Little London Schools Guide Spring 2017

SP RI N G 20

schools HANDBOOK

N U R SERY • PR E-PR EP • PR EP

• HELPING YOU FIND THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD • WHY YOUR CHILD SHOULD LEARN MANDARIN • EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR TODDLERS • WHY CODING IS CRUCIAL FOR CHILDREN • THE PREPPY FASHION EDIT

17

YOUR PARENTING

Eagle House School Boarding & Day School in Sandhurst, Berkshire for 3-13s

Learning FOR LIFE

Nursery | Pre-Prep | Prep

“Where little wings learn to soar.�

Come and see us on our Open Days Saturday 4th March 2017 Saturday 22nd April 2017

For more information email info@eaglehouseschool.com or call 01344 772134

eaglehouseschool.com

Verity Jones headband £12, eliasandgrace.com

EDITORʼS LETTER Hello and welcome to the spring 2017 edition of the Little London Schools Guide!

Though one may prefer a more relaxed start to the new year, for many, January can be a daunting month of exams and assessments for children and parents trying to navigate the transition from prep to senior school. Thankfully, Sebastian Hepher, headmaster of Eaton Square School, has put together an invaluable guide to choosing the right school for your child at this crucial stage (p.52).

Though time passes so quickly with a young family, the thought of secondary school seems a lifetime away from my own life at the moment, having just seen my son Jago, five, move to his first big school, and my daughter Georgia, two, starting nursery this year. It’s an emotional time for young children and their parents, but with Catrina Linz’s guide to easing the move from nursery to prep school (p.18) you can make it a seamless experience for the whole family.

Helping your child to articulate these feelings of trepidation is so important, as I found when exploring the emotional intelligence techniques being reeled out across schools in London (p.15). Alongside this pastoral care, schools are upping the ante in other ways, as Becky Pugh discovers how learning Mandarin for children as young as four (p.55), is suprisingly easy. And Georgina Blaskey explains why being taught to code is as important as any other subject for pupils, to ensure they get the best jobs of the future (p.49). With all this, they'll be running the world before we know it!

KATE FREUD, EDITOR

Whether it’s for crafts or homework, fill their workspace with bright, stylish and practical pieces From a selection made.com

Linna Morata pencil case £19.64, littlemooshoo.com

Angulus leather shoes £105, eliasandgrace.com

Mossman Trunks school tuck box £95, tuckonline.com

THE WHITE HOUSE P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L & THE WOODENTOPS NURSERIES Open Day: 6 May 2017 9:30-11:30 THE WOODENTOPS NURSERIES Babies from 6 months SW3 | SW12

THE WHITE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2.5-11 years Co-Educational SW12

www.woodentopsnurseries.com

www.whitehouseschool.com

RUNNING HEAD

CONTENTS 7

Editor Kate Freud Managing Editor Rebecca Moore Features Editor Danielle Wilkins Editorial Assistant Annie Quinton Creative Director Chloë Collyer Designer Natalie Dourado Publisher Caroline Scott Finance Director Vicki Gavin Digital Media Manager James Dobson Brand Managers Chatty Dobson, Ginny Maclean Head of Market Freddy Halliday Advertisement Manager Amy Thacker Sales Executive Oliver Blalock Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross

PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM LEIGHTON

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

Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media. Printed in England by William Gibbons ©The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2016 All rights reserved.

COVER IMAGE: TOM LEIGHTON MODELS: ISABELLA AND ANNELLE

NEWS Stay in the know 11 WE LOVE The school bag we’re coveting this season 12 COOL FOR SCHOOL Classroom-ready essentials 15 EXPRESS YOURSELF The teaching of emotional intelligence in schools 18 MAKING THE TRANSITION Advice on taking the leap from nursery to school 21 PREPARING FOR THE 4+ ASSESSMENT Rose de Pass shares her tips to ensure your child is ready 23 HOME OR AWAY? The benefits of choosing a day or boarding school 27 ENCOURAGING EMPATHY How do children learn to be considerate towards others?

29 A PLACE IN THE COUNTRY Why it is important to learn outside of the classroom 31 ASK THE EXPERTS Five headteachers answer your burning questions

35 C HOOSING A PREP SCHOOL Advice on finding the right setting for your child 39 FAIR PLAY Father of two Alex Payne tackles good gamesmanship on and off the pitch 40 CLASS ACTS Spring fashion gets a back-to-school twist 46 GET THE LOOK Our high street edit of cool school finds 49 CODING FOR KIDS The importance of computer science in schools 52 THE NEXT STEP Top tips for choosing your child’s senior school 55 MASTERING MANDARIN How kids can learn the world’s most commonly spoken language 59 OPEN DAYS EXPLAINED Make the most of your visit 62 MY SCHOOL LIFE Author Toby Young looks back on his classroom days

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 5

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

NEWS

school

NEWS

TH E L ATE ST FROM TH E CL ASSROOM AN D BEYON D

HOME PROJECTS

Bring science to life with bestselling children’s activity book author Dawn Isaac’s new release.

101 Brilliant Things For Kids To Do With Science is packed with hands-on experiments, most of which need little or no adult supervision. From launching rockets to discovering their own DNA, these ideas will keep little ones occupied for weeks. £14.99, available from 9 March.

AN ENGLISH-CHINESE DUAL LANGUAGE PREP SCHOOL, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN EUROPE, IS SET TO OPEN ITS NURSERY DEPARTMENT IN APRIL, FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION CLASS IN SEPTEMBER. KENSINGTON WADE WILL TAKE CHILDREN FROM THREE TO 13, COMBINING THE BEST OF BOTH CULTURES AND CURRICULUMS FOR A UNIQUE EDUCATION. BASED ON KENSINGTON HIGH STREET, REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. KENSINGTONWADE.COM

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 7

NEWS Mog will be going behind the scenes to find out what young people know – and need to know – about money

MONEY MATTERS Natwest has appointed 13-year-old Mog Stinchcombe as its first junior consultant.

Mog, who appeared on Channel 4’s Child Genius, takes on the role just as its revealed that over half of seven to 13 year olds worry about their lack of financial knowledge. By working with the bank’s MoneySense programme, he hopes to give all school children a good grasp of money management. mymoneysense.com/ natwest

FULHAM PREP HAS ANNOUNCED PLANS FOR A NEW CO-ED SENIOR SCHOOL. FROM SEPTEMBER, FULHAM PREP SENIOR SCHOOL WILL ACCOMMODATE BETWEEN 15 AND 40 PUPILS IN THE FIRST YEAR, ALL OF WHOM WILL BE BASED WITHIN THE EXISTING HAMMERSMITH SITE. IN RESPONSE TO GROWING DEMAND, CHILDREN ALREADY AT THE PREP SCHOOL WILL AUTOMATICALLY RECEIVE A PLACE AT THE NEW SENIOR FACULTY. FULHAMPREP.CO.UK

GUESS WHO?

How many animal tracks can you recognise? Teach little ones about different species and match the animal to its paw print with the new Match a Track game cards from illustrator Marcel George. Suitable for children aged four and over. £12.99, Laurence King.

FISHY TALES FOR ALL

A STORY OF NUMBERS

Rick Stein’s restaurants have teamed up with Book Trust in a bid to get children more interested in reading for pleasure.

Jessica Law’s A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea, a suitably aquatic tale to match Stein’s seafood-focused menu, will be distributed throughout his 12 eateries, including the most recent acquisition in Barnes. rickstein.com

The enchanting new book from Paul Georgiou teaches older children aged 12 and above about the importance of numeracy skills in business and life.

Adventures in Numberland fuses a timeless adventure story with a moral message about numeracy, and challenges readers with puzzles. £5.99, Panarc International. Available at Amazon.

8 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

Bringing out ‘‘ the best in boys’’

A day in the life of Aldro... come and see for yourself OPEN MORNING Saturday 4th March 2017 • 11:00am –12:30pm 11+ SCHOLARSHIP DAY •17th March 2017

If you would like to attend an Open Morning, to request a prospectus, or to arrange an individual tour, please contact the Admissions Office on 01483 813535 or email: admissions@aldro.org Aldro, Lombard Street, Shackleford, Godalming, Surrey GU8 6AS www.aldro.org

ur o t bou oup a k As playgr re tu u w f e n for ents s n r io sess sery pa Nur

North Bridge House Nursery and Pre-Prep, NW3

Give them an Outstanding start to school life See our vibrant and happy Nursery School in action at one of its Spring Term Open Mornings.

Book your visit at northbridgehouse.com/open or call 020 7428 1520

SHOPPING

WE LOVE

WHIZZ KID For a modern take on the traditional satchel, your little space cadets will adore this printed design The team behind Honey & Toast are purveyors of beautiful leather bags and accessories for boys and girls, lovingly made from a small, family-run factory in Somerset. The label’s range of satchels feature block colours and quirky prints, from neon leopard spots to our personal favourite, the rocket design. And for scooter fans, this bag can be neatly secured onto the handlebars for plenty of hands-free fun. You might not be heading to the moon and back, but we’re pretty confident this bag will come in useful anyway…

Leather satchel, £75, honeyandtoast.co.uk

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 11

COOL FOR SCHOOL Get ready to sharpen those No.2 pencils; these stylish accessories will take little ones from Monday to Friday and beyond

Young Soles patent leather shoes £67, childrensalon.com

Pencil set £4.99, 2littleboys.co.uk

Waxed cotton jacket £139, barbour.com

Sticky notes £5.95, libertylondon.com

Kraft paper notebook £8, noodoll.com

Rice DK erasers (pack of three) £1.50, sistersguild.co.uk

Meri Meri hair clips £5, selfridges.com

Printed lunch box £7.95, tyrrellkatz.co.uk

Printed jacket from £36.95, joules.com

Emile et Ida cotton pencil case £22.36, en.smallable.com

What Do Grown-Ups Do All Day? £14.99, eenymeenykids.co.uk

Textured ‘bark’ notebook £12.50, hedgehogshop.co.uk

Midori brass bookmark stencil £15, debbieblisshome.com

Drawing book by Quentin Blake £12.99, shop.royalacademy.org.uk

Caramel & Cie satchel £50.89, frenchblossom.com

Sigg aluminium water bottle £16.50, hedgehogshop.co.uk

Pop-up sandwich container £13, smiggle.co.uk

Natural Products scented pens £5, johnlewis.com

Leather brogues £65, wildandgorgeous.co.uk

Pencil case £6, paperchase.co.uk

12 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

Sydenham High School GDST

A first class education for girls 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL T: 020 8557 7000 E: info@syd.gdst.net W: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net Head Teacher: Jan-March 2017 Acting Head

Mr Karl Guest MA; April 2017 Headmistress Mrs Katharine Woodcock BA Head of Junior School: Ms Claire Boyd BA Admissions: Ms L Eaden MA, Registrar E: admissions@syd.gdst.net

Key facts Gender / Ages: girls, 4-18 years.

Total pupils: 580 – 200 in Junior School. Type: Day. Fees: Pre Prep & Prep: Termly: £4,116 Entrance procedure: Entry to the Junior School is usually at Reception (4+) or Year 3 (7+) in the September after fourth or seventh birthday. Offers of a place are made on the basis of an assessment conducted in the November or January before the year of entry. We select girls who we believe have the aptitude and potential to benefit from a Sydenham High School education.

School Philosophy: We’re here to find the potential within each girl,

discover and stimulate passions and interests and lay the foundations for a lifetime of learning. Our Junior School nurtures girls through their formative years, encouraging enquiring minds, fostering a love of learning and establishing the values, disciplines and attitudes that are central to their success as well-rounded learners. We also prepare girls for the academic curriculum of the Senior School in a creative and innovative way that suits young minds. Our girls are fun, ambitious, realistic, inspiring and so much more as you will see when you come to visit.

Academic Record: This year we celebrate 130 years of educating

girls from across London and the South East to outstandingly high standards with excellent GCSE and A level results; 2016 was a record year for top grades (see our website for more details). Our Sixth Formers regularly gain places on the courses of their choice, be that at Oxbridge, medical school or a Russell Group university.

Extra-Curricular: Our innovative Flourish and Fly programme is

designed to embolden and inspire pupils as well as stretch ability with half termly programmes of experiences and challenges. There are also many opportunities for organised educational and cultural visits and trips – our proximity to London’s museums, galleries and visitor attractions is something we readily take advantage of. Meanwhile school visitors regularly give workshops and masterclasses on a whole range of topics and activities which both educate and entertain – from turning Reception into a Rain Forest to Year 6 becoming forensic scientists.

Notable Achievements and Alumnae: As well as being proud of our

strong academic record we are equally proud of our award-winning choir, actors, musicians, artists and our athletes, many of whom achieve national success. Our alumnae include: Lily Waring (artist); Kathleen Halpin (feminist); Clemence Dane (writer and actor); Margaret Lockwood (actor); Winifred Gérin (biographer); Professor Elizabeth Anscombe (philosopher); Kathleen Shackleton (portrait artist, sister of Ernest Shackleton); Diana Harris (Olympic swimmer); Claire Bennett (GB fencer and sports commentator); Sandy Powell (costume designer); Dr Philippa Darbre (scientist); Rachel Joyce (actor and writer); Emily Joyce (actor); Sophie Mckenzie (writer); Evie Wyld (writer); Bianca Miller (entrepreneur, Apprentice 2014 finalist).

Spring Open Day for 2017 entry: Thursday 9 March 2017 9.30am.

Weekly tours are also available – please contact the school to book.

Stay and Play for 0-4 year olds is available every Tuesday 9.30-11am during term time – please contact the school to book.

Junior School Open Morning for 2017 entry Thursday 9 March 2017

9.30am

Weekly tours also available – please call to book 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

020 8557 7003 admissions@syd.gdst.net

Nursery & Pre-Preparatory School, W2 – boys & girls ages 2 - 6 years Preparatory School, SW7 – boys & girls ages 6 – 11 years

Open Mornings Wednesday 1st March ~ Wednesday 7th June Contact us today to arrange a visit to our exceptional school!

www.hydeparkschool.co.uk

EARLY YEARS

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Kate Freud R EPORTS ON N EW INITIATIVE S TO TE ACH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGEN CE IN OU R SCH OOL S

Poor body image and issues at school are cited as the main causes of stress for children in England

aving skipped into nursery every day for six months, one morning my typically sunny then-two-year-old Jago dissolved into a fit of rage and tears and refused to go in. He was his usual self at home, and his teacher reassured us he didn’t seem unhappy at nursery, yet his refusal to go became a daily battle of wills. We tried every trick in the book; persuasion, negotiation, bribery, to no avail until one day, three months later, he moseyed into nursery without a backward glance and normality was restored. It was as if nothing had ever happened.

Any parent will tell you that young children are famously difficult to read,

H

but if Jago had a way of expressing why he had taken against going – fear, feelings of abandonment or even an issue with another child – it could have spared us a great deal of worry. Like many parents, it’s times like this that made my interest pique when I heard about the RULER programme being rolled out in primary schools across London, to teach emotional intelligence. The acronym stands for Recognising your emotions; Understanding them; Labelling them and Expressing them in a Regulated way.

Every morning children are asked to plot their feelings on a ‘mood meter’, with red meaning angry, blue for sad, green equalling calm and yellow meaning

happy. They are taught to express what has made them feel this way, and then taught how to read their classmates feelings and be empathetic, too.

The programme was designed by Marc Brackett, a psychologist and head of the Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence at Yale University. Following the unprecedented success of the scheme in the US, Lulu Luckock, a British teacher with more than 30 years experience, is spearheading the trend in the UK, having completed the course last summer. “I’ve always been involved in the pastoral side of the schools I have worked in and am a firm believer in caring for the whole child to help them thrive,” she explains.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 15

EARLY YEARS

THE MOOD METER

The mood meter empowers pupils to address their feelings more effectively

HOW ARE YOU FEELING TODAY?

R

p

ecognise. Learn to identify physical cues to understand what we and others are feeling, for example, if someone’s feelings are hurt.

+5 +4 +3

ANGRY

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nderstand. Develop an understanding of the causes and consequences of an emotion, such as what makes you angry and why taking it out on your siblings is not OK.

HAPPY

+2

ENERGY

+1 -5

-4

-3

-2

-1

+1

+2

+3

+4

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abel. Build an emotional language to start to differentiate and describe the full range of human emotions, like expressing when you are happy or sad.

+5

-1

E

xpress. Learn how to show and express our emotions in socially appropriate ways, such as not shouting at others when we are upset.

-2 SAD

CALM

-3

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egulate what we think about or do to feel more or less of an emotion, so we can be our best selves whatever the situation, for example, how to control ourselves when we feel cross.

-4 -5

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16 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

HELPING THE CHILDREN REGULATE THEIR EMOTIONS HAS MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE emotions, the people around them are better able to support them through their childhood.

Along with the mood meter, RULER’s other ‘anchor’ tools include the Blueprint to help the children manage conflict, and the Class Charter where the pupils say how they want to feel when they are there. Parents adopt this at home, too.

“Helping the children to regulate their emotions and take a step back before reacting has made a huge difference in how they communicate,” says Luckock, and parents have noticed a change at home, too. Aly Ganney, mum of four-

year-old Leo, says, “Leo is calmer now he knows we can understand him, even if it does tend to be, ‘You are making me feel High Energy red, Mummy!’”

Likewise, Claire Boyle has seen a dramatic change in her son Harrison, three. “He’s now able to deal calmly with unpleasant feelings, there are less tantrums and loss of control, for both of us!” she says.

When Brackett explains, “emotions are the drivers of attention, decision-making, relationships and health” it’s no wonder it’s such an important issue to tackle when they’re young. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

She is now training other teachers in the RULER principles.

In a recent Children’s Worlds study conducted by the University of York, England ranked 13th out of 16 countries when it came to life satisfaction in children, with poor body image and issues at school proving the greatest causes of stress. Which is why Brackett, himself a victim of childhood bullying, and Luckock believe the programme could transform the lives of thousands of students in Britain. “Youngsters are growing up with too much information to process and not enough down time,” says Luckock. “As a result they become more isolated. The rise in mental health problems in young people is a frightening reflection of the complicated childhoods of children today,” she adds.

According to Brackett, if children are better able to label and articulate their

p

p

HAPPINESS

N PE O Y DA Pre-Prep & Nursery School East Horsley, Surrey KT24 6NS

Visit us on our

OPEN DAYS PREPARATORY SCHOOL

THURSDAY 23 MARCH 10.00am – 11.30am

MONTESSORI NURSERY

FRIDAY 24 MARCH 9.30am – 11.00am Preparatory School 59 Fulham High Street, London SW6 3JJ Montessori Nursery 196 Munster Road, London SW6 6AU Tel 020 7736 9182 Email info@sinclairhouseschool.co.uk www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk

S INCL AIR H O U S E S C H O O L FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGED 2-11

Saturday 4th February 2.00pm Thursday 9th February 9.15am Saturday 20th May 2.00pm Thursday 25th May at 9.15am

AN INDEPENDENT PRE-PREP & NURSERY SPECIALISING IN EDUCATING CHILDREN FROM 2-7

www.gleneskschool.co.uk 01483 282329

Considering boarding schools near London?

The Headmaster presents ‘A Boarding Education’, with the opportunity to learn more about boarding (flexi, weekly or full) at this popular HMC school for 460 pupils near Henley-onThames, Oxfordshire.

Thursday 18 May 2017, 6–8pm London Rowing Club Embankment, Putney, SW15 1LB For Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12 entry in September 2018 and beyond

‘A Boarding Education’

Presentation from the Headmaster, London Rowing Club, Thursday 18 May 2017 For details and to book to attend:

www.shiplake.org.uk/london

EARLY YEARS

Making the transition Catrina Linz ADVISE S ON H OW TO H ELP YOU R CHILD TAKE TH E LE AP FROM N U R SERY TO SCH OOL

18 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

EARLY YEARS Give your child plenty of opportunities to draw and trace to develop their pencil grip

he leap from nursery school to primary school can be a huge adjustment not just for your child, but for you as well. If your little one feels prepared they will feel confident, making the transition a lot smoother for both of you. In fact, preparing for school is so much more about their confidence and emotions rather than their academic skills and abilities. Sending an independent and happy child to school is the true goal.

T

EMOTIONALLY Preparing your child emotionally is one of the most important things you can do to help them. Children’s thoughts about starting school vary, some can hardly wait and others find it stressful. Prepare your child for what it’s going to be like in a positive way, but don’t oversell it as this could lead to disappointment. Discuss realistic expectations such as, “It’s going to be very exciting and busy so you may get tired or feel a little scared at times”.

If possible, do a school visit, attend an open day or look at the website so the school seems familiar to your child.

Look at photos of other family members or your own school photos while discussing that everyone goes to ‘big school’ and how we all felt a bit nervous at first, which is normal.

Organising a play date with someone new will encourage them to make friends, or an outing with someone other than yourself will help them get used to being away from you for a longer period of time than they’re used to.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

PRACTICALLY The practical side of preparing your child goes hand in hand with the emotional side. If your child is able to do things for themself they will become independent and in turn feel confident. Firstly, if they aren’t already, introduce dressing themselves. This will make life easier, especially since they will be doing sport.

Make an outing out of going together to buy their uniform. When you get home, role-play getting dressed for school so they can learn to do it themselves.

Practice the morning run – this will help both of you feel more relaxed and ready. Create a visual timetable of the routine, this also helps them to understand the concept of a routine

PREPARING FOR SCHOOL IS MORE ABOUT CONFIDENCE THAN ACADEMIC ABILITIES and anticipate what comes next.

Toilet training is vital and your child should be capable of going by themselves, as well as washing their hands and blowing their nose. At most independent schools they will be given lunches and dinners, and so they should be able to eat with a knife and fork and understand healthy eating choices. Road safety is another good skill for them to learn, as they may go on outings.

Create jobs and chores in and around the home over the summer to further independence, responsibility and build self-esteem. Introduce them to hanging up their coat and putting things away so they learn management of their belongings. It’s also advisable to drop their afternoon nap and have an earlier bedtime. Once again, don’t stress if all of these skills haven’t been mastered properly by the time they start.

ACADEMICALLY Preparing your child academically is not to say you need to teach your child everything, but practicing the basics will help them feel more comfortable and it won’t be something entirely new.

Once again, all children learn at different

paces, it’s not a race. Chat to your child’s teacher about what they are expected to know – generally, most schools would like your child to be able to count and recognise 1-20, know almost all their alphabetical sounds phonetically and recognise and write their own name, but this is just a guide. There are many ways for your child to learn these skills and if you want to do home learning you need to make it fun and relaxed.

It could be as simple as pointing out letters around them, like ‘stop’ signs, and playing I Spy. While shopping, ask them to count out apples, and at home, baking together allows them to explore weights and measurements. Also give them opportunities to draw and trace to develop their pencil grip in preparation for writing. The summer is long, so you want to keep their knowledge and spark alive before reception starts.

Lastly, spend some quiet time with your child doing puzzles, painting and playing games. This will help build concentration and encourage them to be able to sit for long periods of time – boys tend to find this more difficult than girls!

Although bittersweet, take time to enjoy this special transition with your child. L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 19

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The Lyceum is a unique independent nursery and school for children ages 3 - 11, located near Old Street in central London.

We focus on giving the children in our care, high-level skills both academically and within the arts, creative and performing, which are achieved through innovative organisation and high-quality teaching.

“The caring secure environment, in which smiles and laughter are a significant part of school life, provides a fully supported backdrop to promote learning” - ISI Oct 2014 Inspection

Open Mornings - Tuesday 7th February & Tuesday 7th March - Book in online

Contact us to visit today! - www.lyceumschool.co.uk 6 Paul Street, City of London, London EC2A 4JH

T: 020 7247 1588

E: admin@lyceumschool.co.uk

PRIVATE OR GROUP COURSES BAREBOAT CHARTER SKIPPERED CHARTER ASSISTED SAILING FULL 7 NIGHTS AWAY FROM BASE NEW MODERN & VERY WELL MAINTAINED YACHTS

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BAREBOAT - SKIPPERED - CREWED - RYA TRAINING INFO@SAILGRENADINES.COM TEL: 0044(0) 800 321 3801

ASSESSMENTS

Preparing for the 4+ assessment MANY SCHOOL S AR E N OW TE STING AT A YOU NGER AGE. Rose de Pass SHAR E S H ER PR EPAR ATION TIPS FOR TH E 4+ ith a degree in Early Years education, experience teaching in a top London nursery and nannying for several families, I have seen every side of the story when it comes to assessments. Additionally, as the head of tuition for Quintessentially Education, I’m often asked for tutors to prepare for the 4+ assessments. But with the right nursery choice, the learning environment will be stimulating enough that any extra tuition should not be necessary.

I would never encourage families to seek additional support at this stage.

Should they ask for it, I would direct them to their child’s teacher first. I don’t believe tuition is altogether unnecessary – not least because I would be out of a job! – but the concept of children’s love for learning being fortified by extra

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tuition at nursery-age is questionable.

While you are never too young to learn, too much didactic instruction at such a young age is likely to dull their natural curiosity. However, Early Yearstrained tutors can provide stimulation and a structured environment for children going through transition periods (moving from abroad, for example) or provide sensitive English language support – ensuring non-native speakers feel confident at assessment days.

The advice I give is almost patronisingly obvious: children at this age need to sleep, to eat supper at the table, to be read to by their parents and to play with other children – not everything they experience needs to be educational. In the majority of cases, any minor gaps tend to close up by the end of reception.

These 4+ assessments may seem a terrifying and insurmountable prospect,

but take comfort in the fact that assessors are looking for children who will flourish at their schools. When that letter eventually comes, try to be philosophical about it: if your child does not get in, then it is probably not the right school for them.

In light of the looming assessments, here are my top tips for parents: • Stop stressing – relaxed parents equal a relaxed child.

• Don’t tell your child about the assessments weeks before. Make it into a spontaneous adventure.

• Manners maketh man – make sure those Ps and Qs are rolling off your child’s tongue (and yours, too!).

• Distraction – ensure mummy’s handbag is full of entertainments should you have to wait around.

• Make sure your child has eaten before the assessment.

• If you have your heart set on a school, make this clear to the headteacher. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Encourage your child to be inquisitive – not everything they experience has to be educational

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 21

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

WITH

POSSIBILITIES...

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

REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1157842

www.farleighschool.com

@FarleighSchool

Day, full & weekly boarding | GSA School 900 girls 4-18 year | Founded 1885

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Bramley

Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0DF | 01483 899665 prepadmissions@stcatherines.info | www.stcatherines.info littlelondon01 November 2016.indd 1

PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNINGS Friday 3rd February Tuesday 7th March Thursday 4th May – (Reception entry only)

Friday 9th June 01/12/2016 09:13:00

PREP

HOME OR AWAY?

E ACH YE AR , PAR ENTS AR E FACED WITH CHOOSING A DAY OR BOAR DING SCHOOL FOR TH EIR CHILD. T WO SCHOOL S SHAR E TH E BEN EFITS THAT E ACH PROVIDE DAY SCHOOLS aving been the headmaster of a boarding school for 10 years, I know that boarding can offer an incredibly rich, immersive educational experience. For some children, boarding is absolutely the best option. For others, however, it simply isn’t.

The most obvious advantage of day schools is that they allow children to stay closely connected with family life. Some children need to return to their home at the end of a busy day in order to reflect on the day’s experiences and to have the space they require to be themselves.

Day schools help children to learn how to be organised and independent, and to manage their home-school life. Day schools move at a pace, and Carpe diem is in their DNA. There is an energy and focus in the school day as every minute is used intelligently, beginning for some at 7.45am, and ending at any time between 4pm and 6pm.

Another considerable advantage for certainly any London day school is that museums, galleries and many other wonderful places are on the doorstep, and bring children’s learning to life.

Inspirational visiting speakers are easier to attract to a London school, too, as many are based in the capital (six children’s authors recently attended our Book Week at St Benedict’s). City day schools benefit from a high degree of connectivity. What we may lack in rolling acres of green space, we make up for in enriching visitors and opportunities.

What about safety in an urban setting?

The challenge for city schools is to teach children to engage safely with the real world. Schools have to protect children, while giving them the freedom to flourish and be happy, giving straightforward information and advice about

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THERE IS AN ENERGY AND FOCUS – EVERY MINUTE IS USED INTELLIGENTLY the negative influences young people are exposed to. We educate them to make good life choices, which will serve them well in the future, both at university and beyond.

Good schools are like micro-societies: orderly, yet exciting communities in which children thrive and feel they belong. London day schools reflect the hugely rich and diverse demographic of the city, rather than being hermeticallysealed, rarefied or remote. Our pupils, of 33 different nationalities, are not termly

visitors from overseas; they live here, in the same society. London’s cosmopolitan and multicultural environment is a positive feature of school life.

In the end, a good education is all about relationships: between teacher and pupil; parent and child; school and family. If your choice of school starts with your child’s individual personality and needs, you stand the best chance of getting it right.

Andrew Johnson, head of St Benedict’s School, Ealing.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 23

PREP

Many people look back on their years at boarding school as a time when lasting friendships were established

BOARDING or London parents in particular, your child’s education can often top the list of stressful situations. Finding the right school in the capital is currently a ferociously competitive, angst-ridden process, even for entry into nursery.

Many parents and pupils continue to choose boarding of some form as the option for them. Offering boarding from age seven, at Port Regis we find that the majority of our pupils will enjoy some form of boarding here before they leave for senior school, whether that be full, weekly or occasional.

As with any school environment, the relationships between students and the staff have to be a key strength of the school but this is even more paramount at a boarding school. As a parent you must feel confident that boarders are safe, happy and engaged in all their day to day activities – but also having fun!

In each of our five boarding houses, we have a talented and committed team of

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24 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

houseparents, assistant houseparents and gap year staff, all focused on the highest standards of care. We make sure that, when the academic day is done, the children spend time with their friends and relax.

For us, at Port Regis in Dorset, we’re lucky enough to have countryside, with rolling hills, an enviable and accessible coastline with enticing outdoor pursuits, as well as efficient rail and road links.

Pupils follow the same Common Entrance syllabus, and go on to achieve incredible scholarships, not only academically, but pursuing their passions above and beyond their academic successes. They also achieve sporting, artistic, technical and drama scholarships.

The flexible, parent-friendly boarding package offers full, weekly or occasional options, allowing parents to be as involved in their children’s school life as their time allows, be it watching matches, concerts or school productions. Every weekend is worth staying in school for,

Boarding ed ucation allo ws pupils to spend weeke nds with th eir friends

with regular themed events, discos, games, competitions, outings and opportunities to do something different with lifelong friends by your side. Unlike some boarding prep schools, we never close at weekends or exeats, something that our overseas and military parents in particular tend to appreciate. Tummies are well looked after, too, with locally sourced and freshly prepared food at the top of the list in providing a warming and caring environment.

We continue to see our boarders develop into independent, confident, well-rounded, well-educated, responsible and caring individuals, ripe to pursue those lofty heights and beyond.

Lally Holmes, registrar at Port Regis School, Dorset. L

BRAMBLETYE

Est. 1919

Leading Co-EducaƟŽŶĂů WƌĞͲWƌep and Wƌep School for Children aged 2ПШЖ ƚo 13 Introducing a Weekly London Shuttle Service 2016/17

www.brambletye.co.uk t:+44 (0) 1342 321004 Brambletye, East Grinstead, Sussedž ZŚϭϵ ϯW

Open Day Pre-PREP: 24th February 2017

For more informaƟŽŶ please contact registrar@brambletye.com

Prep: 25th February 2017

Early Years | Pre-Preparatory | Preparatory

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

Excellent 11+ and 13+ entrance exam track record.

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

www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk 020 7352 7077 GEMS 9200 - Little London School Guide AW.indd 1

08/12/2016 16:13

VISIT OUR NEW NURSERY Holland Park Synagogue 8 St James’s Gardens W11 4RB

“Full Marks for Pastoral Care”

Ofsted Outstanding Developing Self-Esteem & Independence Stimulating Curriculum Kosher Meals Freshly Prepared Daily Bi-lingual Nursery (English & Hebrew)

Good Schools Guide

Our branches: Hampstead Garden Suburb • Belsize Park • Holland Park Contact us today hollandpark@kerensnursery.com “A First-Rate Education” ISI Report 2014

www.kerensnursery.com 020 7602 7981

Hawkesdown House School

“Staggeringly Beautiful Grounds”

For boys aged 3 to 8 years

Tatler Schools Guide

Endeavour Courage Truth For more information call Mrs Caroline Lukic Tel: 01428 728000 www.highfieldschool.org.uk | Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7LQ

Little London Handbook 1.indd 1

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

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Encouraging empathy HOW DO CHILDR EN LE AR N TO BE CON SIDER ATE AN D CARING TOWAR DS OTH ER S? Katya Bobova FIN DS OUT t was my NCT-friend Suzie who first made me think about empathy in young children.

Getting ready to go for a walk in the park with our three-month-old sons, I watched her interact with her baby. Will was lying in his pram making soft, puffy noises in protest. As she hurried to grab everything necessary for the outing, she continuously chatted to him, “I know, I know, you are hot and tired, but hang on there two more minutes, and we will be on the road.” I realised she was treating her baby as an equal; she understood and respected his feelings. I wondered if empathy was innate or something parents could teach their children.

Empathy is defined as a process where a person senses how others feel and is able to respond in a considerate way. From the Greek for ‘feeling-in’, the word ‘empathy’ was first coined by US psychologist Edward Titchener in 1909.

Before he introduced the term, people used the word ‘sympathy’, which, like empathy, means to be considerate and sensitive. However, sympathy emphasises compassion for another’s suffering without necessarily knowing what he or she is feeling.

The expression of empathy is complex and, for young children, it might seem like an insurmountable task. It requires them to know what feelings are and label them, how to assess what others are feeling and act in a way that comforts or supports them.

Most mums have the experience of their little one suddenly tuning in to another baby’s cry. This is the baby’s first manifestation of empathy – mimicking the feelings of others with a good yell.

When parents try to match their baby’s emotions, they help them overcome frustration and anger and can calm them down. Paediatrician Harvey Karp in his book Happiest Toddler on the Block

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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The best way to encourage empathy in your child is to be a warm and loving parent

calls this ‘toddler-ese’. He encourages parents to speak the same words as their toddler, to use the child’s tone of voice and match facial expressions. This way, parents are able to show they feel his emotions.

Child psychologists say a child’s ability to read emotions in others and respond in an empathic way follows a developmental sequence. At around two-and-a-half, many toddlers can recognise that someone is in pain and they may offer comfort. At this age, a toddler lacks the skills to help appropriately but, as he grows, he will learn by observing.

Most importantly, however, young children need to feel the love of their parents and caregivers. Loving experiences will create a bank of positive emotions that will help children learn how to interact with others.

In several cultures, empathy takes a central place in building one’s character.

The Japanese concept of ‘omoiyari’ – the ability and willingness to respond to the needs of others – is perhaps the most important principle for children to learn in pre-school. We should take notice of ‘omoiyari’. Those children who feel loved and are attached positively to their family grow up to be the most perceptive of the needs and feelings of others. L

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP Be a warm parent. Warm parents encourage their children to express emotions, both positive and negative.

By being caring and responsive, you will create a strong foundation of trust and security.

Take an active role in emotional growth. Become interested in what makes your child sad, distressed, fearful or angry. Children’s age and temperament affect their response to distress. Observe your child when he is upset; you will learn which words and actions comfort him.

Celebrate together. Family celebrations and birthday parties give children a sense of being important and valued by the family.

Also encourage your child to help at school or in the community so he sees empathy as part of daily life.

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 27

Parkside School

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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: Mrs Alison Scott Key facts

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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.

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School Philosophy: Parkside aims to develop the whole child through

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Gender / Ages: Co-ed Nursery 2-4 years, Boys 4-13 years Total pupils: 298, boys 285, girls 13. Type: Day. Fees: Nursery – Daily from 1 morning £443 – 5 full days £3,516.

Pre Prep: Termly: £3,945. Prep: Termly Year 3 - Year 8 £5,280.

Entrance procedure: The first point of contact for prospective parents is our School Registrar, Alison Scott, 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.

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Academic Record: The Common Entrance results in 2016 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.

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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.

RUNNING HEAD Outdoor sessions encourage pupils to learn about growing vegetables and using them in cookery

A place in the country Naomi Bar tholomew, H E AD OF ST CATH ERIN E’S PR EP, R EVE AL S TH E BEN EFITS OF LE AR NING OUTSIDE OF TH E CL ASSROOM e have a policy here in the Prep School that it’s not the wrong weather, only ever the wrong clothes. A school life in the idyllic Surrey Hills, where there is plenty of fresh air and space, is the perfect environment for children to play and grow. We encourage the girls to wrap up, get their wellies on and be outside playing and learning whenever possible. Freedom to be truly creative in play is important to us – playtimes are fun and not bound by a rota or time restrictions.

I have spent idyllic hours in the woods watching the girls exchange leaves for conkers at one of their ‘nature shops’, or discovering freely within the outdoor space. We are also able to take learning outside in our Cottage Garden, where girls learn about growing vegetables and

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then using the ingredients in cookery, while the Gardening Club sees those who are keen and green-fingered planting, weeding and looking after our raised beds and pots around the school.

The girls thrive at our outdoor classroom, Little Wood Lodge, an ecocabin which hosts science lessons, dropin board game sessions at break time and the girls’ very own pop-up classrooms.

The girls choose to teach on a topic in which they excel to fellow pupils and staff. We’ve had pop-up classroom sessions on Scottish dancing, space, skateboarding and sudoko to name a few.

Due to the school’s location, it means we have the best of both worlds. We can take pupils into London or to cultural activities with ease, while ensuring that their everyday schooling is in comfort.

There is a real sense of community within the village of Bramley, too, and girls benefit from close links with the other two schools in the village, while maintaining strong links with the village church. As a school, we enjoy taking part in local events such as the Bramley Fete, and attend important church services.

Is this all too idyllic? I think not. We are determined that the children deserve a school life that is happy and fulsome. We are also committed to the girls looking beyond Bramley to local, national and global concerns, and our curriculum and charitable works ensure this is the case, with links to our partner schools, St Catherine’s Melbourne, Nairobi, Virginia and with One Star Public School in Bagli, India. I cannot think of a better start for the children than this. L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 29

An outstanding education for girls aged 3-18 Register for Open Events at www.suttonhigh.gdst.net

55 Cheam Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 2AX T. 020 8225 3001 E. admissions@sut.gdst.net

Co-educational Junior ∙ Senior ∙ Sixth Form

YEAR 3 OPENING

“A godsend for the discerning parent” Good Schools Guide

Contact us to arrange a visit.

020 7307 8700 | admin@portland-place.co.uk | www.portland-place.co.uk 9416-APG PPS Ad redesign 190 W X 133H V4.indd 1

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ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS Educating our children conjures up a plethora of questions.

Here, we put some of yours to five school heads

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR CHILDREN TO LEARN OUTDOORS? Our role as educationalists is to impart knowledge and help pupils develop as independent thinkers, and I passionately believe the best way to prepare our children for tomorrow’s world is by teaching them to think creatively.

Children need to learn to generate ideas which will enable them to meet their objectives. To support their ideas, they need confidence and communication skills. And they will need self-belief with a good dose of resilience, because sometimes their ideas will be rejected and they will have to start again.

Taking the children outdoors is an ideal way to stimulate creative learning. Nature excites and inspires children. Children’s ideas are liberated and come tumbling out as all their senses are bombarded.

The multisensory experience of an outdoor classroom for an English lesson can inspire some fabulous reflections and inspire creative writing packed with adjectives and imaginative language. A science lesson may be more relevant outside and a concept which is difficult to grasp in the classroom becomes a lot easier to understand when it is put into context outdoors. As Wordsworth said, “Let nature be your teacher”.

At Brambletye, the children play sport every day and we have masses of space where children can play and enjoy activities such an assault course, building dens or flying down our 220m zip-wire.

The fresh air and exercise enhances their physical and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to have a positive and productive experience in the classroom both indoors and outdoors.

William Brooks, Brambletye School

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CO-EDUCATIONAL LEARNING AT A PRE-PREP LEVEL? Pre-prep is an important time in a child’s education and is the foundation for future education. While children are learning the basics of reading, writing, maths, science, computing, they are also in the process of learning about friendship, tolerance and understanding the emotions of others and how to deal with their own emotions.

Children are individuals and therefore develop differently; they play differently, deal with conflict differently and often approach their work differently. By

having a co-ed experience at this age, all children have a better understanding of each other. It is not so much an academic benefit – both boys and girls can be diligent or struggle; the benefits of a co-ed education at pre-prep level are far more centred on life skills in citizenship for the future.

In addition, schools should reflect the social context into which their pupils will be entering. How better to do this than in their formative years? A generalisation, of course, but girls at pre-prep age tend to be calmer and more organised; boys can be less controlled and need the outdoors to run off energy – the two complement each other.

Jenifer Hillman, Farleigh School

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 31

RUNNING HEAD I’M IN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING NURSERIES IN LONDON, WHAT DO I NEED TO LOOK FOR?

HOW DO CENTRAL LONDON SCHOOLS MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR LOCATION? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO MAKE PUPILS ECO-AWARE? As teachers we are in the privileged position of educating the next generations – and with privilege comes obligation. At Walhampton School, we are passionate about developing our pupils’ awareness of climate change. We are 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, naturally, all day, every day, so the children instinctively want to make responsible choices – rather than asking, “Why should I?”, “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, Walhampton School

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 one of the world’s great global cities we attract a diverse student body, with families hailing from Switzerland to Saudi Arabia.

This encourages children to develop a global outlook. Just last month, the school hosted 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 each country from those who’d actually lived there, as well as tasting a variety of national dishes.

Pupils 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, London is home to some of the best senior schools in the country, so when the time comes, children will be able to continue in first-class education.

Donal Brennan, The Hampshire School

The first piece of advice I give to parents is to look around. Don’t fixate on one nursery to the exclusion of all else. You may have a preference but you will lose nothing by comparing several. Inspection reports, The Good Schools Guide and talking to other parents are useful starting points. But there is no substitute for visiting in person.

Ask yourself, do the children look happy? Children who aren’t engaged, who aren’t motivated or playing well together will not be happy and won’t learn. There will likely be tears, especially in the first few days, but children should rapidly settle down and look forward to going. Equally important is the attitude of staff. Do they greet you naturally or do you suspect it’s a performance? Do they celebrate the individual child, or are they more concerned to boast about the academic performance of the school?

Ultimately, it’s a question of trust: are the staff caring and confident enough to do the best for your child? If not, walk away.

Finally, look at the facilities. Do you think your child will be secure? Does the nursery cook food on the premises and what is it like? Is the equipment well maintained? What are the play areas like?

A word of warning, though, do not be distracted by state-of-the-art classrooms and iPads. Technology is not a proxy for teaching and shiny new buildings are no substitute for a good education. A school is made by the people in it, and parents would be wise to look to them first and last. Christine McLelland, North Bridge House Nursery School

Christine McLelland Head of North Bridge House Nursery School

32 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

Titus Mills Head of Walhampton School

William Brooks Head of Brambletye School

Donal Brennan Head of The Hampshire School

Jenifer Hillman Head of Farleigh School

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

MEET THE EXPERTS

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EATON SQUARE SCHOOL

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‘Every child, every single child has the capacity to excel.’ ŠÂ?Â˜Â—Čą šžŠ›Žȹ ÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ČąÂ’ÂœČąÂŠÂ—ČąÂ’Â—Â?Ž™Ž—Â?Ž—Â?Ç°ČąÂŒÂ˜ÂŽÂ?žŒŠÂ?Â’Â˜Â—ÂŠÂ•Čą ÂžÂ›ÂœÂŽÂ›Â˘ČąÂŠÂ—Â?Čą ÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ?‘Žȹ‘ŽŠ›Â?ČąÂ˜Â?ČąÂŒÂŽÂ—Â?›Š•ȹ ˜—Â?Â˜Â—Ç°Čą ÂŽÂ?žŒŠÂ?’—Â?ČąÂŒÂ‘Â’Â•Â?›Ž—ȹÂ?Â›Â˜Â–Čą Â?‘ŽȹŠÂ?ÂŽČąÂ˜Â?ČąĹ˜ČąĆ™ČąÂ?Â˜ČąĹ—Ĺ™ČąÂ˘ÂŽÂŠÂ›ÂœČąÂ˜Â•Â?ÇŻ Open Mornings Monday 27th February ~ Thursday 25th May

Please contact us today for more information or to book a visit. Ĺ?Ĺ&#x;Čą ŒŒ•ŽœÂ?Â˜Â—Čą šžŠ›Žǰȹ ˜—Â?Â˜Â—Čą Ĺ— ȹŗ ȹȹȹȹȹȹ ÇąČąĹ–Ĺ˜Ĺ–ČąĹ?Ĺ&#x;řŗȹĹ&#x;ĹšĹœĹ&#x;ȹȹȹ ǹȹ›ŽÂ?Â’ÂœÂ?›Š›ȓŽŠÂ?Â˜Â—ÂœÂšÂžÂŠÂ›ÂŽÂœÂŒÂ‘Â˜Â˜Â•ÇŻÂŒÂ˜Â–

www.eatonsquareschool.com INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 4 -13 YEARS

SPRING OPEN MORNINGS Let our boys welcome you and show you the school through their eyes WEDNESDAY 18 JANUARY 9.00am

Individual tours of the Pre-Prep building are also available every Thursday morning

TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARY 9.00am

To book a place on an Open Morning or arrange an individual tour, please email: admissions@themallschool.org.uk or call: 020 8614 1082

THURSDAY 23 MARCH 9.00am

www.themallschool.org.uk

FRIDAY 28 APRIL 9.00am

Tours start at 9.00am Headmaster’s Talk & Coffee at 10.15am

185 Hampton Road, Twickenham TW2 5NQ

Bringing out the best in every boy

Cottesmore School

Pease Pottage, West Sussex, RH11 9AU T: 01293 520648 E: office@cottesmoreschool.com W: www.cottesmoreschool.com Head Teacher: Tom Rogerson Admissions: Lottie Rogerson COTTESMORE SCHOOL 12X2_TATLER_0816.indd 1 E: rogersonc@cottesmoreschool.com Key facts

Walhampton Preparatory School

16/6/16 11:09:41

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 4-13 years Total pupils: 150, boys 100, girls 50 Type: Day, Boarding Fees: Pre Prep: Day from £3,048-4,065, Prep: Day from £5,708, Full Boarding from £7,802.

Entrance procedure: Interview, previous school reports and maths and English assessment

School Philosophy: Cottesmore is a country boarding prep school for boys and girls in West Sussex, less than an hour from London.

We provide a train service to London Victoria Station, which is popular with London ‘S.W.’ families. Cottesmore has been preparing children for major public schools since 1894 and continues to provide excellent preparation for senior boarding schools who share Cottesmore’s belief in nurturing a rounded, dynamic individual.

Academic Record: 100% success rate at Common Entrance 2016 to

schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington. “Quisque pro ingenio” is Cottesmore’s unofficial motto: “Everyone has a talent”.

Cottesmore will find and nurture each child’s talent and help the individual grow strong in the light of his or her own success.

Cottesmore is a school where children are taught to have faith in their own ability in a caring, confidence-inspiring environment.

Cottesmore pupils are typically bright-eyed, confident without being arrogant, and academically driven. ‘They are happy, confident children,’ says the head of a famous senior school.

Extra-Curricular: Cottesmore excels at ‘modern’ boarding. Its huge range of sports (33 at last count), hobbies and activities supplement a diverse academic curriculum. The drama, music and arts programmes are equally purposeful and vibrant.

Walhampton, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 5ZG T: 01590 613300 E: office@walhampton.com W: www.walhampton.com Head Teacher: Titus Mills Admissions: Suzanne Wright E: registrar@walhampton.com Key facts Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 2-13 years Total pupils: 370, boys 190, girls 180 Type: Day, Flexi, Full Boarding Fees: Early years – daily day from £25.50.

Pre Prep – from £2,055 per term, Prep – from £4,125 per term, Flexi Boarding from £30 per night, Full Boarding from £2,021 per term (in addition the day fee).

Entrance procedure: Assessment and report from their current school

School Philosophy: Set within one hundred acres, Walhampton is a day, flexi and full-time boarding Prep school, providing a striking balance of academic rigour alongside sport, drama, art, music and over 60 on-site extra curricular activities. Overlooking the Solent, the school has one of the ultimate prep school settings.

Few Prep schools offer such a range of academic and extra curricular opportunities, with sailing on its own lakes and riding in a professionally qualified equestrian centre. Walhampton provides an excellent preparation for the UK’s leading senior schools.

Academic Record: 100% Common Entrance success to over 40

leading senior schools. Approximately 50% of our Year 8 pupils gain scholarships to their senior schools, which include, Winchester, Radley, Eton, Marlborough and Sherborne and others

Extra-Curricular: Over 60 activities available on site. 90% of which are included in the fees and offered to children 4 days a week (Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sat).

Notable Achievements and Alumni: 100% Common Entrance success to over 40 leading senior schools. Approximately 50% of our Year 8 pupils gain scholarships to their senior schools.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: 100% success rate at Common Entrance 2016 to schools such as Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Wellington.

Unbeaten 1st football season 2015.

Unbeaten Colts A football and cricket season 2015/16.

Unbeaten U11 netball season 2015/16.

Open Morning: 4 February 10am to 12pm

Open Mornings: Friday 3 February 2017 and Friday 12 May 2017

PREP

Choosing a prep school FIN DING TH E RIGHT PR EP SCH OOL IS ON E OF TH E MOST IM PORTANT DECISION S PAR ENTS CAN MAKE, SAYS Michelle Botha OF PORTL AN D PL ACE SCH OOL

“

hank goodness I was never sent to school; it would have rubbed off some of the originality,” Beatrix Potter once said. But schooling has changed tremendously since Beatrix Potter’s days. Gone is the archaic view of pupils being seen and not heard – pupils are treated as the individuals that they are. Modern classrooms use interactive technology and pupils are taught to question. They discover their individual

T

interests in lessons and through extracurricular opportunities. An exciting education that nurtures, challenges and requires commitment gives pupils confidence to tackle the more daunting subjects in which they may struggle. These pupils develop into well-rounded and resilient individuals with skills that will stay with them throughout their adult lives.

Some prep schools have a stringent

exam focus with the 11+ taking precedence over their Year 6. This is suited to some children but not every 10 year old is ready to face those pressures. While we all want our children to succeed, it is their enjoyment and curiosity to learn that will give them an edge in a future where knowledge and skills become obsolete very quickly.

When selecting a junior or prep school, parents should bear in mind a number

The use of interactive tools to deliver lessons is important

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 35

PREP

of factors: their child’s disposition and interests, the type of education they want them to experience (traditional, modern, single sex, co-ed) and whether the whole family is ready to embrace the pressures of 11+ exams. For parents who are concerned about these pressures, the answer may be a school that provides prep, senior and sixth form education.

Here, the 11+ examinations do not need to be the main focus of teaching. While academic standards and progress are a major focus, removing entrance exams allows the emphasis in the classroom to be on progress and development of individual pupils.

The use of interactive tools to deliver lessons is incredibly important. Today’s prep generation are innate users of technology, born into a world of instant access to knowledge. Teaching must reflect this. Conversely, one of our biggest concerns is the sedentary nature of working with technology so a balance of health and fitness is vital. We don’t know what future jobs will look like – they most probably do not exist yet.

Instilling adaptability and creativity sets

NEED TO KNOW

the next generation up as entrepreneurs.

Music also provides opportunities for creativity. Studies show that pupils who learn to play an instrument at a young age help their wider development.

Actively engaging in music classes provides great cognitive benefits linked to mathematical and literacy improvement – key areas assessed in the 11+ assessments.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD • Attending an open morning during the school day is a good way to gauge a true reflection of the day-to-day activities in school. Alternatively some schools offer individual appointments with the Head.

Parents with questions specific to their child may benefit from this opportunity.

• Small indicators, such as the manner in which you are welcomed into the main

36 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

school office, can speak volumes. It may be the first place pupils will come if they’re feeling unwell or anxious. A warm and friendly welcome can help pupils ease into a new environment.

• Ask about taster days. Choosing the right school is as much about the pupil assessing the school as it is the school assessing the child, and the process of spending the day gives them the ability to immerse themselves in the routine.

• Check the academic outcomes, as well as the school and university destinations of former pupils.

• Small lessons with specialist teachers and in-class support can develop pupils’ confidence. With that confidence, they will try new opportunities they may have previously passed up. Self-worth and selfbelief are amongst the best traits you can teach a child and will stay with them in their future endeavours. L

When visiting the school on an open day, be sure to: • Interact with the pupils.

• Check the location and travel distance of the school.

• Find out what pastoral support is offered to pupils. The real benefits in a small environment are only felt when the right support is in place to help pupils who need a little extra nurturing.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

SPECIALIST TEACHERS AND IN-CLASS SUPPORT CAN DEVELOP CONDFIDENCE

Make notes of your questions to ask on a visit. Parents have different priorities based on family circumstance. Questions may include: • Is the school co-educational?

• What extra-curricular activities and clubs are offered?

• What sports facilities are available to pupils?

• What range of subjects are available?

• Is technology integrated into the teaching?

• Is there a senior school?

• How are pupils prepared for examinations?

• How are pupils assessed for entrance?

Open Morning Take a look around

9:30am -12:30pm -12:30pm Friday, 10th 10th February 2017.

2017.

9:30am 9:30am -12:30pm Friday, Friday, 10th February February 2017.

Please book your place through our website Please Please book book your your place place through through our our website website www.twyfordschool.com or contact us on 01962 712269. www.twyfordschool.com or contact www.twyfordschool.com or contact us us on on 01962 01962 712269.

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Through learning, inspire all to make a difference

OPEN MORNINGS Saturday 11 February 2017, ACS Cobham Saturday 11 March 2017, ACS Hillingdon Saturday 25 March 2017, ACS Egham For boys and girls aged between 2–18.

To find out more visit acs-schools.com/opendays

“The quality of the students’ achievement is excellent.”

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FAMILY

recently came back from a few days in France. It was one of those work trips which had been ringed in red in the diary; two thunderous Anglo-French rugby matches with hulking athletes playing for high stakes in ferocious atmospheres. Sport across the channel is special, the mass community buy-in means the occasions are laced with intensity which in turn fires the competitive juices. When the home side and their supporters get going, the stadium rocks and the tremors can be felt on the other side of the city.

Throw in some sunshine, and a couple of bottles of rosé by the port in Toulon once we were done, and it all made for a pretty good trip to the Med. One couldn’t help but be in awe as these gladiators smashed seven bells out of each other for two hours, only to hug like long-lost brothers on the final whistle.

It demonstrated that rugby’s code of honour was alive and well: what happens on the field stays on the field. Win with humility and lose with good grace.

Which wasn’t exactly how I’d describe the conduct of my son the following day as I towed him, sobbing, to the side of the road. His sister had overtaken him on her scooter and wouldn’t let him win the race to the playground. I thought of the giants who fight for glory every weekend as I wiped away his snot and explained, once again, about good sportsmanship.

‘It’s the taking part that counts’ is our parental focus at the moment. But my word, it is a lengthy process. We’ve just about got to the point where we can trust our five year old to shuffle the cards. It has taken a year of dissuading her from sneaking off to sort out an unbeatable hand before returning to deal out a shambles to everyone else. We’re also in the process of ironing out the gloating after these inevitable victories.

This process of educating them to ‘play nicely’ is not easy. But here’s the thing – I would much rather have to tone down a child’s competitive instinct than have to install the hardware from scratch. Call it the wiring of natural selection.

As an example, I will admit to a small glow of pride watching my son in last year’s Nativity. Not because he managed to face the right direction and bow at the right time but because, when one of the shepherds tried to snatch his mini hoover

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

I

Fair play SK Y SPORTS PR E SENTER Alex Payne TACKLE S GOOD GAM E SMAN SHIP IN CHILDR EN ON AN D OFF TH E PITCH

The process of teaching kids to ‘play nicely’ is not always easy

from him, my little inn-keeper hung in there and took it back. As this electrical appliance fracas broke out in Bethlehem, his mother delivered that helplessly ineffective silent ‘telling off’ routine from the audience, and yet I couldn’t help but give him a nod of approval at the same time. To me, this was ‘survival of the fittest’ in a microcosm.

Given all the conflicting advice, I pity the children. We are teaching them how to win, to want to win, not to give up but not to mind when they don’t win. We are trying to ignite the fires of competition while also spraying an extinguisher to make sure they don’t get out of control.

Because, while trying to head in four different directions at once, we also have to add in the rules to play by. Neither really works without the other, as our eldest proved at her first sports day. I had only just arrived back from a month in Australia covering a British sporting triumph, but the joy of watching our best rugby players win on the other side of the world was nothing compared to the

pride of my daughter’s first 25-yard dash.

She tore into the lead, but if you’ve not been told that you can stop once you’ve broken the finishing tape, then you don’t.

Without this information, my daughter did what any animal in the race for survival would do – and kept running.

Through the egg and spoon race, over the long jump, beyond the discus. Past the cake stall, out into the car park. Paula Radcliffe would’ve stood to applaud. In fact, perhaps pros like Paula are our best hope in all of this. Our kids need idols so they can see what ‘good sportsmanship’ looks like. No more mixed messages from me, I’m taking the kids and this life lesson back to the Med this summer.

And if I’m honest, I could do with a refresher course, too. After those nights in France, my wife and I ended up sitting down after dinner with the Scrabble board. Within half an hour the night had descended into swearing, cheating, gloating, anger (hers) and glory (all mine).

Apparently you could feel the tremors on the other side of London. L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 39

THIS PAGE Tom wears sweater, £34, Ralph Lauren. Shirt, £93, Bonpoint. Trousers, £42, La Coqueta. Brogues, £73, Young Soles. Wooden yo-yo, £5, Hedgehog.

RIGHT PAGE Isabella wears coat, £74, La Coqueta. Dress, £119, Little Wardrobe London. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Shoes, £150, Chapter 2.

Annelle wears coat, £62, Pepa & Co. Shirt, £160, Gucci Kids at Harrods. Skirt, £44, Olivier Baby and Kids. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Shoes, from £67, Young Soles. Hair bow, from £5, Angel’s Face. Backpack, £72, Karl Lagerfeld Kids at House of Fraser.

C L ASS AC TS Make the grade in the style stakes this term in spring’s statement pieces PHOTOGR APH ER : TOM LEIGHTON ST YLIST: Y VADN EY DAVIS

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Tom wears blazer, £99, Harrods of London at Harrods. Shirt, £78, Bonpoint. Tie, £60, Gucci Kids at Harrods.

Shorts, £26, Billybandit at House of Fraser. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Wooden yo-yo, £5, Hedgehog. Annelle wears jacket, £182, and matching skirt, £92, Bonpoint. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Brogues, from £34, Next. Hair bow, from £5, Angel’s Face. Evan wears shirt, £190, Fendi Kids at Harrods. Trousers, from £24, Boden. Shoes, from £28, Clarks. Isabella wears dress, £102, Caramel. Socks, from £4.50 (pack of three), Next. Shoes, from £67, Young Soles. Hat, from £22, John Lewis. Notepad, £3 (part of set), Hedgehog.

THIS PAGE Evan wears jacket, from £64, Carrément Beau at House of Fraser. Shirt, £35, and shorts, £49, both Rachel Riley. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Shoes, £50, Dr Martens. Satchel, £16, Mothercare. Tom wears jacket, £45, Muddy Puddles. Shirt, £22.50, Elfie London.

Shorts, £26, Billybandit at House of Fraser. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Shoes, from £67, Young Soles. Pencil, £2.50, and notepad, £3 (part of set), both Hedgehog.

RIGHT PAGE Evan wears blazer, £192, Bonpoint. Shirt, from £26, Boden. Tie, £55, Gucci Kids at Harrods. Trousers, £69.95, Harrods of London at Harrods. Socks, £6, Pepa & Co. Shoes, £50, Dr Martens. Satchel, £95, Hedgehog.

SPECIAL THANKS TO: MODELS: ANNELLE, EVAN, ISABELLA, TOM. MODEL AGENCIES: BRUCE & BROWN, ALPHABET AGENCY. HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY PATRIZIA LIO USING BIODERMA SKINCARE. SHOT ON LOCATION AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOOL, HAMPSTEAD.

Patent shoes £19.99, zara.com

Cotton-blend sweater £12.99, zara.com

Hair clips (pack of two) £4, jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Cotton sweater £18, johnlewis.com

Pleated skirt £16, next.co.uk

Isabella wears jacket, £250, Bonpoint. Dress, £40, Le Mu. Socks, from £4.50 (pack of three), Next. Shoes, from £67, Young Soles.

Hair bow, from £5, Angel’s Face.

Rico iron-on letter patch £1.65, johnlewis.com

GET THE LOOK It’s top marks all round for these key high street finds

Cotton knee-high socks £4.99, panachekids.co.uk Leather satchel £55, drmartens.com

J by Jasper Conran cotton sweater £18, debenhams.com

Cotton chino shorts (pack of two) £12, next.co.uk

Little Joule rain coat £39.95, johnlewis.com

46 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

Leather brogues £36, marksandspencer.com

Open Morning dates: Wednesday 8 February Open Wednesday Morning dates: 24 May th

th

Wednesday 8th 9.30) February (Doors open Wednesday 24th May (Doors open 9.30)

LYNDHURST HOUSE

Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory School

LYNDHURST HOUSE

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 Celebrating 25 years

throughout 2016-17

Wet play?

No problem.

With 3 indoor sports halls to add to our 70m x 40m huge all-weather pitch

Bright children, exceptional opportunities: visitors to Newton Prep in the last year have included the Dalai Lama, Rowan Williams, Michael Gove MP, Shami Chakrabarti, Johnny Ball.

World Cup Rugby player Josh Lewsey and film director Alan Parker.

we have more sports facilities than most secondary-level London schools.

St Ives children are going places... ... so why not take a look at our fresh, co-educational approach for 2017.

In addition to our co-ed nursery, we look forward to welcoming boys into reception, year one and year two, from September 2017.

To find out more, why not join us for one of our open days, or alternatively, call to book your private tour.

In 2016-17, the Newton community celebrates

Newton@25, marking the first 25 years since its 1991 foundation and creating a legacy for a school that is forward-focused,

for

UPCOMING EVENTS

the next 25 years!

Thinking big: with

“Newton combines knowledge of families with great space and facilities in which children are encouraged to be themselves. All the teachers understand my children, the management is open to fresh ideas and the school is big enough to accommodate variety.”

650+ pupils, aged between 313, Newton is London’s biggest stand-alone prep school.

Current parent Several 100% Bursaries are

If music be the food of love, we are eating well

available from Year 3 upwards for sparky children who

at Newton: over

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might not otherwise be able to afford a fee-paying school.

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A co-ed London prep school for children aged 3-13 020 7720 4091 www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

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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

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CURRICULUM

CODING FOR KIDS BRINGING COM PUTER SCIEN CE TO TH E CL ASSROOM IS GIVING OU R CHILDR EN TH E SKILL S E SSENTIAL FOR TH EIR DIGITAL FUTU R E, SAYS Georgina Blaskey

Whether at home or in the classroom, most children today are connected to some form of technology

ver 20 years ago, Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman and chief executive officer of Apple Inc, said, “Everyone should learn how to program a computer, because it teaches you how to think.” About three years ago the British government caught up (well before some other countries, it’s worth noting) and decided to become the first G7 country to introduce compulsory computer science for all children aged five to 16. Now, when a child leaves primary school aged 11, they should be able to design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, use sequence, selection and repetition in programs, and use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms

O

work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

It’s not just the government who are getting excited about coding for kids. Leading female entrepreneurs in this country are encouraging their own children to learn the language of code.

Nicola Mendelsohn, Facebook vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and mother of four, advises parents to get their kids coding. Her three sons can code, but Mendelsohn is disappointed her eldest, Gabi, 19, missed

out, admitting: “I didn’t realise how important it would be.”

Georgie Coleridge Cole, founder of lifestyle website Sheerluxe.com and mother of three, told me: “The first question I asked when I went to look at my daughter’s current school was ‘when do they learn to code?’. It’s the language of the future. I’ve done a short course myself and only skimmed the surface but even that basic knowledge has been a real asset – for my children I hope their knowledge is like a second language.”

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 49

CURRICULUM CODE BREAKERS Tools to help you learn the new global language The websites • ode.org • codeclub.org.uk • scratch.mit.edu • Sonic Pi is a free tool to create electronic music using code.

• The Ohbot is a robot you can build and code using Scratch.

• The V&A Museum often runs Digital Kids workshops.

• The Science Museum has installations and exhibitions linked to computer science.

• The Institute of Imagination runs Mini Maker Faires which have workshops and demonstrations to get children excited about digital making. Visit ioi.london/imaginationlab/makerfaire.

• Learn the principles of coding with Lift-TheFlap Computers and Coding (£9.99, Usborn Children’s Books).

50 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

TO TRULY THRIVE, CHILDREN NEED TO KNOW HOW COMPUTERS WORK work a spreadsheet, how to use programs already creaking into obsolescence.

Our new curriculum teaches children computer science, information technology and digital literacy: teaching them how to code and how to create their own programs; not just how to work a computer, but how a computer works and how to make it work for you.”

Beyond the computing room, Faye Ellis, director of digital technology at leading London prep school Thomas’s Clapham, adds, “There are so many computational thinking skills that children learn in computing that can be applied in other areas. For example, decomposition (breaking a problem down into parts) and debugging (looking for and fixing errors) are skills that we use

all the time. These skills don’t need to be taught at a computer, either. Barefoot Computing has some good resources for teaching computational thinking skills through games and outdoor activities.”

To truly thrive in an entrepreneurial and innovation-led world, children need to know how computers work. Many jobs that will be around in 2025 haven’t even been created yet but they’re likely to be challenging and digital — as well as wellpaid – so learning the language of code is crucial. If all that feels too far in the future to persuade a reluctant coder, try this. If you learn code you can make your own apps, games and websites; you can become successful at a young age; you’ll learn how to solve problems; and you’ll have some great fun along the way. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

Your children may well have been set as homework ‘An Hour of Code’, from a global campaign that has engaged more than 10% of the world’s student population, to spend one hour doing a tutorial to learn the basics of coding – or improve their abilities if they already have some knowledge (code.org/learn).

Using characters such as Luke Skywalker or Minecraft, children can tell them to complete a mission through a series of instructions (that would be the coding bit then), which gradually gets more complicated as they advance. My children have enjoyed learning through this website – not withstanding some minor frustrations along the way – and it’s opened my eyes as to why coding is so important. Whereas my generation were taught how to use computers, our children are learning how to build them.

At the time of introducing this new curriculum, then Education Secretary Michael Gove said, “ICT used to focus purely on computer literacy – teaching pupils how to word-process, how to

Se nd ni on o r ’s Sc ho ol !

Lo ne w

Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair

Opening September 2017 Register now!

In September 2017 we are very excited to be opening a new independent senior school in Mayfair. We will now be able to provide a seamless progression for our families from the age of two in the nursery into senior school. In a superb location, 106 Piccadilly is a beautiful Grade I listed building, opposite Green Park, right in the heart of London.

Eaton Square Upper School, Mayfair will be co-educational and academically inclusive, with the same family-focused ethos all our schools pride themselves on. Ultimately we aim to create a nurturing environment in which well-rounded, considerate, JVUÄKLU[ HUK YLZPSPLU[ JOPSKYLU ^PSS WYVZWLY M\SÄSSPUN [OLPY ILZ[ WV[LU[PHS WLYZVUHSS` HUK HJHKLTPJHSS` Registration forms are being accepted now - apply today.

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SENIOR SCHOOL

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AS EATON SQUARE SCHOOL IN MAYFAIR PREPARES TO WELCOME ITS FIRST UPPER SCHOOL PUPILS THIS SEPTEMBER , HEADMASTER Sebastian Hepher ADVISES ON CHOOSING A SENIOR SCHOOL

hen it comes to choosing a school there are many aspects to look for and each person has their own requirements to factor in.

However, the below are the main areas I always think about when looking for my pupils at school, or indeed, when I was looking for my own four children.

What parents must remember is that they are choosing the school for their son or daughter and not one that they themselves may have enjoyed. Equally, one school may work for one child but not the next; my children went to four different senior schools!

W

�

HAPPY PUPILS

The first thing I look for is whether the pupils are happy.

If they are relaxed, smiling and at ease within the environment, then it’s a clear indication that the school is doing something right.

�

ARE THE STAFF ENGAGING THE PUPILS?

If one has the opportunity to see lessons taking place, check whether the staff are interacting with the pupils and, if so, how. Are they leading from the front?

Are they having good natured, informed discussions with the students? Is there a clear rapport and respect shown both ways? The answer should be yes to all.

52 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

�

PASTORAL CARE

How are the pupils looked after and cared for? What is in place? If boarding, how are the boarders looked after and how do the house tutors support the house master or mistress? How are pupils who are struggling academically encouraged and supported? Is there a counselling service within the school?

How does the school communicate with the parents in this respect? Take time to try to understand this side of the school to ensure that this is watertight, should you ultimately choose it.

�

QUESTION THE STUDENTS

If one has the chance to speak with the students, ask them how they find the school. What has impressed them the most since joining? If they could change one thing about the school what would that be? At what stage did they join and, if there are multiple entry points, how does that work for the pupils in reality.

�

BOARDING AND WHAT THIS MEANS

If you’re considering a boarding school, you will need to research whether the school is full boarding, weekly or flexi. Always ask the registrar and, if possible, the students too, in terms of how it actually is.

�

WEEKLY BOARDING?

If it’s a boarding school, what is the weekend provision? Are the pupils given plenty of activities to keep them busy and occupied? How many students go home for the weekend and how many stay? If visits home are allowed, what does this mean in reality? Mid-afternoon on Saturday to early evenings on Sunday, or the full weekend?

�

FACILITIES

Although it shouldn’t be the overriding factor, what are the facilities like? Is there reinvestment in the school?

If it’s a beautifully designed or old building this may well attract students who are artistically inclined and attuned with architecture. Modern buildings can be equally inspiring. Also, are there areas where the seniors and sixth form can relax and have their own space?

SENIORS

�

SPACE

Is there enough space for the students to exist comfortably? Try to picture your son or daughter at 16 and 18, rather than 11 and 13. Look closely at the existing pupils in this way.

�

WHAT EXAM ROUTES DO THE PUPILS FOLLOW?

Does the school offer the IB, A-Levels, or a combination of the two? Which A-Level boards are used? Would the system employed fit with your son or daughter and their individual learning style?

��

WHERE DO THE STUDENTS EXIT TO?

Are the students all going down a limited path to a narrow group of universities or does the school send to a large number of different institutions for further education? What are the stats and how are the students supported through the UCAS process? What is the school’s overarching aim with this – the best universities for its records or the right university for each pupil?

Ultimately, the choice comes down to parents to pick the school which suits their child’s needs, talents and interests.

The right senior school will encourage and shape a child into a confident young adult. This is especially relevant in the case of a boarding school, where your child will be more influenced by those whom he or she is surrounded by than if he or she attends a day school. In both cases, it is vital to consider whether the atmosphere of the school is one in which your child will fit in to. At Eaton Square Upper School, we cater to specific interests to ensure we ignite curiosities across both the curricular and extracurricular spheres. As physicist Albert Einstein once said; “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” L

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 53

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RUNNING HEAD

Many of Mandarin’s sounds are short and single-syllable, which children find easy

MASTERING MANDARIN

LIT TLE ON E S LOVE GE T TING TO GRIPS WITH TH E WOR LD’S MOST COMMON LY SPOKEN L ANGUAGE, SO Becky Pugh LOOKS AT OP TION S FOR LE AR NING ot so long ago, all a toddler wanted on a Saturday morning was a mountain of Coco Pops and Peppa Pig. These days, however, any self-respecting two year old demands more from her weekends. She wants to learn while she plays. She wants to interact with other people and cultures.

She wants to immerse herself in the language of the future.

In short, she wants a place at one of the Mandarin playgroups popping up around London. There, with her finger firmly on the pulse, she will spend an hour singing, dancing and rhyming her way to global success. When she graduates from playgroup, she’ll hone her skills in a pre-school class before nailing the most commonly spoken language in the world when she gets to big school.

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For there is no doubt Mandarin is having a moment – and you are never too young to start learning. We know children pick up languages as easily as parents pick up dirty socks, but it seems that Mandarin is particularly appealing to little people. Because it is tonal, it lends itself well to songs, rhymes and repetition. Plus, many of its sounds are short, single-syllable ones that children remember without much trouble.

At Knightsbridge School, as soon as they start Reception, each child learns French and another language of their choice, with the most popular being Spanish and – you guessed it – Mandarin.

“Our children seem to love learning Mandarin, especially when they are little. As they get older and the work becomes more complex, they can find

it harder,” says teacher Henrietta Taylor.

“The parents who choose it usually do so because they’ve lived in the Far East before or because they simply want their children to get ahead.”

Nick Baker, headmaster of Wetherby Preparatory School and Wetherby Senior School, tells me: “There are many benefits to teaching languages from an academic and social perspective, and, of course, they are easier to absorb at a young age. We make Mandarin compulsory in Year 5 for half-an-hour each week, and there is the option after that to continue studying it for Common Entrance.”

One of the key people feeding this burgeoning appetite for Mandarin is Marcus Keoch, founder and managing director of Dragons in Europe, which

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 55

RUNNING HEAD

Parents realise their child may grow up to be employed by a Chinese company

A HELPING HAND Three top picks to inspire your little learner

CHINEASY FLASHCARDS 60 gorgeously colourful flashcards to help little ones master characters as part of the Chineasy visual method – a simple system for quickly learning the basic building blocks of written Chinese. £12.95, amazon.co.uk

think Mandarin is useful to learn.”

But if playgroups are not for you, Mandarin lessons are not on offer at your child’s school and a Mandarin-speaking nanny is a step too far, don’t despair.

Apps such as Kids Learn Mandarin and Monki Home can provide an excellent

BECAUSE MANDARIN IS TONAL, IT LENDS ITSELF WELL TO SONGS AND RHYMES speaking nannies to ensure their children are exposed to the language.

Chiahua Chang of mandarinaupair. com, says: “More people are looking for Mandarin-speaking nannies. Some of them say because schools are offering Mandarin, they want to hire a Mandarinspeaking nanny so the kids can immerse themselves at home.

“Others have said it is because they have been living in Chinese-speaking areas, such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore or Taiwan. Their children have learned to speak and understand Mandarin, and they want them to continue to use those skills. A few parents come to us simply because they

56 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

basis. There is the brilliant website, primaryschoolchinese.com, as well as The Lingo Show, a perky CBeebies television programme that introduces kids to the magic of Mandarin (among other languages).

My boys – aged five and two – are hooked. In just a few sittings, an adorable Chinese bug called Wei has taught them the words for hello (ni hao); one (yi), two (er), three (san); and goodbye (zai jian).

They are ear-achingly proud of what they have learned and seem hungry for more.

So there is no reason why your little monkeys shouldn’t have a shot at world domination, too – from the comfort of your sofa if needs be. L

CLEVERSTIX These training chopsticks are an ideal introduction for little ones.

Eating noodles will no longer be a challenge, and research has found that using chopsticks can improve concentration and motor skills. £8.99, cleverstix.com

TANGRAM DUO An ancient Chinese game has been reinvented by Mon Petit Art. Tangram Duo has two sets of seven pieces, in two colour schemes and sizes, along with a booklet of 200 designs for children to recreate. £12.99, toyella.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

provides schools with specialist Mandarin teachers and parents with private tutors.

“We’ve seen many more prep schools putting Mandarin on their curriculums in the last three years and a huge growth in parents seeking private tutors because Mandarin is not on their children’s school curriculums,” he says.

“Parents understand that their children could be employed by Chinese companies in the future and that it is worth demystifying the language – and children love learning it.”

Mandarin mania is not confined to nurseries and schools, either. Agencies across the capital have noted an increase in the number of people hiring Mandarin-

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OPEN DAYS

OPEN DAYS explained Alison Fleming, H E AD OF N EW TON PR EP, OFFER S H ER ADVICE ON HOW TO MAKE TH E MOST OF YOU R VISIT hoosing your child’s next school involves a combination of hard work and intuition.

Open days can certainly be helpful but don’t be duped by window dressing!

You know that on every school open morning you will see the best that is on offer. Classrooms will all have those extra touches, you’ll hear the school’s best musicians perform, talented gymnasts and sportsmen will be strutting their stuff, and even the kitchen staff will have prepared particularly delicious biscuits.

At the same time, if a school has nothing to hide and everything to show, an open day is still an invaluable glimpse into the school beyond the league table statistics and the scripted promotional material. So as a parent, how can you get the most out of an open day?

First, check the school’s website for timings and if you need to register your attendance. Allow yourself a decent time slot – having made the effort to visit the school, there’s no point rushing around and not giving yourself time to discover anything meaningful.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions! Best of all, ask questions of the children themselves. I always say to our Newton Prep children that they are the school’s best ambassadors – they can’t ‘spin’ the school and their passion (or otherwise!) is real and shines through more than any paid employees.

Of course, research and questioning can only go so far. At some point, your gut instinct will take over. As you walk around, ask yourself if you can see your child thriving here: working hard, playing joyfully, making friends, growing as a person. And, equally as important, can you see yourself enjoying being a member of the parent body of this school? You will, after all, form many

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

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THINGS TO NOTICE

friendships amongst fellow parents in the coming years.

The physical environment of the school itself plays a part, too. At Newton Prep, we are lucky to have fantastic facilities and wide-open spaces that speak for themselves. Schools don’t have to have state-of-the-art amenities but appearances do still matter. It is important that the school looks loved and cared for. Look for engaging displays of children’s work or photographs showing them learning and playing. If displays look tatty and old, that in itself tells its own story about a school.

Afterwards, now that it means something, why not look through the website and read the promotional material through the filter of what you have just seen? Even the Ofsted or ISI report will come to life a little more, and remains a good way of comparing schools like-for-like. L

• Is the Head readily available to talk to? Do you like them? If you cannot buy into their philosophy, think very carefully about registering your child.

• Are the children involved with the open day? Do they speak freely or do they seem coached?

• Are the teachers passionate about their subjects?

• Is the material on the classroom walls up to date?

• Are sporting, dramatic and musical achievements celebrated?

QUESTIONS TO ASK • What do you look for in a child applying here?

• What characterises a child from this school?

• How do you manage the stressful senior school transition?

• How would you describe the school community? Is there a good PTA? • Would you describe the school as traditional or innovative?

• What opportunities are there for interaction between the oldest and youngest children?

LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017 | 59

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INTERVIEW

MY SCHOOL LIFE Toby Young WE CHAT TO TH E JOU R NALIST, AUTH OR OF HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE AN D DIR EC TOR OF N EW SCH OOL S N E T WOR K Tell us a little about your experience at school.

It was a bit of a mixed bag.

At primary school I had one teacher I really responded to – Mr Rice – largely because he introduced an element of competition. I’ve never worked so hard! I then went to two bog-standard comprehensives and left with one O-Level and a CSE. I retook three O-Levels so I had the bare minimum to go to a sixth form and, after a year out, ended up at William Ellis, a former grammar school in north London.

The teachers were excellent and, for the first time since Mr Rice’s class, I worked hard and did OK. What was your favourite subject?

My favourite subjects were English, History and Politics, and they still are.

You spent some time as a teaching fellow at Harvard, how was that?

It was demanding! Because the students’ parents were paying huge sums for them to be there – most of them, anyway – they expected quite a lot of the teaching fellows. Some of the students were quite politically correct, but nothing like as bad as I imagine they are now.

You co-founded the first free school and were recently appointed director of the New Schools Network. What sparked your interest in this?

The short answer is having four kids in quick succession. My wife and I got them

62 | LITTLE LONDON GUIDES | SPRING 2017

Toby at William El lis

Sixth Form in 19 81

What Every Parent Needs To Know by Toby Young and Miranda Thomas

Where do you see free schools in the future?

The programme is going from strength to strength.

Free schools are more likely to be ranked outstanding by Ofsted than other types of schools and they’re also more popular. I’d like to see the government raise its target of 500 opening in this Parliament – we need more than that – and I’d like to see the policy rolled out in other regions of the UK. At the moment, you can only set up a free school if you live in England which isn’t great if you live in Wales.

What else are you up to?

I’m currently writing a second edition of What Every Parent Needs to Know, a guide to the new national curriculum for parents of children at primary school. It’s due to be published next September. L

PHOTOGRAPHY: IAN WEST/PA ARCHIVE/PA IMAGES

all into an excellent primary school, but when it came to secondary there was less choice. We had three options: move, go private or get religion, which round our way is known as, ‘On your knees to avoid the fees’. We decided to move to Suffolk, but I then had a last-minute change of heart and thought, ‘I pay my taxes. Why should I have to move half way across the country just to secure a decent state education for my children?’ Maybe there was a fourth option: set up a free school. That was in 2009 and, eight years later, the West London Free School is one of the most popular in the country.

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