Ifyou want to read about your school in the next edition, see page eight for contact details ISSUE 41 January 10, 2008 Helping you choose the right schools for your children We’re so well spoken Inside CHILDREN from a top Birming- ham prep school followed in the footsteps of world leaders when they spoke in the renowned debating arena of the Cambridge Union. The ten and 11-year-olds, from NEWS Hallfield School in Edgbaston, divided into two teams to speak You can on the motion – This house try before believes all computer games should be banned. you buy The judge who listened to the see page 6 arguments for and against declared the debate a draw. The visit was organised to give members of the school’s debating club the chance to practise their skills and to experience the tradi- tions and history of this famous university. Ashaq Hussain, master in charge of debating at Hallfield, is a life member of the Cambridge Union Society, which he joined as a student at Cambridge. “The girls and boys took part in NEWS a debating workshop to prepare for themotionandlater hada tour Gemma’s of Trinity College and King’s Col- day in the lege.They thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” he said. office “The skills they gainindebating, see page 7 including public speaking, pres- entation and research skills, will not only help them now, but will also be of benefit in future years.” Roland Foxcroft, president of the Cambridge Union Society, said the children were a credit to their school. “They were impressive in terms of their debating capacity and haveclearly been well trained,”he wrote in a letter to headmaster John Shackleton. Hallfield’s debating club meets SPORT at lunchtimes and is open to year five and year six pupils. Diving in The Cambridge Union, a debat- ing society established in 1815, at the has welcomed figures of national deep end and international importance to address it. SPEAK UP:Hallfield School pupils are pictured with Ashaq Hussain and year five form teacher Marietta Wilson. Photo by www.jetphotographic.com see page 8 SCHOOL

Open Mornings2008 Preparatory S chool Senior School &Sixth Form Sixth Form Saturday January 12th Saturday January 19th Saturday January 26th 450pupils aged 7—13 750 pupils aged 13—18 www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Please contact Admissions, Worcester Road,Bromsgrove, B617DU Telephone: 01527579679email:[email protected] FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR II ~ January 10, 2008

In the national finals LAST year, for the first time, the UKMT held a andAliceOttley team, whichconsistedofPeter senior team maths challenge, along the same Bullock, Susan Ford, Sarah Higgs and Dan lines as the junior team competition, which Scott, qualified for the final. has run for the last few years – the Royal Gram- Many congratulations to them and their mar School, Worcester, was the very first win- teachers. ner of the national final back in 2003. ● A team of four RGSAO students have won There were 19 regional finals held throughout through to the regionalfinalof theBankofEng- the country last November and the winners of land Target 2.0 competition. these went through to the national final, which James Gibson,Chris Davis (captain), Frances will be held in London in February. Shipsey and David Harries had to speak to On November 14, the Hereford and Worcester Bank of officials for 15 minutes each regional final was held at Worcester Sixth Form on whether they should increase, or decrease, College. Twelve schools took part and the top interest rates. four were: 1, RGSAO 136; 2, Their arguments were so convincing that they 111; 3, Worcester SFC 108; 4, King’s Worcester won the area final against schools from Soli- 107. hull, Stratford and Birmingham.We wish them This meant that the Royal Grammar School good luck in the regional final.

TOP OF THE CLASS: Jackie Hiorns,nursery manager at ,near , deputy manager Lisa Cannon and youngsters celebrate the report. Go straight to the

FREEDOM: headmaster Chris Edwards,Llanwrtyd Wells mayor Rosemary Stevenson,former Broms- top of the class grove School pupil Rear Admiral David Haslam and Matthew Horton,chairman of the governors of Bromsgrove School. EARLY years education at an “good”, stating: “Children quality care. This is a real dren at the nursery as well independent school near enjoy being cared for in a boost for us.” behaved and said: “They are Droitwich Spa has been warm and friendly environ- The report added: “The polite and use please and A unique school honour praised by government ment which is secure and ethos and values of the nurs- thank you spontaneously inspectors who have given well maintained.” ery and school are clear, and throughout the day.” The BROMSGROVE School was given the freedom relationship between the school and the peo- the service a glowing report. The inspectors found that these are effectively shared report also said the nursery of Llanwrtyd Wells during a special civic cere- ple of Llanwrtyd Wells. Links were formed Dodderhill School, at Elm- the leadership and manage- with staff and families, so provided good teaching and mony. when Bromsgrove School was evacuated there bridge,openedits nursery in ment at the school was “out- that everyone strives a host of activities and The freedom of the town was presented to at the start of World War Two. 2004 and provides care for standing”. towards familiar goals. helped children to be the Worcester Road school during a ceremony Matthew Horton, chairman of the governors, children aged from three Nursery manager Jackie Excellent systems are in healthy and achieve well, in the mid-Wales town. It was attended by accepted the award on behalf of the school. He months upwards. Hiorns said: “We are thrilled placefor theassessment and adding; “Babies and young townspeople and dignitaries, school staff and said: “We are honoured and humbled by the Ofsted inspectors have with the report. It is all down evaluation of the provision children are developing governors, 50 school pupils and the school’s award that the people of Llanwrtyd Wells have described the early years to the hard work of staff to of nursery education.” their independence, both chapel choir. bestowed upon us and we are proud to have provision at the school as ensure we are providing Inspectors described chil- physically and emotionally.” The prestigious honour recognises the close such strong ties to the town.”

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL Giving your child the advantage. 1 OPEN DAY W i n t e r f o l d H o u s e S c h o o l FOR PUPILS AGED 3 / 2 - 16 YEARS The Priory priority. Sat 2nd Feb 10.00 - 12 noon

2113 ScholarshipsScholarships ttoo SeniorSenior SchoolsScho inols last in2 two00 6 years • Friendly caring atmosphere B OWBROOK • Promoting traditional values 96% A*-C at GCSE, 100% A*-C in Maths and English F o r B o y s & G i r l s 2 - 1 3 • Small classes Welcoming all faiths and abilities, Priory School ● Impressive academic results ● Pre and after school care and H OUSE S CHOOL is dedicated to developing the unique talents of Holiday Clubs • Providing a balanced and every child, delivering achievement for all. ● Superb opportunities for Music We offer high quality care and education for girls ● Tel: 01905 841242 exciting curriculum ● Outstanding facilities for sport and Integrated Kindergarten 2½ years plus PEOPLETON, PERSHORE WORCESTERSHIRE and boys from 6 months to 11 years. Traditionally • Rural location a girls only senior school, we began accepting creative activities ● Day Nursery open 50 weeks a year boys into Year 7 in September 2007. We offer an extensive range of scholarships Priory School ● Learning Support Unit ● Scholarships and Bursaries available offering up to 50% off school fees for pupils Where every child succeeds So much more talented in Academic Studies, Sport, the Arts T h e S c h o o l Y o u r C h i l d D e s e r v e s and high achieving children with dyslexia. Sir Harry's Road, than an education To find out more call 0121 440 4103 or visit Edgbaston, WINTERFOLD HOUSE SCHOOL www.prioryschool.net Birmingham B15 2UR CHADDESLEY CORBETT WORCESTERSHIRE DY10 4PW www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk TEL 01562 777234 email: [email protected] Open Day 16th January. Senior School Exam 2nd February 2008. www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS Monmouth School 01600 710433 ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS 2008 Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls 01600 711104 www.habs-monmouth.org January 10, 2008 ~ III The rhythm of learning TEACHERS at the Elmfield Rudolf Stein- er School work with the unique Steiner curriculum, which is based on child development and children’s growing awareness of themselves and their envi- ronment. Subjects are brought in age-specific ways and times, thus the child can learn through doing, experiencing, observing, drawing conclusions and thinking it The best of through in an appropriate way for their age. Each child is encouraged and later chal- lenged to meet their own full potential without referral to others or testing as a push to learning; pupils are assessed on an ongoing basis and sit GCSEs over two both worlds years at 16-17. In the early years the children (aged THE family of Haberdash- renownedfor excellent aca- three to six) learn many skills for life in a ers’ Monmouth Schools demic results combined non-academic environment through offer thebest ofboth worlds with a full programme of “The schools being active in free play, domestic activ- – the advantages of single extra-curricular activities ities, crafts, songs, and stories with a sex education within a and sporting fixtures. are strong daily, weekly and yearly rhythm. framework which includes Monmouth School fields Team playing, leadership and many a co-educational nursery up to four teams in a year renowned more social skills are developed through and pre-prep school and a group and the head rugby these activities. co-ordinated sixth form coach is John Bevan, ex- for their The lower school curriculum (ages six timetable, where there is a British Lions. to 14) teaches the core subjects, as well choice of more than 30 AS HMSG’s PE department excellent as languages, arts, crafts, drama, music and A-level subjects on boasts a world-ranked and sports. offer. triathlete, Caroline Jones, Learning is carried by the rhythm of There are many joint activ- and is renowned for its ath- academic the day, the main lesson subject, the sea- ities run across the two sen- letics and lacrosse and has sons and festivals. Pupils start the day ior schools, from the cadet introduced hockey in 2007. results” with their class teacher for two hours of force to boarders’ evening main lesson, to study and experience one subject in depth for three to four and weekend activities. Compete arrange a visit, please visit Situated on the border of Rowers from both schools weeks. the website at www.habs- Then come other lessons with the class Wales, Monmouth School regularly compete at Hen- monmouth.org and Haberdashers’ Mon- ley and represented GB in teacher or specialist teachers. As the Alternatively call 01600 pupils get older the subjects broaden. PITCH PERFECT:Pupils learning music for a play. mouth School for Girls the summer. 710433 for Monmouth blend the traditions of Eng- In the spirit of its founda- Much of the teaching involves active School, boys aged seven to participation and hands-on learning. history, social geography, history of art child. This helps them to become confi- lish and Welsh schooling tion, the schools use their 18, or call 01600 711104 for and more. dent, socially skilled, flexible, able to while offering an education endowment income to Initiative and creativity are qualities that Haberdashers’ Monmouth are supported and encouraged through All pupils take all subjects; the only take initiative and responsibility, pupils comparable to the finest in ensure that accessibility to school for Girls aged seven choice is in GCSE subjects (less than half receive a broad all round education. the UK, but at a lower cost. the schools is as broad as this educational approach. to 18. In the upper school (14 to 17 at Elm- the curriculum in the upper school), all TheElmfieldRudolfSteiner Schoolhas The schools run an exten- can be and they offer a gen- Entrance to the schools is pupils do plays, choir, crafts, sport and been in Stourbridge for 60 years and is sive network of coaches erous range of scholar- field) specialist teachers bring more selective from seven, but analytical and conceptual approaches music. Flexibility in thinking and empa- part of a worldwide movement of more enabling pupils to attend ships, bursaries and assist- great care is taken to assess thy are developed through the curricu- than 900 schools. For more information, daily from Cardiff, Here- ed places. to the practical and experiential learn- children on a wide range of ing. The main lesson curriculum brings lum and the ethos. visits and open days ring 01384 394633 ford, Newport and For more information on abilities and to look for In this education the practical, social or email [email protected] or see Gloucestershire. assessments for entry to the organic chemistry, nuclear physics, the potential not just test per- romantic poets, ancient and modern and intellectual is addressed in each www.elmfield.com The schools are schools in 2008, or to formance. IV January 1, 2008 January 1, 2008 V G r e e n H i l l S c h o o l Heathfield School EVESHAM, Worcestershire WR11 4NG A Co-educational Independent School 3-13 Years

A warm welcome awaits theart of education you at Green Hill School … Heathfield is an independent day school For more information please contact the for boys and girls from 3to16years Headmaster's Secretary with an on site day nursery for babies from 3months.

01386 442364 Please ring for aprospectus 01562 850204

e.mail:[email protected] Heathfield School, Wolverley,Kidderminster Worcs., DY10 3QE www.greenhillschool.co.uk www.heathfieldschool.co.uk

B r e d on S c h ool KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL A t B r edon S chool, w e BIRMINGHAM I n d e p e n d e n t D a y a n d understa n d th a t a ll childr e n B o a r d i n g S c h ool a r ein div idu a l s , w i t hin div idu a l A ges 7- 1 8 ye a rs t a lents th a t need nurturi n g . They cannot all be high "iers A GROUP of history-mad pupils from Heathfield School,Wolverley, were transported back in time when they visited Hartlebury Castle Museum near Kidderminster. The budding a c a dem ica lly a n d w eha v e a n time travellers dressed as scullery maids and boot boys to carry out servants’ duties during their visit. The children worked very hard as part of their below stairs role-play, e x cellent recordfor help i n g chopping herbs, grinding spices and doing the laundry. All agreed that it was hard work, but great fun was had by all! childr e n w h o struggle a t other school s.W e offe r a v e r y b roa dcurr icu l um -gr e a t A taste of life upstairs and downstairs f or th ose w i t h stre n g t h s i n v o c a t i ona l subjec ts or sport. O ur A ccess C e ntreha s a n LET THERE BE LIGHT: Year four at enjoyed learning about the meaning behind the Christingle. Staff and pupils at the Peopleton school decided to make them i nte rna t i ona l re puta t i on to show to the rest of the school in assembly. With the lights turned low and the candles lit, everyone enjoyed the tingle and excitement of the real meaning of Christmas. f or help i n gchildr e n w i t h Expecting high GCSE grades? d y s lex i a . S o if y our child i s a n Then why not maximise your chances of a place i n div idu a l, j ust get i n touch. at a top university? S The real meaning of Christmas pri n B r edon S chool g T 2 F • Excellent A-Level exam results (86% A and B grades in 2007) e rm O P u ll C ourt ebrua • Outstanding opportunities for sport, music and drama. B ushley p r e n M T • Non means-tested Scholarships and means-tested Assisted y 2008: e w kes b ury orni G l os GL2 0 6AH Places for both science and arts candidates. 10 n Sa a g- tur 0 1684 29315 6 m e nqui r ies @br edonschool . c o.u k King Edward’s School warmly invites - noon d a www. b r edonschool .org applications for Sixth Form places. y For further details please telephone Mrs Nicole Phillips, Admissions and Marketing Co-ordinator on 0121 415 6056 Email: [email protected] www.kes.bham.sch.uk WORCESTER Independent co-education forages 2+ to 18 Moffats : ahappy and successful independent school set in ruralparkland nearBewdley.

" day &boarding " small classes " high academic standards for THE nursery and kindergarten children at RGS The Grange, in Claines,Worcester, completed a toddle waddle in aid of the Meningitis Trust. The tots raised a very impressive " attention to individual Boys&Girls £610 for this worthwhile cause. Winner of the fancy dress competition was Matthew, from the hedgehogs group. Our photo shows Matthew in the middle with Max and Olivia needs &strengths aged4 to13 next to him. Fancy dress toddle waddle Seen across Europe THE face of a local school- Dudley; the Bullring,Birm- girl is currently being seen ingham, and Worcester. King’s St. Alban’s (7 to 11) right across Europe. Iskra had the fashion MAKING A DASH FOR THE CASH: Pupils raising cash for Children in Need. Iskra Lawrence, a pupil at shoot back in July for the Bromsgrove School, was posters and says she cannot Open Week 14 -17 January selected at her model believe she’s appearing in Please call to arrange an appointment agency by the Claires Acces- so many stores across What a grand job sories team to be one of the Europe. KIND-HEARTED youngsters from enjoyed an evening lock-in with Children’s DayinSchool Friday18January faces of their autumn/win- She says friends and fami- The Blue Coat School,Edgbaston, teddies –and their parents enjoyed STEP TO IT: Sophie Harrison and Amy Rance, from Dodderhill School, put their best feet for- ter international store ly keep calling to ask if it’s bagged more than £1,000 as part of a couple of hours’ freedom. ward in aid of the annual fundraiser. Please ring to book aplace poster campaign for their really her that they have the Children in Need Appeal – a While many raised cash from 01905 354906 latest range of fashion just seen in the posters. grand job indeed. their paintings. Sport &Riding daily accessories. Teenager Iskra recently While many seven to 11-year- Ten-year-old Isabelle Emms our 100 acre grounds To find out how your child Best foot forward can flourish, call us on This now means Iskra’s featured on the Fashion TV olds sported a frightening array of said: “The lock-in was wicked fun, faces as part of a hotly-contested especially thechocolatefountain.” DODDERHILL School pupils together. The kind-hearted Confidence Full,weekly and flexi- photo is being seen in stores channel. The television 01299 841230 right across Europe, includ- company has a world-wide gurningcompetition,others tooka Deputy head Richard Lynn Sophie Harrison and Amy Rance, Droitwich Spa pupils raised loads boarding with pre- & vow of silence at different points in added: “We’re delighted to have both aged 13, did their bit for Chil- of cash for the event after being in achanging world after-school care for moffats.co.uk ing Claires in the Rowland audience of more than 300 Hill Centre in Kiddermin- million viewers. the day – no mean feat. raised money for a such a worth- dren In Need when they walked the sponsored by friends and relatives day children Elsewhere pyjama-clad girls while cause. The children loved it.” Malvern Hills with their legs tied to complete the tough test. Asmall school in abig house ster and also at Merryhill, POSTER GIRL: Local schoolgirl Iskra www.ksw.org.uk [email protected] VI ~ January 10, 2008 E d u c a t i o n f o r l i f e r n i n g w i t h h a n d s , h e a r l e a t a n d h e a d We’re here to make • An Education that advertising better. fosters enthusiasm, respect and personal (Not to make better responsibility advertising. Sorry.) • a balance of the arts, sciences and practical learning with foreign languages from age seven • time to be creative, learn and develop as a Here at the Advertising Standards well-rounded individual Authority, we judge ads on whether they’re harmful, misleading, or offensive. Not on whether they’re funny, clever or they look good. Which is just as well, really.

Telephone 020 7492 2222 Forages 3to17and GCSEs www.asa.org.uk 60 years of Steiner Education in Stourbridge

Ring 01384 394633 Elmfield School, Love Lane, Stourbridge, DY8 2EA for Open Events email info@elmfield.com Keeping advertising or to book a visit www.elmfield.com charity no.527621 standards high Member of the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship

ALL ABOARD:Pupils on a trekking trip to Morocco. Outstanding KING Edward’s School, Birmingham, former pupils. At KES there is an astonishing range has been one of the best academic In 2007 the assisted places scheme of different activities. Music is excep- schools in the country for over a cen- was redesigned so that the number of tional with concerts at the Symphony tury and the recent Independent applicants doubled. Hall,as wellas regular events at school. Schools’ Council Inspection stated “It is absolutely central to our pur- Cricket, water polo, athletics, basket- that: “The quality of the educational pose that this school should be acces- ball, tennis, fives, hockey and rugby all experience provided throughout the sible to all boys of ability, whatever have packed fixture lists. The Knoll School school is outstanding.” their situation, and this will be a key Last year KES boys cycled in Nor- The school’s purpose has always been part ofour strategy in the years ahead,” mandy and Derbyshire and trekked in to provide this opportunity for able said the chief master. Morocco; the senior rugby tour visited boys, whatever the financial situation Already the proportion of boys who Singapore, Australia and Dubai. & of their parents. started at the school in September and The very popular Duke of Edinburgh Most boys enter the school at age 11, who receive some financial support Award Scheme dispatched boys on but the school also has a thriving sixth has increased tomore than 30 per cent, foot and by bicycle to all corners of First Steps Nursery form and welcomes applications from many on free places, so widening Britain and beyond. any GCSE pupil who aims to gain good access and opportunity to all talented Perhaps all this explains why the grades and wants to widen his educa- boys in the Birmingham area. inspection stated that: “A major Manor Avenue ,Kidderminster tional experience. The school continues to have an out- strength of the school is the quality of There are scholarships and means- standing academic record: 86 per cent relationships between pupils and staff (01562) 822622 tested financial assistance available As and Bs at A-level in 2007, along with and among the pupils themselves.” Flourishing First Steps 3 months - rising 3 yrs. for able candidates, at both 11+ and 88 per cent As and A*s at GCSE. How- The school remains one of the very 16+. ever, academic achievements are only best in academic terms in this country, Interactive technology in all classrooms. John Claughton, the chief master, part of the story and the recent inspec- but also one of the most active, diverse has overseen the extension of the pro- tion stated that: “The breadth and and energetic, too, and it is this com- Extra curricular activities inc. Yoga, Dance & Cricket vision of assisted places, which are extent of extra-curricular activities bination that makes their time at funded by the King Edward’s Founda- available to all pupils are a major school a special experience for its Pre & After school care 8am-6pm tion and the generosity of the school’s strength.” pupils. Excellent academic results - Times Parent Power ranked 1 st in Worcestershire.Year 6 children enjoy Children from The Knoll School enjoying our Carol outstanding success in gaining places to top Service at St. John’s independent schools in our area. Church Try before you buy ‘A caring, family environment where home and school work together,to achieve together EACH year children “Once at St Alban’s, it is who are currently in unusual for a child not years two, three and to go on into the senior four in schools from all school. Class sizes are over the county are held at a maximum of invited to spend a day twenty in thelater years YES... BOARDING IS at King’s St Alban’s – and frequently begin Worcester’s longest smaller lower down the established independ- school,” he added. AFFORDABLE ent co-educational The children’s day in junior school. school will be held on With boarding fees of just £2925 per term, Parents with children Friday, January 18. It will give children and Old Swinford Hospital provides extraordinary who are thinking of joining the school – their parents a full value for money. which was highly flavour of life at St praised by an ISI Alban’s, taking part in It is an extraordinary school. A unique mixture inspection team dur- science, music, ICT, art of tradition and innovation, of academic success ing a recent visit – in and language lessons. They will finish their and excellence in music, sport and many September 2008 in years three, four and day with an orienteer- other fields. ing challenge on the five are encouraged to site, which is a green book early to secure a Ofsted recently awarded the school the top oasis overshadowed by place on the day. Worcester Cathedral in grade in all 39 inspection categories. “Unfortunately, we the heart of the city. have no places remain- Families are also wel- Above all, it is a community where young people ing for children wish- come to visit the school work and play together and make friends for life. ing to join us in year six during the mornings of next year,” said head- January 14-17. Please teacher Richard Bell- telephone the school If you are interested in a boarding place for September 2008, field. office on 01905 354906 please contact the Registrar,Mrs Sandy Thomas on “Increasingly we are 01384 817325 or email [email protected] to book a tour. finding that the places Entrance assessments OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL available at the start of are held on Saturday, STOURBRIDGE, DY8 1QX year five, when we have February 2. space for twenty new ART SCENE: Pupil Catherine website: www.oshsch.com children, are quickly Nielson tries her hand at cut- taken. ting out an elephant. January 10, 2008 ~ VII

Now a member school of IES

SIXTH FORM PLAY IT WITH FEELING: Pupils enjoying a music lesson. OPEN EVENING Wednesday 23rd January 2008 The best ever 5.30pm -8.00pm PRIORYSchool in Edgbaston recorded ately in the uniqueness of every indi- delighted to be overwhelmed with its best ever GCSE results last summer, vidual. Each pupil has special gifts and applications for year seven. with 96 per cent of pupils gaining A*- our job is to develop these talents to The boys have settled in well and are C in five or more subjects and 100 per deliver success for every child,” she now anestablished featureoflifein the HTS SIXTH FORM CO-EDUCATIONAL cent achieving A*-C in English and added. senior school. maths. Last September, Priory School wel- A new scholarship scheme has also FROM SEPTEMBER 2008 “We are absolutely delighted with comed boys into year seven of the sen- been launched at Priory offering up to these results,” said Elaine Brook, the ior school for the first time in its histo- 50 per cent off school fees to children “Where you belong” school’s headmistress. ry. With it came a new teaching model who display excellence in sports, the Scholarships and Bursary opportunities available for all ages. “This is a tremendous achievement called Together but Separate. arts and academic studies, as well as 01562 822929 or email: [email protected] -website: www.holytrinity.co.uk - www.iesedu.com for our school, particularly given the Boys and girls are educated sepa- high achieving pupils with dyslexia. Holy Trinity School, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 2BY fact that we do not select children for rately for core subjects, suchas English All pupils applying for scholarships their academic potential alone. and maths, but together for subjects in year seven for entry in September “Weareas dedicated to providing the such as geography and history. 2008 must sit the senior school specialist support for children who This allows the necessary separation entrance examination on Saturday, struggle in the classroom with chal- for academic success, while also February 2. lenges, such as dyslexia, as we are to enabling the social preparation for life For more information on scholar- stretching the academically gifted to in university and beyond. ships call 0121 440 4103, log on to exceed their potential. Parents welcomed this innovative www.prioryschool.net or visit the “That’s because we believe passion- teaching model and the school was open day on Wednesday, January 16.

WE’RE THE TOPS: Old Swinford Hospital pupils celebrate their outstanding rating. A real pat on the back OLD Swinford Hospital not The sixthformofmore than only welcomed an outstand- 270 students was described ing number of visitors to the by Ofsted as: “The jewel in school during its sixth form the crown of the school.” open events in November, Although primarily a state but has been classified as boarding school for boys, ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. both female and male stu- More than 270 visitors dents are admitted to the toured the school during the sixth form. two open mornings and they Headmaster Peter Jones will be competing for the 50 said “We are delighted that available sixth form places in Old Swinford Hospital has September 2008. been included in Ofsted’s list This follows news that Old of outstanding providers. Swinford Hospital has just This truly reflects the hard been listed as an ‘outstand- work and dedication of the ing’ provider by government whole school community of inspectors Ofsted. students, staff and gover- In their last inspection nors. every single grade given to “Ofsted clearly recognises the Stourbridge school was a the wonderful all-round TAKING OVER: Gemma Roadley,an Old Swinford pupil,enjoyed a day in one – with an incredible 39 in education that Old Swinford the office when she sat in for John Freeman,Dudley Council’s director total. Hospital provides.” of children’s services,as part of national Take Over Day. VIII ~ January 10, 2008

Editorial Advertising

Alex Wellings (Please Please contact Debbie put Independent Edu- Pardoe on 01527 cation in the subject 889023. line). Email editorial: [email protected] Email advertising: [email protected] All inquiries to 5 High Street,Bromsgrove.

UP FORTHE CUP: A joyous RGSAO U-18 team and captain Elliot Bee with the cup. Report and photo by WRFC. City stadium is

WELL DONE: Olivia Naylor with her swimming certificate. Diving in at the deep end brought to life A GROUP of pupils from Heathfield School, first place in her race and went on to repre- RGS Worcester and The Alice Ottley Large periods of the match were with the help of the Warriors. Wolverley,dived in at the deep end when sent the Midlands at the National Champi- School (RGSAO) took city honours spent with only one point between This was a feeling supported by the they took part in the Midlands Swimming onships,which were held in Coventry. when they beat the King’s School them, with moments of genius moving magnificent supporters with both sets Championships at Walsall Gala Baths. The girls and boys Midlands’team did well, Worcester in the inaugural Modus the match forward. of fans putting teams aside and join- All of the pupils did well,especially Olivia achieving second place,with the girls only Challenge Cup at Sixways stadium. It was a game where the teams’ indi- ing forces by clapping and cheering Naylor,who swam front crawl,achieved a losing by one point to London West. The historic local fixture of passion, vidual strengths counted; with the the teams off the park. commitment and desire – between the power of the RGSAO forwards domi- And there was a deafening roar when two U-18 teams – lived up to its star nating, through their deadly driving Clive Griffiths, Worcester Warriors billing with a fantastic atmosphere mauls and the light footed, sheer pace head coach, and Roger Marshall, man- inside the stadium. of the King’s backs always creating a aging director of event sponsor Modus Sports scholarships Both schools sold hundreds of tick- potent threat to RGSAO. Creative, handed the Modus Chal- ets to pupils and parents who packed The match highlighted the impor- lenge Cup to the winning RGSAO skip- FOUR pupils from Winterfold And 15 pupils from the Chad- county players is testimony to into the stands to make the occasion a tance of team work and how a unit is per Elliot Bee, in front of his team and House School have been desley Corbett-based school the sporting talent at Winter- memorable one. stronger than the individual. the thousands in attendance. awarded sports scholarships have gained places in the fold. In addition the rugby On thepitch theactionlived up to the With thefinal whistlegone, there was This was a great united end to a by . county netball and hockey team won the Old Swinford electric atmosphere with the RGSAO a clear divide of jubilation and despair thrilling day of passionate and com- They are Azima Crumpton, squads – an amazing number. Rugby Tournament, not con- claiming victory by edging out their in the camps, but both teams must be mitted rugby. Timmy Buckley, Katherine To have this many sports ceding a single point in any of rivals 20-12, in a very hard fought con- proud of their achievements on the It was a true night to remember for Whelan and Ben Salsby. scholarships and so many its matches. test, whichcouldhavegoneeither way. night and the spectacle they created everyone at Sixways. It’s all downhill for go-faster Charlene A GO-FASTER school Charlene said: “While cross the finish line on gym coach has scooped still at university, I the sled in order for the the opportunity of a answered an email run to be considered lifetime, winning a from the British Bob- valid. place in the British bob sleigh Association, as a British athlete Shelley skeleton team. bit of a laugh, and was Rudman captured the Twenty-two-year-old asked to do a trial day in public imagination in Charlene Bates, a gym Oxford. I got through skeleton, winning a sil- coach and librarian at this and a few more tri- ver medal in the 2006 The Blue Coat School, als at Bath University winter Olympic games Birmingham, has been before – amazingly – – the only medal for selected for the British being invited to Lille- Great Britain. And winter olympic team in hammer. All the other Charlene hopes to fol- 2014, following her hopefuls were built for low in her footsteps. selection for BBST in speed, whichI’m not, so Deputy headmaster Lillehammer (Norway). I didn’t expect to get any Richard Lynn said: Charlene has been further. Then I was “Charlene’s success is racing on ice tracks in selected for BBST from brilliant news: a boy’s Winterburg, Germany, the final ten candi- own – or rather a girl’s building up her speed dates.” own – success story. in Austria, Norway and One minute she was Italy and undergoing Olympics coaching our competi- further training in push Previously a male- tion gymnasts and starts at Bath Universi- only endeavour at the helping out in the ty. Olympics, women’s library; the next, she’s A sports and exercise skeleton appeared for hurtling along on a tea science graduate of the first time in 2002 at tray at 80mph! Birmingham Universi- Salt Lake City. “The children were ty, with three years’ The format for shocked to hear that competition squad Olympic skeleton miss wouldn’t be coaching at Blue Coat, involves two timed returning to school Charlene’s ambition runs. The sled can only after half-term – but it’s was to wear the Great be ridden in the prone not every day that you Britain strip as a gym position (face first, on get asked to represent coach: now she’s been the stomach), and Great Britain.” awardedit as anathlete. although the rider can ON THE SLIDE: Charlene But it could all have leave the sled to push or Bates with some of her gym been very different. move it, he or she must class pupils.