Independent School Parent Junior Edition Spring 2016

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Spring 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY & PREP EDITION

FREE FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS

Literacy

HOW TO GET

YOUR CHILD

READING PLUS ENGINEERING FOR 7 YEAR OLDS TEACHING CHILDREN OPTIMISM WHAT TO DO AT HALF TERM

HEALTHY HABITS School food gets a makeover

Win! A FAMILY HOLIDAY TO THE ADRIATIC COAST

TRAVEL.

SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN

COMMON ENTRANCE The latest trends

My Schooldays

Cressida Cowell on Marlborough

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 Deputy Editor Natalie Milner Senior Designer Pio Blanco PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Brand Manager Chatty Dobson Subscriptions Manager Will Delmont 020 7349 3710 will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by William Gibbons ADVERTISING Group Advertisement Manager Freddy Halliday Sales Executives Hannah Inwood, Harry Warburton, Sophie Acarnley, William Bernard, William Jaffray 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 2016. 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.

Welcome…

How can you nurture a love of reading? In our Literacy Special we’ve made it our mission to find the most effective ways to engage children in the written word. We start with Matthew Edwards, who pens our curriculum focus (page 12); as head of English at Eagle House School in Berkshire, he tells us all about the school’s successful Literature Festival.

I chat to Cressida Cowell, (page 82), the author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, about how Marlborough College allowed her creativity to flourish. Meanwhile, head of learning success at Ranby House in Nottinghamshire writes sensitively on how the dyslexic brain works and the benefits of early screening.

And don’t forget to turn to page 74 for our best books and apps.

For those who are taking their Common Entrance next term, or for pupils who are just starting their “journey” to senior school, check out our Focus (page 44) with an exam low-down and handy timeline! And our Talking Heads offer top tips for revision on page 52. There’s still time to book your Easter skiing holiday – and there’s now plenty of snow after a lacklustre start to the season. The glitzy resort of St Moritz and the exquisite natural beauty of Andermatt are our destination hotspots in Chic Peaks (page 60). Or if summer sun is more your thing, you can win a family holiday to the five-star Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik (page 58). To enter, simply visit our website: independentschoolparent.com/win Claudia Dudman, Editor Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

COVER: Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School, Cumbria

DEN ONS MBER. BROA HORIZ TO REME

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WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 21 Spring 2016

12 7 12

44

News Our round-up of hot topics

All of your questions answered... plus

A Tale as Old as Time

your essential guide to the exams

52

This issue our curriculum feature looks at how to nurture a love of reading

19

Success Stories

21

Head’s Up Newland House reveals a new pre-prep

23

Hey, Little Spender

54

Green and Lean

56

Ones to Watch

School food gets a makeover

34

We catch up with school alumni

58

Top tips for pocket money – have you

Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik

60

A Silver Lining Teaching children the bright side of life

29

Tinker Shed A space to imagine, design and create

33

Inspiring Engineers How schools can offer the subject of engineering at prep school age

34

Magic Formula Why is there the British attitude that it’s okay to be bad at maths?

36

Platinum Award

38

26

56

40

skiing spots, writes Claudia Dudman

66

of Asia and Spain in this five-star hotel

72

and publish a book for five year olds

77

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

Bedtime Reading Calender Dates for your diary – what to do with your family this spring

82

Property

On the cover...

Creature Comforts Rendcomb College pupils design, write

Access all areas at Orwell Park

advises on the new stamp duty rules

The Best of Both Worlds Natalie Milner uncovers the perfect blend

Our selection of top books and apps

History of a School in 10 Pictures

Investing in a second home? Winkworth

Chic Peaks Take your pick from these three glam

74

It’s all about “having a go”

38

Competition Win a luxury family holiday to

heard about the goHenry app and card?

26

Talking Heads We ask six leading headteachers for top tips on Common Entrance revision

If you suspect that your child has dyslexia, don’t panic...

Common Entrance

School Memories Author of How to Train Your Dragon

66

series, Cressida Cowell, on Marlborough

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Moncrieff, chairman Colin Bell, CEO, COBIS Claire Bourne, Hawkesdown House Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School Tory Gillingham, AMDIS Ed Holmes, Independent Schools Council Aileen Kane, Boarding Schools’ Association Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Glynis Kozma, education journalist Christine Ryan, chief inspector, ISI Heidi Salmons, HMC Sir Anthony Seldon, University of Buckingham Kris Spencer, Latymer Upper School Julian Thomas, Wellington College Ben Vessey, Canford School David Wellesley-Wesley, Independent Schools Show Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant

Julian Thomas is the new master of Wellington College, Berkshire

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

Like us on Facebook

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

5

School Open House Monday 8 February Tuesday 8 March Come along anytime between 9am and 11.30am and see our school in action!

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 four nursery schools located across London.

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

www.eatonsquareschool.com

Elvaston Place Open Morning Thurs 10 March - 9am The Long Garden Open Morning Wed 9 March - 9.30am 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 children ages 2 - 5. Our Preparatory is in South Kensington (SW7) and takes ages 5 - 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 at 9.30am 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 learning. 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

NEWS

Our pick of the top school news this spring

BRENTWOOD SCHOOL [Brentwood School, Essex] Former Brentwood School art student, Emily Pye, 18, has had her likeness of the Duke of Westminster, one of Britain’s richest men, endorsed by the man himself.

Emily’s triptych of portraits was created as part of her exam exhibition for the International Baccalaureate Visual Art Diploma. She was awarded a Grade Seven, the highest grade possible, and received the school’s 2015 IB Prize.

Turn to page 56 to find out more...

The thickness of paint increases in each portrait to denote the subject's growing wealth and power

TURNING BACK TIME [St George’s, Weybridge, Surrey] Year Five pupils at St George’s Junior School took part in a Victorian School Day as part of their history studies. The girls and boys dressed up as pupils from a Victorian school and experienced typical lessons of the period. Their classroom was transformed into one set in 1899, with desks in rows and a range of Victorian school artefacts. Their “Victorian school teacher” assessed the standard of the class in various subjects, including handwriting, spelling, drill, tables and arithmetic. Everyone entered into the spirit of the day with even gruel that was served for lunch!

Mr Harold, curriculum leader for humanities, said “history days like these are really important for the children, as it brings the subject alive!”

ART FOR ART’S SAKE [Beaudesert Park School, Glos] In the Cotswolds, Beaudesert Park School has long been a favourite with parents of young children looking to move west for a slice of country life.

Now the 430-strong co-ed is attracting even more attention with the opening of a new performing arts centre. Head James Womersley, firmly believes that “performing boosts childrens’ confidence” as part of a strong all-round education, and the £3 million new build boasts performance-enhancing features, including sound-proof music pods.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

7

SURF’S UP

[Truro School, Cornwall]

There were scenes of celebration on Perranporth beach, as Truro School pupils Ben Norton and Ella Waterhouse won gold medals in the first ever Independent Schools’ Surfing Championship (ISSC). Supported by Wavelength Surfing Magazine and Ticket to Ride, the three-day event saw competitors converging from schools far afield including Hurst College and North London Collegiate.

ALIVE AND KICKING!

EUNITING VOICES [Knighton House School, Dorset] Last term, Knighton House hosted the grand finale of the Comenius Project 2014-15. The EUniting Voices’ two-year assignment, generously funded by the European Union, involved children from across nine EU countries, including Italy, Turkey and Poland. The cross-curricular project, mainly conducted in English, allowed children to visit partnering countries and host visits themselves, offering an insight to different cultures.

2 x+y =4

8

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

[Hornsby House Prep School, London] Hornsby House U11 girls were victorious at the JAPS U11 Girls’ Football Tournament after a series of outstanding performances. The girls won their group in emphatic style, scoring 17 goals and keeping a clean sheet against some stiff opposition from the girls’ teams from Alleyn’s and James Allen’s Preparatory School (JAPS). In the semi-final, the girls outplayed a traditionally strong Dolphin School side, winning 3-0.

The final, against the current champions, Alleyn’s, went to a “best of 3” penalty shoot-out, which resulted in 2-0 to Hornsby after some strong penalty kicks.

ALL THE BELLS… [Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire] In November, a panel behind one of the school’s lower corridors was uncovered by the maintenance team revealing a row of 63 perfectly maintained servants’ bells. Westonbirt House was built by Victorian millionaire, Robert Holford between by 1863 and 1870 and had remained in his family for decades until 1929 when it became home to Westonbirt School.

Sch ol tweets

#BGS alumna Elizabeth Hoar was at the House of Lords last week taking part in the Diversity in Parliament discussion (Bedford Girls School, Bedfordshire) @BromsSchool Huge congratulations to Phoebe H who won Gold in the West Midlands Floor and vault championships!

(Bromsgrove School, Worcs) @QASCaversham The amount of times we wish to attend [events with boys] will not define our success!

[Queen Anneʼs Caversham, Berkshire]

Share your school news and tweet us @ISParent

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HEADS on the move

HURRAH FOR HOCKEY!

Sophie Baber took up the reins at Brookham Pre-Prep in Hampshire last September.

Judy Waite is the new headteacher at Milbourne Lodge School in Surrey.

Charles Framlingham is the first male head of Francis Holland Regent’s Park, London.

Stephen Ilett is the new headmaster of Port Regis School in Dorset.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES

Fiona Orchard has taken up the reins at Prestfelde Prep School in Shropshire.

Sean Skehan becomes the new head of Barrow Hills Prep School in Surrey this September.

Patrick Gush became the new headteacher of Beechwood Sacred Heart Prep School, in Kent, last term.

The Under 10 girls’ hockey team at Brighton and Hove High School Juniors has enjoyed a fantastic season with some outstanding victories against local schools. In November, the team travelled to the internationally renowned East Grinstead hockey club to play in a tournament for 19 independent schools drawn from Sussex and Surrey.

Following victories through the pool stages, BHHS made it through to the final and beat Great Walsted School.

TIM PEAKE MAKES CONTACT [Wellesley House School, Kent] Wellesley House School has been selected as one of 10 schools nationally to host a direct link-up with the International Space Station (ISS) to speak to British astronaut, Tim Peake. During the Principia Mission, in a 10-minute window when the ISS will be over the UK (date tbc) an amateur radio contact will be established with Tim, and school pupils will be able to ask him questions directly about his life and work on board the ISS. Wellesley House is welcoming over 20 Kent schools to take part.

A LITTLE WORLD OF WORDS [Clayesmore Prep, Dorset] Following on from their success in a Dorset Writers Network competition, seven talented storywriters from Clayesmore Prep attended the book launch of This Little World – an anthology of short stories set in Dorset featuring contributions from authors of all ages. Two pupils read a story, seemingly unfazed by the audience.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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MATTHEW EDWARDS

head of English, Eagle House School, Berkshire

I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become

comfortable with a book,

not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and

learning to be a reader

gives a terrific advantage.

Roald Dahl

12

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

A tale as old as time

How do you transform your child into an avid reader? We have the tools to inspire a love for the written word, writes Matthew Edwards

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

13

CURRICULUM

he words from Roald Dahl, on the previous page, manage to sum up everything I feel about reading. As teachers it is often frustrating that some children never seem to be bitten by the reading bug however hard we try.

T

HE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY

We face many obstacles in getting our young people to begin their reading adventure. Tablets, phones and games are certainly here to stay; the 21st-century equivalent of the genie of the lamp,

magically conjured up to play, chat or provide, whatever time of day. Rather than bemoaning the technology, we have to accept it but also shout from the rooftops, in order to show our pupils what an incredible ride reading is.

N

URTURING IMAGINATION

And don’t be too downhearted with the effects of technology. Children’s books are the success story of the publishing world and I would venture to suggest that the range of books available is the best ever.

The growth of Young Adult fiction has proved very popular but there has also been a rise in the number of picture books being sold – and rightly so, they are magnificent! Take a look at last year’s Greenaway Medal Shortlist. This certainly does not mean that all children are reading

“When I was a child I devoured every book I could get my hands on. I loved losing myself in their colourful and dramatic stories” David Walliams, comedian, actor and highly successful children’s author

14

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

and in a country where library services are being cut and many parents never even read for themselves, let alone to their children, schools face a very important role in making sure young readers emerge with a wondrous imagination and unbridled curiosity.

We are all after the magic solution of how to make our pupils avid readers. I do not have the secret – but I do know that leading by example and giving children access to as many books as possible is a good starting point.

D

UST OFF THE BOOKS

At Eagle House, we have recently developed a completely new library space out of what was a dingy, unattractive and largely abandoned room with books in it. I felt that the only way to show we were serious about reading was to make the library somewhere special – bright, modern and full of the most up-to-date books and most importantly a librarian, passionate about reading and there every day to enthuse, advise and shout about reading at every opportunity.

Our library is a hub of activity, used by the children in all their breaks and for reading sessions where classes can step

PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIMEDIA, MELONBOB

T

Above, pupils at Casterton Sedbergh, Cumbria, in their new library

Eagle House School Let your imagination run wild . . .

OPEN MORNING 5th March

Prep - Pre-Prep - Nursery 3 - 13 Day & Boarding Girls & Boys

www.eaglehouseschool.com Eagle House School, Sandhurst, Berkshire GU47 8PH

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www.wsnl.co.uk/youmatter www.wsnl.co.uk/youmatter FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PLANS FOR:

FINDSixth OUT Form MORECentre ABOUT OUR £3.5M Boys’ Boarding House Dedicated YearsPLANS 7 & 8 atFOR: The Boys’ Boarding House Dedicated Sixth Form Centre Years & 8 at The College£3.5M from 2016 New state-of-the-art Junior School Scholarship dates 7announced College from 2016 New state-of-the-art Junior School Scholarship dates announced PREPARATORY SCHOOL, Worksop College Preparatory School, Ranby House, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8HX. THE COLLEGE, Worksop College, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3AP PREPARATORY SCHOOL, Worksop College Preparatory School, Ranby House, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8HX.

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CURRICULUM

away from reality and go somewhere truly amazing.

As a school, if you are serious about reading, you have to have a good library and you need to keep it filled with new books. What message do we give if our reading spaces are neglected and filled with unattractive stock?

Our library has iPads and Chromebooks as well. Research and reading are bound up with the internet and children’s learning is enhanced through the use of technology. But the library is still primarily a central place for reading and we do all we can to make children pick up a book.

C

HILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL

The thrill of inviting an author into school always seemed to generate huge excitement. So instead of inviting just one, we thought it would be fun to invite several and have a mini children’s literature festival. We held the first Eagle House Festival in 2010 and we hosted our third in September of 2015.

The Festival has grown into something very special. This year we hosted 23 authors, including Tanya Landman, this year’s Carnegie Medal winner, Gillian Cross, Lauren Child, Meg Rosoff, Geraldine McCaughrean, Tim Bowler and Dave Cousins. Over two days the whole school was able to enjoy talks and workshops as well as being able to buy books from our pop-up Festival store and then get them signed. Several other schools visited the Festival and there was a wonderful reading vibe as we all were entranced by authors and rushed off with piles of new books to devour. The Festival is another way of igniting the reading spark. We are currently planning for 2017.

Above, pupils at Bilton Grange, Warks, dramatising Robin Hood

M

AKE AN IMPRESSION

Not all children are readers at my school.

Some slip through the net and however hard you try they do not seem to find a way in. Nevertheless, at least they have been exposed to the buzz and if we can maintain that throughout a child’s school career then we will probably have made a greater impression than we think.

As parents and teachers, we must help children open the cover. At my school, we are keen followers of the Carnegie Medal and, like many schools, are part of the shadowing scheme. For our older readers this is the perfect way to get them into a range of books (reading cracking contemporary fiction and then championing their favourite), often at a time when they can become distracted from reading. The books are often hard hitting and provoke lots of discussion,

“Sound literacy skills are crucial in allowing children to effectively and successfully access all areas of the curriculum while in school or at home” Clare Kerr, head of English, Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School, Cumbria

exposing readers to topics they would never ordinarily read about.

Strategies to engage readers are everywhere and we should do whatever it takes to inspire our children. Read as much young fiction as you can, for being able to share a great story with your children and lead them into another land is worth its weight in gold.

Books TO GET YOUR

CHILD READING 1 USBORNE 10

TEN-MINUTE STORIES Beautifully illustrated tales that take just 10 minutes to read (Usborne, £12.99, 4+).

2

SKELETON KEY

by Anthony Horowitz Your child can follow the tales of Alex Rider in graphic novel format (Walker, £18, 7+).

3

TED RULES THE WORLD

by Frank Cottrell Boyce Dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock (Barrington Stoke, £6.99, 8+).

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

17

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DYSLEXIA

can have a huge impact on a dyslexic child’s approach to learning at school and learning any new skill throughout their life.

With a growth mindset, children understand that they can improve their abilities and talents through effort, good teaching, persistence and hard work. By rewarding and valuing their determination and perseverance, we can help the child to appreciate long-term, sustained success.

They learn to adapt their way of thinking from “I can’t do that” to “I can’t do that... yet”.

We pride ourselves on celebrating success with our children, no matter how small an achievement.

Nathalie is head of learning success.

Early screening for dyslexia is a life-changing benefit

SUCCESS STORIES

I

IF YOUR CHILD HAS DYSLEXIA

If you suspect your child is dyslexic, don’t panic, says Nathalie Paish-Plunkett, of Ranby House

“ PHOTOGRAPHY: SEAN MALYON * IGNACIO ESTRADA IS DIRECTOR OF GRANTS ADMINISTRATION GORDON AND BETTY MOORE FOUNDATION

TOP 5 TIPS

f a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn,” – Ignacio Estrada*. This is one of my favourite quotations when trying to encapsulate our approach to teaching pupils with dyslexia at Worksop College Prep School, Ranby House. Few people really understand what dyslexia means. It not only affects a child’s reading and writing ability, it is also about organisational skills, working memory and concentration levels.

A Tailored Approach No two dyslexic brains are identical. Which is why an individual, tailored approach to their learning is vital. Each child with dyslexia processes information in a different way. Some are visual, some are auditory and

some are multi-sensory. Our classrooms are a great example of the multi-sensory approach to teaching and learning. Mind maps on the walls, dyslexia-friendly fonts on a coloured background on the interactive whiteboard, and individual iPads.

Test for it Early Early screening is a life-changing benefit, to ensure support is given from the very earliest opportunity. Don’t be afraid to ask if your school is carrying out dyslexia screening. We are currently screening all of our Year One pupils – it is never too soon. Staff within our Learning Success Unit are Dyslexia Institute trained and provide fully inclusive teaching for children with a range of conditions including dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, plus every teacher within the school is also trained to identify early signs of learning needs.

In school, “Growth Mindset” is a focal point of learning, and this is no different for children with dyslexia. Used effectively, it

By rewarding and valuing determination and perseverance, we can help children to appreciate long-term, sustained success

1 Be loving and patient with

Above, Worksop College Preparatory School, Ranby House, Notts

your child. Remember having dyslexia is frustrating. Your child may feel inadequate.

2 Be consistent with the

work that needs to be done.

It can get very exhausting working every day over and over – for both of you.

3 Be firm with the consistency.

Repetition is your child’s friend disguised as the enemy, but you must also know when it’s time to take a break.

4 Be forgiving of yourself.

Parents often beat themselves up over the thought that… maybe if I had read to Emily more when she was little… maybe if I had sent her to a nursery earlier, maybe, maybe, maybe. We are not perfect as parents. Forgive yourself. It is the best thing you can do to help your child.

5 Have fun. Don’t forget

that life should be fun!

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

19

Newland House School

Independent Preparatory Day School for Girls and Boys from 4 to 13 years

What makes us different is the difference we make

Open Mornings for 2017 entry Pre-Prep & Prep

Wednesday 16 March 9.30 - 11am

Senior & Sixth Form

Thursday 10 March 9.30 - 11am Wednesday 29 June 6.30 - 8pm (including D’Art exhibition)

26 February 18 March

Please see our website for details of further Open Events and Taster Sessions.

Ăůů ŶŽǁ ƚŽ ĐŽŶĮƌŵ your place or to arrange an individual tour of the Pre-Prep or Prep School

15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net

“You learn to speak your mind about what you believe in.”

Hebe, Bedales student

13 –18 | Weekly boarding | 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 711 733 E jjarman@bedales.org.uk

www.bedales.org.uk

20

Welcome Events

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

New Pre-Prep Opens September 2016 WƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ĂŶ ŝŶƐƉŝƌĂƟŽŶĂů͕ ƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďůĞ ĂŶĚ ŝŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ ĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ƉůĂĐĞƐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ŝŶ ZĞĐĞƉƟŽŶ ĨƌŽŵ ϮϬϭϲ ŽŶǁĂƌĚƐ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌ ŶŽǁ ĨŽƌ ĞŶƚƌLJ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϮϬϮϬ

t: 020 8865 1305 e: admissions@newlandhouse.net www.newlandhouse.net Newland House School, Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ

HEAD’S UP

DAVID ALEXANDER

headmaster, Newland House, Richmond

E

mbarking on our project to design a new school for our existing pre-prep (opening September 2016), we realised that it would present a unique opportunity to create a building that would nurture and directly foster children’s ability to learn.

Our new school design recognises that the classroom environment plays a fundamental role in a child’s academic progress. Our surroundings affect our moods, ability to form relationships and our effectiveness in work or play.

Research has demonstrated that a child’s progress can be positively stimulated by up to 16% through the full range of sensory impacts that they experience within the learning setting alone. Bearing in mind that children spend over 1,000 hours per year in school, it is crucial that the environment is right. Our new building focuses on three key dimensions that help support a child’s response to their surroundings, including the classroom’s “naturalness”, its individuality and its ability to provide appropriate stimulation.

Natural Influences We have ensured that the new classrooms will utilise natural resources to regulate daylight, sound, temperature, and air quality. The core fabric of the school is sustainably sourced timber, which has excellent thermal properties and is visually calming. Teachers will be able to control

BUILDING BLOCKS

David Alexander shares Newland House’s dazzling new pre-prep school aims the flow of natural daylight and air ventilation to ensure that the classroom environment provides maximum comfort.

There will be further links to nature with an importance placed on the outside learning environment. These aspects help provide the atmosphere that is crucial to a child’s learning and development.

Safe and Secure Classrooms will be ergonomic, visually appealing and structured so that children will feel secure. The pupils will be able to explore their individual learning preferences through a range of classroom resources; and because intimate and personalised spaces are better for absorbing, memorising and recalling information, there are flowing break out and play spaces for group work.

We have also tried to keep the layout simple and the linear design locates classrooms in year-group clusters that will help children orientate and navigate round the building, whilst, importantly, still allowing them to feel connected to all parts of the school.

Children spend over 1,000 hours per year in school and it is vitally important that we get their day-to-day environment right

Above, drawings for the new pre-prep at Newland House

We know that children learn best when they are stimulated by exciting and vibrant environments and our pupils will enjoy engaging with their surroundings and learning through intriguing play zones, which focus on sensory engagement.

Outside, there will be a partially covered play space and several outdoor learning zones with quiet, reflective and actively engaging activities as well as a library garden for quiet reading.

Take Ownership I am keen for the children to take ownership of the new school as soon as possible. Recently I witnessed one of the most endearing moments in the construction process so far, when we arranged for a group of Reception pupils to have a sneak preview and tour of the site. This was a great opportunity for them to feel part of the process. The children donned tailormade hard hats and hi-vis vests as they embarked on the tour. They enjoyed scaling the stairs and the views from the first floor windows over the existing prep school playground.

We are on schedule and work has started on the outer façade, which links the new building design to the prep school next door – uniting both parts of the school for the first time in more than 40 years.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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“BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL” Tatler Schools Guide 2014

I n sp i r at i o n fo r li fe | Pa ssion for life | Lea rn ing for l if e wellingtoncollege.org.uk | admissions@wellingtoncollege.org.uk | 01344 444 013 1 20/01/2016 22:38

Walhampton INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT PREP 2016 Ad.pdf

IMAGINING

DISCOVERING

INSPIRING

OPEN MORNING QUESTIONING

INTERPRETING

CHALLENGING

6th May 2016

Independent co-educational preparatory day, flexi and full-time boarding school, ages 3-13. Lymington, Hampshire SO41 5ZG. Please contact the School Registrar on 01590 613 303 or email registrar@walhampton.com

www.walhampton.com

UNDERSTANDING

EXPLORING

PERFORMING

Shortlisted for the ‘Best Prep School’

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

Schools Awards 2016

MONEY TALK

HEY, LITTLE SPENDER

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

E

Louise Hill, co-founder of the goHenry card and app, offers top tips for teaching your children good money habits

very parent knows how important it is to teach their children the value of money, as it is a lesson that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. So it came as good news to mums and dads that financial education became a compulsory part of the national curriculum in England in September 2014. Pupils now get to learn to manage their money and plan for future financial decisions in citizenship classes and “financial mathematics” is now emphasised in maths lessons.

However, financial education shouldn’t be confined to the classroom; for it to be truly effective children should find practical ways to continue the learning process at home. As research from the University of Cambridge indicates, children start forming money habits as young as seven, and actively involving them in financial decision-making (rather than giving orders) plays a hugely positive role in their development – and pocket money or an allowance are really helpful tools to assist with this.

MANAGING POCKET MONEY Many questions come up with pocket money. How much pocket money should I give? Should I control their spending?

How do they learn to earn? Well, we’ve got four tips to help guide you through this: Tweet us your pocket money tips @ISParent

Earning is Learning If you decide to pay your children for doing some chores or encourage older children to get a part-time job, learning to earn can accelerate their financial independence. This will teach your children the value of hard work and what it means if they don’t put the effort in.

Go their Own Way Letting your child develop their own understanding of money, and allowing them to suggest things to you about saving and spending it, can help build their confidence. Also, if you do pay

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

23

MONEY TALK

for certain chores, having a discussion with your child about how much they earn can be beneficial. Although it is important that the final decision is up to you, a mutual conversation is a good way of preparing them for the workplace and negotiating salaries in the future.

Taking Risks It’s good to give your child the freedom to make their own decisions with their money. You should, however, warn them about spending too much on one thing that they may eventually grow out of or lose interest in quickly. Taking risks is a key part of the learning process, but understanding what the consequences are of getting things wrong is vital – so try not to interfere too much.

Stick to your Guns Sticking to the weekly or monthly pocket-money allowance helps them understand exactly what they have and to budget accordingly. If you make a habit of giving them top ups when they run out, they may feel they can just spend their

pocket money carelessly knowing that they’ll just get more in the end. That’s a habit that can last a lifetime.

There is no hard and fast rule on how much to give. Decide what suits your family; but be clear with your children what you expect the money to cover.

Add pocket money to the goHenry card

TOOLS YOU CAN USE Our card and app goHenry makes managing pocket money easy and fun, while helping your children build good money habits. The pre-paid card and app offers unique parental controls, for young people aged eight to 18.

“I’m happy that financial education is part of the national curriculum,” says Angela Davies, who uses goHenry with daughter Rhianna, age 12. “But the key driver for money sense has to come from the home; goHenry is a fantastic way to get children thinking about money”. With goHenry, your child learns how to manage money while they are still under your wing. That way, you can be sure the habits they’re forming are good ones.

To find out more visit: gohenry.co.uk

WHAT IS GOHENRY?

● The only pre-paid card for children that includes unique parental controls. ● Top up your child’s card and set spending rules so you stay in control. ● Set tasks and chores for your child to complete to earn extra money. ● Children can customise their cards to make goHenry unique to them. ● You decide where it can be used – in shops, online or at cash machines. ● Real time notifications tell you when, and where, your child is spending. ● Instantly block and unblock cards at any time (so you’re safe if it gets mislaid). ● Budgeting tools allow children to set savings goals, wish lists and track their spending with visual, educational graphs.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

• 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

financier

academic entrepreneur

artist

editor

composer

teacher

scientist

director

architect

musician

journalist

economist

designer

engineer

athlete surgeon

author

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 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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It’s vital to teach children how to look on the bright side of life, says head of Felsted Prep, Jenny Burrett

t’s a sad fact that, according to a recent survey by The Children’s Society, that children in England are less happy with their lives than their peers in 14 other countries, including Ethiopia and Algeria.

These survey findings paint a distressing picture of children’s experiences at school, and their wider sense of wellbeing.

When it comes to school life we need to promote optimism, hope and joy, using a disciplined approach to pursue these qualities. For children who are still developing “emotional intelligence” this can be even harder – an issue that was addressed last year in the Disney Pixar film Inside Out.

Inside Out In the film, the main character is an 11-year-old girl (Riley), who is struggling to cope when her family moves to a new region of the USA. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – namely Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. The emotions

Teaching Emotional Intelligence In his book Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman sets out the need for Emotional Quotient (EQ) skills to be taught as part of the school curriculum, convincing us of the high costs – monetary and societal wellbeing – of failing to teach children how to deal with their emotions.

At Felsted, we subscribe to the thinking of Goleman and other leading psychologists and scientists; we are also very in accord with the 18th-century philosopher Voltaire whose guidance is still relevant today: “Il faut cultiver notre jardin,” – “We must grow our own garden”.

If a child’s garden contains the seeds of his

If a child’s garden contains the seeds of his or her talent, in whatever field that may be, then it is up to them to grow what they have 26

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

or her talent, in whatever field that may be, then it is up to them, with the help of teachers, parents and friends, to grow what they have. It is up to each child to take responsibility, recognise and appreciate difference, be the best each one of them can be and empower themselves to be stronger learners.

Actively teaching this belief, a mindful approach of living in the now, appreciating every day, what we have and believing positively in the future and valuing our beautiful and natural setting are key to helping joy and self-belief grow strong.

live in “Headquarters”, the control centre inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life.

In the story, when Sadness begins to raise her head, Riley’s Mum praises her for keeping a smile as things go wrong for the family: Riley is commended for being the “family bundle of joy”.

Eventually, there is a happy ending as Joy and Sadness realise that they have to value each other and work together for Riley to come through this time.

Try the “Praiseburger”

Below, Disney Pixar’s Inside Out addresses optimism

The school “praiseburger” is key in our marking policy, with a positive comment about effort and achievement (the bun) surrounding the (meat or veg) target or wish for moving forward. We have our own Language of Learning based on Guy Claxton’s five Rs (resourcefulness, remembering, resilience, reflectiveness, responsiveness) so that children can articulate where they are up to. We are sure that success often comes through failure and that innovation can come through discovery.

This is a winning formula at Felsted, in a school that has grown from 360 to 520 children, all with a range of skills and talents emerging at different stages.

PHOTOGRAPHY: 2014 DISNEY•PIXAR

I

A SILVER LINING

Come and discover more at

Beachborough OPEN MORNING Saturday 27 February 10AM - 12NOON

Outstanding education DAY & BOARDING NURSERY - 13

www.beachborough.com

Arrange a visit

t: 0 01280 700071

e: registrar@beachborough.com

Westbury | Bucks | NN13 5LB

The only Round Square independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in the UK. Only 17 minutes by fast train from London, close to A2, A20 & M25. Transport available.

Taster Afternoon & Sleepover (current Year 5s for Sept 2017 entry) - Friday 22nd / Saturday 23rd April 2016 Open Morning - Saturday 23rd April 2016 from 9.30am to 12.30pm W: www.cobhamhall.com T: +44(0)1474 823371

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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St Hilary’s School IAPS Preparatory Day School and Nursery in Godalming Boys 2—7 • Girls 2—11 SPRING OPEN MORNING 2016 Thursday 25 February 10.30am—12pm

Year 3 Entry Scholarships available • Morning minibus service • Breakfast and after school clubs Tel: 01483 416551 • Email: registrar@sthilarysschool.com www.sthilarysschool.com • @StHilarysSchool

INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 3 –1 6 YEARS Headteacher Mrs Claire Robinson BA PGCE NPQH

Outstanding Inspection Results…

“EXCELLENT”

ACROSS THE BOARD

ISI 2015

EATON GRANGE Accepting Admissions for Y7, 8 & 9

Confidence and Success from 3 to 16 years...

We develop children into all-rounders who are confident individuals with a good sense of moral purpose. If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can give is to teach them to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning. This way they will build resilience and have a lifelong skill which will help them build and repair confidence.

Ability in any field will get you to the top but character is what will keep you there.

Heathlands Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 3AL 0118 978 1566 school@holmegrange.org www.holmegrange.org

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

EXTRACURRICULAR

The children have fun trying things out for themselves

THE TINKER SHED

I

A former work shed has been converted into a unique outdoor classroom that inspires children to learn, says Chris Leach

magine a space where children can go to explore their own imagination and creativity, a place where they can work on projects that inspire and excite them, a place free from the constraints of the traditional classroom.

I remember the Christmas of 1985, I was seven years old and extremely excited by the fact that the largest present under the tree had my name on it. I can’t remember what

was inside the box, hidden beneath the wrapping paper, but I do remember the box.

I spent the rest of the holidays turning that box into a television set, cutting out a hole for the screen and adding dials and buttons to the outside. I even created an elaborate system involving kitchen roll tubes and elastic bands that meant the image shown on “screen” could be changed by turning a dial.

Rather than play with the toys I had received as gifts I spent most of my Christmas holiday tinkering with a box.

Tinkering is what happens when you try something you don’t quite know how to do, guided by imagination and curiosity. When you tinker there are no instructions, but

Tinkering is what happens when you try something you don’t quite know how to do, guided by imagination and curiosity

Above, pupils at Winchester House School

there are also no failures, no right or wrong way of doing things. Tinkering can involve taking something that already exists, figuring out how it works and then reworking it to make something different. I became a teacher because I wanted to inspire children to unleash their creativity, use their imaginations and turn a simple cardboard box into something amazing.

A PLACE TO EXPERIMENT At Winchester House we have converted an old work shed in to our very own “Tinker Shed”. This space is different from a traditional classroom so children can be free from the model of following the teachers’ instructions. It’s a place where children can develop their interest in the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths. It contains plenty of resources to inspire the children to work on projects of

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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Ludgrove

Winchester House School FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 3 TO 13

• 100% full boarding boys’ prep school • Glorious rural setting, with easy access to London • Excellent academic record • Fortnightly exeat weekends Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berks RG40 3AB ¡ 0118 978 9881 registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk ¡ www.ludgrove.net

Ind_Sch_Parent_Ad_99x129_v1.indd 1

Gaining the confidence for life Open Morning, Saturday 14th May 2016

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

10/12/2015 08:21

You can’t predict the future, but ZH FDQ equip your daughter to be ‘future ready’!

Open Day 23rd April, 10am until 12.30pm To register for the open day or arrange an individual visit please contact Admissions on 01462 670511 or e-mail admissions@st-francis.herts.sch.uk www.st-francis.herts.sch.uk

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

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,QGHSHQGHQW ERDUGLQJ DQG GD\ VFKRRO IRU JLUOV DJHG ² \HDUV Broadway, Letchworth Garden City Hertfordshire, SG6 3PJ 30 minutes north of London

PART OF UNITED LEARNING

NURSERY, PREP SCHOOL, SENIOR SCHOOL & 6th FORM Boys & Girls, Ages 2–18 Day & Boarding

Beyond Expectations… their own including Raspberry Pi, computers, robotic kits as well as bits of old radios, toys and other electronics. Children are allowed to invent and experiment during their free time and there’s special “Tinker Time” during activities. It is a place that inspires creativity and ignites the children’s imagination.

IMAGINATION AND CURIOSITY The children are encouraged to tinker with this equipment – to take it apart, find out how it works and then use the parts in their own creations. One of the aims of the Tinker Shed is to combine arts and crafts with electronics and computing and now, thanks to the introduction of low-cost computers such as the Raspberry Pi, the children are able to design and build quite complex robotic cardboard creations.

WHERE DID THE IDEA ORIGINATE? The creation of the Tinker Shed came about thanks to a random tweet containing a link to a YouTube video that I stumbled across. Caine’s Arcade – the story of a young boy in America who used to spend his entire summer holidays at his father’s Auto Spares shop… tinkering. Caine took

discarded cardboard boxes and turned them into an arcade. To create the games, Caine showed an understanding of physics and engineering; to turn his vision into a cardboard reality showed great creativity and initiative; and to then open it up to the public showed that he had a head for business.

Caine also had to show resilience and perseverance.

It made me think: what would the pupils be able to achieve if they were given more time and freedom to develop their own ideas? And so the Tinker Shed was born.

TRY AND TRY AGAIN When working in the Tinker Shed, children are encouraged to try something different and are inspired by Thomas Edison’s famous quote, “I have not failed.

I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work”. My role in the Tinker Shed is not as a teacher, but simply a facilitator providing the children with the opportunity to tinker.

The Tinker Shed currently runs as an after-school activity and children who show real enthusiasm will be awarded a key to the Shed which will give them access during any free time they may have.

Chris Leach is head of ICT at Winchester House Prep School. winchester-house.org

2016 OPEN MORNINGS:

Wednesday 2 March (Nursery & Reception only) Tuesday 15 March Saturday 17 September Thursday 10 November To arrange a visit or register please contact us via: inquiries@hampshirecs.org.uk

Hampshire Collegiate School Embley Park, Romsey Hampshire SO51 6ZE

Telephone 01794 512206 Email info@hampshirecs.org.uk Web www.hampshirecs.org.uk SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com Facebook /hampshireschool 31

Knightsbridge School

CO-EDUCATIONAL

More than you ever thought possible...

Arrange a bespoke taster and experience the Sedbergh difference for yourself.

67 Pont Street, London SW1X 0BD

T: 020 7590 9000 E: office@knightsbridgeschool.com W: knightsbridgeschool.com Principal: Magoo Giles Head: Shona Colaco Admissions: Mary Caldecott-Smith E: registrar@knightsbridgeschool.com

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 4-13 years Total pupils: 405, boys 209, girls 196 Type: Day Fees: Nursery: Weekly from ÂŁ5,948 Pre-Prep: Weekly from ÂŁ5,948 Prep: Weekly from ÂŁ6,330

Find out more at: WWW.SEDBERGHSCHOOL.ORG e: admissions@sedberghschool.org | t: 015242 79200

Motto: Junior School: “Play Hard, Work Hard�.

Seniors: “Work Hard, Play Hard�.

Entrance procedure: Informal interview of both parents and children at the appropriate level. Prospective boys and girls for Year 1 and above will be expected to spend a day of assessment at the school

School Tours: Junior School Tours are on Tuesday at 10.00am and Wednesday at 9.30am. Senior School Wednesday at 9.00am

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

Visitors’ Afternoons 2016 (SS ILNPU H[ WT HUK ÄUPZO H[ WT I` HWWVPU[TLU[ ZLL ^LIZP[L MVY KH[LZ

020 8979 9273

www.hamptonschool.org.uk admissions@hamptonschool.org.uk

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Independent day school for boys aged 11-18 years. Scholarships and Bursaries available. Hampton School, Hanworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3HD

ENGINEERING

NIGEL HELLIWELL headmaster, St Faith’s, Cambridge

C

ambridge has long been associated with tradition and innovation and St Faith’s reflects this in many ways. Its education is continually evolving to meet the needs of the modern world: recent curriculum introductions include Spanish from the age of four and computer programming from the age of six. St Faith’s is now the first school in the UK to tackle the nationwide shortage of engineers by incorporating engineering into the core curriculum for children aged seven to 13.

INSPIRING ENGINEERS

It is vital that we start to introduce engineering to children at a young age, writes Nigel Helliwell

The Lowest in Europe Research shows that most children have a rough idea of their future career path by the age of 10, yet engineering is not normally studied as a subject in its own right until GCSE. Out of 3,000 post-graduates currently studying engineering in the UK, only 50 are British and more than 80% come from countries outside the EU. Although engineering accounts for a quarter (24.9%) of UK turnover, there is a current annual shortfall of 55,000 workers with engineering skills. In addition, only 8.7% of professional engineers in the UK are women. The dearth of female engineers is a challenge right around the world, but UK figures are the lowest in Europe.

From Club to Classroom The introduction of curriculum engineering recognises and reflects the exciting opportunities there will be for engineers in the future. If the next generation are to have

the chance to benefit fully from these opportunities, it is essential that young people understand exactly what engineering is. We trialled engineering as an after-school club taking part in the IET Formula Goblin project, where pupils built and raced a kit car with other schools. This club demonstrated the value of children experiencing for themselves the thrill of engineering, and convinced us of the need to use the word “engineering” to describe their activity.

A Bit of a Mystery We have had to devise our own schemes of work – with expert support – because an engineering curriculum for primary-age pupils simply did not exist. We knew that engineering was a bit of a mystery to most people and therefore we started with enabling children to understand and explore what engineering is all about: the practical application of maths, science and computing

There is a current annual shortfall of 55,000 workers with engineering skills and only 8.7% of engineers are women

Above, pupils at St Faith’s, Cambridge

knowledge in a context that requires imagination, innovation and resourcefulness.

Collaborative Skills Engineering, as a timetabled subject, supports our goal of developing good habits of learning, being taught in such a way as to foster the essential attributes of curiosity, creativity, initiative, and rigour. Pupils are expected to solve a variety of problems, and are encouraged to find and develop their own areas of strength while working in collaborative teams.

The new engineering curriculum at St Faith’s is delivered by a female engineering graduate who has worked in the industry and has taught science at secondary level.

Engineering lessons at the school involve pupils working in project teams, rather than individually, to best nurture the collaborative skills required by a 21st-century workforce.

The “Design Make Evaluate” stages involved in every project encourage the children to reflect on their progress, as they look for solutions to global humanitarian and sustainability concerns.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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ZOE BENJAMIN

subject leader of maths, Heathfield School, Berkshire

A

s a passionate advocate of mathematics, my heart sank at last year’s coverage on the BBC of a major report stating maths teaching in the UK would take a decade to bring up to standard.

I am sure I was not the only one who found this headline depressing reading for, on the face of it, taking 10 years to bring Britain into the top league of “maths nations”, would seemingly write off the chances of a whole generation of children.

And that is before we look at the perceived failures of previous generations!

ILLUSTRATION: ANDY WARD

What are the Facts?

34

The Advisory Council on Mathematics Education’s report headlined the need for teachers responsible for maths in primary and secondary schools to have better qualifications in maths and to receive better training. It followed the revelation earlier last year that the UK’s position in the biggest ever global rankings from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of mathematics and science was a mere 20th out of 76.

The news coverage also focused, for the main part, on the importance of the role of maths teachers to raise our global ranking, but I believe this is only a small part of the solution. If you look at another respected report – this time a report from Pearson (compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit) – we are placed sixth in the world for its overall education system.

The five countries that are ranked higher than the UK were all placed in the top six positions of the OECD global rankings for maths and science. Clearly something else is at play then when we look at how we sank to 20th in the world rankings because our

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

MAGIC FORMULA

We need to change the British attitude that it is okay to be bad at maths, says Zoe Benjamin teaching and professional development definitely does not lag that far behind. I believe this “something” is our culture.

Who are the World Leaders?

The top four countries for maths and science education are Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan. I was fortunate enough to work with students from all of these countries while teaching mathematics in an international boarding school in Malaysia.

The attitude of students towards mathematics and the status of the subject within the school was instantly noticeable.

The after-school mathematics club had more attendees than any other club, including sports. Furthermore, parents placed the most importance on mathematics and students responded accordingly.

Attitudes are Changing Mathematics does not appear to hold the same status or reputation in the UK compared to these top achieving counties; it has become culturally acceptable to be bad at maths. However, with more university courses insisting on at least a grade B for GCSE mathematics or a post-16 qualification in the subject, I can see

attitudes towards the subject are already beginning to change.

Students and parents are both starting to realise that mathematics is an important subject to have a good qualification in and this can only help teachers in their quest to raise attainment.

Opening Doors Personally, I believe that the purpose of education is to enable all students to leave our institutions with many careers to choose between and a good qualification in mathematics is increasingly becoming the key to opening these doors.

I strongly believe that raising attainment in mathematics should be a priority for UK schools. It will enable us to reflect the world-class level of education available in the UK and in the long-run, help our students compete for university places and future careers against mathematically literate international students.

And, yes of course, we need continued professional development and a curriculum that focuses on deep understanding with problem solving skills but, also, a major cultural shift to reflect the importance of this incredible subject in the world today.

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The Abbey School

ROWAN ROWAN

Open Mornings Open Morning Thursday 3 March 2016 & Thursday 5 November 2015 Thursday May 2016 9.30am 19 - 11.30am 9.30am - 11.30am

17, Kendrick Road, Reading, RG1 5DZ

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

Key facts

Gender / Ages: girls, 3-18 years Total pupils: 1070, Type: Day Fees: Nursery: £3,110. Pre-Prep: £3,640. Prep: £3,830.

Senior: £5,030 per term Entrance procedure: Informal assessment for younger years.

School entrance tests from Year 4.

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

Open Days: Junior School – Friday 5 February 9.15-11.00am Friday 6 May 9.15-11.00am Senior School – Friday 29 April 9.00-10.30am

T 01372 462 627 E school.registrar@rowanprepschool.co.uk T 01372 462 627 E school.registrar@rowanprepschool.co.uk

@Rowan_Prep

www.rowanprepschool.co.uk www.rowanprepschool.co.uk Rowan Brae: 41 Gordon Road Claygate KT10 0PJ Rowan Hill: 6 Fitzalan Road Claygate KT10 0LX

Rowan Brae (3-7 years): 41 Gordon Road Claygate Surrey KT10 0PJ

Rowan Hill (7-11 years): 6 Fitzalan Road Claygate Surrey KT10 0LX

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

35

RICHARD CROSS headmaster of Berkhampstead School, Gloucestershire

PLATINUM AWARD Berkhampstead School, Gloucestershire

ast term, to commemorate the school’s 70th anniversary, Berkhampstead School launched its own version of The Duke of Edinburgh Award.

With this significant milestone in “Berky” history in mind, it was named the Platinum Award.

PERSEVERENCE AND COMMITMENT The award embraces the school motto, Perseverantia Vincit (Perseverence Wins) and is aimed at our oldest girls and boys in

Years Five and Six. Our impressive pupils are quite used to having academic successes applauded within school, but we felt it was time to celebrate the achievements of the children who also participate in a huge range of other areas of school life and outside school in their local community. But rather than completing the award overnight, it is designed to take a few terms – to allow children to learn to commit to a project.

The award is all about creating a thirst for adventure and having a go at new challenges. Its aim is to develop healthy lifestyles and community spirit and resilience, qualities that we believe are fundamental in developing happy, focused and successful children. All-round achievement is the key to this award rather

The award is all about creating a thirst for adventure. Its aim is to develop healthy lifestyles, community spirit and resilience 36

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

than mere attainment. It should be a fulfilling and joyful experience.

Tweet us pics of your child taking part in activities! @ISParent

A BUZZ OF IMAGINATION Already the children have embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm! The award was formally introduced in assembly during the autumn term, and a show of hands as to who wanted to take part was a clear indication of the popularity of the concept – the pupils couldn’t wait to get stuck in and to get their hands on the logbooks. The children were very excited, and the assembly hall was buzzing with imaginative ideas for challenges and new skills that they wanted to try. Many children were keen to learn a second musical instrument or to pick up a new sport, but we also had more unusual ideas such as one eager young girl who wanted to turn her hand to sushi making!

The nature of children at Berkhampstead is when something like this is on offer, the vast majority want to have a go. Children

PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTEN DE BURGH-THOMAS

L

A craving for adventure and “having a go” is at the heart of our new school award, writes Richard Cross

BEHIND THE SCENES

The newly designed badge

“Commitment must be displayed by the pupils in Years Five and Six” who wished to take part have been given their own logbook to track their progress in four areas: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and a Residential Adventure or Expedition. Volunteering is all about choosing to help others or causes. These could be the community within or outside school, the environment or perhaps helping to look after animals.

LEARNING TO BE LEADERS All children in Year Six have leadership responsibilities, but they are encouraged to develop this role to achieve the award.

Some have been listening to younger pupils read, others have mentioned helping elderly neighbours by putting their bins out for a few months, or taking their dogs for walks. One Year Six pupil is helping at her local village community shop – others are keen to raise money for charity at the school Christmas Fayre.

To pass the Physical section, the children must undertake two activities.

Above, pupils are expected to complete the four sections of the award

These could be all sorts of sports, such as hockey or dance, rock climbing or judo, or even training for a 5km run – but the children must commit to these activities for at least three months, always bearing in mind the school motto.

The award is not an overnight thing, commitment must be displayed, and the aim of the Adventure section is that the children must undertake their two adventures or expeditions over two years, in Years Five and Six. These can be school residential expeditions, or adventures that happen out of school.

The idea is that the children will keep recording in the logbook which, once completed, they will present to me and I will then decide whether to award them the Platinum Award. They will be given a

certificate, a T-shirt and a badge to wear on their blazer. We have designed a smart version of the chemical symbol for platinum on all relevant material: posters, the logbooks, the T-shirts and the badges, it all looks very smart.

POSITIVE REACTION The feedback from parents and teachers, as well as the children, has been incredibly positive. The majority of parents are keen for their children to do it – and in many cases the activities are the sort of thing they get up to already.

A kind grandparent offered to sponsor a trophy for the most impressive logbook, to be presented annually at speech day.

I hope it will be something that will continue for many years to come.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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The school’s elegant dining room. 1930s photos show it has barely changed.

School pupils in 1937.

The pupils go sailing on nearby Oulton Water.

A HISTORY OF ORWELL PARK‌ in10 pictures

Orwell Park is a co-educational day and boarding school for children age two and a half to 13 and is situated in 110 acres on the banks of the Orwell estuary in Suffolk.

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2014

ALL ABOUT A SCHOOL

Colonel Tomline built the clock tower and imported the mechanism from Germany.

The last day of term for Orwell Park pupils in 1937.

King George V regularly visited Orwell Park when it was a 30,000-acre estate.

Colonel Tomline, a Victorian entrepreneur and founder of the Port of Felixstowe, was an ancestor of the Pretyman family. He was a keen amateur astronomer and built the observatory. The pupils visit it often: there is a stargazing club from where the Milky Way and the International Space Station can be seen.

The school was founded in 1868, in Lowestoft, relocating to Aldeburgh and then to Orwell Park in 1937. It was bought from the Pretyman family who were descendents of Colonel Tomline.

AUTUMN 2015 | independentschoolparent.com

39

PROPERTY

DOMINIC AGACE

CEO, Winkworth Estate Agent

THE LONDON HOME St John’s Wood, £3,850,000

GRAND PLANS

Thinking of investing in a second home? Make sure you know the new stamp duty rules which come into force this April, writes Dominic Agace 40

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

PROPERTY

I

n the Autumn Statement last year, George Osborne announced that there would be changes to stamp duty after 1st April 2016 for those looking to buy additional properties in the UK. As well as the standard stamp duty rates, those purchasing an additional property, or properties, will be subject to a further 3% stamp duty tax, meaning significant increases for anyone looking to buy a holiday home or invest in a buy-to-let property. For example, if you are looking to buy an investment property for £500,000, the cost of your stamp duty will rise from £15,000 to £30,000.

What should people do if they are thinking of buying another property?

If you’ve been thinking of buying an investment property or a second home, we would advise doing so sooner rather than later to avoid the additional charges. This is also true if you own a property overseas but don’t currently own one in the UK, as you are likely to be charged the extra 3%. Any properties that complete before 1st April 2016 will be exempt from these charges so if you are able to complete before then, do so. It could save you a lot of money.

What if they’re looking to buy a property after 1st April?

Property is often a sound investment if you work out your sums and affordability before you buy. If you’re planning on buying another property after the 1st April, you will have to ensure the additional expenses of stamp duty are accounted for, for example from the likely capital growth of the property.

Rentals work as investments both in terms of yield and capital growth. The more you spend on the property, the lower your yield is likely to be. However, if you do your maths, the increase you have paid in stamp duty may be covered in the amount you can achieve in rent and therefore have a smaller impact on yield. At the end of the day, the property should still be positively geared and your rental should cover your mortgage, insurance and maintenance costs as well as void periods between tenancies.

It is also worth doing your research about where is good to buy an investment property. Our research currently shows that areas such as Crystal Palace, Harrow and Golders Green achieve excellent yields. We are predicting that property prices in Greater London will rise by 6% for flats, and 3% for houses in 2016 – making them also a good investment in terms of capital growth. With rentals being the second largest tenure in the UK, buy-to-let is still a very good investment.

Any properties that complete before 1st April will be exempt from extra charges; if you are able to complete before then, do so SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

41

St. Nicholas Preparatory School with Montessori Nursery & Reception

Open Morning Thursday, 11 February Wednesday, 9 March Thursday, 21 April

Join us at 9:30am for a school tour and a Q&A session. Call on 020 7225 1277 or email admissions@stnicholasprep.co.uk to reserve a place.

Independent day school for boys & girls aged 3-11 in Kensington St Nicholas Preparatory School is part of the Cognita Schools Group www.cognitaschools.com Registered in England: Cognita Limited trading as St Nicholas Preparatory School Number 03622490 Registered Office: Seebeck House, 1 Seebeck Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes MK5 8FR

ORWELL AD ISP PREP FINAL_Layout 1 1/19/16 12:37 PM Page 1

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ORWELL PARK SCHOOL

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

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

PROPERTY THE INVESTMENT Hammersmith, £515,000

If the property is for enjoyment rather than investment, however, then you have to weigh up the benefits of buying the property versus spending the extra money.

Is there any way to offset these costs?

Stamp duty can be offset against Capital Gains Tax when the property is sold and this will include the additional 3% that would be paid if the property was purchased as an additional home. It is worth noting that you can also offset estate agency fees against Capital Gains Tax too.

We recommend you speak to an accountant for full details and advice regarding this.

What about people that are selling their homes and buying another one?

The stamp duty changes only apply to people purchasing additional properties, so

Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @ISParent

if you are selling your home and buying another, you won’t be charged the additional 3%.

How will this impact the housing market?

It is likely these measures have been introduced to try and free the market up for first-time buyers and help them on the ladder. Movement in the market from all ends is usually a positive thing as it creates a more sustainable market. However,

Property price

Standard stamp duty

landlords may be encouraged to reduce their stamp duty by buying in the lower end of the market and therefore will be in direct competition for the types of houses first-time buyers can afford.

The buy-to-let market itself is likely to see a surge before April as people attempt to buy before the new changes come into place. However, while investors will be disadvantaged by these changes, property is often viewed as a secure long-term investment, and given other asset classes offer poor returns, we doubt that landlords will be deterred.

There may also be an impact on sellers in certain markets when these changes are first brought into place.

The best thing you can do, whether you’re looking to buy, sell, rent or let, is to speak to your local agent for their expertise and advice as they will be able to guide you on current market conditions and talk you through the best options for you.

For more information about the featured properties, or for help with your property needs, visit winkworth.co.uk

Additional 3% stamp duty

Total stamp duty payable

£2,000,000

£153,750

£60,000

£213,750

£4,000,000

£393,750

£120,000

£513,750

£6,000,000

£633,750

£180,000

£813,750

£10,000,000

£1,113,750

£300,000

£1,413,750

THE COUNTRY HOME The Close, Salisbury, £1,395,000 SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

43

COMMON ENTRANCE: THE LATEST TRENDS

What’s the difference between the 11 Plus and Common Entrance examinations? Does your child have to stay at prep school until 13? Kris Spencer explains the entry system for senior school

Fettes College, Edinburgh

44

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

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SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

45

KRIS SPENCER

assistant head, Latymer Upper School, London

Millfield Prep School, Somerset

I

n Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling writes, “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

When people in an experiment were shown two DVD players, 32% indicated that they would buy one of the brands, and 34% said that they would buy the other.

When subjects were shown a single DVD player, only about 10% said that they would buy it. It is clear that we like having choices.

But for parents trying to decide whether they should plump for an 11 Plus or 13-Plus entry to a senior school, the choice is not as easy as buying a DVD player. There is no sentient sorting hat, like the one at Hogwarts, to make the decision for us.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

46

The trend towards co-education has meant a greater emphasis on 11-Plus entry for both boys and girls

OPEN DAY

YEAR FIVE AND SIX Visit schools and register at those that you like. Plus the 11+ exam is taken in November or January.

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

AUTUMN & SPRING YEAR SIX OR SEVEN Some schools may pre-test in Years Six or Seven. This does not replace CE exams.

AUTUMN YEAR SEVEN Schools begin teaching for CE exams, or if your child has taken 11+ they will start senior school!

YEAR EIGHT Your prep school enters your child for the Common Entrance exams for your chosen senior school.

SUMMER YEAR EIGHT Your child's Common Entrance exams usually happen after the summer half term, but timings can vary.

AUTUMN YEAR NINE All the decision making and hard work of CE 13+ has paid off... it’s time to move to senior school!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

TIMELINE

If you look back 10 years things were more straightforward. For the most part, pupils stayed at their prep school until the age of 13 before taking up places at a senior school. But over the last decade there has been a steady move towards the 11 Plus.

For the most part it is a change dictated by the senior schools. The trend towards

In F

Staying at prep school to age 13 has benefits – maturity can improve some pupils’ chances with their chosen school

11-PLUS ENTRY

PROS Moving on at age 11 has some clear advantages. Certainly, the entry process is simpler. Entry to senior school at Year Seven is through interview and often through the school’s own test papers rather than the much longer Common Entrance campaign. At age 11, many pupils may feel that they have outgrown their prep school and are eager to embrace new challenges and spread their wings. At senior school all the teachers will be specialists, and pupils will be mixing with older not younger pupils. The choice of extracurricular opportunities will be broader. And the two years, of what is often called the Lower School, will give the new school the chance to get know your child – not least in terms of any learning support needs.

co-education has meant a greater emphasis on 11-plus entry for both boys and girls.

The change is also linked to the push by many private senior schools to draw pupils from state primaries, which have a leaving age of 11. As a reaction, some preps have reduced their leaving age from 13 to 11.

Others choose to offer support for leavers for entry at Year Seven and Year Nine.

So what should you consider when choosing between an 11-plus or 13-plus entry? And don’t forget, from Year Two there could be the option to switch to a school that goes through to A Levels.

CONS But parents should also consider what they will be losing. There might be a wrench as good friends and favourite teachers are left behind. And the opportunity for leadership roles, such as head boy or prefect, will be missed. At senior school, year groups are bigger and there will also be greater competition for lead roles in the play and the sports team.

And be aware that the entrance exam, although shorter, is no less stressful. The pressure of performing in just a few papers can be very difficult for some pupils.

13-PLUS ENTRY

PROS Staying at prep school to age 13 has clear benefits. During the last two years the pupils have the opportunity to take on roles of responsibility – as prefects or team captains or tour guides – and this encourages independence and self-esteem.

oc us

Some pupils mature over the last two years of prep school, and this might improve the chances of success in their chosen senior school. And for a shy child, remaining in the smaller school for these two years may help to bring them out of their shell.

CONS But there are also some disadvantages to leaving things later.

Certainly in terms of places, it may be that the focus school has more places at Year Seven than Year Nine. There is also a level of uncertainty which remains, and the pressure of Common Entrance, which is not present if a pupil is snugly bedded into their new school at age 11.

TIME TO JUMP SHIP

There is a trend for senior schools to establish their own prep or junior schools.

This gives parents another, earlier, point of entry. The straight-through aspect takes some of the stress away from the entrance exams and CE. Some of these schools have a Seven-Plus entry. Because of this some parents “jump ship” from their state primary or prep schools to join one of these in-house preps in Years Two or Three.

HARD DECISIONS ARE OPPORTUNITIES

Where you are faced with a choice of when to enter the next stage in your child’s education, you may want to set up a list of pros and cons based on the suggestions above. There are heads and hearts to consider. Your child’s school should be open and honest with you about how your child is now and what they could become. Maturity is one thing, but also identifying the best opportunities for growth and flourishing. The answer to the choice between 11 Plus or 13 Plus might not be clear cut.

When alternatives seem to be on a par take solace that one alternative isn’t better than the other. The hard choices we make about schools and entry ages are precious opportunities for us to celebrate what is special about our children. Although the choice of an 11 Plus or 13-Plus entry may be a difficult call, once taken it is making it work which is the key.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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EXAM TIME

What is Common Entrance?

Common Entrance is the name for a set of examinations taken by boys and girls for entrance to senior independent schools at 11 Plus or 13 Plus. The papers are set by examiners appointed by the Independent Schools Examinations Board, but the answers are marked by the senior school for which a candidate is entered. There are a number of exams which fall under the umbrella of Common Entrance: • Common Entrance 13 Plus The flagship 13-Plus examinations are taken in the autumn, spring or summer term of Year Eight prior to entry to senior school the following September.

Senior schools decide at which stage in the year the examinations are to be taken.

• Common Entrance 11 Plus Pupils sit the Common Entrance examination 11 Plus when they are in Year Six, this is mainly for entrance to senior independent girls’ schools.

There are two examination sessions each year, in November and January.

Most pupils sit the examination in January and they take papers in English, mathematics and science.

• Common Pre-Tests The Common Pre-Tests are taken when a pupil is in Year Six or Year Seven and are a standardised measure of ability and attainment. They are a way of measuring suitability. The tests include Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning,

48

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

Kris Spencer breaks down Common Entrance – plus explains scholarship and entrance exams

Share your entrance exam success stories @ISParent

English and mathematics.

Pre-Tests do not replace Common Entrance; if a pupil is offered a place on the strength of these tests, they will normally still be required to sit the Common Entrance examinations in Year Eight.

• Scholarship Exams The most academically able children may take Common Academic Scholarship Exams (CASE) or the senior school’s own scholarship exams instead of Common Entrance.

Scholarship candidates are often taught in separate classes. Candidates who are successful in scholarship exams are usually recognised by their senior school but fee reductions may be relatively small. Most offer bursary assistance to gifted pupils who can’t afford the fees.

Prep School Baccalaureate

State Primaries and Private Tutoring

The Prep School Baccalaureate (PSB – not related to the International Baccalaureate or IB) is an alternative framework of assessment to CE, developed by a group of prep and senior schools. Some senior schools accept the PSB certificate on its own, others use it in conjunction with pre-testing and/or CE exams.

Some parents choose a state primary and then apply for an independent senior school.

This is actively encouraged by many senior schools, especially those with means-tested bursaries to offer. Some parents feel that the money saved is best used in hiring a private tutor to prepare their child for entrance exams.

11-Plus Entrance Exams and Scholarships Not to be confused with the Common Entrance 11 Plus exams, many senior schools have devised their own entrance exams. These examinations are usually based on English and maths and, often, Verbal Reasoning, non-Verbal Reasoning and comprehension. These schools will have their own procedures for awarding scholarships and means-tested bursaries.

Sydenham High School, London

PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIMEDIA, SHUTTERSTOCK

In F

Rendcomb College Open Mornings Junior School (3 to 11) - Friday, 4 March at 9am Senior School (11 to 18) - Saturday, 5 March at 9.15am Join us for breakfast pastries and a welcome from the Head, followed by pupil-led tours.

Register today

admissions@rendcomb.gloucs.sch.uk · 01285 832304

www.rendcombcollege.org.uk Rendcomb College is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 3 to 18 set in the heart of the Cotswolds, UK.

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

We are an ancient 3-18 co-educational day and boarding school set in the heart of England’s most beautiful Cathedral city with an internationallyrenowned specialist music faculty. Wells is a haven where every student can thrive and flourish, whatever their interests and talents – but if music is their thing this has to be the place.

Come and see for yourself; our regular Open Days are posted on our website but we welcome visitors throughout the year. See it to believe it! admissions@wells-cathedral-school.com / 01749 834213 www.wells-cathedral-school.com

World class music at a world class UK school

“Tracing its roots back to 909, Wells is one of the world’s oldest schools, and wears its age beautifully; there surely can’t be a lovelier place of learning anywhere.”

- Good Schools Guide, 2015

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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TALKING HEADS: REVISION

Ask your teachers whether they recommend extra work at home

We ask six leading headteachers their top tips for consolidating work ahead of Common Entrance exams

Russell House, Kent

Framingham College, Suffolk

Craig McCarthy

Paul Taylor

Russell House School, Kent

Framlingham College, Suffolk

Our senior staff tailor revision packs for the prep school pupils and communicate closely with home so that parents can be actively involved. We also encourage our children to keep up a full programme of clubs and activities because, while to some this seems counter-intuitive, physical exercise is vital in allowing the brain to rest, recover and so help to keep the children motivated. Top tips for parents? If you work hard to appear relaxed yourself, your children will most likely model your behaviour – giving them an edge.

Remember also that regardless of the outcome, your children should always be celebrated for their efforts.

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independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

Paul with his father in the coin toss in the fathers v students cricket match

The key to effective revision is for it to feel fresh, so try to resist just going over old notes or text books: dull, dull, dull! There has to be a degree of this of course, and the distillation of notes into spider diagrams or bullet points, or the deconstruction of essays into essay plans, can be helpful in learning key facts and themes. But if revision can be about the application of knowledge, rather than regurgitation, then subjects can come alive and what children have learnt over the year starts to make sense and have a purpose! In short, focus revision around the style of exam question or take a look at the many excellent online resources.

EXAMS

Adam Williams Lord Wandsworth College, Hampshire

Daniel Carter in the World Cup and Adele on stage (to name just two) have confidence in their abilities honed through hours of practice. It’s the same with exams. So pull down that One Direction poster and put up the revision plan. Write down what you already know; practice questions in categories rather than working from the beginning; read over work for 30 minutes before each bedtime: it sticks, I promise! Eat, drink, relax, play; train your body and mind to work best at the times of days your exams will be. And get someone to test you (it’s harder and better for you).

Patrick Gush Beechwood Sacred Heart

Headmaster Adam Williams with pupils at Lord Wandsworth College, Hampshire

“The real issue is whether your child will flourish and develop a love of learning”

Headteacher Nicola Dick-Cleland with pupils at The Abbey School, Berkshire

School, Kent

Little and often is the key.

Start revising early because it is about ensuring topics, already taught, are understood and retained. Check the exam format; uncertainty causes panic. Good preparation reduces anxiety. Children should be in the heart of the home, not shut away in their room; lonely hours at a desk will be boring and unproductive.

Maintain contact: take them snacks and drinks and encourage frequent short breaks. Revision needs to be active. It should be physical, vocal and creative.

Make mind maps of topics before reading about it. Highlight key points. Put Post-It notes everywhere. And get involved: discuss your child’s learning at meal times and ensure they use a variety of methods.

Rebecca Glover

Nicola Dick-Cleland

Hull Collegiate School,

The Abbey Junior

East Yorkshire

Make a task “hit list” each day. Don’t work too much: I’ve never met someone capable of doing more than four hours of good revision in a day. With prep children 30 minutes is enough! It is useful to make revision automatic by establishing a routine – that way you don’t have to push it. If your child picks a revision routine, starts it from a young age and it works, stick to it! Most of what we learn in revision is promptly forgotten.

At the end of each day, review what you’ve revised. Do the same at the end of each week, and repeat! That’s it. It’s terribly simple.

If revision can be about the application of knowledge, rather than regurgitation, then school subjects start to come alive

Share your revision tips with us on Twitter @ISParent

School, Berkshire

Before committing to “holiday cramming” talk to your school to ascertain how your child is doing and if they recommend any extra work at home.

Most senior schools have assessment processes to see whether potential candidates are likely to be a good “fit” for that school in the long-term and can filter out the overly “tutored” child. If your school does suggest consolidating knowledge for Common Entrance, here are some of my revision tips. Information is retained best when it is recalled on at least three separate occasions – short and sweet should be the mantra. Resist the temptation to teach your child an “interesting” way to solve, for example, simultaneous equations. The real issue is whether your child will flourish and develop a love of learning.

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IAN DAVIES

headmaster, Brentwood School, Essex

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thought I was quite careful with what I ate. What is more I exercise (fairly) regularly!

However, a school food initiative, in which Brentwood is taking part, has taught me that diet constitutes just one of many parts of what it really means to eat and live well.

Spill the Beans Sodexo, who serve around one million meals every day in schools and workplaces has joined forces with conservation charity World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to launch Green & Lean. It is part of LiveWell, WWF-UK’s flagship programme which aims to encourage businesses to adopt diets for employees, which are both healthy and good for the planet.

Our pupils have been tucking into a set of 10 different meals during a six-week trial that have an increased nutritional content and use ingredients that are responsibly sourced with a reduced carbon footprint.

ILLUSTRATION: CLARE MACKIE

Subtle Changes

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Sodexo’s development chef for independent schools, Tom Allen says, “It was really important that the meals we created tasted great.” The idea was to make small changes to

independentschoolparent.com | SPRING 2016

GREEN AND LEAN A school food initiative has taught pupils about food and its environmental impact, says Ian Davies

well-loved dishes that would up the nutritional content and reduce the environmental impact, without dramatically changing the taste. For example, the Green & Lean lasagne contains more carrots, onions and celery than Sodexo’s original recipe and less beef mince. It also contains wholemeal rather than white flour pasta.” The stalwart dishes such as beef lasagne, chicken and leek pie and Lancashire hot pot are still on our menu, but with a few adaptations, for example, refined grains are replaced with whole grains; and meat and fish has to have relevant certification, such as MSC or RSPCA Assured, which is where the ethical part comes in.

The Environment One of our pupils remarked, “So far I have tried the beef lasagne and the chicken biryani. They were both really delicious and I didn’t notice

that there were more vegetables than usual. I don’t think any of us realised that what you eat can affect the planet too.”

The Impact of Food The representative at the WWF, Nick Hughes says, “The food we eat (growing, producing and consuming it) has a massive impact on the planet. We have found that food is responsible for around 30% of Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions. Through LiveWell we aim to provide simple, workable guidance on choosing a diet that can improve your health and that of the planet at the same time and is also affordable.”

The idea that we can all continue to enjoy a great-tasting school lunch that we know is healthy, but also good for the environment, has proven very popular with our pupils and staff and I certainly hope that it becomes a permanent fixture at Brentwood!

Share your favourite school food with us on Twitter @ISParent

FIVE OF THE CRITERIA FOR GREEN & LEAN

1 Plant-based foods account for at least two-thirds of the volume (g) of each school meal.

2 Animal protein should account for no more than one third of the volume (g) of each meal.

3 Fruits and vegetables are sourced according to when they are in season.

4 All refined grains are replaced with whole grains.

5 All of the school meals are served to standardised portion sizes.

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE boarding & day school (2½-18) FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE boarding & day school (2½-18)

OPEN MORNINGS

OPEN MORNINGS

Senior School: Saturday 27th February

Senior School: Saturday 27th February

Pre-Prep and Prep School: Friday 11th & Saturday 12th March

Pre-Prep and Prep School: Friday 11th & Saturday 12th March

framcollege.co.uk

framcollege.co.uk

Book online or contact Emma Rutterford for a private visit: admissions@framcollege.co.uk 01728 723789

Book online or contact Emma Rutterford for a private visit:

1 Chris Rea, 24 Co-founder of YoungOnes Apparel.

Millfield School, Somerset At uni in 2012, Chris Rea set up YoungOnes Apparel (Y1), designing high-quality onesies, with friend Tom Carson. At the end of third year, the boys were invited to be on BBC Dragons’ Den but turned down the £75,000 offer in favour of being 100% shareholders. Y1 now creates a wide range of apparel from tees to parka coats and has a brother company Y1 Sport. “I started my first clothing venture at Millfield, selling the Leavers’ hoodies,” says Chris. “This taught me about sourcing suppliers, negotiation, marketing the products and getting paid!”

2 Harvey Hosein, 19 Cricketer for Derbyshire.

Denstone College, Staffordshire Harvey Hosein made a record-breaking first-class debut for Derbyshire against Surrey at The Oval in September 2014 when he claimed 11 catches to break the county record for the most dismissals in a match by a wicketkeeper, beating the record held by Harry Elliott and the England keeper Bob Taylor. In 2015, Harvey gained a two-year contract with Derbyshire, where he made 53 not out against India on his first-team debut and his highest score in a first-class match was 61 against Gloucestershire.

3 Alice Holden, 22 Co-founder of Attollo Lingerie.

Mayfield School, East Sussex Alice Holden co-founded Attollo Lingerie during her third year at King’s College London. Fed up with the lack-lustre choice of bras in the D+ industry, and having struggled to find flattering lingerie for eight years, Attollo was founded. Alice and her co-founder Fleurette came runners up at the Santander Universities National Entrepreneurship Awards and now partner with breast cancer charity Coppafeel.

“My headmistress’ wise words of ‘busy girls do best’ were repeated almost every assembly,” says Alice. “They still resonate with me today”.

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Independent school has instilled drive, determination and excellence, making these alumni the...

ONES TO WATCH

STAR PUPILS

4 Dr Hamza Celik, 28

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3

4 6

Post-doctoral research fellow at Washington University, St Louis, USA. Bosworth Independent College, Northants When he joined the college, Hamza barely spoke English, but now has a successful career in molecular biology and genetics.

“I love every minute of what I do!” says Dr Hamza. “Without the guidance of my teachers, I would not be where I am today.”

After his master of research degree at the University of York, he gained a European Fellowship (Marie Curie Initial Training Network) to study a PhD in the French Centre for Scientific Research in Marseille, France. He has just received an American Society of Hematology (ASH) Scholar Award.

5 Sedge Beswick, 27 Global senior social media manager, Asos.

Wrekin College, Shropshire Sedge Beswick has just been ranked in the top 50 most influential people by social media marketing platform, The Drum. In the last 12 months she has launched clothing label @SRSLY_social; mentored at Seedcamp and Fashion Decoded; and judged The Lovies. Sedge was even previously invited to Downing Street to advise on their social media campaign!

“My teachers were always encouraging,” says Sedge. “Through their mentorship and supportive attitude I managed my hectic school schedule; truly a skill for life.”

6 Emily Pye, 18 Student of psychology at University College London. Brentwood School, Essex In sixth form, Emily created a striking portrait of the Duke of Westminster (see page 7). The Duke was “most touched” by her triptych of paintings, which used an increasing thickness of oil paint to reflect his growing wealth and power. Emily received the highest possible grade (Grade Seven) in her International Baccalaureate Visual Art Diploma. When she graduates, Emily wants to combine her degree and love for art in a creative role in the advertising industry, claiming that her teachers were “always so encouraging” and their “passion for art was contagious”.

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WIN!

A LUXURY FAMILY ESCAPE

Independent School Parent has joined forces with the five-star resort, Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik, to offer your family the holiday of a lifetime

Stunning views of Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik and first-class facilities for familes make this a holiday with the best of both worlds

S

un Gardens, Dubrovnik is a charming, fully integrated 22-hectare resort, set amid striking, classical Mediterranean gardens, where the scent of umbrella pines and lavender floats sublimely in the air. The resort enjoys a prime waterfront location on the desirable Dalmatian coastline and boasts unrivalled views over the cobalt blue Adriatic and Elafiti Islands in the distance – it’s undoubtedly the perfect destination for a family escape this May half term.

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SEVEN-NIGHT STAY The resort is offering one lucky family a seven-night stay, on a bed-and-breakfast basis, in a spacious two-bed residence.

This May, parents can relax, unwind and discover the beauty of Croatia, while the children roam carefree around the resort, taking part in treasure hunts, tennis lessons and team activities, to name just a few of the activities on the holiday agenda.

Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik is a family resort through and through. Thanks to an array of outdoor activities, a bustling sports centre, esteemed kids’ clubs and three pools, families will be spoilt for choice. For those wishing to hone their hand-eye coordination skills, private

COMPETITION

There’s lots of relaxing time to be had at Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik

“The kids’ clubs at Sun Gardens will keep children busy with an array of outdoor activities”

tennis and squash lessons can be arranged at the resort’s clay tennis courts and indoor squash courts. A bike tour through the hills of the local Orašac region is the perfect excursion for the active family seeking some adventure.

KIDS’ CLUBS The resort is home to two Worldwide Kids Company kids’ clubs, which cater for children of all ages. The Marco Polo Kids’ Club, aimed at the three to 11 age group, has an array of outdoor activities and various, creative arts and crafts options for them to enjoy. Just like the explorer Marco Polo, children will have the opportunity to explore on both land and sea, with treasure hunts and water-based activities.

For families with older children, Hideaway will keep teens busy with a jam-packed itinerary of water sports, team activities and many surprise events.

SEAFOOD AND WINE The resort facilities are extensive at Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik, including countless restaurants and bars offering a melange of international cuisine from local Croatian fare through to a diverse menu of fresh

seafood at Cilantro, which boasts a spectacular open kitchen. Unbeknownst to many, Croatia boasts a kaleidoscope of wine varieties, including 64 variations of grapes, many of which can be sampled at the resort under the expert knowledge of the resort’s sommelier: the perfect afternoon activity for parents.

SPA TREATMENTS A stay at Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik wouldn’t be complete without a sumptuous spa treatment at the award-winning Spa by OCCO. The prize winners will receive two complimentary spa treatments to ensure complete relaxation of body and mind.

Parents can unwind with an OCCO treatment, which uses organic products inspired by the natural beauty of the Dalmatian coast.

The surrounding region is no doubt another allure, as guests are continually enticed to this European slice of paradise.

The vibrant culture of the Dalmatian region is palpable, from the intriguing

history of Dubrovnik Old Town, otherwise known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” to the ancient walls of Ston. Croatian culture is right on the doorstep with the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dubrovnik just six miles away and regular transfers arranged daily by the resort. Further afield, the medieval city of Ston boasts one of Europe’s longest protective walls and has remained wonderfully off the tourist radar.

Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable family holiday in one of Europe’s most spectacular destinations.

HOW TO ENTER. For your chance to win, answer the following question by Friday 4th March 2016 on our website at independentschoolparent.com/win Q. Which coast does Sun Gardens, Dubrovnik sit on?

A – Adriatic, Croatia B – Algarve, Portugal C – Central Coast of California, USA

Terms and Conditions: Prize to be redeemed during May 2016 half term (exact dates to be confirmed but approximately 30th May-3rd June 2016). The prize covers a family of four, for seven nights on a B&B basis, not including flights. The prize includes a spa treatment for each parent.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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Chic

PEAKS

Claudia Dudman explores three striking Swiss hotels, each with a very different ski experience to offer‌

The region has a rich skiing heritage

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Guests: An international clientele; the rich and famous.

Illustrious guests: Audrey Hepburn, Alfred Hitchcock, Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin and today’s jet-set continue to embrace its luxurious vibe.

The skiing: Early risers love skiing down the freshly groomed pistes of Corviglia – located on the eastern slopes of Piz Nair which overlooks St Mortiz. Its slopes provide slightly gentler skiing to that of the Corvatsch nearby, but it’s fun nonetheless.

Travelling by train is a great way to explore the scenic beauty

Zurich

Andermatt St Moritz

Geneva Milan

Left, Badrutt’s Palace is situated in the centre of St Moritz with easy access to the slopes

Look and feel: You have to see it to believe it. The five-star Palace lives up to its name – it’s a gothic-spired building with a tower that was built in 1896 – and takes pride of place overlooking the lake of St Moritz.

It is only a few minutes walk to the St Moritz cable car that takes you up to the Corviglia region. Founded by the present owner’s direct ancestor Johannes Badrutt, the glamour of the Palace still resonates today – it’s the place to see and to be seen.

The Grand Hall is known as the “Living Room of St Moritz” and is the focal point of the hotel with much hustle and bustle.

Did you know? It had the oldest indoor tennis court in Europe, which during the

winter season plays host to the restaurant Matsuhisa@Badrutt’s Palace and its star sushi chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. In 1922, The International Tennis Federation World Championships were played on its wooden parquet floors!

Spa origins: St Moritz originally rose to prominence due to its healing mineral springs over 3,000 years ago. Before I set off to my next destination, I was invited to borrow the Palace’s Rolls-Royce and drive down to the museum and discover more about its past. The Forum Paracelsus is a 19th-century former pump room and was connected to the old spa baths through a lobby. Over time the water source at Paracelsus dried up, but you can still go and drink from the Mauritius spring, as I did, and learn more about its history.

Genius: Its location. It is right smack in the middle of town where you have access to luxury shopping, a host of restaurants and glamorous hotspots for après-ski.

You’d be mad to miss: The restaurant, Chesa Veglia. Opposite the hotel, this is the oldest building in the village (a charming farmhouse dating back to 1658) and it houses three restaurants. Wholly owned by the Palace, I dined at the Heuboden pizzeria which also offers delicious homemade sorbets concocted by the chef in exquisite flavours such as: fig, chestnut, strawberry, lychee and walnut.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BADRUTT'S PALACE

Hotel: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, Via Serlas 27, St Moritz Where: Centre of St Moritz Number of Rooms: 157, including 37 suites and junior suites. Each room comes with a personalised butler service. There is also a children’s concierge.

A double room starts at CHF 370 (approx. £258) per night. badruttspalace.com

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS A contemporary four-star hotel with a cool and quirky interior that it borrows from its Alpine surroundings

Guests: Italians and Germans with a sprinkling of Brits and Russians, particularly during Russian Orthodox Christmas and New Year.

The skiing: From mid December until early May – due to the altitude. This is the highest skiing in the east Alps, 3,300 metres up Mount Corvatsch, which sits

behind the hotel. Perfect for skiiers who relish a challenge, there are 17 red runs and 12 kilometres of black off-piste skiing.

This makes for a great afternoon’s skiing with a thrilling nine-kilometre descent right into the town of St Moritz – what a way to end the day!

Look and feel: A contemporary four-star hotel with a cool and quirky interior that it borrows from its Alpine surroundings.

Nestled into the side of the mountain, 1,800 metres up, there are views across Lake Silvaplana and the Engadin Valley.

This is the “new” St Moritz, where families with children (from toddlers to teens), and very serious skiers, congregate. But the streets of designer shops in St Moritz are a nifty 10-minute drive away.

Genius: There is a lift from the ski room straight to the Corvatsch cable car, taking you to 3,300 metres, where on a good day you can see one of the Swiss Alps’ highest mountains, the Matterhorn. The ski school sits to the side of the hotel.

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HOW TO GET AROUND

The Swiss Travel Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on consecutive days by rail, bus and boat – including scenic routes, local trams and buses in around 75 towns and cities in the Swiss Travel System network. Plus, it offers a 50% reduction on most mountain-top trains and cable cars and includes the Swiss Museum Pass for free entrance to 480 museums and exhibitions. swisstravelsystem.co.uk. Getting there: SWISS offers more than 180 weekly flights to Geneva and Zurich from the UK and Ireland starting from £38 one way. swissair.com Clockwise from top left, hotel exterior, ski school, Pichalain Table, left, Nira Lounge

Après-ski: Admittedly, there’s not a lot, but the stylish rooftop restaurant bar provides more than enough on-site fun.

Added extras: There’s a kids’ room open from 3pm to late, with table tennis and Wii. Plus, a trattoria and Nira Spa with jacuzzi, sauna, and steam rooms.

A double room starts at CHF 385 per night in high season. Children are free up to 12 years old**. niraalpina.com

*UNTIL 27TH FEBRUARY **WHEN STAYNG IN PARENTS’ ROOM

Hotel: Nira Alpina, Silva Plana, St Moritz Where: In Engadin, outside St Moritz Number of Rooms: 70

w w w . f a i r f a x a n d f a i r f a v o r. c o m

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

If you fancy a day off from the slopes take a dip in the 35-metre pool

Editor’s note: My next and final stop was the five-star Chedi hotel, in Andermatt, situated in the heart of the country. I had let the train take the strain on my trip and if you are new to Switzerland it is by far the best way of taking in its exquisite beauty...

Guests: Moneyed Swiss and Germans on their way from the north to the south of the country and onwards to Italy. But also families with children of all ages and professionals on a two-night getaway.

The skiing: The skiing in Andermatt has a reputation for being challenging and varied, and the pistes (and transport to get to them) are currently undergoing a modernisation programme. It’s a five-minute walk to the Gemsstock cable car station and there are more than 120 kilometres of slopes to choose from. It aims to have 85 runs and 25 lifts by winter 2017/18.

Look and feel: Asian modernism and traditional Swiss-chalet style blend as if they were made for each other. Plus,

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Clockwise from top left, indoor pool, Living Room, restaurant, Swiss-chalet style meets Asian glamour, below, Bernhard Russi

the new two-bedroom Grand Deluxe Suites combine luxury and family-friendly living.

mountain. It has 10 treatment rooms with REN and Alpienne products.

Getting there: You have to work at it to get there if you are travelling by train. But it is worth it. Chedi means temple and you do feel as if you are climbing to the roof of the world as you scale to over 1,400 metres on the Gotthard Railway from Flüelen.

Disembarking at Göschenen, as Andermatt’s station was closed on my visit, it was then a winding car journey, and one that you might recognise from the infamous car chase in the 1964 film, Goldfinger, to the town – a former military base and home to 1,200 residents.

Food: There are two restaurants with four international show kitchens. Choose from a Swiss-inspired menu or The Japanese Restaurant.

Genius: The interiors are so gorgeous to look at it’s hard not to fall in love with them.

There’s a lot of retreat space: from snugs and hideaways where you can simply enjoy time on your own, to taking tea on a large day bed with friends; all in front of huge fireplaces that are more like open-sided cauldrons, which hang from the ceilings.

Stairway to heaven: This is what The Chedi’s staff call the sweeping entrance to the spa. It’s breathtaking to look at, luxurious and sleek with a 35-metre infinity pool that faces the

Children will love: The former military bunkers that dot the countryside, leftover from the Second World War and Cold War era. It is said that each one had provisions that would last for four years. One is rumoured to have housed a reservoir.

Local hero: The Swiss Olympic gold medallist Bernhard Russi whose skis and helmet adorn the ski room.

You’d be mad to miss: A ride on The Glacier Express from Andermatt to Brig. It is one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe and will leave you awestruck at the brilliance of Swiss engineering, as the train negotiates its way through valleys and across viaducts.

Rates at The Chedi Andermatt start from CHF 400 (approx. £278) per night in a Deluxe Room on a B&B basis. chediandermatt.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE CHEDI ANDERMATT, BERNARD RUSSI

Hotel: The Chedi Andermatt Where: Gotthardstrasse 4, 6490 Andermatt, Ursern Valley Number of rooms: 123

HAND-PICKED VILLAS

SOUGHT AFTER LOCATIONS

TAILOR MADE SERVICE

To book your luxury villa holiday call our travel experts on 020 7563 7996 or view our full portfolio at www.cvvillas.com

The best of

BOTH WORLDS The Spanish resort, Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa, transports you to a world of luxury, writes Natalie Milner

Y

There are 160 botanical species at the resort inspired by the exotic flora and fauna

ou can truly take a step out of everyday life when you visit the five-star Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa. The resort combines the best of Thai and Spanish culture, sitting 150 metres above the Mediterranean coast on the pinecovered slopes of Sierra Cortina, blending contemporary design and the opulence of Indian and Thai palaces from times gone by. The 311 bedrooms are situated around a crescent, so whichever room you choose you’re located seconds from the resort’s six swimming pools, terraces and restaurants.

And the exclusive feel of the resort is accentuated by the Thai Club, providing guests staying in Suites and Deluxe Suites access to an idyllic private infinity pool with pool manager, bar and complimentary newspapers.

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

Valencia

Asia Garden Alicante

Murcia

Conjuring a tranquil outdoor space is something the hotel takes to heart – a Bonsai tree was even transported all the way from Saitama-Ken, in Japan, to take root in the hotel’s grounds. This authenticity continues throughout, with 15 gardeners caring for 160 different botanical species, inspired by Asia’s exotic plants, as well as winding pathways of Bougainvillea, relaxing water features and subtle eastern scents.

Each Balinese-style room has been specially designed for the wellbeing of body and mind, with sumptuous furnishings and luxury bath products – so you feel like you’ve come fresh from the

Paradis Hotel and Golf Club

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 very best Mauritius holidays call 01483 445 634

www.beachcombertours.co.uk

SEEING

IS

BELIEVING

VIEWING AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY book today

Just ninety minutes from London, within the delightful setting of Gloucestershire’s Cotswold Water Park, Redrow have created just nine exclusive, executive residences that will exceed your expectations at every turn. Unrivalled in location and in luxury, these exquisite four and five bedroom homes are designed to make the most of every moment.

Elements The Mallards, South Cerney, Gloucestershire GL7 5TQ | Visit: redrow.co.uk/elements | Call: 01285 238556 CGI for illustrative purposes only.

“The spa complex comes with a relaxation area, five massage rooms and seven outdoor stilt cabins for Thai massages”

spa without leaving your room. Finishing touches include fresh herbal tea upon arrival, a butler for your every whim, such as room service for a selection of wines to sip on the balcony. There are eight room types ranging from Deluxe, with sliding doors from the bedroom to the indulgent bathroom with separate bath and rainfall shower, to Deluxe Suites with hot tubs and the ultimate Deluxe Presidential Suite.

BODY AND MIND Asia Gardens boasts a spa complex with Relaxation Area and five massage rooms; seven outdoor stilt cabins for massages; a Turkish bath; and a heated indoor pool with outdoor access – a true haven where you can enjoy hilltop views.

The traditional Thai massage is a must-have experience (€106 for one hour); forget everything you know about massage, this is all about using hands, elbows and feet to target pressure points to stimulate a flow of energy and release deep-rooted tension. It can be as hard or as soft as you like – depending upon your dedication. All of the Thai professionals at

the hotel have been trained at the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, a university of traditional Thai massage. They have the skills to nurture your “physical bio-equilibrium”, ultimately having a positive effect on your emotional wellbeing.

I emerged with renewed enthusiasm and an invigorated body. Historically, Thai massage was used to maintain a body fit for work in the fields, nowadays it is the perfect antidote to modern-day stress and physical aches and pains. There’s also a selection of other massages (including the four-hand massage!) and beauty treatments available. Turn the serenity up a notch by following your treatment with complimentary yoga, meditation or Tai Chi, completing the spiritual experience.

Each of the Balinese-style rooms have been designed for the wellbeing of body and mind, with sumptuous furnishings and products

Clockwise from top left, a relaxation and spa treatment room; the spa pool; Langkawi Suite; the Pirate Kids’club

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT You’re probably wondering how your active children can fit into such a chilled out environment? On visiting Asia Gardens for a long weekend, it was clear that families are encouraged. Unlike big resorts, the rambling botanical gardens provide discreet borders, separating adult-only pools (you can hire a Balinese bed and be served with fresh fruit as you laze poolside) and family-friendly options, such as the Zen infinity pool with its nearby Italian pizza bar for lunch snacks.

And the area enjoys a year-round microclimate, guaranteeing warm temperatures whenever you choose to stay.

There’s also much to be said for the Kids’ Club, cosy in a corner of the 370,000sqm resort, where children aged four to 12 can make new friends in the Pirate-themed outdoor play area and in the Pirate Club, where they’ll enjoy parties and games.

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

PICK OF THE BEST ACTIVITIES

ALICANTE For the fortress, Gravina Palace in the Old Town, and the marina.

ASIAN CUISINE As is the Spanish style, children are most welcome to eat in the resort’s restaurants, often late into the evening. For example, the Koh Samui is child-friendly, serving oriental crossover cuisine including favourites like noodle dishes Phad Thai and Mee Goreng and Asian specialties like Rendang Sapi, beef stew. And don’t miss the Sate Campur starter, a selection of chicken, beef and lamb skewers with a mix of turmeric, peanut and sweet soya sauces.

And when the sun rises, the breakfast “banquet” buffet, served overlooking lush gardens, has a vast array of fresh European continental and cooked assortments.

ALTEA A must-see is the white-washed, traditional coastal town of Altea.

BEACHES Altea; Benidorm; Calpe; Villajoyosa.

It’s the laid-back attitude that sets this resort apart – the perfect amalgamation of the Spanish mantra of “mañana” and oriental techniques aimed at improving your wellbeing. The all-encompassing experience at Asia Gardens Hotel & Spa will stay with you long after your feet touch the ground.

A Double Deluxe (two adults)

BOOK interconnecting with a second IT

Clockwise from top left, rent a lavish Balinese bed; visit Altea; the Zen pool; Asian cuisine

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Double Deluxe (two children and a cot) costs €555 per night including breakfast and tax. Visit asiagardens.es Monarch operates year-round flights to Alicante from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton, Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, from £37 one way (£78 return). To book visit monarch.co.uk

GOLF Packages available for two golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.

RELAXATION Complimentary activities include Tai Chi, yoga, meditation and pilates.

HORSE TREKKING Ride through forest trails and woods.

JEEP SAFARI Take a jeep trail through nature.

THEME PARKS Terra Mitica, Terra Natura animal park, and Aqua Natura water park.

For more details visit asiagardens.es

PHOTOGRAPHY: ASIA GARDENS HOTEL & SPA, MARIAMARTEL@BLOGVERPARACOMER.WORDPRESS.COM

BOAT TRIP The hotel can plan a boat trip across Altea Bay, its coves and the Sierra Helada Natural Park.

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“O I Ear IS n l I i n UT sp y Ye sd O S e ay p ver TANectio ars 9t e n y ca DI n h Fe te N br M g G ua o ry r n or y ”

Watch your child thrive in our happy, friendly school

For boys and girls aged 2-11

Milbourne Lodge School Open Morning

We welcome children from the age of 2

Wednesday 10th February | 9am to 11.30am

From a young age, we encourage participation in music and sports

9am - Arrival and Coffee 9.30am - Welcome Talk 10am-11.30am - 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.

Our track record in 11+ examinations for independent and grammar schools is impressive

www.milbournelodge.co.uk

www.russellhouseschool.co.uk | 01959 522352

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

Station Road, Otford, Kent TN14 5QU

RHS AD 99mmw x 129mmH A-W.indd 1

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SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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CREATURE COMFORTS A group of pupils at Rendcomb College in Gloucestershire have published a children’s book. They explain how they did it...

Artistic creation of characters

Writing the stories

Octavia Elwes, 13

Bailey Harris, 13

What inspired you to undertake the project?

Where did the stories come from?

We wanted to publish a book to celebrate World Book Day 2016. So my classmates and I did a lot of research and took inspiration from The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. We looked at the different techniques he used, including overlapping and collage.

We created the creatures first and then split into groups of three or four and each group had to write a short story. We had a group discussion and looked at example books.

Can you tell us about the creature characters?

How did you decide which creatures to include?

Yes. We created lots of collages of creatures in art throughout the school term, including bugs, sloths, seals, parrots, ladybirds, lizards, giraffes, monkeys and fish.

What made a brilliant character?

Using bright colours, interesting textures and different backgrounds.

And your creature character?

I made a seal called Dorothy, with blues and greens and used tissue paper and different magazine articles to make her.

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Above and right, characters including Gandalf the Giraffe and Peter the Parrot

We started with 10 animals per group and made a story including all of them. We tried to use a variety of aquatic and land animals, which helped us with different ideas. We put together a big spider-diagram with our ideas and some of them linked, some of them didn’t – we tended to go with the ones that did.

CREATIVE WRITING

Thinking about language Imogen Jones, 13

How did you decide on the type of language you used?

The language depended on the creature character we were writing about, but also we knew we were writing for five year olds so we couldn’t use any language that was too complicated.

How did the age you were writing for affect the language you used?

We used onomatopoeia, alliteration and short sentences rather than long, complex sentences. We also used repetition and rhyming words. We knew we couldn’t use big words.

ILLUSTRATIONS: THE PAPER CUT COLLECTION

What stories inspired you from when you were younger?

The Biff, Chip and Kipper stories like The Magic Key. The Monkey Puzzle too; I remember all their adventures.

Who did you imagine your readers to be?

We did a little bit of market research with younger people, like our siblings, to make sure that the age group we were aiming the stories towards would like them.

Above, Dave the Dolphin and Timmy Tortoise

Publishing and selling the book Riley Rowe, 13

Can you tell us more about the finished book?

The final book is a series of three short stories all with a different storyline.

How do you feel about seeing your work in print?

It’s odd but very nice! It’s a really great memory of the work it took the class to put it all together.

How do you feel about other people reading your story?

It’s really exciting but strange to think that people will be reading our book. It’s interesting to think about what they might think about it – because you really want them to like it!

Did you enjoy the process?

It’s been great linking the two subjects – walking out of a lesson in art to a lesson in English to work on the same project. We found a connection between two subjects that you wouldn’t normally.

How do your parents feel about the project?

Our parents are excited and are looking forward to buying some copies.

Do you know any other 13 year olds who have had a book published?

No – and we feel very privileged!

BUY IT

The Paper Cut Collection, £5, plus p&p. To order email: info@rendcomb.gloucs.sch. uk. £1 of each sale will go to Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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BEDTIME READING Our round-up of top books and fun apps this spring

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BOOKS & APPS

1 ANNE OF GREEN GABLES

by LM Montgomery Revisit this classic tale of enthusiastic orphan Anne in a beautiful new hardcover version (Puffin, £9.99).

THE ADVENTURES OF MISS PETITFOUR

by Anne Michaels The delicious world of Miss Petitfour – who loves to bake and fly (Bloomsbury, £10.99).

THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE LASELLES

by Alexandrina Victoria A gem of a book written

by Queen Victoria, ( Royal Collection Trust, £14.99).

MIRÓ’S MAGIC ANIMALS

by Antony Penrose A worthy successor from the author of The Boy Who Bit Picasso (Thames & Hudson, £9.95).

Kings and Queens of British History This is the Trust’s first ever iPad app which illustrates the fascinating royal history of our kings and queens, (Royal Collection Trust, £4.99).

2

Tints Especially for those children that have trouble reading, this is an app that allows children to read bestselling authors on screen (Barrington Stokes, free).

PHOTOGRAPHY: ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST / Ð HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II 2015, APP CREATED BY AIMER MEDIA

3 THE WHAT ON EARTH? WALLBOOK OF SPORT

by Christopher Lloyd 2,500 years of sporting achievement (whaton earthbooks.com, £12.99).

CAN I BUILD ANOTHER ME?

by Shinsuke Yoshitake Humorous tale of a child who tries to clone himself (Thames & Hudson, £7.95).

EDITOR’S PICK

LOVE FROM PADDINGTON

by Michael Bond Delightful letters from Paddington to his aunt in Peru (HarperCollins, £8.99).

MEGALOPOLIS

by Cléa Dieudonné This book unfolds to over three metres to uncover the wonders of one town (Thames & Hudson, £14.95).

THE BIG BOOK OF BUGS

by Yuval Zommer A fun, fact-filled book for children on all things creepy crawly (Thames & Hudson, £12.95).

THE BRAMBLY HEDGE COMPLETE COLLECTION

by Jill Barklem All of the books brought together in an exquisite volume (HarperCollins, £35).

Elastic Alphabets A beautiful app that teaches children about the alphabet in a simple way. Includes upper and lower case, letter construction and more (£2.99).

4

TapQuiz Maps World Edition A fun and interactive game that teaches you the countries of the world. Questions appear on the map and you tap the correct answer (free).

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YouTube Kids This family-friendly version of YouTube weeds out inappropriate content as children turn away from television, towards tablets, for entertainment (free).

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Friendly Adventurous Happy Supportive Encouraging Academic

OPEN DAYS Saturday 12th March Monday 2nd May Call us for more information and to book your place.

“Excellent” in every category Boarding and day Prep School, for boys and girls, based in 90 acres of Worcestershire countryside.

Two hours from London – One hour from the Cotswolds T. 01299 896275 abberleyhall.co.uk

OPEN MORNINGS Thurs 25 February & Mon 29 February 9:30 or 10:40am

To book for an Open Morning

AD

MA

J O R A PA R A M

UR

or private visit, please call Pauline on 01428 683639 or email registrar@barrowhills.org

A prep school for boys and girls aged 2-13

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

ISI Inspection Report, May 2015

e: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk

t: 0117 905 5271

badmintonschool.co.uk

CALENDAR Our round-up of inspiring things to do this Spring

10-4 Feb Sept

GO GO GADGET In collaboration with SAM Labs, one of the UK’s fastest growing start-ups, the Science Museum has launched an exclusive Inventor Kit to give children the chance to build their own smart gadgets. A fun introduction to basic coding and electronics, there are five activities to start off with, and many more online!

Available for £99 from the Science Museum Shop, London, or online at sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

THE MECHANICS OF A GENIUS [London]

Leonardo da Vinci is recognised across the globe as being a hugely talented artist, but now his work as a gifted draughtsman is being celebrated at the Science Museum. Leornardo created a remarkable body of mechanical drawings that showed a radical approach to the challenges of flight, manufacturing and war. sciencemuseum.org.uk/leonardo

2016

DESIGNER FOR THE DAY [London] Discover how magical set and costume designs are created and work with the Polka Theatre designer to create your own. For ages seven to 11. polkatheatre.com

18 Feb

PHOTOGRAPHY: WWW.PHILLIPPELEVY.NET

SHAKESPEARE 400 [London] To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, King’s College London is coordinating a host of cultural and creative events throughout 2016, spanning theatre, music, opera and dance, exhibitions and activities, performances and talks.

Institutions involved include the Barbican, Birmingham Royal Ballet, British Film Institute, London Philharmonic Orchestra, National Theatre, the Globe and many more.

Follow @S400events on Twitter and #Shakespeare400. shakespeare400.org

STORYTIME AT THE EDEN PROJECT

Every day

[Cornwall] Catch a range of tall tales at the Eden Project, from local Cornish folk stories to fables about rainforest plants all the way from the Amazon. Every day at 12pm and 2pm, sessions last 15 to 30 minutes, in the Citrus Grove inside the Mediterranean Biome. edenproject.com

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Reader offer!

Quote “Independent Schools Afternoon Tea Offer 2016” when booking this spring and you’ll receive a complimentary glass of champagne per person*

Until Sept

6

Mar

HAVE YOU GOT A CRAVING?

[Lancashire]

Take a tour of your taste buds at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry and explore how food affects your brain, body and eating habits.

What drives your desires for the foods you love? Is it the colour of your plate, the flavours that you tasted in the womb or the trillions of bacteria in your belly? Find out more at the Cravings exhibition. msimanchester.org uk

9

Feb

[Somerset] Celebrate Mother’s Day with a themed Afternoon Tea, available from 1.30pm to 6pm. Located at the centre of one of Britain’s greatest examples of Georgian architecture, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa provides an elegant setting in which to indulge in the world’s finest teas, prestigious champagnes and delicate sandwiches and pastries. For more information visit royalcrescent.co.uk.

Plus, read our hotel review at: independentschoolparent.com/lifestyle

How to make delicious pancakes Directions 1. Prepare

Whisk your eggs until light and fluffy, then whisk in milk. Heat the frying pan to a medium heat and add a little butter.

GRAINY BRAINY PANCAKE MIX Each Sweetpea Pantry’s Grainy Brainy Pancake Mix makes 12 to18 pancakes and is packed with goodness, including protein-rich buckwheat and quinoa flours; Omega-3; heart-friendly flaxseed; tiny teff grains for fibre, iron and vitamin C. Just add eggs and milk (or go dairy-free using soya, oat or rice milk). Available at M&S and Booths; £4.99, sweetpeapantry.co.uk

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2. Mix

Put your Sweetpea Mix into the eggs and milk, whisking until combined.

3. Bake

Use a small cup or large spoon to pour the mixture into the pan, you can make little circles or large “fill-the-pan” pancakes.

Flip over once bubbles start popping through, cook on second side until brown.

Decorate and devour!

SUNDAY MOVIE CLUB

28 Feb

[London] The luxury hotel Sunborn London super yacht is hosting its third Movie Club in its 40-person theatre with widescreen projector. The full Sunday Movie Club package includes a set menu meal served in the on-board Lands End restaurant, ahead of the film showing at 4pm, plus popcorn. £26 per person. To book, email reservations@sunbornlondon.com or call 0203 714 8111; sunbornlondon.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, BRAD SANDERSON *FOR BOOKINGS OF TWO TO EIGHT PEOPLE, OFFER VALID FROM THURSDAY 4TH FEBRUARY UNTIL THURSDAY 24TH MARCH 2016.

MOTHER’S DAY AFTERNOON TEA

BREASIDE

PREPARATORY SCHOOL For boys and girls aged 2½-11 years

Bromley’s leading independent preparatory school We are “Outstanding”

Hawkesdown House School

For boys aged 3 to 8 years Endeavour Courage Truth

Breaside is celebrating another year of outstanding results for pupils who have successfully passed exams for entry to highly selective Grammar schools and Independent schools across several boroughs.

Please make an appointment for a personal tour of the school.

We will be delighted to welcome you to Breaside.

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

41 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PR Tel: 020 8460 0916 info@breaside.co.uk www.breaside.co.uk Outstanding October 2014

‘LOVE GOD, LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR’

An outstanding independent school for girls & boys aged 2-13 years in Bletchingley, Surrey

HORRIS HILL SCHOOL NE WBU RY, BE RKSHIRE

Where boys flourish, gaining in intellectual curiosity, resilience and success to top senior schools

“The school offers the facilities & flexibility without the fanfare” Parent

Becoming a Hawthornian means…

Our boys are successful in gaining places at Eton & Winchester along with a cohort of other top schools Horris Hill, Newtown, Newbury RG20 9DJ

T 01635 40594

www.horrishill.com

E registrar@horrishill.com

…a happy child who learns from sharing experiences

Do come and visit - 01883 743048 www.hawthorns.com SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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Organised?

Name Labels for School, Preschool & Childcare

Dispatched within 4 working days Free Postage Made in the UK

www.mynamelabel.co.uk 0870 850 7897

Escrick Park

York

She believes she can.

So she will.

Queen’s Gate School offers girls a warm, supportive environment, where individuality is nurtured, and academic standards are high. Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sports Scholarships, and means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of fees, are available to assist girls to join us.

Saturday Open Mornings:

5 March, 23 April Call 01904 727630

Best School Food in UK

Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 – 18 www.queenmargarets.com

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For a prospectus, or to make a private visit to the School, please contact the Registrar, Miss Janette Micklewright, on 0207 594 4982 or email, registrar@queensgate.org.uk Queen’s Gate School, 133 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5LE

www.queensgate.org.uk

Reader offer!

* ALL PROPERTIES ARE SOLD AS LEASEBACK SAVING INVESTORS 20% VAT ON THE PURCHASE PRICE. OWNERS STILL GAIN 100% FREEHOLD OWNERSHIP AS WELL AS A FULLY-MANAGED PROPERTY, GUARANTEED RENTAL INCOME AND UP TO 10 WEEKS USAGE ACROSS HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW SEASONS. **OFFER VALID UNTIL 15TH MAY 2016

The hotel is offering 15% off** bookings when you quote “Independent School Parent magazine” SUPER SLIDE [London] This spring, the UK’s tallest sculpture, Anish Kapoor’s ArcelorMittal Orbit at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will be transformed into a 178 metre-long slide. The descent will take about 40 seconds and you’ll reach about 15 mph – transparent sections will let you see London whizz by!

The collaboration is with artist Carsten Höller. Child £7, adult £15, family £40. arcelormittalorbit.com

MINI PAINTBALL [Surrey] Try mini-paintballing days and parties for eight to 10 year olds and “junior” sessions for 10+. campaign-paintball.com

ALPACAS AHOY!

[Hotel Aurelio, Austria]

Join these furry friends at the exclusive mountain ski-in, ski-out hotel in the village of Lech, Austria. Domingo, Maximo and Hiero, Hotel Aurelio’s new alpacas, are enjoying hikes around the local area following the reopening of the hotel last December. Privately owned, the 18-room hotel comprises three traditional wooden buildings, including the Aurelio Clubhouse – an eight-bedroom chalet with its own spa, gym, cinema room and living areas.

Enjoy heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and tobogganing, too. aureliolech.com

Alpine Retreats [France]

14-15 May CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY [Surrey] If you’re joining in the fun in Windsor, escape the crowds with an overnight stay at the runnymede-onthames hotel in Egham. Just a short taxi ride from the events, you can relax in the spa, indoor pool and dine in the Lock Bar and Kitchen on the River Thames.

Call 01784 220980; runnymedehotel.com

MGM French Properties has launched a trio of new developments, all fully managed with access to spa and wellness amenities.

• LES BALCONS ETOILÉS Champagny La Plagne is built around a 17th-century church, using local wood and stone and is situated in the valley at an altitude of 1,250 metres.

Comprising six chalets with 47 one to three-bedroom apartments, prices start at £150,000 for one bedroom and £270,000 for a three-bed duplex.

Completion: Christmas 2017.

• LES CHALETS ELÉNA This premium development of 50 apartments in Chamonix blends contemporary styles with traditional mountain influences. One bedroom apartments start at £155,000 and three bedroom duplex apartments from £293,000.

Completion: Christmas 2017.

• LE ROC DES TOURS Located just an hour from Geneva and 20 minutes from Lake Annecy, Le Chinaillon, Le Grand Bornand is set in the 300-year-old village in the Aravis region of the Haute-Savoie, and offers 44 one to three-bedroom apartments. One bedroom apartments start at £138,000 and three bedroom from £369,000. Completion: 2016. mgmfrenchproperties.com

SPRING 2016 | independentschoolparent.com

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MEMORY LANE

SCH

MEMOOOL R I ES

Let’s talk food…

I loved breakfast and I would eat baked beans and fried toast but I did find myself buying taramasalata to snack on or visiting the local tea shop, The Polly Tearooms, on the high street, rather a lot.

Marlborough in three words...

Creative, entrepreneurial, sociable. I joined at 16, after studying at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London. SPGS had amazing arts facilities but I left because I was both academic and creative and they preferred us to concentrate on academia.

Were you ever in the detention room?

I was always in trouble for not handing my homework in on time. But when I finally did, it would be pages long!

Are you a team player?

I am. I work as a team with my publisher; the production company Dreamworks, who turned my books into films; my agent; publicity team and also the National Literacy Trust with whom I work with a great deal. I go into schools and attend festivals, which makes me feel part of the process in getting children to read. I love our team spirit to achieve the objective – to get children reading for pleasure.

CRESSIDA

COWELL

The author of the How to Train Your Dragon series shares her creative childhood and time at Marlborough College, Wiltshire

What prize were you most proud of at school?

I won a National Gallery prize, aged nine, where I wrote about a painting. It was a huge boost to my confidence.

emphasis on spelling and grammar: it was writing for enjoyment’s sake. At St Paul’s, I had a fantastic history teacher called Miss McDonald, she would let me write fiction for my history essays: for example, she would say, “Imagine you Which teacher stays with are a Viking and that you live you to this day? on an island…” And Robin There were three. A primary Child, Lauren’s father, led art school teacher, Miss Mellows, at Marlborough: he was who would always let me write dynamic and inspiring. His what I wanted without an energy and insistence that there were many jobs to be had in the creative My art teacher’s energy and ny ma industries re we insistence that there spurred me on creative jobs spurred me on to follow my dreams.

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Would you rather double maths or an afternoon of art?

I wasn’t a natural at maths but I found it a satisfying subject to study because there is always an answer.

Share your school memories with us on #Throwback Thursday @ISParent

Most embarrassing moment?

I dropped my lunch tray in Norwood Hall.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I was engaged in drawing and reading all the time, but I didn’t really want to be a writer. To me, writers were my heroes. If I had known then that I would enjoy professional success as a writer I would have been quite amazed.

What would you tell your school-age self?

Don’t worry about taking a long time to get to where you want. I did a degree in English at Oxford and art at St Martin’s and a masters in narrative illustration at Brighton. I was a long time in education but I’ve used all three in my career.

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell has been sold in 37 countries. Hiccup and Toothless are the official characters for World Book Day 2016 on 3rd March.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DEBRA HURFORD BROWN. WORDS: CLAUDIA DUDMAN

Who was your best friend?

Lauren Child – the author of the Charlie and Lola books.

We’d write stories and draw maps of imaginary worlds.

Chafyn

Grove salisbury

Cherish the Important things in Life

OPEN DAY Saturday 7th May

Education for Life...

Co-educational Day & Boarding from 3 - 13 44 (0)1722 333423

| Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1LR

10am -12.30pm

www.chafyngrove.co.uk