those looking for a relaxed getaway, and families wanting to build a holiday to remember.

Secluded sanctuary

The lush 35-acre island paradise of Manafaru is in Haa Alif, the northernmost atoll of the Maldives. Here, you are nearer India than Malé, but then the closer you are to the island’s capital, the busier and noisier it is. Being just over an hour north of Malé, Manafaru enjoys a seclusion that is hard to find on islands further south. Your peace and tranquillity is only momentarily interrupted by the arrival of the daily seaplane, as it drops gently from the skies to deliver its cargo of guests and newspapers.

A cultural narrative

There’s something very soothing about sleeping in an over-water villa. The island has 23 Sunset Water Villas and 24 Sunrise Water Villas built out of locally-sourced wood with large living and sleeping areas, each with a plunge pool and a private deck.

Although placed next to each

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other along a sweeping jetty, the villas enjoy a real sense of privacy. They are luxurious in feel, yet avoid falling into the “you could be anywhere in the world” trap, in that they are true to their surroundings, with Maldivian textiles and fixtures and fittings that run throughout. The open-air granite-clad bathrooms are a good size with “his and hers” sinks, a monsoon shower and whirlpool tub.

I liked to take in all the sights of my stunning temporary home as I walked to breakfast each morning, but the resort also has a fleet of golf buggies to transport guests across the island. One morning, having overslept, I succumbed and called my villa host, who sped me to my 7am yoga class. That’s luxury for you!

The sea, the sea

The Indian Ocean is yours to explore and starting the day with a snorkel is easily done from your villa. Simply descend the ladder that sits to the side of the deck and launch yourself into the sparkling waters, where you can catch sight of stunning marine life, such as sting ray, parrot fish, striped large-eyed bream and turtles.

Fine food and wine There are seven restaurants and bars on the island, all with something different to offer. From the White Orchid restaurant,

The Maldives are perfect for families wanting a new adventure

The local cuisine is less spicy than Sri Lankan food, less heavy than Indian

KIRKER HOLIDAYS F O R D I S C E R N I N G T R AV E L L E R S Kirker Holidays specialises in short breaks and tailor-made holidays throughout Europe – perfect for enquiring minds of all ages. Whether you seek a sophisticated escape from the children, or a chance to broaden their education with a half term or bank holiday weekend in one of Europe’s classic cities. Our experts will take responsibility of the smooth-running of your holiday, and the Kirker Concierge will arrange activities to keep every member of the party entertained.

Rome

Sorrento

Spend a morning exploring the Forum with a Kirker expert guide, or discover the recently unveiled upper levels of the Colosseum and the dungeons where gladiators awaited their fate. Perfect for families, the hotel Capo d’Africa (4* Superior) is just five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum and the roof terrace is the perfect place to start the day with breakfast overlooking the rooftops with views as far as the dome of St Peter’s.

The perfect base for a spring or autumn holiday, when the crowds are smaller and the weather mild enough to enjoy a morning at Pompeii or Herculaneum. Stay at the Grand Hotel Cocumella (4* Deluxe), and hop on the Circumvesuviano train to both sites – or ask the Kirker Concierge to arrange a car and driver, as well as an expert local guide. In the afternoon, retreat to the hotel’s lush gardens with a large swimming pool in the shade of the orange trees, and a sea-level bathing platform with views to the isle of Capri.

5 nights for the price of 4 from 10 April - 15 May and 7 - 31 October at the Grand Hotel Cocumella (4* Deluxe) - price from £3,797 for a family of four, saving £575

4 nights for the price of 3 all year at the Capo d’Africa (4* Superior) for Kirker clients - price from £2,599 for a family of four, saving £450 Includes entrance tickets to the Sistine Chapen & Vatican Museum or the Villa Borghese

Speak to an expert or request a brochure:

020 7593 2283 quote code XIS www.kirkerholidays.com

YACHT CHARTER GREECE & THE CARIBBEAN BAREBOAT CHARTER NEW MODERN & VERY WELL MAINTAINED YACHTS SKIPPERED CHARTER PRIVATE OR GROUP COURSES ASSISTED SAILING A FUN FAMILY HOLIDAY FULL 7 NIGHTS AWAY FROM BASE

KIONI ITHAKA

WWW.SAILIONIAN.COM | INFO@SAILIONIAN.COM | +44(0)800 3213800 SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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FAMILY HOLIDAYS

A holiday to JA Manafaru, Maldives starts from USD 623 (approx. £475), including taxes and service per night based on two sharing a beach bungalow on a B&B basis.

To book: jaresortshotels.com Tel: +960 650 0400

Water sports Galore

l The island has a PADI five-star diving and watersports centre. Other sports include: kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, paddle-boarding, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing.

l The Dolphin Cruise takes place from 4pm-6pm, where you can sit back and watch the dolphins swim and play in the surrounding waters. l Guests cocktails and crab racing were a fun start to the evening. We were served drinks on the beach as the staff pitted tiny hermit crabs against each other while we guests cheered them on.

The island’s stunning white beaches

where we ate on our first night, and where you can enjoy Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine, with a Teppanyaki table for an authentic Asian cuisine experience – to the island’s very own underground wine cave, The Cellar, which we visited on our last night. With room for five tables, the sommelier expertly-guided us through some of the world’s finest wines as we devoured chef ’s specials.

One of my favourite culinary experiences was the Maldivian cooking class, held at my favourite restaurant, Ocean Grill. Situated on the

Grab a mask, snorkel and flippers from the dive centre and enjoy the exotic sea life

Its beauty and climate means that the Maldives have long captured the attention of the world’s thrill-seekers

Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at The White Orchid restaurant

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beach-front, it sits just behind a series of palm trees that dot the shore line.

Maldivian cuisine is less spicy than Sri Lankan food, less heavy than Indian and Head Chef, Nazeeh, while regaling us with tales of his grandmother’s cooking, ensured we all took it in turns to prepare lunch. We started with a traditional chapatti with pumpkin and local tuna salad, followed by a drumstick soup with coconut milk and smoked tuna. For our main course, we made freshly-caught snapper with coconut curry sauce and pandan-scented rice, and for dessert, we devoured a Maldivian rose-flavoured pancake with coconut and a tropical fruit sorbet and mango sauce. ISP

l The Chill Zone Teens’ club (for eight to 16 years). Activities include: ping pong, table tennis, pool. It also has its own private cinema. l The Calm Spa and Salon offers Maldivian traditions infused with the therapeutic wonders of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy.

Saving the planet Children will love learning about sea life and the precious balance of nature that the islanders aim to protect at all costs. JA Manafaru takes its responsibility to the ecology and local environment very seriously. The island’s resident marine biologist, Stacy Mallaby, gave us a fascinating insight into what is being done to protect the Maldives, from the importance of the coral and ensuring its biodiversity, to reef-cleaning and coral gardening. Stacy leads weekly diving excursions in which children can take part, and where repairs are made to dying coral as a result of rising sea temperatures. It is no quick fix, but coral can otherwise take 20 years to naturally rejuvenate itself.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L C A MP S I N VERBIER SWITZERLAND

1987-2017

30 years

Learning through Adventure since 1987 Verbier, Switzerland - Boys & Girls from 7 - 18 years - Different Age Groups with adapted programs - Arrivals from December to August - Over 60 nationalities every year

-

Language Lessons Outdoor Sports & Activities Excursions Arts Clubs (Dance, Acting, Photography, and more) - Leadership Training - Certificates for each camper

T:+41 27 775 35 90 | F:+41 27 775 35 99 E m a i l u s : i n f o @ l e s e l f e s . c o m | V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e : w w w. l e s e l f e s . c o m

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

THE ART OF VENICE

T

Delve into a world of fine art, cinema and theatre in the home of style and culture, with the John Hall Venice Course

ravelling abroad after leaving school is a tradition that was established centuries ago, and yet for today’s student population, it’s good to see that it is more alive and relevant than ever.

It was in 1965 that John Hall noted the number of people taking gap years before starting university, and so he decided to set up The John Hall Venice Course – a varied programme based in Italy that covered topics, including Venetian art, cinema, film-making and theatre.

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Over 50 years later and the course is continuing to thrive, with the addition of more themes, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, world cinema, literature and global issues. There are also classes in studio life-drawing and portraiture, as well as in photography, Italian, and cookery. The programme is led by a team of world-class experts, and over recent years there has been almost 3,000 students in attendance.

A key aspect of the course is how people respond to the content. The course was developed for students

Above, people can explore the stunning city of Venice on the programme

with high levels of inquisitiveness, and the standards set and expected have not changed. It is, as most exlaim, “a lifechanging experience.”

There are many private visits offered, including one to San Marco in Venice at night and another to the Vatican, plus exclusive access to private collections from Venice to Rome. Students will also hear talks from brilliant curators, conductors, opera directors, composers and art historians, and added to this, is the chance to meet new people.

Willa, a student on the 2016 course

John Hall Venice MORE THAN JUST ART HISTORY

• The renowned pre-university gap year course in London, Venice, Florence and Rome for students of the Arts and Sciences – a life-changing and unforgettable experience • Art, literature, music, world cinema, global issues, cookery, life drawing and photography • Check out our new 3 week summer course in Venice in 2017 for those who might not be taking a gap year.

+44 (0)20 8871 4747 info@johnhallvenice.com www.johnhallvenice.com

Join us at Guildhall School this summer The Guildhall School’s summer programme offers a wide range of creative courses for young people aged 11+. Whether you’re looking to try something new or take your performance skills to the next level, our courses are taught by experienced Guildhall tutors in a vibrant and supportive environment. Our offer includes: Cross-Arts Summer School

in association with the Barbican Drama Summer School for 16-17 years Jazz and Rock Week Brass and Percussion Week Advanced instrumental and singing courses Music Theory and Aural Skills Residential packages are available.

To see our full range of courses and to book your place, visit gsmd.ac.uk/summer Email shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk or call 020 7382 2310

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why pipers corner?

Academic excellence Small friendly classes Nurturing and challenging environment Set in 96 acres of beautiful countryside

Open Morning Tuesday, 25 April 2017 0930 – 1130 hours Book your place online at: pipers.sc/april17om Reg Charity No. 310635

Day School for girls aged 4-18 Great Kingshill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP15 6LP • E: theschool@piperscorner.co.uk

VISIT US ON ONE OF OUR TOUR MORNINGS Sherborne Girls is one of the top independent full-boarding schools in the UK, offering an excellent academic and all-round education for girls aged 11 to 18. ‘A real gem amongst the girls’ only full-boarding schools with all the advantages of its symbiotic proximity to Sherborne School’

• T: 01494 718 255 • www.piperscorner.co.uk

Good Schools Guide

@PipersCornerSch

For more information please contact registrar@sherborne.com 01935 818224 www.sherborne.com

www.facebook.com/PipersCornerSchool

Queen Anne’s Independent boarding and day school for girls 11 - 18

Open Mornings Friday 10 March Saturday 6 May Tours 9.30am - 11.00am 'D\ IXOO ZHHNO\ ½H[L ERDUGLQJ places available Transport available throughout London and the South East

a

an

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Queen Anne’s School, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX 0118 918 7333 Registered Charity

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Above, students explore the back streets and canals of Venice

said, “We were given lectures on everything from marble to ‘space time’, and between these we meandered around the cities with ice-creams in hand, getting to know the back-streets and canals of Italy like a local. It was a treat having countless wonders on your doorstep.”

“While it may only be six months on, without a doubt I can say that this course

was the highlight of my gap year. It gave us the ultimate insider view into three electric and vibrant cities during a frosty winter, and inspired in us all a real love of art.”

The John Hall Venice Course has recently expanded with the launch of a three-week summer programme in Venice, that caters to art-lovers and those who want to spend three weeks in this extraordinary city.

Students will be taken around exhibitions of The Venice Biennale, the world’s leading exposition of contemporary art, as well as the Accademia Gallery, Basilica San Marco and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Italy, and the three great cities of Venice, Florence and Rome will always be relevant to absolutely anyone with an interest in European culture. It is a country that has seen massive change, but has maintained its vitality over thousands of years, and has been a magnet for everyone, from Attila the Hun, the Grand Tourists, and you.

Right and below, the course allows for students to meet new people and make friends

“This course was the highlight of my gap year. It gave us the ultimate insider view into three electric and vibrant cities during a frosty winter, and inspired in us all a real love of art.”

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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Plus

£100 to spend!

WIN

A UK HOLIDAY WORTH £500 WITH BLUE CHIP HOLIDAYS Blue Chip Holidays offers premium lodges and cottages with superb views

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

T

he UK is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From beautiful secluded beaches, to wild landscapes across National Parks, you can easily enjoy windswept walks and lazy beach days with the ones you love.

With over 1,000 premium cottages, lodges and apartments available, Blue Chip Holidays offers accommodation in the UK’s finest destinations, including Cornwall, Yorkshire, Somerset and the Isle of Wight. Each property is speciallyhandpicked, and you’ll find impressive manor houses, secluded lodges tucked away in acres of woodland, and chic beachside houses with stunning sea views.

COMPETITION

Relax with the ones you love in a secluded paradise

WIN!

Blue Chip Holidays provides a variety of properties to suit every type of getaway. If you think your break just wouldn’t be the same without your four-legged friend by your side, you’ll find over 340 properties that welcome dogs. And if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, their collection of lodges and resorts certainly hit the spot.

For those who love being active while on holiday, or perhaps want to try something new, the Blue Chip Holiday Planners are on hand to craft your perfect getaway.

Whether it’s learning to surf, starting the day with a yoga session on the beach, or having a private chef cook up a fine dining feast for you and your family, their team is determined to make your holiday one to remember. To find out more, visit bluechipholidays.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win a UK break with Blue Chip Holidays, plus £100 to spend with Blue Chip’s Holiday Planners, simply answer the question below and enter it on the link by 20th April 2017 at: independentschoolparent.com/win Q How many properties can you find on the Blue Chip Holidays website?

A 300 B 500 C Over 1,000

Terms and conditions: Prize is for a £500 holiday voucher to use in whole payment or towards a holiday at any one of Blue Chip Holiday’s properties, with £100 to spend with the Blue Chip Holiday Planners.

The holiday must be taken before 31st December 2017.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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

UNTIL

29 May ARE YOU STRONG ENOUGH? [Gloucestershire] The Tetbury Woolsack Race is an annual event in which participants demonstrate their strength and fitness, by racing around a 240-yard track while carrying a sack of wool. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of amusement rides, street entertainers, magic shows, food stalls, and an auction. The event has been running for over 30 years, and attracts crowds of up to 5,000 people each year. tetburywoolsack.co.uk

3 Sept

Feel the force [The O2, London]

Embark on an interactive journey through the history of the Star Wars franchise, in a new exhibition at The O2 in London. Visitors can experience a close-up look at 200 models, costumes, artwork and props from the saga, and design a unique Star Wars character based on their own personality.

Child from £10, adult from £20, starwarsidentities.com

A HISTORY OF CHOCOLATE

6-7 May

UNTIL 28 May

A SPLASH OF COLOUR

SEE AUSTEN ON STAGE

[Dorset] Weldmar Hospice’s third annual charity colour run will take place again on 6th May, followed by their first ever bubble rush event on 7th May. Children and adults are encouraged to walk, run, skip or jog through the 4km course, while getting covered in brightly-coloured paint or foam as they pass through various stations. Prices start from £12.50, weld-hospice.org.uk

[London] In the bicentenary of Jane Austen’s death, catch a performance of Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel at London's Leicester Square Theatre. This entertaining troupe perform an improvised Jane Austen novel each night with hilarious results.

Prices start from £10. For tickets, visit austentatiousimpro.com

[York] Explore the story behind the chocolate brand, Terry’s, as it celebrates 250 years with a new exhibition at York’s Chocolate Story.

The exhibit will showcase some of Terry’s famous products from throughout history, and how the company, which began life as a shop selling throat sweets, developed into one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Child £8.95, adult £10.95, yorkschocolatestory.com

7-31 Mar-Dec

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Free entry

for visitors with Tate Membership. Find out more at tate.org.uk

State-of-the-art

[London] A new David Hockney exhibition at Tate London comprises an extensive collection of the artist’s most famous works from across six decades. From his painting and drawings, to photographs and videos, this exhibition demonstrates the range and diversity of Hockney’s achievements.

Under 12s free, adult £19.50, tate.org.uk

OPENS 13 Apr

UNTIL 29 May

RELAX IN LUXURY [Ramatuelle, French Riviera] Perfect for families travelling to the south of France this summer, La Réserve Ramatuelle will unveil two beautifully-designed villas when it opens for the season. Near St Tropez, the hotel offers a stunning collection of rooms, alongside a superb concierge service and housekeeping team. Prices from £426 per night, lareserve-ramatuelle.com

UNTIL 23 Apr

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UNTIL 1 May

MONKEY BUSINESS

PASSION FOR FASHION

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

[Edinburgh] Animal-lovers can stand shoulder-toshoulder with over 60 life-like primates, as part of the Monkey Business exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. Learn how these creatures communicate with sound, sight and smell, and use tools to find food.

Child £7, adult £10. nms.ac.uk

[Imperial War Museum, Manchester] Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style is a fascinating exhibition that explores how fashion survived and flourished under the strict rules of rationing in 1940s Britain. Visitors can look at displays of original clothes from the era, and discover how men and women found new and inventive ways to dress.

Child £3, adult £6, iwm.org.uk

[County Durham] Set in the treetops of an ancient woodland, the High Ropes Course at Beamish Wild offers young adrenaline seekers two hours of fun physical challenges. The course features zipwires, rope bridges, swinging tyres, plus a thrilling freefall experience.

Child £22, adult £27, beamishwild.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

The Abbey School

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

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

17, Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ

T: 0118 9872256 E: schooloffice@theabbey.co.uk W: www.theabbey.co.uk Head Teacher: Mrs Rachel S E Dent Admissions: admissions@theabbey.co.uk

Key facts

Gender / Ages: girls, 3-18 years Total pupils: 1060, Type: Day Fees: Nursery: £3240. Pre-Prep: £3,790. Prep: £3,990-£4580 Senior: £5,240 per term Entrance procedure: Informal assessment for younger years.

School entrance tests from Year 4.

Open Morning Thursday 04 May 2017

School Philosophy: The Abbey is a warm and welcoming community where exceptional academic results are achieved in a supportive environment. Girls develop a balanced approach to life and learning that prepares them to live successful and fulfilling lives.

View our website for a full list of our Open Events or arrange a personal visit with our Registrar, Louise Pepper, on 020 8862 2254

Open Days: Junior School: Friday 5 May 2017 9.15-11.00am Senior School: Friday 28 April 9.15-11.00am

www.stbenedicts.org.uk w

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

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Abbot’s Hill is a happy, dynamic and thriving school with an excellent record of academic success and an outstanding reputation for pastoral care.

- We aim high

- We value friendship

- We love learning

- We grasp opportunities

For further details please call us on 01442 240333 Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP3 8RP E: registrar@abbotshill.herts.sch.uk www.abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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ARETE ARETE

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

All levels welcome • Residential and day camps • 5 hours of intensive tennis coaching per day • Top LTA and International coaching team • Small groups (1-6 players) • Singles and doubles tournaments

25 June to 27 August

020 7603 2422 info@marksontennis.com www.marksontennis.com

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MEMORY LANE

SCH

H

MEMOOOL R I ES

ow would you describe your school?

Multicultural, open-minded and artistic.

Did you ever customise your uniform?

Yes! I have always loved customising my clothes, so you can only imagine what I did to my uniform skirt! It did have to to be discreet, because uniform discipline at school was harsh.

Who was your best friend?

I seemed to have a new best friend every two years. As the school was so multicultural, many of my friends’ parents moved away to other countries because of their jobs. The good thing is that now I have friends all around the globe, I can go and visit them at anytime!

Were you a teacher’s pet?

Yes – but when puberty hit, I spent quite a bit of time in the detention room as I was going through a rebellious time.

What prize were you most proud of?

I won a class prize for “good effort” when I was 11 years old. I felt like I had won an Oscar!

Which teacher stays with you to this day?

I keep in touch with some of my teachers on Facebook, like Miss Coppola, my French teacher.

Let’s talk school food: only fit for the slops pail, or worth of Michelin star?

Food at school was OK. I loved the fact that you could choose between two different menus,

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Team player or out for yourself?

I have always been rather independent, so since I was little I’d rather be out for myself as I have very strong opinions.

Would you rather have double maths and an afternoon of art lessons?

Definitely an afternoon of art.

Maths was always boring to me.

ELENA

PEÑA

Co-founder of fashion brand, Muitt Madrid, Elena Peña fondly recalls her schooldays at King’s College, Madrid because at home, this wasn’t possible – you just had to eat what there was.

How would your teachers remember you?

It depends on which teacher you talk to! I think my history teacher would remember me as a smart cookie because history was always my favourite subject.

What was the best prank you ever pulled?

I once told my teacher I was sick and had to go the bathroom, but I actually wanted to skip class to see the horses in the stables. King´s College then had five horses for riding lessons, and I loved being with them.

Were you an all-star sports captain or an outside field lingerer?

An outside field lingerer, as I was a bit clumsy, very thin and tall – like a baby giraffe!

Any embarrassing moments?

I skipped a PE lesson with my best friend, but we ended up bumping into our PE teacher, Mr Parkinson. We ran away, and he chased us both and took us to the detention room!

Share your school memories @ISParent

Homework: all done by Friday night or left until Monday morning?

Left until Monday morning and completed on the school bus. It took me an hour to get to school, so I always had plenty of time to do my homework and even to study for exams.

Any nicknames that you’re particularly proud or ashamed of?

I hated it when other children made fun of my surname, which is Peña, and people would call me Elena Piña Colada – other children just did it for fun, but it used to make me quite cross.

When I was growing up, I wanted to be a… A vet! I always loved being with and taking care of animals.

Finally, what piece of advice would you give your school-age self?

Don’t try so hard to fit in. Be yourself and be unique, as everyone else is already taken.

“I won a class prize for ‘good effort’ when I was 11 years old.

I felt like I had won an Oscar!”

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