ISP Autumn Senior 2014 by The Chelsea Magazine Company

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Autumn 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

SENIOR EDITION

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

WHERE TO GO AT

ADVICE

A LEVELS, IB AND UNIVERSITIES

CHRISTMAS

GCSE CHOICES

MAXIMISING YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL

Shakespeare

Why his plays remain PLUS

relevant today

LATIN • REVISION TIPS • PURSUING PERFECTIONISM • CAMBRIDGE • LEADERSHIP SKILLS • BOOKS & APPS • TEEN HEALTH • MASTERCHEF’S JACK LUCAS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

CLAUDIA DUDMAN Editor

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

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 Sub Editor Natalie Milner Editorial Assistant Caroline Leeper Art Director Ruth Ellis Senior Art Editor Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Emily Weller Designer Brigitta Holmar PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Subscriptions Manager Will Delmont 020 7349 3710 will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by Wyndeham Heron, Essex ADVERTISING Advertisement Manager Andy Mabbitt Client Development Manager James Darnborough Sales Executives Saafi O’Neill, Tom Williams 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 A First Eleven Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right school.

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© CNP Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Independent School Parent magazine has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

WELC ME… Just like school, summer is usually fairly quiet here in magazine land but we have been busy giving our cover and pages a makeover. From Ones to Watch to School Memories and School Hero, our favourites are still there, albeit with a lovely new, fresher feel. I hope you agree! As the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare is being celebrated this year, I asked the head of Lancing College in West Sussex and Shakespeare scholar, Dominic Oliver to explore the relevance of learning his work today (page 12). James Whitehead, the first lay head of Downside in Somerset explains the monastic tradition at the heart of his school on page 19. For many, the photographs from our book extract on pages 72 and 73 will be a trip down memory lane; for others, they are a snapshot of a bygone era. In the late 1980s, the photographer Mark Draisey was given unique access to the usually closed world of independent schools. It was just before a time of major changes to boarding house conditions and the modernisation of facilities, as well as the introduction of girls into these once male-dominated institutions. Enjoy! Claudia Dudman, Editor Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

COVER: PRIOR PARK COLLEGE, SOMERSET

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Ahead of the game...

WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 14 Autumn 2014 • independentschoolparent.com

News

Our round-up of hot topics

All the World’s a Stage

leadership skills on and off the pitch

Shakespeare in today’s classrooms

monastic tradition at the school’s heart

Dead Alive Thalia Thompson looks into the benefits, and the attractions, of studying Latin

Still Waters Katie Hughes looks at the importance of silence in a daily school routine

Fact or Fiction?

university, retakes and qualifications

House Music The annual interhouse competition bonds the whole of Gresham’s School

Revision Tips

On the cover...

Download our FREE app to read ISP on your phone or tablet...

School Hero Riding the Waves Portugal: for winter sun, sea and surf

Snow and Ice Growing Up Gracefully Dr Louise Selby advises on puberty

Book Shelf The top adult and child reads; plus apps

Thirty Years On A new book celebrates our schools’ past

Competition Your chance to have your portrait painted

generation of children who call the shots

new reading campaign

Cathy Hawker looks at the new

Prior’s Field School describes its

Ones to Watch

Club Med’s new ski resort, Val Thorens

Book Review: Over Parenting

A Book is a Dream

Fees and Finance Mark Taylor, bursar, helps you budget for

Heathfield School’s director of sport

break ahead of the exam period

How to make the most of the Christmas

the unhealthy pursuit

What star pupils are doing now

common misconceptions about

Goodbye Little Miss Perfect Head of Oxford High School for Girls on

Head of Headington School scotches

the all-important payments

scientific route? Giulia Rhodes says both…

alumna Marie-Claire Chappet did it

The Right Fit Do you want to take a creative or

How to Apply to Cambridge The low-down on the process; and how

Heads-Up Downside’s first lay head explains the

Floreat Rugby Director of sport at Cheltenham analyses

Dominic Oliver investigates the place of

a ammaso, a ma , t

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Moncrieff, Chairman Tor Down, Parent James Durant, UCAS Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School Tory Gillingham, AMDIS Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Glynis Kozma, Educational Journalist Zoe MacDougall, Teacher Heidi Salmons, The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference Elaine Stallard, Elaine Stallard Consulting The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Chairman of the Education Select Committee Sheila Thompson, Boarding Schools’ Association Ben Vessey, Canford School David Wellesley-Wesley, Independent Schools Show Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant

What’s On? Festive activities this Christmas

School Memories MasterChef finalist Jack Lucas

2=4 y + x Let us know what YOU think

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NEWS EWS

Our round-up of events nationwide this autumn

[Abingdon School] To mark the centenary of the First World War, Abingdon School invited its exchange school in Germany, the Ratsgymnasium in Bielefeld, to cooperate in a joint exhibition on the impact of the Great War on the two schools. The fascinating exhibition details how, despite nearly 50 years of exchanges, the friendship between the schools hasn’t always been so strong. Casualty records show that on more than one occasion Abingdon and Bielefeld pupils were likely to have been involved in the same battles but on opposite sides.

Abingdon School Boat Club before the outbreak of war

A tale of two schools... RULE THE WAVES

[Dauntsey’s School]

10 Dauntsey’s pupils sailed the Jolie Brise to ﬁrst place at the annual Cowes Small Ships Race, beating 27 other boats. In spite of the cold, wet weather and poor visibility, spirits were high and the Dauntsey’s crew demonstrated fantastic skill and teamwork. A ROYAL APPOINTMENT [Warwick School] As part of his visit to Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon in June, HRH The Prince of Wales popped in to see the pupils of Warwick School. Prince Charles addressed the school on their cricket pitch and unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate the royal visit and Warwick School’s 1,100th anniversary.

KEEPING PACE WITH BRITAIN’S JUNIOR CHAMPIONS [Wellington College] Congratulations to Morgan Lake from Wellington College who won gold at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon. Morgan recorded the highest ever score by a youth athlete in the heptathlon with a personal best of 6,148 points.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

NEW SIXTH FORM BOARDING HOUSE OPENS

[St Mary’s Calne]

This year, St Mary’s School, Calne, opened a new Sixth Form Boarding House with large individual study bedrooms with ensuites, a spacious Common Room, Sixth Form lecture rooms and catered as well as personal-use kitchens for the girls to use in preparation for university life.

TANTE MARIE CULINARY ACADEMY TURNS UP THE HEAT [Tante Marie Culinary Academy] The UK’s oldest cookery school Tante Marie inspired TV chef Harriet Eastwood, Neil Rankin (founding member of Pitt Cue Co) and two professional MasterChef finalists Oli Boon and Ryan Stafford. In 2015, it will relocate to new, state-ofthe-art premises at Alexander House in Woking. Students will have access to cutting-edge facilities with six student kitchens, a demonstration theatre, lecture rooms and a training restaurant serving the public, plus a brand new professional qualification, incorporating a hospitality business management component. tantemarie.co.uk

x + y2 = 4

Sch ol tweets

@ISParent @headsedbergh visited Flanders recently. He laid a wreath at the grave of first OS to fall in WWI. (Sedbergh School, @SedberghSchool)

SOMETHING FOR THE ADVENTUROUS SOLIHULL PUPIL RESCUES EXPEDITION LEADER [Solihull School] Sixth former Leticia Salmon, came to the rescue when her army mountaineering instructor suffered a suspected stroke when white water rafting in Kenya. Leticia took control of the situation and joined an all-male crew to paddle her instructor to safety.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

[Oundle School] In the autumn Field Weekend, Oundle School’s CCF travelled to Snowdonia, Portland, Grafham Water, and Thetford to take on a combination of adventurous training challenges. The Contingent’s 400 cadets took part in ocean diving in Portland Harbour, tactical field exercises with night navigation and a series of Section Attacks, as well as an Adventure Training section with walking and mountain-biking in the mountains of Snowdonia in glorious weather.

@ISParent Our best ever set of GCSE results – 99% of entries A* or A – 52 girls got straight A*s! (North London Collegiate, @NLCS1850) Fantastic science & maths A-level results = four medics + one dentist! @GSAUK @ISParent (Sherborne Girls, @NLCS1850)

Share your school news and tweet us @ISParent

discover

possibilities At Clifton College there is a unique environment where everything is possible In the inspiring surroundings of Clifton College your child will go on a journey of self-discovery. Our boarders and day pupils are part of a warm community where pastoral care and academic excellence go hand in hand to help them succeed at whatever they set their minds to. Arrange a personal visit at a time that suits you to explore a leading independent school with a unique atmosphere. Alternatively, you can book a place at one of our Open Days.

For more information visit

cliftoncollege.com/admissions Or call 0117 405 8417 for Upper School or 0117 405 8396 for Preparatory School

OUR NEXT OPENDAYS The Preparatory School, for girls and boys aged 3-13 Saturday 31 January 2015 The Upper School, for girls and boys aged 13-18 Saturday 31 January 2015

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Left, Cheltenham Borneo teams at the Batikap Release Site, above, the girls crossed the equator by longboat

HEADS on the move Simon Henderson is taking on the headship at Eton College in autumn 2015. Douglas Robb took on the role of headteacher at Gresham’s School, Norfolk, this September.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES

Emma Goldsmith is the new head at Winchester House School, Oxfordshire. Richard Milner-Smith has taken up the reins at Moyles Court School, Hampshire. Jenny Brown is the new headteacher at St Albans High School for Girls, Hertfordshire.

CHELTENHAM LADIES GO TO BORNEO am amaos,, a ma t

[Cheltenham Ladies’ College]

A group of 17 pupils and four teachers were granted volunteer status at the orphaned Orangutan rehabilitation centre near Palangkaraya, Borneo, to assist with the Centre’s Orangutan conservation project observing the work of dedicated vets and handlers.

WINNING PORTRAIT [The Queen’s School] Two girls won prizes in the IOE Confucius Institute’s Young Photographers Competition after a school trip to China.

OFFICIAL VISIT BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN [Westminster School] This summer, on 12th June, Westminster School received a truly special visitor. Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the School’s new Sports Centre, unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

ALL T WOR A STA

DOMINIC OLIVER headmaster of Lancing College, West Sussex and Shakespeare scholar

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

THE RLD S AGE … In F

oc us

…and one man in his time plays many parts. Dominic Oliver says it’s Shakespeare’s understanding of human nature that makes learning his work so relevant today

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

In F

ocus

he journalist Bernard Levin’s brilliant little piece called On Quoting Shakespeare goes through all these wonderful phrases: stood on ceremony; acting more in sorrow than in anger; more sinned against than sinning; sending something packing and good riddance to it. The list goes on and it’s a very long list too. There’s a lot of phraseology that we encounter day to day that is directly taken from Shakespeare’s work. That really matters. Shakespeare is not so much dead “stuff ”, it’s very much alive and in our schools; we need to keep reoxygenating it not just by using the phrases and the words but by having an awareness of where they’ve come from. Harold Bloom, the American literary critic, talked about Shakespeare as being the inventor of the human. Shakespeare wrote in the early modern period. And why does that matter? Because modernity, where we are living now, has been really shaped and formed in large part by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. And things like our understanding of what it is to be a person; how one person fits in in the grand scheme of ethics, religion and even religious warfare (that’s a pretty contemporary sort of theme, isn’t it?) are all very much alive. For all that the former education secretary, Michael Gove, was wrongheaded about a lot of things, I wholeheartedly applaud his determination to push this notion of studying literature as something to do with thinking about who we are. When that becomes reductive and you start being told what you can and can’t do then it becomes a problem. I think the great virtue of the independent sector is the

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Share your favourite Shakespeare plays with us @ISParent

Modernity, where we are living now, has been really shaped and formed in large part by Shakespeare huge space we are allowed. Yes, we need to fulfil examination criteria but that’s such a small part of what a real education should be. If you’ve only got a limited amount of time and you want people to study literature, as I believe we really should, what do you make them do? If I’ve only got one meal to eat for just one day, or for the whole year, what’s that going to be? In that context the dishes that make up your sustenance become more and more focused upon as individual items when, actually, we don’t want to have one meal in a year because we’d starve. In education we want a rich, complete diet to nourish young minds and providing that is a real privilege. Young people are owed that understanding of their cultural history. We can’t discuss

notions of kinship, of history, of politics, without looking to some of the texts and ideas that shape our notions of what those things are. Look at the recent furore about Richard III being dug up in a car park. People still care about Richard III; the Richard III society throw darts at Shakespeare’s image because Shakespeare, for them, was a Tudor propagandist who made Richard out to be a monster. Now I’m very fond of Richard III, the play that is, not the man! I edited Richard III for the Longman School Shakespeare series and I’m very proud of that edition. But the point is this: people are still interested because it matters, the story as told matters, and the story in the way it was told matters. Just that play alone, I

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In F

ocus

THINGS WE SAY TODAY WHICH WE OWE TO SHAKESPEARE… Knock knock, who’s there? MACBETH

Heart of gold HENRY V

Green-eyed monster

ILLUSTRATIONS: WWW.BOOKISHLY.CO.UK, ISTOCK

Shakespeare engages with the potentially great young leaders, creators, writers, communicators, lawyers and medics of the future think, is hugely important, founding and shaping the way we view ourselves, our past and our history. I do happen to think that Shakespeare is an amazing writer for all sorts of reasons and the reason I left purely academic education is because I wanted to explore this wonderful writer with young people, to help them engage with the great artefacts of our past and think about how Shakespeare – and others – engage with the potentially great young leaders, creators, writers, communicators, lawyers, and medics of the future. After all, who wants to deal with a doctor who doesn’t have a sense of the ethical? Who wants to deal with a lawyer or judge who is not placing what they’re doing in a grander, greater context?

Lancing has a particularly wonderful dramatic and writerly heritage; there were very famous people here: the mordant and scabrous Evelyn Waugh being one. And then we’ve got Lancing alumni who are very still much alive and shaping how we work: Oscar-winning writers like Christopher Hampton, who won his award for the screen adaptation of his play Dangerous Liaisons; Sir Tim Rice; Sir David Hare – a winner of all kinds of other plaudits. Of course, there are plenty of others of more recent vintage like Cambridge Footlights President Ben Pope. So there’s a load of engagement with the arts here that I think is due for a reinvigoration and a revival, a reigniting, if you like, of all that the College has to offer. ISP

OTHELLO

The world is my oyster THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR

Dead as a door nail KING HENRY VI

Fight fire with fire KING JOHN

Too much of a good thing AS YOU LIKE IT

Wear your heart on your sleeve OTHELLO

Come what may MACBETH

Wild goose chase ROMEO AND JULIET

A piece of work HAMLET

Vanish into thin air THE TEMPEST

For goodness sake HENRY VIII

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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HEADS-UP

DR JAMES WHITEHEAD

headmaster of Downside School, Somerset

ownside Abbey is a community of Benedictine monks who have run a Catholic school at Stratton-on-the-Fosse for the last 200 years. Traditionally, the head has been a member of the Monastic Community appointed by the Abbot, however, a reduced number of monks and recognition of the professional expertise any head teacher needs in the world of education, prompted a new approach by the school’s trustees. As a former teacher here at the school I have a good understanding of its ethos and tradition. One of my roles is to plan the next period in the school’s development, ushering in a new era for the teaching community. Starting rather unusually in the summer term provided me with the chance to explain my understanding of the core values to the school, to pupils and staff. Tradition and History As Downside’s first lay head – “lay” means non-priest – you can’t help but feel the weight of history of a school that has its origins in a 400-year-old monastic tradition. Many

[

BRAND NEW ANCIENT

Downside’s first lay head, James Whitehead explains why monastic tradition is at the heart of his 21st-century school schools have stories behind them but few of them are as enthralling as ours. Founded in Douai, France, during the Reformation, when Catholic schools were illegal in England, the community then fled the French Revolution and settled in Somerset, in 1814. Into this school, comes a new head master, someone interested in teaching and learning, in poetry, someone who happens to love refereeing rugby, but whose fitness levels are not quite what they were! How to Adjust? Over time, working in two Benedictine schools – I was second master at Worth School

in Sussex – an understanding of the Benedictine “Rule” (the guide to community living that helped shape the civilisation of Europe after the medieval period) has enabled me to appreciate the impact that putting Christian love at the centre of an educational philosophy can have on young people. It helps to develop articulate pupils who can listen, selfless pupils dedicated to service of others and young people geared to contribute to the building up of society, rather than just determined to benefit from it. Many schools tend to have mission statements that are focused on developing

“Many schools have mission statements that are focused on developing pupils’ skills but not all offer a clear moral and spiritual purpose”

]

Above, Downside School in Somerset

pupils’ skills and achievements but not all schools offer a clear moral and spiritual purpose. So What Did I Encounter? I have been impressed by the sense of community spirit. I have been struck by the way in which the pupils support each other and I have noticed the pride that they show in their school. The only real challenge has been to reassure the community that there will not be a change in the school’s ethos, which is of course its greatest strength. What is refreshing at Downside, is that the scions of aristocratic families mix with pupils on generous bursaries, bound together by a sense of spiritual identity and by shared values. It is a hugely enjoyable project – uplifting and energising. I look forward to the future. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

THALIA THOMPSON education and parenting writer

DEAD ALIVE

Linguists, mathematicians and fans of the stories of the ancient world are drawn to learn the Latin language, says Thalia Thompson

hile Mandarin is a fashionable newcomer to the language curriculum in many schools, Latin still more than holds its own. It’s a subject that can bring many benefits to students, something that’s been appreciated by some very successful people: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg studied classics at university and famously listed Latin as one of the languages he spoke on his Harvard application form. Old Etonian, Tom Hiddleston, took a double first in classics at Cambridge before going on to stardom with acting roles ranging from Shakespeare’s Coriolanus to Loki in the Thor blockbusters.

IN THE BEGINNING

At most independent schools, Latin is compulsory in Year Seven and Eight and even if students don’t opt to continue with the subject, they will have received an excellent grounding in a range of skills that will stand them in good stead for their other studies. “Latin does have an unusually large skill set,” says Dr James Watson, head of classics at the Perse School, Cambridge, describing how just two years learning Latin can not only help develop linguistic and grammatical skills but also encourage logical thinking. And of course, the time spent learning about another civilisation teaches concepts of citizenship and an understanding of social values worthy of any PHSE lesson. Schools often help Latin lessons come alive with visits to key Roman sites such as trips to Pompeii to visit the house of

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Caecilius, the hero of the first book in the commonly used Cambridge Latin course or to Fishbourne Roman Palace in Chichester, a setting for the second book. The Perse School takes it a stage further hosting Ludi Scaenici, an annual competition for schools where Year Seven pupils write and perform short plays in the Latin language. The subject matter of Latin lessons can be inherently fascinating too. As Chris Taylor, head of Classics at Sevenoaks school in Kent, points out: “Whereas in French you might be learning to ask for tickets in a railway station or talking about the weather, in Latin you’re translating a story about murder and conspiracy, gladiators and emperors.”

AN INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGE?

Latin has a reputation for being an uncompromisingly demanding subject; recent research from the University of Durham rated Latin as one or two grades harder than other subjects at some grades for GCSE. This perception of difficulty could actually be useful, with anecdotal tales of Latin qualifications being held in high regard by universities and

Below, Roman gladiator’s helmet based on the Murmillo or Myrmillo type

employers, but it shouldn’t deter students. Chris Taylor from Sevenoaks School accepts there are challenging elements to Latin. But as he explains: “It’s well within most pupils’ capabilities, it just means they’ve got to think about it, which is a good thing… I would say one of the selling points of Latin is that it does make even the able students put their minds to it.” And there’s no one type of person who will excel at or enjoy Latin. There are natural linguists who enjoy learning about the structure of language. And there are also pupils who are drawn to the myths, legends and history of an ancient civilisation. And there are the logical mathematicians who delight in the problem solving. Students who pursue Latin to GCSE level and beyond will be studying texts from Virgil and Ovid to Pliny and Tacitus, giving them an invaluable grounding in the literature and philosophy that shaped the modern world. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson read classics at Oxford, and has written that studying Latin is: “The key to a phenomenal and unsurpassed treasury of literature and history and philosophy; and we cannot possibly understand our modern world unless we understand the ancient world that made us all.” ISP

r “We can not possibly understa nd ou d moder n world un less we understan ” the ancient world that made us all MAYO R OF LONDO N, BORIS JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

LEARNING LANGUAGES Many of today’s modern European languages have their roots in Latin.

MUSIC The band U2 feature a chorus in Latin in the song Gloria from their album October.

MONEY The £1 and £2 coins have insribed on their sides words or a decoration related to the coin’s design.

SCHOOL MOTTOS Latin gives a hefty dose of gravitas, and tradition, which is probably why so many schools feature it in their mottos, like this crest from Wellington School, Somerset.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF IT? Rather a lot, actually! Here is why knowing your Latin is sine qua non (essential)

Latin is the keystone on which many other European languages are based, so it can help with learning modern languages. But that’s not the main benefit. “It’s much more to do with an understanding of how a language is put together,” explains Chris Taylor from Sevenoaks School in Kent. Precisely because Latin is no longer a spoken language, it’s taught through grammatical rules, giving students an unequalled grasp of the structures and mechanics of language. Learning Latin also encourages methodical thinking. Translating a passage of Latin requires logical thought and is great training for acquiring problem solving skills and developing an analytical mind. Understanding Latin also gives you entry into one of the world’s great civilisations. “The really valuable thing about doing Latin is the world that it gives access to,” says Dr James Watson from the Perse School, Cambridge. “Once you can read Latin, you have access to Roman literature and history in a way that you never quite get in translation.” PLANTS A plant’s common name can vary from region to region so it is often referred to by its scientific or Latin name.

PASSPORT Dieu et Mon Droit. This means God and my Right, which is the motto of the monarch’s coat of arms and refers to their divine right to govern.

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CURRICULUM

GIULIA RHODES

journalist writing on parenting in national newspapers and magazines

ILLUSTRATION: CLARE MACKIE

nce upon a time a child would have been deemed “scientific” or “artistic” by his or her teachers with subject choices dictated accordingly. Some young people know what career path they want to follow early on. They are interested only in medicine, education, a career on the stage, or whatever else it might be. For many though the early years of Senior school are the time to begin exploring where their deeper interests and abilities lie. Ditch the Stereotype So how and when should children begin to think about where their skills lie and how far should that understanding govern their subject choices? According to Dr Sarah Welch, principal of co-ed Gosfield School, Essex, and chair of the Independent Schools Association Education Committee, we should be careful not to pigeon-hole children early. “There are those who are obviously sporty or artistic, but many are all-rounders and others need time to discover their interests. We must help them keep a balance and not shut doors. Just because they are doing very well in the sciences doesn’t mean they can’t sustain an interest in the arts or the humanities.”

THE RIGHT FIT

Combining subject choices with abilities and interests helps pupils identify their real strengths, says Giulia Rhodes Learning Potential The key, she says, is to think in a nuanced way about aptitudes and interests. “We try to look at skills, many of which are transferable, rather than just specific subjects,” she explains. Like many schools, Gosfield uses the University of Durham’s CEM testing method to investigate learning potential in areas such as non-verbal reasoning, numerical skill and spatial awareness. Looking at children in this way gives more chance of a perfect fit between individual and curriculum, and allows teachers to develop students’ aptitudes across a range of subjects. “Decisions can be based less on traditional stereotypes. Instead of sending a child who is doing very well in science straight down a physics, chemistry, maths and

further maths route, we might identify strong analytical skills and encourage them to try something like economics.” A Different Work Place Generally, says Dr Welch, schools are becoming very sophisticated in their ability to help children identify their strengths. Thinking in this less rigid way is, she suggests, vital if we are to fit our children for a work place likely to be very different to our own. “We are preparing children for careers we can’t imagine, and the routes are not always those we recognise,” she says. A Balanced Individual Education of course, is not only about preparing for a career. “At the end of the day we are not turning out university students, we

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want to turn out whole people,” says Dr Welch. Charlotte, whose 15-yearold daughter is at a day school in the Home Counties says identifying her niche has been a slow process for her daughter. “She was an all rounder and confused about the future. Talking about careers as well as GCSE results helped her see that she liked science best and found essay writing most stressful. I think focusing on the things which come most easily will really open opportunities for her.” While students need to consider potential results as they decide where to specialise, it is important to look beyond this. “Education isn’t just about a letter at the end of it,” says Dr Welch. “The old stereotypes are less important. We want students to have it all.” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

PROMOTION

Eye on the ball

The LASD Alison Lawson eye therapy can change the lives of children with reading and learning difficulties. Parent Carol Green shares her story Like any parent I wanted to see my children succeed in life. I knew both my boys were fit and healthy and far from ‘thick’, yet reports showed there was little effort shown academically and results could definitely have been better. At a Parent-Teacher consultation we were told not to worry that our child didn’t excel in reading and writing, instead they’d encourage what he was interested in and hope the rest would follow. This wasn’t the answer, I knew they could do better.

BACKGROUND Aidan, 14, was a fairly self-centred child at home – always thought of himself first, was dissatisfied, with poor concentration, being restless and never living for the moment. He always wanted to know what was happening next, started many “jobs” and never finished any, leaving a trail of untidiness behind him. At school he was obviously pleasant, but lacked selfconfidence and if his writing was messy enough, his teacher wouldn’t be able to read it to see if there were any spelling mistakes! He always had the excuse that he had to rush or he wouldn’t be able to keep up with the others. With the start of GCSEs looming I felt worried for him. Sterling, his brother aged 11, was quite different, so laid back and lethargic about life he used to drive the rest of us crazy! Again, he’d start most projects with great intentions and never finished them. His reading was poor – he would miss words out, add words that weren’t there and misread ‘his’ instead of ‘this’. He was also the most chronic phonetic speller. He had been labelled as dyslexic and had one-to-one at school a few hours a week. Basically though, his happy-go-lucky

attitude got him through, but I couldn’t understand why his quick wittedness didn’t seem to be getting onto paper.

HOW EYE CORRECTION HELPS I feared for both boys, because although they had strong points practically, learning academically was frustratingly hard work which was fast becoming a negative downhill spiral with neither boys really reading books, only looking at comics. I had heard, from my sister-in-law, of an eye therapy treatment called the LASD Alison Lawson eye correction therapy. She explained that if the muscles in both eyes were not working together then incorrect messages were being sent to the brain. The brain in turn couldn’t interpret them properly. We applied for an initial assessment to see if the therapists could help. Sterling proved to have very poor eye sight from the tests – not the sort that glasses help – in fact, one of a 46 year

[

Below, the LASD Alison Lawson treatment has given Aidan and Sterling a growing confidence and had a positive effect on exam grades

the boys and I travelled two and a half hours to the Alison Lawson Centre, followed by the treatment (of up to an hour), and home again, each day for 10 days. Then there was the homework that was set daily. It was quite a commitment, but as parents we were determined to make this succeed. We supported all homework and encouraged them every step of the way. Yes, it did take time, but seriously, what is two weeks of work, if you can set your child up for life?

TREATMENT TIME The boys were really amenable to the treatment and we made it quite clear to them that it was for their own good. Strangely enough it was Sterling that we initially enquired about the treatment for, yet it was Aidan that showed almost immediate results. Over the next few days though he probably didn’t realise it, his character changed – for the better! He

]

“WHAT IS TWO WEEKS OF WORK, IF YOU CAN SET YOUR CHILD UP FOR LIFE?”

old. Plus he really struggled with threedimensional vision and reading in general. Tests showed that Aidan’s eye coordination was not such an issue, but the Alison Lawson Centre felt they could help him with concentration, confidence and accuracy. Seeing as this treatment is non-invasive we felt that there was nothing to lose – except the Easter Holidays. I was very keen to start treatment before Sterling had his Year Six SATS and Aidan started GCSEs. So, with our positive hats on, during Easter

The LASD Alison Lawson treatment helps with concentration too

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

his work! At the end of the first week he was awarded Star of the Week. At the Parents Consultations before the summer holidays, more than one teacher told us that Aidan had been nowhere near his predicted grades from Year Seven and then had suddenly made an impressive jump and made up time. To Aidan’s surprise he came top in his class with 81% in science. Sterling also did well in his SATS and reached required levels for his age. Three weeks ago he started Senior school and on the first day he said: “Mum, I’ve been put in the brainy groups!”. This treatment does not miraculously transform your child, but it releases their potential over time. Six months after treatment I still get them to do a set of eye exercises to keep them on track and neither of them resist. The treatment isn’t cheap, but learning was such a chore for our boys that we were almost wasting the cost of the school fees. The cost of the treatment effectively becomes the price of a life of attainment. The boys can now progress without the frustration and negative feelings that previously plagued them. Confidence is a slow growing plant and little by little they are both realising that they can do it – and surprise themselves at times too! Consequently, I would not hesitate to recommend the Alison Lawson treatment to anyone. ISP

became relaxed, less stressed and we saw he had a good sense of humour that hadn’t shown itself much before. The treatment released some tension, which put him in a better frame of mind for learning. As soon as he went back to school he started making comments like: “I can remember more words when copying”, “reading aloud in literacy is easier” and “typing is loads easier but I don’t know why”.

DID IT AFFECT EXAM GRADES? I had saved Sterling’s practice SATS paper for after the treatment. He gave me the usual grief about homework, but after settling down, in the required time, he turned over the last page and exclaimed: “What? Is that the end? That was millions easier and I’ve never finished a SATS paper before!”. His teachers knew nothing of him having the Alison Lawson treatment and accused him of someone else doing

LASD explained

The Alison Lawson Centre offers a quick and effective programme for reading and learning difficulties, with its 10 fun sessions of eye correction treatment and life-changing results. This once in a lifetime treatment is appropriate from age four, astounding parents and teachers over and over again. alisonlawson.com

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PASTORAL CARE

KATIE HUGHES

journalist writing on educational topics for the national and trade press

PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, ISTOCK

very Wednesday morning, before lessons, 400 pupils file into the chapel at Wellington College in Berkshire, place their feet firmly on the floor, sit up straight and for 15 minutes turn their attention to their breathing. All this is done in complete silence. Afterwards, they are given a two-minute “thought for the day”. These children are taking part in “stillness” sessions: put on Wellington’s agenda recently by the school’s headmaster, Anthony Seldon, and now led by its head of well-being, Ian Morris. Morris, whose sessions have been inspired by the widely researched benefits of mindfulness, meditation and Quaker teachings, explains: “We introduced stillness because of the importance of enabling children to learn to be still and to enjoy quiet”. And feedback from pupils has been positive: “Many of them say that learning to be still and calm is enormously beneficial,” says Morris, “especially during highpressure situations, such as

STILL WATERS Schools are making sure their pupils have the time for silence, writes Katie Hughes

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before the start of an exam. It’s about the only time in the week when, more or less, they are expected to do nothing.” The lack of quiet time for teens is a global issue. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association even claimed that teenagers in the US spend so much time listening to loud music that one in five of them can’t hear rustles or whispers. But it’s not just music that’s making a noise. “Our children live in a society that is on the go,” says life coach Ivana Pejakovic. “By the time they see their friends, complete their homework, check out their favourite TV programmes and social media accounts, there is hardly any time for them to spend quietly.”

“Al l ma n’s miser ies der ive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone” 17TH-CENTURY PHILOSOPHE R, BLAISE

PASCAL

Pejakovic thinks that a lot of teen stress is caused by over stimulation. She says: “Unless young people have quiet time they won’t distance themselves to re-energise: quiet time is important for overall well-being.” Leighton Park School in Reading, whose Quaker ethos helped to inspire Wellington’s stillness sessions, has always been aware of this need and has had quiet reflection weaved into the school day since it was founded more than a century ago. Many lessons start with quiet moments, a silent grace introduces lunch and three times a week, assembly starts and ends in contemplation. But the piece de resistance at Leighton Park is a weekly session that sees pupils gathering quietly for a full 30 minutes, with the chance to stand up and talk about an important thought if they want to. “It gives children the skill to sit quietly in a crowded room and to have a bit of “me time” to

think and put things in order,” says headmaster Nigel Williams. “It also gives them the feeling that they have a right to be heard and a duty to listen.” It’s not just pupils who benefit from turning down the noise, but staff too. “What other school tells the head to go and be quiet for 30 minutes?” says Williams. Dr Helen Lees, lecturer in educational studies at Newman university, Birmingham, says: “Silence schemes can have a transformative effect on both pupils and teachers.” Lees suggests that it is important to differentiate between the silence that can be enforced in schools to punish or control children and the “strong silence” enabled by tools such as mindfulness. “This new employment of ‘strong silence’ is what education has been waiting for,” she says. Perhaps Blaise Pascal, the 17th-century philosopher, was right when he said: “All man’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 independentschoolparent.com

CAROLINE JORDAN

FACT OR FICTION? two facilitating subjects – for more details see the Informed Choices booklet online at: russellgroup.ac.uk.

y the time students reach sixth form, years of hearsay have often obscured fact, especially when it comes to studying for out-of-the-norm qualifications. Here are some of the more common myths, together with the reality.

THE IB DIPLOMA

MYTH: You can only succeed in the IB if you’re super brainy. REALITY: It’s more the case that you develop excellent thinking and extended writing skills as a result of the IB. You’re likely to complete the course with in-depth knowledge in your own language, a second language, maths, science and humanities. If you’re not super brainy at the beginning of the course, you probably will be by the end. MYTH: Universities don’t understand the IB and make offers that are far higher than for A levels. REALITY: In the last decade, universities have come to understand the IB well and, as a result, their offers have been aligned to A levels. MYTH: The IB is far harder work than A levels and you don’t get any time off. REALITY: The IB can require more work than A levels but the benefits are massive. Built

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Caroline Jordan scotches some common misconceptions about university entry, retakes and lesser-known qualifications into the IB program is the compulsory Creativity, Action, Service element (CAS) from which students often develop new interests. At my school, students often find the service element the most rewarding part and, by developing their time management skills, they do get time off. MYTH: If you fail the IB, you can’t retake it. REALITY: Students can retake all, or parts, of their IB in the following November or May.

THE EPQ

MYTH: EPQs are pointless and can detract from your main studies. REALITY: The Extended Project Qualification is highly regarded by universities and some include it in their offers. When applying to those that

are less explicit, the EPQ can make applications stand out. The EPQ involves 90 hours of research into a topic of your choice, supported by a taught programme to hone skills in finding, analysing and presenting information. Those who are great at writing can prove it by completing a 5,000-word dissertation, but those who are talented in other ways can produce film, create artwork, design an engineering model, put on an event or anything that provides evidence of their research.

UNI ENTRY

MYTH: You can’t get into Russell Group universities if you take “soft” subjects. REALITY: “Soft” subjects are fine as long as you have

Got a query about university? Tweet us @ISParent

MYTH: Certain universities won’t make offers to pupils from independent schools. REALITY: These claims are usually levelled at Durham, Bristol and occasionally Oxbridge, but GSA schools have plenty of evidence of students getting in to them. MYTH: Universities don’t like to see retakes. REALITY: Retakes within two years of Sixth Form are generally fine, although policies on Year 14 retakes can vary. MYTH: You have to take history to study law. REALITY: Most law degrees do not require history. It is sometimes recommended but only because it requires you to develop the essay writing skills that are important for law. MYTH: Taking exams early is a disadvantage. REALITY: Some universities, for some courses – usually medicine – will not accept an A level which was completed in Year 12 as one of the grades required for your offer. The rationale is that you need to be able to take many exams in one sitting at university. ISP

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

headmistress of Headington School, Oxford

PROMOTION

A LEVELS OR IB?

Mike Kirby, of CIFE and principal of Ashbourne College in London, compares the sixth form examination options

he International Baccalaureate (IB) is the ideal of pre-university education for many educators. Who could argue with its mission; the breadth and depth of its subject offerings; its introduction to research, philosophy and community service? A Levels per se advertise few of these virtues and are less ambitious and prescriptive in

Which do you prefer? Let us know on Twitter @ISParent

their outlook. But allowing students to select four subjects (reducing typically to three in the second year) from a choice of over 30, A Levels offer the freedom not only to choose lessons that appeal but avoid subjects that repel. As the great majority of teens are quite fussy, there is rarely much agonizing about restricting choices to only four subjects. The IB insists on six subjects (two compulsory) plus compulsory theory of knowledge, an extended essay and community service â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all

very laudable but redolent of the vows of a religious order. A Levels permit unrestricted choice (apart from subjects required by medicine and some other degrees). They are often criticised for their burden of examinations, but to me they seem a paragon of creativity compared to the IB. Both courses are intellectually demanding, but A Levels give students chance to persue extracurricular activities like music, sport or riding. A Levels are a unique world-beating product that are

undersold, under-promoted and undervalued. They are especially attractive to international students as they are an escape from the prison of educational systems that insist on 12 or more subjects before university. They allow students to focus on subjects that might inspire passion and although often a political football and most certainly far from perfect, they respond to changing circumstances and are an interesting artefact of our culture. Let us praise a national treasure. ISP

SIMON KINDER

deputy head, Gresham's School, Norfolk

resham’s boasts an impressive array of musical opportunities, from five choirs to nine different types of bands and orchestras, and pupils regularly getting the opportunity to perform alongside the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and the likes of the Laudibus and Rudolphus Choirs. Every October, however, music dominates the whole school community as seven houses compete in the annual House Music Competition – a five-hour festival of creativity, performance and fun. While such competitions are not unknown in other schools, at Gresham’s the event is one of the most important calendar events of the year and has been so now for several decades. The reason for this lies in its combination of inclusivity and creativity, for every pupil in the school plays their part but the standard of performance improves year on year. The event is organised into three sections – Instrumental, Part Song and Unison. While the former events involve the very best instrumentalists and vocalists from each house, the latter

[

Gresham’s, Norfolk

community in anticipation of the event. Audiences top several hundred – and it sells out every year. House Music has a unique effect in bonding together the school – pupils new to the school in September are thrown into house music rehearsals, and the camaraderie and entertainment of the Unison throw together senior pupils with the juniors, boarders with day pupils and international recruits with those from East Anglia. The whole event is a celebration of both music making and the school’s sense of community. A major feature of the Gresham’s House

]

“Gresham’s has produced alumni who have excelled as musicians and performers: Humphrey Berney, Stephen Frears, Olivia Colman”

involves every member of each house giving their all in a glittering showstopper of a piece. The most coveted trophies are for the house winning the Unison and the house which amasses the most points overall across all three competitions. The special nature of the event at Gresham’s can be seen in the excitement which builds across the whole school

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Music competition in recent years has been the appearance of celebrity adjudicators such as Craig Revel Horwood, Matthew Kelly and Amanda Holden. Their presence has added a “wow” factor and sense of fun to the proceedings, and their comments on each performance are eagerly anticipated by each house. It is not unknown for the performers to

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present gifts to the adjudicators or to incorporate them into their performance! Every judge comments on the amazing quality of the music making and how inspiring it is to see the entire school community confident on stage and having so much fun performing. The adjudicator in 2013 was Jo Goldsmith-Eteson, music director of the internationally award winning a cappella group The Swingle Sisters and she, like her predecessors, expressed astonishment at the high calibre of performance that a relatively small school in North Norfolk can muster. The highlight of every House Music Competition lies in the Unison element in which anything goes – cross-dressing,

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, STEINWAY & CO, SHUTTERSTOCK

(Behind the Scenes)

SENIOR SCHOOL

A festival of creativity performance and fun

HOUS MUSIC

An annual interhouse competition bonds the whole community at Gresham’s School in Norfolk, writes Simon Kinder

Musical opportunities are embraced across the school, ,left, alumnus Sir Benjamin Britten

animal costumes, men in tights, hair dyes and wigs, pirates and no end of the spectacular. You never quite know what is coming next – a medley from Abba, Chicago or Grease perhaps, or the highly appropriate Master of the House from Les Misérables or perhaps something with a cutting social edge such as Solidarity or Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher from Billy Eliot – The Musical. It is no surprise that Gresham’s has produced so many alumni who have gone on to excel as musicians and performers – the likes of Humphrey Berney, George Stiles, Stephen Frears, Olivia Colman and many others. Each year, whoever wins, the victorious

house gains a standing ovation from the other six – however strong the sense of injustice with the result. Proceedings draw to a close with a rendition of Jerusalem and a collection for the school charity. One of our Upper Sixth leavers this year wrote: “The first thing to understand about House Music is that it’s loud. Partly from the music, but mostly from everybody’s constant chanting! If you imagine a football match with seven different teams, each with their own fanatical supporters, held inside a large building that’s been adapted so that everything can be heard really well, then you get a good idea of the atmosphere. Long live House Music!” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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EXAM TIME

e’ve all been there – no matter how much effort your child puts in to revision, the test results do not match the fervour with which they prepared. But with determination there are ways that you can both help change this, and with GCSE and A-level exams looming, the Christmas holidays are the perfect time to capitalise on the extra hours.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Playing to Strengths Start by working out what your child’s strengths are and use them to play to their weaker areas. It’s worth noting that GCHQ has begun recruiting dyslexics and dyspraxics because they bring a different way of looking at the world. Take Francis Holland School pupil Cordelia, aged 11, she is charming, sporty, and very bright. But spelling and reading foxed her and her self-belief was affected because of it. In her lessons she used a variety of things to help: played games, devised songs, drew letters in colour and sand, made illustrations, cards. And her marks slowly improved. Don’t Panic Avoid frustration and panic by checking they have the right kit, books and notes for the holidays. Fill in any gaps before the end of term. Useful stocking fillers? Coloured felt tips, A3 coloured card, or even an indispensable mini hole punch (they may not thank you at the time!) Suggest your child uses audiobooks to access class

REVISION TIPS

The learning enhancement department at Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, advises on how to make the most of your study time this Christmas texts if reading is weak, and follow along in the book. Watch a live production of the play, or download a film version. Make a Mind Map of each chapter; the plot; the characters; the action; and key quotes. Be active! Highlighting is not enough. Dyslexic learners need to “get it off the page” and turn key information into another form – a flow chart; a sequence of pictures with captions; a song; a Venn diagram; a series of big and small index cards; some Pelmanism cards with key words to match to definitions. You could offer to share the burden – take part of a topic and prepare a presentation on it while your child does the same, and “teach” it to one another. Or read their science book aloud to them leaving a

“beep” for a key word they have to supply. Inspiration Mind Mapping programme turns Mind Maps into an essay outline, and has templates for note taking and essay planning. I-Note facilitates note taking, information storage, and essay planning. If note taking proves difficult, you could suggest that their teacher might provide a print out of notes or PowerPoint at the start of the lesson, to annotate. Plan Ahead Revision without enough time is stressful. Encourage your child to review work as they go along at the end of a topic. They should read through material as they file it and ask for clarification if unsure. This is easier after a week or two, rather than just before an end

What works for you? Tweet us your tips… @ISParent

of term test. Make sure your child knows when tests and hand-in dates are. During the Christmas holidays they can make a revision schedule. Do not expect them to work all day every day – four to five hours is ideal. Help your child divide their day into four: morning, early afternoon, late afternoon and evening and they should only work for two of these sessions. Remember to suggest they take short breaks of no more than five minutes. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Look for the positives, praise even small gains. Enjoy the successes. A little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Being able to spell unique is one thing, your child knowing they are unique is quite another. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

NO MORE TANTRUMS AND TIARAS Over parenting has resulted in a generation of children who call the shots. A new book ensures you put the boundaries in place, says Cathy Hawker

BOOK REVIEW

CATHY HAWKER

is a national newspaper and magazine journalist

very generation of parent has its own must-read baby manual. Penelope Leach, Miriam Stoppard, Gina Ford, and most first-time parents will have well-thumbed versions of one of these experts’ baby bibles as a go-to reference point for advice on everything from when to wean to coping with sleepless nights. Once the practical highs and lows of the first five years are safely navigated though, what then? There are precious few manuals that provide an emotional road map for the full 18 years. Family and friends are a useful sounding board but sometimes what parents need most is dispassionate advice from an objective outsider, a book that metaphorically pats them on the back and reminds them how to navigate the complexities of the modern family. Hate Me Now Thank Me Later: How to Raise

[

Left, a childcentric society means that they have it too easy

children to tyrannical children yelling at their parents. The power pendulum has swung from harsh parental discipline to anarchic, child-focused life and the irony is that this has not made anyone, least of all the child, happier. Over the past 10 years, childhood anxieties and depression have risen “massively”, says Dr Berman. Over parenting and over protecting has truly backfired as becoming the centre of their own universe has only served to produce angrier, emotionally insecure children. “Kids today are not better off, they’re more dependent, more risk averse, more entitled and less resilient. That wasn’t what we were aiming for,” she writes. Dr Berman calls her book “a magic wand, a parental Rolodex” of advice for families who through the very best of

]

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your Child with Love and Limits, aims to be that book. Written by Dr Robin Berman, a psychiatrist, professor and mother of three from – where else – Los Angeles – this is a game plan for today’s generation of parents where increasingly “no” means “maybe” and love is expressed as either eternal indulgence or endless parental pushing.

POWER TO THE PARENTS

Dr Berman’s premise is that we have gone from dominant parents shouting at

intentions often let their children become too vocal in family life. It’s a manual on how to be a “benevolent dictator”. The book’s main goal is to help you produce a resilient, secure child who can deal with the inevitable ups and downs of life. Dr Berman does this by establishing the importance of unconditional love for your child – the “core of all great parenting” – with the killer blow that you must not unconditionally accept bad behaviour. “Parents”, says Dr Berman, “have way too long a fuse for bad behaviour today”. It is time to set limits.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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programmes

Considering going back into the corporate world? Think you’ve been out too long? Is fear about returning to a changed work environment or upsetting your work/home balance stopping you returning to the job or workplace you loved? Hot Chilli Connect can help. with all you need to confidently Hot Chilli Connect is a dynamic and rejoin the workforce. A network of inspirational company which helps coaches and mentors are on hand place women who have been out to guide you whilst specialists help of the corporate business world for hone your interview skills, CV more than two years. It was set up writing and build your confidence. by Helen Toogood who, before Hot Relaxed yet focused events with Chilli, worked for Unilever and IBM. leading corporations deliver updates Many women leave corporate life on new technology as well as bring for various reasons at a similar stage the audience up to speed with in their career, severely restricting current trends. the size of the female talent pool. Hot Chilli will work with their Facing this exodus, corporations have clients to match you with vacancies come to recognise the tremendous and support you in negotiating a benefit of reconnecting with beneficial working arrangement. professional women who have taken Best of all, the vibrant network time out. At the same time these women are being told they have been of professional women at Hot Chilli gone for too long and are out of touch Connect reciprocally mentor each other through the next stages of their – especially with technology. It can careers. be very confusing and daunting. Join them today. Hot Chilli Connect provides you

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

BOOK REVIEW

MODERN-DAY PARENTING

There is no doubt that modern-day parenting has changed. A 2014 survey showed that 80% of parents feel the need to constantly entertain their child with structured activities. The Economist magazine weighed in, showing that we spend more time parenting than any other generation. But is it the right type of parental involvement? Parents hover helicopter-style over their children, fighting their battles and pre-empting possible dramas. The world is safer than it has ever been for children – under fives are five times less likely to die than in the 1950s – yet we fret constantly. Baby catalogues promote extraordinary precautions – a toddler padded safety helmet anyone? At the same time, parents are encouraging ever more sporting and academic competition, piling on the pressure without providing children with the tools to cope with failure. Solving problems does not help long term and the book suggests alternatives. Ask questions rather than offer solutions, let children become emotionally frustrated

[

‟A class needs a teacher, a country needs a president and a child needs a parent. So go ahead, set limits and stick to themˮ

to learn to “self soothe”. Stop heaping on faint praise, don’t “bubble wrap” and don’t be a “human pacifier”.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HERO IMAGES, CORBIS

ONLINE SAFETY

The book is awash with Americanisms. There is even a “must-read” quote from actress Reese Witherspoon. Yet the truth is that the problems of parents in LA are not that different to those in Buckinghamshire or Surrey. Take the chapter on monitoring media, a real elephant in the room of modern parenting. My three children span the internet boom. The first two were born in the 1980s and got their first mobile phone, the most

]

Children have to learn to “self soothe”

basic Nokia that did little more than ring and text, at the age of 15. My third child, born over a decade later as the century turned, received her first mobile phone for her 11th birthday, a smart phone with a Harper direct link to the best and worst that the Collins, £12.99 internet offers. Both ages were typical of their BUY friendship groups at the time but for IT my last child it threw up some new parenting dilemmas. Facebook has clear rules on its age limit. To sign up for an account your child has to have reached their 13th birthday and the only way you can get around this is to lie about your date of birth. Yet several of my daughter’s

friends signed up, aged 11, with the complete approval of their parents. Telling your children it is acceptable under any circumstances to lie about their age on the internet seems one step from insanity to me, but when I spoke to friends they told me that their girls would “feel left out”, that it was unfair to expect them to be obey the rules. Was I old fashioned and over protective to ban my underage daughter? Were my friends over indulgent? I am still unsure, but this book would have reassured me that sticking to my principles was what was important long-term. A class needs a teacher, a country needs a president and a child needs a parent says Dr Berman. So go ahead and be the parent, set limits and stick to them. That should be easy – shouldn’t it? ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Engage. Excite. Educate.

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Enquire about scholarship assessment.

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

17/10/2014 16:29:20

CAMPAIGN

JULIE ROSEBLADE

headmistress of Prior’s Field School, Surrey

“A BOOK IS A DREAM THAT YOU HOLD IN YOUR HANDS” Author, Neil Gaiman

A school initiative took reading beyond English lessons, says Julie Roseblade of Prior’s Field School, Surrey

arents of primary school age children will be fully aware of the priority given to reading at that age. Many children enter secondary school as avid readers but, with increasing pressures on teaching time, reading often can become marginalised and be seen as the sole responsibility of the English department. At Prior’s Field, all departments are involved in raising the profile and

encouraging an enjoyment of reading. In September we launched a whole school initiative involving all subjects, with each department contributing to the creation of a tailored reading list for each pupil. Accelerated Reader is a software programme from Renaissance Learning which analyses each pupil’s reading age, vocabulary level and reading interests. Students are then matched to a huge

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database of books, appropriate to their individual profiles and progress. In addition to a clear focus on reading skills in English, girls in the first three years read for 20 minutes, once a week, during form time. Form tutors and Sixth Form prefects read alongside them. The software runs tests after each book is completed and, through regular online assessments, teachers can track the

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

“Rare to find such an outstanding boarding school... Buzzes with confident, gregarious girls” Good Schools Guide

IIndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool ndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool I ndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool I ndependent C o -e duCatIonal S Chool

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

CAMPAIGN

progress and development of each girl. For older students, bespoke reading lists support their choice of academic subjects and encourage the wider reading that can make such a difference to final GCSE and A-level grades. All departments recommend titles, which include fiction, non fiction, research articles, short stories, novels and journals, all of which are appropriate to individual age groups. Subjects span the curriculum, from maths and science to art, sport, careers, psychology and the humanities. The result is that every teacher in the school is involved in monitoring, extending and encouraging the reading habits of their students. The initiative has already thrown out a number of surprises and positive feedback. For some students the challenge is to remember to have their reading book with them every day. For others, the discipline of silent reading may not come naturally. As the demands of GCSE and A level increase, the challenge then is to continue to carve out time to prioritise independent reading. After all, it can be a welcome release from the pressures of public exams

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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“For some students the challenge is to remember to have their book with them every day. For others, the discipline of silent reading may not come naturally”

and provide some necessary relaxation and down time. The teachers at Prior’s Field have responded with characteristic enthusiasm. We have been delighted with their support as everyone recognises the impact that independent reading can have and the detrimental effects of poor literacy skills. We are a school that values and enjoys reading and a lively staff book group has been in existence for some years. What we hadn’t anticipated was that mini book groups would be springing up throughout the student community. All of this is consistent with a wider approach which provides many other

opportunities to develop a love of reading. Annual school highlights are National Poetry Day and World Book Week where visiting authors and poets encourage creativity. In the past, we’ve written whole school poems on flip charts and graffiti walls and made a path of pebbles, each one inscribed with our favourite lines from literature. We’ve pegged poems across the school on washing lines and created beautiful haiku leaves which were then hung on to a specially carved tree. Girls regularly enter national writing competitions and are published in the online school magazine. They

Above, Prior’s Field pupils of all ages took part in the campaign, above left, the willow cabin

also enjoy residential writing weekends and literary festivals. Walking the corridors, visitors will see photos of staff “caught” reading their favourite books while younger girls have enormous fun with poetry slams and book fairs, which we host twice a year. This term, a readathon has raised over £1,500 and Prior’s Field Culture events, always open to the wider community, have included writers Joanna Trollope, Germaine Greer, Kate Mosse, Stella Rimington and Michael Palin. As part of our poetry celebrations we launched a listening post, to sit outside the beautiful willow cabin which was planted last spring. On a busy day, select a poem from the menu, sit inside the cabin and enjoy a recording by one of the girls. Real bliss! ISP Prior’s Field is a Surrey-based, GSA day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

KARL COOK

director of sport, Cheltenham College, Glos

FLOREAT RUGBY

Karl Cook of Cheltenham College espouses rugby as a traditional sport that offers as much off the pitch as on it

n an editorial recently, the Daily Mail offered an eight-page pull out, detailing their “eagerly awaited” Schools Trophy, the preparation for which commences in earnest at many schools with the start of the rugby term. This September, the new academic year heralded much excitement out of the classroom as new grass, new kit and, in a number of cases, new pupils looked to impress and find a place in the XV.

PRE-SEASON PREP

Whether this trophy is, “fast becoming the most coveted silverware in schools rugby” is a moot point, but what is clear is that preparation within schools in the independent sector is often relentless: pre-season tours, tournaments, drills with infinite permutations of front-rows or back-lines, coaching handbooks, physio input, manicured pitches, corporate post-protectors – the list goes on. For rugby has been the doyen of winter sports from Abingdon to Yarm School. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise and physical well-being, the RFU itself triumphs how the sport instils teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

sportsmanship – core values all would welcome, and schools in particular would wish to instil both in and out of the classroom. Independent schools such as Cheltenham College believe that the game promotes long-term benefits.

THE HISTORY

Firstly, rugby is part of the school’s heritage. Inscribed on the wall of the main school building alongside the playing fields of today is: “Near this place, rugby football was first played at Cheltenham College brought here from School House, Rugby, by the brothers Acton in 1844, Floreat”. It commemorates that this was one of the very first places at which the formative sport was played. It was played with its own “rules” until 1876 when the RFU rules were adopted – the scoring system used at Cheltenham laid the foundations for the system that is used today. Such sporting history is an example of what many of the parents buy into; the fixtures against schools such as Marlborough or Rugby are some of the longest standing rugby fixtures in the world. This tradition can often engender pride in one’s team performance.

SPORT RUGBY

rugby. Furthermore, the support that such schools can provide adds to the preparation for elite performance. As Cheltenham’s sports ambassador and England world cup winner, Trevor Woodman, MBE, affirms, “At Cheltenham, there is a support network for boys of all ages: specialist staff in strength and conditioning, injury prevention and rehabilitation, and performance mentoring provide pathways for the pupils.” Together with Tommy Richardson, head of rugby, coaching expertise is provided by Cheltenham’s rugby professional, Olly Morgan (he played for Gloucester and England): these are coaches that have experienced rugby at the very top level and appreciate the integral components of developing boys of all abilities.

Above and below left, pupils on a match day at the College

It was inscribed: “Near this place, rugby football was first played at Cheltenham College brought here from School House, Rugby, by the brothers Acton in 1844, Floreat” TEAMWORK

Secondly, as ever, the sense of camaraderie is crucial and pupils realise that working hard as a team produces results and such a lesson is crucial for real life; indeed, the competitive environment of such schools – especially at 1 XV level – prepares the aspiring players for a career in professional

IN HOUSE

Additionally, the pastoral “network” at independent schools can often scaffold pupils as their performances go through the inevitable ups and downs. At Cheltenham, the school’s house system provides a further opportunity for boys to flourish: as it is a smaller unit,

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playing for the house team can often bring to the fore players who have not quite “got noticed” on the whole school playing field – and tutors, matrons, housemasters will all support and cajole: the aforementioned core values are therefore reinforced. A further strength is the depth of numbers taking part. At such schools, there are B, C and D teams available at each age group, all taking their lead from the experts and the core values that are embedded at first team level. Safety is one of those core values: the game is becoming increasingly physical, and parents are understandably concerned that poor technique or ill-discipline could result in a potentially life-changing injury. Therefore at Cheltenham we insist that safety is paramount and that there are regular sessions detailing correct warm-up and warm downs. Along with an ever vigilant presence of St John’s Ambulance for match days, boys can develop their skills with confidence, and parents are reassured. Of course, many pupils can develop their rugby at club level, and there is a degree of flexibility at many independent schools that allow that. There are, however, three or four times as many rugby clubs up and down the country, as independent schools, similarly embroiled in preparation, but there are differences: contact time between coach and player is reduced to a large extent; there’s a wider range of ability and it’s less easy to manage numbers; they are shorter on staff and coaches; they’re non-selective; and there’s no feedback on conduct on and off the field from “non-rugby” staff. Olly Morgan, former England rugby union player and alumnus of Cheltenham College says: “Competitive pupils love winning and a winning ethos underpins much of the first team sport. At Cheltenham, the coaching structure and links are in place to allow individuals, who wish to take their talents further into Club Academies, the chance to develop and prove themselves.” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Five great reasons why Lancaster is one of the best places to live and learn

Lancaster is ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK

Lancaster has partner universities in the US, China and more than 25 other countries

9/10 Lancaster students are satisfied with their course Source: National Student Survey

of Lancaster students get a job or further study place within 6 months of graduation

9 unique colleges each with its own history and traditions

Lancaster is a world-class university with a reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and globally significant research. That’s why 12,000 students, from over 100 countries, have made it their choice. To find out more, call our

To book a campus tour visit lancaster.ac.uk

One of the World’s Top 200 Universities with the Best Student Experience in Scotland* • Offering over 200 undergraduate programmes in a wide range of subject areas • • • •

More than 4 in 5 go into graduate-level jobs A compact campus in the city centre One of the best Student Unions in the UK A range of scholarships available

For further information please visit www.dundee.ac.uk/undergraduate

* Times Higher Education 2013

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

In F

oc us

HOW TO APPLY TO

CAMBRIDGE Dr Andrew Bell, tutor for admissions at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge, gives you the low-down on applying to one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prestigious universities

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

DR ANDREW BELL tutor for admissions at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge

ambridge is among the most academically selective universities in the world. It’s also among the most supportive, and for students who are serious about their interests and abilities it offers an opportunity to learn, explore and grow. Cutting-edge, research-driven courses, regular small-group tuition, systems of pastoral support, together with a world-class reputation make Cambridge the go-to choice for many of the best students in this country and overseas.

DON’T BE FAZED

A reputation for excellence cuts both ways, and some outstanding students can be put off from applying to Cambridge for the wrong reasons. We’re interested in admitting students of the highest academic potential, and that’s all there is to it. School background, family income, family connections, nationality, ethnicity, and all other socio-economic considerations have no influence. Because we admit students solely on academic grounds, our student body is very diverse and hard to categorise. The two things our students all have in common is an enthusiasm for creative exploration and a willingness to work hard. All of our courses propel students into fantastic careers, but they are academic and theoretical in focus. Students need to have a conceptual interest in their subject. Making progress requires real flexibility and a fair amount of maturity and self-awareness. The students whom tend to do well are the ones who have taken the trouble to become more familiar with the methods and materials of their subjects than their peers.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Above, time at Cambridge can be as varied as you make it, but always with an academic core

‟Your chances of admission honestly aren’t aﬀected by your choice of college. The colleges all engage fully in universitywide moderation of applications ˮ OUTSIDE THE BOX

Extension work in maths and sciences for prospective scientists, ambitious critical reading for those in the humanities – these are the things that make applicants stand out. Why? Because it makes them better at something they’re already good at, and it enables them to perform at a higher level then they would have otherwise. Academic work, like sport, music and so much else, rewards dedication and targeted practice. The harder you work, the luckier you get!

HOW TO APPLY

As with all other UK universities, students apply to us through UCAS. Like Oxford, we operate an early deadline of 15th October. Next they complete an online questionnaire – this is factual in content, and concerns things like the details of courses studied at Sixth Form, Year 12 results and in some cases the options that a student wishes to pursue in their course at Cambridge. Then we shortlist students on the basis of their academic record, their personal statement and their school

In F

ocus

reference. Shortlisted students are invited for interview in Cambridge in the first fortnight of December. They may submit samples of written school work or to sit a written test such as the Bio-Medical Admissions Test for Medicine and

TIMELINE

PHOTOGRAPHY: UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

FACT VERSUS FICTION

Veterinary Medicine. Decisions are finalised in the first week of January, and students are all informed immediately. We have to turn down a lot of good applicants, but we’re confident that the ones we admit really are the most deserving of a place.

There are a few widespread myths about Cambridge admissions. Firstly, even though we’re a collegiate university your chances of admission aren’t affected by your choice of college. The colleges all engage fully in university-wide moderation of applications. Around a quarter of successful applicants are moved between colleges post-application. Secondly, there’s no differential success rate by school background among our applicants – it’s all about who applies in a given year. Currently, just over 60% of our UK students come from state schools and just under 40% from independent schools. And interviews aren’t about charm and polish – they’re always academic in focus. A good firm handshake and a subscription to a quality daily won’t impress, but a keen engagement with complex problems arising out of your studies will. Furthermore, extra-curricular activities won’t get you into Cambridge. We’re delighted to have a talented and creative student body, but no one is admitted because they are head girl or have D of E Gold. It’s all about academic ability and potential, so get back in the library and do some work! Finally, it’s not expensive to study at Cambridge. A recent survey for the Times Higher Education Supplement found Cambridge to have the cheapest accommodation of any of the top 20 universities in the UK. So how do you succeed when it comes to Cambridge? Easy, work hard and apply! We run events for schools, and offer online resources for applicants – explore our website to find out more. Good luck! ISP

OPEN DAY

OPEN DAY Take time to visit the colleges you’re interested in and speak to subject tutors and students.

APPLICATION Cambridge, like Oxford, has an early UCAS application date of 15th October.

INTERVIEW Applicants are invited for interviews in the first fortnight of December.

RECEIVE AN OFFER In the first week of January, applicants are offered a conditional place based on exam result grades.

RESULTS DAY If you have achieved the predicted grades, you have gained a place at Cambridge, congratulations!

FIRST DAY Reading list attained, bags in tow, it’s time to move to university...

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

CE NTRAL SAI NT M A R T I N S H O LI DAY

S C H O O LS 2014 -15

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MARIE-CLAIRE CHAPPET

alumna of the University of Cambridge

applied to Cambridge on the basis that I wanted an old school education: dusty libraries, great halls, archaic buildings and a room whose previous occupants dated back to the Bubonic plague. I had always known I wanted to study English as it was the subject I most enjoyed. Cambridge was the frontrunner over Oxford in this respect as it was the university where English, as a degree subject, was born in 1919.

PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIPEDIA, SHUTTERSTOCK

It was entirely my own impetus to apply. My state comprehensive, La Sainte Union RC in Highgate, was nonetheless supportive of my decision and my year head discussed my personal statement and interview concerns. However, it turned out that nothing prepared me for a successful Cambridge interview better than an unsuccessful one. I could never tell you “how I did it” without telling you “how I didn’t do it”. My first attempt at applying to Cambridge was to Magdalene College. My criteria for choosing a college were: small, close to the centre of town and co-ed. Years of an all-girls school had been quite enough for me, thank you. Getting to interview was an achievement in itself, and

HOW I DID IT

Nothing could have prepared Marie-Claire Chappet for a successful interview more than an unsuccessful one

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anyone finding themselves at this stage should genuinely congratulate themselves. You’ve already proved that you are good enough on paper to move to the next stage. My interview was just short of horrific and due, in no small part, to my own ill-conceived notion that I had to somehow behave “like a Cambridge student” in order to succeed. Just to be clear: there is no such thing as a typical Cambridge student. So

FAMOUS ALUMNAE Cambridge has produced many well-known faces over the years, revealing that academic focus can fuel a range of creative careers...

• EDDIE REDMAYNE, actor, Trinity Hall • ZADIE SMITH, writer, King's College • JULIAN FELLOWES, screenwriter, Magdalene • HUGH BONNEVILLE, actor, Corpus Christi • THANDIE NEWTON, actress, Downing • EMMA THOMPSON, actress, Newnham College

this was a deluded course of action from the beginning. I was wearing (and this is important) a suit – something I would never normally wear and in which I felt grossly uncomfortable. This all played a part in the absolute panic that struck me once I opened my mouth. All my bright ideas and preparation went out of the window as I felt a clearerheaded, wiser version of myself float up to the ceiling and watch the whole unfortunate scenario unfold. It was no surprise to me when I received my rejection letter from Magdalene. I’m not going to lie and tell you I didn’t crawl into my wardrobe and shed a tear but, two days later I decided I was going to try again. My year head was the only teacher who thoroughly supported my decision as it was an incredibly risky move. I waited for the acceptances from my other five choices to come in, rejected them all and officially “withdrew” my application – taking myself out of the running for that year. Everything, therefore, hung on my A-Level results as it’s one thing to apply with predicted A grades and slip up a mark, but quite another to apply with an AAB – something Oxbridge won’t even consider. Luckily I met my predictions and applied again.

This time I did things completely differently. I created a personal statement that reflected my genuine interests, not what I assumed a Cambridge tutor would want to hear. I also chose a different college so as not to rehash the demons of the previous year. I decided upon Corpus Christi which is, once again, small, central and co-ed. At the interview I wore a slouchy jumper and a huge scarf and talked endlessly about my crackpot theories on Shakespeare while on a serious caffeine high. I left the room feeling that I had been totally and utterly myself and that, if I didn’t get in, it was an honest assessment of my suitability. When I got my acceptance letter I don’t think anything had ever meant so much to me. Especially as I felt it was because I had embarked upon this madcap idea almost totally alone and so it felt like a hugely personal achievement. What I learnt from it all is that the most important thing is to be yourself. All a Cambridge interview really is is your future tutor figuring out whether or not they can teach you every week. If you show spark, interest, personality and know-how you’re on the right track. Nobody expects you to be somebody you’re not. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

GOODBYE LITTLE MISS PERFECT… Judith Carlisle explains how a new initiative aims to rid her pupils of the unhealthy pursuit of perfectionism

’m afraid that my daughter is a bit glum about her GCSE results. She had been projected 10 A*s. She got nine. This is a comment in a recent letter to me from a parent. When does aiming high turn into nothing ever being good enough? What is there to be glum about? I have the good fortune to be the head of a leading independent girls’ school, working with interesting and interested students, positive and dynamic staff, and parents committed to providing an excellent education for their daughters. There is also the Oxford factor, working in

“She’s an absolute perfectionist,” one parent said to me, beaming. Without thinking, I replied, “Don’t worry, we’ll soon get that out of her!” a unique city whose university is renowned as a world leader in education. With nearly a decade of experience of leading high-achieving girls’ schools, I pay considerable attention to creating an environment in which students and staff

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

have the freedom to be the best they can be, as relieved as possible from the stresses and strains of busy school life. When I arrived nearly four years ago, I was struck by how many potential parents expressed surprise at the relaxed environment, imagining perhaps that the only way the girls could achieve their super results was through what I refer to as the “foie gras” method of education when, in reality, Oxford High girls thrive “free range”. There are high hopes and expectations for these young women and when I asked the girls about feeling under pressure, they told me the pressure usually came from within themselves, or from home rather

than school. I wondered how we could offer more help. Excessive perfectionism, constantly setting standards that are impossible to achieve and then feeling this as personal failure, is really damaging. It is known as “unhelpful perfectionism” and is completely different from the healthy pursuit of excellence. It is often counterproductive, prevents students from doing their best and it erodes self-esteem. My growing awareness of the damage caused by unrealistic expectations crystallised in a chance remark made by a parent, sitting on the sofa in my study with his daughter. “She’s an absolute

PASTORAL CARE

ILLUSTRATION: ANDY WARD - FOLIO ART

“Junior girls happily adopted the idea: ‘I can’t do it…yet, but soon I’ll be able to!’”

perfectionist” he said, beaming. Without thinking, I replied: “Don’t worry, we’ll soon get that out of her!”. The look of surprise on his face led us into a conversation about perfectionist thinking crushing creativity, risk-taking and ambition, replacing them with playing safe and loss of self-belief. Examples such as tearing pages out of an exercise book and starting again, rather than simply crossing out the error and carrying on illustrated my point and his daughter smiled in recognition. The inner voice telling us there’s no point in trying because we may not win the race, get top marks, be offered the leading role – I hear these thoughts expressed by girls

and parents at times and I wanted it to change. And so the Death of Little Miss Perfect had begun. Our campaign is backed by sound academic research. Following work with Dr Erica McWilliam of Queensland University in Australia, author of The Creative Workforce: How to Launch Young People into High-Flying Futures and a respected figure in new, radical thinking in education, we adopted some key phrases about learning: valuing learning from error, experiencing the complex and exploring uncertainty. Junior girls happily adopted the idea: “I can’t do it...yet, but soon I’ll be able to!”. Professor Roz Shafran, co-author of

Overcoming Perfectionism, gave a lecture to girls and parents – Perfectionism and Self-esteem: Two Sides of the Same Coin? She described how aiming unrealistically for perfection can lead to avoidance and procrastination or to overworking something, such as one brush-stroke too many ruining a piece of art. Our younger girls completed an “achievement log” over the course of a week in which they focused on one thing every day that was not a typical, measureable achievement e.g. being happy all day, trying Chinese dumplings, and tidying bedrooms without being asked. They considered what makes a good friend: kindness, a good listener, someone who sees the best in me, honest but not nasty, and compared this with the way in which they view themselves. In Spanish, they played a game in which they learnt that, although they may “not yet” have the perfect vocabulary to communicate a message, being prepared to “have a go” can still be a winning overall result. Sixth Form chemists discussed the time (wasted) that would be spent aiming to achieve a 100% yield in an experiment, and Alan Percy, head of student counselling at Oxford University, talked about how the further one goes in academia, the less likely it is that an answer can be verified as being correct or perfect. Parents want their daughters to be robust and resilient. They would like them to be prepared to have a go when faced with a challenge. Even the most successful of lives has its share of set-backs and downright failures. That’s why from now on, our girls are trying to wave goodbye to poisonous Little Miss Perfect. ISP Judith Carlisle is head of Oxford High School GDST, oxfordhigh.gdst.net

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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MONEY TALK

MARK TAYLOR chairman of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association

FEES AND FINANCE

Mark Taylor explains the costs involved in private school education and offers advice on long-term budgeting for the payments

ndependent schools across the UK have gained a global reputation for the quality of all-round education that they provide – there are currently 511,928 pupils at 1,257 Independent Schools Council (ISC) member schools – more pupils and more schools than last year. That said, those parents considering an independent school education for their son or daughter will understandably need to think carefully about school fees and affordability. There has been much in the press about exorbitant fees and other expense related stories. What I am going to try to do here, is give you an idea of the sort of costs involved, how schools can help with bursary support and some tips to help make budgeting for fees easier. All independent schools charge fees, but they vary widely depending on the type of school and boarding requirements. Additionally, extras can add considerably

to the bill (perhaps another 10%), depending largely on which activities your child chooses to take part in – like music tuition or school trips. Allowance should be made for expenses relating to books, entries for public examinations, stationery and uniforms.

TIME TO PUT A STRATEGY IN PLACE

I would advise is that it is crucial to prepare for the commitment of paying fees as early as possible, having in place a strategy that will enable the school fees to be met in the event of death, an illness or loss of income, and considering how fees need not be entirely dependent on earned income, so ensuring that a child will be able to complete their education. Planning strategies can significantly reduce the financial burden of school fees, so it’s best to take professional advice.

MAKING THE FEES MORE AFFORDABLE

Having embarked upon a private education, many parents experience difficulties in funding school fees continuously from taxed income. There are a number of schemes available that are designed to help parents in this situation. The purpose of these plans is to improve cash flow and hence make school fees more affordable. In essence, this involves spreading an element of the school fees over a longer period of time. For example, a parent may be able to comfortably afford

AVERAGE TERMLY FEE (Excluding Nursery fees)

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

MONEY TALK

AVERAGE DAY FEE (Excluding Nursery fees)

70% of the school fees from income, however the additional amount may prove to be a strain on finances. In this instance, it may be possible to take out an equity draw-down plan to spread the school fees for the balance of 30% over say a 10, 15 or 20-year period. Early investment of capital can avoid the need to use income for providing for school fees in later years, or at worst go a significant way towards reducing reliance on income. The need for tax efficiency and flexibility can be tailored to the individual. Regular saving for school fees should be started as soon as possible. The longer that you save, the less the impact there will be on income when school fees fall due – or, better still, consider some sort of life assurance policy. Income or capital sums derived are normally tax free.

HOW DO I GET A BURSARY?

Increasingly, a growing number of both boarding and day schools have bursaries, which are grants from the school to help parents struggling to pay or afford the fees.

AVERAGE BOARDING FEE (Excluding Nursery fees)

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP?

Many Senior schools and a few Prep schools offer scholarships to attract bright or talented pupils. A scholarship is awarded for academic promise or on the basis of special ability in music, art or some other specialism or all-round merit; most schools give awards for sport, and some for drama, design and technology. They are usually awarded after a competitive examination and interview, and normally take no account of financial need. Academic scholarships are the most

common, followed by scholarships for music, art, and sport. Talented children are invited to compete in open scholarship examinations. The schools hold these exams from the September to December and January to April (autumn and spring) terms of the year before admission. Scholarships will usually be awarded at ages 11, 13 and 16, with pupils already at the school having the opportunity to sit for awards at 13 and 16. Scholarships at the age of 16, for candidates already at the school, are frequently awarded on the basis of GCSE results, with awards for new students being made as a result of an interview and report from the previous school, usually with the requirement to achieve certain grades at GCSE. Competition is strong but, as long as the pupil makes satisfactory progress, a scholarship is normally held for the duration of his or her time at the school. Past papers are available from many schools, which will give an idea of the standards demanded. Take advice from the head of your child’s current school about the chances of success. Scholarships vary in value – they might be worth as little as 10%. You should find out from the school what is offered, and what each is worth so you are not disappointed if you cannot afford the remainder of the fees when your child wins one of the smaller awards.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE ADVICE

I do hope that this helps to point you in the right direction if you are considering an independent education for your child. My advice is to research carefully and explore the schools’ websites, but above all, do not be afraid to ask the schools exactly what they have on offer. It can be a lengthy task, but potentially very worthwhile. So start planning as early as possible and do not be afraid to take advice. ISP

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, FOTOGRAFIABASICA, SUSANDANIELS

Money doesn't grow on trees, so it's important to plan ahead for fees

These are generally awarded after a “means test” of family income and are not dependent on examination performance, although some account will be taken of academic ability. Bursaries may be awarded in addition to a scholarship where financial need is demonstrated and the child would otherwise be unable to enter the school. To obtain a bursary, parents will usually be asked by the school’s bursar to fill in an application form, giving details of their financial circumstances, supported by documentary evidence and including capital assets. The application is likely to be considered by a combination of governors, the head and the bursar. The award will usually remain in force only until the pupil has sat the next relevant public examination – an award made before GCSE will not necessarily continue into A level. Most schools will review bursaries annually to ensure that the justification for an award remains. Bursaries are rarer at Prep schools, though a surprisingly large number of Prep schools do offer some awards. It is interesting to note that fee assistance increased by just over five per cent this year and now eight per cent of pupils at ISC schools are in receipt of means-tested bursaries. Of those, nearly 42% had more than half their fees remitted by the school.

Killik Education Index 2014

Cost for 2 children over 14 yrs at private day school

600 k 300 k 100 k

1990

2005

2014

2027

Chief Executive

Medical Practitioners

Cost for 2 children over 14 yrs 9 yrs at private day school and 5 yrs boarding 900 k

450 k 200 k

1990

2027

2014

2005

Professional Occupations

1990

Older Daughter at school from 2012 - 2025 Private day to 13 & 5 yrs boarding

2014

Scotland £10,400

£396,000

£255,000

Private day State till 11 & private day

The North £10,000

Midlands £11,150

Wales £11,100

Private day to 13 & 5 yrs boarding

£179,000

East Anglia £12,600

£435,000

£271,000

State till 11 & private day

2027

£171,000

Younger son at school from 2014 - 2027

Private day

Construction Workers

South West £12,900 South East £13,900

Greater London £14,800

Please contact us on 020 7337 0522 or wealthplanninginfo@killik.com to find out about our range of saving and investment solutions and services specifically designed to assist with planning for the next generation.

www.killik.com/education The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the amount invested. Source for all figures: Cebr. Issued by Killik & Co which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

1 Nida Manzoor, 24 Screenwriter, Southbank International School, London Since graduating from University College London in 2011, Nida has won scriptwriting competitions with The Guardian, BBC writersroom, the National Youth Theatre and Shine Drama. She has written and directed a short film Arcade, been nominated for Best UK Short at Encounters Short Film Festival (2013) and her latest script beat over 600 applicants to receive funding through Film London’s London Calling Plus. She is now developing a screenplay and TV series as part of Channel 4’s 4screenwriting.

2 Harry Mallinder, 18 Rugby player, Spratton Hall, Northants and Rugby School, Warwickshire Harry led the England U18s to a 62 to five win over Portugal in the FIRA/AER Championship this April. He aims to pursue a professional contract with Northampton Saints as well as achieving three As in his A levels. It was during his two years at Spratton Hall that he developed his passion for the game, one which is still driven today by the memories forged on the school’s playing fields. He was offered a sports scholarship to Rugby School, where he has been captaining the first XV, as well as the Northampton Saints U18.

3 Charlotte Sutherell, 24 Scientist, Heathfield School, Berkshire Having graduated with a first in chemistry from the University of Oxford, Charlotte published the results of her Masters’ research under the supervision of vice-chancellor professor Andrew Hamilton FRS. She is currently investigating new ways of treating ovarian cancer for her PhD and has already had interest in her work from several companies. Charlotte is passionate about scientific communication and science education and is involved in several schemes to promote these areas.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

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

ONES TO WATCH

STAR PUPILS

4 Christian Ellinas, 21

4 6

Entrepreneur, Harrow School, Middlesex Christian is the founder of Cooper Studios, a not-for-profit creative space in Durham that aims to counter the lack of fine art facilities in the university and community and to improve integration between students and local artists. Cooper Studios works on a membership system and, for a small fee, provides studio space, and holds exhibitions, talks, life-drawing classes, a stock of basic materials and an on site bespoke canvas-making service. It is also a community art centre, supplying four or five studio spaces for local people.

5 Ashley James, 26 TV presenter, Sedbergh, Cumbria Ashley James is currently the fashion and celebrity presenter for Clothes Show TV. Ashley started presenting with them after they saw how natural she was when working for online fashion channel fashtag. However, Ashley first came to our screens on the TV show Made in Chelsea, and her career in the media started at the age of 16, while at Sedbergh. Ashley secured a work placement at BBC Radio Cumbria. Alongside her presenting, Ashley is a model and an ambassador for breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! educating young people.

6 Helen Marten, 28 Artist, The King’s School, Macclesfield Helen is increasingly making a name for herself in the art world. Her exhibition Plank Salad, which was held at the Chisenhale Gallery in London, was described by The Guardian art critic Adrian Searle in glowing terms: “rarely have I been so struck,” said Searle, “Marten makes you want to look very closely at the things she makes and the traces she leaves.” After finishing at King’s, Helen studied art at both Central Saint Martins and University of the Arts, London, going on to study at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art at the University of Oxford. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Investing In Your Children Choosing to educate your children privately can be an expensive decision. In addition to school fees there may be costs relating to extra curricular activities, equipment and travel costs. All of these expenses are ordinarily met out of income which has already suffered tax, often at 40% or 45%. This tax cost can often be reduced or eliminated with the use of an Educational Trust structure. If you would like more information or advice on how to structure your family’s affairs more efficiently then please contact our tax consultancy group. We have one of the leading high level tax advisory groups in Scotland and can offer you clear, concise client specific planning across all areas of taxation. Aileen Scott aileen.scott@campbelldallas.co.uk

www.campbelldallas.co.uk Independent Schools Advert horizontal.indd 1

10/20/2014 1:32:09 PM

“Something close to a customised education” Good Schools Guide 2014

OPEN EVENING TUESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 6.30PM - 8.00PM

To attend, please call Nicola Jones on 01865 517103 or email admissions@wychwoodschool.org GSA independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18 74 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JR www.wychwoodschool.org

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

STAR STAFF

or as long as I can remember my life has revolved around sport. My earliest memories are of participating in or watching it, be it high jump over canes in the back garden, playing football with the Cubs, to watching Manchester United play on TV. From the age of five or six, I was playing tennis with my dad at the local tennis club and it became evident that I had natural hand-eye coordination and could “hit a tennis ball”. By eight or nine, I had been allowed to play at the club with the adults. My coach soon asked me how far I wanted to go with my tennis: deep down I was desperate to be Wimbledon champion – Björn Borg was my hero! But I felt

SCHOO

HEROL

WENDY REYNOLDS For this high-flying director of sport at Heathfield School, Ascot, teaching is her vocation in life

Tweet us your school heroes @ISParent

too embarrassed to utter those words. In hindsight, it was probably the best “no comment” I have ever made as I would never have discovered lacrosse and been fortunate enough to represent my country for 13 years!

I loved school and spent some years at boarding school, which is where my love of all sports blossomed. I was not a natural academic – I was always either in the PE or music departments – music being my other love. I never played lacrosse at territorial or junior England level when I was at school, but I knew I wanted to represent my country and that I did have

[

the ability, if I was given the opportunity. Knowing that I wanted to teach, I did a BEd Hons at IM Marsh, a specialist PE college, now part of John Moores University – I loved it! Teaching is more than just a job for me – it is a passion – my vocation in life. Wanting to teach lacrosse it seemed only natural that I would teach in an independent school and that is as much because of my

“Deep down I was desperate to be Wimbledon champion – Björn Borg was my hero!”

]

own positive experiences at boarding school. I love the fact that you can really get involved with the girls you teach in lessons and in all the after school activities. My philosophy has always been to try and get the very best out of all the pupils I teach whatever that may be. I have been fortunate to coach girls who have gone on to represent their country as I did but I get as much pleasure in seeing someone achieve things they thought were impossible be that on the sports field or in other walks of school life. I do, however, get frustrated when I read about young women being turned off sport because they are embarrassed to wear the sports kit or are worried about getting hot and bothered in front of boys. There have been some positive signs since London 2012 with far more coverage given to women’s sport including rugby, cricket and football which women have just as much right to play as men. I hope that the successes of our national teams really inspire more girls to take up all kinds of sport. Pupils shouldn’t be afraid to say they don’t understand, to “have a go” and never be afraid to fail. It’s all about perseverance – if you really want to achieve something, you have to be prepared to get back up and that’s ok. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Below, students of the Future Surf School, in the Algarve

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dip into a local beach restaurant for a typical regional dish of octopus and rice or fresh grilled sardinesâ&#x20AC;?

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Head to the Algarve's south and west coasts for great surf

Riding the

WAVES

The Algarve is the perfect destination for winter sun, sea and surf, writes Mary Lussiana “The tangy sea breeze and the sun sparkling on the blue waters is the ultimate feel-good factor and that’s before you add the adrenalin from riding the crest of the wave”

sk a skier what they love most about the sport and up there with the thrill of the speed will be the mountain air and the sun. For surfers it is much the same – the tangy sea breeze and the sun sparkling on the blue waters is the ultimate feel-good factor and that is before you add the bolt of adrenalin that comes from riding the crest of the wave – or even better, carving it – into the mix. But where to go? Cornwall is famous for its surfing but not, sadly, for its sun and if your children are like mine it’s the warmth of the sun that makes them yearn to be in the water. Step up Portugal’s Algarve, one of Europe’s sunniest regions but also one of the continent’s best surfing destinations. What gives it the edge is the fact that it has not one but two coastlines. The exposed west coast is hit by big surf, while on the south coast the smaller waves make it a perfect place for a novice to start. And with the Algarve climate this is a yearround sport. In the winter months, the

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

PROMOTION

Going places Head to the beautiful coastline of Central Vietnam for a tropical fun-filled family holiday

architecture, giving it a true sense of place. The resort,s restaurants serve up a variety of cuisine to suit all tastes. From international fare at Market Place to local rice-based dishes for a truly Vietnamese flavour at Rice Bowl, as well as al-fresco dining and tapas at Moomba. For little ones, a relaxed meal can be arranged with in-room dining. The area surrounding Angsana Lăng Cô is perfect for families from hiking to visiting fishing villages nearby or staying in the resort for water sports fun, including kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and banana boat rides. The kids’ club with its fantastic supervised play area offers plenty of activities that will ensure children have lots of fun while making new friends. ISP

Above, Angsana Lang Cô, right, the kids, club and below right, one of the family suites

AN AMAZING OFFER Stay seven nights from £4,895* based on two adults and two children in a Two Bedroom Suite with private pool including flights from the UK. To take advantage of this fabulous offer contact Destinology, the experts in luxury travel, to book. Visit: destinology.co.uk/AngsanaLangCo or give the team a call on: 01204 821 348.

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Discover the modern beach resort of Angsana Lăng Cô located on Vietnam's South Central Coast, on the East Sea. Nestled within unspoilt natural beauty with an amazing beach and a breathtaking landscape, there are also several UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby. Explore the ancient monuments of Hue, the charming town of Hoi An and the Cham Kingdom sanctuaries of My Son. The resort is a dream holiday destination, the two bedroom suites and lofts are perfect for families of all sizes to relax and enjoy; most come with their own luxurious private pool. Reflecting the local cultural heritage of Vietnam, the resort’s chic aesthetics bear the hallmarks of traditional Vietnamese

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

“The instructors will keep pushing you onto the waves until they, and you, feel you have the confidence to do it yourself” Above, a Future Surfing instructor, left, a beach suite

The e tique

1 2 3 4 5

tte

The surfer up and riding the wave first, or who is closest to the breaking section of the wave, has priority.

The surfer on the wave has priority over the surfer paddling out.

When paddling out to the break it is your responsibility to steer clear of other surfers.

Don’t “drop in”. This is when another surfer catches the same wave ignoring the other surfer’s priority.

Cutting in front of another surfer’s right of way when they are about to take off on a wave, or they’re already riding a wave, can be dangerous.

water temperature is still comfortable and the south coast tends to have better waves than in the summer, with the bigger winter swell. But with the two coastlines to choose from there will always be waves to be found somewhere. Once you have got a few of the basics under your belt, you can head out to the west coast which has regular 15 foot swells and certain praias or “beaches” where swells have been known to hit 25 feet. So where to start once there? My children go to Future Surfing School, which is long on experience and has inspirational instructors. They speak excellent English and really know what they are doing. Moreover, a ready sense of humour and knowing just when to OK encourage a hesitant novice or rein back BOIT an over-enthusiast are attributes that they have in buckets. Above all, it is about fun and exhilaration, about learning but enjoying yourself at the same time. Groups tend to be split into Portuguese

speakers and English speakers, with one instructor normally responsible for around six pupils. The lessons are quite structured starting with fitting your child out in a drysuit, getting the surf boards to the beach and then stretching and jogging to warm up. Then, it’s into the water: for beginners, instructors will push them onto a wave and then they have to try and stand up. Of course, the ability to balance is crucial here, but if you skateboard or ski that will help and my children got there in pretty much the first lesson. The instructors will keep pushing you on to the waves until they, and you, feel you have the confidence to do it yourself and then it’s practise makes perfect with them correcting your stance and your positioning. The lessons normally last from 9.30am to midday on the south coast’s Praia da Rocha, which is where the Future Surfing school is based and if you want your child happy and tired out for the rest of the day, this is definitely the place to come. After a few mornings here, you should be ready for the exhilaration of the west coast. Departure is from Praia de Rocha in camper vans, with surfboards atop, and there are a variety of different beaches and bays along the coast which are used, depending on the conditions of the day. You surf two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon with a break for a packed lunch – or dip into a local beach restaurant for a typical regional dish of octopus and rice or fresh grilled sardines. One thing is certain though, after a day out here, surfing will become your child’s new favourite sport. ISP A seven-night package at Martinhal Beach Resort in Sagres starts at 83 per adult per night, half board. Extra child up to 12 and one child up to two stay for free.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Zakynthos, Greece

Something For Everyone At The Peligoni Club you can do as much, or as little, as you like:

Learn a new watersport

Challenge yourself to a sail or a waterski

Relax on our many sunbeds by the seafront or by the pool

Treat yourself to a spa treatment or two

Enjoy plenty of fun activities during Kids Club

A crĂ¨che for the younger ones so you can enjoy yourself with peace of mind

EXCLUSIVE: this May Half Term 2015, complimentary tutoring for exam preparation at The Club. So your family can enjoy a holiday almost guilt free.

0208 740 3001 | INFO@PELIGONI.COM | WWW.PELIGONI.COM

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

SNOW AND ICE

If you can’t miss your annual pilgrimage to the slopes, then why not head to Club Med’s new ski resort Val Thorens 4T in France

MOUNTAINS, SPORT AND SPA

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLUB MED, ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

The resort is a flagship ski destination for Club Med’s mountain resorts. Located at the heart of the highest resort in Europe, Club Med 4T Val Thorens offers door-step access to one of the most prestigious ski domains of the French Alps: The Three Valleys. Club Med Val Thorens has a range of innovative snow sports including speed-riding, boarder cross, winter mountain biking, sledging and riding snow scooters and also boasts a luxury wellness centre with Club Med Spa by Carita offering exclusive treatments and massages. Working with two Michelin star chef, Edouard Loubet, the resort has designed an exclusive menu for the stylish epicurious Gourmet lounge. The new resort is also the first of its kind to use crowd-sourcing in its design stages. Through a Facebook app, fans were invited earlier this year to vote for what they wanted from Club Med’s latest holiday destination. In response, it has tailored the look and feel of the resort and developed new sports facilities. The launch of the Val Thorens 4T resort is part of an ongoing investment with new Club Med locations opening in Dong’ao, China, and the Finolhu Villas, Maldives later this year. A seven night all-inclusive holiday,

BOOK per adult, for Val Thorens, IT

Above, skiing in the Three Valleys, above and right, Val Thorens

“Club Med Val Thorens has a range of innovative snow sports including speed-riding, boarder cross, winter mountain biking, sledging and riding snow scooters”

departing 12th April 2015 from Birmingham is £1,516. A child over 12 years is the same price as an adult. A seven night all-inclusive holiday, per adult, for Valmorel, departing 14th December 2015 from Gatwick is £1,313. A child over 12 years is the same price as an adult. clubmed.co.uk

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

DR LOUISE SELBY NHS GP and partner of the Guildford Private General Practice, Surrey

Teenagers need to adapt to their ever-changing bodies during puberty. Thea Jourdan asks Dr Louise Selby for advice

uberty is a confusing time for teenagers. It usually begins at around the age of 10 but you won,t see or feel the physical changes straight away. Boys tend to show the outward ones between the ages of 13 and 16, while girls can start a little earlier between the ages of 11 and 14. Here follows a few words of advice and ways to cope when puberty strikes!

BODY ODOUR

All those new hormones circulating around the body change the way that teenagers smell. When puberty hits, around three million sweat glands on the skin become more active and glands in the underarms, feet and palms produce oilier sweat. This can happen from the age of nine until up to 13. The sweat is odourless until it interacts with bacteria on the skin and starts to smell. Simple measures include making sure you shower each day and use deodorants to smell fresh. To reduce foot odour, keep feet clean and dry and use foot powder if necessary. If excess sweating is a problem anti-perspirants containing aluminium chloride, such as Driclor or Anhydrol Forte, can help.

BAD SKIN

This is a very common condition that affects around 80% of teenagers at some point. Hormones known as androgens, produced at puberty increase the production of sebum from the skin, which

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

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can block pores which then become inflamed. Acne affects more boys than girls and does have an inherited component – in other words it runs in families. The face is affected in 99% of cases although it can affect the back as well as the chest. Although, it is usually mild and doesn’t last, acne can be a cause of great embarrassment to young people. The good news is there are lots of treatments available, most of which can be prescribed by your GP. I would suggest washing the face twice a day with a gentle soap and avoid moisturisers if possible. Initially, skin might feel tight and dry with this regime but it will soon settle down as the skin’s natural oils come through. Sticking to a diet free of junk food can help. For mild to moderate acne treatment with a topical cream or gel is usually sufficient. As with all acne treatments it takes a couple of months to assess the benefit of the treatment so don’t give up too soon. There are many different preparations and your doctor could advise on one that would suit you. Young women

“Acne affects more boys than girls and does have an inherited component – in other words it runs in families”

may benefit from treatment with dianette, a combined oral contraceptive pill with anti-androgen properties. Moderate to severe acne may well need treatment with a regular low dose antibiotic such as tetracycline or erythromycin. Again you need at least two months treatment to assess response and will need to continue taking it if it works. Severe acne unresponsive to prolonged courses or oral antibiotics or with scarring will need referral to a dermatologist who may prescribe isotretinoin (roaccutane) which is a very powerful tablet. It is not to be used lightly, however, as the potential side effects are a problem.

HAIR REMOVAL

An increase of androgen hormones during puberty causes hairs on legs to darken and body hair to grow under the arms and around the pubic area. For boys, facial hair will appear. Boys typically start shaving after puberty and many girls also shave their legs and start waxing to remove body hair. Many young people nick themselves and cause mild skin irritation as they shave delicate skin without good technique. Parents can help by overseeing early attempts. Make sure that you use light pressure when you apply the razor and move smoothly against the direction of the hairs. A good lather reduces the risk of nicking the skin and the razor should be rinsed of excess hairs frequently.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

GROWING UP GRACEFULLY

TEEN HEALTH

“Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood because it causes the body to release mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins”

Any nicks should heal themselves but it can help to apply an antiseptic cream. Waxing doesn’t have to be done so frequently but may result in ingrown hairs which can be painful. Also, care should be taken when applying hot wax at home since it can result in mild burning of the skin.

MOODINESS AND DEPRESSION

It’s completely normal for teenagers to have mood swings. As well as the stresses of growing up and facing exams, they are all in the thrall of hormones which are surging throughout their bodies. I would always recommend getting lots of good quality sleep and maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of exercise for starters. Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood because it causes the body to release mood-boosting chemicals called endorphins. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends exercise for mild depression. Teenagers should avoid drinking too much coffee or caffeine-containing energy drinks since this disrupts sleep and can cause headaches, nervousness and anxiety. Mood swings are normal but depression may need to be treated with counselling or even medication. Look for signs like low moods that don’t improve, listlessness, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, and unwillingness to socialise with friends. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

AlpineAnswers No one knows family ski holidays like us!

At ALPINE ANSWERS we use over twenty two years of holiday planning experience to offer the ultimate chalet and hotel collection. We also know the best family friendly resorts and operators, so call us when you are thinking where to take your next family ski holiday. Call: 020 7801 1080 www.alpineanswers.co.uk

book online at skiolympic.com call 01302 328 820

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

BOOKS & APPS

h! ShhO

D T NDIO B STUR

BOOKSHELF Our round up of top adult books

EDITOR’S PICK

PHOTOGRAPHY: COLUMBUS LETH

TOP ROW:

BOTTOM ROW:

I’ll Drink to That: New York’s Legendary Personal Shopper and Her Life in Style – With a Twist by Betty Halbreich Virago, £13.99 The amazing life story of legendary New York stylist and personal shopper Betty Halbreich.

Plenty More by Yotam Ottolenghi Ebury Press, £27.00 The Israeli chef is back with even more glorious recipes where vegetables take centre stage. A mouthwatering collection of zingy salads, stews and bakes to give you a break from the Christmas splurge!

Good Ideas by Michael Rosen Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99 Father of five, Rosen feels that modern-day education is lacking the adventure, curiosities and discovery that children relish.

Make it Stick – The Science of Successful Learning by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, Mark McDaniel Harvard University Press, £20 Cognitive scientists team up to explain how learning and memory work.

The Smartest Kids in the World: And How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley Simon & Schuster, £18.99 The book follows three teenagers who choose to spend one school year living and learning in Finland, South Korea and Poland. A fascinating look at world education through the eyes of an American student.

KBO: The Churchill Secret by Jonathan Smith Abacus, £8.99 It is 1953 and Anthony Eden is vying for power, while the elderly prime minister, Winston Churchill, must maintain the confidence of his government, the press and the public when he is struck down by a stroke.

Scandinavian Baking: Loving Baking at Home by Trine Hahnemann Quadrille, £25 This beautifully illustrated recipe book is full to the brim with cosy goodness. Hahnemann’s totally modern but utterly delicious take on baking will revolutionise yours. Her book covers everything from beetroot and bacon muffins to flaked almond Danish kringle pastries.

Baking at its best

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

KIRKER HOLIDAYS F O R D I S C E R N I N G T R AV E L L E R S Kirker Holidays provides carefully crafted tailor-made holidays for individuals, groups and families of all ages.Whether you seek an opportunity to further the education of the next generation, or pure relaxation in a rural retreat, speak to one of our experts for a tailor-made quotation.

Paris

Lisbon

Sicily

Pont Royal **** Superior

Tivoli Lisboa *****

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort ***** Deluxe

In the artistic heart of the Left Bank, this traditional hotel is surrounded by designer shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants. There are 75 comfortable bedrooms, a small Japanese garden and Joel Robuchon’s popular restaurant ‘L’Atelier’, which is open every day for lunch and dinner. 3 nights for the price of 2 all year - price from £580, saving £145 Includes 48 hour museum pass, Seine cruise & Metro tickets.

Located on the main Avenida de Liberdade, close to the Botanical Gardens, the Tivoli offers extensive lounges and the rooftop ‘Terraco Grill’ with superb views of the castle, river and old town. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool (open all year) with gardens and sun terraces. 3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 Nov - 31 Mar 2015 - price from £589, saving £86 Includes a 48 hour Lisboacard providing free entrance to 25 of the city’s best museums and monuments, free use of the bus, tram and metro network

Only an hour away from Palermo airport, Rocco Forte Hotels’ new venture is situated on the sea, just outside Sciacca. There are 203 bedrooms and several restaurants that cater for all tastes from fine dining to midday snacks on the private beach. There is a large outdoor swimming pool and all guests have access to the private pebble beach. 3 nights for the price of 2 from 2 November 2014 - 14 April 2015 price from £639, saving £130

Speak to an expert or request a brochure:

020 7593 2284 quote code XIS www.kirkerholidays.com

Volunteer Abroad in 2015-2016 • 3-12 month placements • Over 400 placements in 17 countries • Bursaries available

Volunteer Abroad in 2015-2016 www.latti tude.org.uk

facebook.com/globalvolunteering • 3-12 month placements twitter.com/LattitudeUK • Over 400 placements in 17 countries • Bursaries available

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Apply Now Charity No. 272761

BOOKS & APPS

kids only

BOOKCLUB Our round-up of top children’s books and apps

Student

APPS

Travel through time and space

Osper A “money management system” for under 18s. An Osper debit card, funded by parents, is linked to the app used to keep tabs on transactions. (Osper Ltd, free)

Our favourite kid is back

EDITOR’S PICK

MALALA: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World Ages 12-18 years Indigo, £12.99 When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai fought for her right to an education and was shot in the head. Overnight she became a global symbol for peaceful protest and the youngest ever Nobel Prize recipient This is her incredible story.

TOP ROW:

BOTTOM ROW:

The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick Ages 12-18 Years Indigo, £10.99 A witchcraft trial in the 1630s, a 1920s asylum and a futuristic adventure through space form the basis of this book with a tale or two to tell.

50 Things You Should Know About The First World War by Jim Eldridge Ages 8-12 years QED, £8.99 To mark the centenary year, this book makes the story of the war accessible for younger audiences. Illustrations, photographs, diaries and newspaper reports help events unfold chronologically. Readers discover what caused the war and why it eventually affected every corner of the globe.

The Brain Box by D Hodgson and T Benton Ages 15-18 years Crown House, £9.99 A guide to powering through stress. The Walled City by Ryan Graudin Ages 12-17 years Indigo, £9.99 Teenagers ﬁght to escape the walled city of Kowloon in Hong Kong.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul by Jeff Kinney Ages 8-13 years Puffin, £12.99 In his desperation to become cool and popular at school, Greg fails to recognise the loyalty of his real friends.

Wanelo Shopping Wanelo (Want Need Love) is perfect for teenage girls who love to shop. Create wish lists, follow fashionistas and find new styles. (Deena Varshavskaya, free, 12+)

Duolingo Duolingo make learning a new language fun! The app transforms language study into an amusing diversion, complete with points, leaderboards and video game “live”. (Duolingo, free, 4+)

Shazam Blaze a musical trail with this incredibly useful app for music fans. It can “listen” into music playing in the surrounding area and will retrieve the title and artist of a song playing. (Shazam, free, 12+)

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

ETON COLLEGE

posite, inset:The Eton Wall Game has been played here since at st 1766 and is unique to the school as it can only be played ngside the brick wall on College Field. Its rules are numerous d complex and are really only ever understood by those who y it. There are two main matches each year, at day-break on cension Day, and the most important St. Andrew’s Day game en College play the Oppidans. As College control the one and y pitch, the opposing teams have to scale the wall to gain ess, having first thrown their caps over in defiance. To overmplify the game, the objective is to manoeuvre the ball up to ur opponent’s end by way of a scrum or ‘bully’ in order to score AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE 1 2 arely seen goal. Players are regularly pulled free of the bully for r of being crushed or forced under the mud. On St. Andrew’s y, the boy spectators traditionally line the top of the wall to gain best vantage point.

Below, inset: Rowers, or wet bobs, in their traditional Stand uniforms worn for the procession of boats on the Fourth of June.

Below: The procession of boats is performed as the centreto the Fourth of June celebrations and dates back to the 18 century. It involves the top rowing crews of that year, dre uniforms similar to those worn in Nelson’s time, rowing i historic wooden eights. As they approach the school, the c stands up and commands his crew to raise their oars upri lift up behind them. They then lift their hats to both the sc WESTMINSTER CHRIST’S SCHOOL 3 Windsor, shaking the many flowers offHOSPITAL into the water befo back down and rowing off down stream. The exception is Monarch boat which is a unique ten-man vessel, replaced crewed mainly by non-rowers who have excelled in other They are allowed to keep their oars in the water to stabiliz boat much to the disappointment of the spectating school

THIRTY YEARS ON

posite, main: The Oppidan Wall, or team, who play against lege in the St. Andrew’s Day Wall Game.

A new book looks back at school life in the 1980s

HARROW SCHOOL 6

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE

RADLEY COLLEGE 7

FETTES COLLEGE

For centuries, the British independent school system has been the envy of the world, not only for its high standards of education, but also for its ability to produce leaders in the fields of business, politics, law, science, sport and the arts. The schools have also accumulated a dazzling array of quirky traditions, customs and costumes, most of which are carried out to this day. This combined with the magnificent buildings set in the British countryside make for a visual feast. In the late 1980s, Mark Draisey was given unique access to this private world to produce a stunning record of what life was like inside these schools. It was taken at a time just prior to major changes in boarding house conditions and a modernisation of the faciliities, brought about by a more competitive market, plus the introduction of girls to these once male-dominated institutions. Thirty Making YearstheOn A natural Private Viewforofa Public most – of the surroundings geography Schools by Mark Draisey (Halsgrove, £19.99).

BRITISH PUBLIC SCHOOLS – 30 YEARS ON

ment and foundry give pupils ample nd create.

ETON COLLEGE

LORETTO SCHOOL 11

WINCHESTER

lesson.

Sedbergh’s attitude to the landscape is to get out there and make the most of it no matter how cold it is.

Top: The all-weather tennis courts. Above: Kayaking on one of the many local rivers. Top right: One of Sedbergh’s greatest traditions dating back over 100 years is the Wilson Run or ‘The Ten,’ so-called because its grueling course covers just over ten miles of rugged fells, moorland and roads. Participants must first qualify for what is one of the longest and toughest school races in the country, and is a major event in the local calendar. Bottom right: The school prides itself on its “Sport for All” programme that includes the Outdoor Pursuits Club who provide opportunities for rock climbing, mountain biking, fell walking and pot-holing.

108

HAILEYBURY 10

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

BOOK EXTRACT

HARROW SCHOOL

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

CHARTERHOUSE

WESTMINSTER

FETTES COLLEGE

THE KING’S SCHOOL, CANTERBURY 1 AMPLEFORTH COLLEGE, the Beagles were run by the school until 1994. Now managed by Old Amplefordians. 2 WESTMINSTER, the Shrove Tuesday “Pancake Greaze” where boys fight for a pancake tossed by the school chef. 3 CHRIST’S HOSPITAL SCHOOL, accompanied by the school band, pupils are marched into the hall for lunch. 4 MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE, holes formed in the wall due to boys grinding coins while waiting for exam results. 5 HARROW SCHOOL, boys raise their hats as their name is read out for the “Bill” or school register on speech day. 6 RADLEY COLLEGE, boys wear their gowns in the dining hall in a scene reminiscent of Harry Potter,s Hogwarts. 7 FETTES COLLEGE, the Fettes Pipe Band maintains Scottish tradition with the inclusion of bag pipes. 8 ETON COLLEGE, “wet bobs” in their traditional uniform worn for The Processsion of Boats on the Fourth of June. 9 HAILEYBURY, college prefects are the only members of the school permitted to to carry black umbrellas. 10 LORETTO SCHOOL, cricket at Loretto is taken very seriously, producing an elite team who train year round. 11 WINCHESTER like Eton and Harrow, plays its own version of football, Winkies, on a pitch called a canvas. 12 HARROW SCHOOL, the Long Ducker road race from Hyde Park back to the school is held annually for charity. 13 THE KING’S SCHOOL, CANTERBURY, leavers wear court dress and carry “swagger sticks” for “Commem” Day. 14 ETON COLLEGE, spectators sit to watch the infamous Eton Wall Game which has been played since at least 1766. 15 WELLINGTON COLLEGE, the only school to still perform the Royal Navy’s exhausting and dangerous field gun run. 16 RUGBY SCHOOL, in the early 19th century, Rugby pupil, William Webb Ellis, invented rugby football at the school. 17 CHARTERHOUSE, boys drink from The Scholar’s Feast Loving Cup etched with the names of earlier scholars. 18 SEDBERGH, the Wilson Run, which has been run for over 100 years, is one of the longest and toughest school races. 19 WESTMINSTER, connected by the Dark Cloister, the school holds weekly services in the Abbey. 20 HAILEYBURY, traditionally carried out on pupils’ birthdays, boys were dunked in baths of freezing cold water. 21 FETTES COLLEGE, to mark a match victory, boys swing over the bar that frames the doorway into each dormitory. 22 CHRIST’S HOSPITAL SCHOOL, the school’s famous unique uniform has changed little since the 1550s. 23 MONMOUTH SCHOOL, rowing is one of three major sports at Monmouth and takes place on the River Wye.

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL SCHOOL

13 ETON COLLEGE

RUGBY SCHOOL

SEDBERGH

HAILEYBURY

22 MONMOUTH SCHOOL

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Abbotsholme Abbotsholme every moment matters matters Abbotsholme every moment matters Abbotsholme Abbotsholme every moment matters

Abbotsholme every moment matters Abbotsholme every moment matters Set rural Abbotsholme every moment Set in in beautiful, beautiful, rural surroundings, surroundings,matters Abbotsholme isis every moment matters

a leading independent co-educational boarding and Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is a leading independent co-educational boarding and dayinschool for ages 2–18. It is a school unlike anyis boarding and Set beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme a leading independent co-educational day school for ages 2–18. It is a school unlike any Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is unlike any other: aindependent wonderful place which toboarding learn a leading co-educational and day school forin 2–18. is aand school a wonderful place inages which to It learn and Setother: in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is develop, where each contribution isinproperly aday leading independent co-educational boarding andisto learn and Set inschool beautiful, ruralchild’s surroundings, Abbotsholme for ages 2–18. It is a school unlike any other: a wonderful place which a leadingwhere independent co-educational boarding and develop, each child’s contribution is properly Set in encouraged beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is valued and day school for ages 2–18. It each is athroughout. school unlike any aday leading co-educational and other: aindependent wonderful place which toboarding learn and develop, where child’s contribution is properly school for ages 2–18. Itinis athroughout. school unlike anyis boarding valued and encouraged Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme a leading independent co-educational and other: a wonderful placeItcontribution inand which to learn and day school for ages 2–18. is a school unlike any develop, where each child’s is properly valued encouraged throughout. other: aindependent wonderful place inages which toboarding learn and Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is unlike any adevelop, leading co-educational and day school for 2–18. It is a school where each child’s contribution is properly other: a wonderful place in which to learn and valued and encouraged throughout. develop, where each child’s contribution is properly aday leading independent boarding andto learn and school for and agesencouraged 2–18. It is athroughout. school unlike any other: aco-educational wonderful place in which valued develop,valued whereand eachencouraged child’s contribution is properly day school for ages 2–18. iswhich athroughout. school unlike any is properly other: a wonderful placeItineach to learn and develop, where child’s contribution valued and encouraged throughout. other: where aFriday wonderful placeNovember inand which to learn and develop, each14th child’s contribution valued encouraged throughout. –is properly develop, where eachencouraged child’sNovember contribution is–and properly valued and throughout. Open Day: 8.30am-5.00pm Friday 14th Fridaythroughout. 14th November – valued and encouraged Sixth Form Information Evening: Open Day: 8.30am-5.00pm and

every moment matters

OpenNovember Day: 8.30am-5.00pm and Friday5.30-7.30pm 14th – Open Day: 8.30am-5.00pm and Evening: 5.30-7.30pm

Sixth Form Information Evening: • Individual academic excellence and achievement Sixth Form Information Friday 14th November –

• Small class sizesForm (around 15),for enabling individual Scholarship Morning Year 7, 9Evening: andattention 12 entry Individual academic excellence and achievement 5.30-7.30pm Open Day: 8.30am-5.00pm and Sixth Information • Individual academic excellence in September 2015: and achievement and support Sixth Form Information Evening:

5.30-7.30pm Small class sizes 15th (around 15),for enabling individual Scholarship Morning Year 7, 9 andattention 12 entry Saturday November, 8.15am-12.30pm Individual academic excellence and achievement • School Small class sizeswith (around 15), enabling Scholarship Morning 7, 9 andattention 12 entry Separate Prep facilities, access tofor all Year seniorindividual in 5.30-7.30pm September 2015: and support Individual academic excellence and achievement in September support school facilities Saturday 15th November, Small class sizesand (around 15),for enabling individual Scholarship Morning Year8.15am-12.30pm 7, 9 andattention 122015: entry Separate Prep School facilities, with access to all senior Saturday 15th November, 8.15am-12.30pm in September 2015: and support Small class sizes (around 15),for enabling individual attention • Separate Scholarship Morning Year 7, 9 and 12access entry Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly andto all senior Prep School facilities, with school facilities Saturday 15th November, 8.15am-12.30pm in September 2015: and support staff school facilities with • highly-qualified Separate School facilities, access to all senior IndividualPrep academic excellence and achievement • Outstanding Saturday 15th November, 8.15am-12.30pm Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and •• Exceptional outdoor education programme with climbing friendly and school facilities Separate Prep facilities, with access to with allindoor senior • School Outstanding School, experienced, Small class sizes (around 15),Pre-Prep enabling individual attention highly-qualified staff • wall Individual academic excellence and achievement andfacilities Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Gold level school staff and support • Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and • highly-qualified Individual academic excellence and achievement • Exceptional outdoor education programme withrugby indoor Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, andclimbing cricket Next Open Day: Small class sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention •••• highly-qualified staff Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and •• School Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor climbing Separate Prep facilities, with access toto all senior Individual academic excellence and achievement Small class sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention wall and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Gold level Contact Michele Archer andacre support staff wall and Duke Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Gold level Saturday 20th September, school facilities 70 working farm and BHSof approved Equestrian Centre ••• highly-qualified Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor climbing Individual academic excellence and achievement and support on 01889 265 Small class sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention • Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, rugby and cricket Next Open Day: 9.30am – 594 4.30pm Separate Prep School facilities, withexperienced, access to all senior •• wall and Duke Edinburgh’s Award Scheme tofocus Gold level Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor climbing •• of Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with friendly and rugby and cricket New dedicated Sixth Form for independent learning Sporting excellence key on hockey, Next Open Day: Contact Michele Archer and Smallsupport class sizes (around 15),Centre enabling individual attention or visit Separate Prep Schoolwith facilities, with access to all senior Saturday 20th September, • wall Contact Michele Archer school facilities 70 acre working farm and BHS approved Equestrian Centre and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Gold level highly-qualified staff Year 7 Information Evening: •• First Sporting with key focus on hockey, rugby and cricket and support Saturday 20th September, classexcellence facilities for music, art and drama Next Open Day: • School school facilities 70 acre working farm and BHS approved Equestrian Centre on 01889 594 265 www.abbotsholme.co.uk Separate Prep facilities, with access to all senior Contact Michele Archer 9.30am – 4.30pm on 01889 594 265 Contact Michele Archer Friday 10th October, 5.30-7.00pm •• Exceptional Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and outdoor education programme withrugby indoor climbing New dedicated Sixth Form Centre for independent learning Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, and cricket Next Open Day: 9.30am – 4.30pm Saturday 20th September, or visit school Scholarships forces bursaries available 70 acrefacilities working farm and BHS approved Equestrian Centre Separate Prepand facilities, with access to all senior • School Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and New dedicated Sixth Form Centre independent learning on 01889 594Archer 265 Contact Michele or visit wall and Duke ofstaff Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Goldfor level on 01889 594 265 highly-qualified Year 7 Information Evening: Saturday 20th September, 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Evening: Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 or visit First class facilities for music, art and drama – 7.30pm • www.abbotsholme.co.uk Scholarships and forces bursaries available wall and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to Gold level • 70 acre workingstaff farm and BHSofapproved Equestrian Centre to Gold level Sixth Form Information Evening: wall and Duke Edinburgh’s Award Scheme Friday October, 5.30-7.00pm Year10th 7 Information Evening: ••orhighly-qualified Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor climbing First class facilities for music, art and drama visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk www.abbotsholme.co.uk Sixth Form Information Evening: Scholarships andSixth forces bursaries available Scholarship Morning for Year 7, 9 Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, rugby and cricket Friday 14th November, New dedicated Form Centre for independent learning Friday 10th October, 5.30-7.00pm •• wall and Duke Edinburgh’s Award Scheme tofocus Gold Abbotsholme School, Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor climbing • ofSporting excellence with key onlevel hockey, rugby and cricket Friday 14th November, •Contact Scholarships and forces bursaries available Sixth Information Evening: and 12Form entry in September 2015: Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 5.30pm – 7.30pm •• wall and Duke of farm Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to 01889 Gold level 70 acre working and BHS Equestrian Centre First class facilities for music, artapproved and drama Contact Michele Archer on 594 265 Rocester, Uttoxeter, 5.30pm – 7.30pm excellence with key focus on hockey, Saturday 15th November, Friday 14th November, • 70Rocester, Sixth Form Information Evening: acre working farm and BHSrugby approved Equestrian Centre Abbotsholme School, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 and 5BS cricket Abbotsholme School, Rocester, orSporting visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Staffordshire, ST14 5BSforST14 orSixth visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Scholarship Morning Year5BS 7, 9 •Contact Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 8.15am ––November, 12.30pm and forces bursaries available Sporting excellence focus on rugby Centre and cricket 5.30pm 7.30pm New dedicated Form Centre forhockey, independent learning Friday 14th Uttoxeter, Staffordshire • Scholarships Scholarship Morning for Year 7, 9 70 acre working farmwith andkey BHS approved • New dedicated Sixth FormEquestrian Centre for independent learning and 12 5.30pm entry in–September 2015: Contact Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk and 7.30pm 12 entry in September 2015: ••or70 acre working farm and BHS approved Equestrian Centre First class facilities for music, art and drama Scholarship Morning for Year 7, 9 Sixth Formfacilities Centrefor for independent Saturday 15th November, • First class music, art ST14 andlearning drama Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire 5BS Abbotsholme School, Rocester, orNew visit dedicated www.abbotsholme.co.uk Saturday 15th Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire School, and 12 entry inAbbotsholme September 2015: Morning for Year 7, November, 9 Rocester, New dedicated Sixth Form Centre fordrama independent learning ST14 5BSScholarship 8.15am – 12.30pm Scholarships and forces bursaries available •• First Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS class facilities for music, art and • Scholarships and forces bursaries available 8.15am – 12.30pm Saturday 15th November, and 12 entryUttoxeter, inSchool, September 2015: Staffordshire ST14 5BS Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS Abbotsholme Rocester, First class facilities for music, art and drama •• Scholarships 8.15am – 12.30pm and forces bursaries available Saturday 15th November, • •• •• • •

ST MARY’S CALNE

Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS

at little portland street

• Scholarships and forces bursaries available

Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS 8.15am – 12.30pm Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS

A TOP INDEPENDENT BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN 3 Knife Skills 3 Bread Making 3 Baking 3 Roasts 3 Soups 3 Pizza Making 3 Pastry 3 Pastas 3 Puddings 3 Fish and Shellfish 3 Pies I learnt to cook at Cookery School and it was the best thing I have ever done! I now cook for families in my holidays and I still meet up with the friends & teachers I met on the course. Such Fun! Sorcha, 2014

Baked Beans to Brilliance in one week at Cookery School Little Portland Street London, W1W 8BW

This five day intensive course is for those who want to learn the essential basics of cooking and walk away with a large amount of varied, easy and enjoyable recipes that can be enjoyed every night of the week. Perfect training for those heading to University or for someone who simply wants to increase their confidence in the kitchen. Arrive daily to a Cookery School breakfast of freshly baked morning goodies and hot chocolate, tea or coffee to set you up for a good cooking session.

Each day at lunch time you will sit down around the Cookery School table to enjoy tasting the dishes that you have made. Every afternoon you will be taken on a tasting tour of a London food place as London abounds with these from La Fromagerie, Chinatown and Soho, through to Billingsgate and Borough Market. You are promised a most memorable week but, best of all, you will leave us filled with the confidence that you can cook well for yourself and replicate the dishes that you have learnt at home again.

www.cookeryschool.co.uk info@cookeryschool.co.uk | Call us on: 0207 631 4590

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Congratulations on becoming County Lacrosse Champions! (1st, 2nd, U15A, U15B, U14B & U13 Teams)

OPEN DAYS 2015: 31st January & 25th April Tel:01249 857200

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Win a Portrait

We have teamed with Mayfair artist Taina Pearson to give you DER the chance to experience a portrait session for your child or petROEFA FER

HOW TO ENTER

For your chance to win this rare opportunity, simply go to our website: independent schoolparent.com/win and answer the question below. Q. The painting Femme aux Bras Croisés is a portrait painted by which well-known Spanish artist? A. Van Gogh

B. Monet

C. Picasso

All entries must be received before 11.59pm on 30th November 2014.

Internationally recognised portrait painter Taina Pearson exhibits in galleries at the heart of London’s art world in Mayfair and has an extensive portfolio of high-profile clients to her name. Using oil or

[

acrylic on canvas she paints her portraits from photographs rather than lengthy sittings – and her photo shoots take about 45 minutes. To see more of Taina’s work visit: tainapearson.co.uk.

Quote ISP to receive 15% off portraits with any enquiry. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

“Your portraits of the children are our most treasured artworks, and we are keen collectors so that’s saying something!” S Harrison

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Maldives Maldives Maldives Maldives

Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius Mauritius With more than 15 years’ experience in the Travel Industry and with children of my own, I specialise

With more than 15holidays years’ experience Travel Industry andand with my in creating tailor-made for families in in the South Africa, Mauritius the children Maldives.of Through With more than experience in Travel Industry and of personal have found some fantastic ‘family friendly’ throughout these own, I specialise inyears’ creating tailor-made holidays foraccommodation families in children South Africa, With experience more thanI 15 15 years’ experience in the the Travel Industry and with with children of my my own, II specialise in creating tailor-made holidays for in South regions would delighted to help you planpersonal your nextexperience holiday. ForImore please Mauritius and bethe Through have foundAfrica, some own,and specialise inMaldives. creating tailor-made holidays for families families in information, South Africa, and Maldives. Through experience II have found some callMauritius or email me: fantastic ‘family friendly’ accommodation throughout these regions would be Mauritius and the the Maldives. Through personal personal experience haveand found some fantastic throughout regions would Alison Aldred delighted to helpfriendly’ you planaccommodation your next holiday. For morethese information, please call be or fantastic ‘family ‘family friendly’ accommodation throughout these regions and and would be delighted to help you plan your next holiday. For more information, please call e-mail me:to delighted help you plan your next holiday. For more information, please call or or Tel: 01483 762033 • Web: www.hungrylions.co.uk e-mail me: e-mail me: Mobile: 07754 501617 • E-mail: ali.hungrylions@gmail.com Alison Aldred

In December 2014 we move to our new, state of the art facilities, just 20 minutes from central London by train. We will continue to offer our internationally acclaimed Cordon Bleu Diploma and graduates will then be able to take up a paid position in The Restaurant at Tante Marie, where they will study for a Level 5 Hospitality Management qualification, as part of a full time employment package! Imagine the possibilities: food journalism, private catering, events management, chef at a top restaurant or even running your own successful food business. Let our passion help begin your exciting career in food... ...at Tante Marie Culinary Academy

Alison Aldred Alison Aldred tel: 01483 762033 www.hungrylions.co.uk tel: 01483 762033 www.hungrylions.co.uk 01483 762033e-mail: www.hungrylions.co.uk mob:tel: 07754 501617 ali@hungrylions.co.uk mob: mob:e 07754 07754 501617 501617 e-mail: e-mail: ali@hungrylions.co.uk ali@hungrylions.co.uk

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‘Great Family Entertainment’ British Theatre Guide

Limited West End Christmas Season

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

8 Dec - 11 Jan

VAUDEVILLE THEATRE 0844 412 4663 www.NimaxTheatres.com - www.PottedSherlock.com

CALENDAR Our round-up of events nationwide this autumn

THE NUTCRACKER

Selected dates between

[London]

Stay in a Belgravia Suite at luxury hotel The Goring and receive box tickets for the Nutcracker ballet (London Coliseum). Plus, meet a dancer from the English National Ballet or take a behindthe-scenes tour, too. thegoring.com

Ongoing... The Urban Arts Space

11-4 Dec Jan

DO SOMETHING NEW [Bristol] The Urban Arts Space is open to anyone aged 13 to 19, and offers a chance to get involved in street dance, graffiti, filmmaking, DJing, live music and drama. Students learn to use state-of-the-art equipment and facilities under the tuition of expert tutors, artists and assistants. creativeyouthnetwork.org.uk/urbanarts-space

BURY ST EDMUNDS CHRISTMAS FAYRE

GOOD FOOD SHOW

14-30 Nov

[London Olympia] 14-16 Nov [Birmingham] 27-30 Nov It’s the season to get foodie with the BBC Good Food Shows descending on destinations nationwide. Offering live demonstrations from top TV chefs and 100s of the UK’s finest producers. And Birmingham is host to the dedicated Bakes & Cakes Show, packed with baking, bread-making, free masterclasses and celebrities including live baking from The Great British Bake Off ’s Mary Berry and chocolatier John Whaite. bbcgoodfoodshow.com

27-30

Nov [Suffolk] A lovely way to enjoy the build up to Christmas with your kids and a great way to get ahead of the rush with over 300 stalls selling a variety of gifts, crafts, food and seasonal products, as well as entertainment for all ages. burystedmundschristmasfayre.co.uk

13-16 Nov WALES RALLY GB [North Wales] Join the world-class action in the legendary Welsh forests. There are 23 competitive stages culminating in a spectacular new Power Stage at Brenig and family-friendly RallyFests at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park. walesrallygb.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

Reader Offer

Go to foodiesfestival.com and quote the code: ISP241 to receive 50% off tickets. And under 12s go free.

NIGHT OF FRIGHTS AT HADDON HALL

[Derbyshire]

31 Oct

A spine-chilling night with live actors taking you on a terrifying trip through ancient rooms of the house. Age 16+ haddonhall.co.uk

28-30 Nov FOODIES FESTIVAL [London] The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest celebration of food and drink has announced its inaugural Christmas food festival at The Old Truman Brewery London. There will be a new open-air Chefs Theatre with top chefs cooking live; mince pies, mulled wine and roast chestnuts; plus a Whiskey Arena and Ski Bar. And tuck into food from Street Food Avenue, pop-up restaurants, Coffee Corner and Cheese Village at the Christmas Feasting banqueting table adorned with fairy lights. foodiesfestival.com

Ongoing... Thackray Medical Museum

WWI EXHIBITION AT THE THACKRAY MUSEUM [Yorkshire] This thought-provoking exhibition looks at the relationship between medicine and conflict, and how the technologies of war drive medical advancements. thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

NORMANS AND CRUSADERS IN THE KEEP

29-30 Oct

[West Sussex] The Raven Tor Living History Group will be portraying the life and times of the 12th Century Norman period in The Keep at Arundel Castle. With combat, weaponry, armour and crafts displays, visitors will not only be able to see what life was like for those living in a castle of this time, but also gain an insight into the lives of those preparing to leave on the perilous Crusades. arundelcastle.org

20-20 Nov Dec EXETER CHRISTMAS MARKET [Devon] This Christmas market is held in the heart of the city in the beautiful grounds of Exeter Cathedral, and will represent the best of what Britain, the South West and the rest of Europe has to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations. exeter-cathedral.org.uk

YACHT CHARTER

GREECE & THE CARIBBEAN

www.sailionian.com Book now special summer rates

• Bareboat Charter • Skippered Charter • Assisted Sailing • RYA training courses • Yacht ownership schemes

• We are family run • All yachts are in excellent condition

S ail

• Yachts from 30 to 56 ft • Dinghy & Outboard included

St. Vincent & The

Grenadines

• Go sailing on the day of arrival • Wifi available on board • Why not Indulge yourselves on a luxury Skippered charter

www.sailgrenadines.com

WWW.SAILIONIAN.COM I INFO@SAILIONIAN.COM I 0800 321 3800

As a specialist institution UCA gives you the opportunity to be completely immersed in your chosen area. Offering a range of courses in art, architecture, design, fashion, communications, graphics and media across four campuses in the South East of England. Rising 33 places in the Complete University Guide league table over the last two years, and 25 places in The Sunday Times University league table, the University for the Creative Arts continues to thrive, and provides the creative industries with some of its brightest talent.

Start your creative journey here at www.ucreative.ac.uk

Good Universities Guide.indd 2

10/9/2014 9:31:56 AM

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

ld s ur COM se I s NG fo r 1 SO 6- ON 18 ! ye ar o co ew N

WANT TO GET AHEAD IN FASHION?

Come and learn from the experts at Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting new fashion college. Our inspiring courses include the Applications now open!

Fashion Certificate Fashion Foundation Diploma Summer Intensive Course

Plus: brand new One Week Courses To find out more and apply visit:

www.condenastcollege.co.uk

Remember, remember...

to book your tickets for any fireworks event you are attending; to wrap up warm; and to make sure your pets are kept safe away from loud noises

BONFIRE NIGHT

Right, Leeds Castle in Yorkshire

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

1-2

[Derbyshire, £10-£16] Nov In the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is set in a 100-acre park. Gates open at 6.15pm; bonfire is lit at 7.15pm. chatsworth.org

FIREWORKS HOUSE PARTY AT LEEDS CASTLE

Nov

[Yorkshire, from £410 per couple] One for the adults; there’s afternoon tea before enjoying the musical firework display with projections on the castle set to the theme of animals, then warm yourself with winter Pimms and a three-course dinner in the Banqueting Hall, followed by coffee in the Drawing Rooms before you retire to your room. leeds-castle.com

BEAULIEU ABBEY AND PALACE HOUSE

Nov

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, WELLCOME LIBRARY LONDON, NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, JOHN MILLAR

[Hampshire, £8-£12, family £34] Dynamic fireworks display. From 3pm. beaulieu.co.uk

OWN A PIECE OF LONDON

HYDE PARK WINTER WONDERLAND

21-Jan 4

Nov

[London] Six exciting weeks of winter festivities with tons of entertainment and attractions that will appeal to the whole family. Walk through the frozen forest of ice sculptures, skate on the huge ice rink or visit the beautiful market. Come evening, older children and adults will enjoy the Cirque Berserk and theme-park rides. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

1-30 Nov

Rockshore is offering stakes in high-quality real estate in London. Spend an average of 21 nights each year in a luxury apartment in the capital – perfect for visiting children at boarding school, business or holidays. Rocksure Fund requires investment of £245,000 for the 10-year Fund and the first 12 Founder Investors receive a £10,000 discount. But it’s not a timeshare, there’s no debt, with Investors owning 100% of the real estate. rocksure.com

COSMONAUTS: BIRTH OF THE SPACE AGE [London] Cosmonauts brings the story of Russian space endeavour to life through a unique collection of space artefacts, many of which have never been seen before outside Russia. sciencemuseum.org.uk

AUTUMN SUMMER 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

MEMORY LANE

and always keen for a good chat – perhaps when I should have been working!

an you describe your school in three simple words? Loved every minute.

Who first inspired you to start cooking and how old were you? My mum and grandma would have to be the two people who first inspired me. I would probably have been in my early teens and I’d just help out with the Sunday roast or random meals every once in a while. Plus, my grandma made an amazing apple and blackberry pie and I wanted to try and emulate that, so I guess that got me into cooking. Were you interested in cooking at school? Yes. I remember making homemade doughnuts to take to school to sell the next day. But I was in no way as passionate about cooking as I am now. You got a first in geography at university, but as you clearly have a natural talent for cooking are you going to follow this as a profession? It would be a shame not to work with something that I have a massive passion for.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

L SCHOORO IES

JACK LUCAS

Double maths or an afternoon of art? Afternoon of art, for sure! I think a lot of creativity in my food came from my art lessons. Plus we could eat food and listen to music, as opposed to being in silence calculating sums in the maths lesson! Although I did both subjects for A level, I definitely preferred an afternoon of art.

MEM

MasterChef finalist Jack Lucas learnt that to be a good leader you have to be a good team player at Solihull School, West Midlands What advice would you offer today’s aspiring chefs? I’d advise them to absorb as much information as possible from those around them that are more experienced. Fortunately, I had access to amazing chefs at school but I wanted to learn as much as I could from them in a short space of time. Practice always makes perfect – and remember the seasoning! Were you a team player or just out for yourself? Definitely a team player. I played First XI cricket and was captain of the hockey First XI. You had to be a team player to be a good leader.

Were you a stalwart of the detention room or a teacher’s pet? I’d probably say I was more on the side of teacher’s pet than stalwart of the detention room, but I had a great laugh at the same time. How would your teachers remember you? They would probably remember me as having crazy hair, being pretty confident

Share your school memories on Twitter... @ISParent

Most embarrassing moment? Reading the weekly hockey reports. I mumbled my way through them and no one could hear a word I was saying! I think I’d be fine at doing them now though. Finally, what advice would you give your school-age self? Work as hard as you can at school and get stuck into as many activities outside the classroom as you can! They are a great way of making new mates – and it’s important to keep yourself active and sane. Good grades and a degree are always good to fall back on. ISP

“ Work as hard as you can and get stuck into as many activities outside the classroom as you can”

PHOTOGRAPHY: BBC, SHINE TV PRODUCTION

Who were your best friends? I had a great group of best mates at Solihull and we would generally hang out together. There were five of us who lived in Dorridge who’d go for kickabouts in the park but also a few who lived closer to school, which was great!

When I was growing up I wanted to be an..? Astronaut, I think. But isn’t that everyone’s dream job?

HURTWOOD

HOUSE

THE BOARDING SCHOOL FOR THE

ARTS CREATIVE & PERFORMING

hurtwoodhouse.com

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