SO Education Guide March 2017

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION As a parent, there are many decisions you’ll have to make for your child over their lifetime. From selecting their baby clothes to making packed lunches, every day you’re making judgements with their best interests at heart.

Your child’s educational journey is one of the biggest choices you’ll have to make, and there are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to deciding which school will be the best fit. Whether you’re looking for somewhere with excellent sporting facilities, or a place where they can excel at the arts, over the following pages you’ll find the finest selection of schools this area has to offer. Our indispensable guide should make the choice of where to enrol your child a little easier, but sadly we can’t help with those packed lunch decisions…

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SCHOOL OPEN DAYS 2017 These events give parents and pupils a valuable insight into academic life which helps them to make the right choice for their children

STATE AND SELECTIVE ✪ Bennett Memorial

✪ Weald of Kent

Open evening: Wednesday October 5 Tours take place from 6pm

Open morning for primary school age girls: Monday July 3, 9.30-11.30am

www.bennettmemorial.co.uk

www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk

✪ Cranbrook School

✪ Skinners Kent

Open evenings: Wed May 17, (year 7) Wed September 20, (year 7 and 9)

Academy

Open morning: Saturday July 8, from 9.30am

www.cranbrookschool.co.uk

www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

Diocesan School

✪ Hayesbrook School Open evening: Tuesday June 20, 7pm www.hayesbrook.kent.sch.uk

✪ Hillview School for Girls Open mornings: Monday March 6, 9.15am Tuesday March 14, 9.15am www.hillview.kent.sch.uk

Grammar School

✪ St Gregory’s

Catholic School Open days: Wednesday June 21, 9-11am (Year 5 open morning) Thursday June 22, 9-11am (Years 5 & 6 open morning) www.sgschool.org.uk

✪ Tonbridge Girls

✪ Tunbridge Wells

Grammar School for Boys

Open days: Monday October 3, 4-8pm Wednesday October 19, 10.30am and 1.45pm www.twgsb.org.uk

✪ The Judd School Open evening: Tuesday July 4, 4.30-8pm www.frog.judd.kent.sch.uk

✪ Tunbridge Wells

Girls Grammar School Open morning: Wednesday July 5, 10.40am-12pm Wednesday October 12, 11am - 12.30pm www.twggs.kent.sch.uk

Grammar School

✪ The Skinners’

School

Open mornings: Tuesday October 3, 9 – 11am Thursday October 5, 9 – 11am

Open day: Thursday June 22, 9.30am – 12pm (Year 7 open morning)

Open mornings: Monday July 3, 9.45-11.30am Tuesday July 4, 9.45-11.30am

www.mascallsacademy.org.uk

www.tgs.kent.sch.uk

www.skinners-school.co.uk

✪ Mascalls Academy

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EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ✪ Beechwood

Sacred Heart

Whole school open day: Tuesday 14 March, 9.30am – 1pm www.beechwood.org.uk

✪ Benenden School Open mornings: Thursday 9 March (11+ candidates only) Tuesday 14 March (13+ candidates only) Saturday 12 November Tours start at 9.45am www.benenden.kent.sch.uk

✪ Bede’s Open morning: Saturday March 18, 9.30am-12pm www.bedes.org

✪ Fosse Bank School Open afternoon: Saturday March 4, 9.30am-12pm Tuesday March 7, 9.30am-12pm www.fossebankschool.co.uk

✪ Friends of Claremont Open morning: March 3, 9.30am – 1pm March 4, 9.30am – 1pm www.claremontschool.co.uk

✪ Hilden Grange Whole school open morning: Tuesday February 28, 9am – 12pm Pre-prep open evening: April 27, 7-9pm www.hildengrange.co.uk

✪ Holmewood House School Open morning: Friday March 3, 10am-12.30pm

✪ Sevenoaks

Preparatory

Open morning: Wednesday March 8, 9.15am-1pm

The school prefers not to host open days but offers personal tours.

To arrange one please email admissions@theprep.org.uk or call 01732 762 336

www.kent-college.co.uk

www.theprep.org.uk

✪ Lingfield Notre Dame Nursery and Junior School

✪ Sackville School

www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk

✪ Kent College Pembury

Open day: Saturday March 11, 2017 10am – 1pm Senior School open day Saturday October 7, 2017 9.45am – 1pm Sixth Form open evening: Wednesday October 11, 2017 6.30pm – 8.30pm www.lingfieldnd.co.uk

✪ Marlborough

House School

Open morning: Friday March 3, 10am – 12pm

Open morning: Saturday March 18, 10am-12pm www.sackvilleschool.co.uk

✪ Skippers Hill

Manor Preparatory School Open morning: April 27, 10am – 12pm www.skippershill.com

✪ Tonbridge School Open morning: Saturday March 11, from 10am www.tonbridge-school.co.uk

www.marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk

✪ Vinehall School

✪ The Mead School

Open morning: May 5, 1.30 - 4pm May 6, 9.30am – 12pm

Open day: Thursday March 9, from 9.30am Thursday May 18, from 9.30am www.meadschool.info

www.vinehallschool.com

✪ Walthamstow Hall

Open morning: Wednesday March 8, 9am

Open morning: Thursday March 9, 10am – 12pm Saturday September 23, 10am – 12.15pm

www.rosehillschool.co.uk

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

✪ Rose Hill School

(All open day dates correct at the time of going to press)

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EDUCATION

SCHOOL REPORT EACH MONTH WE SPEAK TO A HEADMASTER AND PUPIL OF A LOCAL SCHOOL TO SEE WHAT’S ON OFFER AT THEIR FACILITY. THIS MONTH, IT’S THE TURN OF BEDE’S SCHOOL IN UPPER DICKER

HEADMASTER

Peter Goodyer, Headmaster

Tell us about the history and ethos of the school and your approach as Head Bede’s Senior School grew out of Bede’s Prep School in Eastbourne, which was founded in 1895. Both share the same rounded, pupilcentric approach to education with my job being to ensure that every teacher is enabling each girl and boy to discover and chase down their personal passions.

What are you most proud of?

Our values-led approach to schooling. We put kindness, courtesy and consideration ahead of just about everything else, and that means that Bede’s is a wonderfully positive, supportive and creative place. This approach dovetails with our dedication to ensuring that children enjoy a full and rounded programme outside of the classroom, and has let to extraordinary successes within it.

We have enjoyed five consecutive years of

improvement at GCSE and A Level, for example, and are one of the top schools in the country for value added, all of which is a resounding recommendation of our unique approach to education.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

Honestly, I think there is a huge pressure for all schools to reduce the range of courses, co-curricular options and activities they offer, mounting more time and pressure onto children to succeed in public examinations.

At Bede’s, we hold steadfast to the ethos that a broad, personalised curriculum contributes to academic success rather than the other way around, but there is no denying the external pressures put on schools to chase those league table dreams.

How do you manage parents’ expectations?

First and foremost I would say that parents come to us having done their research, meaning their expectations are already managed. By that I mean there are plenty of highly academically selective schools they could have chosen instead, and they have come to us because we are not one of them.

In fact, we know that our atmosphere and

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ADVERTORIAL philosophy is the most important thing to parents, and as a result we are confident in saying that our priority is the child and their individual choices, and ensuring that they receive whatever support and guidance they need to be the best version of themselves.

From what sort of catchment areas do you attract pupils?

We have over 300 boarders from the UK and over 40 different countries, while day pupils join us from across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and – in some cases – beyond each morning.

How much opportunity is there for parents to get involved in school life?

Plenty! We more than welcome parents to take active roles in the wider Bede’s community, and truly value those relationships. No school is an island, after all.

What about extracurricular activities and school trips?

Well, how long have you got? Our cocurricular programme invites the children to choose between over 120 different clubs and activities a week, from working in our on-site zoo to sailing on the channel to knitting with our community links group.

At the same time, we run year-round sports academies in football, hockey, tennis and cricket, and 20 or so sports clubs in everything from swimming and athletics to volleyball; that’s not to mention our performing arts programmes, which are exceptionally busy.

As for trips, this year has already seen the children visiting Belgium, New York, Normandy, Murcia, Berlin and Nepal, as well as a wealth of trips around the UK while in the summer we have pupils travelling to Africa to embark on a wildlife conservation programme.

How do you ensure students receive a well-rounded experience?

In part through our co-curricular programme, which ensures that three afternoons a week are dedicated to activities, sport and so on.

Elsewhere, each tutor works with their tutees to identify their talents, interests, and ways in which we might encourage them to step outside of their comfort zone…

Bede’s Senior School, Upper Dicker East Sussex, BN27 3QH

PUPIL

Talisker Cornford, year 13 student

What do you like most about your school?

For me what makes Bede’s a unique place is the true sense of community.

This has flourished from the diversity that the school possesses, with people from 46 different countries studying here. Despite the differences in cultures and religions we all share a common value, respect and kindness. Walking around Bede’s that is something that you will notice instantly. Having such diversity also allows the school to be a hub of individuality, the school wholeheartedly supports this through its holistic approach to our education.

Our teachers are truly passionate about their subjects and inspire their pupils to set an infinite potential for themselves. I don’t think I could have spent the last 12 years of my education in a more inspiring, stimulating and encouraging environment.

And your favourite subject?

My favourite subject would have to be Philosophy. Although I only began studying Philosophy at AS-level I’ve always had a passion for exploring less conventional ideas and find myself constantly questioning all elements of life.

Philosophy suits me as a subject since it taps into more abstract and creative thought, yet still allows for logic to prevail. Our Philosophy lessons have definitely driven my passion further, there is never a dull moment. It’s a great opportunity to debate some of life’s most puzzling questions whilst critically evaluating your own opinions on society and the culture norms it preaches.

What do you want to do when you leave?

When I leave Bede’s I have the ambition of attending university to study a joint honours in Philosophy and Politics. They are two subjects I have an immense passion for and they interlink extensively in the modern day. My ultimate aim for the future is to work for the UN, it is something that has always fascinated me. The chance to make a positive impact on a globe, which is in perpetual flux politically, socially and economically and the opportunity to explore solutions to the global problems we face excites me.

In the words of futurist Joel.A Barker: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.”

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EDUCATION

JOIN THE CLUB B O O S T Y O U R C H I L D ’ S L E A R N I N G , T H E P TA WAY

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ropping children off at the school gates is as much contact as some parents get with their child’s education.

But parental participation in education has a direct impact on how well children do at school, whether that be primary or secondary. And that’s why PTA UK, the charity which supports parent teacher associations (PTA) nationwide, is urging more parents to get involved with their child’s school, for both the good of the school and their child.

Michelle Doyle Wildman, policy and communications director at PTA UK, explains that the positive impact of parental involvement in their child’s education can range from volunteering to read in the classroom, telling the class about their career, accompanying children on school trips, helping to raise funds, or contributing to discussions about school policy.

She says: “Evidence tells us how much parents matter, and we know that parental participation in education has a direct impact on how well children do at school.

“So, knowing how much mums and dads get out of it too, we want to encourage everyone to take the plunge into a PTA in 2017.”

MORE THAN FUNDRAISING A recent survey of PTA UK members found PTAs raise an average of £7,000 a year, with a quarter raising more than £10,000. The money has been spent on resources including books, playground equipment, tablets and school trips.

“Some people only associate PTAs with fundraising, but there are many, many other activities involved,” says Doyle Wildman.

“Yes, showpiece events like school fairs help resource important extras for the school that otherwise it wouldn’t be able to afford.

But what’s driving the parents in the PTAs is that they want their child’s school to be brilliant, not that they want be a fundraiser.”

Doyle Wildman says really successful schools have parents, teachers and children collaborating with a PTA. “PTAs are a force for good in all our schools,” she says.

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED “Sometimes it’s money, but sometimes it’s effort - it’s about parents physically supporting the school in many different ways, and PTAs are the main coordinator of parent volunteers in any school.”

Parent volunteering can be anything from welcoming new parents into the school, to selling second-hand uniforms and organising reading in class for younger children.

“PTAs do all these things,” says Doyle Wildman, “and it’s a bit unfortunate that their reputation seems to be mainly about fundraising, when they do so much more.”

8 Reading: As well as reading with your own child, spread the joy by offering to read with other children at school. Research shows you can achieve similar benefits by talking to older children about social and political matters.

8 Ask for information and contacts for the PTA at your school office.

8 Join your school PTA, parent forum or board of governors: If you’re enthusiastic about your school, your child is also likely to be – that’s role-modelling at its best.

INVOLVED DADS

8 Be a virtual supporter: If you can’t help in

Mothers tend to be much more involved with PTAs than fathers, but Doyle Wildman points out: “Dads would love to be more involved and they sometimes struggle, but if they have IT skills, for example, they could use them to help the PTA, rather than manning the tombola at the school fair.

“They can support the school less in the playground and school and more at home in the evenings.”

PTA UK has found its volunteers spend around three million hours a year helping in schools nationwide – roughly equivalent to £20 million worth of time invested in children’s education that wouldn’t be provided in any other way.

But as well as helping to improve their child’s school, the research found that parents engage with schools because they enjoy spending time with other families at school-organised events such as fairs, quiz nights and parties.

person at school, there may be plenty you can do to help on your laptop, like setting up the class or PTA Facebook page, or responding to e-consultations or surveys.

For more information, visit www.pta.org.uk

“If you want to volunteer, but fear you’re going to be roped in forever and it’s going to take up too much time, it doesn’t have to be that way,” promises Doyle Wildman.

“You can help for one hour a year if you like, or an hour a week. Getting involved in whatever way you can makes a massive difference to how kids do at school.

“As much as you feel you’ve got a lot on your plate, there’s a lot to be won by getting actively involved. It sends a great signal to kids that their parents value their education.”

IMAGES BY PA PHOTO/THINKSTOCKPHOTOS

HELP HOWEVER YOU CAN

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ADVERTORIAL

EXPANDING EDUCATION ANTONIA BEARY, HEADMISTRESS OF MAYFIELD SCHOOL EXPLAINS WHY BROADENING HORIZONS BEYOND THE CORE CURRICULUM ARE A RIGHT, NOT AN EXPENSIVE LUXURY

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ducation funding cuts are a hot topic at the moment.

It seems every time we look at the news, there are bleak headlines about the possibility of Grammar Schools introducing means-tested fees, and tough decisions are being made about which subjects state schools can afford to offer, and which they are being forced to drop.

Heads are having to focus on the core compulsory subjects with resources being directed towards boosting league table results. Of course literacy, numeracy and the sciences are vital, but with access to the creative and performing arts, languages and humanities becoming a lottery for many students across the country, we are on a dangerous path.

At Mayfield School we strongly believe in the benefits of studying a broad range of subjects. The term ‘humanities’ provides a clue as to the many rewards that studying history, geography, philosophy, psychology, R.S, classics and politics bring. These subjects help our children to learn how to be human, instilling an understanding of ethics, values and culture that is an essential element of education.

The humanities afford an opportunity for students to develop their own considered opinions on some of the most important areas of life, helping them to clarify their beliefs and values. Studying

the humanities also teaches research and problem solving skills, the capacity to summarise and critique texts, and the ability to clearly and creatively debate and present information – skills that are extremely attractive to universities and employers, but should not be the sole reason for learning them.

Ever-increasing globalisation amplifies the importance of studying languages.

Proficiency in modern languages opens the door to living and working abroad, and to a plethora of careers across all sectors in multinational companies where language skills are required. However, it is though the literature and art that one really begins to comprehend another culture: insight into experiences and perspectives fosters understanding and tolerance.

At Mayfield we believe the creative and performing arts have an extremely positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, inspiring pupils and allowing them to use their imaginations while they take a break from their academic pursuits.

Whether a student intends to pursue music, drama, textiles, ceramics or art as a career, or whether it is just for fun and relaxation, it is vital these subjects are available to students at secondary level, and that they are encouraged to take part.

Who knows where it may lead them?

The more a curriculum is restricted, the

more stifled creativity becomes and we risk depriving children of essential life skills, and of narrowing their horizons.

A future in which these subjects are not available to pupils is an alarming one, and one that many parents in the state sector are increasingly facing. We want our girls to leave Mayfield with an excellent understanding of the past, not least in how that informs the skills they need to thrive in the future as a proactive member of a modern society. Abstract and creative intellectual curiosity is important, but must be tempered by understanding of and compassion for themselves and others: that is exactly what we are giving them. In our increasingly global existence, this combination of skills couldn’t be more important, but cannot be measured by a written examination, or passively learnt!

League tables, funding cuts and everchanging attainment goals have created an educational landscape in which the state sector is being directed to focus on the traditional ‘core’ subjects, to the disadvantage of those children and parents who are looking for a broader educational experience. Everyone should be able to benefit from an education that inspires creativity and critical thinking; that encourages commitment and selfconfidence; that helps children learn about and prepare for the world around them. This is the educational experience that is a fundamental way of life to all of us at Mayfield.

Antonia Beary is Headmistress at Mayfield School, a leading Catholic independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18.

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EDUCATION NEWS A L L T H E L AT E S T S T O R I E S F R O M O U R L O C A L S C H O O L S

SEVENOAKS SUCCESS

Students at Sevenoaks School applying to UK universities this year are celebrating, after being very successful in their applications to some of the most competitive institutions in the country, including Durham, Oxford and Cambridge. The students received a total of 49 offers from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.

In addition, they received 48 offers from UCL, 20 from Imperial, 83 from Durham,

ROSY FUTURE

61 from Exeter, 53 from Bristol, 47 from Bath and 44 from KCL. Students have also received seven early offers from prestigious American institutions, including Stanford, Chicago, Barnard College, UPenn, NYU and the University of Ilinois. The IB is well-respected by worldwide universities, and, as a result, Sevenoaks students are currently studying at 16 of the top 20 universities in the world. www.sevenoaksschool.org

After the news that Rose Hill School’s current headmaster David Westcombe, will be retiring at the end of the spring term, it has been announced that his successor will be Emma Neville – the first female head to lead Rose Hill. She begins her role on April 1 2017.

Emma, who is currently deputy head at Caterham Prep School, says of her appointment: “Rose Hill has an outstanding reputation as one of the leading prep schools in the country and it is a privilege to be invited to play a key role in shaping the next stage of this magical school.” www.rosehillschool.co.uk

SPACE SCHOOL

After one of the biggest moments in UK space history, year 8 students from The Skinners’ Kent Academy visited the Soyuz capsule at London’s Science Museum. The newly displayed Russian capsule, which carried Tim Peake to and from space, inspired the students to see how the world of science really can launch you into thinking more deeply about the world in which we live. Being the first human spacecraft to be displayed by the London’s Science Museum, students witnessed first-hand the spacecraft that, although refurbished, still bore the burn marks from the Earth’s atmosphere in June last year. www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk

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