Little London Schools - Autumn 2018

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YOUR PARENTING

N U R SERY • PR E-PR EP • PR EP

Helping you and your child through their school journey • HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD • THE ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ EDIT • TEACHING CHILDREN THE VALUE OF MONEY • THE IMPORTANCE OF READING WITH YOUR CHILD • HELPING YOU TO PREPARE FOR THE 11+

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schools HANDBOOK

City reach, Village location, Country life.

‘Some children really do skip between lessons here…’

The Good Schools Guide

A high quality education with a truly individual focus

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE SCHOOL Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 01580 753555

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk/relocatingtokent

EDITORʼS LETTER Welcome to the autumn 2018 edition of the Little London Schools Guide, and more importantly, after a rather lovely long and hot summer it’s time to say hello to a new academic year.

This guide is designed to help you through the trials and tribulations of your child’s school journey. We start at the beginning of it all with Navigating nursery (p.23), helping you choose the best place for your little one, and see you all the way through to the oft-dreaded 11 Plus test, with advice on how your child can study smart while you keep your cool during the exam build up.

Of course a large part of a child’s educational experience is the support they get outside school hours, too. Georgina Fuller stresses the importance of reading at home (p.27). Much like adults, enjoying a good book before bed will help children relax, encouraging better sleep for the school day ahead. We’re also asking whether it’s ever alright for them to drop an extra-curricular hobby. Georgina Blaskey explores the psychology of quitting on page 53.

As we all know, a good education doesn’t come cheap, and while young children aren’t expected to know the ins and outs of finances, Morag Turner asks how and when should we start teaching our kids the value of money (p.46).

And last but by no means least, make sure your child is ready to return to school in style… we cherry-pick some of our favourite pieces on page 15. Happy reading!

REBECCA MOORE, ACTING EDITOR

Each new academic year means a fresh look is needed for the school wardrobe From a selection joules.com

Patachou coat £77, childrensalon.com

Paper book £17, kikki-k.com

Emile et Ida rucksack £62, smallable.com

Leather T-bar shoes From £69, youngsoles.co.uk

CODING

D E B AT I N G

ENGINEERING

M AT H E M AT I C S

M E C H AT R O N I C S

ROBOTICS

SCIENCE

WEEKEND CLASSES IN OUR

EAST & WEST LONDON HUBS CANARY WHARF & SOUTH KENSINGTON - FOR CHILDREN AGED 4-14 We engage children in real-life challenges in a fun and educational way with a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Book now: www.richereducation.co.uk/classes www.richereducation.co.uk/camps

RicherEducation

RicherEducation

RicherEducation1

www.richereducation.co.uk | T: 020 7769 6732 | M: 075 3522 5432

CONTENTS 7

Editorial Director Maxine Briggs Editor Rebecca Moore Online Editor Jennifer Read-Dominguez Sub Editors Natalie Keeler, Laura Sutherland Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton

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Creative Director Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Natalie Dourado Freelance Designer Maggie Bonner

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Digital Publisher Paul Rayner Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson

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Head of Market Freddy Halliday Sales Executives Andrew Mackenzie, Harriet Cottrell, Henry Barton

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Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Little London Guides are published by The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Web: littlelondonmagazine.co.uk Tel: 020 7349 3700 | Fax: 020 7349 3701 Email: editor@littlelondonmagazine.co.uk

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COVER IMAGE: LA COQUETA

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NEWS Keeping you in the know WE LOVE Homework has never looked so fun with this desk design HEAD START Back-to-school essentials to start the new year THE ULTIMATE EDUCATION TIMELINE Your framework of what to do, and when NAVIGATING NURSERY What to look for when choosing for your child A CLOSED BOOK The importance of reading to your children CREATURES OF HABIT How to establish a successful evening routine HOW TO CHOOSE A PREP SCHOOL Advice on making the right choice for everyone ASK THE EXPERTS Five headteachers answer

your burning questions 40 THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT The importance of education at Prep school age 43 FORCE OF NATURE We explore the benefits of outdoor learning 45 START RIGHT Tackling the first day of school, whichever age 46 ON THE MONEY How and when we should start teaching kids 49 PREPARING TO BOARD How to get your child ready 53 CALLING IT QUITS Is it ever okay to let your child quit a hobby?

57 CHOOSING A SENIOR SCHOOL Preparing for the next step 60 NAVIGATING THE 11 PLUS A few simple steps for exam success 62 MY SCHOOL LIFE Author Anne Fine reminisces about fond school memories

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 5

Dragon School Oxford

The Dragon is a co-educational boarding and day school in Oxford which offers an outstanding educational experience for both boys and girls from 4 to 13 years.

Dragon School, Bardwell Road, Oxford OX2 6SS T: +44 (0) 1865 315405 E: admissions@dragonschool.org www.dragonschool.org

NEWS

school

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST LE AR NING TOOL S AN D U PDATE S

This colourful building set offers children a creative construction challenge

STACK IT UP

Scandinavian lifestyle store Bonordic has recently teamed up with Stores In Structures to offer its fantastic new Kolekto collection, which features a timeless range of beautifully designed original children’s toys. We simply love this handmade wooden building blocks set, which allows little ones to create endless versions of their very own mini city. The set also stores away in a handmade wooden box, so it doubles as a small puzzle challenge, too. £79, bonordic.co.uk

RESEARCH FROM UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO HAS FOUND THAT YOUNGER CHILDREN ARE MORE LIKELY TO MAKE BETTER DECISIONS THAN OLDER CHILDREN. THE STUDY, WHICH ASSESSED FOUR TO SIX YEAR OLDS, REVEALED THAT AS CHILDREN GET OLDER, THEY TAKE IN LESS INFORMATION AT FACE VALUE IN ORDER TO MAKE JUDGEMENTS FASTER, WHILE YOUNGER ONES ARE BETTER AT ABSORBING ALL THE DETAILS IN FRONT OF THEM.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 7

NO WORRIES! Expand your child’s mind with one of St Nicholas Prep School’s inspired after-school clubs

Published as part of the Mindful Kids series, these delightful self-care books are a great support to children who struggle with anxiety and fear. Both Stay Strong! and Be Brave! encourage little ones to colour and doodle their way through emotions connected with bullying and resilience, helping them to combat negative emotions and channel their worries. £8.99, bonnierbooks.com

Ease your little one’s anxieties and fears with these self-care books

AFTER HOURS

St Nicholas Prep School in Kensington will be offering a wealth of thrilling after-school clubs from September, in a drive from headmistress Jill Walker to broaden pupils’ horizons. The new extra-curricular activities will include Mandarin, plus sessions with the Chelsea Young Writers Club and a coding club run by The London School of Mathematics and Programming. stnicholasprep.co.uk

NEARLY 80 PER CENT OF CHILDREN ARE FAILING TO MEET RECOMMENDED FITNESS LEVELS, ACCORDING TO RESEARCH FROM FIT FOR SPORT. THE LEADING CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY PROVIDER ADVISES THAT YOUNG PEOPLE GET AT LEAST 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE EVERY DAY TO ENSURE THEY MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. HEALTHYACTIVESCHOOLS.CO.UK

DEDICATED TO DAHL

Some of the world’s most wonderful authors and illustrators will be broadcasting live to thousands of schools across the UK on Thursday 13 September, as part of The Roald Dahl Day Show webcast. Tune in to see your favourite tales come to life, get tips on creative writing and don’t forget your pencils and paper for the live drawalong. There’s a range of free teaching resources online, too. puffinvirtuallylive.com

8 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2018

NEWS The experience helps kids learn and innovate through fun, play-based activities

FUTURE INVENTORS Budding engineers will love the new Nintendo Labo workshop experience at KidZania London, which inspires children to create and invent in new and exciting ways. Using the Nintendo Switch console, the Labo kits take kids through a series of fun play-based learning activities to stimulate their creativity and enhance core skills, such as maths, art and computing. kidzania.co.uk

A THIRD OF PARENTS WOULD RATHER THEIR CHILD WAS TAUGHT CHINESE RATHER THAN SPANISH, FRENCH OR GERMAN, A STUDY FROM MODULAR CLASSROOMS HAS REVEALED. OVER 60 PER CENT OF THOSE SURVEYED ALSO AGREED THAT CHILDREN NEED TO BE TAUGHT MORE PRACTICAL SKILLS AT SCHOOL TO HELP PREPARE THEM FOR THE MODERN WORLD. MODULARCLASSROOMS.CO.UK

LIGHTEN THE LOAD School bags can put a lot of strain on small backs, particularly when they’re full of textbooks. That’s why we love this new M&S Kids backpack, which has been designed in association with spinal charity BackCare. Thanks to its extra padding, adjustable straps and waterresistant lining, the new Ultimate School Backpack ensures children are completely supported. £28, marksandspencer.com Look after your child’s back with this well-padded school backpack

NEW FACES

Change is in the air for The Portsmouth Grammar School, as it welcomes its first ever female headteacher this September.

Dr Anne Cotton comes from Magdalen College School in Oxford, where she was deputy head and in charge of education development. She replaces James Priory, who will become the new headmaster of Tonbridge School, Kent.

WEIRD SCIENCE A treat for kids who inundate their parents with questions, comedian Dara Ó Briain’s latest book Secret Science: The Amazing World Beyond Your Eyes is packed with fascinating facts. Children will learn why atoms are responsible for bad hair days, why we move so much in our sleep, and much more! Available from 4 October. scholastic.co.uk

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 11

INSPIRING EDUCATION FOR LIFE HMC Independent Day, Weekly and Full Boarding School for boys & girls age 3 to 18 years.

One of the top co-educational schools in England with a unique, award-winning approach to Learning & Teaching, where all pupils can be successful in an environment which is caring, optimistic and encouraging.

Great results, large, leafy grounds, good facilities, polite, charming and well-informed pupils. It’s on the up and pulling ahead of the pack now.

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE

Academically , Caterham is up there with the big guns...all achieved without any undue stress.

Parents praise the committed, passionate teachers as ‘great role models’.

TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2017

Caterham School is easily accessed from Surrey, Kent, Sussex and London and our extensive coach network includes mainline train connections and evening late bus services.

01883 335058 | enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk |

caterhamschool.co.uk

SHOPPING

WE LOVE With removable storage boxes, this desk offers a stress-free surface for homework time

A SLICK STUDY Have your kids hitting the books in no time with this desk from American brand Oeuf NYC Ease your little one back to school in style with this stylish wooden Brooklyn desk available at online concept store Smallable. Combining form and function, the height-adjustable work station comes with removable storage boxes. Made out of birch plywood, this sturdy piece of kit is built to last as it’s crafted to see kids through their school career and beyond.

Oeuf NYC desk, ÂŁ524, smallable.com

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 13

ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL EALING a

m i n i m i s

i n c i p e

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

OPEN MORNINGS Nursery & Junior School - Tuesday 25th September Whole School - Saturday 6th October

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

SHOPPING

HEAD START

Get your little one kitted out for the new school year with our autumn-term edit of the best classroom and playground pieces

Duffle coat £45, monsoon.co.uk

From a selection at scandimini.com

Cashmere cardigan £95, eric-bompard.com

Il Gufo tie £23, childrensalon.com

Lapin House dress £96, childrensalon.com

Pencil set £1, flyingtiger.com

Double-breasted coat £119, rachelriley.co.uk

Petasil T-bar shoes £54, lunaandcurious.com

Goki skipping rope £3, arket.com

Cotton shirt From £22, boden.co.uk

Tann’s bag £68, smallable.com

Linen shorts with braces £95, cashmirino.com

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 15

SHOPPING

Gucci blazer £495, childrensalon.com

Leather shoes £47.99, startriteshoes.com

Tencel dress £35, arket.com

Dolce & Gabbana backpack £360, childrensalon.com

Cotton-mix sweatshirt £28, bobandblossom.co.uk

Herschel lunchbox £30, selfridges.com

Wool shorts with braces £130, cashmirino.com

Barbour jacket £50, alexandalexa.com

Cotton dress £90, marni.com

Parka jacket From £34, next.co.uk

Cotton-mix tights £10, boden.co.uk

Pijama pencil case £18.50, lunaandcurious.com

Junior backpack £28, cathkidston.com

Djeco art set £22.45, crafts4kids.co.uk

Wellington boots £45, hunterboots.com

Balloon Chic hairband £26, childrensalon.com

Gucci sweater £135, childrensalon.com

Moomin apron £12.50, tate.org.uk

Cashmere skirt £110, mariechantal.com

Raincoat From £68, petit-bateau.co.uk

Notebook £2, flyingtiger.com

Cashmere blazer £199, cashmirino.com

Leather boots £62, bobux.co.uk

Banwood balance bike £139, beyondthestork.co.uk

16 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

“The quality of pupils’ academic achievements is excellent” ISI 2018

Est. 1987

Est. 1987

Discover Mornings 22 Sep 19 Oct 21 Nov n

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For more than 30 years Abercorn School has proudly offered children from the age of 2 ½ to 13 the perfect balance of a rigorous academic curriculum, delivered in a warm and nurturing environment in central London.

Visit the website to reserve your place at a Discover Morning, or contact us to arrange a personal tour of our buildings.

28 Abercorn Place, NW8 9XP

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020 7286 4785

More than a school, it’s an education

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admissions@abercornschool.com abercornschool.com

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M O h O PE O R N N c 9. tob I N 30 e am r 2 G

St. Nicholas Preparatory School

4t

an outstanding education for boys and girls up to Year 6

he quality of the

early years’ provision, including its leadership and management, is outstanding.

School Inspection Report 2017

iving your

child the very best start in life.

NURSERY TO YEAR 6

(boys and girls 3–11 years)

Call Admissions now to secure your place: 020 7591 2631

www.stnicholasprep.co.uk 23 Princes Gate I London I SW7 1PT

SHOPPING

Wool-mix coat ¤195.00, littlecreativefactory.com

‘Disco’ tape £10, nationaltheatre.com

Ribbed socks £14, tocotovintage.com

Cashmere dress £185, mariechantal.com

Printed notebook £14, bonton.fr

Merino wool vest £83, caramel-shop.co.uk

From a selection bonton.fr

Rubber boots From £8, marksandspencer.com

Pencil case £14, noe-zoe.com

Faux fur collar coat £135, verymerryberry.co.uk

Personalised lunchbox £15, miffyshop.co.uk

Dolce & Gabbana sweater £355, childrensalon.com

Cotton skirt £46, lacoquetakids.com

Leather shoes £58, step2wo.com

Hackett London blazer £195, childrensalon.com

Banwood helmet £32, beyondthestork.co.uk

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 19

The ultimate ed

IF YOU ’R E U N SU R E WHAT TO DO FOR YOU R CHILD’S S GUIDE TO PL AN NING TH EIR EDUCATION AN D AVO

azing down at your toddler, school can seem a distant concept you need not concern yourself with right now, but awareness of registration dates is essential when it comes to starting their educational journey. Navigating the British education system can feel overwhelming – the independent and state sectors operate on entirely different timetables when it comes to applications and starting age, and even schools within each sector have their own policies. Working out a plan for your child’s education is not something to fester at the bottom of your to-do list. Time is of paramount importance as places for some of London’s best prep schools are first-come, first-served.

Here is a timeline to guide you through the whole process, but it’s worth noting the below framework as a guide: • Pre-preparatory (pre-prep) schools cater for children aged four to seven, although there are fewer standalone pre-preps than there used to be; most are part of a prep school.

• Preparatory (prep) schools admit children at the age of eight, and prepare them for senior school. Many start from age four (see above) and go until 11 or 13.

• Senior schools admit children at age 11 or 13 and generally continue through to age 18.

• 7+, 11+, 13+ are the milestone entrance exams used by schools denoted by the age they will be when they start. 13+ is also called the Common Entrance exam.

• Grammar schools are academically orientated secondary schools within the state system with a selective intake by means of an entrance exam.

Note that every school and borough is different, so check with the institutions you are interested in to avoid disappointment.

At birth/ shortly after

Some pre-prep and prep schools are firstcome, first-served, so they will require you to register your child the day they are born or very shortly after. You will also need to think about registering your child if they are attending a private nursery as London places are extremely competitive.

5+ 5= =?

3 1 6 2x2=? 0 AGE 4½-7 OR 8 If at a private school, your child will attend pre-prep. Should you be considering the 7+ (to start an independent prep school in Year 3) entrance exams usually take place early in the spring term for entry the following September. You will need to have registered at least 12 months before their start date.

AGE 2½

Independent pre-school or kindergarten starts now.

Age 3

Children can usually start in a state-run nursery from the beginning of the school term after their third birthday. State primary school applications need to be submitted in the January of the year your child is due to start school in the September, so those who turn four during the coming academic year (1 September to 31 August). Private schools that assess children will do so when the child is three. Places should be offered one year in advance of entry.

AGE 1-2½

It’s time to think about which catchment area you are in for state schools. If you’re thinking of a private school, most pre-prep and prep school applications will need to be in by now.

ucation timeline

SCHOOLING , AN D WH EN , H ER E’S OU R MY TH-BUSTING OID MISSING THOSE ALL-IM PORTANT DE ADLIN E S

AGE 11-18

State secondary school starts. Apply by 31 October of Year 6 in primary school.

Some independent schools start at 11, too.

Age 4-11

AGE 13-18

State primary education begins once your child is four.

Independent secondary school starts, day or boarding.

Age 11 or 13

Most independent schools have a Year 7 or Year 9 entry. Some have Year 6 entry for which an exam will be taken in Year 5.

The 11+ exam is taken in the January of Year 6. The Common Entrance 13+ exam is taken in June of Year 8 – this is preceded by a pre-test and interview in Year 6 or 7 when a firm offer has been made; the child then sits the exam for that school.

Some grammar school applications need to be in before mid-July of Year 5, with exams taken in the autumn of Year 6.

Many London day schools have their own exams for 13+/Year 9 entry taken in the January of Year 8. These applications must be made at least 12 months beforehand.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

AGE 16-18

AGE 9-10 Register your child for their independent secondary school. Go to open days and meet heads of schools and the admissions team where possible.

When GCSE results are known, that can determine entry into sixth form or a sixth form college. Check with individual colleges for dates. For a 16+ move to a private secondary school, interviews and exams are undertaken in the autumn of Year 11.

EE IN N L NNLI O EEEE O R FFR

DIRECT DIRECT RY RY

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

www.independentschoolparent.com www.independentschoolparent.com

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

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

EARLY YEARS

Navigating nursery Katie Paynter, H E AD OF PR E-PR EP AT ST NICH OL AS PR EPAR ATORY SCHOOL, E XPL AIN S WHAT PAR ENTS SHOU LD BE LOOKING FOR WH EN CHOOSING A N U R SERY FOR TH EIR CHILD

School nurseries can help children prepare for the next academic transition

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 23

EARLY YEARS

electing a nursery for your child is never an easy decision, and as a parent, you want to ensure your little one will receive the best levels of care. There are a huge number of nursery options to choose from, and in most cases your decision will depend upon whether you work and the hours you need your child to be looked after.

Playgroups usually offer shorter hours and most allow parents to sit and chat while their little ones play.

Some nurseries, on the other hand, are attached to a school, which can be hugely beneficial for easing the later transition, while embedding routines.

When you start your search, it’s worth booking appointments to view a wide range of places, so you can meet the staff and see how the nurseries are run.

Many parents choose a nursery that’s been recommended to them by others, but a visit will really confirm whether or not this is the right place for your child – you should be able to sense from both the children and those who work there whether the nursery is happy, settled and well managed.

All nurseries in England must follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which not only introduces children to the academic world (letters and numbers), but also focuses on their personal, social and emotional development. A balance between learning and play is so important at the nursery stage, as it helps children associate learning with fun and fulfilment.

So, during your visit, take a look at the array of toys and activities on offer, and how the nursery approaches teaching.

Opportunities to play with toy ‘food’, for instance, will help little learners develop an early understand of the importance of eating healthily and the process involved in preparing a meal.

There should be enough space and equipment for all children, so as you carry out your tours, consider the age ranges present and the resources offer – younger ones, for instance, generally need more space for daytime sleeps, whereas older children won’t. Similarly, while pens will be of no use to an 18 month old, building blocks aren’t hugely appropriate when preparing a four year old for school.

Dedicated outdoor spaces are

S

24 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

A BALANCE BETWEEN LEARNING AND PLAY IS SO IMPORTANT AT THE NURSERY STAGE also imperative to a nursery, as they enhance physical activity, promote a healthy lifestyle and develop children’s understanding of the world. Spaces should be child-friendly and foster both personal growth and independence, and having resource trays, cupboards, tables and toilets at child-height will mean little ones are encouraged to solve problems without relying on adult support.

Equally as important is the environment, so look for engaging, colourful and interactive displays when you visit different nurseries. Is there clear organisation for things like toys and art materials, and visible reminders to wash hands or hang up coats?

Communication is crucial, too, and each child should really be allocated a dedicated member of staff to monitor

their progress and wellbeing. Most nurseries even keep ‘diaries’ for the children in their care, to track daily activities and development. This is the space in which your child will spend a lot of time, so you want to ensure they’re happy and comfortable. And as a parent, it’s important you are kept in the loop, and nurseries should support this!

Nursery is the step between life at home and life at school, and it’s so important that you make the very most of this time. After visiting a selection, you should have a pretty good idea of which ones are the best fit for you and your little one, but don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. This is your child’s education after all, and feeling confident and assured in your choice should be priority number one. L

Cheam School

Independent Day School for Girls aged 4 -18

Headley, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 8LD T: 01635 268242 E: office@cheamschool.co.uk W: www.cheamschool.com Head Teacher: Mr Martin Harris Admissions: Mrs Amanda Arkwright E: registrar@cheamschool.co.uk Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 400, boys 223, girls 177 Type: Day, Flexi, Weekly, Full Boarding Fees: Nursery – Day from £1,700.

Pre Prep: Day from £3,845, Prep: Day from £6,340, Full Boarding from £8,905 per term.

Entrance procedure: All pupils entering the Prep School need to attend a familiarization day prior to being offered a place.

Main exit schools: The main exit schools for the last academic year include Eton, Harrow, Radley, Winchester, Downe House, St. Mary’s Ascot and Calne, Marlborough, Wellington, St. Edward’s, Sherborne and Sherborne Girls’, Canford and other top schools.

School Philosophy: Cheam strives for all-round excellence in all its activities, something that the HM is particularly proud of. “There is something for everyone here, so every child can succeed in something thus increasing their self-esteem”. Cheam’s extracurricular list is exhaustive and ensures that every child can pursue their particular talents and interests to the full.

A wide variety of sports are taught including football, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, athletics and cross-country running. The school has a strong drama and music tradition having recently performed ‘School of Rock’ with a cast of over 100 pupils.

Academic Record: 171 scholarships in the last ten years Extra-Curricular: Tennis, Fencing, Riding, Golf, Music instrument lessons, judo, outward bound activities, debating and public speaking society.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

and HRH Prince Charles.

WELCOMING VISITORS TO OUR

Junior School Open Mornings 2018 8.45 - 10.00 AM 18 SEPTEMBER 25 SEPTEMBER

Adventures in Learning Please register at

www.channing.co.uk Individual tours and Meeting with the Headmaster for prospective parents

LL JS Open Days Ad-1 CHANNING.indd 1

26/07/2018 17:29

North Bridge House Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior & Sixth Form Schools

e ions lin Admiss 28 1520 020 74

North London’s high-achieving independent schools for 2-18 year olds

Visit us this term northbridgehouse.com/open Knowing the individual, realising their potential.

admissionsenquiries@northbridgehouse.com

Hampstead • Islington • Regent’s Park

Claremont Fan Court School An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School Children join the Pre-Nursery class in the term they turn three.

Please come and visit us.

To arrange an appointment, telephone 01372 463695 or email preprepschool@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

Claremont Fan Court School Claremont Drive Esher Surrey KT10 9LY www.claremontfancourt.co.uk

RUNNING HEAD

A CLOSED BOOK

TH E DIGITAL DEVICE BAT TLE HAS N EVER BEEN SO HIGH , Georgina Fuller DELVE S INTO TH E IM PORTANCE OF R E ADING TO YOU R CHILDR EN hildren are, as the author Emilie Buchwald famously said, made readers on the laps of their parents. But with one in three families now consisting of two parents working full-time, the onset of the digital age and the pressures of homework and afterschool clubs, reading to our children seems to have slipped down our neverending list of priorities.

One in five parents do not spend any time reading with children and a third do not think their children read enough books, according to a recent report. The study of 450 parents, by Book People and YouGov, found that around half of those with children aged between five and 11 spend less than one hour a week reading to their kids.

The study also revealed that almost

C

six in 10 (57 per cent) of us use a tablet, mobile, TV or film to distract our child but only one in 10 of us use a book.

Claudia Winkleman, presenter and ambassador of Book People’s Bedtime StoryCompetition, said she does everything she can to try and encourage her three children to read. “I always try and get my kids off a screen and I love them reading books,” she says. “I said to them quite recently, ‘guys, you know what, even if you’re just pretending, if I could walk into the kitchen and maybe you’re all just lounging around and you’re all just sitting there reading a book, I would give you whatever you wanted.’”

Dr Genevieve Von Lob, clinical psychologist, parenting expert and author of Five Deep Breaths: The Power of Mindful Parenting, says that gadgets

and electronic devices have eclipsed books in many homes. “Electronic devices, smart phones, TV and tablets are now competing for everyone’s attention and are distracting us from sitting down together with our children and reading to them,” she notes.

It also comes down to how much importance the parent places on reading and books. “Many may not value reading as much as other activities and are not convinced of the benefits so it is not a priority,” says Dr Von Lob. “Some parents may have stopped reading aloud to their children because they consider their children old enough to read for themselves, or some simply don’t have the confidence in their own reading skills.”

Carolyn Clarke, head of educational

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 27

DEVELOPMENT Reading before bed will help children relax, thereby encouraging better sleep

BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN development at The Children’s Literacy Charity, says, however, that reading with and to your children can make a huge difference to both the parent and their child. “Sometimes as parents it can feel like you have to work flat out just to fit everything in,” she notes. “But research shows that reading with young children is the single most important thing you can do to help your child’s education.”

Creating a regular ‘special time’ to read with your child can, says Clarke, help introduce them to a magical world, teach them about empathy and help you bond with your child as they know they will have your undivided attention.

Dr Von Lob believes that reading to your children each night can also help foster a good sleep routine as it shows them how to slow down and relax at the end of the day. “The sensations of being held by their parents and hearing their voice helps that child’s brain development and feelings of trust and safety,” she says. “In years to come, your children will tend to remember how

28 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

Where the Wild Things Are

by Maurice Sendak The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll The Cat in the Hat

by Dr. Seuss Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown Charlotte’s Web

by E.B. White The Polar Express

by Chris Van Allsburg The Tale of Peter Rabbit

by Beatrix Potter The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

they felt when they were with you, and not what you gave them materially.”

So how can we, as busy parents, make reading more of a priority, especially if we have more than one child?

Firstly, make sure you switch off the TV and put down your digital devices, says Dr Vob Lob. “Take the opportunity to prioritise reading over your household chores or putting up your feet in front of the TV for just a few minutes and you will not regret it,” she notes.

Try to also keep it light and fun, says Clarke. “Children love it when their parents play with them and praise them. If you have fun and enjoy reading stories, then chances are your child will too. Younger children can have a short attention span so little-but-often might be the best way to keep them motivated and enthusiastic,” she notes.

If books aren’t grabbing their attention, then Clarke suggests going online and reading or printing off a web page that interests them or looking at other ways to engage them. “Every day there are lots of opportunities for you to encourage your child to get reading,” she notes. “You could carry a book or magazine in your bag to share when you’re out and about or encourage them to read traffic signs, adverts, cereal packets, simple news headlines and film reviews.”

Part of the problem, says Julie Fulton, author of a number of children’s books including Tabitha Posy Was Ever So Nosy, is that reading often becomes a chore rather than a pleasure when children start school.

“I know it can be a battle for some parents to get their children to read and that it’s becoming increasingly difficult with all the pressures of homework and longer working hours,” she notes. “But just a few pages a night can make all the difference.”

Dr Von Lob says we should try to see reading as something for both the parent and the child to enjoy. “Children grow up so fast and this time is precious,” she notes. “Reading with your children may bring unexpected benefits as it helps you to slow down, relax and connect with them and your imagination.” L

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hen searching for a school, most parents desire a safe place where people are kind, considerate and capable; where a child can start their school life happily and make friends with confidence. They want a place of fun, purpose and success; somewhere that provides an excellent education and allows children to explore, question and discover for themselves.

These qualities are exactly what they’ll find when they visit Hawkesdown House School. Situated in the heart of Notting Hill, this is a school that succeeds in combining the joy of learning with very individual attention.

In a world where everything has grown bigger, Hawkesdown concentrates on getting to know each pupil and understanding what is important to

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every family. And parents are fiercely loyal to this philosophy; that it works is borne out in excellent results and in the open and happy nature of the children.

The staff also appreciate how many parents have concerns about the amount of pressure put upon children during the prep school exam stage. This is why they strive to offer each child the support they need to prepare for these examinations to London schools, from St Paul’s Boys to Westminster Under.

Hawkesdown House is also delighted to announce that it will now be extending its educational provision through to the age of 11, and in doing so, will welcome girls as well as boys, becoming fully co-educational by 2022.

Those parents who have decided to have their children prepared for the 7+ or 8+ examinations to preparatory schools will also still be fully supported.

The staff at Hawkesdown are so excited to watch the children progress and develop even further, and following the school’s excellent inspection in December, in which the Department for Education approved their application to become co-educational, the school is thrilled that this wonderful new chapter is about to begin. L

OPEN DAY Why not experience for yourself what Hawkesdown House could offer your family at its autumn open day?

THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 9.15am or 10.15am hawkesdown.co.uk admin@hawkesdown.co.uk 020 7727 9090

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 29

Prep School Day & Boarding 8 -13 Years | Pre-Prep & Nursery 3 - 7 Years

The traditional boys’ boarding prep school

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Family run country prep school • Maximum 15 in a form • Outstanding results • Weekly boarding available • Exeat bus to London • 40min from Central London

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PRE-PREP

Creatures of habit Joanna Chapman, H E AD OF PR E PR EP AT SUMM ER FIELDS SCHOOL, R EVE AL S HOW TO E STABLISH A SUCCE SSFU L EVENING ROUTIN E AT TH E START OF A SCH OOL YE AR

G

oing back to school after the long summer break can be a bit of a shock to the system for everyone, especially young children. And while relaxing your usual routine during the holidays doesn’t do any harm, if you want to make the start of the school year smoother, don’t wait until the last minute to re-establish the rules. By following a few simple steps in the run-up to term time, you can make life a lot easier!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

EARLY TO BED Ease yourselves back into the normal bedtime routine about a week before school is due to start. A good bedtime routine is essential for well-rested children, and experts recommend that youngsters get between nine and 12 hours of sleep every night.

So, work out what time your child needs to be ready for school and work backwards to calculate their bedtime, adjusting dinner and bathtimes accordingly. Try to factor in some oneto-one time with each of your children, too. Rest assured – there are no hard and

fast rules when it comes to bedtime, so if your routine is working, stick to it.

Other useful tips include keeping to set timings every night, and limiting (or better yet, avoiding) evening screen time.

Instead, let your child choose a book to read with you, so they have some control of the routine. Make sure bath time isn’t too chaotic, and leave teeth brushing and the last toilet trip until just before bed.

Children love to test parents with ‘one last thing’ requests before lights out, but a soothing ‘transitional’ object, – a teddy or blanket – will usually do the trick.

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED Think about how you normally feel when you’re about to start a new job or go back to work after a break. Chances

are, your child is feeling the same about school, so calm their nerves by making the unknown feel more familiar. Talk about what you know about the school – this might be information about their new teacher or some of the classmates they have already met.

Get your child involved in each day’s preparation, to help them become more independent and responsible. You should also run through the timetable the night before, so they know what to expect and won’t forget reading book or trainers!

With well-established good habits and routines, you can be sure that your child will always attempt whatever’s thrown at them more confidently, whether that be starting school, tackling homework or a new hobby or activity. Good luck! L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 31

Open Morning Saturday 15th September | 9.00am

www.dulwichpreplondon.org admissions@dulwichpreplondon.org

Open Morning dates: Open Morning dates: day (

day

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) )

LYNDHURST HOUSE

Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School

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24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936Pre-Preparatory Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk Preparatory and School www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London NW3 5NW Telephone: 0207 435 4936 Email: office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk www.lyndhursthouse.co.uk

PREP

How to choose a prep school FIN DING TH E RIGHT PR EP SCH OOL IS ON E OF TH E MOST IM PORTANT DECISION S A PAR ENT CAN MAKE, SAYS Tony Lewis, H E ADMASTER OF WHITE H OUSE PR EP SCH OOL f you’re sending your child to school in London, you’ll quickly learn that it’s a very unique micro-climate for education. In most cases, parents have a wealth of options to choose from, and while this has its perks, it can also be daunting for those who are completely new to the system.

Finding somewhere your child will feel confident, academically-fulfilled and happy can initially feel like a big challenge, and there are many factors to consider – from your child’s interests and disposition, to the type of education you want them to experience. So, where exactly should you start?

The best way to tell whether a school is right for your child is to go along to an open day, or if you can, a regular school day on which you can see pupils and teachers ‘in action’. Talking to other parents will give you a good insight, but you should also try to speak with the registrar, headmaster, staff and children.

Pay attention to the ways in which the teachers and pupils interact with each other; does the head know something about each and every child, rather than just their name? Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, too – for instance, what does the school believe it does best, and how does it approach academics, sport and pastoral care?

Try to avoid going in with the mindset of ‘which is the best?’, but rather ‘which is the best for my child?’ This will help you decipher whether or not the school will fulfil your child’s needs, both academically and pastorally. And remember, it’s okay to change your mind: just because you’ve fallen in love with

I

When you consider schools, think about what it is that your child needs, and where you think the i flo rish

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 33

PREP

Both academic records and the scope for personal development should be important factors in your decision making

QUESTIONS TIME • Is the school co-educational?

• What extra-curricular activities does it offer?

• What sports facilities are made available to the pupils?

• What range of subjects are available?

• Is technology integrated into teaching?

• Is there a senior school?

• How are pupils prepared for exams?

• How are pupils assessed for entrance?

• What are the plans and challenges for the school over the next five years? the first school you visit, don’t close yourself off to or discount the ones you go to afterwards.

Academics are of course very important, but so is personal development, and a good prep school must achieve both. Teachers should also invest in pupils as individuals, and see children as pots ‘half full’, rather than empty vessels in which to mindlessly pour education and knowledge. They should be prepared to coach, mentor and stimulate, and to excite and challenge. And they should also be able to empower pupils, and help them to become confident, capable people who embrace and overcome every obstacle before them.

Another thing to consider is how your child reacts to and bonds with the staff.

Most people will be able to remember a teacher who made a difference to their

34 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

ANOTHER THING TO CONSIDER IS HOW YOUR CHILD REACTS TO AND BONDS WITH THE STAFF school experience; the person who just understood what made them tick.

After visiting a school, talk to your child about the people they met while they were there – would they feel safe, secure and happy learning from the teachers they spoke to?

Consider your existing circumstances, responsibilities and arrangements, too.

Is the location of the school suitable, and how will the commute to and from school impact your current routine?

Some of these elements will inform your initial search, and some may even become deciding factors in the final

decision-making analysis.

Your gut reaction towards a school is something you shouldn’t downplay either. For all the spreadsheets in the world and scoring patterns you apply, first impressions are everything. It’s always worth speaking to the school’s staff about any concerns you might have and listening to their opinions. You should ask parents for their views, too.

In most cases, there’s a good chance that when you walked into one school, something just felt right – and this could well be the one you’ve been searching for all along. L

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Inspiring Modern Minds Open Morning for the Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School Friday 28 and Saturday 29 September 2018 9.30am to noon To book: 01323 733203 email admissions@standrewsprep.co.uk

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ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS Educating our children poses all sorts of questions.

Here, we put some of yours to the professionals

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM THE DANGERS OF SOCIAL MEDIA? Move over, Millennials and Generation Z; make way for the Alpha children, born after 2010, who will grow up with iPads in hand and never live without a smartphone. Alphas have the power to control their individual lives in a way that no generation has before. And yet, why is it that young people use social media as their main form of communication rather than face-to-face dialogue, in the belief that group chat is more profitable?

On the contrary, it’s more superficial and there’s more potential for realities to be distorted and. So how can we educate our children and keep them safe online?

Firstly, we need to educate ourselves.

Finding out about new social media platforms, privacy settings, parental controls and the latest online scams will help us help them – there are plenty of tips online, and parentzone.org.uk is a good starting point. Understand the legal age limits for different social media sites. Popular sites are 13+ while some (eg: WhatsApp) are 16+. These restrictions are there for a reason. Once your child has an account, keep an open line of communication as this keeps things honest and make it easier to establish ground rules, such as no phones at the table or in the bedroom at night. The important thing is to model the same behaviour as adults. Ultimately, ensure your child knows you care but aren’t spying on them. As with most good parenting skills, talking and keeping an open line of communication is the best way to help our children stay safe online.

Gareth Jones, headmaster at St Andrew’s Prep

Alpha children will grow up using iPads and smartphones

HOW DO CENTRAL LONDON SCHOOLS MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR LOCATION? A central London location brings with it a world of possibilities. At The Hampshire School, in South Kensington, capitalising on these is a priority. As we’re at the heart of a global city, we attract a diverse student body, with families hailing from everywhere from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia. This encourages children to develop a global outlook. We host a UN Day, whereby families were invited into the school to host a stall representing their country of origin. We had over

20 different nationalities, and children were able to learn more about countries from those who’d actually lived there, as well as tasting a variety of national dishes. Classes regularly visit both the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum which are less than a mile from our school. Additionally, we exploit the opportunities offered by London’s unique world standing – pupils recently opened the London Stock Exchange.

Finally, the city is home to some of the the UK’s best senior schools, so children can continue in first-class education.

Donal Brennan, headmaster at The Hampshire School

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 37

ADVICE

It’s important that pupils learn good eco habits, says Walhampton School

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CO-ED LEARNING AT PRE-PREP LEVEL?

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO MAKE PUPILS ECO-AWARE? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SCHOOLS CREATING THEIR OWN CURRICULUM? Having our own curriculum means we can respond to what’s going on around us and provide a rich and exciting education that extends far beyond the classroom. This term, for instance, our older pupils have been on a residential trip to Swanage, where they studied lichen with scientists from the Natural History Museum. On their return, they went behind the scenes at the museum with the same scientists to find out more about their work. I believe passionately that pupils need more than just classroom-based learning and that when they look back on their education, it’ll be the extraordinary experiences that they’ll remember. The skills that they learn and the inspiration they get from working with specialists in their field will equip them well for an ever-changing world.

Hilary Wyatt, headmistress at Hyde Park School

As teachers, we’re in the privileged position of educating future generations – and with privilege comes obligation. At Walhampton School, we’re passionate about developing our pupils’ awareness of climate change. We’re working to educate them about the environment and to encourage them to make responsible consumer choices. While it’s important not to scare them regarding the state of our planet, we do need to encourage good habits. Our pupils enjoy spending their days growing up in an enviable environment. We all need to appreciate its value all day, every day, so the children instinctively want to make responsible choices – rather than asking, “Why should I?” or “What’s in it for me?”

How we share this message is to work our way through the Eco Schools criteria and explain to them at every step the importance of our actions. Another is to lead with our own actions and praise good behaviour – as we do in all other areas of school life.

Titus Mills, headmaster of Walhampton School

Plato, the Greek philosopher, was an advocate of co-education. He believed it helped in the development of the personality of men and women and created a feeling of comradeship between them. In our increasingly interconnected world, it’s important that we properly equip our children with the appropriate life skills to take beyond the classroom, into happy, fulfilled lives.

Confident interaction between boys and girls is an essential part of this. Coeducation reflects reality and ensures children feel confident to express their views to someone of the opposite sex.

Educating boys and girls together from an early age ensures children grow up with the right attitude towards one other and friendships develop in a very natural way.

A common misconception is that girls and boys have opposing learning styles.

From the beginning at Chinthurst, we treat every child as an individual. There’s no place for gender stereotypes within a modern school setting, and we provide an environment in our Early Years which is full of diverse beliefs, pursuits and backgrounds. Our teachers are prepared to develop and support all learning styles, whatever the gender. Our families are the cornerstone of a community that benefits all our children.

Cathy Trundle, headteacher at Chinthurst School

MEET THE EXPERTS

Gareth Jones, Headmaster at St Andrew’s Prep

38 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

Hilary Wyatt, Headmistress at Hyde Park School

Cathy Trundle, Headteacher at Chinthurst School

Donal Brennan, Headmaster at The Hampshire School

Titus Mills, Headmaster of Walhampton School

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

WITH

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Open Mornings September 29th November 24th 10am - 12pm

The academic prep school for boys and girls aged 4-13

01293 520648 www.cottesmoreschool.com

Established in 1894, a high achieving academic prep school providing unrivalled opportunities for girls and boys aged 4-13 on the Surrey and Sussex border.

Buchan Hill, Pease Pottage, West Sussex, RH11 9AU

PREP

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT Caroline Hulme-McKibbin, H E AD OF KEN SINGTON PR EP SCHOOL, E XPL AIN S H OW A PR EP SCHOOL EDUCATION SHAPE S A CHILD’S SUCCE SS

ducation goes far beyond what’s taught in the classroom.

Yes, prep schools play a vital role in shaping children’s future success, but we must also nurture pupils’ aspirations and equip them with the attributes, skills and character traits they need to lead fulfilled, happy lives – traits such as curiosity, perseverance, compassion and respect for others.

So how do we achieve this? In my view, a prep school education should nurture the mind, foster individuality and develop personality. And equally, it should also offer young people learning experiences that promote their confidence, self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and a sound understanding of morals, ethics and manners.

Children have a natural curiosity, and at Kensington Prep School we have a rich curriculum that sparks our pupils’ interests and makes learning fun as well as meaningful. The curriculum is enriched by cultural, sporting and outdoor activities, so the children acquire a love of learning. And at the same time, they enjoy being part of a community that highlights the importance of compassion and respect, encouraging them to work together and helping them to develop effective communication skills.

Kensington Prep’s atmosphere and environment is stimulating, positive and fun – and very conducive to learning. The onus is putting the children at the centre of everything it does, and as a result our pupils are articulate, confident without being arrogant, emotionally intelligent, curious and optimistic.

When I first arrived at the school I was struck by its forward-thinking approach and its vision to equip pupils for the future. Take the Explore Floor, a new high-tech learning space on the top floor of the school. It has large screens, movable furniture, a multimedia recording studio and space for the girls to collaborate, problem solve and

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40 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

Prep school should nurture the mind and help each child develop their individuality

THE CURRICULUM IS ENRICHED

BY CULTURAL, SPORTING AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES immerse themselves in exciting projects, such as the Year 6 entrepreneurial initiative. This year, pupils have been given the challenge to invent, plan and deliver a unique event or experience with the aim of raising funds for charity.

The new breakout spaces and flexible furniture in many of the classrooms are fairly cutting edge, too, allowing pupils to be much more independent in their learning and able to research and brainstorm collaboratively in both small and bigger groups.

None of us really know which kind of jobs the four year olds starting school today will be doing in the future – all we can prepare them for is a world that requires courage, resilience and flexibility.

It’s our job to help children grow up into creative, critical thinkers, confident in taking calculated risks and unafraid of making mistakes. After all, a prep school education is about teaching children not just for the purposes of excellent subject knowledge and preparing for exams – but for lifelong learning, too. L

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Newton Prep School

The Little London Music School Introducing your child to the joy of music Classically based music classes for babies, toddlers and children under 5, tailored to each stage of your child’s development, designed to prepare them for learning an instrument. Taught by professional singers, accompanied by live orchestral instruments.

149 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4BX T: 020 7720 4091 E: enquiries@newtonprep.co.uk W: www.newtonprepschool.co.uk Head Teacher: Mrs Alison Fleming Admissions: Mrs Susan Symes, Registrar Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 654, boys 357, girls 297 Type: Day Fees: Nursery – Day from £3,100. Pre Prep: Day from £5,730, Prep: Day from £6,565 per term Entrance procedure: Please see our website for details

School Philosophy: The School is unashamedly ambitious for its pupils, using outstanding facilities, after-school clubs/activities and a wide range of trips. We celebrate the diversity of our pupils and promote a strong sense of community, based on mutual respect and kindness shown to others. Fundamentally, we want Newton Prep children to enjoy their precious childhood years.

Open Days: Saturday 13th October, 9.30am-12.30pm

www.thelittlelondonmusicschool.com KNIGHTSBRIDGE

FULHAM

Co-educational independent day and boarding Prep school for children aged 2½-13 set in the South Downs National Park Dark Skies Reserve

October Open Days Saturday 6th October 10am-12pm Tuesday 16th October Pre-Prep AM - Prep PM

Space To...

Register your interest: office@greatballard.co.uk - 01243 814236

NOTTING HILL

RUNNING HEAD

FORCE OF NATURE Sarah Dodds OF MAR LBOROUGH HOUSE SCH OOL, KENT, WA XE S LYRICAL ABOUT TH E BEN EFITS OF OUTDOOR LE AR NING , WHATEVER TH E SE ASON

ith the autumn term now upon us, those seaside picnics and afternoons spent paddling in the shallows of cool streams can seem like distant memories. Bottling that feeling of carefree days spent outdoors in a Blyton-like idyll should sustain us through the colder months ahead, but I believe the outdoors has a crucial part to play, no matter what time of year it is.

Outdoor learning isn’t just about children getting fresh air and exercise in between lessons. Nature ignites passion, inspiration, curiosity and purpose, and it plays a crucial role in the cognitive, emotional and physical development of children. Dr Amanda Lloyd, a leading researcher and advocate of outdoor learning says of children who have taken their curriculum into the outdoors: “Their oral skills and vocabulary improved because they weren’t scared to practise them in an informal environment. They were more focused, more engaged and on task because it had real-world meaning.” Incorporating mindfulness into the school day and even teaching meditation can also improve children’s

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attention spans, help them to control their emotions and make more balanced decisions, in class and on a sports field.

Working together outdoors, children are able to put their own ideas into practise. It takes them from the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ of more directed, classroom learning to the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of independent, child-led learning – the best kind! Critical life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, good judgement and persistence can all be developed outdoors, with much evidence to show that they enhance performance back in the classroom.

Geographers can experiment with half drainpipes, pebbles and water to understand riverbed formations, and collaborative boat-building projects can help young scientists understand Archimedes’s principles of displacement.

Den builders in Forest School learn the hard way, that nature and gravity can ruin a seemingly brilliant design for an outdoor shelter. However, through trial and error, the solution is out there – and children are motivated to find it.

In 2012, a group of London schools

banded together to launch the Empty Classroom Day initiative, and by 2015, there were 15 countries and more than 600 schools involved. In 2016 they joined forces with Project Dirt in what is now a global bi-annual event, with more than 2.3million children taking part in a day to celebrate outdoor learning and play.

This inspired us at Marlborough House.

A colourful array of wigwams and bell tents gave our grounds a somewhat festival feel, and proved irresistible locations for storytelling and group discussions. Forest Art Club painted and hid rocks for a treasure hunt and in doing so, inspired a novel Year Eight revision game! A long way from textbooks and the silent reflection on a year of study.

From creating the life cycle of a plant using natural materials, to using a handmade Groma to mark out a Roman road; learning opportunities are all around us and shouldn’t be confined to the classroom after summer. In the words of much-loved children’s author, Michael Morpurgo, “It’s the teacher that makes the difference, not the classroom.” Come on kids, let’s go outside! L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 43

Forest School

Parkside School

The Manor, Stoke D’Abernon, Surrey KT11 3PX T: 01932 862 749 E: office@parkside-school.co.uk W: www.parkside-school.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr M Beach Admissions: Louise Andrews Key facts

Near Snaresbrook, London E17 3PY T: 020 8520 1744 E: admissions@forest.org.uk W: www.forest.org.uk Head Teacher: Mr Marcus Cliff Hodges Admissions: Mrs Deborah Carbonaro/

Mrs Vanita Rooprai

Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 4-18 years Total pupils: 1360, boys 680, girls 680 Type: Day Fees: Pre-Prep – Years 0-2, £4,365. Prep – Year 3, £4,656.

Years 4-6 £5,009. Senior – Years 7-13, £6,227 Entrance procedure: Assessments at 4+ and 7+ Entrance examination, interview and reference at 11+ and 13+ Entrance examination, interview, reference and GCSE minimum qualification at 16+ (at least 3 grade 7s and 3 grade 6s and the required grade in the qualifying subject for the chosen A level course)

School Philosophy: Forest is a humane, open-minded school for children aged 4-18, where the pupils’ all-round personal development is outstanding and academic attainment is high. It is London’s only diamond structure school and is, above all, a happy school which understands the rich inter-relationship between the curricular, the co-curricular and the pastoral.

We benefit from a tremendous location: on the very edge of northeast London, a city school surrounded by ancient forest, safe but not secluded, and within a diverse, dynamic community. There is boldness in the School’s character, a readiness to be forwardthinking and adaptable, with pride in what we are and excitement for what lies ahead. Most pupils transfer from Forest Prep School to the Senior School at 11+ and many are awarded top academic, music or sport scholarships.

Academic Record: 2017 at GCSE 77% of pupils achieved at least 5

A* or A grades. At A Level, 70% of students were awarded A*, A or B grades.

Gender / Ages: Co-ed Nursery 2-4 years, Boys 4-13 years Total pupils: 307, boys 284, girls 23. Type: Day. Fees: Nursery – Daily from 1 morning £455 – 5 full days £3,614.

Pre Prep: Termly: £4,055. Prep: Termly Year 3 - Year 8 £5,428.

Entrance procedure: The first point of contact for prospective parents is our School Registrar, Louise Andrews, who can be contacted on telephone number 01932 862749. The Registrar can advise you of our forthcoming Open Mornings, arrange a personal tour of the school if you would like, and discuss the needs of your child or children. In line with other schools, and as part of a new initiative at Parkside, we are introducing an assessment day for all boys entering the school into Year 3. Once your child is registered with Parkside, your son will receive an invitation to this event. Your son will be informally assessed in Maths and English and take part in small group activities.

School Philosophy: Parkside aims to develop the whole child through

the care, guidance and support of all staff members and the building of close links in a three way partnership between school, pupil and the home. Parkside encourages pupils to explore, discover and develop their particular skills and talents to the full whether in the academic field, sport, art or music and to find the fulfilment and selfesteem necessary to enhance their lives. The school aims to develop the values of respect, tolerance and compassion whilst encouraging self-reliance and independence. Parkside prepares pupils for their future schools and life in the wider world by developing them as well-rounded individuals, comfortable with their peers, elders and themselves, able to appreciate their talents, eager to realise their potential and confident in meeting new challenges.

Academic Record: The Common Entrance results in 2018 were excellent with all boys passing to their first choice school, and an abundance of A and B grades. Boys at Parkside go on to a variety of destination schools such as St John’s Leatherhead, Worth, Wellington College, Reed’s School, Cranleigh and Charterhouse just to name a few.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Parkside School was judged ‘Excellent’ in all ISI inspection categories in March 2016. Parkside’s whole ethos is based around valuing and developing the individual child to be the best they can be academically, socially and emotionally. As our inspection report shows we are true to our ethos and our pupils are gaining the attributes that will put them in a strong position, in the future, to take their place in a rapidly evolving society and a challenging global job market.

Extra-Curricular: Forest offers extra-curricular opportunities in sport, music and drama and has an enormous selection of clubs and activities for pupils from Reception to Year 13. These take place before School, at lunchtimes and at the end of the School day.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: WW2 Spitfire pilot and author, Geoffrey Wellum DFC. The Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis MP, Minister of State for Immigration. Former England Cricket Captain, Nasser Hussain. Essex CCC wicket-keeper James Foster is Forest’s current cricket professional. Actors, Paapa Essiedu, Ella Purnell, Nicola Walker, Adam Woodyatt Open Day, Saturday 22 September 2018. 11+ Information Mornings, Saturday 6 October and Saturday 24 November 2018.

Open Days: Fri 28 Sept 2018, 1 Feb 2019, Sat 22 June 2019

ADVICE

START RIGHT

Naomi Bar tholomew OF ST CATH ERIN E’S PR EP, BR AM LEY, ADVISE S ON HOW TO TACKLE TH E FIR ST DAY OF SCH OOL s we look forward to the new academic year, many parents will be keen to know how best to prepare their child for starting school – whether this be for the very first time, moving up a phase, or moving to a different school altogether.

For parents, the significant thing to remember is the calmer and more prepared you feel, the happier your child will be on the first day of term. There are a number of ways that you can do this.

Firstly, by trusting the school and talking positively about it. Helping your child get into the routine of managing their own clothing, and developing good habits, such as arriving on time will also ease the transition. You should also make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep in the lead-up to their first day.

Once they’ve started school, let your child tell you about their day, but avoid asking too many questions. Encourage your child to be proud of their hobbies, and find others who enjoy them too.

If you feel uncertain or unsure, talk to your child’s teacher – good communication and relationships with the school and its staff are vital.

For those who were unhappy at an existing school and are hoping for a better experience second time round, additional time and care is necessary to smooth that transition. It can be very helpful if the school is able to appoint a buddy within the class – at St Catherine’s, new pupils are appointed ‘shadows’ and we encourage a playdate in the preceding holiday, which also offers parents a familiar face at drop-off and pick-up during the first few days. It helps if the school is able to welcome your child ahead of the first day of term, too, when they can have the chance to locate their peg, locker and classroom, so they feel familiar with the environment.

If your child has been upset about leaving their previous school or is moving from Pre-Prep up to Prep, fear not. Every

A

Encourage your child to find friends through shared hobbies

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD GETS A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IN THE LEAD-UP TO THEIR FIRST DAY summer we see pupils in floods of tears, sad to say farewell to their teacher and classmates. However, those who have had positive experiences are likely to settle easily into new routines. They’ll know deep down that school is a happy place to be, albeit not quite the same as before, and should adapt quickly.

On the morning of their first day, try to stay calm, allow additional time for the school run, and don’t forget to photograph them in their new uniform!

When you get there, avoid lingering too long over the goodbyes – there’s only a small window in which you’ll get to see your child settle into their new surroundings. If you hover, your child may pick up on this and have a wobble.

Many children will already be used to nursery school and playgroup, so try to remember that you’ve had to leave them before and all was well. You will have chosen a school in which you have confidence, and the staff will be able to reassure your child and make sure that the first day is a positive one.

If you’re the one whose child clings or cries, don’t be embarrassed. They’ll settle once you’ve gone and the school should contact you to let you know that’s the case. Have a plan for what you’re going to do next – whether it be return to work or head for a coffee with a friend. It may be an emotional day for both of you, but it should also be one full of excitement, so try to enjoy every moment! L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 45

On the money…

owever much pocket money you give your children, handing over cash is always a risk. Somehow those coins seem to disappear into toys boxes, school bags and, of course, down the back of the sofa, never to be seen again. But there are some effective ways of getting to grips with your children’s finances, imparting important lessons along the way.

“Teaching your children how to budget doesn’t need to be difficult,” explains Sally Francis of Money Saving Expert.

“Of course, there will always be a place for piggy banks, and it’s important for them to count out coins in their hands sometimes, but as kids become more tech-savvy they also respond well to using online tools.”

Rooster Money is one such app that allows parents to keep a record of their child’s finances by setting up an online account and awarding a weekly allowance.

Children can view their balance from their own computer and watch their savings grow.

Not only does this keep track of how much pocket money has been accumulated, it also helps kids to consider how they are going to spend and save it to reach a target purchase.

But Rooster does not provide any actual payment; no real money is ever deposited.

It stores a record of what is owed and ‘the bank of mum and dad’ hand it over when their child is ready to use it, deducting the amount from the account.

If you feel your child is ready for more responsibility and would rather make

H

46 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

MANAGING THEIR CASH Talk about money and why it’s an essential part of life.

Children need to understand that the coins in their piggy bank have a value.

Teach them that pocket money must be earned – it’s not a right. Decide what is expected of them – setting the table at dinner, for example – and decide how much they will receive if they stick to this.

Create a pocket money agreement. This could be a hand-drawn chart on the fridge or online via an app, but a clear agreement makes it easy for children to know what is expected and work towards saving goals.

Allow kids to make the odd mistake with their money.

If they want to spend it all on one toy then let them.

The regret they feel once they have run out of cash will teach a valuable lesson about budgeting.

transfers to an account, the Go Henry app is great as it offers a prepaid debit card.

Parents create an account and card for each child. Pocket money can be deposited regularly along with one-off top-ups. Relatives can link in to pay birthday money, for example, and funds can also be transferred back to the parent account. The card is used like a normal debit card – cash withdrawals can be made at ATMs, and the card can be used for online purchases, but mum and dad retain complete control.

Most banks start giving children this type of facility once they are 11, but, like Rooster, Go Henry enables children as young as eight to manage their money.

“The habits formed as kids can be the foundation for how your children relate to money when they’re older,” says Robin Taub, author of A Parent’s Guide to Raising Money-Smart Kids. “The opportunities to have conversations with your kids about money will present themselves in your everyday life. The trick is to recognise those moments and take advantage of them.”

Sally Francis agrees. “When you’re at a till paying for shopping, explain what you are doing and how much things cost,” she suggests. “And once your child can understand the concept, start giving them pocket money. Children as young as four can grasp the basics of counting money and saving it in a piggy bank.” And hopefully start building a sensible relationship with money that will last a lifetime. L

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BOARDING

Preparing to board Amy Dawson, H E AD OF BOAR DING AT SU N NINGDALE SCHOOL, GIVE S TIPS ON H OW TO GE T YOU R CHILD R E ADY

he first thing to remember when sending your child to boarding school is that this is a hugely exciting time for them. You’ll no doubt be feeling nervous, but they’ll have none of the preconceived ideas you might be harbouring. This is an amazing adventure for your children and one to be fully embraced.

Start by making the packing process enjoyable, and get your children to help by ordering some posters, choosing photos for their pinboards and selecting the teddies that will be coming with them. A trip to buy stationery is always quite fun, too. Check with the school before packing electronics, as the joy

T

of boarding is they’ll probably not need them – they’ll be replaced by camp building, sports and all sorts of other fun, wholesome activities instead.

If you can, try to get in touch with parents whose children already board at the school and ask for advice. What’s the current craze at the school? Is the second-hand uniform shop worth a visit?

What duvet covers does everyone have?

Knowing and acting on these tidbits will help your child feel more confident, and they should fit in more quickly.

A couple of visits to the school in advance is always a good idea. This will mean your child will feel more familiar with the surroundings and will have already met some of the pupils who already board there.

Email godparents, grandparents and let them know the school address; there’s nothing nicer than receiving post in the first few weeks. Getting a subscription to a magazine, like Match magazine or The Week Junior, is a pleasant thing to look forward to each week, too.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 49

BOARDING

Don’t call your child during the rst e da s o oarding as it a o them time to sett e in

SAYING GOODBYE WILL BE TRICKY, BUT THE QUICKER YOU CAN MAKE THIS, THE BETTER Be open with your child about the fact that they may miss home from time to time, and agree on an approach that will help you deal with this together. Reassure them that the staff at the school are there to talk to should they have any worries or problems.

As for phone calls, your children will be able to ring you as often as they like, but I’d suggest giving them a few days to settle in before speaking to them. The Head or Head of Boarding will keep you updated on how it’s all going, so don’t ever get worried that they are not calling enough. They’re probably just having too much fun with their new friends!

In the lead-up to them leaving for school, have a look at the school’s website and find out everything that’s

50 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

on offer. Most schools have a handbook full of useful information, as well as definitions for all the jargon they use.

You should have also been sent a list of the extra-curricular activities on offer, which is always quite exciting to go through with your child – they may want to learn a musical instrument, take up judo, or even learn to sail. It’s best not to sign up for everything during the first term though, as they’ll still be finding their feet initially.

By the time it comes to drop-off, you’ll probably be more nervous than your child! However, when you arrive you’ll undoubtedly have a sea of new faces (and hopefully a couple you recognise) looking forward to meeting you, with staff on hand to guide you and your child

in the right direction.

Saying goodbye will be tricky, but the quicker you can make this, the better.

Your child will then be whisked off to begin their new adventure, and much to your horror they may barely look back.

When they first come home, they will be exhausted from all the fun they’ve been having, so don’t be tempted to organise too much. The first return back to school after being at home for weekend is often the most difficult, obviously not for everyone, but it’s worth being prepared for a little wobble. So, try sending them back with something exciting to show their friends – a new Lego kit or something similar is usually a good idea.

Most of all, try to enjoy the initial process. This should be an adventure for you as well as your children. At Sunningdale, the parents meet each other at matches, concerts, and plays, and they not only become friends, but part of our school family. And what could be better than that? L

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RUNNING HEAD

CALLING IT QUITS WH EN YOU R CHILD WANTS TO ABAN DON TH EIR H OBBY, SHOU LD YOU LE T TH EM , OR IN SIST TH EY STICK IT OUT ? Georgina Blaskey ASKS Ever heard the phrase, winners never quit and quitters never win? For many adults, the word ‘quit’ is so loaded with failure, that as parents we can find the concept hard to stomach. Why? Our view of quitting is intrinsically linked to our own upbringing. Were we allowed to quit activities we didn’t enjoy? Were you one of those kids forced to perform in violin recitals, only to deliver an at-best stilted version of Three Blind Mice while your parents smiled, so happy they’d given you an opportunity they never had?

There are scenarios where quitting

is the right thing to do but there are also times when perseverance must be encouraged. If your child, who has until now been an enthusiastic and successful member of her swim squad, one day says she’s quitting, it might be a shock. Until then she has enjoyed it, as a family you’ve designed your lives around her schedule, and she has real talent. What do you do?

Clinical psychologist Dr Nihara Krause suggests going through a process to ascertain the situation: “Consider their age,” she explains. “Children will expect different things at different stages.

A younger child will expect instant gratification so it may be difficult for them to wait and learn. It’s better to try the activity a few times at taster sessions to work out if it’s suiting them.” You should also be honest about your goals.

“Parents may want to give their children opportunities they missed out on, they may have had to stick at something themselves or have time and money invested, but it’s important to be honest about why you are being so insistent.”

Getting the balance between quit and grit starts with asking the right

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 53

RUNNING HEAD

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU LET YOUR CHILD QUIT Listen to your child Ask your child to explain why they want to quit. Listen to what they’re saying, gently ask questions, and try to empathise.

Understand the whole story

54 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

they don’t feel like. Often they’ll go lukewarm on choir practice or football, only to come back round a week later.

Persevering is part of the journey.

But when a dip turns into a desire to stop, how do we teach children to quit healthily? The language we use can have an impact. We can talk about giving something ‘a go’, about choosing something else. If we despair or get angry, we’re reflecting our feelings on to our child. We may also put them off trying new things. Children generally don’t want to disappoint their parents so it’s important to give them a clear understanding of what’s involved. For example, if you’re going skiing for the first time, explain to your child that it’s something ‘we have to try three or four times before we feel confident.’

Be aware that different children respond to different activities. Some like discipline and rigour, others won’t.

“The motivation they need to produce a result must come from them, and they need to feel they can build on the result,” says Dr Krause. “If you have a child who is regularly quitting, look for a pattern. It could be related to confidence, anxiety or social skills. Do they need help?”

Being clear about why they want to quit, understanding the reason and accepting the decision is a learning curve for you all. Sometimes, quitting can be the bravest decision we make. L

The importance of commitment We want to teach our children to keep their commitments in life, so we must teach them to understand the importance of following through with what they say they’ll do.

Persistence is the key Thomas Edison famously ‘failed’ 10,000 times on his way to inventing the light bulb. What if he had simply quit along the way?

Quitting on impulse is misguided Encourage your child to spend time reflecting on things in order to make a decision they won’t regret.

Children often quit for the wrong reason Try to get to the bottom of why your child wants to quit. This may take some decoding on your part. “It’s not fun anymore” could mean “Kids make fun of me.”

Challenging experiences can build strength Patience and perseverance are two virtues that your child can use throughout their life.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

questions. Does your child want to quit because they feel like a failure? Do they feel awkward when they are there? Do they have friends there? If they’re finding it hard to integrate, you may need to help them boost their social skills. If they feel anxious, you may need to offer support.

“Many children are tired,” reminds Dr Krause. “They have school, homework, and then a club. What’s meant to be fun may end up feeling like more hard work.”

We’re all guilty of overscheduling our children with extra-curricular activities, but why? To make them more appealing to secondary schools? To compete with other mums?

Personally, I expose my children to a variety of activities in the hope they’ll find something they enjoy. While my daughter most likely won’t perform with the Royal Ballet, she may develop a life-long love of dance. My son may not play rugby for England, but he’ll cheer them on from the stand with a good understanding of teamwork and the complexities of the game. In my view, there are some things children should never quit – academic effort is a non-negotiable in our house (please note, effort, rather than attainment).

They will learn their times tables and cursive handwriting, they will do their homework. With that in mind, I feel the other things they do must be enriching.

At times, this means doing things

There are often two sides to a story.

Listen to your child and then listen to their teacher or coach in order to make sure you have all the facts.

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SENIOR

Make a list of non-negotiables that you and your child will need from the right senior school

Choosing a

SENIOR SCHOOL Fiona McKenzie, SENIOR EDUCATION CON SU LTANT AT GABBITAS EDUCATION , ON MAKING TH E RIGHT CH OICE s your child heads in to Year 5, your attention will no doubt turn to exploring their options for senior school.

You may well find yourself trawling through brochures and websites that will be keen to emphasise the attributes of the school, but often barely going beyond the surface of the institute’s rankings and grounds. On top of this, you’ll probably be receiving input from relatives and friends, all of whom will have strong opinions on which school they would recommend. But the most important aspect to remember is that you’re trying to choose the school that’s right for your child. So where on earth do you begin?

A

THE STARTING POINT We would recommend your first stop should be talking to your child’s current teachers. They’ll know your child’s strengths and will be able to share their professional opinions to recommend schools that might be well suited.

Consider as a family which aspects of a school are most important to you and draw up a list of non-negotiables. These are anything you deem important for your child and may include academic standards, a particular extra-curricular activity or pastoral support. In addition, it’s important to consider at this stage your preference of curriculum all the way up to post-16. You don’t want to be caught out later on if your child is

actually more suited to IB over A-levels, for example. Decide your priorities for your child and then start to draw up a list of schools that fit the bill.

Open days are a great opportunity to visit the school. Although they are showcase events, they should give you a flavour of the school, a sense of its ethos and culture, and whether it feels like a good fit. It’s also a chance to see other families looking around, as you may well end up on the touch line with them in future years!

Following on from your open-day visits, draw up a shortlist of four or five of your favourite schools and arrange to visit them on a normal working day during term-time.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018 | 57

SENIOR When visiting one of your prospective schools, take time to talk to the students about it

OVERALL, TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THE SCHOOL SPECIAL This is a chance to really discover what the school is all about. What type of school is it and does it fit your priorities?

What are its core values? What is the learning environment like? Does it encourage the development of softer skills, such as emotional intelligence and resilience? What does pastoral support and discipline look like? What are the facilities like and what’s included in the extra-curricular programme?

This is your opportunity to have all your questions answered. Make sure you have a list prepared in advance and remember; you’re the customer and this is your opportunity to ensure you make the right investment.

SPEAK TO STUDENTS AND STAFF A visit is your opportunity to observe and chat to staff and students. Do the children look happy and engaged? Expect to meet students and ask them what their favourite thing about the school

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is or even better, what hasn’t impressed them! Do the same with the staff, challenge them on staff turnover rates or their thoughts on leadership in the school. Overall, take this opportunity to find out what makes the school special.

This is your chance to hear first-hand what the culture looks and feels like.

THINK LONG TERM It’s particularly important to consider how the school will prepare your child for higher education and the workplace.

In a time where it’s hard to predict which jobs will even exist, what is the school doing to prepare students for these unknown professions and develop individuals who are adaptable, enquiring and resilient? How is it ensuring that its students are adept in a global environment and accessing an international education?

This is also a perfect opportunity to dig deeper into where the students exit to and how they will be supported in the

next phase of their education, training or employment.

THE FINAL DETAILS It’s important you leave the visit with key information about applying and, vitally, ensure you know your deadlines. Also, make sure you have transparent details on fees and scholarships or bursaries so there are no surprises later down the line.

A HELPING HAND Inevitably, this is a daunting time for parents. Using the services of a good education consultancy can help to relieve much of the workload and ensure decisions are made in an objective way.

A good education consultancy can use assessment tools to help find out your child’s potential and match schools accordingly, and help prepare them for interviews and entrance exams.

It can also support you as your child progresses, by keeping you informed of possible opportunities and challenges. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

TERM-TIME VISIT CHECKLIST

Our long held school values, ‘The Cumnor Way’ underpin the ethos and curriculum at Cumnor House School. Our children strive to achieve their academic potential by expanding their sense of curiosity, understanding the importance of perseverance, critical thinking, objectivity and reflection.

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EXAMS

NAVIGATING THE 11 PLUS TH E SENIOR SCHOOL ENTRY PROCE SS CAN SEEM DAU NTING , BUT FOLLOWING A FEW SIM PLE STEPS CAN MAKE IT MUCH E ASIER , SAYS Morag Turner

Too much cramming won’t help, as the 11 Plus exams test a child’s natural ability

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EXAMS

ust when you thought you had this parenting lark all figured out, along comes the 11 Plus. Forget sleepless nights and the toddler tantrums; for lots of mums and dads, handling the senior-school entry process can be one of the most stressful experiences they will face as parents.

Whether it’s a state grammar or an independent day or boarding school, deciding which one is right for your child and then figuring out how to secure them a place there is not as straight forward as it seems. For starters, each school has different entry requirements, exams and timescales for applications.

And what constitutes the ‘right school for your child’ and how will you know?

But is it really as complicated as it seems, or is there a way to seamlessly glide through the 11 Plus process?

According to education experts, it needn’t to be as scary as the playground chitchat would have you believe.

“The most important thing any parent can do is be guided by the teachers at their child’s current school,” explains Trish Watt, deputy head of Eaton Square Kensington. “They know your son or daughter’s academic ability and their

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

J

other strengths in sport or the arts, but crucially they also know the expectations of senior schools. Different children will thrive at different schools and your child’s current teachers should be able to offer realistic and sensible advice about what is best for them, as well as the application process.”

Often it’s the process itself that can confuse parents the most, and unfortunately there isn’t one system for all schools. However one phone call to the admissions department of any senior school should get you up to speed.

Broadly speaking, the first thing you can expect to hear about are exams.

These are either taken at the senior school or at your current prep, and will involve a mix of maths and English.

Cognitive Ability Tests (or CATS as they

help is often worth the time and money.

“A very high percentage of children are tutored to pass the 11 Plus, especially in London,” says Charlotte Gater, head of curriculum at Explore Learning Tutors.

“They need to be exposed to the types of questions and the style of the exam, and we help them with that – whether they’re preparing for the state grammar exam or one at a private school.”

“We know what schools are looking for because we’re constantly speaking to them, so we can help parents to make informed decisions. We encourage parents to really research the schools they’re considering. Look at the website, read the league tables, and of course visit

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ANY PARENT CAN DO IS BE GUIDED BY THE TEACHERS are generally known) are assessments featuring maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. They’re frequently used and can be thought of as similar to IQ tests.

You can prepare your child for these by doing past papers, but no amount of cramming really helps – they are essentially natural ability tests.

A detailed report from your current school is another entry requirement, as it gives the senior school a chance to find out what your child is really like. Finally, most senior schools like to interview prospective pupils – favourite activities, siblings and what books they’re reading are all pet topics, but you can never be sure quite what they’ll be asked, so prep them a bit, but let their personality shine through too – schools are looking for children who can talk freely.

So, how can you help prepare your child for the assessments or exams?

Many parents opt for tutoring, and while schools strongly discourage ‘overtutoring’ – there’s no point scraping into school via excess extra work, only to struggle to keep up once there – a little

the school, even twice or three times if you need to. You need to get a gut feel that it’s the right place for your child.”

The entry procedure into independent senior schools has changed a lot in recent years, as some schools that previously only took children at 13 after passing the Common Entrance exam (similar to 11 Plus but two years later) are now expanding to offer a lower school with an 11 Plus intake.

Others allow deferred entry, which means you can secure a place in Year 5, but not join until Year 9. Confusing as it is, the best first port of call is your child’s current prep school, who should be able to advise you or else call the senior school directly.

Above all, Trish Watt would urge parents to stay calm and keep it all in perspective. “The worst thing parents can do is get overly stressed and pass that stress on to their child. Most children struggle to perform under too much pressure, so be realistic, listen to the advice from your current school and try to go with the flow. That is definitely what will benefit your child the most.” L

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INTERVIEW

MY SCHOOL LIFE Anne Fine TH E AUTHOR AN D FOR M ER CHILDR EN ’S L AU R E ATE TALKS ABOUT H ER SCHOOLDAYS AN D TH E JOY OF CR E ATIVE WRITING What was school life like for you?

I always loved school, and I remember doing all sorts of exciting things when I was younger – singing, dancing, plays, art, nature walks, handicrafts, violin and swimming lessons.

My secondary school, Northampton High School, was tremendously academic, but by the age of 11, I was ready for that. I loved both the emotional calmness and the intellectual challenge of the place.

assumed books were born on the library shelves. I thought all authors had to be dead, actually, so I recall being quite startled to meet my first, much admired, author, Geoffrey Trease.

How did you feel about going to an all-girls school?

I never thought twice about it. Looking back, I now see that we were under far less pressure with regards our appearance, especially in comparison to the way it is for girls now – not to mention the fact that makeup was forbidden. We met boys at the bus stop every day and that was enough.

Which subjects did you enjoy the most?

I was passionate about anything that involved reading or creative writing.

I was even quite fond of history lessons, which usually involved masses of essays, ranging from ‘pretend you’re a Roman soldier’ to ‘imagine the Great Fire of London has broken out.’ We were truly allowed to let rip!

Did you always want to be an author?

It honestly never occurred to me that I’d grow up and have a job. Plus, I think I

62 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | AUTUMN 2018

Anne loved the fre edom and creativit y of school in her yo unger years

What advice did you give to your children when they were growing up?

I offered them the same advice I was given at school: “Find out what you enjoy doing most in all the world, then look round for someone who’ll pay you to do it.” My school always added the caveat, “Within reason, girls!”

What does the rest of the year have in store for you?

More of the same: writing and revising.

And reading – always reading. L The idea of writing as a career never occurred to the now highly-acclaimed author

PHOTOGRAPHY: CARSTEN MURAWSKI

What is your earliest school memory?

I remember hating to sound out the letter ‘v’ in phonics because it tickled my mouth, and I hated the horrid taste of tepid milk defrosted on hot pipes and having to drink it through soggy straws.

I also recall tripping over a full bucket of paint for the summer play backdrop and flooding the stage with sky blue!

What advice for life would you have given yourself when you were school age?

That nothing ever matters as much as you think it does, especially not your failures and disappointments. Hang on in there and all those worries will soon disappear without trace.

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