January 2020

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VEHICLE CERTIFICATION NATIONWIDE SUPPLIERS OF PEUGEOT (RECOMMENDED), AGENCY FORD & VAUXHALL 2 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] In this issue... 05 New ISEB Project Qualification pilots to run this year 06 Pioneering alternative to GCSE ‘Pathways’ & ‘Perspectives’ courses 07 Character Education theories, practices, processes 08 End of Discipline Tariffs Beautiful & encouraging a behavioural revolution powerful ‘Amadeus’ 10 ‘Say Yes to Stress’ helping pupils face up to challenge Amadeus, the Senior Play at The Leys, Cambridge, Great Hall, was an ambitious tour de force combining powerful acting performances 12 ‘Hello World!’ with live period music and beautiful sets and why global education is the future costumes. Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award winning play about 20 Focus on Wellbeing Mozart and his jealous rival composer, was every school needs a mental first-aider perhaps the most ambitious production yet by Cory Pulman-Jones. Now in her fourth year as culture of openness can create change Director of Performance Drama at The Leys, the former professional stage and screen actress 24 Profile continues to encourage her young performers to in conversation with Fiona Miles aim for ever-greater things. Music is integral to the play, and this production 38 Pay & Conditions Survey featured recordings of pieces by Mozart, Salieri latest results revealed and other 18th century composers. Cory went further by incorporating a quartet of musicians on strings, including music teacher Scott 40 ‘Students should reflect on the world but be positive’ Morrison, whose playing was used to great GSA Conference report dramatic effect. 43 The Benefits of Kindness Cover background to ourselves as well as to others Bathing in a 44 Combined Cadet Forces secret lagoon developing character A group of 21 students from St Margaret’s School, Hertfordshire, are back from a trip Plus to Iceland. Crossing the bridge between the 09 Hygge lessons every week Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, the 11 e-twinning initiative with French school students explored and embraced the true power of water in every way from the country’s black 11 School becomes training hub for maths teaching beaches and coastal landforms to its magnificent 14 Heart Safe award follows community defibrillator initiative glaciers and were even lucky enough to swim in 16 Excellence in Sport - success stories one of its secret lagoons. 18 Inspiration event for tomorrow’s entrepreneurs Acting Headmistress, Julie Chatkiewicz, who 26 Development project round-up also joined the students on the trip to Iceland, 28 Sustainability & Environment - what schools are doing commented on the experience, “This was a 30 Music, Drama & Dance Focus Feature wonderful action-packed opportunity for our 39 Creativity on display pupils to visit a truly awesome part of the world. 41 Changing Faces, Changing Places On our last day we even got the opportunity to experience what a 6.3 magnitude earthquake 42 NEU Independent Conference - reflections would feel like before exploring the complete 45 New Products & Services; The Digest darkness and silence within a lava tube. 47 Contact Us; Editorial Advisory Board; free e-mag offer Memories have certainly been made that will last a lifetime.” Is Your School Mentioned? See page 47 for an A-Z listing

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 3 Olympic nomination for coach The director of swimming at Ellesmere College, Shropshire, is relishing the opportunity of helping Team GB to Olympic success in He is also playing an integral role in Tokyo next summer. the ongoing success of the Ellesmere College Titans swimming team - Alan Bircher has already achieved a which boasts a record unrivalled by great deal of success in competing any other programme in the country and coaching and is just one of in providing swimmers to represent eight coaches nominated by the their country. Mini-historians’ British Olympic Association to accompany the Team GB swimming Alan will now form part of the squad to Japan. select team of eight who will be Victorian experience responsible for ensuring Team The former World and European A group of children aged 3 chat and slideshow about life in GB swimmers will be at peak silver medalist swam for Team GB to 5 and their teachers from late Victorian times at Yarrells performance heading into the from 1997 to 2008 racking up 10 Yarrells School, Dorset, visited House and inspected some real Olympic Games. British Championships and two historic Kingston Lacy just before Victorian clothing from the school European Cup titles. More recently “It’s a great honour to be chosen Christmas. Before the party set archive collection. Much of the he has coached World, European as a coach for Team GB at the off by coach, the mini-historians original Yarrells House dates from and Commonwealth medalists along Olympics - particularly when you enjoyed some history stories from the same historical period as with multiple national champions consider how few of us will be going a Kingston Lacy volunteer who when Henrietta Bankes and her and medalists. to Tokyo,” he said. is also connected with Yarrells three children, Viola, Daphne and School. The children enjoyed a Ralph, lived there.

Pictured: With the children, and in Victorian dress, are Early Years Practitioners Sophie Kyte and Amie Harrison Pupils Launch 2020 Wildlife Charity Calendar GB call-up for Duathlete Glenalmond College, Perthshire Scotland is home to 75% of school is celebrating the Britain’s red squirrels and the exceptional range of wildlife to be staff and pupils of Glenalmond Deputy Head found on its grounds in the pages College are proud that the school’s Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, with another run, this time over of a 2020 calendar, being sold in 300 acres of grounds are home deputy headmaster Anthony 2.5km. He will take part in the 40 aid of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. to a thriving population of the to 44-year-old age category in Simpson is to represent Great The calendar features a dozen endangered species. the events in Seville in March and Britain in duathlon in both wildlife images taken by local Amsterdam in September 2020. Sasha Baldwin, who coordinates the European and World photographer, Rosanna Forbes. the school’s Eco Group, said she Championships later this year. All of the profits from sales of the Said Anthony: “I am delighted and hoped the calendars would inspire honoured to have earned a place calendar will be donated to the The maths specialist competed pupils to take a pride in the wildlife in qualifying races in Derbyshire on Team GB for the forthcoming Scottish Wildlife Trust. which makes its home in the school to earn his place in the sprint championships, especially as my Among the photographs featured grounds, as well as raising money duathlon discipline, which age group is one of the most in the pages of the calendar are for an important charity. involves a 5km run followed by competitive.” birds such as a colourful Kingfisher, a 20km bike ride and finishing The calendars are priced at £8 each, Anthony joins several Giggleswick a Dipper, a Tawny Owl and a or £9.50 including postage and colleagues who have international Bullfinch. Also captured in the packaging, and can be ordered by honours to their names, including stunning selection of photographs fellow maths teacher and former are an inquisitive Bank Vole, a Field emailing info@glenalmondcollege. national kayak champion Pete Mouse, a Roe Deer and a glorious co.uk giving contact details or Keron and biology teacher James Red Squirrel. calling 01738 842000. Atkinson, who is fly fishing’s reigning English National Rivers Champion. Anthony will also be training with colleague Mark McGoldrick who is preparing for the 2020 fellrunning season after finishing in the top eight in his age group nationally in 2019. In addition, he follows in the footsteps of former Giggleswick teacher Alastair Scholey, who Pictured: Pupils who are members of Glenalmond’s Eco Group, along with the group represented GB in triathlon’s coordinator Sasha Baldwin, are pictured at Glenalmond with the calendars which are being sold in aid of the Scottish Wildlife Trust European championships in 2011.

4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] New ISEB Project Qualification pilots this year Following the 13+ Conference held last year at Highfield and Brookham Schools, Hampshire, the Chief Administrator of the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Kate Allen looks at the New ISEB Project Qualification. ISEB is well known for Common Those who have introduced the complete their research projects. pupils to connect their schoolwork Entrance (CE), which acknowledges EPQ to their schools have been They will ask and frame a question, to their personal interests. The and rewards achievement in impressed by the way in which their review sources, reflect upon their ISEB Project Qualification model Years 7 and 8 and equips learners pupils’ interest and enthusiasm findings and learn to draw and offers pupils the freedom to with the knowledge, skills and is sparked, and the intellectual express balanced conclusions. explore a wide variety of project forms, including written reports, understanding which they will need development and confidence that Projects may be subject related, presentations, podcasts, videos and as they make the important move ensues. focussed on the creative and creative sketchbook work. The to their senior schools. The aim of the new ISEB Project performing arts or sport, or arise final presentation of the research During the past year ISEB has Qualification is to give younger from PSHE topics or other interests: project might be written, an consulted with prep and senior pupils, most likely those in Years 7 schools will be able to use the exhibition, an oral presentation, an schools, looking closely at how and 8, the opportunity to develop ISEB Project Qualification in lesson interview or even a performance. new subject specifications can the same important skills of times, within or across subjects, as In whatever form, it will also ensure that the learning process is independent enquiry and research, an enrichment activity or however involve the opportunity for pupils a developmental one. This means within a framework which has been else they see fit. We see this as to answer questions about their that our new specifications will structured and tailored specifically part of the preparation for lifelong research and to show the depth of emphasise less the acquisition of for their age group. Initial learning which is an important understanding that they have built. knowledge and focus more on reactions from prep schools have part of prep school provision and its application. They will provide been very encouraging, showing something which will give pupils ISEB has been very fortunate to a framework for teaching and that many are keen to adopt this valuable skills to support them in have enlisted the support of Dr learning, whilst allowing individual approach in their own schools and their future studies. John Taylor, of Cranleigh School, whose has brought his expertise teachers to approach subjects in that they value the skills their pupils Pupils can carry out their research to the design of our initial their own way and have time to will develop as a result. in a variety of contexts and at specification. Our first ‘pilot’ explore wider aspects, such as The model of learning is based on different scales. The ISEB Project schools have already received their current events or particular areas research evidence that indicates Qualification syllabus will offer training and we look forward to of interest. In order that new that independent learning works suggestions for incorporating monitoring their progress during specifications are introduced with most effectively through a process project learning into existing spring and summer 2020. full consultation and with time for of guided discovery, in which pupils schemes of work by means of schools to adjust their teaching, are taught the skills they need in small-scale (several lesson) projects We are pleased to be introducing the pace of updating is necessarily order to engage in independent as well as providing a structure the ISEB Project Qualification, to steady, which some may find learning, provided with scaffolding for an extended 15-20-hour support schools as they seek to frustrating. to help structure their work and, independent project. The ISEB develop a wider set of skills that is In one area, however, we have during the process of the research Project Qualification can function complementary to those typically been able to move much more project, are given guidance from as a stand-alone addition to an developed by means of courses that rapidly. We are excited to be a mentor whose questions and existing curriculum or be used culminate in written examinations, piloting, during this year, the ISEB comments help to facilitate the to augment subjects within the and thus to help equip pupils for Project Qualification with a view process. curriculum with a project learning the transition to senior schools. model. Schools will find that it can to introducing it more widely from Indeed, it is important to We look forward to reporting on be flexible to suit their needs. September 2020. The ISEB Project understand that the greatest value progress of the pilots and the other Qualification takes its inspiration of the ISEB Project Qualification Research projects have been shown developments described here at from the Extended Project lies not solely in the final to encourage deeper thinking our Conference on the Importance Qualification (EPQ) which is taken presentation, but in the process and greater enjoyment of the of Years 7 and 8 to be held at in many senior schools in Year 12. which pupils undertake as they learning process by enabling Charterhouse on 28th April 2020. Astronomy GCSE for all Pupils at Burgess Hill Girls, Sussex, were so fascinated A Level Physics as well as Engineering and all the other by the school’s Astronomy club that they asked the professions that come from it. It is a hugely important organiser, Head of Physics Andy Gillaspy, if he could and well-respected academic subject.” offer Astronomy as a GCSE course. As a passionate Astronomy graduate, he was happy to oblige: “We Twenty two students embarked on the course last study where the universe came from, where it is going, September and will take the Astronomy GCSE exam in the Big Bang, black holes and supernovas, some of June 2020. The class is unique in that it is comprised the most fascinating aspects of the universe”, he said. of pupils from the UK and overseas as well as parents “Academically Astronomy has a big link with GCSE and and teachers at Burgess Hill Girls.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 5 Pioneering alternative to GCSEs St Edward’s School, Oxford, has Courses will be validated by the Warden Stephen Jones said: launched an innovative alternative University of Buckingham, graded “We believe that we can prepare to GCSEs. Warden Stephen Jones using the same numerical format students better for Sixth Form (pictured right) believes that as GCSEs with nine as the top or degrees. We believe we can there’s a growing feeling amongst mark. do it better our own way. Exam boards have made the flagship teaching leaders that the exams Pupils will be continuously assessment too “tick boxy.” are out of date. assessed on a range of skills, From September 2020 students such as their communication, “The idea that GCSEs are a bit will be required to take one presentations, research projects passé has been around for a while “Pathways” course in broad and team work instead of just but no one seems to be designing disciplines such as Applied sitting exams. new qualifications. They were invented to be a school leaving Science, the Expressive Arts or Some pupils will also have the certificate but as no one leaves at Design and Entrepreneurship as opportunity to spend time at 16 now we don’t need them.” well as one “Perspectives” course the University of Buckingham Chairman of the Independent in a humanities subject such and Southampton University’s Matthew Albrighton, Deputy Head School Council, Barnaby Lenon, as Global Societies or Big Ideas Oceanography Departments. Academic, said: “Whilst GCSEs added: “It is important that pupils (covering Philosophy and Ethics). At Buckingham they will learn in their current form provide are examined in a wide range of some preliminary skills relevant foundational knowledge for Sixth subjects at the age of 16, not In order to facilitate the to those planning to study Form, they can constrain pupils’ least as a way of consolidating pioneering new courses pupils Medicine. At Southampton, pupils curiosity, limit their ambition and what they have learnt up to will take just eight GCSEs in core studying Global Societies and prevent them from grappling with that point. However, we know subjects rather than the 11 which Environments will spend time on big ideas. They do not stretch that taking 10 GCSEs is neither most pupils currently take. board the University’s research pupils enough in the full range necessary nor in some respects The Pathways and Perspectives vessel Callista. of skills.” desirable.”

Fourth girls’ boarding house Cranleigh School, Surrey, has finding your passion and the girls formally opened a new girls’ in Martlet were given a collection boarding house to enhance its of inspirational quotes from other dedicated boarding community. illustrious alumni. The opening follows a period of Martlet house is named after the new building and refurbishment . heraldic birds in the top left section Flight Lieutenant Victoria Turner, of the Cranleigh School crest. All a former pupil and one of only the boarding Houses have been a handful of female jet fighter built individually over the School’s pilots in the UK, unveiled the 155-year history and each has plaque. She gave a speech on a unique character in its layout, New self-contained Lower School although all share the same busy Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire, has announced the relocation of its and nurturing ethos. Lower School into a new, self-contained building to accommodate its Cranleigh now has four girls’ younger pupils. The £3.8 million facility provides a contemporary and houses, Martlet, West, South, and sustainably designed learning environment within the schools’ 48-acre grounds. Rhodes and four boys’ houses, Cubitt, Loveday, North and East. With six spacious classrooms for the schools’ Year 3 and Year 4 pupils, The equal structure allows houses the building also houses a large bright and airy multi-functional hall, to be paired with boys and girls open plan library, pupil and staff toilets, storage facilities, an office for sharing activities, social events and the Head of Lower School and an ancillary meeting room. The new House competitions together. development is part of Edge Grove’s 10-year development strategy ‘One Pictured: Victoria Turner and the Martlet housemistress Rebecca Scott School, One Vision’. Lord Mayor opens school William Russell, the Lord Mayor of the City of London has officially opened the new home to The Lyceum School on Worship Street. Children, parents, staff and special guests were invited to watch the unveiling of the newly painted mural on the ground floor by the right honourable the Lord Mayor. The celebrations continued, the Chamber Choir performed the school song, “Four Pillars” for the very first time. Both the mural and the song represent the four core values that form the foundations of the school and are at the heart of everything they do; kindness, creativity, confidence William Russell (Lord Mayor), Hilary Wyatt (Headmistress), Hilary Russell (Lady Mayoress), Aatif Hassan (Chairman of Dukes Education) with pupils and community.

6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Character Education: theories, practices, processes Late last term the Tony Little Centre for Innovation in Research and Learning (CIRL) at Eton College hosted a joint Character Education conference with BrainCanDo, an educational neuroscience organisation based at Queen Anne’s School, Caversham. It was a busy day with more than 140 teachers, educational leaders, and researchers taking part in discussions and panels covering a myriad of topics – all in the stunning and rather inspirational setting of Dorney Lake… The opening address was given The opening keynote talks for by Professor Lucas, Professor co-Director of ‘Big Education’, by Jonnie Noakes, Director of the the day were delivered by Bill Riddell, Dr Kathy Weston, Dr Iro who proposed a radically different Tony Little Centre at Eton, and Julia Lucas, Professor of Learning at Konstantinou and Jonnie Noakes. approach to education in which the Harrington, Headmistress of Queen the University of Winchester, Konstantinou and Noakes shared development of every pupil’s ‘head’, Anne’s and founder and CEO of and Patricia Riddell, Professor some of the ways through which ‘heart’ and ‘hand’ is at the core. BrainCanDo. Noakes outlined the of Applied Neuroscience at the Eton College has engaged with Hyman stressed the importance of research around character education. current context related to character University of Reading. Lucas qualities such as ‘self-awareness’, education and painted a picture of The first pupil panel of the day outlined some of the interpretations ‘tolerance’, ‘creativity’ and ‘aesthetic what our young people will face of the term ‘character’ and the included students from the London appreciation’ for overall success and when entering the world of work, different frameworks that exist for Academy of Excellence (LAE) and fulfilment in life. Finally, Rebecca where ‘21st century’ skills such as implementing character education Eton College who shared their Tigue, Head of the University curiosity, adaptability and creativity in schools. He challenged us all experiences of participating in a of Birmingham School, invited are what employers are looking for. to ensure that we are clear what character education and leadership Harrington then spoke about how we mean by ‘character’ and those course. us to imagine a world in which our children developed habits of rapidly our knowledge of the brain ‘attributes’, ‘skills’ or ‘competencies’ The third keynote talk was given by has increased over the past 20-30 we are seeking to develop through Dr Tom Harrison, Senior Lecturer courage, justice and integrity and years resulting in new insights education. at the Jubilee Centre for Character called for schools to be a place in about brain development across the which each child learns how to live Riddell’s talk focused on the role of and Virtues at the University of life-span. Adolescence is a period of a virtuous life. Echoing Professor motivation and how to engender Birmingham. He explored the opportunity and adaptability when Riddell, Tigue suggested that it in pupils. She outlined the changing digital landscape and the brain is particularly malleable mechanisms of motivation and the the inherent challenges and character virtues can be ‘caught’ and those character qualities important role of other people in opportunities this affords young from interactions in our community, that are taken into adulthood are influencing levels of motivation. The people today. He stressed the ‘taught’ through educational forged. Harrington reminded us importance of teaching ‘cyber- phenomenon of ‘social contagion’ experiences and reflection, and that educators are in the privileged wisdom’ to enable children and was explored and implications for ‘sought’ by providing opportunities position to provide the environment young people to navigate moral classroom teaching discussed. in which to practise modelling good and experiences through which complexities and thrive in the digital character. those important character qualities The first panel discussion was age. develop. chaired by Julia Harrington, joined Finally, there was a pupil panel The second panel discussion with a group of students from explored school and community- wide approaches to character Queen Anne’s School talking (with education. Lisa Kerr, Principal of Ben Stephenson, Director of Sixth Gordonstoun School, shared findings Form at the school) about their demonstrating the importance experiences of leadership in school of out-of-classroom activities for and outlining a new leadership character development. Dominic development programme that is Randolph, Head of Riverdale being pioneered this year. County School in the US, shared With Ofsted’s new inspection his experiences of working with a New York City independent school framework including the monitoring to create a robust experiential of how schools develop character, education programme. He also delegates showed a keen interest in discussed the work of the Character the proceedings and were certainly Lab (www.characterlab.org). The given a great deal of information to third talk was given by Peter Hyman, go away and digest! Report courtesy of Dr Amy Fancourt, Director of Research BrainCanDo, pictured above and Dr Iro Konstantinou, Research Associate, Eton College & BrainCanDo, pictured top right

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 7 How do we encourage a behavioural revolution amongst both pupils & staff? The End of Discipline Tariffs? I will not make the same mistakes as those that go before me. I will not make the same mistakes as those that go before me. I will not make the same mistakes... It does not seem that long ago that pupils would have been sat at desks, staring out of the classroom window at the glorious sunshine and those lucky few playing games on the field, whilst they, the chastised, the put upon, the victims of the unfair and unjust system were forced to write 100 lines for not tucking their shirts in. Indeed, many colleagues will still remember the days, either as new staff or as children, of sitting in fear of the dreaded cane, writes Mike Marie, Deputy Headmaster of Bromsgrove Preparatory School. Thankfully, those days are very will no doubt recall the moment it serves the purpose of helping from a ‘sanction-based’ approach much behind us in education; when you had to produce your children to make good choices. Let’s to bullying of punishment and the recognition that physical serious sanctions register and discuss be brutally honest, it is impossible to instead preferred a more ‘restorative’ admonishment is simply barbaric how it falls short of/matches/ always make the right decisions so approach where they looked at the and given that we adults are by exceeds the expected number for how do we support children when root causes of bullying.” no means a picture of perfection, a school of your size. How did things go wrong – is that part of Even our pupils understand that there is a growing school of thought that make you feel? It is both your behaviour policy? sanctions do not implement the that questions whether it is fair accepted and understood that The Anti-Bullying Alliance published change we want to see in schools, to constantly hold every child up school performance is measured the ‘Change Starts With Us’ report* but education can. using empirical data – we now against some model of unreasonable at the beginning of November 2019 use standardised pastoral trackers So how do we begin the expectation. to coincide with Anti-Bullying week; to help identify pupils who are ‘at transformation in our schools? How In the highly acclaimed book: the report was based on a survey risk’ and might otherwise go under do we encourage a behavioural ‘When the Adult Changes, of over 1000 11-16 year olds and the radar, we have spreadsheets for revolution amongst both pupils and Everything Changes’, written demonstrated statistics that many of serious sanctions and incidences of staff, if indeed one is required? Start by Paul Dix (a former teacher, us will be familiar with including: bullying, homophobic and racist simply and start with the adults: founder of Pivotal Education and behaviour. But what does all of this • Nearly a quarter (24%) of • Commit to a culture of not educational campaigner), teachers data do to help form or transform respondents had been bullied shouting – the cathartic release are encouraged to recognise that our approach to pupil behaviour? Is once a week or more during the of yelling at someone is no behaviour policies, rewards systems it preventative? Reactive? Thinking last 6 months justification for the fear and and discipline tariffs / sanction about the children whose names • Just over one in ten children humiliation suffered by that lists are themselves not the answer appeared on your serious sanctions to effecting positive behaviour in (11%) have missed school due to person; register, what follow up was there bullying schools. The key has always been after the sanction was served? How • Smile – warmly, engagingly, with and will always be the consistency of were they reintegrated into school • Nearly a fifth (19%) of those purpose; we know that the act adult behaviour and the modelling life? What learning took place to surveyed have steered clear of of smiling can lift our own mood of positive behaviour. Think about help (not necessarily ensure as this friends to avoid being bullied and that of others; those colleagues who can ‘control’ is the impossible dream) the child to Arguably the most frightening • Engage with every pupil – a their classes with just a raised make better choices in the future? statistic was that nearly a half (48%) handshake at the entrance to eyebrow, a cough, a very softly of the children stated that schools the classroom, a happy “Good spoken, carefully chosen word. If you looked at your current need to do more to address bullying. morning” in the corridor Think about the colleagues whose school’s behaviour policy, do you see a framework for how staff and For those of us who conduct our particularly to those children who enthusiasm lights up the staff room pupils engage cooperatively in own Anti-Bullying surveys, how try to avoid your gaze might just in exactly the same way as it lights bringing about an atmosphere of does that figure stand up against enthuse their day; up the classroom. Now think about positive behaviour, kind interactions, your own pupils’ perceptions? our own practice; do we commend • No public humiliation – names consideration and thoughtfulness Whether it is through Student positive behaviour or do we instead on the board for negatives, a class of others? Or do you see a list of Council or Pupil Voice or whichever focus on picking up the negatives? reward/demerit system shared examples of negative behaviour other named society your school Do we recognise those children openly that shows other children and suggested sanction? What has, do your pupils have a say in who time after time go above and just how badly little Alan is doing; terminology is used to describe a how bullying and other forms of beyond the expected standard? Do pupil’s behaviour – is it linked in to negative behaviour is dealt with? • Reserve judgement and listen we reflect on how we engage pupils, historic traditions? Is it numerical, A very interesting element of the to context – all behaviour is how we speak to them, how we pointing towards a hierarchy of report was that, “The young people language and everyone lies; it is a model behavioural expectations? behaviour? Whatever the system, we spoke to were keen on schools protective instinct. Don’t castigate Those of you who have been it is important to ensure that providing a supportive framework to a child for not being truthful but inspected recently and have had the language that surrounds the help them understand each other. praise to the hilt for their honesty responsibility for pastoral matters application of it centres on how They tended to want to move away when it comes.

*https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/sites/default/files/field/attachment/Change%20Starts%20With%20Us%20-%20report%20-%20FINAL_0.pdf

8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Hygge lessons weekly Chatsworth Taking tips from the Danes and school. And the Year 4 children Scandinavian classrooms, and also announces new Norwegians, once a week pupils who enjoy weekly hygge sessions in Canada where I used to teach, at Belmont Grosvenor School, are the envy of their fellow pupils! rarely wear shoes and also have acquisition flexible seating,” said Mrs Page, Yorkshire, are swapping their The idea to incorporate hygge who started the hygge sessions Chatsworth Schools has shoes for cosy socks and slippers, in the Harrogate co-educational to coincide with Year 4 pupils announced the acquisition of switching their desks for rugs and school’s timetable came from learning about Scandinavia. Highfield Preparatory School, cushions on the floor, warming teacher Mrs Katie Page, who is themselves in front of a roaring also Belmont Grosvenor’s special “Our pupils have learned a lot Berkshire. The news follows the fire, and embracing the hygge way educational needs co-ordinator. about geographical location, acquisition of the London based of living and learning. the climate and the Vikings – Beau Peeps nursery in July “As a SENCo I am always interested and creating a hygge – warm, 2019, Pattison College, a co- Hygge – which roughly translates in supporting how children learn welcoming and cosy – environment educational school for three – in Danish as a feeling of well- best and lots of studies show in which to learn has become part sixteen year olds in Coventry in being, cosiness and contentment that children do this when they of our topic. May 2019 and The Village Prep with life – has become a hit at the feel comfortable. Youngsters in “We use cosy blankets and School, a preparatory school quilts, often play music in the for girls aged three – eleven in background, and have a roaring Hampstead in April 2019. fire on the whiteboard too! Pupils Commenting on the news, bring in cosy socks as it makes Anita Gleave, Founder and CEO them feel happy and I’m relaxed about them lying on the floor of Chatsworth Schools, said: while they learn. Teaching like “I’m delighted to make this this has encouraged the children announcement and to welcome to try hard and feel safe in their Highfield Preparatory School to learning and they are all extremely Chatsworth Schools. There are focussed,” she said. now nine schools and nurseries Headmistress Mrs Sophia Ashworth in the Chatsworth family and Jones said the hygge lessons with we will continue to enable Year 4 had proved a wonderful outstanding futures for all our learning opportunity for the pupils pupils and staff.” at Belmont Grosvenor.

Password Independent Schools’ EventsGold Standard2020 Invitation Testing for Independent Schools We cordially invite Maths and EAL specialists from the Password provides more than 250 schools, colleges and independent schools sector to join us for these up-coming universities assessing international students in 120 countries Password events for current and prospective clients. worldwide with “gold standard” English language and Maths tests. Password is seeking to draw on your experience and expertise Designed by experts and controlled by our partner schools’ own to inform the on-going enhancement of our Password Pupil suite staff, Password Pupil tests are secure and simply managed of tests. online. They deliver fast, accurate and reliable results, either for Both events listed below are being held at the Society of assisting with international pupil admissions decisions or for class Antiquaries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1 0BE setting on arrival. Password Pupil (Maths) Benchmarking Workshop What our partner schools say: An event aimed at developing a shared understanding of the “Password provides us with an efficient and reliable way of content and cognitive domain of each of the Password Maths assessing the Maths ability of international students on modules as well as generating sample pupil performance application, allowing us to accurately assess their suitability for descriptors to aid the interpretation of Password Maths scores. a particular course and advise them accordingly.” Mike Campbell, Head of Maths, Felsted School, Essex. Date: Thursday 16th January from 10.30am to 1.30pm Password Pupil has given King’s Ely a single platform testing Password Pupil Younger Semi-Adaptive (English) Consultation “ management system for years 6 – 13 for all our international An event aimed at collaboratively evaluating the pilot version of applicants. The content is rigorous, valid and randomly our semi-adaptive Password Pupil Younger Knowledge test and to generated and managing the system has proved simple with feed into the format and content of the Writing component of excellent customer support from the Password team. this new test. ” Matthew Norbury, Academic Director of International th Date: Thursday 16 January from 2.30 – 5.30pm Programmes, King’s Ely, Cambridgeshire For more information or to sign up, email: To read more testimonials, see our website: [email protected] www.englishlanguagetesting.co.uk

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] 2020 Invitation half page Ad Jan 2020.indd 1 Independent Schools06/01/2020 Magazine 15:04 9 “Teachers should be there to support their students, but must take a moment to think what that support looks like...” Say Yes to the Stress Times have changed for our young people but that’s not to say things have got easier or harder since staff were on the other side of the desk, suggests Dr. Gary M. Glasspool, Head of Teaching and Learning at Churcher’s College, Hampshire. Sure, their lives opinion in a more sophisticated, tells them or YouTube shows say’, but that is all the more are different and critical and nuanced way than them. This, in itself, is not reason to reinvigorate the strange to us ever before. Guiding students necessarily a bad thing – I message. We should allow adults – digital through these murky waters is have called upon these tools students to struggle, to need living and global an article for another time, but, to help – but the incredible determination, to see the peer groups – but by way of a starter, we should immediacy of response means reward of effort: we should to say that times are tougher perhaps focus on the benefits of that our young people have not be too quick to provide now would be to patronise the making an effort, of struggling, become accustomed to getting the answer. It might be the answer too quickly and difficulties of the past. There and even struggling hard. gratifying in the short-term to is little doubt, however, that too easily. Rarely have they sense their relief, but until you Commercial organisations are the educational landscape has been stuck for too long. allow them to ‘struggle hard’ driven to make young people’s changed, not unrecognisably, The word ‘struggle’ now through problems and come lives more engaging, or is it a classroom hasn’t changed in carries with it all sorts of out the other side, they will entertaining, through some new structure and purpose much over negative connotations. What not be equipping themselves piece of hard or software. The the years but the proliferation of a shame! Struggling and with the skills they’ll need in side effect is that students lose available and new ‘knowledge’ struggling hard through the big wide world. has. With the few simple clicks an opportunity to experience difficult conceptual issues Teachers should, and always it takes to access ‘knowledge’ it sufficient levels of challenge. is the mark of a committed will, be there to support their means that students nowadays If they don’t know something, student and one who, in the have to navigate truth, fact and within two or three taps, Google end, will most likely have a students, but we must take a better understanding because moment to think what that of the struggle. There is little support looks like. If a child scientific research needed falls off their bike, we should Exciting Activity and Field to validate the concept pick them up, dust them off that determination is the and give them the confidence Study Trips in Cornwall bedrock of success. I do and advice to have another go. worry however, that students We shouldn’t end up riding think our constant mantra the bike for them, or, worse of ‘effort = reward’ is hollow still, show them a YouTube and ‘just something teachers clip of Geraint Thomas! Anti-Bullying Bronze Award RGS The Grange, one of the two ‘staff, students, parents and Prep schools of RGS Worcester Governors demonstrated that anti- is celebrating attaining an Anti- bullying is a whole school priority Bullying Award in recognition in which they all play an active role. of their work to provide robust Students are actively involved in the and comprehensive Anti-Bullying development of anti-bullying in the provision at their school. school. As a result of their work, The award given by The Anti- the school has established a range of approaches to make sure that • The Manor House offers quality courses with personal Bullying Quality Mark is a national scheme which measures how good students feel safe and included’. attention schools are at preventing bullying. It Mr Gareth Hughes, Headmaster of • Stay in an 18th Century Manor House challenges schools to set up effective RGS The Grange said: “The training • Sole Occupancy Book Now for and sustainable anti-bullying of the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors by • Privately owned centre near Padstow Spring 2021 policies and strategies and make The Diana Award, an organisation Discounts Available! • Excellent facilities & equipment them part of their everyday life. inspired by the work of Diana, • Recommended by many Prep. Schools Their hard work has been rewarded Princess of Wales in this area, has • Please ask for details and after a comprehensive proved to be so supportive and assessment process the school was successful that RGS Worcester, RGS For more information please contact us on: 01841 540346 presented with the award. RGS The Springfield and RGS Dodderhill are www.manoractivitycentre.co.uk | [email protected] Grange is the first independent similarly training their pupils to provide this all-important support Manor House Activity & Development Centre, St Issey, Wadebridge, PL27 7QB school in the country to achieve the ABQM-UK Bronze Award because: for their school communities.”

10 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Maths training hub Linking up with France Kitebrook Preparatory School, correspondents along with many Cheadle Hulme School (CHS), Trainees will spend most of Gloucestershire, has launched other French activities, including Manchester, has become a their time at CHS, building their a partnership with l’Ecole building an Eiffel Tower out of regional teacher training hub for confidence and experience, with Elementaire Jean Moulin, a school spaghetti and marshmallows, mathematics. weekly academic theory sessions located near the city of Pau, in playing boules and taking part in to support their development. As the newest member of the South-West France, as part of the European-themed bake sale, They will also work for six weeks National Mathematics and Physics eTwinning, the digital community which raised over £780 for the in a contrasting second school to SCITT (School Centred Initial for schools in Europe. Macmillan Coffee Morning. Teacher Training), the school has broaden their experience. As part of the partnership, the Miss Ruth Hogg, Head of French been recognised as a centre of At the end of the one year SCITT two schools will use online tools at Kitebrook Preparatory School, excellence for the subject. programme, trainees will receive to develop joint projects so that said: “Our pupils are really excited CHS is now one of eight hubs Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) pupils can share insights into the about this new project and getting working with partner schools in and a Post Graduate Certificate lifestyle and culture of their own to know their correspondents. It their areas to deliver high quality in Education (PGCE), including country. The children will also will be a great opportunity for classroom-based maths teacher credits towards a Masters develop their foreign language them to put their knowledge training. Other independent qualification. skills and exchange letters on a and understanding of the French schools signed up to the scheme Neil Smith, head, CHS, said: “We regular basis throughout the course language into practice and gain include Charterhouse, Bolton are extremely proud to become a of the academic year. a new insight into the culture School and Dulwich College. hub for maths teacher training. of France. We have already Recruitment onto the pioneering As a school, we are committed to eTwinning is the digital community exchanged treasure boxes with programme will begin this term, developing the next generation of for schools involving over 500,000 Jean Moulin, containing gifts from for maths trainees to begin in the teaching professionals; a cohort teachers in 43 countries across our respective regions and opened classroom from September 2020. who will have expert subject Europe and beyond, funded by these as part of our European Day the European Commission as part of Languages Celebrations”. SCITT programmes are aimed at knowledge, be confident in the of the Erasmus+ programme and both new graduates and career classroom and able to collaborate eTwinning aims to develop managed in the UK by the British changers and enable a new with colleagues throughout the knowledge and understanding of Council. In the UK over 12,000 generation of teachers to benefit school.” different European cultures and schools have been involved in from highly practical, school- Steven Norton, head of maths, languages and help young people eTwinning. based training. said: “This is a great opportunity gain skills for their future lives and Kitebrook’s European Languages The National Mathematics and for colleagues in the maths careers. Through the eTwinning Physics (NMAP) SCITT is the only department to teach and mentor Day saw the launch of the portal, schools and colleges can school-centred provider delivering trainees. And it will further eTwinning project for their Year search for partners in Europe and dedicated mathematics and strengthen what is already a 6 -8 children, who began writing access online tools to take part in physics teacher training. It has highly successful department. their first letters to their new joint projects free of charge. been developed in partnership Maths trainees at CHS will benefit with experts from the Institute from learning in school from day of Physics and the Mathematical one alongside subject specialist Association. mentors and practising teachers.” Tibetan monks visit Tibetan monks living in exile in The Tashi Lhunpo Monastery has South India visited Giggleswick a long and interesting history, School, Yorskhire, to share their founded by the first Dalai Lama in masked dances, traditional music 1447 and renowned for its Tantric and sacred mantras. tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Following the Chinese occupation of The monks from the Tashi Lhunpo Tibet and the Cultural Revolution, monastery ran a workshop with the monastery was re-established in pupils from Giggleswick Junior exile in a Tibetan refugee settlement School and guests from year five at in South India. Lady Lane Park School in Bingley. Head of Giggleswick Junior School, The children were treated to a James Mundell, said: “It was a hands-on workshop with the fabulous opportunity and privilege monks, giving them the chance to for the children to meet the monks learn more about Tibetan culture in person and learn about their life and try their hand at making sand and monastic traditions. mandalas, prayer flags, butter sculptures and Dukar wheels. “One of the many highlights for the children was writing their names in Tibetan and learning a few words too. The morning ended watching the monks perform their tantric prayers and Mudras – symbolic or ritual gestures – which are used to generate wisdom, compassion and healing powers.”

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 11 Hello World: Global Education is the Future Ensuring that young people leave school globally literate as citizens of the world is fast becoming an integral part of the evolving educational journey. But if we are truly to embrace diversity in its widest form, as schools we have a duty to connect our students with the world around them as well as to help them to understand how it relates to them. Whether that means experiencing or immersing oneself in different cultures or understanding different beliefs and sets of values, we need to start looking at how we can educate young people to navigate the global landscape on a much deeper level, says Rose Hardy, headmistress of Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls – Habs’ Girls – in Hertfordshire... Today, in our digitally led and ground for young people who same; to connect, learn, grow and knowledge meant arranging a process driven world, it’s easier sometimes realise they are more discover. nice glamorous overseas trip for people to become siloed. closely linked with their global Twinned schools? to an exciting city, visiting a Loneliness and isolation affects neighbours than they might have Schools have to use every few landmarks and sampling many people today, young otherwise realised. opportunity to take learning the cuisine before heading and older. Reaching out and Young people need to be aware forward into the 21st Century. home. All perfectly interesting connecting with other students that many people across the That also means more experiences and a useful exercise from around the world opens up world have enormous challenges collaboration, both locally and in independence and building new channels for learning and to overcome and need resilience internationally. The problem is, confidence, but we need to go development and can be very and a relentless determination right now there isn’t any formal beyond that. powerful in terms of building to create change. As a sector, process or structure to link new relationships, broadening our Global education is education needs to become much up schools with their overseas outlook of the world while helping not about adventure more open about global awareness counterparts. This is something us to represent our own countries Learning more about other too. Whether that means being that needs to change in the future in a more positive way too. schools across the globe helps more selective about the different as we look to cultivate a future of to equip children with the skills There are, of course, several ways music you play before an assembly, acceptance in terms of diversity and the confidence they need that schools can embrace more or creating more opportunities for and culture and also as part of to take purposeful action to opportunities for interaction international themes and events our objective to teach kindness improve their future lives and to on a global level. Exchanges that students can participate in. and mutual respect for all. Just as positively influence the world they between schools are common We recently held an international the concept of ‘town twinning’ in live in. Having a more rounded, but are becoming more frequent poetry day at school and students this country, conceived after the global education is also extremely and important today and we were asked to read their selected Second World War in 1947, was effective in supporting students’ are also seeing some fascinating poems in the native language. intended to foster friendship and academic endeavours and their examples of how technology is This was a really powerful exercise understanding amongst different social and emotional development, helping to facilitate greater global in changing perceptions around cultures as an act of peace and not to mention their health and connections in schools, such as language and removing some of reconciliation, the same too could wellbeing as citizens of our diverse Skype lessons being integrated the stigmas. apply to schools. world. into global classrooms. Making small changes towards Why not have ‘Twinned Schools’? supporting a more global outlook Yet, it is important to remember Highlighting common ground It seems credible that a system Visits from worldwide speakers is a good step forward. Holding that global education is not like this that helps to link schools in school who can share real life traditional celebrations linked about shiny adventures, nor is it together with other schools from experiences can also help students to the historic event of a certain about a nice holiday or overseas across the globe could have great to visualise and empathise what country or hosting a languages trip. As schools we need to be potential in building mutually it is like to face barriers and week in school can really help venturing much further and beneficial and stronger cross- discrimination across different students to feel more involved and looking to develop more sustained cultures in a similar way and it countries. We had a refugee enthused about the opportunities and meaningful opportunities would give schools a starting point speaking in school recently during a globally-led community can to enrich our students’ thirst for upon which to develop their global a special assembly and her story provide. Students usually feel learning. For global education to connections. was very moving indeed. The enriched by having a link to become successful as part of the impact it had on the students another country. In generations Global education is becoming curriculum, it needs to be driven, was very emotive and powerful past, we would have pen pals and an expectation of the future and progressed and followed up. Just as a message. It’s interesting would write to other children from will resonate with future parent as the world continues to evolve, to see how scenarios like this overseas schools; the vehicle has generations to come. Previously so too does our approach to resonate and highlight common changed but the intention is the the act of boosting global understanding it. About Habs Girls’ School www.habsgirls.org.uk Founded in 1875, Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls is a leading independent school for students aged 4 to 18 years. Based in Elstree, Hertfordshire, its current and historic academic results place it amongst the highest ranked independent schools operating in the UK today. Set over 40 acres of stunning countryside and within easy reach of London, the school is committed to the development of each individual child, providing a challenging, friendly learning environment and a positive, stimulating and secure community that welcomes students from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Based on the same campus as Habs Boys, Habs Girls’ School is able to provide single-sex education, in a co-educational environment, nurturing happy, hardworking pupils and preparing them to become citizens of a global 21st Century.

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8 dvert rtworkinal.indd 18 11 At the heart of the community Exeter School, Devon, “We believe it is extremely important to have defibrillators is the recipient of a UK on site; as a very busy and active Heart Safe Award. The school, our facilities are used all school won the award for year round. “We know that defibrillators save the Education category lives and I am proud to work at of the awards, hosted Exeter School where we provide by Jenny Powell and the this service and facility for our school and local community. Hand on Heart Charity. Thank you for our award.” The award was made for Operations Manager Craig Stewart Exeter School’s investment in said: “We hire our facilities to There are three more – in the an interactive video https://life- five defibrillators for school many public groups and wanted swimming pool reception, sports saver.org.uk and community use. In the last to make sure our life-saving hall reception and in the medical twelve months, Exeter School has equipment was on hand, should School Nurse Lisa said: “This room. The school is a secure acquired two new defibrillators to the need arise. school year, as well as training site with CCTV but the cabinets add to the three already available our staff, pupil life guards and “Two defibrillators are housed housing the defibrillators are not across the 25-acre site. Combined Cadet Force pupils, in accessible cabinets on the locked so these can be accessed School Nurse Lisa Barlass said she school grounds; one is outside at all times.” we are also planning to roll out was absolutely delighted Exeter the headmaster’s office and the further defibrillator training to 114 members of staff have School had been recognised as a other is on the external wall of even more pupils. We believe been trained in the use of a heart safe environment. the astro turf changing rooms. the lifelong educational value defibrillator - 21 in the past year. in making children aware of The school’s first aid training the presence and operation of MOTIVATIONAL, ASPIRATIONAL, ENCOURAGING incorporates defibrillator training defibrillators is priceless.” so all staff who attend this are YOUR CHOICE, ANY SIZE, trained. Exeter City Swimming Club SHAPE, STYLE, trains daily in the four-lane, FRAMING In-house defibrillator training OR COLOUR! delivered by the School Nurse is 25-metre indoor swimming pool. run during the Health & Safety Over 20 external organisations inset training day, held once hire the school’s facilities on a year. Two further qualified a weekly basis from archers to members of staff deliver hockey and football players to defibrillator training to pupil korfballers! There are another lifeguards, of whom there are dozen who make use of the currently 28. This training is school’s extensive grounds and refreshed as appropriate in the facilities a few times a year, from half termly training sessions for musicians wishing to use the the lifeguards. Music School to Laser Camp, the Pupils who are involved in the holiday childcare provider, which Combined Cadet Force also hires the school every Easter, May receive defibrillator training. half term and for four weeks over Around a dozen Upper Sixth (Year the summer, to the IPC which 13) pupils in the RAF section provides English language tuition undertake training every year. to foreign students. Every year, around 30 Year 10 pupils participating in the Duke Clear signage can be found at the of Edinburgh Scheme undergo site of each defibrillator. Exeter Goldtree Bespoke, lifesaving training as part of the School is a landing site for the 9 Huffwood Manor Trading Estate, Coastguard helicopter and used Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8AU Skill section of the Bronze Award. This lifesaving training includes on occasion for emergencies due QUALITY & For further info and your questions answered: the use of a defibrillator via the to its location next to the Royal Tel: 0345 260 2350 or 01403 711553 BESPOKE Email: [email protected] SERVICE Life Saver website which includes Devon & Exeter Hospital. Pictured (l to r): Lisa Stewart, Bursary and Training Administrator; Lisa Barlass, School Nurse; www.goldtreebespoke.co.uk Matt Saunders, Maintenance Supervisor, with students

14 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Principal installed alongside King’s and Queen’s Scholars Full STEM ahead The Principal of King’s Ely, John as Principal of King’s Ely Elizabeth II in 1973. The Bedford Girls’ School (BGS) Attwater, and twelve new King’s in September this year, was Scholarships are honorary welcomed over 100 female and Queen’s Scholars have been also formally admitted to the positions, awarded annually students from Mark Rutherford, officially installed at a service in Foundation by the Dean of on the basis of students’ GCSE Goldington Academy and Castle Newnham schools for STEM Ely Cathedral. Ely, Mark Bonney during the results. service, which combined hymns, Ambassador training workshops. The Admission of Scholars’ readings, prayers and an anthem Scholars, who are all Year 12 Delivered by Neil Atkins of ceremony saw all of King’s Ely performed by King’s Ely’s students at King’s Ely, become Rubbish Science as part of the Senior pupils and the Scholars’ 40-strong Chapel Choir, together members of the Cathedral schools local Physics Partners partnership, the purpose of the proud families coming together with an uplifting sermon from Foundation, strengthening the workshops was to challenge and in the Cathedral. The Scholars the Bishop of Huntingdon. special link between King’s Ely received their distinctive scarlet engage students with the world King’s Scholars (boys) were and the Cathedral, and they also and wonder of STEM (Science, gowns, the colour traditionally inaugurated by Henry VIII in qualify for other privileges and Technology, Engineering and symbolising a Royal foundation. 1541 and Queen’s Scholars appointments throughout the Mathematics) subjects. John Attwater, who took over (girls) at the request of Queen year. How to tackle maths anxiety in your school Maths anxiety affects thousands of • how to identify and understand children, young people and adults in maths anxiety in your school the UK. Seen and felt in classrooms, • what teaching approaches and homes and workplaces across the tools can build mathematical nation, it is considered a barrier to engagement and progress in maths, resilience as well as life. • how to make maths more Following the #PowerofMaths inclusive by opening doors to Roundtable with leading thinkers on industry maths anxiety, Pearson, has released • tips to engage parent and carers free guidance for schools on how to with the subject more effectively overcome this issue and build more confident learners, teachers and To build greater mathematical communities. confidence and resilience The Guide to Tackling Maths in your school, read the full Anxiety highlights recommendations guide at: go.pearson.com/ and practical tools, including: tacklingmathsanxiety

About Pearson: At Pearson, we believe in the power of maths. It’s an integral part of the world around us. That’s why everything we do focuses on building skills and confidence in maths so everyone can engage with opportunities, achieve, and progress throughout their lives. As we cannot effect such great change alone, our Power of Maths Roundtable series brings together leading influencers across education, academia, industry and the third sector to discuss and unlock contemporary issues facing mathematics in the UK today. To join the #PowerOfMaths conversation: • Visit go.pearson.com/powerofmaths • Follow @PearsonSchools on Twitter

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 15 World champ after 7 months! National Porscha Johnson, a Year 10 pupil strengthen her up for these sports. at Bolton School Girls’ Division, However, after her very first training trampolining has been named the GPC Under session at Kaos Strength Gym 60kg/Under 16 Powerlifting World in Preston, her coach, Rhianon champion Champion, despite taking up the Lovelace, was so impressed with her Will Fothergill, a Year 10 pupil sport only seven months ago. strength that she asked if she could at Bolton School Boys’ Division, enter her in the British Qualifier. She earned the World Champion has become English trampolining Her mum agreed, as long as title during the half term break champion (13-14 years category) Porscha wanted to take part. while representing Great Britain after enjoying recent success at at an international competition She started weight training two the English trampoline finals in in Slovakia. At 14 years old, days a week and, just eight weeks Sheffield where he won gold. she was not only the youngest later, she entered the British person on team GB but also the Qualifier at The Strength Factory in European youth youngest in the whole competition. Bolton. She not only won her class Nonetheless, she won the gold (Under 56kg/Under 16) but also set bouldering champion medal in her class, breaking two three British records: Squat 90kg, Toby Roberts, Year 10 pupil at World records and two European Bench Press 40kg and Deadlift a King Edward’s Witley, Surrey, massive 120kg. records along the way. has returned triumphant from Porscha’s introduction to Porscha progressed to the British the International Federation of Powerlifting came in April 2019. Powerlifting Championships, held Sport Climbing European Youth She also competes at a National in Bristol in August, where she won Championships in Brixen, Italy level in Athletics (hurdles) and the Under 56kg/Under 16 category having been crowned the new velodrome cycling and the initial and became a British Champion. In European Youth Bouldering idea behind Powerlifting was to addition, she set two World records Champion in his age category in Squat (100kg) and Deadlift (Male Youth B). (125kg). Competing in a field of 50 After this success, she was invited European competitors, representing to represent Great Britain at 23 countries, the win is even more the GPC World Championships of an accomplishment given 17 in Slovakia. By the time this Mr Mark Harrison, Director of of the top 20 climbers were a competition came, she had moved Co-Curriculum, at King Edward’s year older than Toby. The win has up a weight category due to Witley said, “Toby is a fine example natural growth to compete in the inspired Toby to enter the European of the role sport can play in shaping Under 60kg/Under 16 class. She Lead Climbing Championships in individuals, developing emotional went on to win the Gold in her new Russia during October, with his resilience and identifying strategies category and even set new World sights firmly fixed on next year’s to overcome challenges providing records in Squat (110.5kg) and World Youth Championships in a clear pathway to improved Deadlift (128kg). China. performance and ultimately victory”. Rugby ‘royalty’ returns World Rugby chairman, sporting school for a special Centenary Ellesmere College 1st XV and Wrekin become captain of the England celebrity and former Ellesmere rugby match. College 1st XV with Abraham Darby Rugby Union Team, earning 34 1st XV. College student, Sir Bill Beaumont, Bill and Judith were special guests caps, chairman of the International Rugby World Cup referee Luke and Luke officiated the inaugural The home team were victorious Rugby Board and chairman of Pearce and Judith Phelps, chairman North Midlands Rugby Football in the match which ended 35-0, the Rugby Football Union. He has of the Shropshire RFU, were Union’s (NMRFU) Centenary Bill learned to play rugby while at been chairman of World Rugby welcomed to the north Shropshire School’s Challenge Cup between Ellesmere College and went on to since 2016.

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InspireMaths_A4Advert_Dec19_Final(2).indd 1 18/12/2019 17:44 “Inspirational” event supports tomorrow’s entrepreneurs Schools are being invited to pupils from other schools - to register their interest in an event help develop and refine their specifically arranged to develop and commercial awareness and support the entrepreneurial skills of innovation skills,” says Lovejoy. their sixth form pupils. The 2020 “It’s a very motivational event Bryanston Business Conference will that is unlike anything else the provide pupils from schools and young participants will have sixth form colleges right across the encountered in their coursework region with a unique opportunity and it really does open their eyes to feed off the energy and passion to the possibilities and realities of of visionary business leaders from business life.” many sectors of industry – from The 2020 Bryanston Business fashion and beauty to property and Conference will be on Friday 19th technology. June. In previous years, mentors The annual event has continued have included familiar names from to grow in stature and popularity the world of industry, including and mentors, with all attendees provide an indication of the shape since it was first introduced in 2013. Julia Hailes MBE, Sebastian Conran, then voting for their favourite of things to come, as they are so According to the event organiser, Claire Dresser, Sophie Harley, idea. The three winning teams mindful of the impact of their ideas Amanda Lovejoy, Development Justin Urquhart-Stewart, Adam then receive prize money for their on people and the environment. Manager at Bryanston School, Greenwood, Tom Honey and Alison selected charity. The winners at The Conference helps to nurture Dorset, the conference provides Kyle. Many previous mentors will the 2019 Conference raised £500 and encourage such a focused an important opportunity for be returning for the 2020 business for Children on the Edge, £250 for mindset. And our role as mentors is budding entrepreneurs from schools conference at Bryanston alongside Air Ambulance UK and £100 for to show what’s needed to turn the to develop their business ideas other business leaders from a diverse WasteAid. spark of a good idea into something and skills alongside respected and range of industries. that really can make a difference “It is a pleasure to have the inspirational mentors from the while also providing a fulfilling and The Conference takes place at opportunity of working with world of industry. rewarding career.” Bryanston School and comprises tomorrow’s visionaries and “Far from adopting a conventional a series of workshops with the entrepreneurs,” says Adam Any school keen for their pupils format, the Bryanston Business mentors working with teams of Greenwood, a technology futurist to attend this year’s Bryanston Conference provides pupils pupils to develop new ethical and regular mentor at the Business Conference should with a challenging but exciting business products or services. Bryanston Business Conference. register their interest at the hands-on experience to work The event culminates with each “The motivations and refreshingly earliest opportunity by contacting with highly successful business mentor’s selected team giving a different approach to business Amanda Lovejoy at development@ men and women – as well as short presentation to all pupils of the next generation really do bryanston.co.uk. Pictured: Leading jewellery designer, Sophie Harley (third from right), with the winning team of West Country sixth formers at the 2019 Bryanston Business Conference Time for tea Reception children from Ranby Jane Jackson, House Manager at House School, Nottinghamshire, Charter Court, said: “It’s such a entertained some special visitors just lovely idea. They were all very keen before Christmas as retired residents to meet with the children. Everyone from Charter Court were hosted at was excited and looking forward the school for afternoon tea. to it. We have a range of ages of Former Prime Minister and MP for Maidenhead The event was organised by residents who went along, from Theresa May interviewed by students at the event Reception teacher Adam Newton those in their 70s up to who one who firmly believes in the benefit of lady who is 94 years old!” Female Leaders initiative bringing the generations together. The children of Ranby House were More than 400 pupils from 8 1919 and her historic achievement “There have been countless studies schools across Plymouth gathered at paved the way for the fairer – all pointing towards a positive excited to greet their guests, serving Plymouth College late last term to democracy we see in Britain today.” impact for both groups, “said Adam. cake and biscuits and sharing a join an historic walk from the school board game or two. to the Nancy Astor Statue unveiling The Nancy Astor unveiling marks “For children, it helps develop on the Hoe. the launch of Plymouth College’s their social skills; teaching them Future Female Leaders initiative to slow down, to listen and to be The event had been coordinated by that includes a series of lectures Plymouth College staff and students patient. For older people, many and workshops to celebrate and who had been preparing for a studies link social interaction with empower the female leaders of number of weeks. Said Ann Chubb, decreased loneliness, as well as History Teacher and organiser: tomorrow. Speakers are already incredible physical benefits as well. “Lady Astor changed the course of confirmed for 2020 and the The sharing of knowledge between history by becoming the first woman initiative promises to be a real these two groups is fascinating to to take her seat in the House of success, with some of the city’s most watch and in many ways can teach Commons after she was elected MP influential women imparting their tolerance and understanding that for Plymouth Sutton in November expertise and advice. goes both ways.”

18 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 19 Focus on wellbeing Why every school needs a mental first-aider We often hear that today’s children are more stressed than previous generations and the number of children seeking help for anxiety and mental health issues has risen sharply. Recent data from the NSPCC’s Childline service shows that even those as young as 4 years old are displaying signs of panic attacks, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Alicia Eaton, children’s emotional wellbeing specialist, discusses what schools can and should do...

In the last three years alone, successfully and fulfilling their 120,000 referrals were made potential. To make matters worse, Three top tips: by schools seeking professional those who suffer from anxiety 1. It’s good to talk mental health help with 56% and depression as children, are Talking about how we feel can be tricky to begin with because it’s a of these referrals coming from likely to carry the problems into fairly abstract concept – how do you describe feeling sad, scared or primary schools, adulthood. excited? A child without the appropriate vocabulary skills might use Growing up in an environment The good news is that anxiety actions instead, which can cause even more problems such as anger or defiance – so it’s good to teach children about their emotions from with worrying news items is a very treatable condition. an early age and equip them with an extensive vocabulary to describe about the threat of terrorism Enlightened psychologists will these more accurately. Being able to talk about how you feel helps you or climate change, an endless now refer to anxiety as something to feel more in control. stream of school exams and that’s often the result of an online social media bullying all emotional ‘injury’ to the mind 2. Breathing techniques contribute to a heightened sense rather than a ‘disorder’ – for that Anxiety or panic attacks create a shortness of breath and can also lead of anxiety. Even when children word immediately suggests it to a pale complexion, tightness in the chest and even fainting. These are having fun playing computer is part of a long-term problem symptoms will naturally create even more anxiety and so the cycle will continue. “Take a nice deep breath” is often the traditional response to games, their bodies produce an and something that needs to seeing someone who is struggling, but this advice will simply increase adrenaline rush that never quite be endured. In reality, it’s now the unwanted feelings. Anxiety causes people to hold their breath and gets burned off. It’s not surprising possible to heal an emotional it’s when we have too much air trapped in our lungs that we feel we that most parents and indeed wound rather than leaving it to can’t breathe and start to panic. Teaching children good breathing teachers, will admit to feeling fester and turn into something techniques from an early age will enable them to manage difficult ‘lost for words’ when it comes much bigger. So just as children situations more effectively. to offering solutions or advice acquire bumps and scrapes on 3. Consider changes to the diet for dealing with these feelings of the outside of their bodies, we Certain foods can alter stress and anxiety levels as well as create mood anxiety. shouldn’t be surprised to discover swings – the two biggest culprits being caffeine and sugar, plenty of that it’s possible to get a few on Living with anxiety can which can be found in today’s energy drinks. The stimulating effects of have harsh and long-term the inside too. these create shaky, buzzy feelings that are very similar to anxiety and consequences, and children can It makes sense for today’s it’s worth considering whether many children are in fact experiencing ‘grow into’ their fears rather than teachers and parents to place these rather than suffering from anxiety or experiencing emotional out of them. Anxiety can set back learning mental first-aid skills problems. Thought should be given to the types of food and drinks a child’s emotional growth and high on the priority list, as being served in school tuck shops and served at lunchtimes. hamper performance in every area able to instruct children on how of their life. It will stop a child to manage feelings of anxiety Alicia Eaton is a children’s emotional wellbeing specialist based in from making friends, taking part effectively, will stop them from Harley Street and author of First Aid for your Child’s Mind available on Amazon priced £12.99. To find out more go to: www.aliciaeaton.co.uk in social activities, sitting exams spiralling out of control. Are we raising our children in captivity?

Habs Girls, Hertfordshire, hosted its first Pastoral Conference themed children’, encouraged the audience to remind those children in their care, around ‘Empowering Pastoral Excellence’. Close to 300 delegates that failure is an experience and not something to fear.

attended the event, which attracted interest from across the country The Conference included a timetable of workshops and special talks and heard headline speaker Professor Tanya Byron, (child & adolescent delivered by a line-up of speakers, who engaged with delegates on a mental health psychologist and author of The Skeleton Cupboard), variety of topics linked to pastoral wellbeing and the importance of deliver a thought-provoking speech on how we are ‘raising our children teaching happiness. The Conference agenda also covered some harder- in captivity’. Byron, who highlighted a growing decline in ‘free range hitting topics such as helping young people to find their own identities

20 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] A culture of openness can create change

A special debate forum GO Parent: Mental Health for business leaders at The Bonham Hotel in and Wellbeing conference Edinburgh recently was Godolphin School, Wiltshire, hosted about nurturing young people’s chaired by the Principal their first GO Parent conference, wellbeing in the online world and Talking Mental Health and this was followed by another Break of George Heriot’s School, Wellbeing, in collaboration with Out Session which included a talk Lesley Franklin, who has the Magna Learning Partnership. from Kevin West from the NSPCC Deputy Head Pastoral, Jenny and ‘inflating balloons of self- been a clear advocate of the need for schools to Price, sought the expertise of belief’ which resulted in a standing think and act differently in the development of professionals from the industry ovation for James Shone. with real, up to date and pertinent the mental robustness of the young. messages on a wide range of Deputy Head Pastoral, Jenny Price, starts with four core pillars, subjects. The programme offered a said ‘the message was one of ‘let’s During the forum, Lesley, pictured, formidable array of knowledge and talk’ and bring these topics to spoke about the challenges we ensuring that the right values are some hard-hitting messages. the forefront with several of our face as a society today regarding in place and are built on a strong speakers talking about their own stress and anxiety levels and also belief in kindness. The school Sean Fletcher (pictured) launched journeys and recovery.’ We need how schools like George Heriot’s is also fosters a culture of speaking the event with his deeply moving the support of our parents and by rising to the challenge by ensuring out and having the freedom to talk about his family’s struggles inviting them to join us for a day the right values are in place for its talk. Mental health education sits with his son’s OCD. Two Break dedicated to mental health, we students. Out Sessions followed from Hope within the curriculum and real can learn side by side, how to best Virgo, who spoke passionately of Speaking alongside four of her time is dedicated to it. support our young people’. students who each spoke with her personal battle with anorexia Chris Sheppardson, CEO at EP confidence and eloquence on and Alistair Speers, (Headmaster of Head, Emma Hattersley, said “Our Business in Hospitality, who what, until more recently, has Sandroyd Prep School) who spoke vision at Godolphin is to become hosted the event, commented: been a difficult and taboo topic, about resilience and managing a hub for promoting good mental Lesley addressed a number of “It is interesting that schools failure. The day continued with health. Community is important Scottish business leaders who like George Heriot’s are instilling sessions on self-harm from to us and we were privileged to were in attendance about the these values within their own Satveer Nijjar, online harms from join with the Magna Learning need to place kindness as the communities, especially as many Dr Claire Hardaker, and Amy Partnership for the day.” Forbes-Robertson from It-happens foundation stone to culture. businesses are also asking how they can find the same values in spoke about sex education. After The feedback from the day She explained: “It is important to their own talent. The question an amazing lunch, Dr Linda has been overwhelming and help develop the mental resilience Papadopoulos, a well-known and preparations for GO Parent 2020 of students as well as possessing posed by Lesley is that it does respected psychologist, spoke are well underway. a mind-set that has kindness at need to be part of your culture its core. This changes the culture and therefore starts with your and creates a “safe” environment approach to leadership. One for people to talk and have a of the features of Lesley’s talk voice as well as to fail and grow. that really struck home is the outside of potentially toxic friendship groups, spotting the signs of Too often environments are driven link to honesty and openness substance abuse, how to help students make safer choices around drugs by a fear factor and a feeling of within the school, which in turn, and alcohol, supporting bereaved children and understanding unhealthy insecurity. It is important today creates a greater understanding, coping strategies in young people. to ensure that people feel safe compassion and safety in talking Other speaker topics included how to build resilience and gender inclusion in their environment whether at about the issue. This was well in schools, as well as advising delegates on how to better manage their school or at work. illustrated by the four students child’s digital wellbeing by taking micro-actions to reduce stress. Leaders heard how the approach who all spoke about their own implemented by George Heriot’s experiences.”

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 21 Can different sized minibuses be driven on different licences?

When thinking about minibuses most schools assume their only option is a 17- seat minibus but there are other options available to schools, such as the 9, 12 and 14 seat minibuses from Ford. Having the right licence is always a concern to schools and so we asked Chris Maynard, Managing Director of Castle Minibus to talk us through the licence requirements for different sized vehicles.

‘Unfortunately’, starts Chris, ‘although the law disqualify them from eligibility for a D1 this might not be the case depending on may sometimes seem clear on weights and licence your interpretation of ‘payment and other licences, there are conditions that are open to • no trailer is being towed consideration’ and so there is an element of interpretation. Schools therefore must decide • where the driver’s licence only authorises risk here that should the worst happen your how to interpret them once they understand the driving of vehicles with automatic driver will be driving with the wrong licence the risks involved. We have sought expert transmission, that only a vehicle with regardless of the size or weight and the and legal advice over the years and have automatic transmission is used. school’s insurance would be invalid as well. distilled that advice into our best practice recommendations; it’s the safest way forward What does this mean Whatever size or weight you’re driving the same where the law is unclear. The most important for smaller vehicles? considerations for your drivers should apply; thing to remember is whatever vehicle is being It would appear from the above that a vehicle Know your weights: Driving an overweight driven safety, is paramount. with a MAM of 3.5 tonnes or under can be vehicle is dangerous whatever licence you What the DVSA says about driven on a standard B car licence. Therefore, hold so make sure you know your MAM and minibuses and licences some schools are opting for a smaller minibus maximum payloads. It’s especially important that carries less passengers so their staff can to know your weights if you’re driving without There are two types of licence that you can drive drive it on a standard B car licence. a D1 entitlement. a (9-16 passenger seat) minibus on depending on the vehicle weight and the driver’s conditions. Are your staff driving for no Check licences: It is important to regularly The Department of Transport’s guidance on payment or other consideration? check your drivers’ licences to see if any new Section 19 Permits states that drivers with a D1 This question has never been tested in penalty points or additional restrictions have entitlement, those who passed their test before court, but the expert legal advice sought by been added. 1 January 1997 may drive a small bus, not used Castle Minibus and County Councils such for hire or reward, of any weight used under the Eyesight and medical tests: Regardless of as Hertfordshire, has been crystal clear; that permit. There is no restriction on them receiving the entitlement drivers hold on their licences, teachers and school staff are driving on payment. regular eyesight and medical checks will help behalf of their employer and so this is for reduce risks. Drivers who passed their car test on or after payment. Looking for favourable recognition 1 January 1997, without a D1 entitlement such as a promotion by ‘volunteering’ to Continual training: Those who take a full D1 can only drive a small bus if all the following drive on school trips could be deemed ‘other test complete both a theory and practical test, conditions are met: consideration’ too. So, to avoid this grey area, those with a D1 (101) inherited entitlement • they have held a full category B car licence Castle’s recommendation is not to allow staff and Standard B car licences will also benefit for at least 2 years to drive school minibuses that carry more from ongoing training whether MiDAS, online than 8 passengers without a D1 entitlement. assessments and training, or a practical driving • they receive no payment or other Incidentally, this has been the law in the other assessment. consideration for driving other than out-of- 27 countries in the European Union since 1997. pocket expenses Every school should have a robust minibus • the vehicle has a maximum gross weight not Same licence and safety safety system that includes policies exceeding 3.5 tonnes, plus up to 750kgs considerations whatever and procedures of minibus and driver only for specialised equipment for the the size vehicle management. Those responsible need to carriage of disabled passengers to ensure It might seem that a smaller minibus ensure they understand the compliance and that the payload remains the same. This would require less consideration in terms legal issues surrounding licences and permits does not include ramps. of training, which may make some vehicles so they can make informed decisions on what • for drivers aged 70 or over, that they don’t more attractive to schools wanting to avoid size minibus is best for their school and what have any medical conditions which would the costs of D1 driver training. However, training they require for their staff. For more information on minibus compliance you can call Castle on 01869 253744 or email [email protected]

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 23 ProfileIn conversation with Fiona Miles

Born: 1975 You made the leap up from deputy their students over one or more years can be head to your first headship in April last every bit as meaningful as those of doctor and Schools and University Q year. What were the biggest personal patient and my belief in the transformative Attended: Nottingham High and professional challenges you faced in your power of a great teacher is a theme that first term? I return to often in staff meetings and School for Girls; Fitzwilliam assemblies. I’m pleased to say that there have College, Cambridge (BA English Simply being new has been the only been a couple of moments as a new head Literature); King’s College, greatest challenge: as a new head, when I have thought wistfully about Friday London (MBBS Medicine) Ayou don’t have the institutional night in A&E! knowledge, the deeply embedded networks or First job: the innate sense of “how we do things here” Do you still find time to teach to guide you. Fortunately, I have a very patient alongside the many other calls on a 1994, Housekeeping assistant, and supportive team around me, a warm and Q head’s time? BMI Park Hospital, Nottingham welcoming student and parent body, and because Loughborough High School is part Yes, I am currently teaching Year 7 First management job: of a foundation of schools, I have three other PSHCE and it is a wonderful way to 2001, Senior Tutor for Year 7, experienced heads to turn to when I am in Aget to know the pupils in the year Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for doubt. group. They are a real life-force and have set me straight on a range of topics from Brexit to Girls, Elstree With the wisdom of hindsight, and in mobile phones. Later this year, I will be leading the knowledge that some might be some sessions for Years 10-13 on medical law First job in education: Q hesitant about such a step, what advice and ethics and I am really looking forward to 1997, English teacher; would you offer other deputies about the getting to know the would-be medics across Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for skillsets they should acquire before applying the Loughborough Schools Foundation. for a head’s position? Girls, Elstree The High School was an early adopter Appointed to current job: Observe your current head carefully of iPads to aid learning. How are you and take every opportunity to stand Q now approaching the new challenges April 2019 Ain for them. I was fortunate to be of a world in which AI will play an ever-larger deputy to a wise and long-standing head who role inside and outside school? Favourite piece of music: gave me experience of all sorts of situations Beethoven Piano Concerto including deputising at governors’ meetings, It has been said that AI is the greatest No.5 in E-flat major taking a lead on a major building project innovation since the printing press and implementing various aspects of whole- Aand it certainly presents exciting Favourite food: school strategy, as well as some of the more opportunities to personalise learning. At Cake in all its forms difficult decisions that a head has to make. Loughborough High School, we keep two Make friends with your Bursar or Director of things in view in our approach to technology: Favourite drink: Finance and, most importantly, spend some firstly, that teaching and learning dictates its A strong cup of tea time working out what really matters to you in use (not the other way round) and secondly, terms of your vision for education. that the human heart and mind will be just as Favourite holiday destination: important, if not more so, in the age of robots. After graduating in English Literature Switzerland at Cambridge, you worked for a while You have introduced mindfulness into Favourite leisure pastime: Q as a teacher before re-training as a the curriculum as part of your efforts doctor. Shortly after you qualified, you then Q to combat mental health difficulties Playing the piano returned to teaching. What prompted those which afflict so many young people in the and church organ career changes? country as a whole. What steps do you take to ensure that your pastoral team pick up Favourite TV or radio My medical training was the most on issues with particular pupils before they programme/series: extraordinary, demanding and develop into serious problems? The Infinite Monkey Cage on Ahumbling experience of my life. I entered into it with the fervent belief that Excellent pastoral care is a top priority Radio 4 medicine was my calling but I gradually at Loughborough High School and one came to feel that I had more of an impact on in which all staff have a role, whether Suggested epitaph: A people’s lives as a teacher than as a doctor. they are subject teachers, support staff or Always Learning The relationships that a teacher develops with members of the pastoral team. We have a very

24 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Fiona Miles has been head of Loughborough High School, Leicestershire, since the start of last term. She was previously Senior Deputy Head at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Girls in Hertfordshire.

strong team of heads of year, all of whom lives and breathes their subject and who ultimately inhabit will be co-educational and have an impressive knowledge of the pupils communicates with energy and enthusiasm. the Foundation offers plenty of opportunities in their year group, and they are led by our Keeping subject passion alive is vital and we for joint activities, from our combined cadet highly skilled Assistant Head, Pastoral, and encourage our staff to undertake further force to our first class music and drama Senior Deputy Head. We are committed to study, participate in action research projects performances. I really do believe that we offer ensuring that every student is noticed and and give talks on areas of special interest. I the best of both worlds in terms of education valued and this has been a focus for our still have plenty to learn about headship, so for girls. staff training this year. Many of our staff are the law degree will have to wait for a few Mental Health First Aid trained and we intend years, but I do make a conscious effort to let to roll this out to all staff in the near future. Who, or what, inspired you to get my students know that I continue to read and into teaching? We also place great value on pupil voice and learn new things. our student-led Wellbeing Committee meets Q every three weeks to discuss and implement As a family member of the My mum (a primary school teacher), ideas for enhancing wellbeing within the Loughborough Schools Foundation, my two fantastic A Level English school community. the High School is said to gain from Q teachers and Dr Alistair Hunter, my a ‘cross-pollination of ideas, social and A second year anatomy tutor, who explained Research suggests that teachers will educational interaction with boys and girls experience less stress themselves from the other schools on campus’. Your the mysteries of the circulatory system using Q provided the six cornerstones of teaching career has been exclusively in an empty Persil box and several feet of rubber sound employment practice are met - girls-only settings, which you presumably hosepipe. namely fair salary; opportunity for personal advocate, so what would your asessment be development; healthy approach to work-life of the benefits of this interaction? As we enter the New Year, what is balance; recognition and a sense of purpose; your key hopes for education in this great school culture; meaningful perks and Single-sex schools have an Q country during 2020? benefit package. Is this right? How does the incredibly important role to play High School shape up on those benchmarks in the education of young women: I hope to see a really positive under your leadership? A narrative about the teaching we constantly celebrate female endeavour and achievement, no subject is off-limits to profession emerge, so that we can Great people make great schools and I A girls and when our younger students look continue to attract the brightest and best to believe that the staff at Loughborough up, they see female student leaders and role what is undoubtedly the best career in the High School are our finest asset. A models. Nonetheless, the world that they will world. Conversations with my colleagues certainly suggest that they have a high level of job satisfaction along with a strong sense of being part of a wider family. My newly appointed Deputy Head, Academic, is optimising opportunities for staff development and he takes a strong lead on work-life balance, for example discouraging staff from responding to emails at weekends and holidays. We are not complacent, however, and the Foundation is currently engaged in an external review of our working conditions, pay and benefits, the results of which we will know shortly.

You are an advocate of life-long learning, and you lead by example Q with your wish to study for a degree in law. How can such an enthusiasm be imparted to your pupils in such a way that it stays with them for life?

When I talk to students about their learning, they tell me that Athere is nothing better than being in a classroom with a teacher who

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 25 £24m topping out

New nursery creates The highly anticipated Oundle the use of retractable seating, School, Northamptonshire, Sports a 70-station fitness suite, a all-through school Centre recently marked a major dedicated dance studio, and three milestone in its progress with a further multi-purpose rooms. Dual New Hall Nursery celebrated its and to expand the School’s topping out ceremony. use has been factored into the official launch last term with the promise to provide the best start development to ensure that there Bishop of Brentwood, the Rt Rev. in life,” said Katherine Jeffrey, The event gathered Oundle School will be year-round community and Alan Williams, visiting to bless the Principal. The Nursery offers representatives including Head sports club access to the state-of- new building, take a tour of the options for both all year round Sarah Kerr-Dineen, alongside the-art facilities that span 5,000m2 facilities and to meet New Hall and term time only care, starting contractors GRAHAM, to celebrate of space. at the age of 1, from 8.00am until the progress of the £24m project. School’s newest pupils. The School has invested 6.00pm with extended day care on Once complete in Spring, The Nursery comes as an addition considerably in its sporting offer from 7.30am to 6.30pm. Oundle School Sports Centre to the Essex School’s existing infrastructure as part of a wider will accommodate a 50-metre Preparatory and Senior Divisions. Constructed by the Stable Sports MasterPlan that has also swimming pool, an eight court led to the development of a new The new Division opened its doors Company, the Nursery was sports hall that offers adaptable athletics track, eight additional to pupils in September, marking completed over the summer and playing space for a range of sports, tennis courts, two new AstroTurf the establishment of New Hall provides an inspiring environment for the School’s youngest pupils as well as the opportunity for pitches, and six additional netball as the first Catholic all-through whole School assemblies through courts. school in Essex, offering an to explore, develop and grow. The educational provision for day ceremony to mark the building’s official opening was attended by students from Nursery to Sixth Inspirational building opens parents, pupils, School Governors, Form, with boarding available for Scott Green from The Stable pupils from Year 3. Company, Councillor Janette Potter, “Introducing a new Nursery Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford allows New Hall to offer excellent and Chelmsford City Council wraparound care to more families representatives. Pictured: Mrs Jeffrey, Principal, Bishop of Brentwood, Rt. Rev. Alan Williams and Councillor Janette Potter, Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford with New Hall pupils and guests at the official opening New Hall Nursery Extension completed

The new state-of-the-art Activity landscape, while an eight-metre Centre at St George’s College, Surrey, change in level across the site has been completed. created a disconnection between the main school buildings and the The creation of the new facility higher-level athletics track. marks the 150th Anniversary for the Junior School and College, Architects Scott Brownrigg proposed and replaces a1980s pre-fabricated an Activity Centre that would link building with a new 4,000 sq m, the School and the athletics track three-storey Activity Centre. in an elegant way. Key to achieving Rachel Owens, Headmistress at this was a processional staircase St George’s College, said: “It was located at the heart of the building, important to have an inspirational based on the staircase at Wells Cathedral. This provides a visual The Moat School, London, has undergone a complete extension of its front building as children really respond to their surroundings. We wanted connection between all the spaces, of house area, the additional space has provided a new English classroom them to sit up and think ‘this is to inspire and engage students. and counselling room as well as additional office spaces. a great space and I can do great Greg Cole, Bursar at St George’s The new frontage provides a light and inviting area for prospective parents things here’.” Weybridge, concludes: “Scott and current pupils. The project presented a number Brownrigg understood exactly The space will also start to make room for the expansion of the site of challenges. Located on Green what we wanted and produced an and The Moats SpLD specialist sixth form provision it will be offering in Belt land, it was important that impressive design that far exceeded September 2020. the building blend in with the our expectations”.

26 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] DYNAMIC learning ENVIRONMENTS

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 27 Sustainability... environment...

Eco-conscious pupils take action Inspired Stockport Grammar provide information to both pupils Junior School pupils have set up and parents about the importance an Eco Committee with the aim of clean air. They gave stickers of making the whole school more to pupils who made a cleaner air environmentally friendly. pledge.

The Eco Committee, which is made Stockport Grammar School has up of pupils from across the year already undertaken a number groups, started by completing of initiatives to minimise the an Environmental Review of the environmental footprint. These school in order to begin the Eco include: School journey and provide ideas • Installing solar panels on the of areas to focus on. This included newer buildings to generate topics such as waste, energy and power biodiversity. Carbon Charter Award • Allotment Club to encourage As well as holding regular meetings, pupils to grow their own fruit Members of the Royal Hospital School’s pupil-led Eco Committee have pupils have used their creative and vegetables collected the RHS Gold Carbon Charter Award. flares to design posters about the • Sourcing purchases from local Three RHS pupils gave a presentation on how the school had achieved environment and a selected few suppliers, where available, to the Golden Carbon Charter award for a second time and what the school were chosen to be printed on minimise transport, particularly is doing to build on this in the future. The award recognises the school’s banners that are now displayed for fresh foods carbon reduction measures and its work with pupils, staff and the wider outside the school. • Using vegeware products in the community to raise awareness and change behaviours to become more environmentally sustainable. Earlier in the year, on Clean Air refectory rather than plastic Day, the group set up a stall at the • Switching bulbs in the school The Eco Committee has played a large part in educating and school gates in the morning and to efficient LEDs and installing encouraging the school to focus on change. Campaigns have included by the walkway at lunchtime to lights that turn themselves off teaching everyone to recycle correctly, conserve heat and electricity in boarding houses as well as a food waste reduction programme. Recently, a campaign illustrating the number of single-use plastic bottles the school got through in a month led to the introduction of stainless-steel refillable bottles for every pupil. Pictured: Nigel Griffiths, facilities manager with pupils Students support Just One Tree

‘Big Climate Fightback’ Students at West Buckland School, This is also part of an initiative, Devon, from age 3 upwards, have started by the school’s Ecology and planted 840 ‘wildlife friendly’ trees Wildlife Society, which was set up a Just One Tree is a non-profit day with everyone wearing second- on the school’s campus as part year ago and which has introduced a initiative removing CO2 from the hand, recycled and up-cycled, of the ‘Big Climate Fightback’ number of initiatives to improve the atmosphere through reforestation. clothing. launched by the Woodland Trust. ecology and environment around From Nursery to Sixth Form, The charity is donating free trees the campus, something that the students at Burgess Hill Girls, Head Liz Laybourn celebrated the to schools and started the hashtag students feel very strongly about. Sussex, showed their support for students’ protests: “It is heartening #everytreecounts. The children at Other initiatives have included Just One Tree by raising money to see that tomorrow’s women of West Buckland are hoping that planting a wildflower meadow last to plant trees to combat climate Burgess Hill Girls are determined other schools will follow their summer, and removing the use of change. The girls wanted to put to take action, raise awareness and example. single use plastic at school. their own spin on the Just One Tree inspire wider behaviour change.”

28 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Fresh approach on sustainability Pupils at Christ College Brecon monitor the amount of waste going have established an initiative to to landfill. At the end of the month make the school more sustainable the house with the least number in a campaign to reuse, reduce and of bags of general waste will get recycle. points awarded to them.

The initiative includes a recycling As well as their recycling program program, distribution of reusable the pupils aim to ensure every pupil drinks bottles, and raising at the school has a reusable water awareness of the environmental bottle provided by Christ College. impacts of the school and how it Pupils from year three to eight were can become more sustainable. the first to receive reusable bottles with them being rolled out across Open to Bugs The pupils have introduced a all year groups and staff at the Maltman’s Green School, materials and practical expertise for recycling programme that includes school. recycling bins in all common Buckinghamshire, has installed the construction of the bug hotels. rooms, houses at the school and Curriculum for Life project leader, three huge, new bug hotels on All the Maltman’s girls have been main areas as well as a crisp Liz McLean, who is supporting school grounds. able to take part – from those in sixth form pupils with the initiative packet recycling programme Bugs are having a tough time. day-care all the way up to Year 6. said: “This is a great initiative and a with TerraCycle and bins with The girls collected a wide range worthwhile challenge. We are very With the increased loss of natural biodegradable bags for food waste. of natural materials including proud of the Lower Sixth pupils habitats, the cracks and crevices sheep’s wool, bark, twigs, slate, Each school house has elected for leading it. They expressed a that bugs use to shelter, live and Senior House Representatives who desire to make the school more breed are being destroyed. A bug straw, leaves and acorns, to go will monitor their house’s recycling sustainable and wanted to make a hotel offers a great way to recycle into their bug hotels – lots for the and ensure all waste is collected. difference. a mixture of household/garden bugs to explore! The girls enjoyed materials, and provides all kinds visiting each bug hotel site to learn A points system has also been set “The group agreed on ways to do of creepy crawlies with somewhere more about construction, building up to encourage the whole school this and presented these to the to live. materials and biodiversity and to get involved and engage pupils school. They are very forward- in every house. Every bag of general thinking pupils and are very This project has been in enjoyed packing in all their natural waste accumulated by each house passionate about ensuring the conjunction with Willmott Dixon materials and watching the hotels will be added to a spreadsheet to initiative is implemented.” who have supplied building grow to two meters tall.

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West End stars inspire cast Upper School students from The theatre legend, Maria Friedman They also received a visit from Lucy Hall, Head of Drama, who King Alfred School, North London was a real treat. The show is Matt Lucas (see picture) who directed the production said: “The poured their hearts and souls sung-through, with no spoken plays Thénardier in the West End level of commitment from the into a dramatic production of Les dialog, so her tips for performing production of Les Mis. Matt spent cast has been incredible. These musical numbers were a boost for are students who are working Misérables this term, culminating time with the cast, listened in on the students. After attending the towards exams and have a lot on in a three-night run in the school’s a rehearsal and gave performance first night performance she said: their plates but they’ve thrown Phoenix Theatre. advice ahead of the show. Matt “The production was beyond my themselves into this difficult In the run up to the show the cast expectations, great story telling, said: “It was so great to meet musical and the passion and talent were lucky enough to receive visits from the heart, raw and honest, the students. I was blown away on the stage spoke for itself. I know from two stars of the West End. beautifully staged with amazing by their talent, passion and I speak for the whole team when I A singing masterclass by musical singing.” commitment.” say we couldn’t be prouder.” ‘Arabian Nights’ weaves its spell 30 pupils from Year 7 to Upper to tell involving genies, villains, Sixth at The Royal Senior School, heroes and princesses. But she Surrey, have just enjoyed success in must keep her husband the king entertained with her stories to a 3 night run of ‘Arabian Nights’. save her own life and the lives of This musical introduces all the maidens of the land. Will Sheherazade, the greatest Ali Baba’s encounter with the 40 storyteller of them all. She has a thieves do the trick? Can the story feast of adventures and fantasies of Aladdin help her live another day? The audience found their answer in a show full of adventure, magic and wonder! Mr Taylor Gooby, Head of Drama, Glitz and glamour Well known fairytale characters results! Audiences of proud parents, said: “As ever, I wanted to choose were welcomed to St Mary’s Senior a play that gives as many actors grandparents and siblings along School, Essex, for ‘a tale as old as as possible an opportunity to with Lower School pupils and time’ – Beauty and the Beast! develop a character and make a guests from local residential homes contribution to the show. Arabian For their showcase winter were thrilled to see the exploits of Nights contains stories and songs production, students from Years Belle, Dame Dolly and the Beast, that take us on adventure after 8-11 and staff from a variety of and happily applauded as the adventure and introduces the departments, all worked together tale unfolded. The show offered audience to more characters than to produce this glitz and glamour a perfect mix of beautiful musical any other play I’ve worked on!” extravaganza with spectacular pieces and comedy moments.

30 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools.pdf 1 09/01/2020 16:50:54

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 31 Music, Drama & Dance Challenging drama Cranleigh School, Surrey, Speech are not easy to master, but the Hall was abuzz with the senior cast tackled it with apparent ease. play; the culmination of months The dialogue was both clear and of hard work in the form of Mike engaging. Bartlett’s satirical “what-if” future history play, King Charles III. Directed by Dominique Chapman, it was a play in equal parts personal and political, as it navigates the stormy waters following the imagined death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her death leaves Charles as acting monarch, and perhaps unsurprisingly, chaos ensues. This ‘neo-Shakespearean’ tragedy, written entirely in blank verse, certainly presented a challenge Sisters to star at to the students. The swinging World Irish Dance rhythms of iambic pentameter Championships In The Heights proves a hit A cast of 160 Daunstey’s School, The School’s hi-tech sound Two sisters at Bedford Girls’ Both girls started dancing when Wiltshire, pupils, supported and light system brought the School (BGS) have a spring in they were just four years old and by more than 30 technical musical to life in spectacular their step after qualifying for the have won a host of regional and crew and band members, have fashion, and the band performed World Irish Dance Championships national awards. delighted sell-out audiences with the extraordinarily challenging 2020, which take place in Dublin Mrs Carolyn Howe, Head of the a challenging, energetic and score with great skill, energy and (4th - 12th April 2020). Junior School, said: “BGS and the exciting production of In the enthusiasm. Ava, 10 and Áine Cunningham, wider community are extremely Heights. Chris Walker, Director of Drama, 9, who dance for the Herlihy proud of Ava and Áine’s success. said; “In The Heights is a show Burgoine School of Irish Dance Making it to a prestigious World From the writer of Hamilton and about community. The fast-paced in Milton Keynes, qualified for Championships is the ultimate Disney’s Moana, Lin-Manuel rap, sharp dialogue and belting the finals with a winning Ceili goal for every competitive dancer Miranda’s musical tells the story songs fused with Latin rhythms team (Under 10) performance at and it is even more special that of a vibrant community in New and culture make for a show that the recent Southern Region of these two sisters get to achieve it York’s Washington Heights lives long in the memory. We were England Finals. together.” neighbourhood. fortunate to have the wisdom and Pictured (l to r): Áine and Ava The show received standing guidance of Jimmy Norden (who ovations from audiences totalling played drums in the original West Choir perform at some 3,000 who watched End cast) and Cleve September performances over the five-night (original West End cast member Festival of Light run. The cast was made up of of In The Heights and Hamilton) pupils from years 7 to 13 and, for to help the pupils achieve The Lockers Park Preparatory The 20-strong choir, resplendent in some, it was their stage debut. excellent results. School in Hertfordshire Chapel choral robes, had been practising Choir sang at Berkhamsted’s ever- hard in the run-up to the event popular Festival of Light towards and dazzled audiences with their the end of last year. seasonal set masterminded by the School’s Director of Music, Vincent Shaw. This was the fourth year running the local prep school has supported the event. Headmaster Christopher Wilson comments: “Singing at the Berkhamsted Festival of Light is always a real honour for our pupils who relish the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. The Chapel Choir executed their set brilliantly and set the tone for what is a wonderful local event.”

32 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Drama & Dance Joining forces to stage Les Misérables Pupils from Bryanston School wonderful to see how well the and The Blandford School students of both schools have have just taken part in one of worked together in pursuit of the the most ambitious theatrical same goal and they should all productions ever staged by be very proud of what they have two Dorset schools. The achieved.” performance of Les Misérables Although Bryanston and The at the Coade Hall at Bryanston Blandford School have been saw the combined cast from both schools deliver a performance of working together for many professional standard to packed years, the performance of audiences over four consecutive Les Misérables was the first nights. combined theatrical production. Both schools are now looking “This was a challenging but very to build on the success of the fulfilling project for everyone project and their increasingly involved”, said Duncan Fowler- close connection. Other recent Watt, Director of Performing projects have included a visit to Arts at Bryanston. “Organising rehearsals around the very Oxford by sixth formers of both different timetables of both schools and the joint attendance schools was something of a of head pupils to a Leadership juggling act, but the end result Conference at Wellington is a credit to everyone involved - College. Senior staff at both from the stage crew and unsung Bryanston and The Blandford heroes behind the scenes, to School are currently in discussion the performers who excelled regarding a number of new joint in every way to deliver a truly initiatives in 2020 covering sport, spectacular show. It has been science, humanities and the arts.

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A Christmas Carol The Kingswood School, Bath senior production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ took place at the end of last term, playing to packed houses every night – including a matinee with over 300 primary school children attending. Little Shop of Horrors National Youth The show must go on – when supportive competitiveness during recent flooding forced King’s High rehearsals and led the actors to Choir Selection School and Warwick School to keep upping their game - the One pupil from The Buchan School cancel a performance of their joint entire company produced awesome and two from King William’s production, Little Shop of Horrors, performances College on the Isle of Man have pupils responded by delivering secured places singing with the Cat Price said “What allowed the a rescheduled matinee, which National Youth Choirs of Great performances to flow so smoothly buzzed with all the energy of this Britain in 2020. was the incredible set, designed colourful and anarchic production. and built by Ian Roberts and Having impressed the audition Miss Cat Price, Director of Drama painted so skilfully by Wendy panel, Isaac Kreisky (aged 9), at King’s High School and Mr Morris - which captured the Dominic Sgouraditis (aged 11) Mike Perry, Director of Drama at comic book feel I wanted for this and Sebastien Sgouraditis (aged Warwick School both commented: production and enhanced the 14) have been selected to attend “70 of our talented actors, tremendous efforts of all those on residential courses in the UK where musicians and technicians brought and behind the stage so brilliantly. they will be coached by some of the charmingly silly Little Shop It was a delight to work with Sam Britain’s leading professionals in of Horrors to the Bridge House Young (Musical Director) again vocal training and musicianship. Theatre. The company worked - his professionalism and talent They will also have the opportunity tirelessly to ensure the tongue- knows no bounds and the way he to perform at some of the top in-cheek narrative of this quirky concert venues in the country. Pictured: National Brothers Sebastien Sgouraditis and guided our students and the band Dominic Sgouraditis have secured places singing with the musical delighted audiences over ensured that the performances Isaac has been singing since the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain six shows! were of the highest quality. I could age of four and is currently taught years, including taking part in the “Double casting the lead roles not be prouder of what everyone by Sue Mills, Head of Music at The Sheffield Plate competition this provided a lovely sense of achieved.” Buchan School. He is a regular year. member of the Boys’ Choir and Brothers Sebastien and Dominic The Buchan Chamber Choir and have been members of St German’s has achieved success in a number Cathedral Choir for nearly five of classes at The Guild over the years and are taught by Ruth Tickle and Dr Litman respectively. They are two extremely talented musicians and between them are also learning the violin, electric guitar and piano. Sebastien is currently studying for his Grade 6 singing, while Dominic will take his Grade 5 exam this term. Steve Daykin, Director of Music at King William’s College, said: “Choral singing is a particular strength at the Buchan and King William’s College and very much a Pictured: National Nine-year-old Isaac Kreisky key part of school life.”

34 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Drama & Dance Dire Straits John helps bursary cause Former Bromsgrove School pupil pupil at Bromsgrove, John joined West of England who told him The first set from John and the and founder member of Dire the School’s rock band and it about people who have the gift band didn’t disappoint, with many Straits, John Illesley went back was here that the bass became of healing traumatized horses. great classics from Dire Straits’ to his roots last term for two sell his instrument of choice. He was Nicholas started work on what was repertoire, including Brothers in out concerts held at the School’s Lance Corporal in the CCF and a to be his first novel. Published in Arms, Wild West End, Money for Performing Arts Centre, Routh House Monitor in his final year. the autumn of 1995, The Horse Nothing, Romeo and Juliet and Hall to support Bromsgrove Sport figured significantly in Whisperer has now sold around Sultans of Swing. School Foundation, a registered John’s school career as well - he fifteen million copies worldwide. The second half opened with a charity established to promote and was on the team for water polo, It has been the number one further interview by former Dire advance the School’s charitable athletics and gained his rugby bestseller in about 20 countries Straits Manager Paul Cummins purposes and philanthropic aims. colours whilst playing for the 1st and has been translated into 36 who led the audience on a The Foundation raises vital XV. He was awarded the ‘Green- languages. Since then, Nicholas journey of the band’s life from funds to provide bursaries for jacket cup’ in 1964, a year after he has written four more novels: The their humble beginnings in South Bromsgrove School and it aims joined the School. Loop, The Smoke Jumper, The London, to playing all over the to foster a life-long relationship Nicholas Evans left Bromsgrove Divide and his latest, The Brave. world to millions of fans. between the School and its alumni School to study law at Oxford (Old Bromsgrovians), parents and University, graduating with first friends. class honours. He then worked as The musician and front man was a journalist for three years on the interviewed on stage by fellow Evening Chronicle in Newcastle- Old Bromsgrovian and celebrated upon-Tyne before moving into author Nicholas Evans, who wrote television and producing films “The Horse Whisperer”. John about US politics and the Middle- recounted humorous anecdotes of East for a weekly current affairs his school days and it is rumoured programme called Weekend World. that his Housemaster at School Nicholas wrote and produced a told him that if he didn’t knuckle number of films for television down and work for his A levels, and the cinema. In 1993, he met John Illesley (right) with head Peter Clague he would be in dire straits... As a a blacksmith in the far South- Nell Gwynn heads to Solihull School The joyful and riotous comedy Nell Penned by Olivier Award-winning Gwynn brought laughs aplenty British playwright, theatre director when performed by Solihull School and screenwriter Jessica Swale, pupils over three nights last month Pictured: National Brothers Sebastien Sgouraditis and Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an Dominic Sgouraditis have secured places singing with the (December). unlikely heroine, from her roots in National Youth Choirs of Great Britain It is set in London in 1660, when Coal Yard Alley to her success as King Charles II exploded onto the Britain’s most celebrated actress scene with a love of all things and her hard-won place in the For all your loud, extravagant and sexy, and heart of the king. at Drury Lane, a young Nell is music education But at a time when women are causing stirrings amongst the considered second-class citizens, & performance equipment theatregoers. can Nell’s charm and spirit protect her from the dangers of the court? Music Stands, Solihull’s head of drama, James FREEPHONE Lights & Accessories Hammond, said: “Featuring 20 Music Folders 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & actors from the upper fifth to Accessories to join the Instrument & Sheet the lower sixth, a live band and Music Storage a radically configured Bushell education discount Conductor’s Equipment Hall auditorium, this really was a programme and save money on Staging & Risers production not to be missed. Theatre Products your purchases! Acoustic Products “Nell Gwynn has been described as a love letter to theatre itself and the cheerful chaos involved in putting on a play. This was a show filled with fun, joy and huge www.blackcatmusic.co.uk laughs for the audience.”

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 35 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Music, Drama & Dance Gala Night for Grand Opening The Royal Grammar School of the Creative and Performing Worcester held a special Gala Night Arts for children’s development performance of Les Misérables to before cutting a ribbon and mark the opening of their new declaring the Centre open. Performing Arts Centre. The guests then enjoyed a The Performing Arts Centre performance of this year’s musical includes a fully operational theatre, and were extremely impressed by two Drama studios, facilities for the quality of the acting, singing, Platinum accolade the actors, a spacious foyer area dancing and music making, all Bolton School’s Joint Concert impressed the adjudicators with all and state-of-the-art lighting and performed by the pupils. A plaque Band was recently invited to three pieces. sound facilities. There is even to mark the occasion was unveiled perform at the National Concert Following the performance, the a green screen for filming. The while the Headmaster, John Pitt, Band Festival (NCBF) heats, held Band was presented with a Platinum high quality of the facilities in thanked everyone who had made at Newman RC College in Oldham. the Centre was made possible by Award: the highest possible the creation of the Performing Arts The young musicians and their donations from members of the accolade. The Platinum Award also Centre possible. conductor Miss Hannah Sherry School community who were able comes with an automatic invitation took this opportunity to play in to sponsor seats in the theatre. The School’s Drama pupils gave six to perform at the Nationals in 2020, performances of the musical in the front of experienced adjudicators which will be held at RNCM in April. The Gala Night was a special event space of five days. This included a and receive valuable feedback. with local dignitaries, parents, The Music staff in both Divisions matinée performance which was alumni, friends and former pupils The group, which is made up of are delighted with the Joint Concert attending a black-tie pre-show delivered to an audience of local Senior School and Sixth Form Band’s achievement, and the young dinner. The Grand Opening was Primary School and Prep School pupils from both the Boys’ and musicians involved are now looking performed by Mrs Rosemary Ham, pupils. After the performance the Girls’ Divisions of Bolton School, forward to preparing for both the Chair of Governors when the plans student actors discussed the play played ‘Into the Clouds’, ‘How to Nationals and the host of school for the Performing Arts Centre with the children and answered Train your Dragon’ and ‘Klezmer music events throughout the rest of were introduced. Mrs Ham is their questions. The Performing Karnival’ at the event. They the year. herself a former English and Drama Arts Centre will be used for further teacher and Head of Department Drama productions throughout the from The Alice Ottley School which year, as well as for performances, Hitting the music charts merged with RGS Worcester in presentations, conferences and A pupil from Hampshire has seen for Arwen and members of the 2007. She spoke of the importance dance events for the community. her lyrics hit the UK music charts school’s ‘Peace Angels’ girls’ choir after working with international to help record her new single. artist, Tally Koren, on her new On working with Arwen and the song, ‘I am Peace’. choir, Tally said: “The recording 12-year-old Arwen Kitson, who was such a lovely experience attends the Ringwood Waldorf and the girls were in-tune and school situated on the Dorset confident. The whole experience and Hampshire border, produced was effortless and with real joy.” a poem as part of a national Fran Russell, Executive Director competition for children aged 7 to 11. Israeli-born Tally was so at the Steiner Waldorf Schools inspired by the profound words Fellowship, added: “The journey that she used them as part of her from winning a poetry competition latest single. to having the school choir feature on a new single has been an Tally Koren, who was named incredible one for the whole school best singer-songwriter at the – but especially Arwen and the London Fringe Awards in 2011, choir. is also a founding member of the competition Arwen entered and To listen to ‘I am Peace’, visit was immediately drawn to her iTunes: music.apple.com/gb/ poetic talent. After contacting album/i-am-peace-feat-peace- Arwen’s mother, Tally arranged angels-girls-choir-single

36 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature Mathsteasers: A welcome challenge for advanced learners Mathsteasers are a series of booklets that encourage deep thinking and productive struggle in advanced learners. Created for Years 4–8, Mathsteasers questions follow the 2014 English national curriculum, so they easily fit into your practice as extension material. Identifying struggling learners and supporting them is an important part of managing your classroom. But what about advanced learners? Just like struggling learners, it’s essential to give advanced learners the support they need. Embracing Struggle Celebrate Failure Tools for Success In most classrooms, children who Maths — No Problem! developed An essential part of this is letting Perseverance can make or break a excel at maths are praised and the Mathsteasers series as a pupils know that it’s okay to fail. pupil’s self confidence and even bumped ahead in the curriculum. classroom resource to address Children should see failing as a advanced learners need to hone This is a way of providing this problem. These booklets positive opportunity and learn this essential skill. By continuing them with a greater challenge of challenging problems make that the real failure is giving up, to challenge pupils you give and keeping them interested. it easier to focus on a pupil’s or not trying at all. Mathsteasers them the tools to succeed. It may However, these well-intentioned effort and on the process they are designed to be extra seem counterintuitive, but letting classroom strategies can cause advanced learners struggle and engage in rather than their challenging. They’re about giving trouble in the future. praising them for their tenacity ability to achieve. pupils new walls to hit so that The Problem with Praise their attitudes toward struggle rather than their achievement will By taking the emphasis away and failure become positive. ensure they go beyond even their When we tell advanced learners from simply getting the right own expectations. Seeing struggle in a positive things like “you’re so talented”, and answer, Mathsteasers help pupils light encourages children to “you did that so quickly” we may embrace struggle and develop go as far as they can with a actually be doing more harm than what Stanford psychologist Carol maths problem, and explain good. Advanced learners who’ve Dweck calls a ‘growth mindset’. never had to struggle to overcome their thinking. It shows them According to Dweck, children mathematical challenges and are that failing isn’t the end of the accustomed to praise, start to who have a growth mindset see world, because they have the believe that not struggling at maths themselves as being able to grow opportunity to try again, and go is a fundamental part of who they and develop through learning, further next time. are. So, when they inevitably run rather than running up against Mathsteasers are full of into trouble further down the road, their natural limitations. They’ve challenging questions and it can be a devastating blow to learned that intelligence isn’t are designed to make learners their self-image. fixed. It’s built through hard struggle. work, deep focus and — most This isn’t to say praise is out of the But solving the problem is importantly — resilience. Children assessment picture, but we need only a small, less important who embrace a growth mindset to praise wisely by placing value part of it. Teaching with see talent as only a starting on effort and perseverance rather Mathsteasers helps pupils learn point, and aren’t afraid to push than “smarts” or success. Praising to persevere and stretches their themselves further than they tenacity and resilience goes a long conceptual abilities so they can think they’re capable of. way. When pupils are praised on grow as learners. They learn their hard work, they gain a sense When pupils shift their attitudes that struggling is all part of of optimism and an awareness that towards learning, they gain more the process, it’s a productive they can learn and grow as they confidence, start to take risks and exercise they can build on lesson meet new challenges. reap bigger educational rewards. after lesson. Ready to take your advanced learners further? Find out more at: www.mathsnoproblem.com/independent-schools

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 37 School staff ‘suffer the Support staff breaks passive smoking effect’ of public sector austerity During November 2019, over 2,000 members took part in the National Education Union’s 2019 independent sector pay & conditions survey. And despite increased pay awards in the state sector, pay austerity for private school staff continues unabated, writes John Richardson, National Official Teachers’ breaks independent sector, National Education Union... In September 2019, just 3% And more than a third (34%) of independent sector teacher reported working every weekend. respondents stated that they And many teachers do not get a received a cost of living increase proper lunch break to recuperate. that matched, or bettered, the Only a third (33%) received the 2.75% state-maintained teacher NEU recommended minimum of award recommended by the School Teachers’ Review Body. With just a 40-minute lunch break; with 18% of support staff matching shockingly more than a quarter or bettering the lower 2% award (26%) not receiving the statutory received by state sector colleagues. minimum of an uninterrupted daily Worse, 28% independent sector break of 20 minutes. Support staff unpaid overtime teachers and 23% of support staff Many support staff have suffered reported that they received no cost- a double-whammy, with an of-living increase whatsoever. increasing trend amongst employers Many teachers working in the towards paying them only during sector have further woe, as term-time, while at the same time employers consider leaving the expected to work unpaid hours. Teachers’ Pension Scheme, due to More than half of all support staff increased employer contributions. respondents (51%) are paid for Some 35% of respondents reported working term-time only, meaning that their employer was consulting take-home pay over the year is staff on proposals to leave the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. substantially reduced. This is a Teachers working evenings significant deterioration from the While pay fails to keep pace with figure of 39% in the 2018 NEU inflation, workload is still on the survey. rise. More than half (60%) of teachers said that it had increased Further, more than two-thirds of since last year. More than two- respondents (71%) said that the thirds (67%) of teacher respondents demands of the job required them stated that they worked two or to regularly work extra hours, more evenings every week during with just over half (52%) doing so term time. without any remuneration.

Commenting on the survey results, Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said: For the past ten years, staff working in the independent sector have suffered Teachers working weekends the passive smoking effect of public sector austerity, with pay awards significantly below inflation. Despite increased pay awards in the state sector for the past two years, the majority of independent sector employers have failed to keep pace. To add insult to injury, pay and remuneration for staff working in the independent sector is being undermined in other ways. Support staff have witnessed the slow reduction of their paid hours, so that for many term-time-only work is becoming the norm. Many teachers in the sector are faced with a massive hit to their pensions by increasing number of employers proposing to leave the Teachers’ Pension scheme. Schools are people businesses. Employers would be well advised to put their staff first.

38 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Creativity recognised Young artists shine Three pupils from Ipswich High School, Suffolk, were picked out from more than 150 entries from 11 schools in the annual Anna Airy Award Exhibition. Staged by the Ipswich Art Society and hosted by the University of Suffolk, Ipswich High School students Louise Batchelor, Isabelle Tucker and Ellie Benfield won three of the four prizes available. Desmond Brett, senior lecturer in fine art at Norwich University of the Arts, who was one of the judges, or houses that are dark, dank and said: “The design work was of an abject”. excellent standard reflecting the Meanwhile, Isabelle Tucker, good work being done, especially pictured, picked up the Ipswich Art at Ipswich High School, which is Society Award for excellence in any clearly led by material handling and media for ‘Water Butt Bench’. knowledge of design technology processes. Judge Dr Susan Barnet, course leader in fine art at the University “It was encouraging to see some of Suffolk, said: “Isabelle work that considered other Tucker’s Water Butt Bench was a subjects outside the self-image or conceptually playful engagement portrait which looked to political with the serious subject of water events nationally and globally, ecology. and more pan-cultural topics and representation.” “The ambition of this functional sculpture was skilfully realised.” The overall Anna Airy Award was National success presented to Louise Batchelor with The Key Arts Award for innovation The artwork of Rossall School, apples and A Level student, Andy her work, ‘The Beauty in What is was awarded to Ellie Benfield Lancashire, students, Charlie Fern Zhao’s fisherman drawing for Left Behind’. The judging panel said whose work ‘Camouflage Furniture’ her “three paintings dealt with a was described as “a neat concept of and Andy Zhao has been selected consideration for this exhibition. refreshingly unromantic subject of making ply furniture that can also for exhibitions in prestigious Thousands of pieces of the very the overlooked spaces behind shops be stacked into wall apertures”. London Art Galleries. These include best artwork, from schools and The Royal Overseas League and colleges across the country were the RBA’s (Royal Society of British put forward; hundreds of pieces Work shortlisted Artists) annual show at the Mall were shortlisted and only 20 were Exeter School, Devon, Lower Sixth Galleries in London. invited to exhibit. Former Eleanor Clark’s short story, The Arts Society, Fylde, submitted Insula, made it to the final five in Old Rossallian, Charlie Fern’s clay Charlie’s work will be displayed The BBC Young Writers’ Award 2019. alongside that of professional artists and he will be entitled to Eleanor attended the award ceremony where she met BBC Radio be called ‘RBA Scholar’ for the One’s Katie Thistleton and author duration of the exhibition. Both Kiran Millwood Hargrave of The Girl pieces of work will also be on show of Ink and Stars - both of whom at the Heritage Centre in Lytham were judges. for all to see, later in the school year. She also attended a workshop on Virginia Woolf delivered by the Head of Art and Design at University of Cambridge and was able to learn more about studying English Rossall School, Miss Laura Heap Literature at university. congratulated the students on Eleanor is interested in pursuing this when she leaves Exeter School and her their achievement: “This is a terrific long-term ambition is to write professionally in some capacity or other. accolade for Charlie and Andy. These are the first pieces Rossall Eleanor’s story is an evocative coming of age story about a young woman School has had selected for this who is making a journey away from the safety of the island community where she grew up. It can be listened to online: national, prestigious accolade and we are looking forward to seeing https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2Cw8SJ3SH3hxMqD2dblmrdr/ the pieces on display.” the-bbc-young-writers-award-2019-winner-announced

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 39 Students should reflect on the current state of the world – but also be positive about their futures

“Last term’s GSA Head’s Conference didn’t disappoint; it never does”, says Headmistress of Alderley Edge School for Girls Helen Jeys...

As always, it provides an process information and – as announcement reflects, certainly Governors in January, will opportunity to see old friends was described in a later session from my perspective, how more focus on challenging our own and colleagues but also to – how can we help our young engaged this generation is with assumptions with the aim of meet a new generation of GSA adults to recognise true from the world around them than when keeping my current school Heads; this is invaluable time ‘fake news’? These were sobering I was a teenager. Ensuring that financially healthy for the future. – and its importance can never questions to consider throughout the message of inspiring young What is reassuring, nevertheless, is be underestimated. However, the conference but are questions people to be engaged with their that – as Richard Harman (Chief the conference is about more, on which I plan to encourage my surroundings, their community Executive of AGBIS) reminded even, than this. The carefully own students to reflect. and their world is one that is us – ISC census numbers reflect considered and stimulating important to all of us as Heads These questions further reminded an increase in our numbers and programme always leaves me and one that we should continue us all at conference about our our schools provide a ‘compelling inspired and reinvigorated to to hold dear. It was also, from responsibility as Heads to ensure offer’ to pupils and parents. return to my own school with my perspective, a key message of that we are teaching those key As we were later reminded, new messages, new areas to the conference. characteristics that will enable our scholarship is at the heart of what consider as well as the knowledge pupils to make a real difference in We are, now, at the other side we provide. We have to believe that I am not on my own. the world; for them to appreciate of the election and although we in our school and our team and Sue Hincks has been an compassion and altruism as might think that our immediate if we can’t, then we need to outstanding President this year qualities to which to aspire. financial pressures are reduced, change. We need to believe and her opening speech left me Indeed, we were reminded that we still have to continually weigh in the ‘transforming power of with much to think about and it is education that can make up issues that are raised by the education’ and ‘the difference we with several topics to discuss with real differences in our world. increased contributions relating are making’ as educators. my own pupils. She asked us to to TPS and the concerns about This message was reiterated by As Heads, we have the ability – consider what it was about our passing on too many of our the inspirational Tracy Edwards with our teams – to encourage current world that would shock costs to our parents. The need who was motivated to become our students to reflect on the future generations. What will to future proof our schools and a pioneer in her own context current state of the world but leave future generations in a state various options to enable us to of sailing by asking herself the of disbelief about our actions do so, were outlined by David also for them to be positive about question, ‘why are you being a or inactions in our own, current Woodgate (Chief Executive of their futures. Chris Willmore, bystander in your own life?’ Her world? We are aware of the ISBA). He reminded us of the Professor of Sustainability and own motivation to change the damage we are doing to the world importance of challenging our Law at the University of Bristol, stereotype regarding female sailors in terms of the loss of biodiversity ‘sacred cows’; the changes to TPS encouraged us to empower our and then to launch ‘The Maiden and our apparent disregard for are a catalyst for change in our students, to enable them to Factor’ - which unlocks education the natural world, but what own schools and we have to face unleash their creativity so that for girls across the world – about the time we do or do not the financial threats directly. Do they can make a positive and reminds us all of the importance share with our family, increasing we, in Woodgate’s words, have real difference to their futures of education in changing young levels of debt and the fact to ‘think the unthinkable’ and and to the world. So, questions minds, in unlocking potential and that consumers spend more on consider mergers, acquisitions were posed but solutions were in improving the world around us. cosmetics than would be needed and other areas relating to staff suggested too; we have the to eliminate world hunger? What It was not surprising, then, that consolidations to ensure that answers in the pupils we teach. about the impact of the internet Greta Thunberg was declared the our books remain buoyant? What an inspiring message with on our abilities to assimilate or GSA ‘Woman of the Year’ and this Indeed, my strategy day with which to return to GSA schools!

40 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Changing FACES... Changing Places... The Governors School in Solihull. Nicola is a Truro School, LAE from Westminster School, at Alderley passionate supporter of girls’ Cornwall, have where he had worked for eleven Edge School education and feels that her announced the years, including as a Housemaster. for Girls have philosophy of education is well appointment of His teaching career began in announced that Andrew Johnson Hertfordshire, in Berkhamsted. matched to the ethos at Alderley as Head of Truro Mrs Nicola Smillie Edge School for Girls, believing Andy was born in Pontypool School from September 2020. will be taking up the post of that all girls should be inspired to and grew up in London. He was Headmistress at the School in achieve high academic standards Andrew, known as Andy, joins educated at Westminster School, September 2020. Nicola will Truro School from St Dunstan’s and took a degree in History at while developing their confidence be the fourth Head to lead the College, London. He has been Downing College, Cambridge and self-esteem through proactive School in its 21-year history since Deputy Head (Academic) there University, before completing his and supportive pastoral care. since 2015. Prior to that he was PGCE in Leeds. History (and the the amalgamation of St Hilary’s She is an ISI inspector and has the founding Deputy Head of the teaching of it) remain a passion, and Mount Carmel schools in enjoyed extensive experience in London Academy of Excellence, alongside art, music, sport, 1999. GSA schools, including Westholme a Sixth Form Free School in charitable engagement, travel, and Nicola is a Hispanic Studies and School, Blackburn, and firmly Newham, east London. He joined the outdoors. French graduate and is currently believes that girls’ schools are Headmistress of Saint Martin’s those in which girls excel. Lisa McDonald Born in Glasgow, Lisa previously will take over as gained a Law Degree from Head of the Edge Aberdeen University and worked The Council of Historic Royal Palaces. He was a Grove School, for a top legal firm in Jersey. Governors of The teacher and then Undermaster at Hertfordshire, Pursuing a change in career Abbey School St Paul’s School in London before following the direction and following a long- in Reading, moving to St Paul’s Girls School departure of Ben Evans to term passion to teach, Lisa was Berkshire has in 2014 to become Deputy Windlesham School, Sussex, next awarded a PGCE at Cambridge announced the Head and Director of the Senior September. University and worked in Jersey appointment of Mr William le School. His responsibilities there as a Junior School teacher before Fleming as the next Executive included supporting an ethos of She is curently Head at The British rising to the position of Head of Head of the School. He succeeds girls’ empowerment throughout International School in New York Early Years with supplementary Mrs Rachel Dent who is to (a sister school to Abercorn School, senior roles within the State of the curriculum, particularly with become the new Head of Harrow London) which educates over 300 Jersey. She then moved on to regard to enterprise, career and School in Beijing, China. pupils from the ages of three to become Assistant Head at The university opportunities. He joins sixteen. It teaches the English British International School in New Mr le Fleming was educated from his role as Executive Head National Curriculum within the York before being appointed the at Eton and Clare College, at Fulham School, London. Mr framework of the International role of Deputy Head of the whole Cambridge. He has worked as le Fleming is married and has a Baccalaureate. school. a journalist, an author and at young daughter.

The Chairman she is currently Deputy Head Heads Hunted and Board of (Academic). Prior to this, Governors of she served as Assistant Head Among the upcoming head Bedford Girls’ (Teaching and Learning), at School (BGS) North London Collegiate School and principal appointments: have announced in South Korea. She was also on Bruton School for Girls Somerset the appointment of Mrs Gemma the Senior Leadership Teams at Dover College Kent Gibson as Headmistress from both Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ September 2020, when she will School and St Ignatius College, Great Ballard School Sussex succeed Miss Jo MacKenzie. London. Mrs Gibson initially Northampton High School Northamptonshire Mrs Gibson has a wealth of qualified as a solicitor and Ripley Court School Surrey experience in school leadership practised for three years before St. Joseph’s College Preparatory School Berkshire gained during an international moving into teaching. Tormead School Surrey teaching career. She will join Miss Jo Mackenzie leaves BGS Bedford Girls’ School from after 10 years as Headmistress to If you would like mention made of your upcoming head or Harrow Hong Kong where pursue other interests. principal appointment for which applications are sought please let us know – there is no charge for a listing. New head at your school? News items, contributions, comments and suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Please let us have a brief biog and image for inclusion in a future issue. There is no charge. Please email to: We’ll add them to our complimentary-copy [email protected] mailing list too.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 41 NEU Independent Sector Picture courtesy Rehan Jamil Conference 2019

The timing of the recent NEU annual Independent Schools Conference, coming two days after the publication of the Labour party manifesto and three weeks before the General Election, ensured that there was lively debate, writes John Richardson, National Official independent sector, National Education Union...

In November, 100 NEU independent Whatever the outcome of the members, as she also paid tribute Exceptionally knowledgeable school reps and active members General Election, she cautioned, to our members at another St speaker with plenty of convened at DoubleTree by Hilton the debate on independent Edward’s, this time in Oxford, who opportunities to ask questions. Hotel - Tower of London, to schools’ charitable status and ‘have taken the principled and In the afternoon keynote session discuss the issues facing them. tax concessions is not going to courageous decision to strike in ‘Greening your School’, Karen go away, as it is not confined defence of their pension’. Opening the conference, Robin Gracie-Langrick, Deputy Head, to the Labour Party. There are Bevan, NEU President-elect Members commended Mary’s speech Leighton Park School, Reading, notable voices in the Conservatives 2020/21, anchored the current as inspirational, honest, clear. shared the lived experience of calling for similar. Scotland is to what worked and what didn’t political swirl with his personal Helen Porter, National Executive, remove Business Rate Relief from in her school. The verdict was: journey. An early job in an independent sector lead, gave independent schools north of Thought-provoking and insightful… independent boarding school an overview of the democratic the border from 2020. Wales is I thoroughly applaud what Karen resulted in redundancy after the changes in the union. She exhorted consulting to do the same. and her school have done. school folded a year after he joined. members to play their part in their His journey took him to working in Mary noted that not all independent Districts and local independent This year there were two new an academy, to Headship. He noted schools are wealthy. Some could sector networks being promoted by democratic sessions. Under the new the inherent uncertainty of working face closure if tax concessions are National Council members. union’s rules, Section Conferences removed. Whatever the threat, she can now submit a motion to NEU in a commercial concern and the Helen also revealed the headlines of said that the NEU will robustly Annual Conference the following importance of cutting through the the authoritative NEU Independent protect members’ jobs. year and nominate six delegates. noise. Robin emphasised the need Sector Pay and Conditions Survey This is in addition to doing the for all members, whatever sector, From speculation, to real and 2019. usual route for all members, via whatever role, to be in an active present threats, Mary turned her The morning session ended with democratic structures, namely the and effective trade union. attention to members’ pensions. two discussion groups. local Branch and District. Joint General Secretary Mary She commended the many NEU I led a discussion on the Teachers’ Bousted gave the morning keynote members who have successfully The last word, almost,... goes to the Pensions Scheme – protecting your speech. Addressing the political persuaded their employer not to member whose feedback punctured pension. any hubris we might have had... concerns, Mary made clear that withdraw from the TPS. For some ‘None of the talks interrupted although the NEU is unaffiliated reasoned argument has prevailed Members were heartened by reps fruitful conversations I was having to any political party, as the largest but unfortunately, many other recounting members’ successful with other members!’ education union in the UK, it has members have been forced to campaigns in their schools. significant influence. She reassured undertake ballots for industrial Afterwards, feedback included: Lastly, to end on one portent members that the union has been action before their employer has A call to action... Interesting finding of the 2019 NEU forcefully advancing their interests. seen sense. Amongst others present comments from people at various independent sector survey. Does She explained that the politics of on the day, she congratulated reps stages of consultation ….Feel more your school have an environmental the independent sector are sensitive from St. Bede’s School, Sussex and informed and empowered. and/or sustainability policy? More St. Edwards, Gloucestershire. and using a megaphone can cause Peter-Marsh Jenks, NEU Regional than half of respondents replied more damage than good. Wielding Mary joked that perhaps St. Official, led the second discussion ‘No’. influence is often effectively done Edward was the patron saint of group on Contract and contractual A New Year’s resolution for your behind closed doors. independent school trade union changes. Feedback included: school!?

42 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] The benefits of kindness Picture courtesy Rehan Jamil Children’s mental health and well-being is high on the public agenda, and with good reason. At least one in eight children and young people have a diagnosable mental health condition, with over half of these starting before the age of 14. Anxiety and depression are on the rise, and we are still in the early stages of even beginning to understand how new aspects of childhood such as screen addiction (of both parents and children), social media and cyber-bullying will impact on children’s emotional health. Providing children with the tools to take control of their own mental health and well-being at a young age is clearly important. But how do we do this? It may sound a little simplistic, but kindness could help, suggests Jaime Thurston...

Kindness is often associated with kindness is a powerful way to help In our Kindness Workshops, we helping others, but the benefits children not only improve their own teach children what it means to it brings to our own physical well-being, but to do so in a way be kind, why it’s important, what Jaime Thurston and mental health are life- that also helps others. changes it triggers in our minds changing. The science of kindness and bodies, and what impact it indeed, some of the children we is well-documented. Like most In 2013, I founded a charity called has on the world. We then put help have been bullied, but that medical antidepressants, kindness 52 Lives. Every week, we help to that theory into action by sharing is not where our focus lies. The stimulates the production of the change someone’s life and spread a real-life story of a child in need absence of bullying is not enough. feel-good chemical serotonin. It kindness, with the help of almost of kindness and work with the Kindness is what we should be also produces oxytocin (which 100,000 supporters. A few years children to come up with ways to aiming for. in turn lowers blood pressure ago, I was invited to speak at my help that child. and helps to protect our hearts), children’s school about what we do, The children at the Paragon School We have received various awards it helps to relieve anxiety and and the response from the children in Bath, for example, worked with for our work, and also gained the depression and it slows ageing... was incredible. It inspired me to us to help a young boy called Toby. support of the Duke and Duchess to put it simply, kindness makes us launch a ‘School of Kindness’ which Shortly after the death of both his of Sussex, so demand for our healthier and happier. now runs free Kindness Workshops mother and step-mother, Toby was workshops has been strong. To So at a time when there is a lot in primary schools all over the the victim of a vicious attack by meet the demand, the School of of concern around mental health, country. a group of boys, which was also Kindness has recently expanded to filmed and posted on social media. reach schools we are unable to visit. Toby was struggling. In one of our We are developing video lesson “The Paragon’s chosen charity in 2018-19 was 52 Lives and Jaime and Greig Kindness Workshops, the children plans and have also launched 2 won the hearts of staff and children with their uplifting assemblies and at Paragon made Toby cards, wrote new initiatives to offer schools a support. Greig has run a couple of Kindness workshops with us and each time, him letters and filmed a video for a sense of wellbeing and happiness pervades the school - it is empowering for variety of ways to get involved. Our him. And the impact it had on Toby children to learn that little differences can make so much impact and I could new Kindness Fund provides small was incredible. say with confidence that we now have a school of Kindness ambassadors.” grants for children with amazing ideas to spread kindness in their Andrew Harvey, Headmaster, The Paragon School, Bath We find that putting the theory in action in this way empowers school or community, and another “It is amazing how powerful a single act of kindness can be. The workshop children by helping them to realise new initiative ‘Pick a Project’ brings by Greig and Jaime, sharing the story about a child less fortunate than our that the little choices they make together schools in need of help, pupils, sparked huge acts of kindness from the children, not only towards the every day have the power to with schools who want to help. child, but to each other in school. It had a profound effect on the attitudes of change people’s lives – while also We work with schools in a variety all our children. It inspired us to have our own ‘Kindness Tree’ in school which improving their own physical and of ways, but everything we do is promotes positive attitudes towards one another. All of this was inspired by mental health at the same time. the ‘52 Lives’ workshop and schools should consider this, as it had such a based on one simple premise – that dramatic effect on our children.” Our workshops have been promoted ‘kind’ is the most important thing a in the press as ‘anti-bullying’ and, person can be. Guy Shore, Head Teacher, Waverley School & Day Nursery, Berkshire www.schoolofkindness.org www.52-lives.org Boarding school drama: a racy and bitingly funny tale of infatuation and a young teacher’s struggles at a private school –HARRISON’S WORD. This is a sequel to the acclaimed Winter Light. By Peter Thompson, from Diálogos Books. www.dialogosbooks.com

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 43 CCFs develop pupils’ character and sense of worth In its 450th year, Devin Cassidy, Headmaster and Vice Principal of Bury Grammar School reflects on the importance of the CCF which he says is at the heart of the school, encourages risk taking, develops self-discipline and resilience and inculcates a sense of service to others, self-worth and purpose...

Unusually for a day school, the Bury Grammar School was The school is now thriving and to join the CCF in the mid- CCF seems to fully encompass the founded in 1570 and has evolved has moved from 6 to 8 form entry 1990s and unknown to the then values of a Bury Grammar School and changed many times over at year 7 such is the demand for a Headmistress! education. Situated 10 miles its 450-year history. In recent Bury Grammar School education. And this says it all - character. To north of Manchester, between times the school consisted of This has also seen our CCF me, the CCF is very much about Rochdale and Bolton at the foot two schools, a boys’ school numbers, whose membership is developing the character of those of the Pennines, Bury is a very and a girls’ school but in 2018 entirely voluntary, swell to nearly who join into thoroughly decent special town and not just for we formally merged into one 400 cadets, the largest number human beings who then go on to its world famous market! Our school with a diamond model since it was introduced at the make a significant contribution parents are decent, hardworking structure: coeducational Infant school in 1892, some 32 years to society. Characters who are and really value the importance School, separate boys and girls after Officer Training Corps were not afraid to take risks; characters of education and an independent Junior and Senior schools and a introduced to a small number of who learn something about public schools. education at that. coeducational Sixth Form. self-discipline and resilience; The CCF seems to oose through characters who learn something the pores of the school about service to others and and it seems that everyone characters who develop an associated with the school has understanding of others and a great fondness for this great tolerance. organisation even if they were These characters have the never actually a member. It was opportunity to develop their fitting that in our CCF biennial leadership and have a great inspection last year, an old girl deal of fun along the way. who is also a serving Lieutenant Whilst many teenagers are Colonel was the inspecting communicating in a virtual officer. What made her inspection world dominated by handheld of the CCF even more special devices with some suffering the was that she was the first girl consequences including low mood

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44 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] In order for students to achieve their very best academically, they must be supported in all areas, which includes prioritising their wellbeing. As such, PSHE is a valuable avenue through which we can educate our students on the importance of their own wellbeing. However, it’s not only education content that can help us to look after our students’ welfare. By knowing what the behavioural signs Software such as Satchel One of a change in wellbeing are, and provides leading educators with keeping an eye out for these, you easy-to-export reports which track can offer support quicker. Signs student attendance, punctuality, may include: grades, behaviour and independent • Acting out in class learning submissions, so they • Arriving late to school or skipping are able to immediately identify class changes to students’ normal • A drop in usual standard of behaviour patterns. and self-esteem, these cadets are department which created a school work As well as this, our newest feature, out there interacting, bonding permanent war memorial in the • No longer handing in Welfare Notes, enables teachers to and forming life-long friends Headmaster’s corridor. Each independent learning communicate wellbeing concerns along the way. regarding individual students with Fallen Swan is remembered with • Reserved in their usual character their own ceramic poppy and the appropriate teacher so that I have seen in my time, many When teaching multiple students ninety eight of these line the wall students can receive the care and pupils’ characters transformed every day, understanding the of the Headmaster’s corridor, an attention they need. through membership of the CCF intricacies of each individual, and which provides them with a real impressive sight indeed and one subtle changes that could be a Find out more about the award- sense of purpose and self-worth the school is immensely proud of. warning sign, can take a while to winning learning platform, Satchel and the confidence which it As we move into our 450th notice. One, at www.teamsatchel.com instils is quite remarkable. They Year we look forward to having, https://hubs.ly/H0mw0Vl0 leave the CCF having held senior for the first time, our own ranks as confident, articulate CCF standard which will be and intelligent young men and consecrated in a special service women who their parents and which has been arranged by one the school are very proud of. of Her Majesty’s Chaplains who Indeed, our annual Founders’ Day is also a former parent. Many parade sees the whole CCF parade dignitaries are expected to attend through the streets of Bury and the standard will then be before laying a wreath at the hung in Bury Parish Church, a cenotaph in memory of our fallen fitting place since this was where alumni, and the marching would the school was founded all those not look out of place on Horse years ago. It is also fitting that Students make their Guards Parade Square! in this our 450th year, the RAF Bury Grammar lies at the heart has just approved the school to voices heard of Bury which is the hometown incorporate an Air Cadet section Each week VotesforSchools VotesforSchools provides my of the Lancashire Fusiliers. The to the CCF to compliment the provides teachers with resources tutors with the resources they CCF has a strong affiliation Army section. to hold a debate on a topical need to create a space for issue. our students to have these with the now Royal Regiment So, the CCF is an important discussions.’ of Fusiliers and indeed wears part of who we are at Bury The students then get to the cap badge and hackle. And Grammar School. It captures vote on the topic and make Part of the VotesforSchools comments. These comments are community since 2016 they wear this cap badge and the history, develops character, shared with those in authority Lingfield’s students’ voices hackle with pride. They are all provides a sense of belonging who need to know what our are being heard by the top too aware that in the last two and a framework of pride in young people are thinking. authorities in government, world wars former members of being a member of something ‘Tutor times have been police, charities, businesses and the school and CCF lost their lives very unique and special. Alumni transformed’ said Angela Brown, the media: making a real impact. in the service of their country. recall their school days with Pastoral Head at Lingfield ‘As for the ISI inspection’ says These fallen old boys have now great fondness and always with College. ‘From trans-gender Angela ‘we evidenced our come to be known as our Fallen a chuckle, indeed they look back toilets, to homelessness, Prevent and FBV at the touch of Swans owing to a tremendously with such affection on their extremism or county lines, a button.’ successful collaboration between school days and the CCF played www.votesforschools.com the school’s Art and History no small part in their memories.

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Schools featured in this issue include: Alderley Edge School for Girls Eton College Lockers Park Preparatory School Royal School Bedford Girls’ School Exeter School Loughborough High School Solihull School Belmont Grosvenor School George Heriot’s School Lyceum School St. Edward’s School Bolton School Giggleswick School Maltman’s Green School St. George’s College Bromsgrove School Glenalmond College Moat School Bryanston School Godolphin School New Hall Nursery School St. Margaret’s School Buchan School Habs Girls Oundle School St. Mary’s School Burgess Hill Girls Highfield & Brookham Schools Paragon School Stockport Grammar Junior School Bury Grammar School Highfield Preparatory School Plymouth College The Abbey School Cheadle Hulme School Ipswich High School Queen Anne’s School The Leys Christ College King Alfred School Ranby House School Truro School Churcher’s College King Edward’s Witley RGS The Grange Warwick School Cranleigh School King William’s College Ringwood Waldorf School Dauntsey’s School King’s Ely Rossall School Waverley School Edge Grove School Kitebrook Preparatory School Royal Grammar School West Buckland School Ellesmere College Leighton Park School Royal Hospital School Yarrells School

The Independent Schools Magazine is read by decision-makers – Governors, Heads, Bursars, Departmental Managers – and reflects news, ideas, influences, and opinions in the independent education sector. A personal copy is mailed to heads and other key personnel in fee-paying independent schools plus opinion formers in governments, political parties and educational Vires per Verum – Strength through Truth associations. It is also available on the internet. Editorial Advisory Board The publishers are grateful for the interest, advice and support of a distinguished Editorial Advisory Board whose members currently include: Richard Brown: Head, Handcross Park School, Sussex Henry Briggs: Senior Partner, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Tory Gillingham: Managing Director of AMCIS – Association for Admissions, former school Governor Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE: Director of DLB Leadership Associates Ltd., Public Relations, a consultancy with expertise within the education sector former head of Babington House School, Kent Georgina Belcher: Communications Officer, Independent Schools Council Helen Davies: Bursar, Tormead School, Surrey

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