Independent School Parent Junior Spring 2017

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Spring 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY & PREP EDITION

FREE FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS

CITY SLICKERS SCHOOLS THAT MIRROR THEIR COUNTRY COUSINS

EXPERT ADVICE

• KEEPING YOUR CHILD FOCUSED • HOMEWORK MINUS THE HASSLE • HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT TUTOR

“HELPING THE

SQUEEZED MIDDLE”

Win!

£500 SUNUVA SWIMWEAR

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR TAKING THE CLASSROOM OUTSIDE

YORKSHIRE GRIT

LESSONS IN CHARACTER AND TENACITY

MARK BAILEY, HIGH MASTER, ST PAUL’S SCHOOL, LONDON

PLUS

SAILING SCHOOLS • STUFF TO DO AT HALF TERM • SCHOOL ALUMNI • BEHIND THE SCENES • HOLIDAYS THAT BUILD MEMORIES • EASTER CAMPS

CLAUDIA DUDMAN

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

CNP Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Designer Annel Christopher Editorial Assistant Natalie Keeler PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Finance Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Brand Manager Chatty Dobson 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. © CNP Ltd 2017. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Independent School Parent magazine has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

Welc me We like to keep you firmly up-to-date on the brilliant teaching, extra-curricular activities and initiatives that schools provide to give your child the best education. As we know, this is expensive, and independent schools work exceptionally hard to give parents great value for money.

In Heads Up, (page 23) Mark Bailey, High Master of St Paul’s School, London, writes on the reasons why school fees have escalated to the point of becoming unaffordable – even for the relatively well-off. The school aims to increase the number of bursaries available to those that can only aspire to private education, and to also help the “squeezed middle”, by implementing a more generous bursary scheme.

You’d never guess that you could find so much of the countryside in urban prep schools. In City Slickers, (page 12), there’s beekeeping on rooftops, gardening and extensive sports facilities on offer. In fact, these schools are just as wholesome as their rural counterparts. Have you ever wondered how pupils are taught resilience; how to weather life’s setbacks? Find out how Scarborough College, Yorkshire Grit, (page 30), introduced lessons off curriculum that push pupils beyond their comfort zone, challenging them both mentally and physically.

Claudia Dudman, Editor

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

COVER: Beaudesert Park School, Gloucestershire

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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’s o o on Sch nd r Lo nio Se

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l!

Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair

Opening September 2017 Register now!

registrar@eatonsquaremayfair.com 0207 491 7393

In September 2017 we are very excited to be opening a new independent senior school in Mayfair. We will now be able to provide a seamless progression for our families from the age of two in the nursery all the way through to 18.

In a superb location, 106 Piccadilly is a beautiful Grade I listed building, opposite Green Park, right in the heart of London.

Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair will be co-educational and academically inclusive, with the same family-focused ethos all our schools pride themselves on. Ultimately we aim to create a nurturing environment in which well-rounded, considerate, confident and resilient children will prosper, fulfilling their best potential personally and academically.

Our first open morning will be held on Thursday 12th October 2017 - Email us now to reserve your spot!

www.eatonsquareupper.school

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30

41

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WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 27 Spring 2017

7 12

News City Slickers The prep schools that mirror their

21 25

country cousins

41 47

Debugging the code

48 52

Ahead of the Curve

Do your Homework A Bit of Yorkshire Grit

Welfare in Plain English

The Spread Eagle Inn in West Sussex

70 72

Competition

The Outdoor Classroom Why the open air has never been more crucial in child development

A Breath of Fresh Air take the classroom outside

58

A Fun-filled Family Break ticks all the boxes

with lessons in resilience and toughness

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

memories and enhance learning

66

A Learning Journey

Two teachers challenged each other to

Stop homework becoming a battleground

Lucy Parsons on day trips that build

throughout the Easter holidays?

56

Russell Anderson

A Shared Experience

Talking Heads

Scarborough College challenges pupils

Striking a Balance

62

What consitutes great pastoral care?

How can you keep your children learning

54

School Hero Foremarke Hall’s hockey coach,

Conspire to Inspire should develop a hobby or passion

Top tips on finding a tutor for your child

34

The benefits of learning how to sail

Generous bursary schemes will help the

innovative new teaching technique

30

Sailing to Success

Ross Urquhart explains why all children

“squeezed middle”, writes Mark Bailey

61

New Hall in Essex

St Michael’s Prep has high hopes for its

28

A School in Ten Pictures

Heads Up

The benefits of studying computing

26

36

Our round-up of hot topics

Ones to Watch School alumni

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

amos, , amaat am

How travel can enhance a child’s approach to learning

77

Win a shopping spree with Sunuva

Calendar Dates for your diary: things to do with your family at half term

82

School Memories Broadcaster Charley Boorman on Sibford School, Oxfordshire

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

Like us on Facebook

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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NEWS

Our pick of the top parenting and education news FUNDRAISING TALK RAISES “LOADSAMONEY” [Bedales, Hampshire] A fundraising evening featuring two greats of British comedy raised more than £7,000 for Bedales School’s charitable bursary arm – the John Badley Foundation.

The event, held last term, saw John Lloyd and Harry Enfield captivate students, parents and alumni with tales of their careers.

Enfield, who also writes and directs, rose to fame on Saturday Live with brash bragger Loadsamoney, while writer-producer Lloyd brought such classics as Blackadder and QI. The duo, who first worked together on Spitting Image, had some sage advice.

“It is vital that you do something you love.

You may not be rich but you are much more likely to be happy and… stand a very good chance of also being rich,” said Lloyd.

The Foundation awards 100% bursaries to support children for whom independent school education would be out of reach.

Comedy greats John Lloyd and Harry Enfield raise laughs for charity

NETTING THE SCORE [Edge Grove Prep, Hertfordshire]

Edge Grove Prep welcomed home a group of its Year Five and Year Eight girls who recently competed in the schools’ 2016 overseas netball tour on the Caribbean island of St Vincent. The children started training daily at 7am to avoid the intense heat and felt they were improving with each session.

SCHOOL GATES OPEN WIDER [St John’s School, Surrey] Leading co-educational independent secondary St John’s School, in Leatherhead, opened its doors to 11- and 12-year-olds for the first time last autumn.

The school increased its age range from 13-18 to 11-18 in order to widen access and diversify its intake. The new Lower School provides an additional entry point for pupils seeking a natural transition from Year Six onwards.

CHARITY BAKE-OFF [Prince Mead’s Prep School, Hampshire] Pupils at Prince’s Mead Prep School, Kings Worthy, staged their own version of The Great British Bake Off in an effort to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Inspired by the TV series, Year Six student Summer Osborne, along with her fellow pupils, helped to raise £315 to help muchloved music teacher Sue Williams, who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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BOYS ARE PICK OF THE CROP [Papplewick School, Surrey]

Year Two boys from Papplewick School, Ascot, recently presented harvest gifts to the elderly residents of the Ascot Day Centre.

The annual event sees parents and boys donate harvest fare, ranging from food items to fresh flowers and plants.

A special Harvest Festival service takes place in the school chapel before the goods are handed out.

Papplewick pupils with residents of the Ascot Day Centre

MARTIAL ARTISTRY OF ENGLAND KATA CUBS [Brentwood School, Essex] Elle Pasmore and James Henderson, of Brentwood School, put in sterling performances at the eighth WUKF European Karate Championships 2016 in the Italian city of Montichiari.

In their first England call-up, 13-year-old Elle took bronze in the Individual Kata, and James, who is also 13, came seventh in his Kata competition last term. Elle was beaten by a Slovakian black belt and an Italian black belt in her final round.

Elle’s mum, Lucy, said: “She was unaware of how well she was doing and when told by the judges that she had secured bronze, she was so happy.”

x + y2 = 4

Sch ol tweets

Commons chamber? Check. Speaker in wig? Check. Mace? Check.

Lively discussion? Check. Yes, it’s @NewtonPrep @stgeorgeprimary Debating Club!

[Newton Prep School @NewtonPrep]

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PARALYMPIAN INSPIRES PUPILS [St Mary’s, Cambridgeshire]

GET ON BOARD

Australian multiple medal-winning paralympian Liz Wright gave an inspiring talk to pupils at St Mary’s School in Cambridge at the start of the autumn term.

Girls from Reception to Year Six heard Liz describe how, aged 13, she set herself the goal of swimming at the Paralympic Games in Sydney, in 2000, and coming away with medals. “Be courageous, set big goals when you’re young – not only might you achieve your goals but you may even surpass them,” she advised.

With standards in education and pastoral care at an all-time high, #iloveboarding, the Boarding Schools’ Association, claims there has never been a better time to board.

Catch the #iloveboarding bus travelling around the country to get a taste of the true boarding experience.

For details, visit boarding.org.uk

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Tough conditions but the players are out on the course for the @LorettoHead Junior Championship & Simmers Cup [Loretto Golf Academy @LorettoGolf] @ISParent The Pre-Reception ducklings have begun to hatch..! #ducklings #eyfs #prereception #abercornschool #hatchingducks (Abercorn School, @AbdercornSchool)

Share your school news and tweet us @ISParent

pe r S to ep Sch ns te oo qu m l O ar ber p eu e pp 201 nin g er 7! .sc ho ol

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Open Mornings Monday 27th February Thursday 25th May

Up

Booking is essential

Eaton Square School is an independent, coeducational Nursery, Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory school in the heart of central London, educating children from the age of 2 ½ to 13 years old. The main school is in Belgravia, with three nursery schools located across London.

79 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PP T: 020 7931 9469 E: registrar@eatonsquareschool.com

www.eatonsquareschool.com

Open Mornings Wednesday 1st March Wednesday 7th June Booking is essential Hyde Park School offers your child a unique, well-rounded education, with 2 locations in central London. Our Nursery & Pre-Prep is located next to Hyde Park (W2) and takes boys and girls ages 2 - 5. Our Preparatory is in South Kensington (SW7) and takes ages 6 - 11.

The Long Garden, St George’s Fields, Albion Street, London W2 2AX T: 020 7262 1190 E: admissions@hydeparkschool.co.uk 24 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NL T: 020 7225 3131 E: registrar@hydeparkschool.co.uk

www.hydeparkschool.co.uk

Open Mornings First Tuesday of every month Booking is essential The Lyceum is a small, non-selective, independent nursery and school for boys and girls aged 3-11, with a unique educational philosophy delivered through topic-based teaching. The school is situated in the City of London, near to Old Street and Shoreditch.

6 Paul Street, City of London EC2A 4JH T: 020 7247 1588 E: admin@lyceumschool.co.uk

www.lyceumschool.co.uk

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HEADS on the move

FARLINGTON GIRL’S GOLDEN TRIATHLON

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.

Maria Stephen becomes Head of Prep at Abbot’s Hill School, Hertfordshire.

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.

Left, gold medalist Issy Hayes

[Farlington School, West Sussex]

Farlington pupil Issy Hayes claimed gold at last year’s staging of the world’s largest junior triathlon, the Hever Castle Triathlon. The Year Eight’s time of 29 minutes, 51 seconds means she is the first girl in her age category to break the 30-minute barrier.

CHORISTERS IN PERFECT HARMONY [Russell House, Kent and Kent College] Russell House Chamber Choir joined with the senior choir and orchestra from Kent College, Pembury, for a concert at St Bartholomew’s Church, Otford, and then in the Countess of Wessex Theatre at the Pembury prep school. The concert held last term was the first of such collaborations and was more remarkable since the Russell House performers were part of a new chamber choir that had been formed only a month earlier.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SBM PHOTOGRAPHIC

ROWER’S ROUND TRIP [Oundle School, Northamptonshire] Former pupil Marcus Walker has come full circle now that he is made Head of Rowing at Oundle School. Rowing was always a passion, and he competed in the Glennie and Beasley inter-house races, joined the 1974 Colts VIII, the 2nd IV in 1975 and was in the 1st VIII in 1976.

He joins from the Dragon School, Oxford.

GAME, SET, MATCH! [King Edward’s Witley, Surrey] Four Sixth Form pupils from King Edward’s Witney have reached the knock-out stage of the LTA National Schools Team Tennis Competition. The students, who have won three out of three of their matches so far, hope to play in the final in March.

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

CITY

Clockwise from left, Chafyn Grove, Salisbury, The Peterborough School, Cambridgeshire, Durham School, Dulwich Prep London

Slickers Urban preps fizz and buzz with all the energy of a cityscape but they are also gardens of learning, says Katie Hughes

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In F

oc us

SCHOOL: Dulwich Prep School

SIZE OF CAMPUS: 38 acres HEADMASTER: Michael Roulston

W

hile city prep schools are renowned for offering easy access to culture, they can be just as wholesome and sporty as their country cousins. Nowadays, they also keep beehives on the roof; grow vegetables; run bushcraft classes and boast extensive sports facilities.

Rob Taylor, Headmaster of Cargilfield School in Edinburgh, has just visited the National Library of Scotland with a group of pupils, who have been scrutinising historical maps and learning about Robert Louis Stevenson and Shackleton.

“An urban school can make pupils feel less isolated, while giving them a grasp of the real world” Tomorrow, they may hop on a bus to visit a gallery and bring an art lesson to life. There’s little doubt the school appreciates its easy access to city resources.

It’s a similar set-up at Dulwich Prep London, where pupils have recently dipped into a cultural programme that includes Georgia O’Keeffe at the Tate; Thriller Live at the Lyric and ice skating at Somerset House.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Above, Dulwich Prep pupils have the run of the fields, help to make the garden grow, and tend to the school’s resident bees

Big world outlook

Conventional culture aside, “an urban school can make pupils feel less isolated, while giving them a grasp of the real world and the ability to mix out-of-school hours with people from all walks of life,” says Jonathan Webb, Deputy Head of Durham School.

Carole Jenkinson, Headteacher of Broomwood Hall in south-west London concurs that a city location can expand horizons: “Living in a world capital means that some children come from, or have travelled to, many other countries – so we have a big-world outlook.”

This “big-world” outlook is often promoted by the outside speakers who

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In F

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appear on city prep agendas: not least at Dulwich Prep London. Here, recent talks from eminent names in broadcasting, academia and more have covered such topics as America under Trump and Superfoods. “Our city location enables us to attract interesting guests,” explains Headmaster, Michael Roulston.

Green values

However, city prep schools aren’t all about urban convenience. Carleton House in Liverpool is “a clean, green eco-machine,” according to its Headteacher, Anne Daniels. Moreover, she adds, “We have a long history of green-fingered eco warriors and a commitment to protecting our environment.” Like many of its city counterparts, Carleton House pupils grow (and eat) their own fruit and vegetables, as well as develop the school grounds to feed and support wildlife.

“Beehives at Dulwich Prep prompt boys to don protective suits at lunchtime and tend to the resident bees” Even at London’s Broomwood Hall, there are “gardens rather than playgrounds, with a gardener who tends to the many plants and flowers – and takes time to show the children what she is doing”, says Carole Jenkinson. Meanwhile, Durham School provides “the feeling of a rural retreat within an urban context,” explains Jonathan Webb. “Within its acres are trees, wild flowers, ponds, farmland, semi-wild habitats and fresh air.”

Many city prep schools run activities that are more traditionally associated with their rural counterparts. An artist holds willow workshops for the Year Fives at Clifton College in Bristol; woodland at The Peterborough School gives the children a dose of Forest School, and beehives at Dulwich Prep London prompt (trained) boys to don protective suits at lunchtime and tend to the resident bees.

“They collected 100 jars of honey last year from three hives and raised £500 for charity,” says Michael Roulston.

SCHOOL: The Peterborough School SIZE OF CAMPUS: 11 acres HEADMASTER: Adrian D Meadows

Top, Peterborough pupils play rugby and cricket. Right, the mid-19th century mansion has acres of land

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In F

oc us

SCHOOL: Cargilfield, Edinburgh SIZE OF CAMPUS: 13 acres HEADMASTER: Rob Taylor

Town and country

Sport is also a firm fixture at urban schools – and is often within arm’s reach. “Our 11 acres allow us to have on-site sports pitches,” says Ann-Marie Elding, Head of Prep at The Peterborough School; while Clifton College claims to own Bristol’s biggest outdoor sports complex.

Some city preps are able to straddle both urban and rural landscapes. Rob Taylor describes Cargilfield as “outward bound meets city”. He talks of children cycling the 10-minute ride to reach an island on the Forth, of wild canoeing and of skiing and fly-fishing. Salisbury’s Chafyn Grove is described by Tatler as “pleasantly un-urban”, with both the city and the rolling Wiltshire countryside on its doorstep. Headteacher, Simon Head says this enables the school to run many other activities, such as bushcraft sessions and manage an equestrian team.

Meanwhile, Clifton College “benefits from the fizz and buzz of being in the vibrant city of Bristol, but is surrounded by some spectacular countryside, too”.

Fully rounded

All this may reassure those who suspect that a city prep may be too much about academic hothousing and hard edges.

Carole Jenkinson may be similarly reassuring as she says, “We believe that school is school and home is home, which is why all written homework is built into the timetable.” Jonathan Webb concurs, “Education is all about teaching humility, respect and care for others.” And Anne

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

SCHOOL: Durham

SIZE OF CAMPUS: 35 acres HEADMASTER: Kieran McLaughlin

Top, indoor rock climbing at Cargilfield, pupils kayak on the Forth.

Above, Durham School. Right, Durham School – a rural retreat within an urban context

“Chafyn Grove is described as ‘pleasantly un-urban’ with both the city and the Wiltshire countryside on its doorstep” Daniels reinforces the altruistic message: “We support working with charities and helping with community projects.”

Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “A city is a place where there is no need to wait for next week to get the answer to a question, to taste the food of any country, to find new voices to listen to and familiar ones to listen to again.” It’s also, as many prep schools are proving, a place for children to enjoy a rounded education. ISP

IMPRESSIVE OFFERINGS Extra-curricular in the city: some of the more unusual activities l Bingo; Speed Stacking (Norwich Lower School) l Brick-laying; lawn-mower fixing; re-wallpapering and wiring an antique doll’s house (Chafyn Grove, Salisbury) l Zoo Club; programmable robots (Clifton College, Bristol) l Pistol shooting (Dulwich Prep London) l Pipe band (Cargilfield, Edinburgh)

Preparing children for tests with confidence

Independent School Parents - Prep half page.indd 1

07/12/2016 22:07

‘We can’t recall finding this kind of relaxed self-confidence elsewhere’ Good Schools Guide Review

We will be holding a number of Open afternoons and Taster mornings in the Spring Term. Please visit our website for further details. www.nlcs.org.uk

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@nlcs1850

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

nlcs1850

Choice of A level and International Baccalaureate Bursary places and Scholarships available An independent school for girls aged 4 –18

HEADS UP

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

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ST GEORGE’S ASCOT WINNER OF THE

BEST SCHOOL FOOD AWARD

The best school?

The one offering the most choice.

Boarding Flexi-boarding Day places available

We are a highly successful co-educational school for 10 -18 year olds. Choose from the IB Diploma Programme or A-levels.

Call to join one of our open mornings or arrange a personalised visit

01572 758758 admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk

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!

Helping the squeezed middle

Staffing costs absorb around 70% 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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London’s leading day school for specific learning difficulties

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

01889594265

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COMMENT

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he Primary National Curriculum was launched in 2014, and ICT was replaced by a new subject: Computing, which aims to provide pupils with a clearer understanding of how computers, software, the Internet and search engines work. It also enables youngsters to design systems, understand the impact of technology on our lives, and develop computational thinking as a means of solving problems.

The three strands

Computing is split into three strands: Computer Science (programming or coding, and problem solving); Information Technology (using spreadsheets, creating presentations and manipulating graphics); and Digital Literacy (encompassing e-safety and teaching pupils how to select the most appropriate digital content).

Learning sequences

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Pupils in Reception are taught the concepts of computational thinking by learning about sequences of instructions.

This then moves on to the use of Bee-Bots (bee-like robots), which have a limited range of commands (such as left turn 90º and go). The girls build up sequences of instructions that provide a physical link between a list of abstract instructions, and tasks carried out in the real world.

In Years One and Two, more complex physical and

DEBUGGING THE CODE Andrew Severy helps to decipher the new computing element of the national curriculum virtual scenarios are introduced, ie, greater angles of turn or avoiding hazards. Scratch Junior also allows pupils to select command sequences without using code.

Language skills

By Years Three and Four, the girls use a much wider range of scenarios, such as programming a set of traffic lights to display the correct sequence, or designing a burglar alarm

The girls build sequences of instructions that provide a physical link between a list of abstract instructions and tasks carried out in the real world

Above, girls from St Mary’s School in Cambridge get to grips with computing

system to protect all the rooms in a house.

They’ll also become more familiar with programming “languages”, such as LOGO or Scratch, and be able to generate code.

Computational thinking

Years Five and Six will learn to transfer computational thinking skills to new situations, which is vital preparation for secondary education. The girls will also be able to debug programs, and become familiar with “if/else” statements, simultaneous sequences, variables, sub-routines, and colour detection.

Andrew Severy is Computer Science Co-ordinator at St Mary’s Junior School, Cambridge, stmaryscambridge.co.uk

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BEHIND THE SCENES

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

Trojan Wars

Terracott Army

250s B

Erasistrat Archimed

Greek Olives Ancient Olympics

1,500 BC

St Michael’s Prep School, Sevenoaks, Kent Always on the lookout for new teaching techniques, Deputy Head, Mary Bridges, explains her high hopes for the school’s Curiosity Club

A

little more than a year ago, St Michael’s was introduced to the Curiosity Club – a conceptual development by world history author, Christopher Lloyd and his colleague, John Gordon-Reid, with whom we have worked, enjoying their sweeping narratives and visual timelines.

The duo have created a concept of connected learning and enabling navigation through knowledge in a similar style to a tube map. It allows pupils to hop from subject to subject using “wallbooks”, illustrative timelines that provide a broader view of world history and visually connect past and present. The timeline titles cover the entire curriculum, from history to sport, and the series has been developed with institutions such as the National Trust and the Science Museum.

We believe that the club provides a unique opportunity for our pupils to choose what they want to study and work at their own pace, as they navigate a 3,000-year timeline containing more than 1,000 images. The pupils will carry out their own research and make important connections between subjects, which is why we have decided to embed the club into our weekly timetable.

Students can access hundreds of challenges online through their own log-ins, which are completed and returned

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Year Eight pupil, Audrey embraces a new way of learning

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either online or in person for assessment.

These tasks can be accomplished through video, model-making, experimentation and performance, as well as writing, mind-mapping and other creative formats. We now have a beautifully painted timeline of historic events, to which our pupils contribute when they leave.

The tutorial-style approach of self-directed, independent learning is a

Static Electricity

Homer

valuable skill to develop, while the personal-tutor time with the assessors is a good opportunity for the children to practise and develop the oratory skills needed in later life.

All the pupils’ progress data is recorded through the reporting functions of the programs, while the use of statistics and leaderboards create healthy competition and an element of excitement as the results are revealed. We also award pin badges to mark the children’s achievements.

Year Eight pupil Ollie said, “My

Ashok Edict

260 B

BEHIND THE SCENES

Culture

History

Nature

Science

Rights

Sport

T H E

y

Gospels

ta

Gunpowder

AD 70s

BC

Al Jazari Magna Carta

Bayeux Tapestry

1060s

860s

Vesuvius Colosseum

tus des

Viking Invasions

Black Death

1350s

1210s

Shrovetide Football Sugar

Battle of Hastings Beikou Hockey

Curiosity Club

Fall of Constantinople

Cricket Virginia Charter

Wolves of Paris Printing Press

Galileo Walter Raleigh

1450s

Medieval Medicine The Incas

William Wilberforce

1620s

Basketball Scramble for Africa

Charles Darwin

1850s

1830s

1890s

Taiping Rebellion Charles Dickens

Stephenson’s Rocket

‘s

World War I Suffragettes Heavyweight Boxing

History

Nature

Rights

Sport

World War II UN Charter

Windows Princess Di Dolly the Sheep

The Beatles Moon Landings

1960s

1940s

1910s

1990s

Martin Luther King The World Cup

Jitterbug Polaroid

Wilfred Owen Pangaea

Rudyard Kipling

Culture Science

J.K Rowling Drugs in sport

2010s

2000

Obama Graphene E-Bola

Women’s World Cup Mandela

ka’s ts

BC

AD 1

500

1000

1200

1300

1400

1600

www.curiosity-club.co.uk 1800

1850

1880

1900

1930

1950

1980

2000

2016

Sporting safety glasses, Year Eight’s Amber works on her project

favourite part was making a film about the Trojan War and pretending to be a newscaster from the time. There were so many options and categories for all the significant events we studied and always something to interest everyone,” he added.

Developer, John Gordon-Reid added, “Knowing that St Michael’s is forward thinking, it seemed natural to share our ideas about Curiosity Club. Headteacher, Jill Aisher, recognised the benefits that this innovation could provide and embraced it.

Our evidence shows that the children feel empowered to learn, which then extends into their whole learning experience.”

Mrs Aisher commented, “We stimulate our pupils in all areas of their school life.

We are always looking at ways to develop, enrich, inspire and engage our pupils. Our partnership with the Curiosity Club has

developed all of these areas of learning, and there has been an air of palpable excitement whenever Christopher and John visit to find out what pupils have been learning. Our pupils have really enjoyed being part of this unique club.”

The club has also been popular with parents. Mrs Chugg said, “I was delighted that the school gave my son the opportunity to learn in this way.”

Top, the Curiosity Club’s colourful Timeline.

Above, St Michael’s Prep School in Kent

As well as excelling in the traditional skills of numeracy and literacy, our pupils are equipped and prepared for the world in which they are living. The club delivers so much, while offering freedom of choice and empowering the pupils and encouraging them to be lifelong learners.

And this is exactly what the inclusion of the Curiosity Club in our curriculum has provided for our pupils.

In a similar style to a Tube map, you can hop from subject to subject using illustrative timelines, which provide a broader view of world history and visually connect past and present

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STEPHEN SPRIGGS

Managing Director, William Clarence Education, London

W

hether your child needs help with a particular subject or is preparing to sit entrance exams, a home tutor can help them to achieve their goals. As children vie for places at top independent schools, it’s no surprise that the private tuition business is booming. So what are the essentials to look for when introducing a tutor into your home and into your child’s life?

FINDING A TUTOR Stephen Spriggs urges parents to do their homework when searching for the right tutor

Private tutors should be educated to degree standard and if they’re teaching A-Level or above, they should hold a degree in that subject. You don’t want to find the mentor you employed to teach maths to your 12-year-old is out of their depth when polynomial long divisions crop up a few years down the line. Ask to see evidence of their qualifications. There is nothing to stop someone with a handful of GCSEs masquerading as an expert!

2. Inside knowledge

If you’re preparing for entrance exams to a particular school, try to hire someone who is familiar with that establishment – a tutor who is a former pupil, or one who has already coached pupils through the same exams. Ask parents for recommendations.

Perhaps have your child coached with another.

3. A good reputation

Anyone can set up as a private tutor, so do check references. Ask for a copy of their DBS (Disclosure and Barring

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Above, ask to see a potential tutor’s qualifications

Service) or CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) certificates to establish that they don’t have a criminal record. Remember, the document is only a snapshot in time, so check it regularly. Ask about their child-safety procedures and code of conduct. If you’re met with a blank face, run. Recruiting via an agency can reduce the risk of a poor appointment. Remember to research the market rates for the academic level of tutoring you need.

4. Flexibility

Whether you want a tutor for two hours a day or two hours a week, you need to find the person who can fit into your lifestyle. Understand that you are employing a person, not just a service, and they, too, have commitments. They are also entitled to holidays,

and some leeway on both sides will go a long way to nurturing the relationship.

5. A mentor, not a miracle worker

Think of private tutoring as a long-term commitment – be it for a term or an entire schooling career. Employing someone a fortnight before an exam results in a lot of panic and a waste of money. Good tutoring isn’t a cramming service or an intense hothouse of relentless lecturing to tired youngsters. Be wary of tutors who offer round-the-clock lessons to your child.

Also, if problems do arise, try to iron them out by speaking honestly to the tutor or the agency. Finding the right person can enhance your child’s learning, boost their self-esteem, ease family pressure and help them pass those all-important exams – so do your homework! ISP

If you’re preparing your child for entrance exams to a particular school, try to hire someone who is familiar with that establishment

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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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

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D

eparture from my native Yorkshire for university in a previous millennium was carried out with carefree abandon and 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

Over the years, assimilating with the professional and cultural nuances of diverse and contrasting locations, such as Madrid and Nairobi, or even Berkshire and Guildford, one begins to tune in a little more consciously to how the surroundings, local societal norms and customs, and above all attitudes, affect the ways in which children develop and 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 seemed a little less evident.

There were plenty of exceptions to this rule but, on the whole, Pupils at Repton Prep enjoy the school grounds

Left, girls attend bootcamp classes.

Above and below left, pupils train for their Duke of Edinburgh awards

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 promote and nurture it further – especially among our non-Yorkshire boarders who hail from no less than 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 unforgiving 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 the factories and mines of the area 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 to engage in environments that will extend them beyond their comfort zones, challenging them both mentally and physically

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YORKSHIRE GRIT

management and wellbeing to ensure that our children better understand the rapidly changing world around them, therefore allowing their innate Yorkshire Grit attributes to evolve.

We are arming them to cope with the strains of a world that looks very different to the one that I left behind when I finished my own Yorkshire education.

Ready for the world

It’s a case of exposing children to the natural phenomena that created the values and virtues of their forefathers… to enable them to better understand the rapidly changing world

The course involves pupils being taken off-timetable for an afternoon every week so that they may engage in environments that will extend them beyond their comfort zones, will 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 their 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.

They are even thrown into public speaking – that environment, it would seem, feared most 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

Above, pupils go rock climbing.

Below, hiking up the Yorkshire Moors

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, I feel sure that 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 ever-increasing pace, it seems especially important that all children must have strong roots to help them to remain upstanding when life throws its worst in their direction.

Beyond the countless benefits this latest addition to our timetable has provided to our pupils, it has also firmly 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.

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GIULIA RHODES Education writer for national newspapers and magazines

STRIKING A BALANCE Avoid homework becoming a battleground by helping your child get the most out of it, writes Giulia Rhodes

F

or many families, the theory and the practice of homework fall depressingly far apart. Education experts, too, are aware that adding to the demands of the school day can, if badly planned and managed, be detrimental both to children’s learning and their wellbeing.

In recent years, a steady trickle of schools has abolished homework, asking instead that children read, play outdoors and rest. Others are experimenting with techniques such as flipped learning, in which children watch teaching material independently and spend lessons discussing and extending knowledge.

What’s the point of prep?

So how do prep schools approach homework? And how can parents ensure that prep is stress-free, purposeful and leaves plenty of time for a happy childhood?

The first step, says Alex Gear, Head of

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Oakhyrst Grange, Surrey, is to understand its purpose. “Prep should consolidate core skills and recent learning, and extend independently the work the child is doing.”

He believes that homework is both “culturally embedded” in the British education system and is an important element in a good teaching and learning programme. Like good class teaching, which is differentiated, homework must be at the right level for each child. “To be productive, it must advance learning.”

By the age of ten, Oakhyrst’s pupils are expected to do around 30-40 minutes of homework a day but “definitely no more than an hour,” adds Gear, recognising that children work at different speeds.

This should be sufficient, he says, to enable the best preparation for senior school.

“Schools must never lose sight of the fact that children have a life outside school.

Music, sport and drama need time, and these enrichment opportunities are as important as academic success.”

HOMEWORK

with school – is key. “Moreover, we need to address issues promptly because otherwise resentment builds up. If it isn’t working, then homework is pointless and we need to do it differently.”

At Gosfield, teachers may implement a reduced prep timetable, ease deadlines or issue a prep report – on which subject teachers note whether work has been done to an appropriate standard and what is required for the next lesson.

Crucially, says Redfern, this system allows for praise and helps children for whom poor organisation can lead to problems. “It is an extra scaffold of support for those who need more help with independent time management.” ISP

ILLUSTRATION: ANDY WARD

ACHIEVING HOMEWORK HARMONY

Calling time on tasks

Excessive homework can restrict a child’s experiences and blunt their enthusiasm.

“Motivated children can be demotivated if their homework is ill-suited,” adds Gear.

When problems do arise, he says, there may be simple solutions. First, he advises parents to look at when and where their children are doing homework. Many of his pupils attend on-site after-school clubs, ensuring a quiet space to get on with prep before they become tired or hungry.

Above, it is important that homework is balanced with some downtime, too

Parents should call time on tasks that are taking too long, reassuring the child and communicating concerns to the teacher. Sometimes, he says, they may suggest a short hiatus from homework to ease tensions and give the child a break.

“Wise teachers will tell you not to go to war. A happy family is more important than an hour of prep,” he says.

Catherine Redfern, Director of Studies at Gosfield School in Essex, agrees that communication – within the family and

1. Provide a quiet space, away from distractions and siblings.

2. Establish a routine, with tasks completed on the day of setting.

3. Allow some downtime after school, but schedule homework before tiredness and hunger set in.

4. Encourage your child to take ownership, involving them in establishing the routine.

5. Support, encourage and praise, but don’t do their homework. It is for your child, not you.

6. Ensure your child has a balance of homework, hobbies, social life and lots of rest.

7. If a task is taking too long, tell your child to stop.

8. Discuss problems with the school as soon as possible.

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The Diamond Model offers a co-educational Preparatory School, single- sex education in the Senior School and a co-educational Sixth Form

The former convent school retains its Catholic foundation and ethos while welcoming those of all backgrounds

Bomb damage to N ew H evacuated to Newha all during the Second World War m eant the school had m Paddox, near R ugby, in 1943 to be

AAHISTORY HISTORYOF OF

NEW NEWHALL, HALL,ESSEX ESSEX in10 pictures The school site is located in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu Palace, which were acquired by King Henry VIII in 1517

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Boys were introduced to the historically all-girls’ school in 2006

The school was founded by the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre in 1642.

The school was handed over to the lay leadership of Katherine Jeffrey in 2001

Henry VIII’s coat of arms is still prominently displayed in the school chapel

The school offers an extensive co-curricular programme, including popular activities, such as skiing and riding

New Hall is the oldest Catholic school in England and has always taken girls

Tablets were introduced for all students and teachers from September 2016

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

SAILING HOME SCHOOLS TIME

SAILING TO

SUCCESS

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK,

Sailing is a popular choice as a curriculum sport at independent schools.

Sue Pelling investigates its benefits and unique qualities

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Sailing students at Truro School in Cornwall learn about decisionmaking

S

ailing is all about teamwork, communication, and the ability to make decisions – these are some of the key reasons why independent schools recognise the benefits of this popular sport. As well as a great leveller, sailing is an open sport, and one of the few where it is possible to be on a par with Olympic champions and world-class professional sailors at regattas, such as Cowes Week, and even beating them!

While Team GBR’s Olympic status as one of the most successful, in terms of medals, has helped sailing to gain recognition in recent years, the success of British sailing goes far beyond that. It is the training and exam structure, governed by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to allow measureable progress, that has helped GBR to lead the way globally.

With such a proven structure in place through its governing body, and the Independent Schools Association’s (ISA)

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Inspire to Aspire initative to create opportunities for pupils in the wake of Team GB’s Olympic success at Rio, it’s not surprising that more and more independent schools have taken the “plunge”.

For schools like Gordonstoun, located between the seas of the Moray Firth and the Cairngorms, sailing is in its “DNA”.

“The principle aims of sail training are to develop confidence, perseverance, leadership and teamwork” Sailing is compulsory and students have to undertake seamanship lessons to learn the basics and teamwork on the school’s two 28ft dipping lug cutters. The pupils also have the opportunity to sail dinghies, and all Year Eight, 10 and 12 students spend a week on Ocean Spirit – the school’s 80ft Oyster Ketch – sailing around the West Coast of Scotland and beyond.

The principle aims of sail training are to develop confidence, perseverance, leadership and teamwork. These are key transferable skills that enhance their ability to perform in all areas, including the academic, and ground them as individuals.

Controlling destiny

Ian Lerner, Gordonstoun’s Sail Training Co-ordinator, asserted: “Sailing nurtures a sense of adventure and encourages team spirit. It is also intellectually challenging.

You have to plan your journey, understand the wind and know how the boat works.

Students control their own destiny by making their own decisions.”

Among the many south-coast-based schools that include sailing is Ballard School in Hampshire. Andy Maskell, Head of Design Technology and STEM and Sailing, says that the sport is a really popular choice. He said, “Anatole, one of our Year Nine sailors, has gained so much.

His confidence has developed owing to the fact he is now teaching sailing to

Above and right, pupils at Gordonstoun learn the importance of good teamwork on Ocean Spirit, the sail-training vessel

SAILING SCHOOLS

…key transferable skills that enhance students’ ability to perform in all areas, including the academic

Sailing is a key sport at Truro School

others.” Anatole adds: “I love the sense of independence that I get in a dinghy, working with the wind and currents, and looking out for other sailors. I’m especially looking forward to sailing a yacht on the Solent next year.”

Landlocked schools, such as Bolton School in Greater Manchester are noted for their active and well-run sailing sections.

As well as having the use of its 60ft yacht, Tenacity of Bolton, students also have the

option to sign up for dinghy sailing courses at Patterdale Hall on Lake Ullswater.

Uniquely positioned

Although in the middle of the country, Windermere School in the Lake District is uniquely positioned for sailing with its boat house and moorings sitting on the shore of Lake Windermere. The RYAchampioned school is proud of its strong sailing offer, which is part of its Adventure Programme embedded in the curriculum.

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SAILING SCHOOLS

All students at Gordonstoun learn the basics of seamanship on 28ft dipping lug cutters on the Moray Firth in Scotland

Sailing nurtures a sense of adventure and encourages team spirit, while also allowing students to make their own decisions

Its student team regularly takes part in competitions and recently celebrated further sailing successes, with several of them qualifying for UK National and Northern Sailing Squads in RS Tera and RS Feva dinghies. The school believes that sailing develops all students in many ways, including developing great psychological skills, and improving commitment and confidence in every aspect of their life.

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Running a successful sporting section within an independent school is ultimately determined by the passion of the staff, and having a supportive school that allows its staff to be creative.

As a keen sailor, teacher Andy Maskell was aware of the benefits sailing could bring when he joined Ballard School seven years ago.

He added: “With the ISA trying to encourage schools to take on more sports, now is a good time to look at sailing as an option.

You do, however, need an enthusiastic person who could lead and support the project.

Thankfully, we have a good Head who saw the benefits and has really embraced the idea.”

Sailing helps students to develop great psychological skills

While some schools like Gordonstoun have a built-in sailing centre, others such as Truro run the sailing section through a local RYA-recognised centre. Bob Warren, Head of Sailing at Truro, said setting up a sailing section is quite straightforward.

“Usually, you would look for an RYA training centre if you wanted to do training. Alternatively, research the area for existing local sailing clubs to see whether you can tie up with them.”

Sporting inspiration

With Sir Ben Ainslie, a former student, and Finn Hawkins – bronze medallist at the recent Windsurfing World Championships – as a current student, it is not surprising that sailing is now a key sport at Truro School in Cornwall. Ainslie, with four Olympic sailing gold medals to his name, is now deemed to be “the greatest Olympic sailor in history”, and the biggest sporting inspiration in this sector.

Although Truro didn’t offer sailing during Ainslie’s years, it supported him in his extra-curricular pursuits.

Hawkins, in his run-up to the recent world championships, endorsed the school’s support, “I was given time off to train for windsurfing.” Bob Warren,

RUNNING A SAILING SECTION

Head of Sailing, says the sport allows pupils to be “let loose” to control a vessel. “We also have another ex-pupil, Chris Thomas, who is in the Olympic sailing programme and looking to head to Tokyo 2020.”

Above, students at Windermere School in Cumbria get to grips with spinnaker trim. Right, Ballard pupils enjoy the thrills of sailing in Hampshire

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

The Good Schools Guide, 2016

Inspired | Intellectual | Independent | Individual | Inclusive

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

• Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Founded in 1645 Cheam is one of the oldest Prep Schools in the country • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types • Set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside, for sporty, outdoor loving, energetic types

• Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Cheam is the perfect school for children to spend their formative years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Outstanding academic performance – 68 scholarships in the last 5 years • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Very strong sport, music, drama and an exhaustive list of extra-curricular activities • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8) • Co-Ed day and boarding from 3-13 (Weekly or Flexi boarding available from age 8)

Email: Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web:Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD Email: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Web: www.cheamschool.com Tel: 01635 268242 Cheam School, Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD

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Ludgrove

Equipping our children for the brightest future Co-educational school in the heart of Hampshire • Nursery, pre prep, prep, seniors, sixth form, boarding • Nursery – rated ‘Outstanding’ by ISI • 100% of our most recent pupils passed their A-Levels, with 92% gaining their first choice of university • Top sporting and extra-curricular opportunities including equestrian, cricket, rugby, athletics, golf, gliding, netball, ice skating and gymnastics

To find out more or to book a tour, please email info@sherfieldschool.co.uk or call 01256 884 800

www.sherfieldschool.co.uk

• 100% full boarding boys’ prep school • Glorious rural setting, with easy access to London • Excellent academic record • Fortnightly exeat weekends

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Wokingham, Berks RG40 3AB · 0118 978 9881 registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk · www.ludgrove.net

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OPEN MORNI NGS OPEN MORNI NGS NGS February & 12th 2017 February February 3rd 3rd 3rd & & 12th 12th May MayMay 2017 2017 Independent co-educational preparatory day, flexi and full-time boarding

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Independent Independentco-educational co-educationalpreparatory preparatoryday, day,flexi flexiand andfull-time full-timeboarding boarding school, ages 2-13. Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5ZG. school, school,Please ages ages2-13.

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Lymington, Lymington, Hampshire Hampshire SO41 5ZG. 5ZG. contact the School RegistrarSO41 on 01590 613 303 or email Please Pleasecontact contactthe theSchool School Registrar Registrar on on 01590 01590 613 613 303 303 or or email email registrar@walhampton.com registrar@walhampton.com registrar@walhampton.com Registered Charity No. 307330 Registered RegisteredCharity CharityNo. No.307330 307330

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

16/01/2017 09:10

COMMENT

ROSS URQUHART

Headmaster.

Northampton High Junior School, Northants

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

T

ime spent on recreation is extremely important.

These days there is an incredibly diverse range of activities to choose from, and as I ponder my own passions and interests, I recognise that many of these were once influenced by those that taught me, and in turn how they have influenced the many students I teach now.

Sometimes it feels almost impossible to curb your enthusiasm for something you find genuinely interesting, and in the past I have witnessed many colleagues “come to life” when teaching their students a subject that clearly inspires them.

Children are equally very good at responding to enthusiasm; even a subject they consider their least favourite may become inspiring if taught with passion, pace and energy.

Some hobbies have social appeal, and certain pupils are drawn to vocations that promote the chance to meet new people.

Others prefer activities in which they can be independent, and allow space to focus and time to concentrate. Nonetheless, regardless of the hobby, there is always the opportunity to talk with people who are equally passionate.

Many children are also encouraged by their parents to partake in certain activities, though this can be tough if the child is disinterested and would rather be doing something else. It’s important therefore to give them an element of control – for example, a friend of mine only agrees to take his daughter swimming early each morning, providing she is the one to set the alarm and wake him up. This way, the ball is in her court and it's her decision.

Right, allow children to experiment with different hobbies and interests

CONSPIRE TO INSPIRE Ross Urquhart explains how developing a hobby or interest can benefit a child's education Environment can also impact a child’s choice of hobby – while some adore being outside, in the water or in the sky, others prefer staying indoors, being on a computer, or working in a studio. The pace of the activity can be a factor, too, and children need to be able to experiment with different activities to see which kind of environment suits them best.

Achieving a good balance of curricular and co-curricular activities is equally

important at school – from the arts, to sport, to music. Having this in place alongside a group of passionate teachers is a strong recipe for positive learning, and children will feel confident in choosing to develop new skills as a result.

Hobbies will inevitably change, and new passions will be discovered as people mature and travel. However, this process most certainly starts at school, and its value should never be underestimated.

Children are very good at responding to enthusiasm.

Even a subject they consider their least favourite may become inspiring if taught with passion and energy

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PASTORAL CARE

FIONA WOMERSLEY

Weaved into the fabric

To be effective, pastoral care needs to colour every part of school life; it’s not just an “add on”. There are five of us in the core team at Beaudesert School, but we rely on all the staff to flag up concerns. For instance, a music teacher may notice that a child has withdrawn from a lesson they used to love, or a form tutor notes disruptive behaviour.

Spot the change

Small class sizes and making teacher-pupil relationships multi-layered enable changes to be spotted more easily. For example, one of our geography teachers might also coach sport and facilitate skateboarding trips.

In addition to weekly pastoral meetings with all staff, our core team has welfare and safeguarding meetings, where we discuss and document next steps, ranging from a discussion with parents to a referral to the school counsellor.

Wellbeing survey

Our annual anonymous online wellbeing survey for pupils in Years Four to Eight is proving helpful. The questions help a child who feels anxious or unhappy, and we can pinpoint where and when problems in the school occur. The answers help us to spot any shifts and patterns, too.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

A look at the nuts and bolts of great pastoral care with Fiona Womersley

WELFARE IN PLAIN ENGLISH Above, Pre-prep pupils from Beaudesert School, Gloucs, enjoy outdoor activities

Extending skill sets

Good teaching staff need to be as capable of enthusing a class about capitalism or coding as they are of having listening, and even counselling, skills. We support staff with any gaps they may have, filling them as part of their professional development.

Unhappy hotspots

Finally, some common sense and good old-fashioned experience have their part to play. We know that girls in Years Four, Five and Six often have friendship issues; a child for whom home life isn’t much fun might become more disruptive in class as the school holidays approach; and a child juggling drama, music and sports fixtures may simply have too much on their plate.

Ultimately, a school that takes pupil welfare seriously will be able to ward off potential problems early, and make school life as happy and rewarding as possible. ISP

FIVE TOP TIPS 1. Is the school’s pastoral information readable or cutand-pasted gobbledegook?

2. Ask a range of staff about pupil welfare – not just those on the pastoral team.

3. Check what signs the school look for in a child who is unhappy.

Do they wait for something “big” to break, or are they set up to spot the subtler early signs?

4. What are the most common problems, and how exactly are these managed?

5. Get a feel for the structures in place, such as the regularity of pastoral meetings for staff, as well as staff training.

To be truly effective, pastoral care can’t be seen as just an “add on” or fall under the PSHE umbrella; it has to colour every part of school life

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

O

ne thing’s for sure – happy children thrive. Get the happy bit right and the rest should follow. A sound approach to pupil welfare can go a long way towards helping children to feel valued, heard and supported. As a result, they are more likely to move through life with a good education, the ability to form healthy relationships and the resilience to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs.

Safeguarding Lead, Beaudesert Park School, Gloucestershire

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Independent, co-educational preparatory day school | Ages 3-13

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SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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

DIRECT DIRECT RY RY

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

www.independentschoolparent.com www.independentschoolparent.com

l Showcasing over 1,600 of the toptop l Showcasing over 1,600 of the independent schools. independent schools. l The essential online guide forfor l The essential online guide parents considering sending their parents considering sending their children to independent school. children to independent school. l Covering every stage of aofchild’s l Covering every stage a child’s educational journey: nursery, preeducational journey: nursery, preprep, prep, senior andand sixth form. prep, prep, senior sixth form. l Search by by age,age, location, boarding / / l Search location, boarding dayday / flexi, boys / girls / co-ed. / flexi, boys / girls / co-ed. l Interactive map giving directions l Interactive map giving directions to the school. to the school.

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

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HELPING YOU CREATE YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE TODAY

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Luckle HOUSE SCHOOL

Coeducational Day & Boarding School for Pupils Aged 11-18

PETERBOROUGH’S ONLY INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM NURSERY TO SIXTH FORM If your child was born between 1st September 2012 and 31st August 2013 register now for Reception Class in September 2017 or contact us for an appointment to visit.

Contact the Registrar on 01733 343357 or e-mail registrar@tpsch.co.uk for more information or an appointment.

www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk

Winchester House Gaining the confidence for life Open Morning Saturday 4th March

Luckley is a gem of a school that is able to provide an exciting alternative to the London Day School.

Transport available from the West London area for weekly boarders.

OPEN MORNING - TUESDAY 14 MARCH 2017 Book online at: www.luckleyhouseschool.org Luckley House School, Wokingham, Berkshire T: 0118 978 4175

E: Registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org

High Street, Brackley, Northamptonshire NN13 7AZ Telephone: 01280 702483 office@winchester-house.org www.winchester-house.org

@WHSPrepSchool

Pre-prep and preparatory school on the Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire borders

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TALKING HEADS

TALKING HEADS We asked five headteachers for their top tips on how to keep children focused during the holidays – while allowing for a little downtime too Stephen Ilett

Craig McCarthy

Port Regis School,

Russell House School, Kent

Motcombe, Dorset

For many Year Eight pupils, it is crucial that they get stuck into revision for Common Entrance and academic scholarship exams. We upload revision materials on to the parent area of the website, and expect a sensible amount of work in the eight main subjects to have been done by the start of the Summer Term.

Although terms are busy, we know that for Years Seven and below, there’s a nice break around the corner. We want them to come back re-energised, with stories of their experiences and adventures. I end with a plea to all prep school parents: please, please keep them reading every day!

Just as your reading habits influence the readiness with which your child reaches for a book, the choices you make during the holidays can complement your child’s love of learning. A simple picnic in the park offers opportunities for your child to help prepare the food before you’ve even left the house.

Ball games and scavenger hunts also await before returning home with a treasure trove of nature-finds that could be used for a craft activity. By engaging your children, you are helping to create foundations that will be so vital for their future. Trips to the theatre and museums are valuable, too, as is reading or learning a new hobby together.

Pupils from Port Regis in Shaftesbury enjoy a shady spot in the school grounds

Wallhampton School in Hampshire

Take children on educational trips and set tasks that combine learning and play

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Craig McCarthy, Russell House School

Striking a balance between work and play helps children feel they’ve had a proper break

Ampleforth College

David Moses

Titus Mills

Simon Severino

St Martin’s Ampleforth, York

Walhampton School,

Alleyn’s Junior School,

Hampshire

London

It is important to balance work and play so the children feel they’ve had a proper break.

But do ask teachers for a set of revision topics, reading materials and possible research subjects. Find out what activities your children would like to do and turn them into a book of promises – a ticket can be redeemed on completion of, say, a test.

Share a book; do something cultural, then discuss your experience. Keep a holiday diary – it could be a computer document containing digital photos. Try to ensure that they get enough sleep. Make a large revision chart, and keep all comments about their work as positive as possible.

Share your tips with us @ISParent

Alleyn’s Junior School

As a parent, I encourage my children to complete two “holidayhomework-projects”. They each write a book review, which allows us, as parents, to catch up on some bedtime reading with them. The other holiday task is an independent research project which the children choose themselves – this usually involves an educational trip. In the past, our children have researched projects on Monet, dairy farming and Winston Churchill, and have visited the Royal Academy and the Science Museum. The whole experience feels distinctly different from normal school work. It’s a win-win for the whole family!

School is about more than exams and academic results. Children need to have a break from school-related activities at the start of any holiday, and there should be time to switch off and spend time with family and friends.

Any holiday offers a chance to read books for pleasure; cultivate new passions; be inspired by visits to new places; and to develop emotional intelligence.

Boredom can also be a great stimulus for creativity, and learning in a non-school context can be very effective and most enjoyable; for instance, supporting literacy by writing postcards or creating a blog.

David Moses, St Martin’s Ampleforth

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COMMENT

EMMA ADRIANO

Head of Lower School, St George’s School Windsor Castle

THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

In a world synonymous with technology, the open-air environment has never been more crucial in child development than it is today, writes Emma Adriano

A

lmost 100 years ago, Margaret McMillan wrote in The Nursery School, “The best kept classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky.”

Now with an increase in technology use, the reduction in play spaces, and children starting school earlier, her words are possibly more significant than ever.

At St George’s, we believe that children should be outdoors as much as indoors, and that an integrated high-quality indooroutdoor environment is crucial in child development. Outdoor play is about taking risks, experimenting, discovering, making up games and noisy role play. A child’s need for involvement, as well as their wellbeing, their urge to explore and make sense of the world can be satisfied through play outdoors. Apart from

Outdoor play is about taking risks, experimenting, discovering, making up games, noisy role play, singing and laughing without the limits set by being indoors

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Above, St George’s Pre-Prep enjoy the freedom of play on the school fields

the obvious physical benefits, it also sets up patterns for a healthy and active lifestyle.

Research has shown that the outdoors helps to improve language, communication and problem-solving skills. Quieter pupils learn to speak more, while their more active peers become calmer, and friendships are established through play. The children are better able to self-regulate, resulting in fewer behavioural problems, and teachers are given further opportunity to observe and nurture the rapid changes in each child.

The open-air environment stimulates the senses, increases awareness of others and gives a strong sense of self. Mastery of all these skills in the early-years child is fundamental in the development of an enquiring mind and later learning.

Watch your child thrive in our happy, friendly school

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a

For boys and girls aged 2-11

From a young age, we encourage participation in music and sports Our track record in 11+ examinations for independent and grammar schools is impressive

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

www.russellhouseschool.co.uk | 01959 522352 Station Road, Otford, Kent TN14 5QU

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New Nursery & Pre-Prep building opening September 2017

We welcome children from the age of 2

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12/12/16 10:55

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Creating bright futures at Stowe is an independent co-educational boarding and day school inspiring pupils aged between 13 and 18.

e | admissions@stowe.co.uk t | 01280 818205 w | www.stowe.co.uk SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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Moor Park School’s parkland provides the perfect backdrop for lessons

A BREATH OF OF FRESH AIR…

Simon Gedye and James Duffield of Moor Park School, Shropshire, took up the challenge of bringing lessons to life, by turning their classrooms inside out

I

n our experience, some of the most valuable initiatives stem from a bit of staffroom banter.

Teachers are a competitive bunch and coffee times are often abound with things we would like to change or improve; ideas are floated, built upon, shot down and rebuilt again. Indeed, recent conversations in our staffroom focussed on the topic of the woods, and the claim that Moor Park is an “outdoor” school.

There is no doubt that we have the right credentials; we have 85 acres of beautiful parkland and woodland, including a much-used and loved Forest School site.

Our children enjoy being outside – they are active and competitive, muddy wellies adorn the racks outside classrooms, and tree climbing is a staple part of playtime.

Changing the norm

Given all this, you would think the staff would be content that the “outdoors” box

Setting the scene enabled the children to totally immerse themselves; their writing became more than just descriptive, it became emotive

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Tweet us @ISParent

had been well and truly ticked. And yet, there remained a feeling that it just wasn’t enough. The argument didn’t really stem from what the children choose to do in their playtimes, but more on what the staff choose to do in their teaching time. The question shouldn’t be, “what are we teaching in our classrooms?” but “why are we teaching in our classrooms?”.

Learning inside out

And so it came about that we (James Duffield as Head of Middle School and Simon Gedye as Head of Boarding) challenged each other to take learning outside. Not just for a lesson, but for the whole day; from breakfast and through every one of the core curriculum subjects.

OUTDOOR LEARNING

children’s learning but also on lesson planning from here on out.

Teaching outside made the children engage actively and fully, and made the learning unforgettable. The set text in a Year Six English class was Private Peaceful

by Michael Morpurgo, and the class were preparing to write about what life may have been like in the trenches. The task was to write a letter home, imagining they were a soldier, sitting waiting for the call to cross over enemy lines.

Inspirational setting

The children took shelter in a den built within the woods, covered in camouflage netting. The space was small, dirty and dark, and Mr Gedye played the sound effects of warfare; loud shelling, gunfire and explosions. Allowing the children to immerse themselves in the experience meant their writing became more than just descriptive, but emotive, too.

Being outside also made us, as teachers, think more creatively. Year Four’s maths lesson was based on symmetry, and instead of folding shapes in the classroom, the children donned their wellies and went to look for symmetry on leaves, buildings and number plates. In the final part of the

Games and activities are always outside, but could valid and effective learning also take place in the woods, under a bamboo den or by the lake? Could being outside become the norm for teaching, rather than the exception or for a “special treat”?

The rules were simple; every bit of learning that took place had to be from the planned and timetabled curriculum; it would only work if we could prove that any lesson could be adapted and taken outdoors, and that the learning that took place was enhanced. We were not aiming for a novelty event, but a way of changing how we educate.

lesson, the teacher deployed his drone to fly above the rugby pitches, while the children watched the footage on a live camera feed. From a totally unique perspective, the pupils could see the symmetry of the lines on the pitches. As plenaries go, it was very effective.

Working together

Mr Duffield’s Year Six geographers were learning about settlements, so the class took a playhouse and walked with it to various locations. They placed it down on high land and low, near a water source or not, with other houses or out on its own, and it worked as a stark demonstration of the benefits of the perfect location – learning outside was certainly far more relevant to the subject.

Year Five scientists also got involved by sending morse code messages through the trees with torches, while Year Four children acted out verbs for the rest of the class to guess. Working together as a team brought about its own positive outcomes, and, of course, challenges.

Putting theory into practice is vital, not just for visual and kinaesthetic learners, but for all children. If our little experiment were to filter to more schools, what a great learning environment we could create.

Above, a Year One pupil.

Right, Moor Park pupils explore nature

Positive effects

The results were far from predictable, impacting positively not only on the

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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 wonderful place to grow a rooted sense of self, and joy in life and learning.”

Good Schools Guide 2016

3–18 | Boarding & Day | 1 hour from London To book a place on an open morning or to arrange an individual visit, please contact Janie Jarman, Registrar.

T 01730 711733 E jjarman@bedales.org.uk Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 2DG

www.bedales.org.uk

Sparkling Farleigh School is a leading Catholic co-educational prep school in Hampshire for boarders and day pupils aged 3-13

WITH

POSSIBILITIES...

Our next Open Morning: Saturday 11th March 2017 Register at: opendays@farleighschool.com

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1157842

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www.farleighschool.com

@FarleighSchool

STAR STAFF

I

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

joined Chester Hockey Club at the age of 15, and started to take what is now my main sport seriously.

It was my teachers, Chris Morris, Steph Fisher and Luke Jones at Christleton High School, Chester, who introduced me to hockey.

What I loved was the speed of the game and the technical aspects that come with it, which made it more appealing to me than traditional sports.

Now that I coach the U11s at Foremarke Hall, it makes 15 feel like a late-starter!

Sport has always been important to me, so no one was surprised when I decided to study for a BA in Sport and Exercise Sciences with Art at the University of Chester.

From that, I completed a Masters in Exercise and Nutrition, and finally a PCGE in Physical Education.

I played for the university’s 1st XI and was made captain in the final year of my degree course. In 2006, I moved to join Brooklands Manchester University Hockey Club, and was named the most improved player for the 1st XI in my first year.

I was part of the team to be

SCHOO

HEROL

RUSSELL

ANDERSON This Head of Hockey and Scottish international player hopes to inspire Repton’s Foremarke Hall pupils to pick up a sport and run with it

Tweet us @ISParent

promoted to National League One and subsequently to the Premiership.

In 2010, I came to teach hockey at Foremarke, and gained the first of 50 caps for Scotland in the same year.

Scotland Hockey was unexpected, but the support from my parents and family was wonderful (Granny always looks after me in Edinburgh).

I had worked at several other schools before coming to Foremarke, and seeing the school for the first time was

I hope that I introduce young people to sports in which some go on to excel, but all find great pleasure and good friends

so inspiring. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the location was. The building with the lake in front of it was stunning and the drive through the grounds was incredible. The environment here is still one of the things that makes my job so satisfying.

Foremarke’s appearance was the first of several wonderful discoveries; the sports facilities, the attitude of the children and dedication of the staff are among the others.

The facilities are superb – we have a floodlit astro-turf pitch on site, and regularly use nearby Repton’s water-base and sand-based pitches for training and matches.

The children here are so

enthusiastic – they want to learn and it is wonderful to see them learn and play a sport that they enjoy. We are eager to encourage sport for all.

In terms of hockey, pupils are allowed to play for local clubs as well as for the school.

Many of our players gain valuable experience at clubs such as Beeston and Burton.

I still play competitively, too, for Cannock Hockey Club in the National League.

I believe this helps the young people I coach to realise that I also understand the importance of teamwork, the joy of winning, the disappointment of losing, and remaining gracious in defeat.

It makes me proud to say that Foremarke has had plenty of victories to celebrate in recent years. Seeing the Boys’ U11 team achieve National IAPS success in 2013 was brilliant, as was last year’s success with the Girls’ U13s.

However, the way in which the U13 Girls played this year was excellent; seeing them win the title again after all their hard work was one of the highlights of my teaching career.

It is wonderful to see pupils show progression in lessons – going from complete beginner to mastering complex skills in any of their chosen sports.

I hope, as happened to me with my teachers, that I introduce young people to sports in which some go on to excel, but all find great pleasure and good friends.

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Education isn't just about what happens in the classroom

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A SHARED EXPERIENCE Lucy Parsons highlights the benefits of day trips that help to build memories, bond families and enhance learning

D

eep, life-changing learning doesn’t happen in the classroom – but in the real world, when children touch, smell, taste, hear and see what they’re learning about.

That’s why it’s so important to take learning outside the classroom. And, as a family, going on a fun, educational day trip can be a wonderful bonding experience, which forms memories that last a lifetime.

So, if you want to help your children learn, create those memories and bring the family together through shared experiences this half term, where can you go?

Going fossil hunting on the beach with Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre in West Dorset is a truly immersive experience. A guide will give a talk, then show you examples of the different kinds of fossils you might find, before taking you to a fossil hot-spot. For the next hour or two, you work together as a family trying to find and identify the specimens. It’s possible to find more than a hundred fossils during your time on the beach, and unlike most world heritage sites, you’re allowed to take your little Jurassic treasures home. ▶

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: JONTY WILDE

Fossil-hunting walks

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Shakespeare

Creative thinking

If you are creative, and love art and nature, then Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a perfect day out. You will encounter art within the landscape and start to understand how the two interact with each other.

Led by a professional artist, families first explore how sculpture exists in the park through sound, sight and texture. They

are no structured activities, the talkingpoints guides will trigger words to help you think about sculptures in different ways.

BUY IT

Lucy Parsons is an academic tutor. Her book The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take (£12, John Catt Educational) is published in February.

COMPTON VERNEY then work together to create their own sculpture by stacking and building the natural and man-made materials provided.

During February half-term there are a selection of other workshops. In the Bits and Pieces studio, you can create collages and sculptures that explore the relationship between man-made and natural materials (see Calendar, p78), while in Little Family Worlds, you can tell stories by creating miniature worlds and photographing them. The activities are designed to generate collaboration and creativity. If you go on a day when there

This is time invested wisely in both creating your family memory bank, and deepening and broadening your children’s education

Above left, Anne Hathaway’s Tudor cottage.

Above right, Yorkshire Sculpture Park family workshop in action.

Above, a treasured fossil find in Charmouth

Sally Dhillon, her husband, Kunny, and daughters Freya, 11, and Grace, seven, took a day trip to Compton Verney Art Gallery in Warwickshire to see the Shakespeare in Art: Tempests, Tyrants and Tragedy exhibition.

“It was compelling and engaging for all of us, played to the senses and was beautifully done,” said Sally.

Afterwards, the family were split into two teams to create their own stage for a Shakespeare play. They had to choose a famous scene and design the set in a shoe-sized cardboard box.

Sally added, “The whole family was absorbed in the activity, and in today’s world there aren’t many opportunities when that happens. Being able to create something together without expectations in a playful way, while also being a little bit competitive with each other, was great fun.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK / DAVID LINDSAY / CHARMOUTH HERITAGE COAST CENTRE

British History Tours has put together an engaging guided walk of Stratford-uponAvon that will take you to the key sites related to William Shakespeare’s life.

You can start at the Bard’s birthplace, learn about the man himself, the quirky origins of such phrases as “feeling ropey” and “window-shopping”, and visit the thatched cottage of his wife, Anne Hathaway.

You can also soak up the atmosphere of the Bard’s Tudor grammar school and visit the churchyard where he was buried.

If your children are slightly older, you might want to round off the day with a play at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre.

Younger children, however, will enjoy going to Mary Arden’s farm – the home where William’s mother once lived. At the Tudor heritage site, you might see a blacksmith at work or a falconry display, have a Tudor dancing lesson, and explore the farmhouse to see how people ate, lived and slept. It’s a fully interactive experience.

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

A fun-filled

FAMILY BREAK If you’re looking for a weekend jolly, The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, West Sussex is the place to be, says Vicki Gavin

N

estled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, this charming hotel lies on the outskirts of Midhurst in West Sussex. The town has much to offer: from the magnificent history of Cowdray ruins, which played host to Elizabeth I and Henry VIII, through to quintessentially English tea rooms and coffee shops, as well as a number of independent shops and boutiques, ideal for an afternoon of retail therapy.

Midhurst is also home to the JaegerLeCoultre Gold Cup, the premier polo tournament in the world. Held at Cowdray Park, the event, featuring a host of star players, draws aficionados of the sport from all over the globe.

Right, the historic country inn in Midhurst, West Sussex

Air of tranquility

The hotel – one of the oldest buildings in the town, dates back to 1430, when it served as a coaching inn – is situated on a quiet side-street within easy walking distance of Midhurst town centre.

Despite its proximity to the centre, it provides a haven of tranquillity, offering a feeling of

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calm and relaxation. Guests enter through the beautiful conservatory – an ideal spot for relaxing with a morning coffee and newspaper, or chatting over afternoon tea.

Just to the left of the conservatory is the Jacobean Hall, where one can almost sense the atmosphere of medieval banquets that must have once been held there.

Each of the 39 rooms is beautifully appointed and decorated in a style in keeping with the many period features of the rooms. There are many options for families, depending on the age of your children, with a number of adjoining, or larger rooms, which can easily accommodate extra beds. ▶

Feltonfleet School

This is your Open Day

Byfleet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1DR

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

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 402, boys 219, girls 183 Type: Day, Weekly, Flexi Boarding Fees: Nursery £1,985 (mornings), Reception to Year 2 £3,705, Main School Day £5,445, Boarding £7,490 termly.

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

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

Family Woods

Open Day Bring your wellies for Tractor Rides, Farm-Fun and Campfire Lunch.

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

25th March 2017 10:30am to 12:30pm – Bring your little ones (0 – 4 years) 11am to 1pm – Bring your slightly older ones (5 – 12 years) To secure your Open Day place, please call our Registrar on 01444 483528 or visit www.greatwalstead.co.uk and click on the front page link to learn more.

Open Days: Friday 24th February, Friday 5th May 2017, Saturday 30th September or please contact the Registrar to arrange a private visit.

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Left, dine in the stunning setting of the Jacobean restaurant

Along with kite flying, there’s a fantastic library of children’s books, crayons and colouring, and the “10 things to do before you’re a grown-up” challenge, plus walks, cycle rides and swimming, while the garden is ideal for little ones to let off steam.

Spa attraction

Enjoy being pampered in the relaxing spa, which includes a heated pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. Try the sublime Footprints in the Sand treatment using reflexology techniques (£74 for 55 minutes) or the ultimate pampering experience, My Kinda Mood, which includes a facial and bespoke full-body massage, (£139 for a two-hour session).

The restaurant offers an excellent selection of dishes cooked to perfection, with much of the produce sourced locally, including the sumptuous South Downs Pheasant and fresh South Coast Cod. Equally, one would struggle to improve on the Sussex Cheeseboard – an absolute treat. All this is complemented by a superb wine list, and the friendly service is the icing on the cake. There’s also a children’s menu so you can dine as a family, or for young guests, light meals are available via room service or in the conservatory.

Just a 20-minute drive away is the beautiful cathedral city of Chichester, home of Chichester Festival Theatre, where many shows are performed before transferring to the West End.

NEARBY SCHOOLS 1. Bedales School, Petersfield, Co-ed School, ages 13 to 18.

2. Ditcham Park, Petersfield, Co-ed School, ages four to 16.

3. Highfield School, Liphook, Co-ed Prep School, ages three to 13.

4. Seaford College, Petworth, Co-ed School, ages seven to 18.

5. St Catherine’s, Bramley, Girls’ School, ages four to 18.

6. Churcher’s College Junior School, Liphook, Co-ed, ages four to 11.

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“One can almost sense the atmosphere of medieval banquets that must have once been held in the Jacobean Hall”

Things to do, places to see

At the end of the Chichester High School’s campus is the South Downs Planetarium, which is one of the largest in Britain and offers many shows and events. Also within easy reach is Fishbourne Roman Palace and Gardens, the largest Roman home discovered in Britain, with lots to see, including trails and fascinating workshops.

An absolute must-see is the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, just six miles south of Midhurst, in Singleton. The museum covers a 40-acre site and features 50 historic buildings, which offers children (and adults) the chance to learn how people lived over a 950-year period.

The Spread Eagle is part of the Historic Sussex Hotels group, which also includes Ockenden Manor in Cuckfield and Bailiffscourt in Climping, near Arundel.

Above, one of the deluxe rooms with a sumptuous four-poster bed

Prices start from £119 per night for a standard double or twin room, including bed and breakfast. For more information and to book a room, visit hshotels.co.uk. ISP

Left, afternoon tea in the conservatory

A co-educational, day and boarding school from 3 -13

‘If anyone is going to bring out what your child is good at, Port Regis will.’ GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE t. 01747 857914 | www.portregis.com | e. admissions@portregis.com |

A first class education in the Dorset countryside @PortRegisSchool |

www.facebook.com/PortRegis

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

R

ecent studies show that travelling can transform a child’s learning by making the histories they have studied, the waterfalls they have examined, and the lives they have traced more tangible. A tailor-made adventure in Asia is an excellent way to engage with nature and cultural difference.

Experience Travel Group, an awardwinning expert in this region, helps to ensure that your journey is both memorable and hassle-free.

Each holiday is created for your family with a personalised itinerary to meet your needs. The company works with enthusiastic local guides to give you an insider’s introduction to your new environs.

It’s the perfect way to enjoy authentic experiences beyond a tourist trail.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Engaging with local life

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Sri Lanka is a brilliant family destination and there is a range of experiences on offer, including the Sigiriya and Village Tour. Here, you can explore the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress ahead of the crowds, before visiting a traditional farm to meet the residents and enjoy a delicious lunch, made with produce from the land on which you have just walked.

Another way to enjoy Sri Lanka’s riveting natural world is on a camping safari trip. The island has many beautiful national parks boasting an impressive range of wildlife, from birds to crocodiles to leopards, elephants and sloth bear. The thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat is hard to beat. What makes these experiences truly special, however, is

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

A LEARNING JOURNEY While holidays and far-flung destinations soothe the soul and enrich the mind – they can also enhance a child’s approach to learning staying in bungalows or luxury tents in the heart of the jungle and eating outdoors to the sound of the cicadas.

This incredibly diverse country is filled with original remote getaways that offer a magical adventure. The Mudhouse is a perfect example; its eco huts are nestled within the forest where you can kayak on the lake, cycle around village lanes or learn how to make local dishes with the resident cook in the traditional kitchen.

Social development

While travel leads to learning, developing social skills, flexibility and engagement, it needn’t be hard work; sometimes the things that are the most progressive are learnt subconsciously. Children can try exhilarating activities, such as white-water rafting on the Kelani River,

Above, bringing the classroom to life in Sri Lanka

for example. Between the rapids, there will be time to take in the stunning scenery, explore jungle trails and hidden rock pools.

Apparently 50% of British people say that their happiest memory is from a holiday with their family.

Experience Travel Group thinks that everyone should explore the world and make memories that will instil a love for travelling in their children. You can’t buy curiosity, but it can be learnt.

Specialising in Asia, Experience Travel Group (ETG) offers family holidays tailored to meet your specific travel needs.With more than 10 years’ experience, it recognises the importance of a holiday that balances adventure, relaxation and cultural engagement. A family holiday would be estimated at £2,000 per person experiencetravelgroup.com

Sri Lanka has many beautiful national parks… the thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat is hard to beat and there is plenty to learn with our expert nature guides

PAPPLEWICK, ASCOT BOYS’ INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL where ‘Boys can be Boys’

6-13 years of age. Day, weekly and full boarding

Open Mornings DAILY TRANSPORT SERVICES TO AND FROM CHISWICK AND BROOK GREEN TOP SCHOLARSHIP RECORD TO UK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Termly Open Days: Saturday 4th February 9am - 11am Saturday 13th May 9am - 11am

Please register attendance at registrar@papplewick.org.uk www.papplewick.org.uk 01344 621488

EXPERT-LED FAMILY TOURS & PRIVATE GULET CHARTERS

th

Friday 10 March and Friday 5th May 2017 | 9am to 11am 9am - Arrival and Coffee 9.30am - Welcome Talk 10am -11am - School Tours Milbourne Lodge is a Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory school where boys and girls work hard and play hard. We have a reputation for academic excellence and strong traditional values.

We have a limited number of places in Reception for entry in September 2017. Register now for 2018 Reception entry. www.milbournelodge.co.uk

Arbrook Lane, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9EG T:01372 462737 E: registrar@milbournelodge.co.uk

Horris Hill School has been educating boys since its foundation in 1888 Horris Hill School has been educating with a tradition few can match boys since its foundation in 1888 • Success to Eton, Winchester, Radley, withanda other tradition Marlborough top schools few can match •• Competitive ethos on and offRadley, the pitch Success to Eton, Winchester, Marlborough and other schools • Traditional boarding onetop hour from London

HORRIS HILL SCHOOL BOARDING & DAY BOYS AGED 7-13

• Competitive ethos on and off the pitch ARCHAEOLOGY TOURS

• Traditional boarding one hour from London

HORRIS HILL SCHOOL BOARDING & DAY BOYS AGED 7-13

GULET CRUISES

WALKING TOURS

One of the world’s “Top 10 Learning Retreats” - National Geographic Traveller

A “100 Best Holidays” Company - The Sunday Times

OPEN MORNINGS: Please join us on Saturday 25th February or Saturday 20th May from 10am – 12pm. For further details, please contact registrar@horrishill.com

www.petersommer.com - Tel: 01600 888 220

www.horrishill.com Horris Hill, Newtown, Newbury RG20 9DJ

T 01635 40594

E registrar@horrishill.com

www.horrishill.com Horris Hill, Newtown, Newbury RG20 9DJ

T 01635 40594

E registrar@horrishill.com

SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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WIN! £SU5NU0VA0

SWIMWEAR

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PLUS A FABULOUS 15% DISCOUNT WHEN YOU SHOP ONLINE

Sunuva has established itself as a leading children’s swimear brand

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

COMPETITION

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unuva is a gorgeous UV protective swimwear and beachwear brand for children, inspired by tropical destinations and a passion for travel.

From the spirit of Ibiza to the markets of India and tropical island hideaways, Sunuva’s inspirations blend together to create beach-chic at its best.

Founded by Emily Cohen and Sabrina Naggar, Sunuva swimwear is made from the highest quality UPF 50+ fabric, which blocks out more than 97% of the sun’s harmful rays. Frangipani, Japanese Blossom, Dreamcatcher, Shark and Neon Pineapple are just some of the brightly

coloured prints featuring in our 2017 collection, which are lovingly designed by us in our head office in London, so you won’t find them elsewhere. Complemented by hand embroidered cottons, soft linens and co-ordinating accessories, Sunuva offers the complete travel wardrobe for stylish children, available all year round for perfect sunny adventures.

Exciting new additions for this year include a capsule baby collection, the limited edition “Liberty” story, even more of our fabulous beachwear and accessories and a second collection of new prints which will be available in March.

To take advantage of the 15% discount, go to sunuva.com and enter the *code.

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win a shopping spree with Sunuva worth £500, simply answer the question below and enter it on the link by 28th February 2017 at: independentschoolparent.com/win Q Where is Sunuva’s head office based?

A Miami B London C Madrid

*15% off code SUNUVACOMP15 Terms and conditions: *The offer is available on full price products only. The offer does not apply to items in the outlet. The offer cannot be combined with another promotional code.

The offer is available until 31/03/17.

Above, the courtyard at the hotel Pavillon de la Reine

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ADVERTORIAL

OFF TO CAMP

Residential trips and outdoor programmes keep children busy and active in the holidays...

KINGSWOOD CAMPS, NATIONWIDE

The Tottenham Hotspur Residential Programme takes place over the Easter holidays from 3rd-8th April at their premier venue, Haileybury College, Hertford. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity gives nine-to-15-year-olds the opportunity to participate in fantastic football training sessions with FA and UEFA-qualified coaches, as well as an insight into the philosophy of Tottenham Hotspur. Attendees will also meet some of the First Team players, take part in a guest coaching session and train at their state-of-theart Training Centre. tottenhamhotspur.com

FIRE TECH CAMP, NATIONWIDE

MAYFIELD SPARK, EAST SUSSEX

Fire Tech Camp is the UK’s leading provider of tech day and residential camps for nine-to-17 year olds. Perfect for children who love robots, games, coding, digital music and 3D-printing, young people will get the opportunity to explore the tech scene and learn how to create their own original projects in a fun, inspiring and supportive environment. Based in various locations around the country, courses on offer range from Video Game Design, Mobile App Design and Teen Coding, to Digital Photography, Digital Music Production and Web Development. firetechcamp.com

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR FC, LONDON

From flying down a zipwire, to acquiring new hobbies and embarking on eye-opening excursions, there’s something for every young explorer during the holidays at Kingswood Camps. The camp offers a range of adrenaline-fuelled and challenging activities, giving eight-to-17-year-olds the chance to gain independence and make new friends. Over 160,000 young people visit their centres every year, and each of their five camps is themed, from a teen camp, to a woodland and coastal adventure. They also provide nine coach pick-up points from across the UK. kingswoodcamps.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

Mayfield SPARK Camps offer new and exciting opportunities for four-to-14-year-olds within the beautiful school grounds of Mayfield School, East Sussex. Workshops for children aged eightto-14 include Film Making, Textiles, Pottery, Cookery, Photoshop, American Football and Script Drama, alongside a programme for four-to-eight-year-olds, covering Literacy, Maths, ICT, Art, Music and Multi-Games. Class sizes are kept small, and the camp runs from 3rd-6th April, 24th-28th July, and 31st July-4th August. An all-girls’ boarding camp is also available. mayfieldgirls.org

Specialist holiday camps run and held at Mayfield School for boys and girls aged 4 - 14.

UK Boarding ble vaila places are a August th 30th July - 5 14 Only) ed (For Girls ag

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TO DARE IS TO DO

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMME THIS EASTER Join Toenham Hotspur’s FA and UEFA qualified coaches for an incredible football training experience at our Easter Soccer Camp

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SPRING 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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w

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

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

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CALENDAR Our round-up of events nationwide this spring

UNTIL 10 Sept

FROM 8 Feb

PHOTOGRAPHY: I© THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCIENCE MUSEUM/ © TIM LAMAN/ TM & © WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

RISE OF THE ROBOTS [London] Travel back in time to explore the 500-year story of the humanoid machines with the innovative exhibition, Robots, at the Science Museum. Set in five different periods and places, the display features a unique collection of 100 robots, from a 16thcentury mechanical monk to robots from science fiction and modern-day research labs. Tickets are £15 for adults, free entry for under-sevens. sciencemuseum.org.uk

NATURAL SELECTION

[London]

Budding photographers will be able to get up close and personal with a collection of stunning portraits from the Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum. This year’s competition – which attracted almost 50,000 entries from professionals and amateurs across 95 countries – features 100 exceptional images that reveal the diversity of life on our planet, from urban foxes to mountain hares. Tickets, child £6.50, adult from £10.50. nhm.ac.uk MOTHER’S DAY TEA [Cumbria] Sit back and enjoy a special afternoon tea in the beautiful surroundings of Muncaster Castle’s drawing room or billiard room.

The Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea comprises a selection of sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones, plus a choice of tea or coffee and is served in the Castle at 2.45pm. Entry to the Gardens and Hawk and Owl Centre is included in the price. muncaster.co.uk

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR 2017 (PERMANENT EXHIBITION) [Hertfordshire] Muggles will be thrilled to take a peek behind the scenes of the Harry Potter movies courtesy of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter. Visitors will be transported to familiar locations including Hogwarts’ Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾ (along with steam engine). Booking is essential, and a ticket for a family of four is £126. wbstudiotour.co.uk

1830 EXPRESS [Manchester] Buy a ticket for the world’s first-ever passenger railway and experience a train ride like no other. The Museum of Science and Industry’s Explainer team will take you on a whistle-stop tour of the railways while you speed up on the original track that carried passengers from Manchester to Liverpool in 1830. msimanchester.org.uk

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Easy access

Entry to the recently opened Dubai Legoland is complimentary if you stay with JA Resorts.

29

March

The Manu Classic

LEGOLAND WITH JA RESORTS

If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime with the chance to spot spider monkeys, try Crees’ Manu Classic five-day journey that ventures deep into the Amazon. Families on this experiential programme will learn about the different ecosystems and wildlife of each region. The itinerary includes four nights at the Manu Learning Centre, Crees’ pioneering sustainable lodge, plus a visit to local communities. crees-manu.org

20-25 Feb JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL [Coppergate, York] The largest Viking Festival in Europe is a city-wide celebration of York’s Viking heritage. Every February half-term, the programme of family-friendly events, lectures, guided walks and battle reenactments attracts more than 40,000 visitors. jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk

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15 Feb

[Dubai] Guests staying at the family-friendly JA Palm Tree Court or JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel in Dubai can enjoy complimentary passes to the recently opened Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park.

Both hotels are located on the private palm-lined beach and feature two pools, a spa and several restaurants, sporting facilities and a children’s club.

Tickets include daily shuttle transfers to the theme parks and are valid for a single entry. A stay must be booked with the code: JA-DPRS, jaresorts.com

2

March

FAMILY SCULPTURE: BITS AND PIECES

WORLD BOOK DAY

[Yorkshire] Taking inspiration from the sculptures of Sir Tony Cragg, create your own collages and sculpture at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to celebrate the connections between manmade and natural materials. Cragg explores a range of objects (from thrown-away, broken plastic toys to traditional bronze casting) in his sculpture. The workshop includes stacking, gluing and cutting. Age 6+, ysp.co.uk

[Nationwide] Jacqueline Wilson, Julia Donaldson and David Walliams are among the children’s authors writing new stories to mark the 20th World Book Day. The charity is hoping to release one million £1 books to young readers who will be able get one book for free in exchange for the book token available to all schoolchildren.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANTHONY UPTON 2016©/ JONTY WILDE

[PERU]

Alleyn’s

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL

“The best start for boys and girls”

2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½ OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday 3rd May 2017 Thursday 4th May 2017

Alleyn’s Junior School for boys and girls aged 4+. Co-educational excellence in a caring community.

Alleyns.org.uk / 020 8557 1519 / Townley Road, Dulwich, SE22 8SU

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

Early Years | Pre-Preparatory | Preparatory

n pe g r y O rnin rua o b M 5 Fe 30am 2 0. t Sa at 1

Where learning goes Where learning goes hand in hand with discovery Where learning goes Co-education Boarding & Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, baseddiscovery in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside. hand in hand with Two hours from London, an hour from the Cotswolds and Birmingham Airport. hand in hand with discovery Co-education Boarding &A:Day Prep School for 2-13 year olds, 9001299 acres896275 of Worcestershire countryside.

Abberley Hall School, Worcester, WR6based 6DD |in T: Two hours London, anfor hour from Cotswolds Birmingham Airport. countryside.

Co-education Boarding & from Day Prep School 2-13 yearthe olds, based inand 90 acres of Worcestershire abberleyhall.co.uk Two hours from London, an hour from the WR6 Cotswolds and Airport.

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

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

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

Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.

www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk 020 7352 7077

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

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Laying the foundations

Come and see for yourself

To arrange a visit, please contact To arrange visit, please the aSchool office: contact the School office: Oakwood Preparatory School, Oakwood Preparatory School, Chichester West Sussex PO18 9AN ChichesterT:West PO18 9AN 01243Sussex 575209 T: 01243 575209 E: office@oakwoodschool.co.uk E: www.oakwoodschool.co.uk office@oakwoodschool.co.uk www.oakwoodschool.co.uk

Renowned as one of the top girls’ schools in the UK, The Abbey offers an exceptional all-round education and unrivalled opportunities.

To book your place at one of our Open Mornings, please contact admissions@theabbey.co.uk Junior School Friday 3rd February Christchurch Road, Reading, RG2 7AR

Set in 160 acres of stunning park and woodland between the Set in Downs 160 acres stunning park and woodland between the South andofChichester Harbour, children at Oakwood South Downs Harbour, childrenenvironment. at Oakwood learn and play and in aChichester beautiful, safe and spacious learn and play in a beautiful, safe and spacious environment.

As well as receiving an exceptional academic education, As well as pupils receiving exceptional academic education, Oakwood are an nurtured to become caring, polite, and Oakwood pupilschildren. are nurtured to become caring, polite, and well-mannered well-mannered children.

At Oakwood we build the foundations for your children to At Oakwood we build the foundations for your children to reach their absolute potential. reach their absolute potential.

“The pupils’ all-round achievement is outstanding” “The pupils’ all-round achievement is outstanding” – Independent Schools Inspectorate – Independent Schools Inspectorate

Senior School Friday 28th April Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ

theabbey.co.uk

Advert The Abbey 99x129mm.indd 1

19/12/2016 11:16:23

THINK BIG Junior Open Morning Fri 10th March 9.30am for a 10am talk with our new Head of Junior School, Mrs Weber-Spokes.

Tours will then follow.

Book your place on 01202 763360.

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

OPEN MORNINGS Thu 23 February & Mon 27 February 9:30am

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

Talbot Heath

AD

MA

J O R A PA R A M

UR

Pauline on 01428 681032 or email registrar@barrowhills.org

Independent School for Girls aged 3-18

Rothesay Rd | Bournemouth | Dorset | Tel: 01202 763360 talbotheath.org | Connect with us @TalbotHeathSch | Day and boarding

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we are prepared for greater things

A prep school for girls and boys aged 2-13

Roke Lane, Witley, Surrey Gu8 5NY www.barrowhills.org

Did you know?

The Model Village is the only Grade II listed model village in the country.

MODEL BEHAVIOUR

[Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire]

Take a trip down memory lane with the beautifully crafted Model Village, which was officially opened on the Coronation Day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. The iconic Village is a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water and contains everything from the Old Water Mill (now the Car Museum) down to the Old New Inn. You’ll find a running River Windrush, the stone bridges and the model of The Model Village itself.

Adults £3.60, children (three to 13) £2.80. themodelvillage.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: © ENGLISH HERITAGE TRUST/ RUPERT BARNES

LITERARY FESTIVAL

28-1 Feb-Mar SHROVETIDE FOOTBALL TINTAGEL CASTLE [Cornwall] With a history dating back to the Romans and medieval ruins to explore, Tintagel Castle is an ideal destination. Standing half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland, the Castle is one of the most spectacular sites in Britain, and is famous for its association with King Arthur. english-heritage.org.uk

[Ashbourne, Derbyshire] The Royal Shrovetide Football Match is played in the Derbyshire market town every Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

Unlike a conventional football match, this game is played over two eight-hour periods, the goals are three miles apart and there are very few rules. visitpeakdistrict.com

[Warwickshire] Celebrating its 10th year, the Stratfordupon-Avon Literary Festival is an exciting mixture of debate, ideas, celebrity author events, workshops and humour.

Alongside this is a programme of education events in Stratford and local schools involving favourite authors, poets and illustrators, entertaining and inspiring children from age two to 18. stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk

23-30 April

SUMMER SPRING 2014 2017 | independentschoolparent.com

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MEMORY LANE

H

If you had met your fellow adventurer Ewan McGregor at school, would you have got on?

Yes, definitely. We have a relationship very much like great mates would have at school. We laugh a lot, mess around and have a giggle. We are good friends.

ow would you describe your school days?

Early on I was home-schooled, as I travelled a lot. My dad, the film director, John Boorman, always took us wherever he was going – from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and because of his job, we’d spend four or five months in one place. Being dyslexic, I really benefitted from the one-to-one tuition I had.

When did you settle down in one place?

At 13, I went to board at Sibford School in Oxfordshire. For me to be in one place for a long period of time was fantastic. I loved making friends (and staying friends!), playing rugby and cricket, and getting into the usual bits of trouble.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

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

I was a good boy. It was a Quaker school; if you did get in trouble you had to sit down and write a letter to your parents to describe what you had done, and your parents would write back in acknowledgement. Most kids would have preferred the cane! I had to write one or two of those – like any other kid.

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What was your favourite lesson?

Geography. I just got it. It’s all about the different rocks and landscapes and as I’m riding along on my motorcycle, I do remember things from school.

I had a great teacher called Doc Holliday – I can’t remember his proper name! He was lovely.

He’s retired now but his teaching

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2017

SCH

MEMOOOL R I ES

CHARLEY

BOORMAN

The broadcaster, adventurer and motorcycle enthusiast, recalls his schooldays at Sibford School, Oxfordshire inspired me. I loved it, but I never look back and think: ‘God, I miss school!’.

class. I could never learn my lines – I was comic relief most of the time!

How would your former headmaster describe you?

I was never an academic. I left school at 16 and I remember going up to the Headmaster and he said to me: “Charley, look, if you are thinking about coming back for sixth form, you should maybe think about another school!”

Did you find making friends easy?

Everyone finds that first day at school hard. And I think if you are dyslexic, you have to compensate for things you aren’t good at. So I was the class clown.

There are a still a handful of us that are friends to this day. We all used to hang out behind the piano block.

Did you tread the boards at school?

That’s the way I expressed myself, by being on stage.

I was crippled a little bit as a child in terms of expressing myself in

Share your school memories @ISParent

Were you big on sports?

Yes, I liked sport but I wasn’t that athletic. I had a very free upbringing; I lived in the Irish countryside on my school holidays; we had horses.

In the summer, we would pump up old car tyres and bob down the river in them, and Dad would drive down to the next town to pick us up!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was 10, I was already acting, so I was living my dream! But I do remember going to a MotoGP race when I was younger and thinking, “that’s what I should have done.”

However, I was too old to start.

But c’est la vie!

What piece of advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Concentrate more (maybe!); to give my teachers less of a hard time. Looking back I have never regretted anything, ever. I was making a movie in Paris when I left school – I did my exams there. I had a bit of a film career going so I was ready to move on.

“If you got into trouble, you had to write a letter to your parents – most would prefer the cane!”

The Art of

Mauritius

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa

The best choice of luxury hotels on the island

As the first hotel company in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels had the first pick of the most stunning locations and the best of the beaches when choosing to place its hotels. We are now fortunate to have a choice of eight individual and exceptional hotels dotted around the island.

We’ve got everything from indulgent luxury to superb all inclusive options. For families all of our resorts are family friendly offering a great range of free land and water sports, free children’s clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, a choice of spacious family accommodation and family friendly dining options.

For the ultimate luxury stay at the best address in Mauritius, the Royal Palm Hotel. For golfers challenge yourself on the Paradis Golf Course. And for the perfect family holiday choose one of our luxury villas at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club or Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

For the best Mauritius holidays call Beachcomber on 01483 445 632

www.beachcombertours.uk

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY Foremarke Hall is an Independent Boarding and Day School for boys and girls aged 3-13.

Boarding is available from age 7, with the option of moving to Repton for senior boarding at age 13.

OUTSTANDING FACILITIES

NEXT OPEN MORNING

• 55 acres of school grounds to explore in rural Derbyshire • An enviable extra-curricular programme • Full size theatre, swimming pool and lake all on site

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL 2017 9.00am until 11.30am

“School days should be the happiest days of your life. I am delighted our pupils’ experience is rich, broad and balanced, free from excessive entrance examination stress allowing children to prosper and thrive.”

Richard Merriman, Headmaster

Foremarke Hall is located to the south of Derby easily accessed by rail to East Midlands Parkway and by road via the M5/M6/M1 using the A50.

Please contact the Registrar to arrange a private tour: 01283 707100 or email registrar@foremarke.org.uk

Foremarke Hall, Milton, Derbyshire DE65 6EJ

www.foremarke.org.uk