WARWICKSHIRE NOW SEPTEMBER 21 by PW Media & Publishing Ltd

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Solihull Food and Drink Festival returns! with Ainsley Harriott, Badness (Madness tribute), Rats in the kitchen (UB40 Tribute), and much more...

STEPPING ONTO STYLE LOOK AFTER YOUR LIPS BACK TO SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 56

PI C I’M K M FR E U EE P

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HOMES • GARDENS • EDUCATION • HEALTH & BEAUTY • PUZZLES • SENIOR LIVING

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Warwickshire

Now

Contents

SEPTEMBER 2021

HERE & NOW 04 All the latest news from around Warwickshire.

HOME & GARDEN

08 Stepping onto style

HEALTH

14 National Alzheimer’s Day

BEAUTY 16 Lip Care

EDUCATION 18 Back to school

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EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

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Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk Lis Gardner 01905 727901 lis@pw-media.co.uk

Arnold Lodge Daisy Bennett The Kingsley School Leamington Music Festival NHS

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Warwickshire Now magazine your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

PACT

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Leamington music is bouncing back in business Leamington Music is bouncing back in business with over twenty concerts lined up before Christmas. The Leamington Music Festival Weekend takes place 23 to 26 September in the Royal Pump Rooms and marks the centenary of the Leamington born composer Robert Simpson. Alongside five of his major works, there is music by the composers he most admired and championed, with Beethoven heading the list. There are six top pianists playing in the seven concerts in the Royal Pump Rooms with Peter Donohoe bringing a very special concert of Schubert and Beethoven on Saturday 25 September. The opening concert is given by the Coull Quartet, well known locally after many years in residence at the University of Warwick. The Quartet commissioned and premiered works by Simpson and will play his String Quintet No1. The Leamington Music Autumn season starts on 5 October when the vocal group Stile Antico returns to St Mary’s Church Warwick. The

Tuesday early music series continues with the Binchois Consort on 9 November and Joglaresa celebrating Christmas on 7 December. The investec International String Quartet series in the Royal Pump Rooms starts with the Sacconi Quartet on 8 October to be followed by the Marmen and Carducci Quartets. The Kineton based baritone Roderick Williams will give a recital in King’s Hall of English Song on 15 October to mark the opening of the new music building for King’s High School and Warwick Prep. A new departure for Leamington Music is a concert of brass band music at the Royal Spa Centre on 31 October. This will feature two bands, from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Shirley and will climax with Simpson’s iconic work Volcano and a world premiere of a work by Stephen Roberts. Full details of the Festival Weekend, the Autumn season and the Christmas Festival are on www.leamingtonmusic.org and bookings on that site are open now. For further contact call 01926 497000. n

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HERE & NOW

Warwick Arts Centre Orchestral Series 2021-2022 Warwick Arts Centre’s re-opening Orchestral Series 2021-2022 features blockbuster orchestras, returning favourites, and a World Premiere. The series begins with a special Re-Opening Concert hosted by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Fri 8 Oct 2021), which includes Franz Liszt’s symphonic poem Hamlet alongside works by Mozart and Sibelius. Accompanying the orchestra are the celebrated conductor Anu Tali and the much-lauded Hungarian violinist Barnabás Kelemen, making it a night to remember. The naturally curious Brodsky Quartet (Thu 11 Nov 2021) present the World Premiere of composer/ broadcaster Stephen Johnson’s String Quartet No.1. Johnson will also be visiting to discuss his work in a special talk, One Song, Four Voices (Sun 7 Nov). The always hugely popular pianist Freddy Kempf joins the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (Wed 1 Dec) for a programme that includes Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite, which opens with a celebrated and instantly familiar waltz. Following a major four year transformation, Warwick Arts Centre is set to reopen on Friday 1 October 2021. The redevelopment, the largest in its 47 year history, combines extensive upgrades of existing spaces with spacious new areas, including a more welcoming foyer, three new cinemas, a repositioned Mead Gallery, and new restaurant. Tickets for all Orchestral Series concerts are on sale now. To book, and find out more, contact Warwick Arts Centre Box Office via ticketing@warwick.ac.uk, or see: www.warwickartscentre.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Stepping onto style Luna, seashell www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

This month, we take a look at how you can transform your home with the perfect carpet. Giving you all the options of how best to make sure you’re stepping onto style and elegance this autumn... CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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HOME & GARDEN

Are you fed up with clutter? Do you need more storage space? Well the answer could literally be under your own roof! For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Warwick based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day! Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area. The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter.

“My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Wayne Reid, Access4Lofts Warwick. For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance , are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. To find out how Access4Lofts can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit www.access4lofts.co.uk/warwick or call 01926 679591. You can also find them on Facebook @Access4LoftsWarwick.

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HOME & GARDEN

Advanced weaving techniques for rugs and carpets have been around for centuries. The oldest found example is that of the Paztryk Rug that was excavated from the Altai Mountains in Siberia in 1948. Thought to be from the 5th Century BC and with it’s sophisticated design, it suggests that the practice of carpet weaving goes back even further in history. The process has come a long way throughout the years, with different

styles and techniques filtering all around the world; with different cultures developing their own sense of identity and unique patterns. Whether its woven, tufted, saxony or knotted, brightly coloured patterns or a simple design, there’s a perfect carpet out there for you. The perfect carpet for you In colder climates, carpets are the perfect insulator, but they also trap dust, pollen, particles, reduce sound and even clean the air. They can add style and personality to your home. And if you’re a little indecisive and don’t want a permanent fixture to your home, you can always add a rug over a wooden floor and change it time after time. Combine with bright colours and create a space for your home thats exciting, fresh and fun. When deciding on what type of carpet you want for your home, there are a few choices to bear in mind to help you plan for a strong, durable, safe and eco-friendly carpet. Acrylic carpets are more likely to catch fire than a natural fibre such as wool and modern carpets are designed to resist ignition. Whilst wool is considered the ideal fire resistant material, it is also worth remembering that the more dense the material, the harder it is for fires to live on their surface. It is also best to avoid carpets or rugs in any part of the home where there could be naked flames. Choosing the style Woven: Woven carpets are more expensive as they use the traditional method going back hundreds of years. High quality and coming in a rich variety of colours, the two main producers of this type of carpet in the UK are Axminster carpets and Wilton carpets. Both of which are masters of their trade. Loop Pile: These carpets are durable and good value for money. The yarn is twisted then cut to produce an even pile. Hand knotted: Hand-knotted refers to the are intricate pieces of art that are hand woven on special looms. They have a flatter pile with less texture. The most popular types of this kind of weaving are the Oriental or Perisian varieties. These will usually be one off pieces and CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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HOME & GARDEN Odyessy, Twilight www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

more expensive but will last for years and years. Hand tufted: Hand-tufted is a quicker process and requires less skill than hand knotted. It is made by punching strands of wool into a canvas, stretched onto a frame with a tool. Twist: This type of carpet is made by tightly twisting the yarn during the manufacturing process. It creates a shorter, more dense pile that is easy to keep clean and tidy. Saxony: A more dense carpet making a more soft and cosier feel to the touch. Perfect for bedrooms, not quite as good for high footfall places like the hallway. If you don’t fancy something as permanent as a carpet, opt instead for a statement rug. The Royal Classic Red Carpet (£145.50) from www. runrug.com is hand-tufted in India using 100% wool. The Royal is a classic embossed Aubusson design. Available in timeless colours, The Royal is guaranteed to make an impact in the home. The quality wool gives this carpet the most luxurious pile available. Choosing the fibre of your carpet With an every increasing interest in the environment and all the ways we can be eco friendly in our homes, we can choose a carpet by assessing how good they are for the planet. However expensive it may be to have a natural material in your home, they are some of the most durable. Eco-friendly carpet choices include those made of;

ANSWERS You’ve found the answers! The puzzles are on page 30-31

• Wool Wool is a durable material with many benefits. Not only is it a natural insulator, it is renewable and flame retardant. The sustainable fibre is also highly resilient and recovers quickly from furniture compression. Wool is energy efficient and the most forgiving and easiest fiber to clean. It brings strength, resistance, and warmth whilst still being easy to maintain, with the benefit of being hypo-allergenic. Kersaint Cobb is a natural flooring specialist that produces traditional and modern designs that will bring character and richness into your home. Its carpet range reflects the variety and beauty of the natural world in which we live. The Luna in seashell from Kersaint Cobb is made from 70% wool and 30% goat hair and is a simple design. Paired with rich colours such as deep blues or greens can give an elegant yet minimalist feel to your home. • Sisal Sisal is durable and comes in a natural white colour. Non toxic , biodegradable and tough Sisal is native to southern Mexico but widely cultivated and naturalized in many other countries. Sisal & Seagrass, specialise in using only natural material floors in their collection, from sisal, coir, jute, pure wool and seagrass. All are sustainable and natural products that can be used within the home. They recently introduced a bespoke Rug Creator tool so that home owners and interior designers can create a rug that fits in with their home or project. Their Pure Wool collection is created from 100% British wool yarn and patterns are created using various breeds meaning there are no harmful dying processes. • Jute Jute is a natural fibre that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It has been used for thousands of years to make textiles and is renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-dioxide neutral. It is soft and durable and has a natural tan colour that adheres to most colour schemes and palettes. n By Daisy Bennett

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HOME & GARDEN

Warwickshire

Now

To book into the October issue of Warwickshire Now, contact: Kate Gilmartin Lis Gardner kate@pw-media.co.uk lis@pw-media.co.uk 01905 727904 01905 727901

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HEALTH & WELL-BEING

World Alzheimer's Day Tuesday September 21st Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the UK. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. It can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not yet fully understood, although a number of things are thought to increase your risk of developing the condition. These include: • increasing age • a family history of the condition • untreated depression, although depression can also be one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease • lifestyle factors and conditions associated with cardiovascular disease Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually become more severe. It affects multiple brain functions. The first sign of Alzheimer’s disease is usually minor memory problems. For example, this could be forgetting about recent conversations or events, and forgetting the names of places and objects. As the condition develops, memory problems become more severe and further symptoms can develop, such as: • • • • • • •

confusion, disorientation and getting lost in familiar places difficulty planning or making decisions problems with speech and language problems moving around without assistance or performing selfcare tasks personality changes, such as becoming aggressive, demanding and suspicious of others hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and delusions (believing things that are untrue) low mood or anxiety

Who is affected? Alzheimer’s disease is most common in people over the age of 65. The risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia increases with age, affecting an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80. But around 1 in every 20 people with Alzheimer’s disease are under the age of 65. This is called early- or young-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Getting a diagnosis As the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress slowly, it can be difficult to recognise that there’s a problem. Many people feel that memory problems are simply a part of getting older. Also, the disease

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process itself may (but not always) prevent people recognising changes in their memory. But Alzheimer’s disease is not a “normal” part of the ageing process. An accurate and timely diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can give you the best chance to prepare and plan for the future, as well as receive any treatment or support that may help. If you’re worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, it’s a good idea to see a GP. If possible, someone who knows you well should be with you as they can help describe any changes or problems they have noticed. If you’re worried about someone else, encourage them to make an appointment and perhaps suggest that you go along with them. There’s no single test that can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. And it’s important to remember that memory problems do not necessarily mean you have Alzheimer’s disease. A GP will ask questions about any problems you’re experiencing and may do some tests to rule out other conditions. If Alzheimer’s disease is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist service to: • • •

assess your symptoms in more detail organise further testing, such as brain scans if necessary create a treatment and care plan

How Alzheimer’s disease is treated There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks. Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem solving skills and language ability. Outlook People with Alzheimer’s disease can live for several years after they start to develop symptoms. But this can vary considerably from person to person. Alzheimer’s disease is a life-limiting illness, although many people diagnosed with the condition will die from another cause. As Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, it can cause problems with swallowing. This can lead to aspiration (food being inhaled into the lungs), which can cause frequent chest infections. It’s also common for people with Alzheimer’s disease to eventually have difficulty eating and have a reduced appetite. There’s increasing awareness that people with Alzheimer’s disease need palliative care. This includes support for families, as well as the person with Alzheimer’s. n www.nhs.uk

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BEAUTY

Autumn Lip Care Protect and plump up your lips with our look into caring for your lips this autumn.

CONDITIONING LIP SCRUB WITH EXFOLIATING HONEY CRYSTALS £6.99 To nourish and smooth dry lips with nutrient rich, responsibly sourced Beeswax, exotic oils and exfoliating honey crystals leaving them beautifully smooth and soft. www.burtsbees.co.uk

BUTTERMASK FOR LIPS £19.75 An intensively hydrating lip mask that helps rehydrate and fresh dry lips overnight www.kiehls.co.uk

CHARLOTTE’S EASY LIP MIRACLE DUO LIP KIT £45.60 This miracle exfoliating lip scrub is infused with my Tender Lip Care matrix of liploving, SMOOTHING & CONDITIONING ingredients like Natural Sugar Crystals, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, Squalane and Vitamin E, to gently remove dead skin cells, nourish, soften, prep and prime your pout! www.charlottetilbury.com

W7’S SWEET DREAMS OVERNIGHT LIP MASK £5.95 W7’s Sweet Dreams Overnight Lip Mask is a strawberry flavoured lip mask, to restore and replenish dry and tired lips. www.w7makeup.co.uk

NCLA BEAUTY SUGAR SUGAR PINK CHAMPAGNE LIP SCRUB £16 Keep your lips soft and supple with the NCLA Beauty Sugar Sugar lip scrub. Formulated from 100% natural ingredients, this botanical blend cares for your skin as nature intended. www.nclabeauty.com

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A little piece of Hollywood comes to the Cotswolds Paul Michael Glaser has spent much of his time in recent years devoted to 21st century modern art disciplines, and through his exploration of digital formats and creative processes, the celebrated actor, creator, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist has developed a style uniquely his own. Glaser’s philanthropic work with his late wife’s Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric Aids Foundation is still a primary focus and he plans to continue to integrate his art into the furthering of this important, lifesaving passion.

with poetry, “The Edge of Whimsy.” Glaser is currently in the final stages of illustrating his second novel, “Hookfoot and Peg, A Cautionary Tale.” In August 2020, Glaser created a new website, PMGlaserART through which he has sold over 300 of his artistic offerings throughout the world. Additionally, Glaser has been invited to associate with multiple galleries throughout the United States and the United Kingdom through which the demand for his artwork continues to thrive. n

“In my professional career, I was fortunate enough to be part of such an iconic show, Starsky and Hutch and I have also been privileged to have the opportunity and the platform to find my own voice or maybe voices through these artworks. I’m quite a private person but I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve had that’s given me the impetus to share this work.” Paul Michael Glaser. Throughout his early years he was inspired by his father’s well known original architectural designs and art collection, his mother’s creative gift of storytelling and the entire family’s passion for theatre, museums, gallery art and symphonies. Glaser graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre and English and a Masters Degree in Theatre Arts from Boston University. Later in life, Glaser published a successful book, “Chrystallia, And The Source Of Light”. He also created a book of his artwork integrated

Flemish Masterpiece found in Warwickshire sells for £12,600 A small oil painting discovered amongst the contents of Warwickshire property has just sold for a total of £12,600 at auction. The unassuming oil painting which was initially regarded as a copy and of little value, was re-assessed by experts who revealed it was in fact an original 17th Century work from the Flemish School. Inhouse experts at Cotswold’s based Kinghams carried out further research into the work and was decided it was probably based on a late 15th Century engraving of the subject by Israhel van Mechelem. Offered in Kinghams Fine & Decorative Arts Auction on 9th July, the gavel eventually fell to a UK based private buyer purchasing it for a total of £12,600. Kinghams are currently sourcing fine paintings - from the antique to contemporary for their next Fine Art Auction on 8th October. Find out if you are sitting on a fortune with free and confidential valuation services for all manner of jewellery, watches, silver, antiques and pictures every Tuesday 10-4pm in at the Moreton-in-Marsh Auction centre, (in aid of Cotswold Friends). Free home visits can be arranged with a specialist for large/multiple items. n

Free Valuations in Moreton Every Tuesday 10am to 4pm in aid of Cotswold Friends

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EDUCATION

A good education is about more than academics With a planned return to something more akin to a normal school year set for September (school assemblies, no bubbles etc), the summer is the perfect time to take stock of lessons learned from the past two school years. There is plenty to reflect on (the strength of the school community, the use of technology in the classroom, the dedication of pupils, parents and teachers supporting learning) but perhaps the most important lesson is that a good education and a good school experience is so much more than ‘good academic progress’. When the pandemic dictated a move to remote provision, schools responded in a variety of ways. At Arnold Lodge School, we have used a variety of approaches (depending on the subject, age and stage) covering live lessons through to pre-recorded lessons to work through with teacher support. As our classes are small (on average around 14), children were able to receive a high level of support from their teachers and keep ‘on track’ with their learning. Our exam classes, for example, kept pace with the coverage of their course and did not need to ‘catch up’ when we came back to site.

Whilst academic learning continued during remote provision, so much of the richness of the school community was lost as the pupils and staff could not be together. Whole school assemblies, lunchtime chess club or dance class (or fencing…or choir…or the school drama production) and, perhaps most importantly of all, time with friends on the playground. The pandemic reminded us that a good education is so much more than just learning and that we should celebrate the opportunities for learning throughout the school day rather than just the things you can measure with a test. As we look to September, at ALS we will be emphasising the ‘world beyond the test’ as much as possible. After all, a good education is about more than academics. If you would like to find out more about ALS and what we can offer your child, join us for our Open Day on Saturday, 9th October. Contact a member of our friendly admissions team on admissions@ arnoldlodge.com to reserve your place. n David Preston, Headteacher, Arnold Lodge School. 15-17 Kenilworth Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 5TW, 01926 778050. www.arnoldlodge.com

Survey shows that stress is the number one cause of mental health distress in young people As young people anxiously awaited their GSCE results, new research published by youth mental health charity stem4 finds that academic stress is now the number one cause of mental health distress. Of the 1,000 young people surveyed, six in ten (59%) 13 to17 year-olds say they are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, low mood, eating disorders and self-harming behaviours. More than half (53%) now say that academic stress is having a greater negative impact on their mental health than loneliness (49%) or uncertainty about their future (44%). The survey asked young people what they aspired to most in the future. 70%, say they just want to be healthy and happy and to have a stable job (56%). Only 27% say they want to make a lot of money, although as many 42% described lack of confidence or fear of failure as a barrier to success. The research commissioned by stem4 also found that young people often lack the skills to look after their mental health. Only 33% of young people say they eat a healthy diet, and even fewer, 27%, get adequate sleep. Meanwhile just 23% say they are equipped to manage their negative thoughts, and less than half as many, 10%, are able to manage negative stress. Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, founder of stem4, said: “Young people feel under increasing pressure to do well academically, particularly after the disruption to their learning by the pandemic, but fear of failure, combined with lack of confidence, is

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often holding them back. The confidence of young people who have received exam grades this year hasn’t been helped by many feeling discredited of their achievement, by dismissive, public discussion about disproportionately high national grades. We need to support the achievements of young people, encouraging them to believe they have earned their marks, that teachers are fair assessors of ability and that they should be proud of getting into the next stage of their development. It’s time we started to boost confidence and look at this pandemic impacted younger generation’s overall wellbeing rather than their academic attainment, which is divisive and only serves comparison of which school, class, or person is better than the other. Many studies have shown that children with higher wellbeing measures and confidence fare better academically.” n

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EDUCATION

Educating the Changemakers of the Future at King's High Dr Stephen Burley, Head Master of King’s High, knows that a King’s High education opens doors, hearts, and minds. He explains: ‘As one of the UK’s leading schools for girls, we are educating the Changemakers of the future – young women who will go out into the world and make a positive difference, inspired by strong values and a powerful sense of social responsibility.’ Dr Burley grew up in the north east of England and, as a schoolboy, used to cross the River Tyne each day by ferry to travel to school. His encounter with inspirational teachers bred a passion for education, founded on his belief that inspirational teaching transforms lives. He believes that wellbeing and happiness should be at the heart of every student’s experience. He is an advocate of dynamic, forward-thinking, innovative education that develops the confidence and skills that prepare young people to be the Changemakers of the future. He says: ‘The values of resourcefulness, resilience, empathy and community have never been so important.’ At King’s High, the foundations for this have already been laid, through recent work to foreground creative thinking skills, digital learning and educational innovation as part of the school’s DNA. Dr Burley says: ‘Changemakers are innovators and creative thinkers, inquisitive and open-minded, keen to test out new ideas and explore new ways of doing things. Changemakers have a positive impact on others and their community through inspirational leadership, creative ideas, by demonstrating kindness, compassion, emotional intelligence and empathy. Their commitment to leadership is driven by a sense of others rather than self, by a deep-rooted conviction about the importance of social responsibility and making a positive

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contribution to community.’ As part of King’s High’s new Changemaker programme, to be launched soon, pupils will get to submit a proposal, whether it is to start up a social enterprise, a new charity or an environmental project. Pupils have been studying and discussing Changemakers in the public eye. ‘The work Marcus Rashford has done for food poverty and holiday hunger has influenced the work our Social Justice Group is doing and I’m really proud of that’, says Dr Burley. ‘We also have girls involved in some wonderful community projects.’ King’s High is a national flagship centre for Creative Thinking, having developed and launched its own new and innovative Certificate in Creative Thinking. Dr Burley says: ‘We’ve had Years 10 and 11 solving real world problems, working on their own or in collaboration with others, and there’s been some lovely work covering a huge range of topics they’re passionate about. In our rapidly-changing world, we know that our students will need core skills and values to enable them to thrive: creativity and curiosity; empathy and emotional intelligence; teamwork, networking and leadership opportunities – as well as the digital skills that are so valuable in the age of Artificial Intelligence. As a flagship centre for creative thinking, our forward-thinking and futureinspired curriculum is carefully designed to nurture and develop these skills, building the confidence and self-belief for leadership.’‘ Our vision – and my priority as Head Master of King’s High – is to become a community of Changemakers, or a Changemaker school. As rapid and often unpredictable change becomes the new normal for us all, I am eager to look ahead with hope and optimism at how we can build to create something very special: an inspired and inspirational community of Changemakers. n

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EDUCATION

Be the best version of yourself at The Kingsley School Since 1884 The Kingsley School has had an excellent reputation for high academic standards and first-class pastoral care, based in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. A through school for girls aged 3-18, with a co-educational Prep School also taking boys aged 3-11, Kingsley is small enough for everyone to be known and large enough to offer a range of opportunities to develop gifts and talents. At Kingsley, you are a name and not a number. Kingsley combines high academic performance with a determination to offer a broad, deep and enriching curriculum, demonstrating how hard work and effort alongside kindness, team work and a strong moral code are vital for a fulfilling life and personal success. A Kingsley education is a holistic education – our aim is to develop strong independent young adults who are well-mannered, well qualified and resilient. Leavers take up places at first choice universities and prestigious apprenticeship schemes, pursuing a range of ambitious careers. The school maintains a sense of tradition, whilst keeping up with the modern and preparing children for the future. The beautiful Edwardian buildings are warm and welcoming places of learning, whose sense of community and family permeates. When people walk through Kingsley’s doors, they often say they feel like they have come home. There’s no place like Kingsley. www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk 01926 425127

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EDUCATION

What is next for GCSE & A Levels in 2022?

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on schools since 2020, which led to in-person exams being scrapped for two consecutive years. With record breaking exam results being revealed last month, the next cohort of students may already be worrying about what to expect in 2022. This year saw GCSE, AS level and A-level exams being cancelled and replaced with school-based assessments. While they are not likely to follow a pre-pandemic, traditional format next year, the exam system is returning according to Education Minister Gavin Williamson.

How will school exams work in 2022? With a proposed return date of summer 2022, exams will recognise and ‘mitigate’ the disruption caused by the pandemic. The proposal, launched on Monday July 12, by the Government and Ofqual suggests allowing teachers to choose the topics that students will be assessed on for several subjects including GCSE English literature, history and ancient history. This also applies to the choice of content for GCSE geography. Practical activity requirements for science subjects, as well as assessment in art and design subjects, are also due to change. Schools and colleges are also likely to receive information about the focus of the exam content prior to the exam dates for most GCSE, AS and A-Level subjects. There will also potentially be support materials for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams.

When will the 2022 exams be held? It is understood that summer 2022 exams are set to take place at the same time of year that they usually would. According to the proposal, the risk of delaying the time of year that exams are held would be too high. Fortunately, all factors will be taken into account as the proposal states: ‘In order to ensure that they can do so fairly, we must recognise that students in the 2022 cohort have experienced significant disruption to their education, and we propose that exams and assessments should be adjusted to take this into account.’ The changes have been proposed to both ‘free up’ teaching time and to reduce pressure on students given the disruption to schools since the pandemic began. When will the exam changes for 2022 be confirmed? Any changes are expected to be confirmed in September during the autumn 2021 term. The Government’s proposal was launched on Monday July 12 and the consultation window ended on Sunday 1 August. During that time, pupils, parents and teachers, were all asked for their views on the proposed modifications. It explains: ‘We have set the length of this consultation so that decisions can be announced early in the next academic year, giving students, teachers and exam boards time to plan for exams taking place next summer.’

Do something amazing Adopt with PACT AROUND 2,000 children are currently waiting to be adopted and nearly half of those are brothers and sisters who need to stay together. Parents and Children Together (PACT) is an independent adoption charity that finds loving and permanent families for children waiting in care. PACT is rated outstanding by Ofsted and offers award-winning support to its families for life. PACT adopters Mary and Paul* adopted Luke and Chloe aged 5 and 6 years old* in the summer of 2020. Mary said: “Adoption was the something that was always in my heart and was our first choice to become a family. For us it was really important that the children we adopted knew that they were our first pathway to becoming a family.” Mary went on to say, “Becoming a family of four has been challenging but rewarding. Our 5 year old son told us: ‘Mummy this is a dream come true, living in this house and you as my mummy’.” If you are considering adopting, please do download an information guide on our website https://www.pactcharity.org/ or contact our friendly enquiries team to find out more.Call 0300 456 4800. *name/and ages changed n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 56 | September 2021

EDUCATION

KEHS: one of the elite academic schools in the country and so much more besides Choosing the right school for your daughter is an important decision. Named The Sunday Times West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Year 2020, King Edward VI High School for Girls aims to impart a joy of learning through its forward-looking curriculum. The school’s culture of scholarship, proactive pastoral support, rich extra-curricular programme, benefiting from outstanding facilities for sport, music, drama and art, and service opportunities enable KEHS girls to become independent, resilient young women with the confidence and purpose to make a difference. Consistently outstanding results are the natural consequence of an inspiring, broad and interconnected education which encourages girls to develop their individual strengths and passions.

Open Morning Saturday 18th September 9.15am - 12.30pm

KEHS shares a beautiful 50-acre site in Edgbaston, Birmingham, with King Edward’s School, the leading boys’ school, and is just a 10-minute walk from University station and served by a direct bus from Solihull. Why not visit on its next open morning to find out more! www.kehs.org.uk

PRE-REGISTRATION ESSENTIAL www.kehs.org.uk

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Whats On

OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST EVENTS THIS MONTH

SEPTEMBER Tuesday 7th

The Luna Cinema presents: Star Wars: A New Hope (U) Star Wars: A New Hope to be shown at Warwick Castle on the Big Screen.The UK’s premier outdoor cinema. Their screenings follow one simple formula: a classic film on a big screen in a beautiful or prestigious setting. Tickets are £17.50.

Friday 10th Leamington Food & Drink Festival The highly popular free Leamington Food & Drink Festival returns in September 2021 at the Royal Pump Gardens. With around 120 exhibitors, live music from the bandstand, live cookery theatre and kid’s cookery school there is something for everyone! The event runs 10-6pm. for more information, go to www.leamingtonfoodfestival. co.uk/

Friday 10th - Sunday 12th Bus Fest With a full three days at The Three Counties Showground to keep you amused there will be the most comprehensive entertainment programme for all ages of any VW Event. You will find we have the largest trade area of any VW event (in the world!) with everything you may want (or not) for your Transporter. plus a massive vehicle sales area. For more information go to www.busfest.org

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WHATS ON

Sunday 12th Charlecote Pheasant Wedding Fayre A truly unique setting in the village of Charlecote, your wedding will be held in the heart of Shakespeare Country. The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel provides the perfect setting for your special day, and our knowledgeable wedding team are here to assist you from the very beginning, right through to the end of your wedding day. Located opposite the St. Leonard’s church is The Hampton suite, originally the old hayloft dating back to the 16th Century is situated within the hotel grounds. And is completely self-contained including a reception lounge, private outdoor seating, and function room with bar area. Plus ample on-site parking. Free Entry, 11-2:30pm. For more information go to www.weddingfayresyorkshire.com/fayre/charlecote-pheasantwedding-fayre/ or call 01484 537130.

Friday 17th Comedy Night in Aid of Helping Hands A fantastic night of stand up comedy at Warwickspace, 71 Coten End, Warwick, featuring four unique award winning acts and a fantastic MC to run the night. A brilliant night of guarenteed laughter, with all profits going to the wonderful charity “Helping Hands“ Also check out other Comedy Events in Warwick, Entertainment Events in Warwick, Nonprofit Events in Warwick. Tickets for Comedy Night in Aid of Helping Hands can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk

Thursday 23rd - Sunday 26th Leamington Music Festival Featuring music by Bach, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Shumann, Simpson and much more. Tickets and full details are available by going to www.leamingtonmusic.org or call 01926 334418. PLEASE VISIT INDIVIDUAL EVENT WEBSITES FOR LATEST CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS FOR ANY CHANGES.

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Puzzled? SUDOKU - HARD

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 12 6

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Doing things differently

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Taking the puzzle out of hair

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WARWICKSHIRE NOW SEPTEMBER 21

Articles inside

National Alzheimer’s Day

Lip Care

All the latest news from around Warwickshire

Stepping onto style