Meridian education supplement 2013

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MERIDIAN E D U C AT I O N S U P P L E M E N T

O u r gu i de to the best in education locally * Pr e- s chool & N u rs er y * Primar y S chool * S econdar y Sc hool * Col l eg e * Vocational Courses * Private Tuition * After-school Activities

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Education News

Ju st ch il d’s pl ay ? a but explore deeper and you will see How simple child’s play seems – ted path of exploration and learning. istica soph very and pth in-de lex, comp ifying, is to develop children’s play by ident The skill to an exceptional nursery ing opportunities. That’s why at learn ted targe ent lopm deve and planning Not only does it mean increased Zoom we take play very seriously. makes the day a lot more fun! also it ent lopm deve opportunities for chat and look around one of our mal infor an or n, For more informatio l Ann Briley, Assistant Childcare emai SE9 and four sites in SE3, SE13 www.zoomnurseries.com m ail.co Director, annbriley.zoom@gm

TRINITY LA BAN CONSE RVATOIRE Greenwich an OF MUSIC d Deptford, AND DANC is Its innovativ E based in e course prov the UK's only conservato ire of music ision, excitin education, co and dance. g performan mmunity an ces and grou d social incl the advancem ndbreaking usion work m en ake Trinity La the musicians t of elite and creative ar ban a leader tistic practic , dancers an in e. The organi d vibrant cultu sation foster ral life and its artistic leaders of the fu s tu re, enriching creative indu diverse econ st Britain's omy. More th ries which ar e vital to a ba an 97% of ou or further stud lanced, r first degree y six months leavers are in after gradua entire higher employmen tion - the fifth education se t highest figu ctor. www.trinityla re across th ban.ac.uk, e Music: 020 8305 4444, Dance: 020 8305 9400

MONKEY MUSIC - THE UK’S PREMIUM MUSIC GROUP FOR PRE SCHOOL CHILDREN. Monkey Music offers four separate curric ular specifically designed for the individual age groups. Rock’n’Roll for very young babies 3 – 10 months, Heigh-Ho 10 months – 2 years, Jiggety-Jig 2 – 3 years and Ding-Dong 3 – 4 years. Experienced teachers run weekly Monkey Music classes locally in Blackheath and Greenwich. All Monkey Music customers are entitle d to 30% discount at Giraffe restaurant, Blackheath village and 20% discount at Café Rouge Greenwich. Booking now for the spring term. Please call Rebecca on 020 8764 5185 to book a free complimen tary class. www.monkeymusic.co.uk AT BISHOP CHALLONER your child will learn within a caring happy and secure environment. We are committed to ‘outstanding pastoral care’ and the highest level of academic achievemen t. As a Catholic, Independent, Coeducational Day School, all our students from 3-18 are able to grow to their full potential so that they may become confi dent, responsible and caring members of society. Our ethos is one that nurtures individual talent, respects all faiths and creates a learning partnership for all. We are proud of our students who flourish in a community where individual support and attention is second to none. We achieve excellent results at GCSE and A Level representing a lot of hard work and dedication. Our motto challe nges each and every student to ‘dare to do their very best’. Visits are welcome - please contact the Admissions Secretary on 020 8460 3546 or email admissions@bis hopchallonerschool.com

r e t s e h c o R s ’ g n i K

al s flo ur ish whe re in di vi du a co m mun ity school g 21st century o an outstandin high

ed int all levels and King’s has evolv llent facilities at Founded in 604, d girls with exce ognises that an rec ys d bo an e old ak ar int ility for 3 to 18 ye has a broad-ab d far beyond ten g’s ex Kin y s. ma ard ich nd s wh academic sta ts and strength en tal h wit e iqu every child is un vides nt, King’s also pro ley the classroom. ndon and NW Ke om Br Lo n SE ee m tw fro be in ss ce by tra With ease of ac pupils travelling y. urn travel for all rne ret jou ied te an nu mp mi co ac t a 30 ester.co.uk www.kings-roch ester which is jus 01634 88590, South and Roch ll ca , 13 20 : 1 March Open Morning

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St Olave's recognises talent! No matter what your child’s interests or abilities, our non-selective ethos means that we have children like yours! We aim to offer every possible opportunity their full potential and recognise reach to years 3-11 aged girls for boys and different areas. We are proud of our their talents and strengths in many and have a strong track record of esses succ mic cade academic and non-a to Year 6 pupils. ols scho r senio of h achieving the best matc nt, to our school either by appointme We look forward to welcoming you on ing Morn Open next our at office@stolaves.org.uk, or Saturday 2 March 2013.

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More News Jone s Lan g LaS alle spon sors spor ts team s at Colf e's Scho ol

Young Education Services has been established for over 20 years. We provid e extra educational support for students from KS1-KS4. Many parents are often unsur e of their child’s academic ability. Therefore, students can now sit a one-off national assessment in order for paren ts to ascertain their level. YES has also become a mock exam centre . Parents may send their children to YES for regular practice prior to 7+, 11+ or 13+ exams. During holiday times we run courses relevant to students’ academic needs. If you would like to know more abou t these facilities, please contact the centre on 0208 858 9180/ 07850 132 904, or you may email your enquiry to info@youngeducationserv ices.co.uk.

Residential property company, Jones Lang LaSalle entered into their second year of working with Colfe's School, Lee. The first year was sponsorship of rugby shirts for the boys Under 15s. Last year was sponsorship of the Rugby 1st XV and the award winnin g girls Netball Under 19s team. A sample of the 1st XV shirts can be seen in the residential offices in Blackheath, Greenwich and Canary Wharf . “I love the new kit. When you look the part, you feel the part and it definitely makes you play better.” said 17-year old Alice Foste r; a member of Colfe's Netball Under19s team. Residential Director, Ken Deamer, based in Blackheath, said he is delighted to have extended this sponsorship with the school: “Jones Lang LaSalle is extremely pleased to have helped provide the children with really outstanding professional sports kit. As a company we are proud to celebrate sport and last year we had the opportunity to show our commitment by supporting our Olymp ic Athletes, Alan Campbell in Rowing and Helen Jenkins in Triathlon, and Paralympian Will Bayley whose sport is table tennis. Colfe’ s has developed, over many years, a very strong reputation in the local area for successful and high level sport particularly in rugby and netball, and Jones Lang LaSalle is deligh ted to be part of helping this grow even stronger.” Director of Sport, Nicci Rayes said “This is such an important moment for us, not least because now our girls and boys are going out and feeling extremely professional which is reflected in a definite improvement in how they play. The new kit gives them a real sense of identity and pride in the school and becau se they feel rewarded, they want to play even better to give something back. We are really grateful to Jones Lang LaSalle for believ ing in us, and what we can achieve, and we look forward to many more years of a fruitful and strong partnership.” Picture credit: Ian D Bassett, Colfe's. (left to right) Saskia Leese, Jade Deol, Tara Dennehy, Alice Foster, Ken Deamer, Rochelle McKay Pryce, Octavia Willoughby, Sophia Debney, Jenny Dearsle y, Megan Deverson

‘Inspired and Inspiring’ C���� H���� S�����, B������

Original stories, songs and silliness for 0 - 6 year olds. Weekly sessions, holiday workshops, interactive shows, published books and parties!

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Imagination for the everyday! Flexible payment schemes. Contact us: 07801072776 info@theatretots.com www.theatretots.com 32 l www.meridian-magazine.co.uk

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The Pointer School (Blackheath)

First Class Examination Results (100% success in 2012 Examinations) Organic Food • Christian Evangelical in ethos Breakfast Club & After-School Care Large variety of outdoor and PE activities Three languages taught Numerous Extra-Curricular Activities (Fencing to Horse Riding) Holiday Club (Christmas, Easter & Summer) OFSTED: OUTSTANDING IN ALL AREAS

19 Stratheden Road, Blackheath SE3 7TH 020 8293 1331 secretary@pointers-school.co.uk www.pointers-school.co.uk www.meridian-magazine.co.uk l 33

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Op Mornen ing Sat 2 M

10 am

arch -12 p m

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COLFE'S

Why Study Classics? I WAS DELIGHTED to hear recently that 40% of our pupils at Colfe’s had chosen to continue their study of Latin into Year 9 this year and thereafter to GCSE. In the course of the next three years they will have the opportunity to visit ancient Pompeii, Rome and Classical Athens whilst they get to grips with the unique linguistic challenge of the Latin language. A growing number are also opting to study Ancient Greek whilst Classical Civilisation has become established as a popular A level option for those who wish to study the Classics in translation. There are a range of practical advantages which derive from the study of Latin, including easier access to modern languages like French, Spanish or Italian, all of which derive from Latin. The intellectual rigour of the Classics is also widely celebrated. For children, however, the most convincing argument in support of the study of Classics is that it is intrinsically and inherently interesting: the ancient world is an utterly fascinating, sometimes exhilarating and often dangerous place. These characteristics are reflected in a welcome trend towards more accessible literature about, or inspired by, the ancient world. The brutal age of Julius Caesar and Cicero, for example, has been vividly brought to life by Robert Harris in his Roman novels, Imperium and Lustrum. Mary Beard’s study of Pompeii brings a unique collection of ancient ruins to life as effectively as any of its predecessors asserting, for example, with all due reference to the archaeological record, that most ancient Pompeians suffered from chronic halitosis. The Roman Empire is also the cradle of Christianity, although the religious enthusiasm of the ancient Christians was markedly greater than that of their modern counterparts. Ammianus Marcellinus, historian of the later Roman Empire, observes that “no wild beasts are so hostile to humans as the majority of the Christians are to one another.” He knew what he was talking about, not only because he would have attended the gladiatorial spectacula in the amphitheatre at Antioch as a young man but also because, within living memory, Bishop George of Alexandria, sometimes identified as the patron saint of England, had been torn to pieces by a mob in Alexandria whose take on the first version of the Nicene Creed differed fatally from his own. Supporters of the Classics have been suitably vociferous recently, with a recent Politeia study even advocating the introduction of Latin to the primary school curriculum. Signatories to that study include Tom Stoppard and Ian Hislop. Boris Johnson is also to be commended for his successful campaign to rescue A Level Ancient History from oblivion. As the recent obsession with Mandarin Chinese in independent schools begins to fade, it is to be hoped that more pupils in more schools, including those in the state sector, will have the opportunity to experience the ancient world through the study of Latin. The classical renaissance is overdue. Christopher Pelling and Llewelyn Morgan: Latin for language learners. Opening opportunity for primary pupils. Politeia 2010. Richard Russell, Headmaster, Colfes School, Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW. Tel: 020 8852 2283. www.colfes.com

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Education

T he Power of Lear ning

ELTHAM COLLEGE

for Lifetime Success

HOW OFTEN ARE YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS ENCOURAGED TO THINK ABOUT HOW THEY LEARN? Are they praised for using their imagination? Are they encouraged to share with others how they managed to solve a problem or how they overcame certain distractions? Classrooms are going through a sea-change - teachers are using a different language to support their pupils. Gone are the days when pupils are told to “work harder” or “put in more effort”; instead pupils are being encouraged to consider how they learn, what they do when they find something difficult, and whether they collaborate and empathise with others or prefer to learn on their own. Despite the rather traditional appearance of Eltham College, we are tackling this learning revolution in the classroom head on. Under the leadership of Ms Rachel Gordon, as Head of Teaching and Learning, all staff are being encouraged to consider how to put more emphasis on “learning” rather than “work” in the classroom, and pupils are being helped in developing skills that will enhance their performance in examinations and also provide them with the confidence to take on the challenges they will face in the world beyond school. Teachers are “facilitators” in the classroom while pupils discover more about themselves as well as the subjects which they are studying. The boys and

girls at Eltham College are learning about how to become more effective learners, and this is giving them a step up on the educational ladder. The language of “learning” encourages everyone to consider how resilient, reflective, resourceful and flexible we are. We can all acknowledge how easily distracted we can be, and this can lead us to miss subtleties and nuances in our work. Improvements are often made when we think again about what contributes to our successes and we reflect on our failures. That sense of achievement when we have overcome a real difficulty is so much better than being able to coast through everything with ease. Being challenged is something we should all relish and embrace. Having the confidence to take on new challenges, be flexible in new situations and learn from the experience is powerful learning that will endure beyond the classroom. Henry Ford is reputed to have said, “Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can’t are both right.” The philosophy within the classrooms at Eltham College is to encourage all to believe they can, and understanding how they learn is key to that success. Eltham College, Grove Park Road Eltham SE9 4QF. Tel: 020 8857 1455. www.eltham-college.org.uk By P J Henderson

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Education

l a n o i t a n r e t T he In t a e t a e r u a l a Bacc l o o h c S s ’ n e e George Gr GEORGE GREEN’S SCHOOL on the Isle of Dogs has been an authorised as an IB World School since October 2008. We are one of the few state schools to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB), offering a truly world class education to our students. There are two options available to students interested in the IB programme – • The IB Diploma Programme • The IB Career related Certificate (IBCC) The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education and is accepted by leading universities worldwide. It provides students with the critical-thinking skills and a sense of ‘international-mindedness’, essential for today’s global economy. It is a challenging programme that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. Students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. In addition, the programme has three core requirements: • the extended essay, an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects students are studying; • Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a course designed to encourage students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and different kinds of knowledge; • Creativity Action Service (CAS) which requires students to actively learn from experience doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students take written examinations marked by external IB examiners, at the end of the two year programme. Results are excellent with over 90% of students entered gaining the full IB Diploma, and with an average points score above the worldwide average. Since 2012 George Green’s Sixth Form has offered the IB Careers-related Certificate (IBCC), a new qualification that increases access to an IB education and is specifically designed to provide a flexible learning framework tailored by the school to meet the needs of students and the local community as well as the world beyond. We have excellent links with businesses in London and beyond, enabling us to offer all IBCC a paid internship as part of the course. We are passionate about the IB programme – we think it is the most exciting learning programme for sixth form students, and the best possible preparation for university and global citizenship. We look forward to welcoming you to our growing school community. To arrange a visit or find out more, give us a call on 020 7001 9433. Visit our website for more information – including videos and course descriptions. www.georgegreens.com/sixthform

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Education

SYDENHAM HIGH is currently celebrating 125 years of educating girls aged 4 to 18 from across London and the South East to the highest possible standard. In fact last summer the school achieved quite exceptional GCSE and A level results – some of its best of recent years and somewhat bucking the trend nationally. This followed an Inspection report which judged the school to be outstanding for providing a first class education that allows pupils to be intellectually fulfilled at the same time as offering lively and stimulating enrichment beyond the classroom. Headteacher Kathryn Pullen firmly believes that the school’s approach to educating and not just examining pupils is at the heart of enabling each girl to achieve her full potential – something she refers to as the Syd Effect. “Our aim is to prepare each girl for what the future holds – by setting high expectations, providing a strong academic framework, instilling confidence and supporting every girl’s emotional development so that she can be the absolute best she can be.” This approach can be seen at every level of the school. At Junior School each pupil has her own development plan right from the moment she arrives, ensuring that she can be supported and encouraged at every stage of her school life. In the sixth form as well as her A Levels each girl has the opportunity to take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This allows students to pursue independent areas of study supervised in a similar way to a university dissertation or thesis. Life beyond the curriculum is also vibrant and enriching, with plenty of sport, music, drama, art and clubs of all kinds so that every girl has the opportunity to stretch herself.

SYDENHAM HIGH SCHOOL

An education that goes beyond great results...

Girls are also encouraged to take part in charity fundraising and community service. Pupils recently raised over £10,000 for cancer charities as part of the school’s 125th anniversary celebrations. Looking ahead to the world of work, the school has also launched a Young Enterprise initiative for sixth formers in conjunction with Dulwich College, designed to give pupils a taste for entrepreneurship and build practical business skills. Two combined school teams are now working on solid business ideas. “We’re proud of the excellent academic achievement of our girls – just as we are proud of our award-winning choir, our range of sports, our theatre productions and the creativity in art and design. But our definition of success is broader than that", says Kathryn Pullen. “When we look at our girls, we see people who are articulate, well-informed and open-minded. They are not afraid to accept a challenge and have the courage to try new things and the self-belief to see them through – attributes that are vital to deal confidently with an ever-changing world.” Headteacher: Kathryn Pullen BA, MA Sydenham High School: Senior School, 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL Junior School, Huw May MA Ed, NPQH, 15 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL 020 8557 7000, info@syd.gdst.net, www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

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Education

Blackheath High School

A

t Blackheath High School we are committed to creating lifelong learners who are equipped with the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to be happy and successful in their adult lives. We have traditional values which, successfully coupled with a forward thinking, innovative approach to education, give every one of our pupils all of the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. Our motto is ‘a place to grow, a place to excel’ and every pupil is inspired to ‘aim high’ in all that they do, academically and otherwise. Our unique educational experience is described as “stimulating and extraordinarily supportive, conducive to the highest standards of teaching and learning” by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate and, as one year 10 student sums it up; “Our school has an inclusive and positive feel – everyone really does have ‘a place to grow, a place to excel’ and excellence is encouraged. There is always something or someone to support your current talents and help you develop new ones.” Girls at Blackheath High enjoy school and make remarkably good progress, in both their academic studies and personal development, through a holistic approach showing care and thought for the wellbeing of the whole person, whilst providing many challenging opportunities. We strongly believe in the importance of the traditional core subjects and are proud of the excellent results our girls achieve in subjects including Languages, Mathematics and Science. One of our mathematicians, Danshu Zhang, scored so highly in the UK Mathematics Trust’s Olympiad that she is now taking part in the second round of the British Mathematics Olympiad and hopes to represent the UK in the European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad in April. Blackheath High was the first school in Greenwich and the GDST to be awarded the prestigious ICT mark in recognition of the school’s success in developing the strategic use of ICT across the curriculum. We achieved re-accreditation last year with the Naace assessment report stating “It is excellent to see sustained ICT development, year on year, making this school an exemplary model for any educational establishment.”

We believe that incorporating new technology into the curriculum can empower children and better prepare them for life in our fastpaced, online world. Girls work within a hi-tech environment; each sixth former is provided with a laptop whilst all pupils are competent at pod casting, filming and using the school’s digital radio station and language laboratory to support their learning. A stimulating virtual learning environment has been created which allows students to access school files, homework and lesson plans from home and, this year, teachers and pupils have started to use iPads to enhance learning. However, as exciting as new technologies are, they should not be seen as a panacea for all ills, or a short cut to more effective teaching. Our excellent teachers deliver interesting and inspiring lessons with appropriately challenging

to study Mandarin as one of their language choices, from Year 7. However, equally, we believe that learning Latin is still very important as it not only helps develop English language skills, but also supports the learning of other European languages and is a very interesting subject in its own rite. When moving onto higher education, Blackheath High School students gain places at their chosen universities and we are delighted that each year we have students receiving offers from Oxford and Cambridge, this year to read subjects including Natural Sciences at Cambridge and Music at Oxford. Equally, we encourage our girls to follow their ambitions in the Arts and more contemporary fields, in order to achieve their career aspirations. This year, girls have been offered places on courses as diverse as Biochemistry, Medicine, Animation, Fashion Journalism and Psychology. Our girls are well qualified and become resilient, confident and adaptable young women. With a love of learning, traditional values and independence of thought, they are well prepared for university and the world of work and they typically go out into the world and make a difference. For more info visit: www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net

PUPILS AT BLACKHEATH HIGH SCHOOL

...where Tradition blends successfully with Innovation

tasks, pace, lively discussion and active pupil involvement. They make every effort to ensure each girl is happy at school and there are very positive relationships between staff and pupils and amongst pupils themselves. As we embrace innovation and new technologies across the curriculum, we retain traditional values. We recognise that China plays an increasingly important role in the global economy and that it is vital that we equip our students with the necessary language skills to compete and succeed in the modern world. Therefore, our girls are given the opportunity

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Inspiring excellence in individual tuition for: • 11 plus preparation for grammar school entrance examination • Common entrance preparation for 7plus - 13 plus for independent school entrance examination • Tuition for scholarships to all leading prep and senior independent schools • GCSE preparation in mathematics and all sciences • AS & A2 preparation in mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology • I.B. We are now enrolling Year 5 pupils for Year 7 entry into Grammar and Independent schools

To book or to find out more contact

www.theedcentre.co.uk enquiries@theedcentre.co.uk 0208 318 2106 Lewisham SE13 5AF

(1 min walk from Lewisham dlr/bus garage)

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Education

s s e c c u S s... at Shear

Shears Academy Annual Presentation & Graduation evening celebrated Shear's students’ success and achievement, and paid homage to the Best of British following the Jubilee celebrations and Team GB’s Olympic & Paralympic “Go for Gold” success earlier in the year.

“The Academy celebrated a record breaking number of achievers this year, and we are so proud of them all” said Pauline Brooker, MD, as apprentices filled the stage to receive their hairdressing and customer service certificates, and were joined by the first barbering and Assessor Award graduates.“The whole Academy team have all worked so hard to bring these qualifications to Shears - and they deserve all the success they’ve achieved!” The Award winners this year are pictured above centre, winning trophies, stylists’ pouches and vouchers. Far left: Charlotte Hawkins, The Lounge, SE16 - Customer Service Achiever of the Year 2012 Centre: Christie Hedge, Claus & Co, Bickley - Hairdressing Achiever of the Year 2012. Far right: Jade Clarke, Chandler Wright, Blackheath - Apprentice of the Year 2012. The top presentation prize, a hairdressing photo shoot went to Chris De Faria,

pictured left, third from the right. Chris is head receptionist at Michaeljohn, W1 and is currently on a hairdressing apprenticeship with Shears Academy having achieved Customer Service qualification earlier this year. Amy King, 2nd from right was joint winner with her Model No. 6 (far right). Amy was the very first of our barbering achievers recently and entered the competition to promote the new Barbering class at Shears! Chris and Amy were joined on the stage by the runners up – 2nd place went to Lara Dean, 4th from left, with model No. 12, and in 3rd place was Michaela Holliday 2nd from the left with her model, No.4. For more information about Hairdressing and related training at Shears Academy, please call Carole on 020 8461 3504 or go to: www.shearsacademy.co.uk Check us out on our acebook page: www.facebook.com/shearsacademy - you might like us!

SHEARS ACADEMY OF HAIRDRESSING

“T he Academy celebrated a record breaking number of achievers this year, and we are so prou d of them all”

By Pauline Brooker/Shears Academy

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Life at Cobham Hall COBHAM HALL SCHOOL is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and, as we celebrate, we reflect on what creates a successful and very special place to learn, live and grow. We could tell you about all our facilities - our magnificent Manor House, beautiful grounds, swimming pool, tennis courts, art studios, dark room, cookery room, fitness suite, dance studio, huge gym, even our new solar panels – we could talk about our small class sizes and our Round Square ethos. But what does that really tell you about what makes us different from every other school you’ve ever read about and what life is like at Cobham Hall? WHAT DOES MAKE US DIFFERENT? Principally two things. Firstly, we believe that to succeed in and to contribute to the world community you need more than good exam results. Certainly they’re important and we take pride in the fact that our girls regularly perform above expectations and get to the university and study the subjects of their choice. But it is not solely exam results that define our girls. As important to us is developing self-esteem and confidence, inter-personal skills, creativity, initiative, perseverance and happiness; empathy, kindness and a young person’s desire to make a difference in the world. Skills and characteristics invaluable to the individual and valued by employers. Secondly, we’re driven by the underlying belief that ‘there is more in you than you think’. By giving girls the opportunity to try new things, to take risks, to succeed and fail in a constructive rather than destructive environment, mixing with girls from different communities and cultures, bringing out the best in our girls, developing resilience and confidence, fostering understanding and compassion and uncovering new skills and interests. The true nature of Cobham Hall - the practical expression of all our philosophies

COBHAM HALL

Education

and ideals, our size and our pupil make-up - is perhaps best defined by the tiny details of our everyday life. It’s inseparable roommates, enthusiasm engulfing young faces, animated greetings between teachers and girls and bedtime chats between Housemistresses and their “little ones”. It’s teenagers fluent in many languages and the random trade of expressions and phrases between students of different cultures. It’s in the laughter in the corridor and the singing in the hallway and the cheerful roar of the dining room at mealtimes. It’s found in the members of staff still at school well past the end of lessons; the cheers on the sports field and the melodies floating from the music wing. It’s in the art on the walls and in the many hands up in class. It’s in the very air as you walk through the front door. Come and see. Cobham Hall School, www.cobhamhall.com, 01474 823371

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