Absolutely Kingston & Surrey February 2021 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

KINGSTON & SURREY

Kingston & Surrey FEBRUARY 2021 / £3.95

LOVE is in the air

SPECIAL News and views from all the best schools

Gifts for your Valentine

FEBRUARY 2021

One CLICK

Counter Culture

All the best online ﬂorists

New looks for your kitchen

Luxe LOUNGE E A S Y L I V I N G AT H O M E

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15 W I G M O R E S T R E E T | LO N D O N W 1 U 1 P E B o o k y o u r b e d & d e s i g n c o n s u l t a t i o n +4 4 (0) 2 0 3 9 8 2 3 2 5 2 | m a r y l e b o n e @ c a r p e d i e m b e d s . c o . u k c a r p e d i e m b e d s o f s w e d e n | # m y u n w i n d | w w w. c a r p e d i e m b e d s . c o . u k

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YO U R C O SY FA L L B E D R O O M

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Luxury Kitchens since 1892

Clear structures, sensible space. +SEGMENTO Y

Poggenpohl Wigmore 118 Wigmore Street London | W1U 3RT phone 020 7224 1986 wigmore@poggenpohl.com www.wigmore.poggenpohl.com

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Poggenpohl Chelsea 107 Pimlico Road London | SW1W 8PH phone 020 7730 7927 chelsea@poggenpohl.com www.chelsea.poggenpohl.com

Poggenpohl Hampstead 477-481 Finchley Road London | NW3 6HS phone 020 7794 7801 hampstead@poggenpohl.com www.hampstead.poggenpohl.com

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents FEBRUARY 2021

C U LT U R E 8 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

INTERIORS 44 INTERIOR INSPIRATIONS

12 WHAT'S ON

47 FLOWER POWER

14 BOOK CLUB

48 HOUSE TOUR

FOOD & DRINK 24 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

E D U C AT I O N 76 SCHOOL SPIRIT Assemblies and gatherings

10 things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re coveting this month

Your diary for January

What to read in 2021

News from the industry

28 RECIPES One-pot dishes

FA S H I O N 34 THE SHOOT Knitwear by Bella Freud

40 VALENTINE'S GIFTS Offerings for your darling

News from the industry

The best online florists

A culinary-focused refurb in Brixton

giving life and character

84 SHELF LIFE

How a library is the heart of a school

90 READING MATTER

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Sally Gardner and dyslexia

A B S O L U T E LY M A M A 97 MAMAHOOD 10 pages of babies and bumps incorporating Absolutely Mama magazine

O N T H E C OV E R whistles.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE DIGITAL EDITOR ABBIE SCHOFIELD MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN MEDIA CONSULTANTS JONATHAN MEAD, STELLA ADAMS, ANABELA KOLECI BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL MARKETING MANAGER LUCIE PEARCE FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 020 3981 7187 or email: craig@zest-media.com

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588 zest.london Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. Social icon

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Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES T wi t t e r & In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELY_MAGS We b si t e

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Editor’s

Art world

Improve your space with a new print by Sasha Compton

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S February issue highlights

Bella Freud

Statement knitwear, literally.

Healing crystals

We are loving the gemstones from Tiana Jewels

ebruary is the best month for staying in, and nobody's ever stayed in as much as we all do now. Our homes have never been under so much pressure. This issue is full of ideas for sweetening the long days at home – we look at how to improve our space, how to keep ourselves occupied and entertained, what to cook and eat (or order in), what to wear and how to manage our children. Because as any households that are homeschooling will know, having children at home all the time is a challenge. This month's magazine contains our Education special, which focuses on news and views from independent schools, all of whom are currently grappling with remote learning, which means that all over London, children are sitting in their bedrooms on their screens and we are all trying to adjust to the implications of this. Screens in bedrooms used to be frowned upon and now they are essential. As everything around us changes, we at Absolutely like to seek to see the positives – and we hope that this issue will bring a touch of optimism to your homes. Enjoy February.

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

O ut of the box Meal kits are getting better and better

Preservation society Dried flowers are huge this Valentine's Day

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ABBIE SCHOFIELD

FA M I LY A F FA I R New womenswear label Berjoan is inspired by designer Charlotte Cameron's grandmother's clothes, handed down through her family and still worn today. The collection is made with sustainable fabrics in muted colours while pleats, bows and draping sleeves add romantic flair. Blouse £195, skirt £260 berjoan.co.uk

L A DY I N L AC E Self Portrait's SS21 collection is full of feminine fabrics and neutrals with pops of green and pink. This lace coat puts an elegant spin on the classic trench – but it's far too pretty to wear in the rain. self-portrait-studio.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SHINE ON

M E L LOW Y E L LOW

Refresh your jewellery with Otiumberg's cleaning kits. They come with a microfibre cloth for silver, polishing cloth for gold, bristle toothbrush and a special cleaning solution. £15 otiumberg.com

Pantone's colours of the year are Illuminating and Ultimate Grey, a duo conveying strength and hopefulness — fitting for the challenging year ahead. This knit by Polish brand The Odder Side combines the two shades perfectly. €170 theodderside.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

I N YO U R STRIDE

L E MO N S U GA R

American artist Ken Price's summery drawings of LA, Easter Island and La Palme have been re-interpreted on Loewe's classic pieces for this capsule collection. Sweater £650, Bag £2,400 loewe.com

Yael Sonia's yellow gold Rock Hammered Cocktail Ring contains a magnificent, rough-hewn lemon quartz. Beautifully imperfect, three sparkling diamonds add extra asymmetry. $2,550 yaelsonia.com

I SHOULD CO COA Rococo's luxurious Salted Caramel Truﬄes come in a heart-shaped box with the brand's signature print. £21.95 rococochocolates.com

S LOW BURN Scents are highly emotive, and Saint Fragrance's hand-poured candles are designed to provide a sense of escape and balance. Sunday Papers combines Madagascan vanilla with orange blossom and Sri Lankan sandalwood for those cosy days in. £42, saintfragrance.com

P R I N T WO R KS HANG OUT Desenio's affordable collection of contemporary posters and prints are a fantastic way to build a gallery wall, or add colour to a room without making a big commitment. desenio.com

African brand Sika'a creates ethical clothing that is handstitched by workers who are paid fairly. We love the Ayoola wide leg silk trousers, and there's a vibrant top to match too. £141 sikaa.com

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C U LT U R E

NATALIA OSIPOVA, PURE DANCE, PHOTOGRAPHED BY RICK GUEST

What's on 12 • Book club 14 • Kew the Music 21 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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The Agenda

LO N D O N ’S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

DA N C E

Dancing Nation Until 14 February SADLER’S WELLS ONLINE A day-long festival of dance will be broadcast live from the historic Sadler’s Wells Theatre, and available to catch up on BBC iPlayer until 14 February. It will feature well-known and up-andcoming artists alike from the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures to Natalia Osipova and Candoco Dance Company. sadlerswells.com

SELF PORTRAIT AS A LUTE PLAYER, 1615-18

F I L M

Artemisia NATI O NA L GA L L E RY O NL I NE • U NT IL 22 FEBRUARY

The wonderful exhibition on the provocative and groundbreaking 17th century female artist Artemisia is still available to view online, and the National Gallery has produced a 30-minute ﬁlm tour to go alongside it, led by curator Letizia Treves. nationalgallery.org.uk

T H E AT R E

Sherlock Holmes Until 10 March L E S E N FA N T S TERRIBLES ONLINE Travel back to Victorian London and solve The Case of the Hung Parliament in this wild and witty immersive online adventure that blurs the lines between theatre, escape room and gaming. You can book a public or private live online show. sherlockimmersive.com

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CULTURE • TALKING TOPICS

E XH I BI T I O N

Future Seascapes

Until 14 February ONLINE Artist Reuben Dangoor has reimagined famous works of art to showcase a greener future for the seas. In partnership with marine classification organisation Lloyd’s Register, Monet's Ships Riding on the Seine at Rouen and Edward Seago's Harbour Scene are just two of the iconic pieces that have been recreated to portray a zero-carbon maritime industry. lr.org

SO H O

T H E AT R E The playhouse has gone digital; here are some on-demand highlights

THE TIGER LILLIES

CONCERT The world famous punk streetopera trio The Tiger Lillies perform a legendary concert at the Archa Theatre in Prague, featuring their most famous songs about all the dark aspects of life with twisted humour and irony.

2.0 TING-QUA, VIEW OF HONG KONG, 1845-55

F I L M

ROMEO AND JULIET

This Month’s Must See

13-20 February ONLINE A filmed theatre production of the classic love story will be broadcast online this month, starring Sam Tutty and Emily Redpath. Thanks to ground-breaking technology that allowed cast and crew to stick to Covid regulations, the show presents exciting possibilities about the future boundaries of theatre. romeojuliet2021.com

THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP, SOHO THEATRE ON DEMAND

LA BOHÈME

T H E AT R E The acclaimed 2011 Olivier-Award winning English version of Puccini’s La Bohème is available to watch on demand for just £4. The comic elements of this hugely popular opera production heighten its tragic ending, with audiences saying this 21st century Bohème affected them like no other.

M E TA L , I N K & DY E

U NTI L 27 MARCH • BASTIAN GALLERY ON LIN E

his exhibition showcases works that American artist Robert Rauschenberg created on Captiva island, the birthplace of his most remarkable and challenging works just off the coast of Florida. Available to experience online, his works interrogate the social and economic trajectory of the US with innovative uses of metal, ink and dye. bastian-gallery.com

JOSIE LONG: CARA JOSEPHINE C O M E DY Filmed exclusively for Soho Theatre's Home Collection in 2017, watch three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Josie Long’s most personal show to date, full of delight and belly laughs.

sohotheatreondemand.com MATINEE [ANAGRAM (A PUN)], 1997

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CULTURE • BOOKS

BOOK CLUB

“Aboremp orerisque et labor solo volorehenda eiunt, odiam fuga. quam eum volut”

If you take on one new subscription in 2021, make it a book box. Here’s why By PENDLE HARTE

ubscribing to stuff is the way we all live now. Small amounts come out of our accounts every month for things designed to improve our lives, from Netflix and music to coffee beans, wine and cacti. Some physical, some digital, and they’re all too easy to sign up to. Periodically – often in January – we check our direct debits and make some culls. But one subscription that is ringfenced for me this year is the book box. This despite its lack of immediate appeal – I already have a pile of unread novels, plus others on a mental list, and no shortage of recommendations. But three months into my subscription with Love My Read, I am converted. Particularly because the postman’s knock has never been more exciting than in recent months, and who can resist a beautiful package with surprises inside? Love My Read’s method is clever. First an email arrives with a shortlist of novels on it. Some you’ve heard of, others you haven’t. They’re all due for publication imminently, so there’s the thrill of the prerelease – and detailed descriptions of each help you choose. Click on one, and that’s it. Not long afterwards, a box arrives and this is where their careful curation comes to the fore. In the parcel there’s not just a book, but accompanying treats too - chocolate, perhaps, or a snack, maybe some skincare samples, and Love My Read’s pamphlet with author interviews and information, plus maybe a wordsearch or a quiz. The children’s subscription box is just as simple, with books automatically selected by age, and comes with a colouring book and pencils, plus other small treats. Small pleasures like these seem to mean a lot at the moment. That's why this one's a keeper. lovemyread.com

My choices L E AV E T H E WO R L D B E H I N D by Ruuman Alam

This creepy novel taps into our deepest fears, but slowly and subtly. What happens when a middle class New York family’s holiday is interrupted by what could be the end of the world? Never has a lack of mobile phone reception seemed more ominous.

T H E I L LU S T R AT E D CHILD by Polly Crosby

This coming-of-age story is told from the point of view of a girl growing up with a troubled father, who makes her the subject of his children’s books. It’s a dark and atmospheric story that stays with you.

MORE THAN A WO M A N by Caitlin Moran

Caitlin Moran’s comedy-filled focus on middle age takes in the trials of living with teenagers as well as the minutiae of domesticity in all its hilarity.

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A NEW PHASE

From the first international match in 1871 to last year's suspended Six Nations, England Rugby continues to make history – and is back for 2021 By EVE HERBERT

n its 150 years, England Rugby has seen it all… highs, lows, achievements, disappointments and more. In March 1871 the first international match took place between England and Scotland at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh. Donned in white, the fledgling England team lost that day 0-1 but it was the start of a remarkable rugby history. The Calcutta Cup, so named as it is made from 270 melted down silver Rupees and crafted by W.E Jellicoe, a silversmith based in Calcutta, was first held in 1879. It is played annually between England and Scotland, the current holders England have won the cup with 71 wins over Scotland’s 40. England will defend their title in an opening weekend Guinness Six Nations fixture at Twickenham Stadium on 6 February 2021. Twickenham Stadium, or ‘Twickers’, is the home of England Rugby. Originally a market garden, the land was purchased in 1907 by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for £5,500. Today it’s one of the largest stadiums in UK, second to Wembley, and is both the fourth largest stadium in Europe and the largest stadium dedicated to rugby union in the world. The first stand was built in 1908, the South Stand in 2004 and following an extensive redevelopment in 2018, the East Stand was born. The East Stand restaurants, namely The East Wing, The Lock, The Gate and the British

Airways Rose Garden, deliver suite-toseat experiences. Uniting history, heritage, atmosphere, exciting international rugby and a range of dining options, from informal street food to taster menus, experiences are world-class.

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE BRITISH AIRWAYS ROSE GARDEN

England will host six international fixtures in 2021

The Guinness Six Nations is a tournament that sees Europe’s elite face off in oneoff Test Matches in the oldest rugby tournament in the world. England are the current holders and they won after France beat Ireland on a thrilling final day of the delayed tournament, a victory that came at the end of the longest Six Nations in history after the tournament was suspended in March 2020 because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Fast forward to November 2021 and the autumn internationals, when England will face an Emerging Nation, Australia and current Rugby World Champions, South Africa at Twickenham Stadium. The return of the fans to the home of England Rugby is sure to provide an electrifying atmosphere and there will be no shortage of rugby talent on show. England vs Australia (Saturday 13 November 2021)*: Since appointing Dave Rennie as head coach back in late 2019, the Wallabies have endured a mixed run of form. In his fourth game in charge, against the might of New Zealand, the Wallabies were triumphant in a hard-fought 24-22

victory at Brisbane’s Lang Park. Since then, Australia are unbeaten, earning two tough draws against Argentina in their remaining Tri Nations Games. Currently ranked sixth in the world, by the time they come up against England, Australia will hope to have developed even further. Having shown a tendency toward a possession-based, aggressive game in their first six outings, Rennie and his Wallabies side will look to hone this style over the next ten months.

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XXXXXXXX CULTURE •• XXXXX SPORT

ENGLAND VS FRANCE

“Twickenham stadium, or 'Twickers' is the home of England Rugby. Originally a market garden, the land was bought in 1907 for just £5,500” England v South Africa (Saturday 20 November 2021)*: This fixture has all the makings of a real classic as the world’s two top-ranked sides set to do battle. This will be the first time the sides have met since the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa ran out comfortable 32-12 winners. Since its beginning, Twickenham has maintained a magical blend of sports and leisure, connecting people with the wonderful world of rugby. Twickenham is the spiritual home of English rugby and the England Rugby Team.

BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE Should a rugby international fixture at Twickenham Stadium be cancelled on the advice of UK Government all bookings are fully refundable.

A SA F E E X P E R I E N C E Our priority is your safety and in these unprecedented times, further precautionary measures have been implemented within the Stadium to protect and offer peace of mind. Keith Prowse, the principal hospitality sales partner to England Rugby, is offering readers the chance to win a fully inclusive hospitality experience for two in the British Airways Rose Garden this autumn, when England will take on a yet to be confirmed Emerging Nation at Twickenham Stadium.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX *Dates subject to change

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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ORIGINAL, LIMITED-EDITION ART DECO POSTERS

97 x 65 cm.

£420

Private commissions are also welcome.

@pullmaneditionsposters

Our central London gallery

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP ENGLAND IN ACTION

KICK OFF TIME Win two hospitality tickets to an England Rugby match, courtesy of Keith Prowse

“You'll watch the match from the upper tier's best seats with a full view of the action” BRITISH AIRWAYS ROSE GARDEN

lthough we’re in unprecedented times, which may see this year’s Guinness Six Nations fixtures take place behind closed doors, rugby passion is rising. Keith Prowse, the principal hospitality sales partner to England Rugby, is offering readers the chance to win a fully inclusive hospitality experience for two in the British Airways Rose Garden this autumn, when England will take on an Emerging Nation at Twickenham Stadium. Taking its rugby heritage from the rose embossed crest given to Rugby School by Elizabeth I, the British Airways Rose Garden is one of Twickenham’s liveliest match day venues with incredible views over London. Up to two hours before the match, you will be able to enjoy unlimited street food including stone-baked pizzas and a rotisserie carvery, washed down with a wide range of real ales, Guinness, premium lager and selected wines. A build-up of live band music from the stage will create a vibrant atmosphere rich with anticipation. You’ll then take your seats and watch the match from the upper tier’s best seats with a full view of the on-pitch action – don’t forget to pop back to the British Airways Rose Garden for a half time pint! No game would be complete without the obligatory post-match analysis and guests are welcome to stay behind for ninety minutes after the game. Don’t miss out on the chance to win this ultimate rugby hospitality experience courtesy of Keith Prowse.

H OW TO ENTER For the chance to win the ultimate rugby hospitality experience courtesy of Keith Prowse, visit: absolutely.london/win-rugby Terms and conditions apply.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Hingstons Of Wilton Purveyors of Antiques and decorative items (est.1976)

ďż˝e Old Bell House, 2 Shaďż˝tesbury Road, Wilton, Salisbury, SP2 0DR 01722 742263 | nick@hingstons-antiques.co.uk www.hingstons-antiques.co.uk

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CULTURE • MUSIC VAN MORRISON

KEW the MUSIC

We all need something to look forward to, and Kew the Music is back for summer 2021 By EVE HERBERT

“An incredibly talented and diverse roster of artists will play across the week” KEW GARDENS

series of stellar outdoor concerts is returning this July. Tickets are on sale now for Kew the Music, five evenings of live performances against the beautiful backdrop of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. The series begins with a bang as the legendary Van Morrison headlines on Tuesday 6 July. An incredibly talented and diverse roster of artists will follow throughout the week, including international pop acts such as James Blunt and Bananarama, DJ Spoony playing garage hits and the sweet melodies of Rebecca Furguson. There truly is an evening for everyone. Guests can bring their own picnics or try food from the tasty street food stalls, and there will also be a fully-stocked open-air bar for you to get into the festival spirit. If you want to go all out with a VIP package (and after months of restrictions, why wouldn't you?) options include a scrumptious summer BBQ in the Grade I listed Orangery building with views over the gardens. Alternatively, those who don’t want to pack their own picnic can order a gourmet hamper from Panzer’s delicatessen which includes sweet and savoury treats such as homemade brownies and scotch eggs. Kew have been hosting summer concerts for over 30 years, and the 2021 series is set to be one of the best yet.

KEW THE MUSIC 2021 LINEUP Tuesday 6 July Van Morrison Wednesday 7 July James Blunt Thursday 8 July DJ Spoony: Garage Classical Friday 9 July Will Young / James Morrison Saturday 10 July Bananarama supported by Gabrielle and Rebecca Furguson Sunday 11 July Gipsy Kings Adult tickets from £47 kewthemusic.org

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FOOD & DRINK

BE MINE CLARKE'S

Breakfast in bed, a mug of coffee by the fire, or chocolates and Champagne at tea time — how ever you wish to spend your Lockdown Valentine's Day, Clarke's hampers can be delivered to your door at a time to suit you, or collected from the Campden Street or Westbourne Grove stores. sallyclarke.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Food notes 24 • Recipes 28 • Drinks 33 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news

TASTING NOTES

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

Wine recommendations for the month By BERRY BROS. & RUDD

2017 Berry Bros. & Rudd Sauternes by Ch. Climens  £14.95 Our Sauternes is a classic blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc, made by the team at Ch. Climens. This delicate and reﬁned wine shows notes of orange blossom, toast and honey on the nose, balanced by a tingling acidity and a refreshing ﬁnish.

2018 Pulenta Estate, La Flor Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina  £14.50 The very fresh acidity of this wine works well with the intensely concentrated dark fruit notes and velvet-like tannins. Black cherry and plum dominate on the nose and palate, accompanied by a subtle and wellintegrated cedar note.

2019 Berry Bros. & Rudd New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc by Isabel Estate  £11.95 We are delighted to be working, with awardwinning winemaker Jeremy McKenzie for this wine. It is fresh and mineral with a distinct sea-salt character. Bright and true on the palate, it has subtle notes of vine tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves, green apples and citrus pith. BERRY BROS. & RUDD Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain's oldest wine and spirit merchant, having traded from the same shop since 1698. Today the company also has offices in Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, a Wine School and an exclusive fine wine and dining venue in St James's.

bbr.com

BLACK BEAN COD BY ANDREW WONG

What's cooking COOK + THIEF

Cook + Thief is the new takeaway revolution from the co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith. Jaw-dropping dishes from London’s best restaurants are brought together into one single menu. Each meal is then delivered in pristine condition using futuristic tech and beautiful eco packaging to bring you the hottest dishes in west London. cookandthief.com

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FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

FLIP OUT Pancake Day treats to order

S TA U B

Soul food

If you’re a fan of crêpe-style pancakes, Staub’s Cast Iron 28cm Pancake Pan is an essential piece of kitchen kit. Not only is it non-stick, but it comes with a wooden spreader tool and spatula for the perfect flip every time. £89.95; uk.zwilling-shop.com

BANDO BELLY

Inﬂuenced by ﬂavours from America, the Caribbean and southeast Asia, Bando Belly was created by young Londoners Naz Ramadan and Alex Situnayake to showcase “everything that inspires us about London - including all the nitty gritty parts.” Serving indulgent comfort food from their Peckham Levels kitchen such as slow-roasted lamb ribs and Trinidadian-inspired doubles, you can order via Deliveroo. Cerise Road, SE15 5HQ bandobelly.com

SYRIA TO SOH O IMAD’S SYRIAN KITCHEN

Imad Alarnab was a successful restaurateur in Damascus, but his businesses were destroyed in the war and he was forced to ﬂee. Five years later, and after many successful pop ups and charity events, Imad will open his own restaurant in Kingly Court, serving the very best dishes from his homeland. Kingly Court, W1B 5PW imadssyriankitchen.co.uk

WHERE THE PA N C A K E S A R E One of London’s best pancake restaurants has launched a delivery kit. It includes ready-made batter for light and fluffy pancakes plus your choice of toppings, from streaky bacon and maple syrup to banana and salted caramel. From £39.50; wherethepancakesare.com

SOCIAL FEED TOM AIKENS

Sustaina-bowl DETOX KITCHEN

Healthy food hub Detox Kitchen has collaborated with chef Thomasina Miers to create a new range of wholesome and delicious dishes. The recipes, which aim to waste as little as possible, include vegetarian chilli-non-carne, chicken enchiladas and baked rigatoni. They're available for delivery or at Selfridges and Planet Organic. detoxkitchen.co.uk

H AYA For those who prefer savoury pancakes, you can make a pillowy soft Lahooh pancake with Haya’s vegetarian brunch kit. The Mediterranean restaurant’s kit includes toppings such as smoked labaneh, green tahini and pomegranate seeds, with the option of adding a Bloody Mary. From £20; haya.london

Chef Tom Aikens has launched a new virtual cooking school. Filmed at his Belgravia restaurant Muse, he will teach everything from essential knife skills to how to perfect key dishes. Lessons can be seen via a members-only Instagram page and cost £60 for a six-week course. @cookingwithtomaikens A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Menu Hamburger.................£5 (Single)........£7 (Double) Cheeseburger..................£6 (Single).....£9 (Double)

Frankfurter Dog...................£5 Chili Dog...................£6 Add Bacon.............£1

Opening 2nd Februar y!

Free Toppings (Choose up to 3) Raw Onions, Fried Onions, Tomato, Rocket Leaves, Spicy Relish

Free Sauces (Choose up to 2) Franks Buffalo, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard

Chili Con Carne...................£3 (Bowl) Sticky Hot Wings..................£5 (7 Pieces) Seasoned Wedges...................£3 Add Chili Con Carne...............£2 Singha (Pint )...................£5 Mead (330ml)...................£5 Fresh Juice: (250ml) Orange | Apple | Pineapple...................£4 Coke | Diet Coke | Sprite (330ml)..........£3 Hildon Water (330ml) Still or Sparkling...................£3

WWW.YUM-SA.COM 020 3371 9111 #YUMSARESTAURANT

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YUM SA RESTAURANT 3 plaza gardens 88 upper richmond road putney, sw15 2dt (opp east putney tube station)

22/01/2021 15:42

FOOD & DRINK • MEAL KITS

S P E C I A L D E L I V E R Y

NORMA Inspired by Sicilian cuisine and culture, Norma is one of Fitzrovia's best no-nonsense Italian restaurants and their feasting boxes are wholly extravagant with four courses and a bottle of wine. The eight dishes include slow cooked beef cheek with nero d'avola and sautéed chanterelle, and gnocchi with pecorino and thyme butter. £100 normalondon.com

OUR FAVOURITE MEAL KITS OF THE MONTH

P U R E PAC K AG E When you don't want to cook, often the only option is an indulgent takeaway. But Pure Package's Positivity Package is designed to take the stress out of healthy meal prep, delivering personal meal plans with a daily-changing menu. Expect the likes of buckwheat porridge for breakfast and miso cod with seasme rice for dinner. From £39.95 per day purepackage.com

HOPPERS Hoppers' vegan meal kit is a delight to unbox with its Sri Lankan artwork and accompanying Spotify playlist. Our Breadfruit Kari string hoppers are tasty and spicy, accompanied by vegetable rolls and salty Jaffna mix. Instructions are clear and simple and there's a strong sense of fun. Vegan meal kit for two, £25. hopperscashandkari.com

COMO GARDEN

Just opened in Kensington is Italian restaurant Como Garden and its tapas-style mix of dishes is available via Deliveroo. It's an impressive menu - we loved prawn carpaccio with smoked aubergine, truffle ravioli, grilled octopus and marinated lamb chops as well as the luscious home-made pasta selection. Let's hope we can visit in person soon. comogarden.co.uk

AQ UAV I T Michelin-starred Aquavit London's boxes are designed for two people to share — all you need to do is heat and plate the wonderful Nordicinspired menu. The meat option includes pulled venison bao bun and beef Rydberg with caramelised onion, onion purée, confit egg yolk and horseradish cream. Delicious. £80 aquavit.slerp.com

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POT ROAST Hearty one-pot ideas are perfect for February Wo r d s A L A N R O S E N T H A L P h o t o g r a p h y R I TA P L AT T S

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Crispy ginger & chilli pork fried rice INGREDIENTS • 1 bunch spring onions (scallions) • 3 tbsp sunflower oil • 600g (1lb 5oz) pork mince • 1–2 red bird’s eye chillies, finely chopped • 25g (1oz) finely grated fresh root ginger • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated • 500g (4 cups) cooked brown basmati rice • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 2 pak choi (bok choy) (about 150g/5oz), quartered lengthways • 100g (31⁄2oz) Tenderstem broccoli, halved • 15g (1⁄2oz) Thai basil leaves (or ordinary basil) • rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), to serve

ne of my old flatmates is the inspiration for this simple, tasty recipe. Feel free to go heavier on the chilli; 1–2 chillies, as I suggest, will give you a bit of warmth, but won’t knock your socks off ! If you dare to use a second pot, this dish is delicious served with a fried egg on top.

METHOD 1 Cut each of the spring onions (scallions) in half where the white part starts to turn green. Slice both sections finely but keep them separate.cooking water to add to the sauce later. 2 Heat the oil in your wide shallow pot. Once very hot, add the pork mince, the white half of the sliced spring onions, the chillies and the ginger. Cook over a high heat, stirring regularly and breaking up any clumps of meat. 3 After about 6–7 minutes turn the heat down a little. By now, the excess moisture will have been driven off, allowing the pork to start frying in its own fat. Regularly scrape down the sides of the pot and mix to ensure all the little pieces of pork are cooked evenly. 4 After a total of 10–12 minutes, the pork mince will have caramelized in lots of places and your pot will be quite dry. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the cooked rice to the pot, breaking it up among the pork. 5 Mix through the soy and fish sauces and then add the pak choi (bok choy) and Tenderstem. Cook for 4–5 minutes over a medium heat, regularly turning everything to ensure the vegetables cook evenly. 6 Finally, toss through the finely sliced greens from the spring onions and the basil leaves. Serve sprinkled with a little vinegar for some acidity to balance the dish.

King prawn, bulgur & chard pilaf INGREDIENTS • 50g unsalted butter • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 1 red Romano pepper, halved lengthways then finely sliced • 1 bunch of chard (about 250g/9oz), leaves and stalks separated • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1⁄2 tsp mild Turkish red pepper flakes (isot pul biber) or crushed chilli flakes • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground paprika • 1 tsp ground oregano • 1 tbsp tomato purée (paste) • zest of 1 lemon • 750ml hot vegetable stock • 300g coarse bulgur wheat • 250g raw, shelled king prawns • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • lemon wedges, to serve

his Turkish-inspired one-pot is a quick and easy meal. The chilli flakes I recommend, isot pul biber, are crimson red and wonderfully fruity which means they impart a rich colour as well as flavour to the dish. However,

feel free to use whichever crushed chilli flakes you can find, but do be a little less generous as the Turkish variety is much milder in heat.

METHOD 1 Melt the butter in your deep pot over a medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, chopped chard stalks and a pinch of salt and cook for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables have softened and reduced in volume. rosemary, marjoram or oregano. 2 Add the garlic, isot pul biber or crushed chilli, cumin, paprika and oregano and cook for around 2 minutes, stirring well. Add the tomato purée (paste) and cook for another 2 minutes, continuing to stir a few times. Add the lemon zest, 1 tsp salt and some black pepper. 3 Now pour in the hot stock, mix everything together, then add the bulgur wheat, stirring to distribute it evenly. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat right down, cover and allow to cook, without peeking, for 10 minutes. 4 Remove the lid and, without any mixing, place the prawns (shrimp) on top of the bulgur and top with the chopped chard leaves. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 5 minutes. 5 Turn the heat off and give everything a gentle stir so the prawns become incorporated within the cooked bulgur. Replace the lid and leave for 5 minutes, allowing the steam to ﬁnish cooking the dish. 6 Give everything one ﬁnal toss and serve with lemon wedges.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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www.quaillondon.com

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020 8899 6051

19/10/2018 11:50

22/01/2021 15:38

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

serving add acidity and match the silky textures throughout the dish. A true bowlful of warming sunshine.

METHOD

Chickpea, potato & turmeric curry INGREDIENTS • 2 1⁄2 tsp ground coriander • 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 tsp ground turmeric • a pinch of ground cloves • a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg • 4 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, peeled and grated • 4 garlic cloves, finely grated • 1 1⁄2 tbsp finely grated fresh root ginger • 1 red bird’s eye chilli, finely sliced • 1 cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise • 1 x 400ml (14ﬂ oz) can coconut milk • 300g (101⁄2oz) potatoes, such as Maris Piper, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes • 2 x 400g (14oz) cans chickpeas, including liquid • 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised • a pinch of caster sugar • 2 ripe tomatoes, cores removed and quartered • sea salt • 4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander • cooked rice, to serve

his naturally vegan recipe is my nod to a mild but fragrant Balinese curry. Chickpeas are enveloped in a rich and velvety coconutbased sauce that’s laced heavily with turmeric and ginger. Raw ripe tomatoes added just before

1 In a small bowl, mix together the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, cloves and nutmeg with 3 tbsp cold water and set aside. 2 Heat the oil in your deep pot over a medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, garlic, ginger, chilli and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the pot becomes quite dry and the ingredients are just starting to turn a little golden. Add the water and spice mix, then the cinnamon stick and star anise. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute.to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. 3 Add the coconut milk, diced potato and the chickpeas, including the liquid from the cans. Add the lemongrass stalks to the pot, along with 1 tsp salt and the sugar. Bring everything to the boil and then lower the heat. Simmer for 15–20 minutes over a medium heat until the potato is cooked and the sauce has thickened. 4 Taste for seasoning. You may need to add more salt. 5 Just before serving, stir through the tomatoes to warm them slightly; you don’t want to cook them. Serve the curry in bowls with some plain rice and sprinkle with chopped coriander.

Recipes taken from Foolproof One-Pot 60 Simple and Satisfying Recipes by Alan Rosenthal. Published by Quadrille; £12.99 Hardback

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FA S H I O N

CULTURE CLASH TORY BURCH

The new collection from Tory Burch fuses 1970s details – think balloon sleeves, embroidery and oversize collars – with the innocence of lace, florals and tank tops. It might sound improbable but the results are super stylish. toryburch.co.uk

Bella Freud's statement knits 36 • Jewellery 38 • Valentine's gifts 40 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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W O R D

U P

Signature slogan sweaters characterise Bella Freud's new collection BELLAFREUD.COM

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21/01/2021 23:51

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22/01/2021 00:22

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22/01/2021 00:23

FASHION • JEWELLERY

Heart to heart Show some love for Valentine's Day By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

HANNAN

SIF JAKOBS

AISHA BAKER

Another Day On The Terrace Earrings, £59 shophannan.in

Valentine Earrings, £99 sifjakobs.com

All You Need Earrings, $3,700 shop.aishabaker.com

DINNY HALL

WILHELMINA GARCIA

PAWNSHOP

Bijou Folded Heart Bracelet, £110 dinnyhall.com

Red Heart Earring, £57 wilhelminagarcia.com

Gold Plated Heart Charm Bracelet, £70 pawnlondon.com

TADA & TOY

ANNOUSHKA

ANNI LU

Amelia Windsor Bleeding Heart Earrings, £285 tadaandtoy.com

18ct Gold & Sapphire Heart Lovelock, £1,140 annoushka.com

Love Earrings, £120 annilu.dk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • VALENTINE'S

JONATHAN ADLER Heart Tinket Tray, £78; uk.jonathanadler.com

TIANA JEWEL Celestial Soul Amethyst Earrings, £55; tianajewel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

CLARENDELLE

SCULPD

2019 Bordeaux Rosé, €12; lacaveduchateau.com

Valentine's Pottery Kit, £39; sculpd.co.uk

FUND Jumper, £165; fundjumpers.com

CAKE OR DEATH Vegan Peanut Butter Letterbox Brownies, £23; cakeordeath.net

AMELIE'S FOLLIES Aubade Bra £95, Tanga £49; ameliesfollies.co.uk

Choose LOVE

Gifts to give (or drop hints about) on February 14th

ANNOUSHKA X THE VAMPIRE'S WIFE Love Letter Charm, £1,700; annoushka.com

MARIA LA ROSA Mohair Blend Socks, £31; net-a-porter.com

By ABBIE SCHOFIELD

SETTING PRETTY

L'ADURÉE

Wild Child Table Set in Berry, £385; settingpretty.com

Macaron Box, £46; laduree.co.uk

REX LONDON Made With Love Cookie Stamper, £2.95; rexlondon.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS We would like to thank you for your support throughout these difficult times. Email us if you have any lingerie, nightwear or even swimwear (!) needs. We are still here to help in any way we can (and are allowed to)

GIFT VOUCHER AND GIFT WRAPPING AVAILABLE LINGERIE • NIGHTWEAR • SWIMWEAR BEACHWEAR • NURSING BRAS

34 Webb’s Road, London SW11 6SF

Lingerie and swimwear from A to J cup (size 8 to 20)

www.ameliesfollies.co.uk | ameliesfollies@yahoo.com

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Tel: 020 7924 3826

22/01/2021 10:18

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BANG & OLUFSEN OF EALING

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INTERIORS

GO D U TCH HK LIVING

HKliving is a stylish Dutch interior brand, whose founders' combination of a creative mind and a mathematical brain has turned out to be a winning formula. Accessible collections are inspired by traditional and useable designs, with a characteristic modern look and feel. hkliving.nl

Interior inspirations 44 • House tour 48 • Kitchen trends 63 A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS NOT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

GREEN SCHEME MISSPRINT

Missprint's new fabrc and wallpaper collection includes shades of green, houseplants and natural imagery to create a calm and welcoming home. The Pioneer Jungle Palm print, pictured, creates a strong sense of calm in this bathroom, while making a definite style statement too. Hand-illustrated wallpaper, ÂŁ67 per roll. missprint.co.uk

H OT D E S K ATKIN & THYME

If working from home is here to stay, it's important to have a stylish and functional desk. Like this one, for instance. Deco marble desk, ÂŁ449 atkinandthyme.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Vases THE BRITISH CRAFT HOUSE Small fine china vase, £35 thebritishcraft house.co.uk

CASE S T U DY

RETRO CERAMICS

BELLA FREUD X GLOBETROTTER

HK LIVING

HK Living's 1970s ceramics are guaranteed to bring joy to a kitchen. Bright colours and simple shapes make the range a delight to use and low prices make them easy and fun to collect. hkliving.nl

Bella Freud has collaborated Globe-Trotter to launch a series of three leather-trimmed trunks. Each one is designed to store precious items and memories; a time capsule of treasures sealed with Bella’s signature artwork. From £495 bellafreud.com

JONATHAN ADLER Torino vase, £298 jonathanadler.com

LIGNE ROSET T Vase, £135 ligne-roset-westend.co.uk

DOWSING & REYNOLDS

FORM TIME

Rock-effect vase, £73.99 dowsingandreynolds.com

TOM DIXON

MONDAY Curved green vase, £17.99 mondayonline.co.uk

Form is a family of delicate handmade dishes and a sophisticated solid brass tea set. The tea set calls back to a forgotten era while hinting at an art deco aesthetic with a touch of Gatsby glamour. Form teapot, £170 tomdixon.net

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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21/01/2021 22:09

bringing stone to life for over 50 years

www.stone-circle-home.com | 0333 003 0621 showroom open by appointment only

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photo & artwork | marco joe fazio

stonework for the discerning client

22/01/2021 11:32

INTERIORS • FLOWERS

S H I DA P R E S E RV E D F LOW E R S Shida's unusual preserved flowers in beautiful arrangements will last up to a year, thanks to their special preservation method. Unlike regular dried flowers they're not brittle or dusty – their intriguing texture makes them a joy to look at.

shida.florist

S T E M T H E R A P Y

SMITH & MUNSON Smith and Munson are fifthgeneration growers of beautiful cut flowers. British-grown lillies and tulips are available directly to the public for the first time now as the company has opened an online shop. smithandmunson.com

ONLINE FLOWERS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY

MCQUEENS F LOW E R S McQueens Flowers sends hand-tied bouquets via same-day London and next-day nationwide delivery. McQueens Flowers has been a leading florist since 1991 and this Glowing Saffron hand-tie gathers a spectrum of warm-toned varieties. mcqueens.co.uk

B LO O M Bloom offers a design-your-own bouquet service, allowing you to create a truly unique bouquet this Valentine’s Day in four simple steps. You can think about the rest of the bouquet in two ways: tonally – where you pick multiple flower types in the same colour for a textural look; or complementary – where you pick opposing colours that sit well together. bybloom.co.uk

A P P R EC I AT I O N P R OJ EC T

Lovefool is a bright and colourful bunch of dried flowers designed to enchant a smile. This is the perfect simple arrangement, ideal for sending your dearest a little hug. and will last up to a year. £46 appreciationproject.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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H OME CO OKIN G

Design touches include a moveable kitchen island and natural clean-lined materials

This house was reconfigured by interior architect Yoko Kloeden to create a comfortable space for entertaining Words P E A R L B OY D

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

nown for creating mood-enhancing sanctuaries for clients, Yoko Kloeden has created a new inspiring space in a south London house. This project reimagines the idea of a ‘cook’s kitchen’ for Cameroonian chef Carine Ottou, who runs supper clubs and cookery classes from her Brixton home. Conversion of the 1030 sqft Victorian house includes an extensive ground floor extension to allow for a stunning open-plan kitchen and dining area that seamlessly connects to the outdoors with a space-saving vertical garden and BBQ area – completing the requirement for year-round indoor-outdoor entertaining. Yoko’s design touches include a moveable kitchen island and natural clean-lined materials – vintage oak, Belgian lime paint, zinc, concrete, and brass, mirroring Carine’s “straight from nature” style cooking. A continuous minimal colour palette and natural textures throughout the living and family areas add a calming contrast to the convivial heart of the home. To maximise space for the growing family, a loft conversion adds a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom. Design details reflect a pared-back feel as a nod to the combined roots of this West African-meets-Scandinavian family. The living space is situated in a quiet corner of the ground floor which Yoko has utilised by installing a light-filled window seat, where her client can read and unwind in front of the large windows. The minimal colour palette enhances this sense of tranquility which is essential for Carine who leads a busy lifestyle. Introducing texture and interest to the monochrome scheme is Yoko’s use of a concrete fire surround, lime paint and a vintage coffee table. As the location for Carine’s supper clubs, the dining area needed to accommodate 12 guests, as well as impart an evocative and authentic eating experience for her invitees. To achieve this, Yoko handpicked an extendable table alongside a custom-made bench that is built in and doubles A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR

“Design details reflect a pared-back feel as a nod to the combined roots of this West African-meetsScandinavian family”

Yoko handpicked an extendable table alongside a custommade bench that is built in and doubles up as storage

up as storage. Discussing how she wanted the area to be an indoor version of her client’s outdoor dining space for rainy days, Yoko explains how she “brought the brick wall inside and designed ceiling-hung shelves to display indoor plants”. Born in Cameroon and brought up in France, Carine also wanted to draw on her cultural heritage – hence the antique pendant lights were acquired at brocantes in France; and the decorative masks adorning the shelves and the mudcloth cushions were sourced from West Africa. Half the size and with little connection to the garden, the original kitchen needed to be extended to the rear and the side. This has brought about a fluid relationship between the kitchen and its exterior counterpart, with bi-folding doors that open fully and lead to the horticultural haven beyond. One of the kitchen’s best features is a moveable island which not only fits flawlessly, but can be relocated depending on the needs of the client. It also allows for the dining table to be brought outside should the weather permit al fresco feasting. Natural ingredients are central to Carine’s cooking philosophy which Yoko explains is undeniably true of her own design ethos. She lists vintage oak, zinc, concrete and brass as some of the materials

employed in this space and notes how “locally sourced, fresh, organic food adds colour and smell while the kitchen provides an appropriate backdrop”. The clients believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing (note: Carine’s husband is Scandinavian), and so their garden is considered a vital extension to the house, as signified by the large outdoor BBQ kitchen. Yoko designed a vertical garden wall that bestows the space with a nurturing, atmospheric undertone without encroaching on the valuable entertaining space. Serving as a botanical oasis amongst Brixton’s cityscape, the garden is visible from every room on the ground floor and acts as a restorative escape for the clients and their guests. The Siberian Larch decking was chosen for its beautiful ageing qualities which, developing a silvery patina over time, will only add to the garden’s sensory function and Carine’s plan to make it an all-year-round area for entertainment. Yoko chose Belgian paint brand Kalklitir throughout the house, known for its environmentally conscious approach to decoration. The brand produces paint in powder form, which results in matte textured walls that add depth to a space as well as an artistic atmosphere. This is

Clean lines and a minimal colour palette in the kitchen

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INTERIORS • HOUSE TOUR The master bedroom has a muted colour palette

Seemingly randomly placed patterned tiles create a feeling of playfulness in the bathroom

particularly relevant for the home office which needed to be a sanctuary of productivity for Carine and her husband. Soothing tones and minimal clutter, as well as a view of the garden’s living wall, help add to this room’s therapeutic function and the reduction of computer eye strain for long days of hard work. A bathroom for Carine’s two daughters as well as guests remains in line with the rest of the house in its use of a minimal, monochromatic colour palette and vintage wood. Yoko has skilfully appealed to the young girls’ tastes while also safeguarding the aesthetics for any adult users. By adding seemingly randomly placed patterned tiles she has induced a feeling of playfulness without compromising the room’s harmony – and the bathroom remains suitable for all age groups. The master bedroom and its ensuite were added to the top floor during the conversion, creating more space for the clients’ expanding family. Since the bedroom gets plenty of natural light, Yoko wanted to stay true to the rest of the house by using a muted colour palette. This would also help create a space for the clients to have moments of

Hand-glazed zellige tiles in the ensuite

“Style cues are taken from Scandinavia, adding to the room’s calming aeathetic ” calm in the morning before they embark on a busy day, and in the evening when they can begin unwind and switch off. Style cues are taken from Scandinavia with vintage bedside tables and hanging bedside lights which are a nod to Carine’s husband’s heritage and add to the room’s calming aesthetic. Yoko chose hand-glazed zellige tiles in mixed, subdued tones of green and grey to add a sense of imperfect charm to this small ensuite. Uneven and handcrafted, the tiles are used alongside a raw wood vanity unit to ensure the outcome is warm and homely rather than clinical which can often be the case in bathrooms. The use of light colours simulates a sense of space in a small room while creating a relaxing ambience. yokokloeden.com A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • TREND PORCELAIN SUPERSTORE Palm springs porcelain tile, £66 per m2 porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

ICONIC LIGHTS Curva pendant shade, £36 iconiclights.co.uk

ROSE AND GREY Diamond stoneware candle holder, £20 roseandgrey.co.uk

DANETTI Two Quinn dining chairs, £178 danetti.com

LOUISE MEAD Zest wall art print, £15 louisemead.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

DANETTI Plaza footstool, £169 danetti.com

TWO TONE

LIGNE ROSET Togo small settee in yellow, £2,117 heals.com

PERCH UPHOLSTERY Harris tweed bench, £185 perchupholstery.com

Pantone's two shades of the year are yellow and grey By P E N D L E H A R T E

THE FRENCH BEDROOM CO Chartreuse velvet throw, £220 frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

HOUSECOSY Holland geometric wool rug, £148 housecosy.com

EDITOR’S PICK DANETTI Canio armchair, £699 danetti.com

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Rebel R ses

Bespoke Faux Flowers 30 Elizabeth Street London | SW1W 9RB By appointment

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rebelrosesinfo@gmail.com 07738 064 956 www.rebelroses.co.uk

2020-12-15 11:34 AM

INTE RIORS • HOME LIFE

BUN AND GAMES Excellent Scandi bakery Ole & Steen is open for click and collect or delivery at 12 London locations. Their muffins are legendary, as are their socials, designed for sharing – but they're available as individual portions too for anyone self-isolating. oleandsteen.co.uk

C A R E P A C K A G E S ENDLESS DAYS AT HOME REQUIRE SOME SMALL TREATS. HERE'S A SELECTION

FORM AND FUNCTION Everyone can benefit from a bit of creative activity at the moment and Sculpd's clever clay kits are a great place to start. An attractive box of clay, tools and paint comes with clear instructions and a youtube link, enabling you to create a plant pot or anything you like, at home. sculpd.co.uk

MAKES SCENTS There's nothing nicer than a Diptyque candle and now that the Parisian fragrance house is celebrating its 60th year with a new graphic collection, the candles look prettier than ever. If that doesn't bring cheer to your living room, nothing will. £56 liberty-london.com

P UZ Z L I N G T I M E S

New from Laurence King is this lovely World of Jane Austen puzzle, a large, 1000-piece project that comes with a full size poster and a guide to featured characters. Spot Fanny Price in the grounds of Sotherton, and Mr Darcey and Elizabeth blushinh at Pemberley. Bath's Royal Crescent is there, as is the Cobb at Lyme Regis. £14.99 laurenceking.com

C H EC K M AT E If you're spending all day wrapped in a blanket, let it be a stylish one. Design duo Craig & Karl have collaborated with East London textile studio and homeware brand Ambar to create a capsule knitwear collection. We love their merino throw, £345. ambarliving.com

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CURTAIN CALL INSPIRED INTERIORS Our redesigned and extended showroom is now open, incorporating a large Luxaflex design studio showing the latest motorised blinds, nestled alongside nearly new curtains and a huge choice of fabrics to be made to measure as curtains and blinds Please call for Showroom appointments

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm • Closed Wed from 1pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • curtaincall@blueyonder.co.uk

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INTERIORS â&#x20AC;˘ UPDATES

F I V E F I X E S FIVE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME IN LOCKDWON

T H E WA L L Dulux has devised a clever idea for updating your walls without the disruption of a whole paint job. A simple circle of paint can define a space and add visual interest. Why did we not think of this before? dulux.co.uk

T H E S O FA It's official: we are spending more time on the sofa than ever before. Sofas that are too small or too uncomfortable or just too worn out are just not worth putting up with any more. The solution? Order a new one from Swyft, which is offering 24 hour delivery instead of the usual six week wait. swyfthome.com

T H E L E AV E S Adding plants to your space is known to increase a sense of wellbeing. To help you re-connect with nature, Leaf Envy provides tailored plant recommendations, simple care advice and affordable plants delivered to your door leafenvy.co.uk

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THE ART

Need something new to look at as you stare at the same walls? Yorkshire-born and Amsterdambased artist Sasha Compton's prints look good anywhere. Inspired by the beauty of nature, her mixedmedia artwork is colourful and focuses on positive imperfections. sashacompton.com

T H E PAT T E R N For a more extreme change of scene, why not wallpaper a wall or a room? Inspired by a brightly coloured swatch found nestled in an old fabric mill, Farrow and Ball's playful tropical print Atacama is the ultimate in escapism. farrow-ball.com

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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INTERIORS • KITCHENS CONTRASTING COLOURS OF DEKTON WORKTOP

I S L A N D L I F E Why an island is an essential part of the modern kitchen B y S T E V E VA N H I N S B E R G H

s open plan living becomes the norm, the island has become an essential part of the modern kitchen. Steve Vanhinsbergh, director at stoneCIRCLE, one of the largest stonemasonry companies in England, talks us through the latest in island design.

“Islands developed as a way for the cook to interact with guests while preparing a meal” GRANITE AND SILESTONE QUARTZ CONTRASTING TOPS

A multi-functional hub for the family

 Islands developed as a way for the cook to be able to see guests and interact with them while preparing the meal. They have developed into a hub with different areas for food preparation and places to perch and chat or grab a quick bite to eat. The latest trend is to drop the height of part of the surface and create a built-in dining area, rather than having a separate table. The addition of sockets and even built-in mobile chargers, can turn it into a place to work from home.

Creative use of materials to create a focal piece

 Stone is one of the most durable and easy to maintain materials for a kitchen worktop, and can be used to striking effect on your island. Dramatic veined granites are enjoying a renaissance and waterfall countertops, where the veins of the granite flow down the sides of the island to the floor, are a great way to create a statement in your kitchen. Playing with contrasting types or colours of stone worktop in different areas of the kitchen or building a wooden chopping board into a granite island also makes for a pleasingly varied design, allowing you to ring the changes while still creating a harmonious whole.

Which type of stone?

 Granite is the most suitable natural stone for kitchen worktops: strong and

WATERFALL ISLAND

durable, it is easy to care for and will stand the test of time. There are hundreds of different granites available, from jet black Zimbabwe Black to more dramatic veined and coloured varieties such as Verde Bamboo, a deep green Brazilian granite. For those that prefer a more uniform look than is possible with natural stone, quartz is the traditional choice and is available in many different brands and colours – some of the most popular being manufactured by Silestone and Caesarstone. Alternatively, sintered stones such as Dekton are extremely tough, heat and scratch resistant and are available in designs which mimic natural marble, a stone which is not recommended for kitchen worktops due to its tendency to staining and acid etching. stoneCIRCLE has been in business for over 50 years fabricating beautiful stone for interiors. Everything that they produce is done to the client’s specification in the stone of their choice. The showroom staff can guide you through the process, helping you decide on the best stone for your space. STO N E C I R C L E Find out more at stone-circle-home.com or contact the showroom for an appointment on 0333 003 0621, sales@stone-circle.com.

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INTERIORS • TRENDS

K I T C H E N L O O K S

1 TEXTURES AND N AT U R A L F I N I S H E S

OLIVER WEBB OF CULLIFORDS TAKES A LOOK AT KITCHEN TRENDS FOR 2021

The desire to create warm and inviting spaces has led to people seeking more textured, matte and natural surfaces throughout the kitchen. We are moving away from high-shine gloss kitchens and towards a more laid-back and comforting appeal.

2 DA R K S U R FAC E S We’re seeing an increased interest in dark shades - in particular when it comes to surfaces. Whether in sharp contrast to lighter coloured cabinetry or paired with bold dark cupboards, dark worktops are definitely on the up.

3 PA I R I N G W I T H WOOD Hints of wood are appearing in kitchen designs in more creative ways. Often combined with marble or natural stone worktops on a kitchen island or breakfast bar, reclaimed wood can sit beautifully against any scheme and will add a sense of warmth and depth to the space.

4 S TAT E M E N T S U R FAC E S From strongly veined Carrar and Carrara-lookalike worktops to unique and colourful slabs, surfaces are making a statement. Waterfall islands and feature splashbacks are set to be big this year, alongside colourful and exotic stones for that added bit of wow factor.

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5 M U T E D C O LO U R PA L E T T E S Muted shades and earthy tones are experiencing a surge in popularity throughout the entire home. Reflecting trends for rattan, wicker and stone, we are expecting to see more kitchens bringing in calming colour schemes, paired with natural textures and finishes.

6 G REEN S AN D B LU ES Last year was the year of the navy blue kitchen and we don’t see this going anywhere fast. Greens, however, are starting to come through more and more – deep forest greens could easily become the new navy blue in 2021.

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Modern Boarding for girls aged 11-18 in the heart of the Kent countryside

Upcoming virtual open events: Wednesday 3 February 5.45pm – 11+ open evening Wednesday 10 February 11.00am Saturday 27 February 11.00am Friday 5 March 3.00pm – 13+ open afternoon Tuesday 9 March 11.00am – 11+ open morning

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SPECI A L

BRIGHT S PARKS FA LCO N S S C H O O L

At Falcons School and Peregrines Nursery in Putney, children have plenty of space and support to develop creatively.

NEWS p67 THE SCHOOL SPIRIT p77 LIBRARY LIFE p85 R EAD I N G FO R DYS LEXIA p9 0 TA L E N T S P O T T I N G p 9 7

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EDUCATION • NEWS

Schools

NEWS Sucess stories from the world of education By LIBBY NORMAN

Fashion for ward King’s Ely Sixth Form pupil Namo Sajarattanachote is among the finalists in the RECO Young Designer Competition, Thailand. Sponsored by Indorama Ventures, the international upcycling fashion design contest raises awareness through creative reuse of polyester ‘waste’.

G O O D I E B OX E S Woodford Green, London prep Bancroft’s held a foodbox appeal, with pupils and their families collecting and making up boxes for more than 120 local households. Each box was carefully packed to feed either a family of four or a person living alone for a fortnight, helping them through the Christmas period.

DA N C E F I R ST HIGH CLIMBERS

Millfield is among pilot schools introducing Rambert Grades, contemporary dance training and education to develop emergent talent. Director of Dance and Drama Rhian Fox was among the first trained to teach the new syllabus. She will be working with the school’s dance coach Robert Guy to start the programme later this year.

At Hazelgrove Prep, over 120 children, their families, plus some loyal dogs, raised over £5,000 completing the National Three Peaks Stair Summits Challenge for BBC Children in Need. These ranged from 753 solo ascents of the Somerset school’s main staircase in 24 hours, to teams of two, three or four scaling all three ‘peaks’ in three days. Competitions ran alongside to add to the challenge – from Best Wildlife Photo to Most Stylish Summiteer.

S occer score DLD College, Westminster welcomed Sol Campbell to open its new sports pitch. He met students and staff, also speaking to DLD’s 1st XI. Campbell has agreed to support a DLD Football Programme, beginning in September, that will provide a game-changing qualification.

“People should pursue what they’re passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else” E LO N M U S K

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself” G E O R G E B E R N A R D S H AW

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • NEWS

Girls welcome

S H O P LO CA L Bredon has opened a farm shop and café for parents, with plans to open to the public as soon as possible. Profits are being donated to charity, and pupils are helping to sell local products to support small businesses. Bredon students have also upcycled and made items for sale themselves. The dyslexia-friendly boarding and day school has lots of produce to work with, thanks to its Gloucestershire location and on-site farm.

St Columba’s College in St Albans welcomed its first girls this January, as the school officially goes co-educational. The first girls started remote learning in Reception and there will also be mixed classes in Year 1, Year 2 and the Lower Sixth Form from September 2021 – part of a a phased transition to full co-education.

“Bredon students have upcycled and made products to sell in their new farm shop, with profits going to support charities ”

BIG WINS

Travel talk

Shrewsbury School has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2020, also receiving the Community Outreach prize at a virtual awards ceremony held recently. Shrewsbury Headmaster Leo Winkley says the school is delighted, adding: “We are particularly pleased also to have received the award for Community Outreach”.

The outdoor learning sector has been lobbying the DofE to save residential school trips impacted by Covid-19. Sector surveys estimate that each day since the crisis began over 70,000 under 18s have been missing out on outdoor learning. Updated reports sent to the DofE in December included information on impacts to a sector that supports 15,000 jobs.

ROCK LEGEND A statue of Mary Anning is just 14% from its crowdfunding target, thanks to Lyme Regis, Dorset schoolgirl Evie Swire's campaign. As reported in Ab Ed Summer 2020, Evie began campaigning for a statue so that the palaeontologist is celebrated in her home town. First sketches are complete; find out more at maryanningrocks.co.uk

“Music is an element that should be part and parcel of every child’s life via the education system” V I C TO R I A WO O D

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EDUCATION • NEWS

Oman opening

H E A LT H Y G OA L S Young people should get a 20 per cent discount on healthier food choices in restaurants and shops, says campaign group Bite Back 2030. Set up in 2019 by Jamie Oliver, and with an active youth board, the group has put forward other proposals, including ‘youth pods’ with wi-fi and healthy food as an alternative meeting point to fast-food restaurants and an influencerled campaign to make water young people’s go-to drink.

Cheltenham College is set to open a school in Muscat, Oman – the first British co-ed independent to establish a base in the country. Located on a 45,000sq m site, the purposebuilt Cheltenham Muscat will welcome boys and girls in 2021/22. Senior Deputy Head Crispin Dawson will become Founding Head of the new school, which is locally owned.

“Bite Back 2030 is calling for healthy food discounts and meeting points for young people ”

SHARED VISION

Literacy suppor t

The Heads of Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls and The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School have announced a 'single campus plan'. While both schools will continue to maintain singlesex education, the 10-year plan includes a co-curricular programme and co-teaching across the Elstree site they share in at least one A-level subject.

Literacy charity Driver Youth Trust has highlighted issues schools and young people face in accessing support. Its report, ‘Hide and Seek: where are all the specialists?’, recommends an agreed definition for specialist teachers, a single accrediting body and an identifiable qualification with single register of specialist teachers.

STA R T U R N S ArtsEd marked the year’s pupil achievements with a virtual prize -giving ceremony. Alongside pupil performances, star alumni popped by to help host the show. They included iconic ballerina Darcey Bussell, Charlie’s Angel star Ella Balinska and West End heroes Danny Mac and Isaac Gryn.

“Culture is this ongoing thing that needs to be nurtured, because there is no such thing as a quick, arty fix” P H O E B E WA L L E R - B R I D G E

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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22/01/2021 11:26

EDUCATION • NEWS

Dukes lead Professor Mark Bailey has become Managing Director at Dukes Education. Formerly High Master of St Paul’s and Head of Leeds Grammar, he has chaired Dukes Advisory Board since 2018 and will lead day-to-day running of the family of schools in central London and Cambridge.

R U G BY ALLIANCE Gordon’s School has joined forces with Harlequins, offering a pathway for its most promising rugby players aged between 16 and 18 years old. Pupils will be able to train in an environment similar to that of a professional rugby club, while continuing their education at the Surrey co-ed school.

B E AU B E AT Beaudesert Park School in Gloucestershire went viral online with its whole-school Jerusalema Dance Challenge. The school version has performances from every year group, as well as teachers and support staff. Headmaster Chris Searson showed he’s no dancefloor slouch with a spirited solo on the Performing Arts Centre roof. The full video is on YouTube.

DRESDEN VISIT Linguist Immy Cheney, a sixthform pupil at The Leys, Cambridge, won the Dresden Trust scholarship 2020, spending four weeks on a cultural and educational visit to the city. The prize is awarded by The Dresden Trust to pupils from schools in the Youthbridge Scheme. “Much of my visit was spent tracing the impacts of the war and evidence of reconciliation,” says Immy.

The voice Bedford School pupil Alexander Olleson has been named BBC Young Chorister of the Year. Alexander, 14, joined the school last September on a music scholarship but took his first singing steps via his local church choir, aged seven. "I wasn’t as nervous as I might have been," he says of the competition.

“People who say to you, ‘You are out of your lane’... are burdened by only having the capacity to see what has always been” KAMALA HARRIS

SOMETHING THEY SAID

“When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free” C H A R L E S E VA N S H U G H E S

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ts e si bl re aila SE av C G on s ti op The Moat Sixth Form is a dyslexia and SpLD specialist Sixth Form with a focus on whole school SEN support. Providing an academic and nurturing environment for pupils with both unique learning proﬁles and learning diﬃculties. A-Level, BTECs alongside GCSE resits at its core with a built in work experience programme for all pupils. Visit www.moatsixthform.org.uk for full course list and more information

All children can achieve

@Moatschool @TheMoatSchool

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The Moat Sixth Form, 23-31 Beavor Lane, Hammermsith, London W6 9AR Email: oﬃce@moatschool.org.uk Tel: 0207 610 9098 www.moatsixthform.org.uk

14/01/2021 12:19

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

Teen SPIRIT

How to help your teenager achieve the academic success they deserve over the coming months By EVE HERBERT

HOME LEARNING IS BACK FOR ANOTHER LOCKDOWN

GIVE TEENAGERS TIME TO PURSUE THEIR PASSIONS

ast year was a time of unprecedented change. The global pandemic is touching every aspect of life as we know it, particularly the world of education and it looks like 2021 will be another year of upheaval. Students are once again closing the door on their classrooms and opening their laptops to learn from home. The closure of schools may feel regressive and home schooling undoubtedly presents huge challenges to parents and learners, but it is important to recognise that there are positives to take from the current predicament. Enjoy Education, a private tuition and home-schooling company commissioned research using the opinions of 1,000 GCSE and A-Level students and discovered that 59% of students actually preferred learning from home. Whilst we’d all prefer our children to be in school, parents do have the advantage of having done this before — now is the time to utilise that knowledge and take stock of learnings from the last lockdown to enter this period with more tools in our arsenal, ready for the next chapter of home education. Fifteen years’ experience in educational consultancy has shown us that one of the keys to academic success is ongoing support and structure. With teacher assessments replacing last year’s algorithm-led predicted grades, maintaining academic consistency

“Students aren't sprinting towards their summer exams; steady pace is now key” is now more important than ever. Students are no longer sprinting towards their summer exams; the new challenge is to maintain a steady pace in order for them to achieve the grades they deserve. During a time of profound change children need support more than ever, from both academic and mental wellbeing perspectives. Enjoy Education CEO and Founder, Kate Shand says, “Teenagers need ongoing support with their learning and with

managing their time so that they can feel in control. Whether teenagers seek help from a sibling, a parent or a relative, perhaps even a tutor who can beam in to support along this journey, it’s all about building your team. Stay connected to your peers and to those people who can act as mentors over the course of the next few months.” In these extraordinary times, this generation of learners have had to be flexible and adjust to a multitude of profound changes and we are hopeful that this experience may see many students emerge on the other side of this with increased confidence, resilience and as more adaptable individuals than they were before. While academia is undeniably important, happiness and good mental health are crucial in achieving realistic goals and sustaining focus and engagement. Ensure that your teenagers are taking breaks and given time to engage with their passions, whatever they may be. Be prepared, be organised, be proactive and plan the next few weeks and months ahead. If you would like to add an educational professional to your team, Enjoy Education is here for you.

E N J OY E D U CAT I O N For more details go to enjoyeducation.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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An Excellent rated (ISI) school welcoming children aged 3 months to 19 years.

Join us on our virtual open day on 13 March 2021. Visit www.qe.org for details.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate “To be the best that I can, with the gifts that I have.” www.qe.org | admissions@qe.org | 01423 333330 | York YO26 9SS

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Schools are set up for learning – but something just as exciting happens there, with physical and virtual meeting points that build and maintain a sense of community strength. We asked independents to describe their school spirit

chools are more than the individuals who lead or learn, with elements that mould and shape culture and identity remaining down the years. Is it assembly or other time-honoured rituals, clubs and informal meeting points or the things done as a whole-school community to give back? In truth, it’s many factors that add up to school spirit – the sense of belonging pupils can recall many years down the line. What is certain is that this of all years is a time to reflect on the things that give each school its cohesion, and look forward to a time when the things we have adapted or lost because of Covid-19 will return. We spoke to a group of independents to ask what they value as part of school identity. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

Sinclair House School

coming up with initiatives that give back. “A priority theme at the moment is to ‘save the planet’ and recently School Council launched an initiative for SHS to eventually be ‘plastic-free’,” says Sasha Gibson. Extra-curricular opportunities abound, with everything from chess and song-writing to football, maths enrichment, ‘Rhythm Bugs’ and art. Children are also encouraged to develop entrepreneurial ideas, either individually or in groups, and with a formal Entrepreneurship Week held each Summer Term. This is a serious event, with business plans

t Sinclair House School, the Fulham co-ed prep and nursery for children aged 2 to 11, school spirit is developed through the meeting point of assembly at the start and end of the week. “Our assemblies focus on citizenship, exploration of ‘fundamental British values’, Sinclair House School values and links to our PSHE scheme of work,” says Headmistress Sasha Gibson. Monday morning, assembly gives children the opportunity to explore a value of the week that is then held at the core of school activities in lessons and form time. On Friday afternoons, there is an opportunity for the whole school to reflect on that value and share special moments, as well as celebrating achievements. Each class at Sinclair House holds a class assembly once in the school year. “The Year 6 Leavers’ Assembly is always so impressive, heartwarming and a definite tear-jerker!” Other concerts and plays knit the school together and, in normal times, these are part of the rhythm of the year. “Although we are a small school, the standard and quality of performance is exceptional and reflects the passion our children have towards performing arts.” The School Council is there to reflect the importance of democratic principles and the pupil voice. With two children voted on from each of the year groups, this has a role in making improvements, discussing school events and

and the SHS version of Dragon’s Den. The Give Back ideal is embedded, with the wider school family joining in to raise funds. Charities can be nominated by everyone, but children decide on the winner. This year, the children voted in Save The Children as its whole-school charity for the next two years and have a fundraising schedule across the academic year. In addition, each year group has a local cause to work on. Not just school spirit in action, but a clear way for SHS pupils to act as a cohesive group and make a difference to the wider community.

RIGHT Sinclair House School pupils

LEFT Enrichment helps build firm friendships

“At Sinclair House, the Leavers’ Assembly is heart-warming and a definite tear-jerker”

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

St Edmund’s School

A ABOVE Exciting challenges at Dragon School

BELOW Sporting life at St Edmund's

Dragon School

t Dragon School, Oxford, school spirit is encapsulated in its pioneering initiative Dragon QUEST. This is a bespoke Saturday morning curriculum, introduced last September for Years 4 and 5 and set to run throughout the entire school from September 2021. Designed to be more in tune with family life, and lots of fun, it gives pupils opportunities to develop skills and dare to do something new and exciting as they learn. With activities ranging from cultural outings around Oxford and bike mechanics to farm visits, paddle boarding and first aid, this is designed to take the school spirit beyond the classroom and help young people develop confidence, teamworking and wider understanding. Dragon QUEST Saturday mornings (which around 85% of eligible pupils are already participating in) is made

more exciting by the learning opportunities that have been revealed. “I never cease to be amazed by the talent to be found in the Dragon Common Room,” says the programme’s director Tim Knapp. “The programme is almost exclusively staffed by Dragon teachers, who have hidden talents and qualifications outside of teaching. A few examples of this include a certified archery coach, a calligraphy tutor and a high-intensity interval training instructor.” Participating is, says the team at Dragon School, another good method of building on the already strong school spirit and sits alongside a strong extra-curricular programme of clubs and activities (these range from drama and gardening to textile, sport and language clubs). As 'virtual school' is still able to run both its timetabled and Dragon QUEST activities, the school says pupils are able to carry on engaging with teachers and friends, albeit in a different setting, as well as maintaining that feeling of being part of a likeminded community learning something exciting.

t St Edmund’s, the Canterbury co-ed, the co-curriculum sits at the heart of the School. “It’s what makes our pupils stand out from the crowd and it helps give them confidence and the ability to excel professionally and personally,” says Director of External Relations Victoria Stears. With everything from horse riding to chess, mindfulness to debating, drama and music to sport of every colour, there is plenty of choice. As part of activities, pupils are encouraged to engage with their surrounding communities so that they develop skills of working together and serving. When it comes to the core cocurriculum, it’s definitely inspired by pupils, with new clubs and societies started at their request. More formal pathways, such as CCF and DofE, are also well subscribed. “It is often said of our co-curriculum that it fully embodies what it means to be

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EDUCATION • COMMUNITY

“Assemblies can be lively affairs – pupil-contribution and participation are ‘cool’ in this school!” a St Edmund’s pupil,” says Victoria Stears. “Where else will you find a pupil enjoying climbing and football while being able to make pasta from basic ingredients or design and stitch a deckchair that will be exhibited in The Turner Gallery?” she adds. There are regular whole-school events. “The meditative effects of group silence in our chapel are well known and give pupils the best possible start to the working day.” On the other hand, assemblies can be lively affairs. “The concepts of pupil-contribution and participation are ‘cool’ in this school!” says Victoria Stears. St Edmund's works in partnership with many local schools and pupils also devote one curricular afternoon every two weeks to a Skills and Service programme. Parent-led organisations and events add to the rich mix. Lockdown brought challenges, but also inspiration. “We looked at lockdown as a time when everyone needed to come together to make it work,” says Victoria Stears. “The pandemic has firmed up our belief in what it means to be part of a team – parents, pupils, staff, leaders, other school providers and the Internet – all working together towards common goals.”

RIGHT Assembly at Kent College

BELOW School spirit at St Edmund's

Kent College

t Kent College in Canterbury, a school with a proud heritage of education provided by the Methodist Church, worship stands at the heart of the school ethos. The school's Chaplain the Reverend Dr Paul Glass says: “It’s a spirit which is about warmth, openness, kindness, living on a large map and watching over one another in love". The school has a long history and welcomes all, so worship is designed to be thought-provoking, inspiring, accessible and open. “We work very hard to make sure that pupils of all faiths and none find that our assemblies are a place where they can be challenged, stretched, encouraged and enthused,” adds Dr Glass. In the Senior School, assembly and worship takes place in various forms for all pupils three times a week. In normal times, there is a rich variety of outside speakers on

Fridays, coming to the school to bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Every tutor group in the school also designs one chapel service each year, giving the students the opportunity to think through issues and provide ways to convey messages – be it through music, drama or other contributions. Dr Glass notes that issues faced within the school by individuals and groups – as well as broader national and international events – can be tackled within assembly. While lockdown has seen chapels, like most of school life, head online, the school has seen this as a new opportunity and has even had chapel content filmed and shown by its sister campus in Dubai. Everyone is looking forward to a return to school.“An interesting comment made by a Year 13 pupil at the beginning of this term was that one of the things they missed in lockdown was that sense of the whole school community being able to gather together in Chapel,” says Dr Glass. “That speaks to what an important part it plays in the spirit of school life.” A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • LIBRARIES

Library

OAK H A M SC H OO L

RULES A Once they had a reputation for silence and dusty tomes, but today school libraries play a central role in a digital and remotelearning age. Absolutely investigates

chool libraries are sacred, but they certainly aren’t fixed in time. Where once they were home to books and periodicals only, now they have become seats of 21stcentury learning – with increasingly large digital resources. In recent times they have had two distinct challenges to manage: counteracting the tendency to see Google as having the answer (not always the right one) and now Covid-19. Both have placed even more emphasis on how schools choose and share information sources. The aim, of course, is to help young people grow into regular reading habits – especially important in their younger years. We spoke to school specialists to find out what a 21st-century school library environment is all about.

“The library isn’t a static building full of books – it’s a collaborative source of knowledge ready for our pupils to learn how to access and use in their studies”

t Oakham School in Rutland, the impressively modern Smallbone Library is at the very heart of its provision. Head of Library & Archives Darryl Toerien says that its chief roles are to develop reading understanding, but also familiarity with gathering knowledge. As he puts it, students learn how to: “build knowledge and understanding from information for themselves”. There are plenty of good fictional reads, but some two thirds of books are non-fiction. And beyond board and paper is a rich tapestry of other sources. There are around 25 subscription databases, plus journals, newspapers and magazines. The library also has lots of DVDs – both recreational and informational . On the ground floor there’s space for an entire class for library-based research or classwork. Physical resources are important but, says Darryl Toerien, it’s the qualified staff with specialist knowledge that are most vital. Leo Dudin, Oakham’s Deputy Head Academic, agrees. “The library isn’t a static building full of books – it’s a collaborative source of knowledge ready for our pupils to learn how to access and use in their studies.” It becomes a hub for IB Diploma Extended Essay and EPQ independent research. A physical Click and Collect service introduced just ahead of lockdown has proved so popular it is remaining as a regular part ABOVE of library services. Oakham says expert Teaching and library staff staff are key to a great library service continue to devise ways to encourage younger students to read more – from a ‘Scale the Heights’ ladder reading scheme with prizes to the school’s Reading Passport and Reading Wall to encourage pupils to give new books and new genres a go. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • LIBRARIES

DAU NT S EY ’ S SC H OO L

H ABOVE Students at Queen's Gate School

BELOW The library at Dauntsey's School

Q U E E N ’ S GATE SC H OO L

t Queen’s Gate School in South Kensington, a digital library service is just as important as physical resources, so the school offers both in tandem. There are ‘virtual’ libraries for both Junior and Senior School e-learning platforms, allowing girls to access a ‘24/7’ service. Electronic resources are available across the age groups, from Encyclopaedia Britannica to JSTOR to subject-specific platforms. There are also links to e-versions of magazines and newspapers. The already well-developed remote access has proved invaluable in ensuring that pupils can continue to read and research for their studies. As part of the EPQ curriculum, the library team provide comprehensive instruction on the use of electronic databases. Indeed, the team see

knowing how to search a library catalogue as one of the most valuable skills for a successful academic life, so regular library instruction is given from Year 3. The same approach is used for enabling girls to access virtual and e-learning resources and this has, again, been invaluable in keeping the full library service operating, even when access to the physical library has been restricted. The love of reading and knowledge has not been curtailed by circumstances – in fact, the library team report that borrowing has increased by nearly 10% compared to this same time last year. When it comes to reading for pleasure, the students of Queen’s Gate tend to prefer a traditional print book, but the ever-growing e-book and audiobook collections offer other ways to enjoy the written and spoken word. Students heading to the library to study can make free use of its physical electronic devices, with laptops, desktop PC and MAC computers, while the Junior School Library’s iPADs are popular within the library and can also be booked for classroom use.

ead Librarian at Dauntsey’s Lindsay Shaw says the library not only offers a quiet place to study and access networked computers, but also to find specific resources to support learning. “Classes are encouraged to come into the library for lessons and to use the resources around them to complete work,” she adds. There’s a vast array of non-fiction on offer through all subject areas, including reading list-specified texts for A level. The Wiltshire school also provides a rich selection of fiction books at all levels, including graded books for its English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. Lindsay Shaw says the school looks to nurture reading across all abilities and interests. “Pupils are encouraged to request books that are either of interest or support their academic research.” While physical newspapers and magazines have been replaced

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EDUCATION • LIBRARIES

“With so much digital material available, intelligent curation is essential – It’s important to select the resources which will genuinely enhance learning” RIGHT

by digital news sources for now, students love coming to the library to keep up with current affairs. Dauntsey’s also subscribes to many foreign language magazines, some with accompanying CD ROMs to encourage reading and listening skills. Resources also extend to a wide selection of English and foreign language films. Popular in-school initiatives include 'Dauntsey’s Dozen', a selection of (often challenging) mustreads before pupils leave. Reading groups and visiting authors, plus a regular book fair, add to the sense that the library is a place outside the classroom to be enjoyed. Digital resources – already well developed – have stepped up in the past year. “The system has a web portal integrated within Firefly to act as a ‘window’ into the library for all pupils, no matter where they are.” Of course, with so much now available digitally, intelligent curation is essential. “It’s important to select the key resources which will genuinely enhance learning – that’s the key to success,” says Lindsay Shaw.

Pupils at The Mall School, Twickenham

BELOW Library time at Dauntsey's

TH E M ALL SC H OO L

t The Mall, the Twickenham Prep for boys, the library is a popular place for break time, and with weekly library lessons integrated within English teaching. Boys enjoy seeing the new books that have arrived and, as key stakeholders, they also have a say in what goes on the shelves. They contribute to selecting new titles and write book reviews for their peers. Laptops have become an important feature – particularly valuable for the Accelerated Reader system. Pupils take quizzes on the books they have read and find the next book to read using the AR Book Finder website. Staff say that here technology is a great enabler, teaching the boys to learn to be independent and also encouraging them to read more. The Mall is a supporter of technology as a tool to help with reading. Not only do the pupils use laptops to assess their own reading but they are also encouraged to have

a Kindle at home to make reading even more accessible. This does not mean paper books are out. Indeed, investment in traditional books is seen as key to balancing screen and paper reading time. Events make library a social space, with author visits at each World Book Day. The library is currently being redesigned to reflect The Mall boys’ reading passions and is set to also include areas for research and exploration of themes. While access to physical school, and its library, has been more difficult in recent times, The Mall has devised a safe delivery system of resources to pupils’ homes. Its learning platform also contains other resources that have enabled learning and reading to continue, alongside monitoring progress. The Mall believes the school library is a special place. Reading is for pleasure but it also improves academic skills across the board. While it is central to learning, a good school library is, in the team’s view, a place where pupils can reflect and take time to pursue their own interests – not just in reading but other activities such as chess. Of course, it can also be a quiet place to catch up on homework, read a magazine or return again and again to a favourite author. A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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READING

RIGHTS Author Sally Gardner has won multiple awards and sold over two million books in 22 languages – she also couldn’t read until she was 14. Now she wants to talk about how we treat the one in ten with dyslexia By LIBBY NORMAN

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EDUCATION • READING

ally Gardner is a Carnegie and Costa-winning author with a large army of admiring readers. Yet it took her 14 years to finally decipher those mixed and muddled letters on the page and start reading for herself. The first book she read (Wuthering Heights) set her off on course to a rich creative and writing career, but her story didn’t start well. In fact, Sally Gardner got asked to leave so many schools that she ended up at what was then known as a ‘school for maladjusted children’. She was considered unteachable and her parents didn’t see any other options. Here were two high-flying lawyers (her mother was among the first female judges in England) with a daughter who couldn’t even seem to make sense of the printed word. “I loved language. I loved books. I just couldn’t read them,” Gardner says. Today, she can still recall the moment words on page made sense. She describes how she was in a Nissan hut with the other ‘maladjusted’ girls round her. It was chaos, several girls were visibly distressed and the rain was driving down on the roof, making noise levels unbearable. “I just didn’t want to be there,” she says. “Normally I could tell myself a story to get me out of anywhere I was at, but I couldn’t do it. The noise was too great. I remember looking down and seeing this book, The Complete Works of Emily Bronte. I picked it up and started Wuthering Heights.” She’d tried Bronte before but – as with every other novel – given up because she couldn’t make sense of words, especially characters’ names, but this time something different happened. “I started reading it, word by word, with my finger on the words, and suddenly there was total quiet. It was snowing and I was walking with this man trying to find a room for the night. I knew what was happening and I was in the world.”

Being in the creative world never stopped from that point on. Gardner had been promised by her mother that if she managed five O-Levels she could go to art school. Despite all dire predictions from teachers, she did it and studied at Central Saint Martin’s. She graduated with a First, then became a theatre designer in Newcastle. She had achieved success, but still – in the background – she

“Dyslexia does not stay still – it’s not a quiet, onepitch thing. Get me into a panic and I can barely say my name”

was different. “If anyone had asked me then to describe what dyslexia was, what it felt like, I’d have said ‘it’s an old tin can that follows me round’,” she says. She recalls the moment she confessed her problem to a work colleague – he was baffled by paperwork she was sending him – and he told her she simply had to tell people. That was the moment she decided she had to take control – pick up that tin can and own it. Sally BELOW Gardner does, it must be said, Maggot Moon gathered plaudits have an extraordinarily vivid and prizes way of describing dyslexia. She is widely on record as comparing it to a Rubik’s Cube, saying: “It takes time to work out how to deal with it, but once you do, it can be the most wonderful gift”. If Newcastle was her picking up the tin can moment, Sally Gardner found her Rubik’s Cube – her wonderful gift – the day that the contract for her first novel came back. She had created The Little Nut Tree from the perspective of an illustrator and when the contract arrived it described her as ‘author’. She says: “I just couldn’t believe it”. Success built from this, with a critical moment when she was taken under the wing of the “wonderful” editor Judith Elliott. She says that when she told Judith she had terrible dyslexia the editor shot back: ‘You’re a writer, what does that matter’. It was Judith who encouraged her writing talent, but the feeling she wasn’t a proper writer didn’t entirely go away. When people discovered she was a writer with dyslexia they would even question how this could be. “I used to be asked: ‘So how do you write?’. I’d tell them I wrote on a laptop. They would respond: ‘So, you have a ghost writer then?’ Only after Maggot Moon did all of it stop and everyone talked instead about my writing.” They certainly did talk about the writing. This wasn’t Gardner’s first major gong, but for Maggot Moon she was awarded both the Carnegie Medal and a Costa Award – and for a book Gardner had started and then stuck in a drawer. She remembers where she was when she heard about the Carnegie. “I was on a Number 73 bus near the British A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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EDUCATION • READING RIGHT Sally Gardner delights young and young adult readers

Museum. I started crying and this little old lady got out a hankie and said: ‘I do hope it’s not bad news dear’. I was sworn to secrecy so didn’t know what to say to her – I was so embarrassed I had to get off the bus!” In bringing Maggot Moon to life, she was lucky enough to meet Sarah Odedina, then setting up Hot Key Books, and when she said she wanted to buy it the author bravely refused her offer, saying she could decide once the book was finished. This was because she didn’t want a sequel, but a proper ending – even though everybody told her it was the ultimate no-no to kill off heroes in children’s books. Librarians, judges and many readers loved it, although the praise wasn’t universal. “It’s a book that divides people and I think that’s absolutely as it should be,” she says. Gardner had done something else important with Maggot Moon – along with the short chapters, the dystopian feel and the very grown-up ending, it had a version with a dyslexia-friendly font. This outsold the standard-font book – and Gardner recalls how many people told her the book was really easy to read. “I think there is an underlying difficult with reading among lots of people, it just goes undiagnosed, unsung, unnoticed, so I am on a crusade to get every book printed with a dyslexia-friendly font. I think it should be the main font. It’s much easier to read. It’s calmer on the eye, and for a lot of people reading would be easier,” says Gardner. In her new role as Ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association, Sally Gardner intends to be active on a whole range of issues to do with the rights of readers, and “What we are great at doing is thinking out the way the 90 per cent treat the other of the box. People with dyslexia navigate the ten per cent. Gardner would like us to world differently because they are forced to. stop talking about dyslexia as a disability A brick wall is never a brick wall, it’s just: and start to see what dyslexia can 'how do I get through that brick wall?'” be – how people with dyslexia She talks to many readers and can be creative, highly visual reluctant readers and says and solve problems ‘left there is more to be done. “We BELOW brainers’ struggle with. have written off too many Sally Gardner and her illustrator daughter children,” she says. One Lydia Corry have thing she would like is for collaborated for The Tindims of Rubbish Island all children to be tested for dyslexia at age 7, and again at age 11. She says: “Dyslexia does not stay still – it’s not a quiet, one-pitch thing. Get me into a panic and I can barely say my name, even now.” Her relationship with reading is still “complicated”, she says, but when it comes to writing, she has a gift for creating text that entices in even the most reluctant young readers. “I think I’m good at writing for little people because I can see what is complicated in language,” she says. Her latest book The Tindims of Rubbish Island

“There is an underlying difficulty with reading among lots of people, it just goes undiagnosed. Every book should be printed with a dyslexia-friendly font”

is a timeless tale about a Borrowers-like group that turn our ocean flotsam and jetsam into treasure. It is a joint project with her illustrator daughter Lydia Corry and was inspired by their walks along the Sussex coast. As ever, it has an immensely readable style and an easy-to-read font. Her advice to parents of children who are reluctant readers is to get them into listening books. “I’ve done most of my reading through my ears,” she says. Her other advice is not to raise hell over tidying bedrooms. Almost Tindim-like, Sally Gardner was a child who had a perpetual struggle seeing the 'stuff' around her – however much her mother begged her to tidy. “Still, if I get things in a real muddle I can’t visually see it. I need someone calm to help me organise!” she says.

To see more about Sally Gardner’s work, visit sallygardner.co.uk. Find out more about the work of the British Dyslexia Association at bdadyslexia.org.uk

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Eaton House Schools

Where Bright Minds Excel

If you want your child to have a happy, confident and ambitious start to their education, choose Eaton House Schools, with single sex sites in Belgravia and Clapham for boys and girls aged 4-13 and co-educational nurseries featuring an advanced early years + curriculum. • Eaton House Belgravia School is a Westminster and St Paul’s 7+ and 8+ feeder, with 30% of boys receiving offers in 2020, together with a range of other top schools, including Eaton House Belgravia Prep School. • Eaton House The Manor Boys’ School in Clapham has sent generations of boys to Eton, Westminster, St Paul’s, Winchester, Harrow and others, many with scholarships. Boys recently won a St Paul’s John Colet Academic Scholarship and a Dulwich College Academic Scholarship, amongst others. • Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School in Clapham is outstanding academically, with girls winning 10 scholarships and an exhibition in 2020, including academic scholarships to Wycombe Abbey, JAGS, Alleyns and St Mary’s Ascot, and 44 scholarships from 2017-2020 in academics, art, music and sport. • The Good Schools Guide 2020 praises the ‘excellent and nurturing staff’ who ensure that every child is treated as an individual whose talents are noticed and encouraged.

Be a part of the Eaton House success story To learn more about our advanced 4+ curriculum contact our Head of Admissions Miss Sam Feilding, on 020 3917 5050 or book a virtual information session on www.eatonhouseschools.com.

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PARTNERSHIP

WITH YO U R B EST IN MIND How to overcome your own mental health preconceptions and help family members speak out

he events of 2020 have taken a mental health toll on us all. But stigmas could prevent people from getting the help that they need. Mental health problems are increasingly common: one in four adults and one in 10 children are now thought to experience mental health issues, which means that almost all of us will know someone who is sufferingi. COVID-19 has exacerbated this issue. Recent data from Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Indexii found that 70% of high net worth individuals from around the world have experienced symptoms of mental ill-health since the pandemic started, with 21% suffering from fatigue, 23% enduring low moods and anxiety and 21% experiencing feelings of anger and impatience.

But it’s not just us – our families are struggling, too. A study by the University of Oxford of more than 10,000 parents of British children aged 4 to 10 years old found that they saw increases in their child’s emotional difficulties during the pandemiciii.

TACKLING MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA Even though so many of us are experiencing mental ill-health, talking about it is often still seen as a taboo. According to the Bupa Global Wellbeing Index, 41% of high net worth individuals feel that speaking about mental health would be seen as a sign of weakness and 33% feel it could impact on their professional reputation. However, fortunately these taboos are diminishing for a number of high net worth individuals. According to Bupa Global’s

findings, 48% now take mental health more seriously than ever before and 29% say they will be open and approachable about mental health in the future. Premium health insurer Bupa Global recognises that mental health is as important as physical health. This is why Bupa Global’s cover provides holistic health management for you and your family. To find out how a Bupa Global health plan puts you in control of your health, visit bupaglobal.com/withyou or call 0371 346 0409. Calls may be recorded. Bupa Global is a trading name of Bupa Insurance Limited and Bupa Insurance Services Limited. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Bupa Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. i https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/ ii Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index, Sept 2020: https://www. bupaglobal.com/en/your-wellbeing/inside-bupa/wellbeing-index iii https://emergingminds.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ CoSPACE-Report-4-June-2020.pdf

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Help with School Fees Bursaries and Scholarships

www.dulwich.org.uk

Over 35% of boys are supported with financial awards at Dulwich College

We would warmly welcome applications from academically minded boys. Please contact the Registrar on 020 8299 9263

I N D E P E ND E NT DAY SCHO O L FO R GI RLS AGE D 4 TO 18 I N SO UT H K E N S I NGTO N

OUR TRADITION

your future

FIND OUT MORE www.queensgate.org.uk South Kensington · 5-minute walk Gloucester Road · 6-minute walk

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

Smart SETS

Certain traits mark a scholarship girl, says Oliver Snowball, Head of Eaton House The Manor Girl’s School

ith so many prep schools offering an excellent educational start for their child, it can be difficult for prospective parents to know how to compare like for like. Increasingly, one piece of information which can give an indication of a school’s ability to get the very best from its pupils is the number and range of scholarships achieved. At Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School in Clapham, the notion of what makes a scholar is something which continues to fascinate the Headmaster, Oliver Snowball. Delighted by the 10 scholarships and one exhibition gained by his cohort of 16 Year 6 girls last year, and indeed the 44 scholarships gained by his girls between 2017 and 2020, Mr Snowball is a great advocate of the scholarship system and believes it rewards those pupils who demonstrate particular flair. But what makes a scholarship girl? From Mr Snowball’s perspective, it doesn’t appear to be one single characteristic but a multitude of factors. “Firstly, there is a sense from most scholars that they are determined, highly self-disciplined individuals who are prepared to go the extra mile. They are not afraid of hard work and often possess a really strong desire to improve: they are perfection-seekers who love to grapple with one challenge after the next.”

“A scholar must have the passion to live, eat and breathe their subject”

ATHENA SHONE OUT FROM AN EARLY AGE, WITH HER TALENT FOR PERFORMANCE ULTIMATELY LEADING TO A DRAMA SCHOLARSHIP FROM WOLDINGHAM SCHOOL

CLELIA, WHO WAS AWARDED THE BARNES SCHOLARSHIP TO WYCOMBE ABBEY FOR HER ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Whether it be for the practical areas of Sport, Music, Art and Drama, or the purely academic category, Mr Snowball suggests a scholar will not only be wanting to practise a skill/knowledge set for hour after hour but will also be keen to explore their subject beyond what is provided in school. “In purely measurable terms, a potential academic scholar is normally achieving standardised scores in the 130+ region as they head towards the 11+ examinations,” says Mr Snowball. “As we don’t receive the actual 11+ scores, I look at data we have gathered internally, which tends to create a typical scholar profile of around the 130+ mark.” Senior schools may well be looking for a candidate to have achieved Grade 5 in at least one instrument to put them in with a chance of securing a Music scholarship,

and to be competing at county standard for a Sports scholarship. In Drama and Art, versatility, originality and audition pieces/portfolios prepared to a highly sophisticated standard will always help a girl stand out. However, scholars will also read extensively, join external clubs and visit a variety of events linked to their area of expertise. And, of course, in order to give the amount of time required for this level of engagement, a scholar must have the passion to live, eat and breathe something. Sometimes this might manifest itself through an exuberant, confident personality but by no means always. And while it can be nurtured, it is not clear that it can ever simply be taught.

E ATO N H O U S E S C H O O L S Eaton House Schools consists of Eaton House Belgravia (boys aged 4-11), together with Eaton House The Manor Pre-Prep School (boys aged 4-8), Eaton House The Manor Prep School (boys aged 8-13) and Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School (girls aged 4-11) in Clapham. Both the Belgravia and Clapham sites have co-educational nurseries that feature an Advanced Early Years + Education programme. To learn more about Eaton House Schools, contact the Head of Admissions, Miss Sam Feilding, on 0203 917 5050 or register for a Virtual Information Session at eatonhouseschools.com.

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N

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Hawkesdown House School

The Walnut Tree Nursery For girls & boys from 2 years

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

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Discover the joy of learning

Understanding. Inspirational. Creative. We inspire creativity through a lifelong love of learning and nurture original thinkers who have a desire to make a difference.

Next Open Event

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“ONE WORD: EXCEPTIONAL”

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SPECI A L ISSUE

absolutely-mama.co.uk

HOME COMFORTS In this section:

IMAGE: Z AR A .CO M ; @Z AR AKI DS

PREGNANCY AND THE PANDEMIC Navigating COVID-19 • REAL MUM TALK Parenting a boy who loves fashion • BRITISH COOL Stepping out in style • GREEN HOUSE Eco style for kids

As we continue to stay indoors, this special issue of Absolutely Mama includes expert advice on how to cope if you’re expecting during the pandemic; real parenting talk; as well as the latest fashion for minis . Enjoy and stay safe mamas!

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mama COLUMN

“Sam's fascination with fashion started when he was 18 months old and discovered our dressing up box”

real mum talk...

Telling it

LIKE IT IS Katja Gaskell on parenting a boy who loves fashion...

hen Harry Styles graced the cover of American Vogue he broke two records: he was the first man to feature solo in the magazine’s 127-year history and he was the first to do so in a (very fabulous) Gucci dress. The response online was overwhelmingly positive, however there was also criticism – with American right-wing pundit Candace Owens calling for the return of “manly men”. Similar reactions occurred when television presenter Emma Willis posted a photo of her son Ace on Instagram, with long blond hair and wearing a pink t-shirt. Although Emma was praised for “breaking gender stereotypes” she also admits to blocking

trolls who posted negative comments. All of which begs the question why do we still have such rigid gender stereotypes? This is something that I think about a lot. I have three children, including my youngest son Sam, who is nearly six years old. I’ve always joked that our household is very gender neutral: my eldest son hates sports but loves drama and drawing, my daughter plays the drums, loves footballs, has a brown belt in karate and her three best friends are boys. And then there’s Sam, a young boy who is filled with the joys of life and who loves nothing more than an outfit. All the more so if it’s pink and it sparkles. None of my children fit the traditional moulds of what society expects from girls and boys. But the

only one that people ever comment on is Sam. For reasons that I find difficult to understand, it is perfectly acceptable for a girl to be a ‘tomboy’ but eyebrows – and opinions – are raised when a boy dresses as princess. Sam’s fascination with fashion started when he was about 18 months old and discovered our dressing-up box, filled with tutus and Disney dresses that his older sister had never worn. From that day on, he would wear a dress whenever he could, often over his ‘normal’ clothes. What started as a love of dress-up, however, has become a genuine interest in clothes. Ask him why he likes to wear skirts and dresses and he simply replies, “because I like them”. And who can blame him? Clothes designed with girls in mind are so much more fun than those for boys. Much like Harry Styles, Sam likes to have fun with fashion. Our family and friends are incredibly supportive of Sam and his choices. Similarly, his school celebrates his individuality. But we do get comments from strangers. We’ve had people online and in supermarkets questioning why there’s a boy wearing a dress. Although there is still a way to go to break down traditional gender roles and stereotypes, I’m grateful for celebrities such as Harry Styles who continue to use fashion as a means of self-expression. Although, when I showed Sam a picture of Harry in his fabulous Gucci outfit and asked him what he thought his response was, “I think he should have chosen a pink dress.”

K ATJA G A S K E L L Travel writer and mama-to-three. @globetrotting globetrotting.com

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mam a FASHION

G R E E N H O U S E Danish brand MINI A TURE on their eco-friendly new kidswear collection... I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

Q Can you tell us a little bit about MINI A TURE and how it all started? A MINI A TURE was founded in 2002 by Signe Tholstrup in Denmark. From day one, our focus has been to create the highest quality, most eye-catching kidswear with an aesthetic that lends itself to our Nordic roots. Doing things right and doing more than just being a kidswear brand has always been important to us. We work closely with our factories which includes visiting them regularly to ensure the highest standards are maintained, both on a human level as well as in terms of the quality of the garments themselves. Q What can we expect from the MINI A TURE SS21 collection? A More than ever brands have to make a conscious effort to avoid overproduction, so we have chosen to focus on doing what we do best. This season, the collection includes outerwear – something which MINI A TURE has become known for – some core layering pieces, as well as a capsule swimwear range. The designs all feature our signature Nordic style and are designed to last. Q What’s the inspiration behind it? A The theme for this season’s collection is

‘The Green House’ which draws inspiration from budding nature and the rich stunning landscapes found around the Nordics. Our expertise is in the design and production of technical performance wear and natural layering, and our ability to keep children warm, dry and comfortable whatever the weather. This collection includes thermo rainwear and functional kindergarten and school jackets in practical, yet stylish shapes. We have introduced exclusive handmade prints this season, which combine green leaves with orange shades and delicate cream flowers, to reflect thoughts of serene surroundings and happy times. Q How important is sustainability to the business? A Respect and love for nature is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to inspire families to spend quality time together out in nature and we aim to produce our garments with as small a footprint on Mother Earth as possible. For the past few seasons, we have concentrated on furthering our sustainable practices and have recently become GOTScertified. This means that we can focus our efforts on pushing the boundaries of what ethical fashion and business can be.

We have also transitioned towards using high performance eco-friendly materials such as recycled nylon, polyester and organic fibres to achieve the highest level of material quality, while minimising impact. Q What should parents be looking out for when they are investing in outerwear and layering pieces for their little ones? A Performance and the right type of garment to match the climate is essential when it comes to making children feel comfortable and protected outdoors. Longevity is also crucial, not just for the environment, but investing in a well-made garment means that it can be passed on to another child and worn over and over again. Q And finally one thing people don’t usually know about MINI A TURE? A One of the things we are most proud of is that in 2004, MINI A TURE set up a foundation to support the Sunway Children’s Home in Bodh Gaya, one of the poorest parts of India. The orphanage supports children who have lost either one or both parents and we provide the charity with both financial support and clothes for the children. miniature.com

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B R I T I S H C O O L Absolutely Mama meets Stuart Anderson and Louise Shill, founders of kids footwear brand Young Soles to talk about their new Heritage Collection... I n t e r v i e w C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

there were many cherished “shoe inspired” flash-backs to be had. We kept a refined and elegant look to all the styles, but give it the Young Soles contemporary twist and practice applications such as Velcro fastening.

Q Could you tell us about your new British Heritage Collection and what we can expect? A The small collection adds a new softer, flexible TR rubber-sole to the Young Soles family of soles, increasing our choice of footwear. We have created four new lightweight and flexible styles based on the “Best of British”. Starting with ‘Diana’ and ‘Dolly’; both stylish Mary-Jane shoes with a slim strap and a cleverly disguised Velcro fastening behind a single buckle together with heritage brogue punch detailing. ‘Lucy’ is a classic double-strap T-bar that also has a Velcro fastening disguised behind its buckles as well as dragonfly punch detailing. Finally, ‘Tommy’ is a practical unisex lace-up boot with a padded leather collar. The shoes are beautifully styled with the attention to detail that you come to expect from Young Soles and made in Europe using the finest leathers.

Q How important is sustainability to Young Soles and does this collection feature eco-friendly styles? A Sustainability is very important to Young Soles and is embedded in our DNA as a small family run business, but for us it is much more than just environmental issues. The Heritage collection is made from locally sourced materials and all our leathers are low Chrome and sourced as food by-products.

“Sustainability is

very important to Young Soles ” Q Where did the design inspiration come from for this collection? A The collection was actually created as a response to requests from our customers, who loved our style and quality, but wanted something a little more traditional and formal for their children to wear. These styles are perfect for our infant and child customers to add something a little more formal to their footwear collection. Staying true to our brand ethos of “inspiring childhood memories”, we dug down into our past and summoned up memories of formal footwear from our childhood. Whether it be from school, weddings or family events

Q What makes the styles in this collection so special? A We feel that, once again, we are offering our Young Soles customers a greater choice of quality footwear. Much like our Vegan collection, this collection was made in response to feedback we had from our customers and retailers. We are always happy to react to the needs of our Young Soles family and to be able to do it without compromising our brand ethos whilst making some beautiful shoes makes us even happier! As most of the fastenings are Velcro, these styles are also perfect for teaching little ones the art of independent fastening (putting shoes on and off themselves!). Q And finally, do you have a favourite style from the collection? A My favourite is the Lucy doublestrap T-bar, as it “screams” British classic and so many people have already commented on how they had a pair “just like them” when they were kids. youngsoles.london

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mama WELLNE SS

PREGNANCY and the pandemic How to navigate pregnancy and birth during COVID-19

rica Edmond is a doula and yoga teacher based in west London, who gave birth to her first daughter during the height of the global pandemic last year. From hypnobirthing to making new mama friends online, here she shares her top tips and advice for new and expectant parents during this challenging time.

you overnight after your birth, having this knowledge can be a confidence-booster in a vulnerable time. Practicing hypnobirthing or working with a doula are excellent ways of harnessing this knowledge and providing yourself with a safe space to ask questions, or there are plenty of great books to read, such as The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin.

Empower yourself with knowledge

One of the hardest aspects for me of being a new mother in the pandemic has been not being able to share this very special time with my family and friends who live on the opposite side of the country. Whilst we are all used to Zoom calls and FaceTimes, screen fatigue is real and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help as much with the little day to day moments. My husband and I set up a private Instagram account for our friends and family where we share photos, stories and videos of our daughter most days. It helps everyone to feel connected to her and involved in her growth through the regular updates. We also like to send physical pictures in the post to relatives, and for Christmas we gave my mum a digital photo frame filled with a huge slideshow

As a doula, there is little I love more than seeing my clients empowered with the facts and information that they need to make their own informed and confident choices with regards to their care during pregnancy and birth. Whilst this is always important, feeling informed of the options available to you, their benefits and risks, can help you to feel more in control of the situation during the pandemic and better able to make the right choices for you and to advocate for yourself. Particularly when there are restrictions in place in maternity care, such as perhaps your partner not being able to attend your scans with you or stay with

Find ways to share the little moments

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“Taking a moment each day

to do something nurturing just for you is so valuable”

of photographs of her baby granddaughter so she is always present in her home. Of course, none of these things are the same as physical contact, but they are little ways to cope with the distance that can help to tide us over until we can all meet again.

Self care to the max

Of course, self-care is always important, especially during pregnancy and the postnatal period, but it’s even more critical during the pandemic when we may feel more isolated. Self-care will look different to each of us, but taking a moment each day to do something nurturing just for you is so valuable. Whether that is putting together an especially nourishing breakfast for yourself, indulging in a warm candlelit bath, or even just taking five minutes to slow down your breathing and ground yourself in the present moment. If you are a new parent and it feels hard to find the time for yourself, consider how you could make small moments into mini meditations, such as during a feed or while out for a walk. Connecting with your breath costs nothing, can be done anywhere and is my ultimate top tip for grounding yourself and slowing down.

Build your mama tribe

They say, “it takes a village to raise a child,” but that is easier said than done during a global pandemic, and our early days and months postnatally may not reflect the experience of playdates, baby classes and regular visits from family and friends that many of us had envisaged. Apps like Peanut are fantastic for finding new and expectant mums in your area to connect with, share experiences and walks in the park with, so that you can still make new friends and build a community of like-minded mamas around yourself.

Keep active and get in nature Whilst it may seem hard to keep active when our movements are restricted, or we want to keep our distance and stay safe, there are still

plenty of options available to us. Gentle and appropriate exercise was a saving grace for me during my pregnancy in lockdown, and I kept my fitness levels up by subscribing to prenatal classes online, of which there are many options to pick from, both free and paid. A regular daily walk during pregnancy and postnatally has been vital for my physical and mental health, and I love going for a stroll with my daughter and pointing out the different trees, flowers and birds we walk past. Getting out in nature is incredible for the soul if you have access to nature reserves, forests or even city parks. If you feel open to it, standing on the earth in your bare feet for a moment, closing your eyes, placing your hands on your bump or holding your baby and taking a few mindful breaths is a phenomenal reset for the nervous system, grounding and connecting us to the earth and our babies, and reminding us of what is truly important. ERICA EDMOND Doula and yoga teacher @everythingisimagined everythingisimagined.com

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