Independent School Parent Summer Prep Senior 2023 - Sample issue

Sompting Abbots’ Sussex parkland estate gives youngsters ample opportunities to explore all that nature has to o er

The exquisite invitations issued for King Charles III’s coronation celebrate his love of the natural world. ere’s a positive wild ower meadow of primroses, violets, corn owers and bluebells complete with a bee, ladybird, wren and robin. A Green Man, the symbol in British folklore that represents spring and the renewal of nature, is given almost as much prominence as the heraldic lions and unicorns. King Charles has long been a champion of nature and the British countryside. Here, we look at schools who take the great outdoors just as seriously...

Ardvreck School, Perth

Pupils in kilts and wellies spend break times building dams and dens in the woods at Ardvreck School, set in 42 acres in the foothills of the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by munros, lochs and woodland.

Ardvreck has its own word – ‘barvick’ – for the special expedition days that the whole school takes part in during the summer and autumn terms. e expeditions are designed to explore the stunning local landscape, with the older pupils o en scaling the heights of the munros to listen to the school pipe band playing at the summit.

Waterproof trousers and walking boots are essential parts of the school uniform kit list and pupils look forward to Adventure Fridays, which take place every other week, when children get the chance to spend the whole day out in the woods or on the loch on an outdoor

THE EXPEDITIONS ARE DESIGNED TO EXPLORE the stunning local landscape, with the older pupils often SCALING THE HEIGHTS OF THE MUNROS TO LISTEN TO THE SCHOOL PIPE BAND PLAYING AT THE SUMMIT

Just like our new king, there are many independent schools across the country that champion the benefits of a life lived in nature.

Thalia Thompson investigates three schools with a passion for outdoor learning

A MEMBER OF STAFF AT DOWNE HOUSE SAYS their father, a headteacher, was gifted with an original work of art.

“SOME PARENTS KNEW HE WAS AN AVID COLLECTOR, SO THEY COMMISSIONED HIS FAVOURITE ARTIST”

Because they’reworth it

Diamond jewellery, Champagne, an iPad, a designer watch, an original work of art, a pair of Ugg boots and even a sari. No, Christmas hasn’t come early, these are just some of the gi s that have been thrust upon teachers by grateful parents. It’s more than some of us would spend on our actual family members. Yet you could argue that anyone with the ability to keep a classful of children in order on a daily basis is worth their weight in gold (watches). Or indeed, designer clothing or John Lewis vouchers. e list goes on.

But just what is an appropriate end-ofyear gi ? As the end of term approaches, it’s a question that’ll be on many parent’s minds. But before you resort to scented candles or (yet another) mug, I quizzed some teachers about the most memorable gi s they’ve received from their pupils over the years. Strangely, no-one mentioned candles or Best Teacher mugs. Perhaps because there were other, slightly more mind-blowing examples...

Bubbles and sparkle

Alexandra Cottell, Headmistress at St Christopher’s Nursery and Prep School, in Staverton, Totnes said: “End of term always brings a plethora of gi s and I’m always so grateful. It’s incredibly touching, although never expected. e most popular gi s are de nitely chocolates, followed by wine.”

But while it’s hard to go wrong with vino (unless it’s from the bottom shelf in Lidl) other parents have taken things up a notch. One teacher, from an independent school in Somerset,

said she once received not just a bottle, but a whole case of Champagne (Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, in case you’re wondering).

And if you think that’s impressive, Rachel, who taught at an international school in Dubai, has been endowed with Jack Wills clothing, a “really beautiful necklace” and a stunning sari, from a student who knew she was going to a Hindu wedding. Beaten only by the colleague who was presented with a Swarovski watch and £450 of John Lewis vouchers. Although spare a thought for the teacher who was thrilled to receive a pair of Ugg boots – only to discover they didn’t t.

It’s the thought that counts

Meanwhile, at Downe House School, in Berkshire, one long-serving member of sta said: “I’ve received a wonderful range of gi s over the years, including hampers, diamond earrings, pearls, an Hermès Apple watch and iPhone, and Harrods vouchers. Amazing!”

Another member of sta at Downe House said their father, a headteacher, was gi ed with an original work of art. He explained: “Some parents knew he was an avid art collector and that he loved the Scottish Highlands, so they commissioned his favourite artist to paint an original landscape, with a message of thanks, engraved on to the frame.” Which leaves many of us feeling like we might need to up our game.

But while chocolates, wine and, err, scented candles, pale into insigni cance in comparison to diamonds and artwork, for some parents, those end-of-year gestures can be a source of stress. And who hasn’t been on the receiving end of a WhatsApp conversation about contributing to

s

As the end of term approaches, Becky Dickinson considers the end-ofyear gifting options for superstar teachers

THE game of LIFE

Life Story at Eltham College in South-East London is the result of a whole-school inclusivity project focused on exploring new approaches to Relationships

Education as the school makes the move towards co-education. Here, its creator, English teacher

Vicki Barsby, explains the resources she developed, which have recently been shortlisted for a TES award for Pupil Mental Health Initiative of the Year

In this social-media age, it’s never been more important to empower students to build healthy relationships with their peers s

Movers and MAKERS

hether on ollywood film sets or via online t toring platforms this generation of school leavers are making their mark on the wider world

DAISY JELLEY, 23

Actor and model

Hurtwood House, Surrey

Having done some modelling in my early teens, I was initially interested in a career in fashion design. However, once I arrived at Hurtwood House and had so much exposure to theatre, media and dance, my horizons changed and a whole new world of possibilities opened up. Although at first shy, I began acting and dancing in fellow students’ pop videos and thrillers, and before long my apprehension of performing evaporated. Thereafter, I took every opportunity to be on stage at at school – from musicals to pop concerts and dance shows, there was always another production.

Life has moved fast since leaving Hurtwood. As well as working with Prada, YSL, Gucci and Burberry, I’m thrilled to be acting in films such as How To Date Billy Walsh and Marked Men. I’m so grateful to Hurtwood House as without that experience, I would not be where I am today.

MATTHEW JACKMAN, 27

Project officer, UK Home Office, and Lieutenant in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment

Fettes College, Edinburgh

At Fettes I participated in academia, drama, music, CCF and sport at a high level. Fettes College instils a desire for variety and challenge, which led me to the Morehead-Cain scholarship to study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I continued to develop all the skills and academic interests I’d nurtured at school.

Having completed a master’s degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy in 2021, I’m currently deployed in the Middle East, serving as a Lieutenant in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, working with the Royal Army of Oman. I was recently awarded a Lord Lieutenants of Cumbria Award for coordinating the rescue of one of my soldiers. In my civilian capacity, I work as a civil servant at the Home O ce.

DAISY JELLEY

MATTHEW JACKMAN

PHOTO: MICHAEL SHELFORD

ALICIA EDWARDS, 28

Broadcaster

Queen’s College, Taunton

I attended Queen’s College from nursery to upper sixth. During my time at school, I was very involved in the drama department and left with A-levels in English, art and performing arts.

I studied journalism at university and undertook an MA at City University in London before getting my first job in news.

Six years on, I work as a newsreader on Capital. I also read the news on other stations such as Capital Xtra and RadioX. Before moving to radio, I was a TV journalist at London Live.

Although my time in the classroom was incredibly beneficial, the other opportunities I was given at Queen’s have had just as big an impact on my career today. I performed in school productions, concerts, and recitals regularly and those experiences prepared me for the pressures of a career in broadcasting. I’m grateful to Queen’s College for so much, but mostly for the happy, fulfilling time I had at school.

JAMES FRANCIS, 24 Medical student

Aysgarth Prep School, North Yorkshire

I graduated with my first degree in physiology from the University of Nottingham in 2021, before transferring on to the graduate medicine course I’m due to complete next year. Alongside my studies, I’ve also trained as a qualified rugby coach, fostered a keen interest in medical education through working as a student associate for the General Medical Council, and undertaken published research into treatment options for breast cancer. I strongly credit my education at Aysgarth School (and latterly Eton College) for developing my inquisitiveness and desire to pursue opportunities in all di erent facets of life. I’m most grateful for the platform I was a orded. Next year, I plan to return to my birthplace of Zimbabwe on a medical elective to further nurture my passion for humanitarian medicine. I hope to work as a team doctor in a performance sports environment, working alongside athletes.

LIV RIGBY, 22

Entrepreneur

Eltham College, South-East London

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at school, where I was encouraged to push myself academically and take full advantage of the opportunities presented to me. I left with a mentality that gave me the confidence to start my own business while doing my undergraduate psychology degree. I was aware of the growth of online learning resulting from the lockdowns, and parents’ struggles to maintain their children’s engagement. This knowledge, coupled with my passion for education and enthusiasm, led me to start my own online tutoring agency. Liv & Learn: Tuition Reimagined provides engaging, fun, and, most importantly, quality educational support for students who may otherwise be struggling. I’m proud to say I’ve employed a growing team of young, hard-working academic individuals, from a variety of backgrounds. They share my dream of providing engaging academic support. The traits that have led to my continued success were nurtured at Eltham College.

ALICIA EDWARDS

JAMES FRANCIS

LIV RIGBY

CALENDAR

Our roundup of fun and inspiring events, exhibitions and activities to check out

Imagine, play and design

FROM 1 JULY

London

Co-designed with children and young people, Young V&A will open its doors in East London’s Bethnal Green in time for the school holidays. This free, interactive museum aims to express the power of creativity in children’s lives with sensory playscapes, a finger skateboard park, an Imagination Playground construction zone, a story-telling stage and an open design studio. These elements – and much more – will help celebrate playful learning and host multigenerational activities and events. And with three permanent galleries, the space will also showcase around 2,000 objects from the museum group’s vast collection of art, design and performance in surprising, inspiring and joyful ways. Be among the first to experience this interactive wonderland. vam.ac.uk

Fiesta fun

31 JULY – 3 SEPTEMBER

Surrey

Wilderfest returns to Chessington World of Adventures for a third time, bringing an added spirit of celebratory fun to the theme park’s already e ervescent atmosphere. The resort will come to life with live music stages, roaming entertainment, mouthwatering festival food and a whole lot of family-friendly fun – expect to be singing, dancing and riding all day amid the park’s endless attractions. What more could you ask for from a wild day out?

chessington.com

WORDS: LAURA SUTHERLAND