October 2018

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NATIONWIDE SUPPLIERS OF PEUGEOT FORD & VAUXHALL In this issue... 04 ‘Independent Education is Affordable’ school’s new infographic 05 Diamond Model as Girls’ High School Goes Co-ed head explains her thinking 06 Ten Top Tips for a Great Education reports from the HMC Conference in Manchester 08 £73bn Contribution to UK Economy latest research on independent sector 10 Developing Qualifications for the Global Future New cookery school and why change is essential Prue Leith visited Truro School, Cornwall, last month (September) to officially open their new 14 Behaviour Management Cookery School. In addition to enabling practical helping teens develop emotional intelligence cookery to be taught throughout the school, the new facility gives Sixth Form students the 18 Economic Uncertainties Await opportunity to complete the Leiths Introductory time to prepare for whatever the future holds Certificate of Food and Wine. The Cookery School will also be open to the community with regular 20 Profile cookery sessions on Saturday mornings. in conversation with Julian Murphy Sixth Form students made the most of the opportunity to meet with Prue to find out more 34 Alternatives to University ‘Increasingly Attractive’ about her extensive and varied career arising from her main interests of food, business, education implications for schools and writing. Prue Leith started in catering with Leith’s Good Food, followed by Leith’s Restaurant, which won Plus a Michelin Star, and Leith’s School of Food and Wine. She has been a food columnist and has 12 Free tool to tackle staff stress written 12 cookbooks, her autobiography, Relish 22 Keeping pupils safe - update and seven novels, the latest of which, is The 25 Music, Dance & Drama Focus Feature Prodigal Daughter. She was a judge on the Great British Menu (BBC2) series, My Kitchen Rules UK 28 Supporting charity & community (Channel 4) and is now a judge on The Great 30 Benefits of being outdoors British Bake Off (Channel 4). 31 ISA Awards shortlist Pictured: Prue Leith with Lady Jennifer Bland, Chair and owner of Leiths School of Food and Wine in London, and 32 Gaining a global perspective Andrew Gordon-Brown, Headmaster. 35 Changing Faces, Changing Places; Heads Hunted Special anniversary 36 Asbestos alert for science labs A chapel which plays an integral part in the 37 Products & Services; The Digest everyday life of Ellesmere College, Shropshire, has 39 Editorial Advisory Board; Free e-mag Subscriptions; Contact Us marked a very special anniversary. A service was held to mark the 50th anniversary since the reopening of St Oswald’s Chapel at Ellesmere College, following a major fire. The present chapel was designed in 1926 by Sir Aston Webb and only finally completed in 1959 due to limited resources through the 30s and 40s. It was gutted as far as the Chancel Arch in the fire of June 23, 1966. Fire damage meant that all woodwork, with the exception of the roof timbers in the Lady Chapel and cupboards in the Choir Vestry, had to be replaced. The chapel plays host to a number of special services each year, including the Remembrance 25 Music, Drama, & Dance Service Eucharist and Community Carol Service.

Independent Schools Magazine 3 Demonstrating the affordability of independent education As soaring nursery fees take their toll on working families, Burgess Hill Girls in Sussex has produced an infographic to show that a place in an independent school for a four-year-old can cost as little as £37 a week.

A recent TUC analysis showed demonstrates how a premier And now, thanks to the infographic that there are a that working parents with education is actually within reach Government’s free childcare number of significant savings children under five have seen for thousands of families. scheme for three- to four-year- that should be factored in before nursery fees rise three times It shows that the extended school olds, the £81-per-week actual they make a decision.’ faster than their wages over the cost to parents of a Reception day can reduce childcare costs by Mrs Laybourn added: ‘Of course, past decade, with childcare costs £2,800 per year, while free after- place at Burgess Hill Girls can the decision to educate a child rocketing by 52% per week since school activities at independent be reduced even further by a in the independent sector is 2008. schools represent a saving of maximum of £44 to only £37 a about far more than money. With this in mind, Burgess Hill £350 a year (based on two after- week, or £1,924 a year. For example, the pupil-teacher Girls is reaching out to parents school clubs per week at £5 per Burgess Hill Girls Head Liz to publicise the underestimated club). And with a free breakfast Laybourn said: ‘So many families ratio in independent schools financial benefits of private and dinner factored in, on top of assume that the cost of an is, typically, almost half that of education. The school’s a hot lunch, many families may independent school education state schools, meaning more one- infographic, which details also find themselves £437 (per is beyond their means, but to-one time and more effective potential costs and savings, year) better off. we’re showing in one handy teaching from day one.’ INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR YOUR 4 YEAR OLD The independent school sector has never been stronger, yet if you are like a lot of parents you may think an independent education for your child is out of reach because of the costs involved. THE ACTUAL COST CAN BE AS LITTLE AS £37 PER WEEK

THERE ARE MORE PUPILS IN INDEPENDENT NOW COULD BE THE RIGHT TIME TO LOOK STANDARD OF EDUCATION IS ALREADY BENEFITS ALSO INCLUDE BUT YOU MIGHT BE THINKING... SCHOOLS THAN EVER BEFORE AT AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FOR HIGHER AT AGE 4 A NEW HIGH YOUR 4 YEAR OLD 529,164 PUPIL TEACHER RATIO HEALTH PROVISION ACCESS TO FACILITIES “IS IT REALLY BUT MANY ONLY GO WHEN AFFORDABLE FOR HERE IS VS. THEY ARE OLDER... 9:1 16:1 MY FAMILY?” Independent State ONLY 3% OF 4 YEAR OLDS WHY A FULL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION IS 14% OF 16 YEAR OLDS WORTH 2 ADDITIONAL YEARS SENIOR SCHOOL LINKS Source: ISC 2016 Source: ISC 2016

MORE FINANCIAL SUPPORT AVAILABLE BURGESS HILL GIRLS OFFERS BURGESS HILL GIRLS OFFERS AN EXTENDED SCHOOL DAY ANNUAL FEES FOR A 4 YEAR OLD IN FREE AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS FREE BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND TEA RECEPTION AT BURGESS HILL GIRLS ARE £7800 PER ANNUM OR JUST... BREAKFAST LUNCH £150 A WEEK BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS TEA BURGESS HILL GIRLS OFFERS UNIFORM SALES SAVING £6.70 PER WEEK SAVING £8.40 PER WEEK UP TO 20 HRS MORE EDUCATION PER WEEK SIBLING DISCOUNTS SAVING £54 PER WEEK ON CHILDCARE But an independent education could also include... COST SAVING TO PARENTS HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR YOUR 4 YEAR OLD? SAVE EVEN MORE WITH FREE CHILDCARE SCHEME FOR MORE DETAILS WEEKLY FEE COST OF ACTUAL COST ACTUAL COST 15 HOURS FREE POTENTIAL WEEKLY AND REFERENCES SEE: FOR A 4 YEAR OLD ADDED BENEFITS TO PARENTS TO PARENTS CHILDCARE SCHEME COST TO PARENTS £37 OR BURGESSHILLGIRLS.COM £150 £69 £81 £81 £44 £1,924 PER WEEK EACH WEEK PER WEEK PER WEEK PER WEEK PER ANNUM (£7,800 PER ANNUM)

4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] High school welcomes boys for the first time as it heads for diamond model Boys have joined Ipswich High School Advocates of the Diamond Model suggest of both worlds’ diamond model approach. We (previously Ipswich High School for Girls) it provides the opportunity to combine the truly believe the school’s ethos, teaching and throughout the Prep School and Sixth academic benefits of single-sex education with enrichment programme will benefit boys as Form this term as the Suffolk school moves the social advantages of co-education. much as it benefits girls.” towards becoming co-educational via the Oona Carlin, Head at Ipswich High School The school has so far enrolled 16 boys, four ‘Diamond Model. said: “We are delighted to have our first cohort into the Sixth Form and 12 into the Prep This diamond approach allows girls and boys of boys join the school this term. Since we School. Boys will be joining Year 7 in the to be taught together in early years, separately announced that we are becoming co-ed, there Senior School from September 2019. throughout their teenage years and then has been huge interest from parents of boys, Ipswich High School was founded in 1878 and brought back together again in Sixth Form. particularly those who see value in our ‘best is located on an 84 acre campus. ISM’s Q&A with head Oona Carlin Q: Why are boys being included – is it committed to the school following the change. and this passion can be greatly reduced by simply a way of keeping afloat despite There was, of course, some shock but I was so feeling inferior or less confident at Stem subjects. otherwise falling numbers? happy to see that most of our parents were Girls currently out-perform boys at English interested in moving forwards with us – we A: While it’s fair to in both primary and secondary schools. The have a very discerning parent body. say that it will result ability to teach different texts and encourage in a growth in pupil Q: What practical steps need to be taken in a love of reading for both boys and girls will numbers, this was not terms of staff recruitment, alterations to allow all students to perform well in English. the only reason we facilities and widening of the syllabus? Pupils who read more have a wider vocabulary wanted to welcome and higher attainment. A: We are in the lucky position at IHS that our boys to the school. We staff have a wide experience of teaching in Q: What steps have been taken to ensure know that many of other schools, all of which were co-educational. that the initial intake of boys do not feel Picture by Anthony Cullen our parents have had We have appointed a Head of Boys PE as this they are add-on extras in what essentially an appetite for co-education for some time; is the area where most parents and pupils want remains a girls’ school? with sons who they wished could join our to know what we will offer and how; I am school or because their daughters (particularly A: It is early in our transition and we are very pleased to report that he has made a wonderful when they get to Sixth Form level) wanted the pleased to report that the boys who joined in addition to the PE team. We have made some opportunity to socialise with a more diverse September have settled into the school very alterations to the buildings to ensure that range of people. I remain an advocate of easily. We have a very strong and supportive there are suitable changing facilities but other single-sex teaching but only where there is pastoral system at the school and many pupil than that we have a wonderful campus, with evidence that it benefits boys and girls – this is voice opportunities. Just today we had a amazing facilities and we already offered a very evident at Senior School level. By adopting the school council meeting where representatives varied non-gender specific syllabus. Diamond Model, we are able to maintain our from form groups came together to discuss single-sex approach where it matters but to Q: Is there any real validated research to things they might like at the school and to also educate more pupils and meet the needs suggest girls and boys do better if segregated suggest improvements. These groups now of more parents. in the early teenage years? If so, what is it? include boys and their suggestions and ideas will be actioned through this and other school Q: How was the idea ‘sold’ to current A: I could probably bore you with all of the committees. parents – some at least may have chosen the research we have looked at when we put school because it was girls only? Some staff together our Diamond Model offer but I will Q: Will Ipswich remain a member of the might have taken some convincing too? try to give you some highlights. GSA?

A: I was delighted that the vast majority of our A survey commissioned by Microsoft found A: Ipswich High School is now a member of parents, staff and pupils were positive about that girls in the UK become interested in STEM the ISA. The Independent Schools Association the idea. There was a strong understanding subjects just before the age of 11. This interest is a growing school group and it offers more of the opportunities that the Diamond Model drops dramatically as they approach their GCSE opportunities for the pupils at the IHS to would bring and very clear support for my studies. The survey suggests that you have a compete at a national level and they offer more Senior Leadership Team – all of whom stayed short window to nurture girls’ passion for science support for the staff at the school.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 5 With the Headmasters & Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) in Manchester... Tailored, Not Uniform Matthew Judd, Head us, encouraging us to take away value of independent schools to those fresh concepts which were the UK was a message Heads were of Leighton Park right for us and would work in our invited to evangelise about. ISC’s School, Berkshire, own schools. To use the collective independently researched report inspiration but apply it to our own shows that their schools contribute reflects as a new schools. Not uniform, but tailored £11.9bn to UK GDP and save Head on the ideas to us. British taxpayers at least £3.5bn The conference offered both annually. ISC schools directly emerging from practical tips and inspirational ideas employ at least 250,000 in the UK. this year’s HMC to inform strategic thinking. Shaun The message was clear: we should encouraged us as Heads to reflect, be proud of what we are doing Conference held for our pupils’ sake, on his top ten and not embarrassed to defend earlier this month ingredients for a lifetime education the independent education sector (see panel). when it comes under threat. The views are personal to the (October). This was a reminder, if reminder The work that HMC does on Author Matthew L S Judd were needed, that independent wellbeing is vitally important. Attending the HMC autumn unconditional offers by universities. school heads should think less of The Tech Control campaign, with conference for the first time, I It is a measure of how far the targets, dashboards, clipboards, new resources launched at the was reminded of our professional emotional welfare focus of schools metrics, spreadsheets, compliance conference*, empowers young collective noun, a ‘quiz of teachers.’ has come that most Heads saw the and box ticking, and more of people to take control of their The conference began with quizzical unconditional offers as helping the looks and a readiness to explore our ethical purpose as educators. use of technology. Its new free stress levels of leavers rather than the best practice and learn from Valuing more than that which can materials, including a video and cause for them to be demotivated expert speakers but also from each be measured (if we had indeed ever lesson plans, give Heads and by the absence of target grades. other, the theme being ‘Together become ethically blind). The Bishop schools new tools to promote to Learn’. In a pre-conference of Manchester similarly inspired young people’s healthy online In workshops, the work of what the letter and speech to HMC members, us in his address: to educate the living. Heads at the conference best schools do in the light of John HMC Chair, Shaun Fenton, Head of young to be wise and ensure they viewed this work as a helpful Hattie’s meta studies confirmed Reigate Grammar School, set a clear, are well-informed and commission contribution to the welfare and the power of Heads understanding ethical and optimistic tone: that we them to make the world a better wellbeing of their pupils; something the Visible Learning concepts. In need to be proud of and distinctive place. That will be crucial as 50% to take away and use in their summary, the latest (and gigantic) in what our individual schools do, of children born today will live to school, the materials being available studies show that the best and that what we do is vital for the be 105 years old. through the public HMC website. learners understand how to learn, UK educational community. The Ensuring the current public In several sessions debate rumbled interconnect with feedback, explain conference bowled new ideas at discourse understands the real about the attractiveness of and understand progress and apply

Creating happy and successful young people: Shaun Fenton’s top ten 6. Focus and aspiration: This is particularly pressing given the smash-and- ingredients for a great education that will last a lifetime grab raid on young people’s attention by the technology giants who spend 1. Joy: We value most the education that is full of wonderment and fun, hundreds of millions of pounds perfecting how to tempt them away from which inspires children and is key to enjoying their childhood at school and more mundane matters such as homework. Young people are far in advance outside of adults in their knowledge of technology and they need to be empowered to control their own decision making 2. Curiosity: there’s one muscle above all others which children need to have exercised at school – an inquiring mind. It doesn’t matter whether 7. Creativity: The ability to think and express ourselves creatively is likely to it’s science, humanities or anything else which excites them, the most trump the ability to memorise facts. Machines may know more but humans important thing is to ignite a love of learning for life will need to think more 3. Good mental health: the bedrock of a happy life and necessary to learn 8. Moral and ethical purpose: great teachers can help create a personal to one’s own ability. Schools are increasingly focused on instilling the and communal sense of a moral purpose which promotes good behavior attitudes necessary to deal with difficulties, gain self-worth, make good and helps pupils find their way in the world and make it a better place decisions and steer through life’s twists and turns 9. Flexibility: We know young people will have multiple jobs in the future, 4. Knowledge: we must not forget that a bedrock of knowledge enriches and will be required to deal with machines who can out-pace and outwit life, promotes understanding and helps gain the qualifications necessary to them. Adaptability will be a core skill progress and be economically independent 10. Emotional literacy: Understanding the quality of friendships in 5. Physical health and happiness: Children need to be healthy and happy particular and relationships generally is often laid down in school. Experts to be high achieving – in that order. A community that nurtures a sense of tell us that dealing with machine intelligence will demand that we discover safety, ensures their children are healthy, get enough sleep and can face the what it truly means to be human, and being emotionally aware could be an world with optimism will be one that ‘gives them roots, then wings’ increasingly valued skill.

*details here: https://www.hmc.org.uk/blog/hmc-digital-awareness-uk-launch-tech-control-2018-help-young-people-make-good-decisions-use-technology

6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] From the Chair.... Tailored, Not Uniform Partnerships the habits of thinking and doing. & community Teachers can work less frenetically and add more value if they work within the Hattie framework, but, encouragingly, Heads need to know contribution how to make this academic research bespoke to their own school. Shaun Fenton, head of Reigate The collective dialogue between Grammar School, Surrey, and this year’s Heads at the conference, understanding the issues facing HMC Chairman, told the conference: us, was a highlight. The burning I am a state school teacher who hubs in the supply chain of • the growing number of bursaries issues: safeguarding children and has had just this single job in economic goods and services including those for the most the increasing workload that is the independent sector. After • our support in specialist teacher disadvantaged in society generating for schools; the growing 20 years in the state sector training provision in threatened • supporting community groups prevalence of drugs amongst and, as a recent joiner to the subject areas from adult education to the teenagers; the powerful external independent sector, I remember scouts, from parent access financial threats to independent • student volunteering being surprised and delighted centres to local sports clubs schools; and the passionate and • fund raising for charity at the ways in which HMC • the energy every HMC school wholehearted commitment to • our role in trade delegations, schools contribute positively to puts into state school partnership interlinkage with our colleagues alongside UK universities, in the national and educational work in areas such as academic and pupils in the maintained sector. developing influence especially enrichment, targeted teaching, landscape as part of their In this collegiality the Conference in the export-oriented sports coaching, use of facilities, everyday work. These are not came alive. work of the Department for arts and cultural events, staff necessarily things that set our International Trade training and more Alongside the profound and the schools apart from state schools; useful, the conference heard indeed, in my experience, the from speakers who delighted best schools in any sector tend with memorable one-liners. How to have many similarities. Some useful to hear the former Virgin of the many examples that I have Atlantic Marketing Director tell us seen of independent schools’ to “remember to take your own contribution include: sandwiches on their flights” or understand that in order to become • raising awareness and creating a millionaire airline owner you resources around the issue of must start out as a billionaire. Or wellbeing and mental health indeed the BBC’s Michael Buerk’s • working with universities as observation to us of a world so they seek to develop effective mad that Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ transition from school to FEEDING series cost more than the cost of university keeping the royal family last year. • a commitment among teachers INDEPENDENT I left Manchester with a very clear in our schools to mark exam sense of pride in what independent scripts for the national awarding schools add to the landscape of organisations education in the UK. HMC schools • the way in which we have have a role as beacons of best helped maintain national MINDS practice, a supreme collaborator qualifications that have small with educators of all types, holroydhowe.com 01189 356707 numbers of candidates - and, grounded in doing all that it can at the same time, have helped to drive a passion for learning in a range of university subject young people and ensure their departments to survive wellbeing and life chances are as developed as possible. To use each • the staff in our schools who school’s very independence to serve as state school governors the full. HMC Manchester 2018 and charity trustees FOODSERVICE CATERER CATEYS 2016 revealed to me that, quite simply, • our contribution as local and the ‘quiz of teachers’ needs to be regional employers (including of an ‘inspiration of heads.’ apprentices), and as economic

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 7 Independent schools’ £73 billion contribution to the UK Were it not for independent schools, UK GDP could have been £73 billion lower last year – according to new research revealing the independent education sector’s value to the national economy. In a report entitled ‘The Impact of billion to the UK economy in contribution to the UK’s ‘soft promote a bias towards science, Independent Schools on the UK 2017, generating £3.5 billion of power’ in the international mathematics and other subjects Economy’, a team of analysts at annual tax revenues (equivalent relations field; ISC schools demanded by employers.” Oxford Economics also established to £129 per UK household) and that, in 2017 alone, independent supporting 257,000 jobs. THE ECONOMIC IMPACT schools (including those not within • Of the £11.6 billion ISC schools Independent Schools Council contributed to the economy, OF THE ISC’S membership) contributed £13.7 non-British pupils at ISC schools 1,317 SCHOOLS billion to the economy, generating supported around £1.8 billion £4.1 billion of annual tax revenues of gross value added in the and supporting 303,000 jobs, UK, supporting 39,310 jobs CONTRIBUTION TO GDP, EMPLOYMENT AND NATIONAL TAX REVENUES which is more than the total and generating £550 million in number of jobs across Liverpool. annual tax revenues. BILLION BILLION In addition, the report found that £11.6 £3.5 • Independent schools also GVA contribution to UK GDP, annual tax revenues, independent schools save the support economic growth by which is greater than the £11.1 billion equivalent to taxpayer £3.5 billion every year contribution of the UK’s largest defence, £129 per UK promoting subjects that are by providing places for pupils aerospace and security company, household… strategically important for the BAE Systems. The contribution of who could otherwise be expected £129 UK’s skills base. non-British pupils is £1.8 billion. to take up a place in the state- Mr Lenon continued: “This report JOBS funded sector. This is enough to 257,020 …which is which is similar to the total build more than 20,000 affordable reveals what many might consider sufficient to fund number of jobs across Liverpool. homes. the hidden values of independent the annual pay of schools. Not only does it clearly Commenting on the findings, ISC detail the sector’s economic 108,000 chairman Barnaby Lenon said: contributions in financial terms, nurses. “While it is widely understood it tells us a wealth of other that independent schools provide noteworthy information of which a high quality, well-rounded SAVINGS TO THE TAXPAYER ADDITIONAL VALUE OF people should be aware. HIGH EDUCATIONAL education, it is hugely important PERFORMANCE BILLION to also acknowledge the significant “For example, we can see for £3.0 every four jobs in our schools, annual savings to the taxpayer, If ISC schools had not existed contribution they make to the UK enough to build 20,000 new during the past 70 years, UK economy. a further three are supported affordable homes. GDP could now be around elsewhere in the UK; the provision “The total tax impact of ISC of a first class education by UK- £62 BILLION schools on its own last year would based schools to international per annum lower. have been sufficient to fund the annual employment of 108,000 pupils can make a significant nurses on average full-time pay.” THE IMPACT OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ON THE UK ECONOMY Key findings from the Oxford All independent schools £3.5 bn Economics report include: ISC schools • In 2017, schools that are 2,444 schools £3.0 bn £13.7 bn members of the ISC’s 618,603 pupils Savings to constituent associations saved taxpayer the taxpayer £3 billion as a result of pupils not taking up £11.6 bn a place at a state maintained £73 bn 1,317 schools school, which is equivalent to Demand-side 524,879 pupils 3.5% of total state spending on support for education in England, Scotland £62 bn annual GDP and Wales in that year. • Had all independent fee- Supply-side boost charging schools ceased to exist to annual GDP in the late 1940s, then UK GDP 302,910 would have been £73 billion £4.1 bn lower in 2017—a shortfall of Wider 3.6%. 257,020 £3.5 bn contribution to Annual • The 1,300-plus schools Jobs publicly funded represented by the ISC’s tax education £1.8 bn GDP supported by associations contributed £11.6 system & society non-British students

8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Royal Patronage Chairing SOH renewed Principal of this position, the other being Sue Freestone from Kings Ely. The Purcell School, Hertfordshire, Westholme School She represents the Society at is delighted to announce that meetings and events including His Royal Highness The Prince of in Lancashire, Lynne the annual conferences of other Wales will continue his Patronage Horner has been national educational leadership of the School. elected as Chair organisations including HMC, His Royal Highness The Prince AGBIS, IAPS, ISA, ISBA and BSA. of Wales became Patron of The of the Society of Purcell School in March 1985, Heads for the year Lynne says “I am delighted and and has honoured the School proud to fulfil the role of Chair with his continued and invaluable 2018 – 2019. of the Society of Heads this support for the last 33 years. year. It is already a privilege to The Society of Heads is a In 1998, His Royal Highness lead Westholme and to have community of independent formally opened the School’s the opportunity to represent schools, who share innovative campus in Bushey, Hertfordshire, our school and likeminded ideas and approaches to learning. and in 2003 accepted the independent institutions through The overarching aim is to help UNESCO Mozart Gold Medal for the excellent work of the Society character for every child. With provide appropriate and balanced Outstanding Contribution To is truly exciting. The independent the Society, we have a strategic curriculums within schools, which Arts Education on behalf of The sector is vibrant and Society plan giving our organisation actively foster and develop key Purcell School. schools are characterised by focus and professional fellowship. attributes in pupils. The Purcell School exists to traits that we hold dear at We are currently building links provide young musicians of In this role Lynne provides Westholme... namely nurturing with the Canadian Association exceptional promise and talent leadership to the Society and the individual; pastoral care; of Independent Schools (CAIS) with the best possible teaching its Committee and the schools academic excellence; diverse and I am looking forward to and an environment in which to in membership; she is the 46th and strong co-curricular representing the Society at their fulfill their potential, irrespective Chair since 1961 and only opportunities and ensuring the CAIS Conference in Calgary this of their background. the second woman to hold strong personal development of year”.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Schools half page Ad Oct 2018.indd 1 Independent Schools08/10/2018 Magazine 11:24 9 Developing qualifications for a global future One of the purposes of education is to prepare students for their future. Yet that future is quickly changing. Experts say we are approaching a Fourth Industrial Revolution where robotics, AI, renewable energy sources, the sharing economy and other social and technological trends will change the way we live and work. Qualifications are one of the fundamental elements of a school’s curriculum. As such it’s vital that education providers continually review and adapt their qualifications to reflect current thinking. A report by Peter Monteath, Regional Director Europe at Cambridge Assessment International Education.

What do students qualification. The company may indicate that they want students to respond to a design need to know? advised on the key skills and analytical skills to be tested more brief – as if they are working in a knowledge students need to rigorously. design agency – providing them The starting point for good join the IT industry, and helped with an avenue of study that Skills as well as knowledge education design is to identify to ensure technical content was prepares them for employment in need to be tested to ensure that clearly what is to be learnt – not motivating and up to date. a digital age. students are developing the just in terms of core knowledge, but also the skills students need How we decide to habits and techniques that will Developing global to be effective in our changing be used in further study. For outlook review qualifications example psychology students world. Therefore, it is critical Students today could end up The Cambridge International at university will be required to get input from a range working anywhere in the world, Code of Practice requires that we to undertake research and use of stakeholders – including and so education needs to review our qualifications every quantitative skills, so skills need universities and employers – prepare them to succeed in a six years at a minimum. Each to be assessed through question when developing and revising globalised economy. review includes consideration of qualifications. papers and therefore developed in the knowledge, understanding the classroom. So qualifications need to be global Regular communication with and skills that students learn in outlook and not aligned to university admissions and faculty as part of their study and that Developing new any specific culture, so that the staff across the world is essential this remains appropriate at the qualifications content is meaningful and relevant to ensure qualifications prepare level that is being assessed. to students all over the world. students for undergraduate Often, we’ll review and update Working closely with higher courses – building students’ qualifications more frequently, education providers identifying Change is essential familiarity with relevant topics especially where we receive what new qualifications might As the world changes, through primary and secondary feedback from stakeholders, be needed, and feedback from qualifications must be revised education. This means students such as business and university schools worldwide can help and adapted to ensure learners will have the base knowledge representatives. develop new courses to meet are equipped with the right and skills required to make the students’ changing needs. knowledge, as well as the right In fast-moving subjects, such step up to this next stage of Market research identifies gaps in skills, to meet the needs of as Information Technology, it education, and really thrive at education delivery. whatever the Fourth Industrial is the content that needs to be university. Revolution holds in store for us all. updated to keep pace with new For example, having seen the new It is also important to liaise with developments. For example, technologies that students are Schools need to ensure that the employers to ensure qualifications IT courses need to include using as part of our International course content and qualifications are helping to develop relevant programming languages for web A Level Art & Design qualification they offer keep pace with change. skills and provide students and design following new software we decided to develop a new Studying what their parents teachers with the latest thinking improvements. In other subjects, course in Digital Media & Design. learned will not prepare students on a particular subject. For the balance of skills that are We wanted to allow students to for the world of tomorrow. example, we recently worked being tested should be considered take their skills in digital media Appropriate and evolving with an international technology – for example, in a humanity or further and push the limits of qualifications help students company to create and literature subject feedback from what they can create. Moreover, become university ready, work develop our computer science school leaders and subject experts the assessment approach requires ready and ready for the world. Peter Monteath, Regional Director Europe at Cambridge Assessment International Education

10 Independent Schools Magazine Qualifications that are recognised around the globe, with a choice of grading scales.

Cambridge Assessment International Education are supporting independent schools in the UK by offering 9-1 graded Cambridge IGCSEs in popular subjects. Schools can teach familiar Cambridge syllabuses, and decide whether to retain A*-G grading or move to 9-1 grading a few months before the examination. Find out more at cambridgeinternational.org/igcsegradingchoice

ISM IGCSE A4_ad Oct17.indd 1 06/10/2017 12:10 Free tool to tackle staff stress The Health and Safety any school, and our new Talking duty to assess the risk of work- with staff to find out what Executive’s (HSE) Go Home Toolkit helps school leaders and related stress and to bring in causes their stress and to get Healthy campaign has launched line managers to do exactly appropriate measures to mitigate them involved in coming up with a new tool aimed at helping that.” those risks. solutions.” schools to prevent work-related The toolkit has six templates for “The Talking Toolkit can be just In the last 12 months over stress. six different conversations to one step on a schools’ journey 500,000 working days were The Talking Toolkit is a be held between school leaders, towards bringing in measures to lost in secondary schools due downloadable free resource, line managers and staff. Each tackle work-related stress. The to stress, depression or anxiety, which gives school leaders conversation is shaped around information such conversations caused, or made worse, by work. templates for simple, practical will provide will help with the an area which, if not properly The Health and Safety Executive conversations about work issues risk assessment requirement and managed, is associated with poor (HSE) launched the Go Home which can be causes of stress, if there will be plenty of really health, lower productivity and Healthy campaign last year they are not managed properly. good things being done within increased sickness absence. as part of its health and work the school that can then be Rob McGreal, lead work-related programme. The campaign is The toolkit also includes ideas applied across other parts of it. stress policy advisor at the aimed at encouraging employers and resources for the prevention Health and Safety Executive “There is no strict format for to take health risks as seriously of work-related stress in schools. (HSE) said: “Simply starting the how line managers should as safety ones, and one of its conversation around stress and Rob continued: “All employers, have these conversations. The three priorities is the prevention mental health is the key step for including schools, have a legal important thing is to engage of work-related stress. You can download the Talking Toolkit at: https://goo.gl/pk7RPY

Original score Spitfire for Christmas restoration The Children’s Society is celebrating 50 years of Christingle, which raises Girls at St George’s School in money for vulnerable children. To Edinburgh are getting stuck mark the occasion The Children’s into the restoration of a Society has partnered with the Royal Triumph Spitfire after winning a College of Music and commissioned competition where a former pupil, an original piece of choral music to ‘Spitfire’ Annie helped to swing have available for all schools to get the vote for claiming the car. involved in and sing the song at Christingle events or assemblies. Mark Ashmore, Head of Science at St George’s and Practical Classic Christingle is a well-loved festive Car magazine reader, spotted a car tradition very popular with school restoration competition run by the children and families that was started in 1968 by a fundraiser for magazine to win the 1971 MkIV – nicknamed ‘Spitfire’ Annie or Technology, Engineering, Art and The Children’s Society, with a view 1300cc Spitfire. To get his hands ‘Little Spitfire’ who attended St Mathematics) and we are always to raising money for disadvantaged on the car, Mark sent his winning George’s. looking for new initiatives to children. The event caught on and entry of no more than 50 words Mr Ashmore said after he heard extend pupils in these fields.’ is now celebrated in hundreds of telling the judges why the school about the winning bid: ‘This ‘It seems only just that we should schools, churches, cathedrals and should win the classic motor. is a very exciting project for breathe life back into this Spitfire, community settings up and down The judges decided to award the the school. We have a team of back in the school grounds in the country. The occasion is named car for a number of reasons: enthusiastic and talented girls Edinburgh, where ‘Little Spitfire’ after the Christingles, the oranges that are lit during the service and The car will be restored by sixth and staff ready to take on the herself was schooled.’ decorated with a candle, red ribbon, form girls who are interested in challenge. The girls will learn the St George’s is planning on dried fruits and sweets on cocktail engineering and who will work skills required to work on the car exhibiting the Spitfire at Practical sticks which highlight different parts closely with the Practical Classic as part of their co-curriculum Classic’s Car and Restoration of the Christian story. Car magazine team as the project programme where they meet Show at Birmingham’s NEC on progresses. once a week as the Automotive Schools can help The Children’s the 23 – 25 March 2019. Society to support these children St George’s has a Spitfire Engineers Club. Our Science and Mark would like to hear from by downloading the song from Engineers clubs are amongst connection of its own. Sir Robert anyone who can help with The Children’s Society’s website: MacLean, who was the chairman our most popular clubs. About donating tools and spare parts, or Christingle.org/song and singing at of Vickers Aviation before a third of our leavers every would like to give a cash donation. their Christingle fundraising services WWII, named the plane after his year go on to study STEAM E: [email protected] and carol singing events. Other free spirited daughter, Annie Penrose subjects at university (Science, T: 0131 311 8000 resources are available.

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6135 Schoolblazer Print Advertising 2017.indd 2 29/09/2017 15:39 Behaviour management – helping teens develop emotional intelligence Clare Othman discusses the importance of helping teens develop emotional intelligence as part of teachers’ approach to behaviour management in the classroom. Behaviour can and promote learning. Positive peer relationships will result in affect learning a more relaxed and productive We all know that behaviour environment for all students. can impact students’ progress in school, but to what extent? Self-motivation In the largest study of its kind, Teaching teens to develop self- Ofsted estimated that up to 20% motivation (an internal drive of learning could be lost each to pursue and achieve goals) is day due to low-level disruptive another extremely important behaviour – like talking and skill for their success throughout swinging on chairs, with two- school, as well as later in life. thirds of teachers saying that it is Encouraging students to set a major problem. That adds up to attainable goals and breaking up two years of education lost by the large assignments or challenges time students take their GCSEs. into smaller, more manageable Additionally, with an Association tasks is a key to the development of Teachers and Lecturers 2016 of this skill. When faced with a report indicating that almost 80% of teachers suffer from high- setback, helping students focus level disruption in their class, on positive and creative ways schools are looking for new ways forward is also important and to tackle misbehaviour in the teaches students to become more classroom. resilient. Clare Othman is Operations Director of Supply Desk. which matches school staffing needs So where does emotional with the best available candidates and works together with teachers, teaching assistants Self-awareness of and schools with the objective of raising standards. www.supplydesk.co.uk. intelligence come in? students and teachers reflection is important. If a outcomes of students in the Social and emotional difficulties Self-awareness is the ability student is exhibiting challenging classroom. Teachers should focus can result in lower academic to understand oneself. Here, behaviour or has reacted to on developing respectful and outcomes and poor classroom reflection is an incredibly a situation in an unexpected supportive relationships with behaviour. Using strategies which useful tool, and could be manner, it may be that they have their students. Building and promote emotional growth and incorporated into the classroom something going on in their sustaining a trusting relationship help students develop key social by encouraging students to use personal life. Perhaps they heard can be achieved through the skills can help reduce disruption a learning journal or including their parents fighting the previous use of genuine empathy, active and improve learning outcomes critical reflection in assessments. listening and treating students night; were bullied on the way It’s also important for teachers, for all students. with dignity. Research shows that to school or have recently fallen before encouraging students Emotional intelligence generally secure and positive relationships out with a friend. It’s important to be more self-aware, to between students and teaching covers five main areas: self- for teachers to take time out with ensure that they themselves are staff correlate to higher grades, awareness, emotional control, their students, one-on-one, and exemplifying this skill. Prior greater emotional regulation, self-motivation, empathy and encourage them to think about to stepping into a classroom, social competence, increased relationship skills. Such skills are their behaviour. Teachers should teachers should ask themselves: willingness to take on challenges essential for equipping students ask questions, such as ‘Why do ‘How am I feeling today?’, ‘Am and improved behaviour. for success both inside and you think you behaved in this I in the right place?’ Positive outside the classroom. way?’ and ‘How do you think Positive peer relationships are behaviour begins with those who Emotional control your behaviour impacts others in also crucial for students’ social lead the class. Teachers should the classroom?’ Students should and emotional growth and can be model the behaviour they’d like and self-regulation be encouraged to reflect on the developed in safe and effective to see their students mimic; Helping students improve consequences of their actions for learning environments, which are if the teacher is behaving in their self-regulation is one both themselves and others. inclusive of all students. Teachers an emotionally intelligent and of the most effective ways to Relationship skills and can help students develop these self-aware way, then it’s more support teenagers in developing interpersonal skills by teaching likely their class will follow emotional intelligence. In this empathy them to be aware of how their suit. Teachers are ultimately regard, understanding the driving Fostering positive student- behaviour is perceived by others responsible for creating and factors behind challenging teacher relationships is critical and assisting them in developing maintaining a positive learning behaviour and prompting to maximising the learning empathy skills to resolve conflict environment.

14 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Investing in the future

Kitebrook Preparatory School, Gloucestershire, is celebrating the opening of a new multi-purpose Hall for their pupils this term. Formerly opened by Trustee Katie Pryce and new Cothill Trust CEO Tom Beardmore-Gray, the new 345 sq m area is a welcome addition to the school who have already used the facility for a parent morning, group assemblies and musical performances.

Sixth formers at the start of the new term at Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, were appreciative of the impressive new Sixth Form Centre that opened its doors for the first time last month (September). The Sixth Form Centre occupies the ground floor of a new three-story building, Beech Court, that also houses a new library and art space. Talking about the new facilities, the Headmaster Michael Windsor said, “The new centre is designed to mark the transition from Middle School to the Sixth Form where students have more independence, take on more responsibility for their own learning and enjoy a relationship with the Pictured: (L-R) Trustee Katie Pryce, Head Susan McLean, Cothill Trust CEO Tom school and staff that more closely resembles university education.” Beardmore-Gray. Pupils (L-R) Daisy Frampton and Amelia-Rose Storer With the opening of a brand new state-of-the-art multi-adventure Work is under way to create a playground, pupils at St Margaret’s combined art studio at St Peter’s School, Hertfordshire, had lots to School, Northamptonshire. The smile about as they returned to facility will also house an after- school. Bringing a new dimension school club. to play time, the playground is Ali Hurst, Bursar at St Peter’s accessible to all children from School, said: The timber framed Reception through to Year 6. building will enhance our School and blend perfectly within the The playground is designed to offer boundary of our listed school safe but enhanced opportunities for grounds.” physical challenge.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 15 The ISBA approves Castle Driver Training’s Minibus Compliance Course to tackle the gap in knowledge and subsequent safety risks to schools, their drivers and pupils.

Castle Driver Training has course that would educate staff to assess how compliant they been working with the on this area of operations. currently are, identify room for improvement and support any ISBA (Independent School Launched on 25th September in changes that need to be made. Bursar’s Association) Bicester the course is delivered in and former senior traffic two parts, part one being a day’s Beverley Bell, former Senior training in a classroom setting Traffic Commissioner for the commissioner Beverley covering; UK comments “The law in this Bell, to write and deliver 1. The legal framework under area is complex and not always Delegates are taken through the the UK’s only minibus which schools operate their easily understood by schools and daily walk-round check required under Section 19 Permits compliance course written vehicles, including who has their teaching staff with severe specifically for schools and the responsibility for legal penalties for non-compliance – as approved by RoSPA. compliance well as the risk to the safety of 2. The vehicle and the challenges your pupils. It is therefore vital In a survey conducted in 2017 teacher-drivers face, the that your school ‘gets it right’”. by Castle Driver Training it was required pre-journey checks and John Murphie, Chief Operating discovered that over 70% of the safety inspections (with a Euro Officer of the ISBA comments 300+ schools asked were not aware 6 minibus to explore) “This is a must-attend course of their obligations under the 3. The driver’s responsibilities, as that will raise awareness and thus Courses are held at Castle’s Section 19 Permit, most had never well as the schools, and the improve safety standards; not just offices in Bicester, Oxfordshire even heard of it despite owning/ or at venues across the country penalties they could face if they by a ‘chalk and talk’ approach operating school minibuses. fail to fulfil them but by the fact that Castle Driver ‘safety system’ which will be In reaction to this confusion over 4. Planning the journey and Training has included a follow auditable and fully compliant. I minibus management, Castle emergency protocols up visit to ensure compliance hope this can become the basis of Driver Training approached the The second part of the MCC is with the course material. When a case which will seek to reduce ISBA and RoSPA to create a a half day visit with the school’s properly implemented in a school insurance premiums currently paid credible minibus compliance appointed transport manager this will provide a base for a by schools.” The MCC costs £595 (£495 to ISBA members and associated members) and there are venues and dates available across the country. More details and bookings via www.castleminibus.co.uk/driver-training/MCC or call 01869 253744

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• We are open MondayRAC to Friday breakdown 08:30 to 5pm cover• You will be charged £50 for valeting if the interior is • Replacement fuel costs are pump price +25% deemed unacceptable • No deposit required10 week safety inspections• 2,000 miles free, per month - 20p per mile • Invoices raised on the first day of hire, 7 day terms thereafter • Proof of your fully comprehesive insurance is • Unpaid congestion frees, tolls etc = cost + £35 required admin fee • Yes... You do pay for the damage • There is a £75 charge for cancellation within 24hrs • 24/7 breakdown cover • Extend or reduce hire period at any point at no For more information and current stock visit extra cost www.buyaminibus.co.ukCastle Rentals... Just for Schools... 01869 255395 or call 01869 255395 Politics and independent education A time of uncertainty demands backstop plans Henry Briggs, senior partner at the Birmingham office of chartered accountants Haines Watts, is a former school governor with expertise in advising and supporting both independent and state schools. He comments on what the consequences might be to private schools with a change of government.

In April last year, John McDonnell’s be able to absorb the rise. So, In the education sector, they are overseas) would be both ironic threat to impose VAT on private the overall effect would be an committed to running down the and undesirable. school fees to pay for free school inevitable rise in fees to parents. Academies programme. This has In any event, educational decisions meals for all, gave rise to much always been unpopular with the This would certainly lead to a are long-term, and the effects may comment as to its effects on the teachers’ unions, but parents have contraction of the private sector, take some time to be felt. But sector, not least in this magazine. often seen it as an answer to though it is worth looking at some a reduction in UK capacity due expensive independent education There have been no noticeable existing trends to consider how it to increased taxation and costs, that many of them cannot afford, shifts in Labour’s line on this, might play out. will lead to some private school but who want to provide every but there has been a General closures. Premises will need to Year-on-year, the Independent opportunity to their children. Election since then, in which Schools Council census of the be sold - in many cases to fund their share of the vote reached sector shows two important Outside education in the redundancy and liquidation costs higher than expected levels. With international aspects of note. wider economy, the threat of - and may well be attractive for uncertainty surrounding the Firstly, the number of overseas nationalisations and increased other, non-educational uses. So, a current Government’s position pupils attending UK schools is taxes are highly likely to lead to future Labour education secretary and Jeremy Corbyn’s call to his continually rising and, in the 2018 further falls in the pound. This would oversee a retraction in party to prepare for power, it is census, the number from China has may make a UK education better school places that will need to be timely to look again at what a risen by c.15% in one year. Pupils value for overseas parents. The filled from the public purse, both Labour Government might do to with non-UK resident parents now wealthiest of the UK parents would in new-builds and the provision of our independent schools. Recent account for over 5% of the total. seriously consider sending their extra places. political outcomes across the children abroad to be educated. A Western world have led us to The second factor is the increase saving of 20% VAT would make It is unlikely that these arguments expect the unexpected. in UK schools setting up satellite up for some of the loss of buying will hold much water with a or partnership schools, using the value of the pound abroad. doctrinaire membership run party, Firstly, it is worth revisiting in admired UK brand, which now for whom the whole issue of summary the effects of the Thus, a consequence could be stands at 47 schools, with a total private education has always been imposition of VAT. Fee charging more children being educated of c.32,000 pupils. This continues very emotive. Those moderate MPs schools are exempt from VAT, and privately in a different country to rise year on year. who do educate their children if they lost their exempt status, to their parents’ residence. This privately are vilified by their own then registration for VAT would For pupils in the state sector, would visibly go against what members. mean that they have to charge private tutoring of pupils is would be the intended political VAT on fees and they can recover undoubtedly growing, though lack effect. The continued existence At a time of uncertainty, it is VAT on their inputs. However, of measurement and regulation of UK-based private schools that important that all of us involved in apart from capital expenditure, make it something more difficult are too expensive for domestic private school education need to many of their inputs attract no for a Labour Government to attack. pupils but instead educate foreign consider what any changes might VAT. With VAT at 20% and many There are, of course, other nationals (with UK parents still bring and at least make backstop schools struggling to make a consequences that would be felt giving their children educational plans for such outcomes, however surplus of 10%, schools will not by private schools. advantages by sending them unwelcome they seem. Welcoming international students Independent Schools Council response, Mr Lenon said: “There “But UK education is in “In a post-Brexit world not chairman, Barnaby Lenon, are about 60,000 non-British competition with other only should we adopt a much outlined the importance of students studying at UK countries for international warmer attitude towards these welcoming international independent schools and they students – notably the US, students, who have a positive students to the UK following make a valuable contribution to Canada, Australia and New influence on our economy, our the publication of a Migration the UK’s economy during their Zealand. In recent years, intellectual base and our ability Advisory Committee (MAC) report time here. Many end up having a our competitors have been to understand other cultures, we entitled ‘Impact of international greater impact because they go on noticeably more welcoming and also need to make it easier for students in the UK’. to attend a UK university, having have increased their numbers them to navigate the excessively The MAC report was published been influenced to choose that of international students much complicated mechanics of last month (September). In option by their time at school. faster than the UK. applying for a student visa”.

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Born: 1970 As an experienced teacher of Religious setting out to achieve. The answer is that it should Studies, what is your reaction to the be seeking to instil in every child as deep and Married? Yes, to Karen, a Head of QCommission on Religious Education’s sophisticated an understanding of one religious Art. We have two children: Rosie recently published report on the future of the tradition. Anything else is, at best, a bureaucratic who is 7 and Henry who is 5. subject, which suggests it be re-named ‘Religion waste of time and, at worst, a blueprint for and Worldviews’ and include the different Schools and University discarding generations of cultural capital and traditions within Christianity, Buddhism, breeding future ignorance and intolerance. Attended: Notre Dame High Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, plus School in Norwich, University of non religious worldviews such as humanism, Yours is a Catholic day school. What place Southampton, Birkbeck College, secularism, atheism and agnosticism? does the Catholic religion have in school University of Oxford life, and do you believe the absence of I do not agree with this recommendation. Q religion in our largely secular society has any First job: My first ever job was On the surface it looks sensible, but it risks effect on pupil wellbeing and mental health? a washer-up in a restaurant. My Amaking two existing problems far worse. first full-time job was working in Firstly, it will tend to encourage a shallow, secular The Catholic faith plays a very large part after-sales for Virgin Wines understanding of all religious faiths. Religious in our school life. It is the central strand faiths are complex systems of thought and Aof DNA running through everything we First management job: behavior and a half-decent understanding of any do, not just in assemblies, collective worship and 2006, Head of Religious Education single faith tradition requires focused study of it RE lessons, but in how we all treat each other on a at Woldingham alone over several years. A multi-faith curriculum day-to-day basis, and even in the shared language does a disservice to every worldview and tradition we use. I am always very clear about the fact that First job in education: apart from a sort of shallow secularism that has no we have neither the ability nor the right to shape 2002, Woodbridge School, under real understanding of any religious traditions. the metaphysical views of the children in our the marvelous Headmaster, care. Having said that, we do explicitly aim to help Secondly, religious extremism and intolerance is Stephen Cole, who was kind ensure that everyone who leaves our school is a partly fuelled by an ignorant understanding of young person of genuine compassion and inner enough to take a chance on me religious traditions and ideas. The best way to confidence, with a strong sense of duty and service inoculate anyone against religious extremism and Appointed to current job: 2016 to others and a powerful and joyous sense of the ideology masquerading as religious thought is to mystery of Being-itself. Favourite piece of music: Spirit provide them with as in-depth and sophisticated of Eden by Talk Talk an understanding as possible of one religious I do believe that the increasingly radical secularism tradition. In short, the assumption that breadth of of our culture is one of the sources of current and Favourite food: knowledge is better than depth of knowledge is an well-publicized mental health problems among Toast and Marmite obviously flawed assumption. the younger generation. Our society exhorts people constantly to better themselves and to struggle to Favourite drink: Coffee The same report advocates making it be authentic and free individuals (whatever that Favourite holiday destination: compulsory for schools to ensure that means. I am not sure anyone really knows what it every pupil has access to Religion and Centerparcs Q means). The intelligent and sensitive individual’s Worldviews learning ‘through the curriculum, response to these endless exhortations is bound Favourite leisure pastime: lessons, and wider experiences’ - and that to be “why? What exactly is the point?” If you inspectors will make it part of their routine to Vegging out with my family actively endorse a spiritual vacuum at the heart check. Is this all going to make a significant of existence, no amount of exhorting people to Favourite TV or radio difference, or simply make inspections even more Nietzschean individualism and self-belief will be onerous for staff than at present? programme/series: able to counteract the unhappiness created. My favourite recent TV The problem here is that the proposal is programme was the French not good education and it won’t achieve As a head you have embraced the Minerva detective series Spiral Athe intention aimed at. The issue is not programme, designed to help young whether it is onerous for schools during inspection. Qpeople achieve their academic goals Suggested epitaph: If we are set an inspection criterion then we whilst embedding in them the skills and emotional Well done good and faithful have no choice but to try to meet it, end of story. responses they need to deal with situations they servant (Matthew 25) The issue is what Religious education should be face. How does this work in everyday practice?

20 Independent Schools Magazine Dr. Julian Murphy has been head of Loughborough Amherst School, Leicestershire, since 2016. He was previously Academic Deputy Head at Woldingham School, Surrey.

Some of it is fairly standard stuff something I was exploring. I didn’t know until I safe to dismiss or ignore. So, I set out to establish that you would see in most schools tried it that I would enjoy it so much. – in my own mind as much as anything else – a nowadays. We try to promote a A Loughborough Amherst School serves definitive list of the perennial features of good discourse in which risk and failure are embraced boys from 4 - 11 and girls 4 -18, with teaching that everyone would be able to agree and in which people are encouraged to develop Qover 200 pupils on the roll, and plans on and that could act as a benchmark for the resilience and rational perspective in the face of to become fully co-educational in 2019. Being evaluation and employment of future research challenges and apparent setbacks. The key with part of Loughborough Schools Foundation will and ideas. this cultural goal is that working on the mindset presumably make it possible to offer a wider I was particularly nervous about presenting of all the staff is actually the most important range of subjects across all age groups than goal. The staff unconsciously set the emotional the ‘5 Cs’ at the HMC conference because it might otherwise be possible in a relatively felt like a very presumptuous thing to do and tone of the School. small school, but what benefit does this wider because many of these people were not actually ‘group’ membership bring you in terms of We do, however, employ certain specific practices my peers, they were much more experienced management? to help build a practical and positive working than I was. I was also nervous because, at the mindset in our pupils. The most important time, I was much less experienced at public and radical of these is our split homework Membership of the Loughborough Schools Foundation certainly helps us presentations than I have become since taking philosophy, wherein most homework tasks – up a Headship. However, in the end it seemed to even for very young children – are formally in terms of our curriculum. It allows us A go down very well. divided into revision reading and note-taking to offer 29 A Levels, which would obviously not tasks and rapid closed book written tasks. In this be possible for a school of our size under normal You are now two years into your first circumstances. way, we are trying, from a very young age, to headship. What’s been the greatest build children’s embedded knowledge through It also benefits us in terms of facilities. For Qchallenge for you in the step up to the constant revision and retrieval tasks, and helping example, we are currently in the process of top job? them to experience working at speed and from constructing a joint girls’ sports centre with memory as very normal and non-stressful ways Loughborough High School. We could not I think there have been two main of working. afford to do something of this cost and scale on challenges for me. One has been our own. Alearning how to switch off and the After your Philosophy and Politics other has been getting better at saying no. In Finally, it is of enormous benefit in the field degree at Southampton, you spent the past, I was not great at embracing down of extra-curricular provision and academic some years doing a variety of jobs time and really switching off, but I have had to Q enrichment. As part of the Foundation, we can and studying in the Middle East before joining learn how to do this more effectively. Nowadays, offer a menu of extra-curricular options and Woodbridge School, Suffolk, on the RE staff. ironically, I am much better at switching off a quality of careers advice, visiting lectures Who or what inspired you to get into teaching? from work than I was ten years ago when I and special seminar groups that would not be had a lot less responsibility. I am also one of Although I was intelligent and possible for a small school by itself. nature’s people pleasers. I like to feel validated hardworking, and very lucky in the You addressed the 2015 HMC by assisting other people and I don’t like conflict, opportunities given to me as a young A Conference of Academic Deputy Heads both of which are fairly normal traits, but as man, I undoubtedly spent much of my twenties Qon the ‘Five C’s’ teaching philosophy.... Head you have to learn to know when to say no drifting without a clear sense of who I was or Control; Confidence; Clarity; Challenge; Care. what I wanted to do with my life. I was drawn to other people and when it is necessary to give What was the essence of your presentation? them bad news. I’ve got better about this, but I to trying out teaching by a sense of loneliness How did you feel about addressing your peers? and a desire to feel a sense that I was using what don’t think I’m ever going to find it easy. skills and knowledge I possessed to serve others, The ‘Five Cs’ was born out of my If a new head asked you for a few words albeit in a modest way. I found completing my frustration at what I saw as an of advice on his or her first day in post, DPhil quite a lonely experience and I realized that unnecessary and harmful cultural what would you say? the life of a university academic was not for me. A battle between contemporary and traditional Q To be honest, I realized I wasn’t actually clever approaches to teaching. I saw young colleagues Three things. Concentrate on getting enough at any one thing to be a professional sometimes employing all sorts of new ideas and to know everyone as well as possible, academic. I also wanted a way of life that techniques at the expense of more basic forms of Adon’t be afraid to ask lots of stupid was more structured and more sociable. So, I effective teaching and classroom management. questions, and keep looking at everything from guess, teaching seemed like a logical avenue to I also saw older colleagues treating all new ideas the perspective of the pupils. Oh, and don’t forget explore. At the time, however, teaching was just and suggestions as passing fads that they felt to enjoy it. Being a Head is actually lots of fun.

Independent Schools Magazine 21 Keeping children safe in education ~ update The two key safeguarding publications, Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) have both been updated recently, writes Andy Robinson, director of training for AGBIS (The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools).

The key changes that schools stressed and the need to take alternative provision providers have should be aware of are: into account pupils’ wider social completed all the necessary vetting Focus on Safeguarding Working Together to spheres and influences in order and barring checks before allowing Wednesday 27 February 2019 Safeguard Children to assess the degree of risk they a pupil to attend. There is helpful (10.00-16.00) at the offices of may be at, and what mitigating clarification on the previously grey The Local Safeguarding Children’s Farrer & Co, London actions might be appropriate. area of home-stays (exchange Boards (LSCB) structure will be With the help of the legal team There is increased prominence on visits); host parents do need to replaced with ‘Local Safeguarding from Farrer & Co, this AGBIS the safety of children with special have an enhanced DBS check and Partners’ comprising: the local seminar will look at all elements needs and disabilities and those the school must decide whether authority; the local clinical of Governors’ safeguarding who have previously been ‘looked these are also required for other commissioning group; police and responsibilities. after’ and a reminder that changes residents over 16, for example invited other key agencies. Schools’ • The Context – a reminder polices will need to be updated to in behaviour might be as a result older siblings. of abuse rather than other factors. of governors’ core reflect the change in name. In addition to the changes The use of reasonable force is responsibilities above the meaning of the terms KCSIE also discussed in some detail • The Issues – the nature of ‘must’ and ‘should’ has been The new version of KCSIE requires with a reminder that improved abuse, organisation culture more clearly defined. ‘Must’ that staff induction training procedures can reduce the need to and the context of those who indicates something that is a legal should now also include a briefing use restraint, especially for children are the subject of abuse on the staff behaviour policy / requirement whereas ‘should’ is with special needs. • The Responsibilities – of code of conduct and the school’s advice which should be followed school staff and school policy for managing children who There is a new Part 5 to the unless there is good reason not governors (including the are missing education. In addition, guidance that covers, in some to. If a school decides not to nominated safeguarding when considering individuals detail, peer-on-peer abuse and follow a ‘should’ recommendation for volunteer roles, schools must stresses that sexual harassment then AGBIS would suggest that governor) and what the undertake a risk assessment to must not be dismissed as ‘banter’. the reasons for deviating from inspectors will be checking decide whether to request an Other forms of peer on peer the advice should be clearly • The Practicalities – case enhanced DBS check on the abuse are discussed such as sexual documented. In addition, all study scenarios: prospective volunteer. There is new violence and sexual harassment references to the National • Pupil in Distress – what information on how to conduct along with how these should College of Teaching and Learning would you do? teacher status checks and the be dealt with. The updated (NCTL) have been replaced by • Tricky Allegation – about need for references, including for publication reminds us that mobile the Teaching Regulation Agency a member of staff internal job applicants. phones are now much more than (TRA) now that it has become the communications devices and that professional regulator for teaching • The Current Focus – There is greater emphasis than for most children these are their and the body to which teachers emerging themes from KCSIE before on the need for all staff primary means of accessing the suspected of misconduct should be 2018 (including peer on peer to be alert to signs of abuse and internet whilst at school - hence, reported. abuse, gender identity and to identify pupils who might policies and procedures must take pupils with SEND) benefit from early help due to AGBIS recommends that governors this into account. • The Historic Context – the being at increased risk (e.g. pupils seek confirmation from senior latest from the Independent misusing drugs or alcohol). Other There is a reminder that pupils staff that all the necessary policy Inquiry into Child Sexual significant changes include the in alternative provisions remain, and procedural changes have been Abuse and how to handle new requirement to hold more for safeguarding purposes, the put in place for the start of the historic abuse claims than one emergency contact responsibility of the school autumn term and ensure that the number for parents/guardians, where the individual is on roll. revised policy has been endorsed • ‘Question Time’ wherever possible. The concept This means that schools need by the full governing body before AGBIS Members’ rate – £175 of ‘contextual safeguarding’ is to confirm in writing that the it ‘goes live’. Non-members – £190 A number of the leading education law firms have published helpful, more detailed updates, these include: Tel: 01438 840730 Farrer & Co – Update on DfE Guidance Harrison Clark Rickerbys - KCSIE 2018 Update and Action Points Email: [email protected] Stone King – Education Bulletin – July 2018

22 Independent Schools Magazine Lancaster is redefining what it means to be an ‘elite’ University.

Ranked 6th in the Times and Sunday Times 2018. Top 10 of UK universities for student satisfaction, NSS 2018. Top 10 for graduate employment, The Times and Sunday Times 2017. Gold award in the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework.

lancaster.ac.uk/reputation The power of productive struggle Sister school overseas Durham School in Durham, has announced that Durham School for Girls Doha will open in Qatar, in September 2019. Durham School has over 500 day the UK Curriculum throughout. and boarding pupils, aged 3-18. The school will grow year on year Durham School for Girls Doha will towards IGCSEs at Key Stage 4 and be a separate legal entity to Durham A Level at Key Stage 5. School, but share the same core value and principles to provide Headmaster of Durham School, “Confidence for life”. Kieran McLaughlin said, “This is a hugely exciting development for Durham School for Girls Doha’s Durham School but also for the academic programme, like that of educational environment in the Durham School, will aim to instil a Middle East. lifelong love of learning. Its pastoral care will help the girls and young “It is the realisation of a shared When advanced learners grasp by expert mathematician Tony women develop moral strength and ambition for us to build on our mathematical concepts quickly, Gardiner and are designed to emotional resilience, to act with 600-year heritage and that of our it’s tempting to accelerate them encourage deep thinking and responsibility, humility and kindness Qatari partners, who seek to create ahead of their peers. But this productive struggle in advanced and to be ready to make a positive a learning environment in which contribution to society. can lead to trouble in later learners. All Mathsteasers questions girls, whilst rooted in their national culture, become ready to take years — pupils who accelerate follow the 2014 English national Durham School for Girls Doha will their place in modern 21st century through lesson topics miss out curriculum so they easily fit into be part of Qatar’s Outstanding on deepening their knowledge society. your practice as extension material. Schools Programme and will be and are unable to work hard in an accessible residential area in “We are proud to be the first and struggle productively. Just Questions from any Mathsteasers the Al Messila region of the city. independent school in the North like all other pupils, advanced booklet challenge learners all Working to requirements defined East to open a sister school overseas. learners need to struggle to the way up to lower secondary by Durham School, architects have We believe it says a great deal about reach their full potential. school. They’re flexible and can created plans that will provide the our ambition and confidence to very best facilities expected of a This idea is supported by Stanford be used in class, as a homework reach out to a wider community. premium grade school. psychologist Carol Dweck, who activity or as part of daily We are hugely excited about the says that pupils who believe their journaling. Mathsteasers teach Durham School for Girls Doha will opportunity as we begin a new basic abilities, talents and overall for greater depth instead of open in the primary phase, offering chapter in the School’s history.” intelligence are fixed traits also accelerating pupils to the next believe that their success is directly topic, keeping everyone learning connected to these given traits. at the same pace. This kind of thinking is known as a Mathsteasers keep advanced ‘fixed mindset’. learners engaged. Pupils take their When pupils with a fixed mindset existing knowledge and adapt fail, or perform to a lower standard their thinking to these challenging than what they’re used to, their problems. They inspire advanced self identity starts to crumble. We and adventurous learners to need to teach advanced learners rise to new challenges. To face that ‘ability’ isn’t fixed; it’s uncertainty and keep going. To something that takes effort, hard build a resilience that will last work and persistence. We should encourage a ‘growth mindset’ in them a lifetime. all learners. When failing isn’t seen as That’s where Mathsteasers come in. something negative, pupils Mathsteasers are booklets created thrive and for advanced learners, for pupils in Years 4–8. These adopting a growth mindset means essential supplemental resources opening themselves up to their include questions developed full potential. Ready to take your advanced learners further? Pictured: (seated left) Saad Ebrahim Al Muhannadi (Chairman of the Governing Body for Durham school for Doha) with (standing) HE Yousef bin Ali Al Khater, the Qatari Ambassador Find out more at: www.mathsnoproblem.com/independent-schools to the UK, and (seated right): Mr K J McLaughlin – Headmaster, Durham School

24 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Dance and Drama Music facilities St Joseph’s College, Berkshire, the commitment and dedication of has formally opened a new Music music staff, who have developed a Centre comprising classrooms, a love and enthusiasm for music in so suite of practice rooms and a music many students, past and present. technology room. The College has The quality of music produced by become a Yamaha school, with our pupils is outstanding, and we each room encompassing one of now have a facility that meets the fourteen new Yamaha pianos. requirements of their talents and hard work. We are very proud to Headmaster, Andy Colpus, said: “I be able to offer all our pupils this am delighted that our Music Centre wonderful new facility, which will is now officially open and being allow us to develop the learning fully utilised. Music has always of music throughout the College, been at the heart of St Joseph’s and to continue to celebrate our

Picture courtesy Cambridgeshire Music life and credit for this must go to school’s passion for music.” New area music centre Children with a passion for music Cambridgeshire Music Development are being given the opportunity Manager Helen Allen, who will be to shine thanks to a partnership leading the centre, said: “Many between King’s Ely and children in the area have very Cambridgeshire Music. limited opportunities to play music with others and accessing The school and Cambridgeshire the ensembles that are run in Music, which is the county’s music Cambridge is often not practical. education hub, have joined forces The Area Music Centre is all to launch the Ely Area Music about getting them together and Centre. The centre opened its developing their ensemble skills doors last month (September) and with the support of experienced, will enable children and young professional musicians. By the end people from across the region to of the year, they will have grown experience the fun of playing in a as musicians, made new friends, string orchestra, wind band and full and learned how to play some orchestra. really exciting, challenging music The scheme is being hosted by together.” King’s Ely Junior and run by A full programme of rehearsals Cambridgeshire Music. The centre and repertoire has been lined up will be open every Saturday for all three terms of the 2018/19 morning during term time, and is academic year, and Cambridgeshire For all your open to school-age students who Music are expecting around 30 to have reached at least Grade 2 on an 40 children to join the new centre, music education orchestral instrument, and who can although there is no limit on equipment read music. numbers. & performance Each week, students will have the Each of the weekly sessions will chance to develop their technical see students working in specialist Music Stands, skills with professional musicians, groups focusing on woodwind, FREEPHONE Lights & Accessories rehearse and perform as part of a string, brass or percussion during Music Folders 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & full orchestra, and work with young the first half of the morning, before Accessories people from other schools who coming together to play as a full to join the Instrument & Sheet Music Storage love making music just as much as orchestra during the second half. education discount Conductor’s they do. The first session is free to Equipment This term’s repertoire is built programme and attend and after that, the cost is save money on Staging & Risers around a theme of “Magic and Theatre Products £45 a term. Mystery”. Students will learn well- your purchases! Acoustic Products Although there is already a popular known pieces from Harry Potter, Area Music Centre in Cambridge, Mary Poppins, P. T. Barnum biopic Cambridgeshire Music says there The Greatest Showman, and The has been a growing demand for a Nutcracker, building up to an end- similar initiative for young players of-term performance for parents www.blackcatmusic.co.uk in Ely and the surrounding area. and friends.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 25 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Music, Dance and Drama Choirs Perform at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo For the sixth year running, children from Primary 6, Primary 7 and S1 at Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools (ESMS) performed as the official Children’s Choir at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Another dimension was added to each night with a Malawian chant. their experience this year, when The girls came together to perform ESMS welcomed 20 girls from the in the finale, singing ‘Amazing Edinburgh Girls’ School in Malawi Grace’ and ‘Auld Lange Syne’ and their teachers to Edinburgh. alongside the rest of the Tattoo By working with and fundraising cast, and performing a huge ‘Strip for The Chesney Trust charity, the Willow’ dance. the girls who have reinforced to said that they all became “like The Mary Erskine School for Girls The pupils visiting from Malawi us the importance of the shared sisters”, and friendships have helped to fund the establishment were hosted for three weeks by hopes and dreams of young people continued across continents thanks of the school in Malawi and everywhere.” to the wonder of WhatsApp and continue to support them through Mary Erskine School families, and social media. multiple events each year. The two they enjoyed cultural visits and day Travel costs of the Malawian party schools share a crest, motto and trips around Edinburgh and further were generously covered by the A group of MES girls will visit clan tartan in their uniform, and afield. The two groups of girls Tattoo Board, while dedicated Malawi during their October break Mary Erskine girls visit Malawi came together from very different staff, pupils and parents all and the ties between ESMS and every other year. environments but within days had supported fundraising efforts over The Edinburgh Girls’ School in learned to appreciate and value the last year to raise funds for the For each of the 26 shows the Malawi will continue to thrive their similarities and differences; rest of the girls’ stay. girls from Malawi performed with and strengthen. Bryan Lewis exchanging stories, experiences, 20 girls from The Mary Erskine Above all, the experience was summarised that “colleagues will and dance moves! School on the Edinburgh Castle life-changing and humbling for all use the inspiration we have all felt Esplanade, representing their Director of Development at ESMS, involved and lifelong friendships to ensure the effect of what has country for the first time ever at Bryan Lewis, said “My colleagues were created as a result of this been achieved will last for many the Tattoo and opening the show and I are very proud of all 40 of unique experience. Megan H (S6) years to come”. Singing for Musical Theatre exams Learners with a passion for stage Singing for Musical Theatre exam and film musicals will soon have the syllabus will launch for Grades 1–3 chance to sit ABRSM’s new Singing with the first exams taking place for Musical Theatre exams. Stars from January 2019. Grade 4 exams from London’s West End are joining and upwards will follow from forces with ABRSM for the launch October 2019. this month (October) to encourage the first cohort of learners to take ‘A clear, well-structured the exams from January 2019. progressive pathway’ The Singing for Musical Theatre ABRSM’s Chief Examiner John exams will give musical theatre Holmes, former head of academic singers access to the familiar ABRSM music at Tonbridge School, Kent, graded-assessment structure while said: “We have taken great care Ready Steady Sing! enabling them to choose repertoire to create a clear, well-structured entirely from a dramatic context. progressive pathway through the Over 50 children from Farlington songs, in a range of different assessment of this popular genre. School, Sussex, and other schools in styles, culminating in a musical This will include well-known songs Singing for Musical Theatre exams the area enjoyed a vocal workshop performance to parents, all in just from West End and Broadway are new to ABRSM’s exam offer and led by conductor Tori Longdon under 2 hours! shows, along with tunes from new in terms of what’s available from the National Youth Choir Disney and other popular films. The The National Youth Choir of Great out there, but familiar in terms of Great Britain and hosted by selected repertoire will be provided Britain has seven choirs in the UK as ‘living syllabus lists’ online, so of providing reliable milestones Farlington. and holds auditions annually at that new songs from the most of musical achievement, marked The children, aged 8-12, learned regional centres, more information recent shows and films can be easily according to solid, well-established a selection of rounds and part can be found at www.nycgb.org.uk. included as they become available. principles.”

26 Independent Schools Magazine EXPERTS IN PERFORMANCE

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Zara Windle, a Year 6 student hair due to cancer treatment and Not only was the Bolton School from the era, as well as stunning at Edgeborough School, Surrey, other illnesses. Ball, held at the A J Bell Stadium in acrobatics later in the evening. decided to chop 30cm of hair Salford, a roaring success but it also Teachers, staff, parents, former Half the moneu raised will also be off, with both the hair and the raised £19,000! The money will go pupils and friends of the school going to Edgeborough’s 2017/18 £1,500+ raised going to two towards bursaries for girls and boys wore a wide range of outfits based charity, Kids for Kids. The charity charities. who begin their studies in Year 7 on a 1920s’ Gatsby theme and raises money for communities Sugar Studio photographed them The first charity is The Little of the Girls’ or Boys’ Divisions at suffering from abject poverty in in a stunning Gatsby-themed Princess Trust, who will receive Bolton School and to projects run Darfur, Sudan, and uses the money backdrop. Before the diners danced both of Zara’s 30cm ponytails, as by the two Parents’ Associations, to provide livestock and start the evening away, they enjoyed a they continue to provide real hair who organised the event. sustainable projects for families in ‘Heads and Tails’ competition run wigs, free of charge, to children the region. On the night, over 360 guests by the Headmistress of the Girls’ and young adults up to the age enjoyed a silver service three course Division Sue Hincks, which posed a of 24 who have lost their own In front of a packed school dinner, live music from Bloomsbury challenging set of questions based assembly, with her parents looking Music and entertainment by on the 1920s. There was further on, Zara had her hair cut by Gravity Live which included fundraising through a raffle and a Headmaster Dan Thornburn, with dancers, stilt walkers and gangsters pre-event online silent auction. Deputy Head Clive Holder nearby to catch the hair before it hit the ground. Following a standing ovation by all those looking on, Zara said afterwards: “I had been growing my hair for over a year to get it to such a length and decided I didn’t want to ‘just’ get it cut, I wanted to do it for a good cause. The day after the chop, the youngster headed off to see a professional hairdresser -upon hearing of Zara’s story when she got in the chair she kindly made the haircut free of charge.

To find out more about Zara’s fundraising go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/zarawindle

The presentation of a £26,500 horizons through a state of the of another generous donor, total raised for our Appeal to cheque to Chailey Heritage art 4D immersive experience the money raised by Cumnor date to £3,040,000 – so we Foundation marked the zone. House Sussex has been matched are incredibly close to our final pound for pound, bringing the £3.1m target.” culmination of a phenomenal “Every year we select a Charity year’s fundraising by pupils and that is close to the hearts of the staff at Cumnor House, Sussex. Cumnor community and embark The money raised by Cumnor on a concerted fundraising House Sussex will be added to campaign to raise as much Chailey Heritage Foundation’s money as we can for the School’s £3.1m Appeal, launched in chosen charity,” said Belinda, Autumn 2016, to replace an wife of headmaster, Christian ageing 1950’s Assembly Hall with Heinrich. a modern, purpose-built indoor Sally-Anne Murray, Development Sports and Activity Centre. The Director at Chailey Heritage new D.R.E.A.M. Centre will allow Foundation said, “We are young people, all of whom are enormously grateful to in wheelchairs, to play indoor Cumnor House Sussex for their sport, take part in drama and tremendous support and we musical performances, develop thank the whole community their balance through rebound involved in raising such a Pictured l-r : Sally-Anne Murray, Development Director at Chailey Heritage Foundation; Jo therapy, learn to drive a powered significant sum of money for Bushrod, parent at Cumnor House Sussex; Emma P, head girl; Seb B, head boy; Christian wheelchair, and broaden their our charity. With the support Heinrich, Headmaster & Belinda Heinrich from Cumnor House Sussex.

28 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Cheltenham College, money. Another key event was the Gloucestershire, has raised over Jamie Waters Cup match against £54,000 for charity in the past year! Radley College, held on neutral This sum was split between various ground at Worcester Warriors’ Six charities with the biggest beneficiary Ways Stadium. The Prefects sold being the Prefects’ chosen charity, match programmes, wristbands The Chamwell Centre, which and hosted a raffle, which raised received a donation of over over £2,000. £24,000. A trustee of the Chamwell Dr Adam Dunning, Director of Centre, Ellen Montilla, visited Charities, said, “Though the Cheltenham College to receive the £54,000 represents a remarkable cheque (pictured with some of the whole-school fundraising Cheltenham College Prefects). achievement, I am also very proud Jenny Graham, one of the of school concerts and plays. The Chamwell Centre will be a new of all the small-scale relationships Downsend School, Surrey, Charity One of the new events the children state-of-the-art therapy centre for that have built up between College Representatives, presented Liz took part in this year was the disabled pupils at The Milestone pupils and their adopted charities. Mullins from The Royal Marsden Marsden March, when the Lower School, as well as supporting Having a charity mind-set goes Cancer Charity with a cheque for School raised over £800. adults and other young people beyond wanting to raise money; £17,459.00. The school’s pupils, from communities throughout it is also about service, and the Miss Black, Head of History, and Gloucestershire. giving of time and talent.” staff and parents have raised this Mrs Temlett, Year 2 Form Teacher, money at a number of fundraising raised over £1,100 when they The Prefects raised the majority Other notable achievements include events throughout the school year completed the South Downs Trek of the money (over £16,000) by the £11,500 raised by the Houses ranging from cake sales to quiz earlier in the year. Other sporting organising a Whole School Walk for their chosen charities and over nights and collections at the end events have raised £500. up Leckhampton Hill, where each £6,500 raised through individual pupil raised their own sponsorship pupil efforts for various charities.

The Gower School, London, had from the amazing entries to the their biggest ever Strawberry Tea Bake Off competition, which were The recent Lockers Park and raised so much for such fundraiser for Breast Cancer Care sold after judging. Preparatory School, Hertfordshire, worthy causes. Special thanks must in Caledonian Park and raised Principal Miss Emma Gowers said: sponsored walk raised £13,382 go to the Mock family and the £2,500. “We had an amazing community for local charities Hope for Dullatur Foundation which raised Over 300 children, from babies effort for this event from children, Children and The Collett School. £10,000 via a matched charity to 11 years old, and their families parents and our hard working The five-mile walk around Hemel giving initiative.” came together dressed in pink and staff team, and I am very proud Hempstead took place earlier this Ed Fletcher, Head of Fundraising red to have fun and fundraise. of everyone’s determination to year, with over 300 people in & Communications at Hope for raise as much as possible for attendance including staff, pupils Children comments: “In the last There was much joy and laughter, Breast Cancer Care”. and parents. four years, Hope for Children as the children enjoyed jumping Headmaster Christopher Wilson has helped 161,000 children on bouncy castles, riding on said: “Every year we hold a and adults realise their right to donkeys, dancing around the whole school sponsored walk. It education, healthcare and a stable maypole, playing sports and is an event that everyone looks family environment. Thank you to games, enjoying face painting and forward to. In this particular Lockers Park for thinking of us: running through giant bubbles. instance, raising money for local the money raised will go directly Strawberry Tea meant piles of organisations really galvanised the to help families across the globe strawberries to eat with their pupils at Lockers Park. It has been create sustainable solutions.” family picnics, many parents the perfect way of encouraging The donation was warmly baked delicious goodies to sell good citizenship. We are pleased welcomed by The Collett School at the cake stall, and the judges to have exceeded our initial target Headmaster Stephen Hoult-Allen. had a hard time choosing winners

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 29 Researching the benefits of being outdoors Students are taking mental and physical Bird hide designed by pupils well-being into their own hands by Last year, girls at Maltman’s built and opened for business at Green School, Buckinghamshire, the end of last term! investigating the effects of nature... were given a Design Technology As part of the project the girls had The Institute for Research in described her experiences working competition to design a bird to make a mini model of their hide Schools (IRIS), which is supported with students and university hide for their Forest School. The and submit it along with a written by Wellcome, has launched Well collaborators: “Taking part in winning design had their bird hide proposal. World, a new project that enables this project has been incredibly students to explore the links rewarding both as a teacher, but between their environment and also as a biologist. It has been their mental and physical well- wonderful to watch students being. The students involved are discover the trials and tribulations currently studying geography, of taking part in real research biology, environmental science and from planning to evaluation and psychology. experience the thrill of finding The well-being of students and out something new. I am now their school communities is of able to reference our research increasing importance, as can in the classroom and pupils can be seen by the steady stream of experience the importance and headlines on the topic. Although relevance of experimental work on much has already been done to their doorstep. After twenty years raise awareness of this issue, Well in the classroom this experience has Tackling the bush World offers young people the reminded me of my love of science, A group of intrepid Year 5’s set they proved their adventurous unique opportunity to tackle this not just my love of teaching it.” off on the adventure of a lifetime spirit by building their own den challenge directly by contributing Professor Becky Parker of IRIS as they joined The Bushcraft and sleeping in it overnight. In the evidence-backed ideas and said this about the project: Company for a few nights of true style of a Bush Tucker Trial, solutions that help themselves and “Incorporating students in research camping. The annual trip for some brave and willing volunteers other students across the world. of this kind seems like such a Ashford Prep School, Kent, were excited to be able to start Well World has so far been piloted logical step. This generation are promised three days of camp fires, their dinner with a fish eye. adventure and unusual activities. in one primary and five secondary aware of the problems with mental ‘It was amazing to watch the schools across England. Students and physical wellbeing and, could Throughout their stay, group children’s characters grow even have been investigating one of likely be the ones to find a plausible chants, lake swimming, fish in the few days that we were two research questions: whether solution. The results we have seen gutting and a good dose of the camping!’ said Mrs Furnival Brown, spending time in areas with more so far are encouraging and we hope outdoors entertained the children. the Lead Teacher on the trip. diverse plant and animal species to see more interest from schools Split into teams, they tackled ‘They embraced the opportunity is linked to lower blood pressure around the country.” multiple character building to explore and let go, and were and anxiety, or whether exercising activities. The groups became first rewarded with lasting memories Mat Hickman, Programme Manager outdoors is more beneficial for their aid heroes when they saved the alongside muddy clothes and a at Wellcome said, “Asking questions well-being than exercising indoors. teachers after a plane crash, and greater taste for adventure.’ and investigation are at the heart The pilot has involved students of scientific inquiry. We’re delighted from Year 4 to Year 13 and a to support IRIS’s efforts to enable number of students are writing up students to do authentic research their Well World projects as part projects in their science learning. of a British Science Association Not only does the project touch CREST award or Extended Project on issues that will be important Qualification. to students’ futures, it offers them Sam Goodfellow, a biology teacher an opportunity to find and shape whose work inspired this project, solutions that work for them.”

Resources for students and guides for teachers interested in starting research projects in school are available at the IRIS website: http://www.researchinschools.org/join-in.html or by emailing [email protected]. The students’ research is supported by researchers from the University of Cambridge and Canterbury Christ Church University; the students made a video about their research which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Q5R3-QGd76Y The picture stories in this feature provide a flavour of current outdoor projects at independent schools in the UK

30 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Shortlist for ISA Awards Autumn Study Conference 2018 Holiday Inn Coventry 2018 announced Thursday 8 & Friday 9 November There has been a 20% year-on- ISA Junior/Prep School Award for ISA Award for Excellence and Topics will include: year increase in entries for the Academic Excellence and Innovation Innovation in the Fine Arts • Electronic Media Today: Sponsored by Educater Independent Schools Association Trinity School, Bredon School, Managing non-homework Awards, the annual event that Bowbrook House School, Lyonsdown School screen time, social media, Woodlands School Hutton Manor, preventing screen dependency celebrates success in ISA Member ISA Award for Innovation in STEM Finborough School schools, and recognises the Sponsored by Darwin Group disorders breadth of quality and provision • Coding for all: ISA Senior School Award for Academic Ditcham Park School, Leighton Park in independent education across Excellence and Innovation School, Heywood Preparatory School Problem solving through the country. The Awards cover Adcote School for Girls, creative thinking everything from Early Years ISA Award for Excellence and Finborough School, Alderley Innovation in Mental Health and • The latest in exam reforms provision, to innovation in Edge School for Girls Wellbeing • Empowering students to Performing Arts or STEM. ISA Award for Outstanding Sport Sponsored by Christie & Co become critical consumers of The 2018 winners will be revealed (Small School – 1 class per year group) Alderley Edge School for Girls, the news at the Awards Ceremony at the Torwood House School, Appleford Cardiff Sixth Form College, Our Lady Autumn Study Conference on 8 of Sion School School, Woodlands School Great Beech Hall School, Bellerbys College November, this year sponsored by Warley ISA Award for Excellence and Cambridge, Torwood House School the University of Southampton, ISA Award for Outstanding Sport Innovation in Partnerships ISA Award for Excellence in Extra- and hosted by Paralympic Gold (Large School – more than 1 class per St Joseph’s School, St Petroc’s School, Curricular Activities Medalist, Danny Crates (see panel year group) St Christopher’s School Surrey for information). St David’s College, Hipperholme Alleyn Court Preparatory School, North ISA Award for Outstanding Grammar School, Springmead School The shortlisted schools are: Bridge House Senior School, Rosemead Contribution for International Preparatory School Understanding ISA Early Years Award for Excellence ISA Award for Outstanding and Innovation in Provision ISA Award for Excellence and Derby Grammar School, Hull Collegiate Engagement with Parents Sponsored by Community Playthings Innovation in the Performing Arts School, CATS Canterbury Woodlands School Great Warley, Grantham Preparatory School, Holme Duke of Kent School, Cransley School, ISA Award for Outstanding Provision Quinton House School, St James Grange School, Springmead School Frederick Hugh House School for Learning Support Senior Boys’ School

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 31 Gaining a Global Perspective

The summer saw 60 students for, through various events and got well and truly stuck from their projects tired and and 6 staff from Westholme such as half marathons, open in to the community and blistered but most importantly School, Lancashire, undertake water swims, bake sales and environmental project work. with huge smiles on their faces a month long expedition to car washes. The aim of the trip Community work included and lots of stories pouring from Kenya with Camps International was to take part in an ethical refurbishing classrooms, their lips about the people they to take part in a life changing journey with impact and this beach clean ups, tree nursery had met, the projects they were adventure that would see was certainly met and exceeded. generation, environmental working on and the new things awareness projects, football everyone grow and develop. Students seized every they had experienced. pitch creation, river bank The trip took the students two opportunity to fully immerse reinforcement, and building The mountain phase of the years to plan and fundraise themselves in every opportunity toilet blocks. The buzz around expedition was a real highlight the projects was tangible and for most on the trip. It involved students approached the tasks a day trek with the aim of with determination and purpose. climbing the tallest mountain The work was both physically in Kenya and the second tallest and mentally demanding and mountain in Africa; Mount most days students would return Kenya.

The summer of 2018 brought an kitchen, and painting the hall – all incredible charitable adventure for of which were undertaken with joy. 21 girls from Farnborough Hill A particular highlight was being School, Hampshire, when they able to spend some time with travelled to Borneo to help with the children in their classrooms the extending and modernisation between the sessions of heavy of a school. labour, assisting the teachers and Having spent the past year entertaining the pupils. fundraising to be able to donate Mrs Alexandra Neil, Head, new classroom chairs, new tables, commented, ‘I am thrilled the stationery supplies and building girls had this extraordinary materials for Nalapak Primary opportunity to help others while School in Ranau, the girls were experiencing a country and Don’t take our thrilled when the opportunity culture so different from our arose to travel there themselves own. The wonderful generosity word for it… to help with an ongoing project. of the School community enabled The girls’ adventurous spirit and fundraising for the supplies “ We are delighted with the quality of the work willingness to learn were called needed by Nalapak Primary Picador Design have produced for us. upon when they were challenged School; for the girls to then be with cementing a drive from able to travel there and offer Being a small team, we always knew the road to the main building, themselves as helpers was a real

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PICADORAD_2_FINAL.indd 1 04/10/2018 13:40 Ten Kingham Hill School, their time based here. The pupils Oxfordshire, pupils, known as dedicated a number of days to Team Zambia, travelled to Africa, painting the largest classroom where the group spent two weeks block. They then put their skills volunteering with charity, Life to use by teaching the children in Support at its children’s village. a number of subjects, including sport and craft lessons. The Sixth Formers, aged 17 to 18, travelled to Chingola in Zambia A very popular sports session was to work at Eden Farm, a man- sports day, which the teachers and made village that provides a safe children enjoyed so much that they home environment for up to 250 asked for another to be run the orphaned and vulnerable children. following week. The days involved a lot of work and organisation Pupils and staff from Denstone school with maintenance projects Earlier this year a primary school from the team as the school has College, Staffordshire, visited and establishing gardens. was opened at the village, and nearly 100 school children in its Tanzania as part of the True Pupils spent a day in the classroom Team Zambia spent most of three classes. Adventure scheme. Both pupils and a day in the pool before In the run up to their trip to and staff experienced physical and heading out to dive in Zanzibar. Chingola, Team Zambia worked mental challenges which included With warm clear waters and a variety hard on a number of fundraising trekking, diving and helping within of sea life on display, this experience activities, including cake sales, the local community. could only be described as magical. non-uniform day and sponsored Pupils trekked through the Amani A day was spent with the Maasai triathlons. Thanks to the school forest which they found fascinating, warriors on the edge of the Rift community the team were able to walking through communities that Valley, pupils and staff joined in raise £7,500 for Life Support and have no luxuries or money but with various activities such as Eden Farm. have become self-sufficient and dancing, and identifying giraffe poo survive by taking from the forest as well as looking at their living Eltham College, London, students each others’ cultures and customs. what they need for food and shelter. areas. held an own clothes day to raise On the last trip to Uganda students Watching the dinner being harvested Finally the safari in Tarangire funds to support four Ugandan met four children who the College Tanzanian style was an education in National Park was incredible. Pupils children that the College is is now sponsoring through its innovation. All groups worked with a were all able to get up close to lions, sponsoring through the charity house system. The sponsorship community for up to a week helping elephants, wilderbeest, giraffes, International Needs. covers the costs of their education them in the classrooms, around the vultures, zebras and monkeys. For the last two years Eltham and gives the children access to College has worked with clean water and two meals a day. International Needs in Uganda Historically Eltham College on clean water projects. Students was founded for the sons of have undertaken a range of missionaries, some of whom sought fundraising challenges including to spread the word of Christianity in the Three Peaks Challenge and Africa. Eltham College’s four houses Welsh 3000s prior to having the are named after four missionaries opportunity to visit the country to who travelled the world; David see how their fundraising monies Livingstone in Africa, William Carey have made a huge difference to in India, James Chalmers in Papua the communities there. During New Guinea and Robert Moffatt in their time in Uganda students Southern Africa. helped plan and build wells and Truly latrines, found out more about Each house will be responsible for the community their funds will organising further charity events help and engaged with the local to raise money to continue the British communities to learn more about sponsorship of each child. Education

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 33 More consideration needed by schools Alternatives to University ‘increasingly attractive’ Changing Places... Tim Wilbur, Director of Schools Consultancy at Gabbitas Educational Consultants and former head of Rossall School, Lancashire, reflects on the implications for schools...

It is not unusual, at this time of passport to a whole world of fill as opposed to be competed for. without due reflection. It is hardly year, with offspring either going opportunities. The ‘grade inflation’ witnessed in surprising that many areas of or returning to university, that There is little doubt the alternatives school examinations is now being Further Education feel the poor many parents ponder whether to the default position of university seen at degree award level. And all relative in this process and other this is the best route for future are becoming increasingly attractive of this against a background where tertiary institutions focussing on vocational education feel they success. The press also appears to many. This may be a simple employers are asking for relevant to favour similar reflections every have had an unfair deal. This reflection on the general economic skills they say are missing in current Autumn. Of course, there is no reflects a simply prejudice that climate, but it is also a tempting academic provision. easy answer to the conundrum benefits no-one that academic alternative. Whether it be an From a parental point of view, the of a degree against other, often qualifications and university is seen ‘apprenticeship’, some other form last ten years has seen the first vocational qualifications but as more important than vocational of work- related course or a work generation of offspring who must one thing is certain, the options qualifications leading to other placement that guarantees future face the concept of debt before to sensibly choose between the alternative routes to learning or training, the possibilities are out they have earned a penny or often two are not always adequately employment. If you know nothing there. Furthermore, the possibilities even secured employment. Even for considered. of the proposed T Level debate, it often come with financial parents who have paid independent proves the point in one. Most young people in independent inducements that can mitigate school fees and have the ability education would expect to enter Careful consideration of the taking out vast student loans to at least partially subsidise their a well-thought of university, pathways open at 16 and 18 need and perhaps allow the student offspring at university, the costs can preferably in the Russell Group more consideration by schools, to remain living at home, saving be frightening. It is little wonder and study a mainstream academic careers advisors and parents. further costs. The independence the growing concern regarding subject. Virtually all careers Furthermore, these watershed of university life as opposed to the the diversity of student intake is advice in such schools makes moments are perhaps too late independence of having money in becoming a major issue. Simply this assumption. Perhaps it is in the piece to make some one’s pocket is a matter of choice. put, there are those being priced too easy to be ‘train-tracked’ fundamental decisions on a young out of the opportunity entirely, from GCSE onwards for everyone There is also a school of thought person’s aptitudes, with careful a fact apparently conveniently concerned and the consequences that suggests university courses and research being undertaken from overlooked in official circles. are only thought of later. The outcomes may not be all they could the beginning of Key Stage 4. frightening statistic that only be. There is little doubt that tertiary Within two generations we have It would be fair to say, that as a 40% of graduate’s work in provision has grown in recent moved from having some of society we do not seem to have their chosen area of university years to the point of saturation. the first in our families going to balanced the equation between the study only enhances this issue. The current debate concerning the university to the point where it world of education both academic However, many see a degree, like number of ‘unconditional offers’ for has become an expectation for and vocational and that of direct the generations before them, as places, has highlighted that even most. We appear to have travelled employment. We have also spent a the final examined educational the best universities have places to this route very quickly and often long time trying! UTMB success for Chris Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, head climbing, orienteering, cycling, way. It was exhausting, uplifting and of outdoor pursuits is celebrating caving and mountaineering, said: unforgettable.” “The UTMB was an incredible after completing the gruelling Ultra- Just getting on the start line experience. It is the hardest thing Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB). is a feat in itself as the 2,500 I have ever done, but the most Chris Wright finished the Alpine ultra participants have to accumulate amazing feeling to cross the finish run, a 171km circuit of Europe’s enough points by completing a line, especially as more than 30 highest mountain with 10,300m of per cent of starters pulled out. The number of other ultra races (more ascent, in 45 hours and 49 minutes, race attracts great support and than a marathon distance) just to one of 1779 finishers from 2,500 interest in Chamonix and is truly qualify to be entered into the draw who started. an international event with athletes for a place. The event is always massively over-subscribed with Chris, who runs the school’s from all over the world taking part. runners from all over the world. outdoor pursuits department “I met lots of interesting people and offering pupils the chance to was privileged to run in some of the Chris is now busy organising an ultra develop skills in lots of different most beautiful scenery in the world, running conference to be held at outdoor activities including visiting three countries along the Giggleswick School in April 2019.

34 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Changing FACES... Heads Hunted Among the upcoming head Changing Places... and principal appointments:

Daniel Gillespie Special Educational Needs. Dan’s Ashdown House School Sussex has been career started in Secondary appointed teaching and progressed Moreton Hall School Shropshire as the new to founding, funding and Headteacher running a sport and education Mount Kelly Devon consultancy which provided of Beech St. Margaret’s School Hertfordshire Lodge School, Berkshire, from a number of nationwide September 2019. programmes based around sport Wellington School Somerset for social change and social Current Head and co-Founder of inclusion projects. Following If you would like mention made of your the schoo,l Lucy Barnes, will be this Dan was inspired to return taking on a more strategic role upcoming head or principal appointment for to teaching, specialising in in the school overseeing Training inclusion and provision for which applications are sought please let us know and Development. children with additional needs. – there is no charge for a listing. Dan who currently works as Born and raised in Marlow, Dan Assistant Head and Special and his wife Steph who live in News items, contributions, comments and Educational Needs Co-Ordinator Windsor have a young daughter (SENCO) at Claires Court Junior Freya aged 16 months. He is a suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Boys will be joining Beech Lodge keen sportsman and enjoys an in January 2019 for a two term active and outdoor lifestyle. He Please email to: handover before taking over and his wife recently stand-up [email protected] the reins. It is his first Headship paddle boarded 200km of the but he has extensive experience River Thames and raised over working in the independent £6,000 for Wexham Park special sector and with children with baby unit.

Mrs Jane Sanchez, Principal Deputy Head, is now Acting Head of Mill Hill School, London, following the departure of Frances King.

The new head youngest full-time District Judge at Swanbourne in the country before making House School, the transition into the world of Buckinghamshire, education. is Mrs Jane Thorpe. She has a keen interest in sports, having played cricket for Jane read Law at Cambridge, and Twickenham Ladies’, and she is on graduation was awarded the Queen Mother’s Scholarship by now a Level 2 ECB Children’s the Middle Temple to study at Coach. She was the school the Inns of Court School of Law hockey captain, going on to play Rosehill have been supplying quality in London. Following a career for Yorkshire, and she later played contract furniture for over three decades. as a Barrister, Jane became the Blues’ Rugby at Cambridge. We have products to fit all areas of your school including: · Durable poly classroom chairs in adult & junior sizes A special service Miles was educated at Cranleigh · Classroom tables & exam desks was held in School, Surrey and Keble College, · Lab stools and swivel base chairs the Chapel to Oxford (MA, PGCE). · Staff room and common room furniture celebrate the Breakout area tables and chairs He started teaching at Denstone · formal installation · Lockers and changing room benches of Mr Miles in 2002, moving to Haileybury · Cafeteria furniture Norris as Headmaster of Denstone as an Assistant Housemaster in · Office furniture and filing cabinets College, Staffordshire. The service 2005. Three years later he was was led by the Provost of Woodard back at Denstone as Head of To discuss your requirements or for advice Schools, The Revd. Canon Father Senior School and then Second and quotations please contact Rosehill on Brendan Clover. Master. 0161 485 1717 or view www.rosehill.co.uk

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 35 Asbestos alert for science labs The Health and Safety Executive others to the issue, providing to store potentially contaminated replacement gauzes is provided by (HSE) has been made aware precautionary advice on how to gauzes and dispose of gauzes CLEAPSS in Guide GL285. that two UK laboratory supply check if they are affected and if so that are contaminated is provided Science departments may need companies have supplied what to do next. on the HSE website, with further to reschedule practical science advice, including a Q&A briefing, schools and potentially other “Our investigation into the lessons until such time that provided by CLEAPSS on its users with gauze mats which circumstances that led to these they can secure a fresh supply website. It is important that contain asbestos. The metal particular gauze mats coming of gauzes but the safety of staff schools and colleges follow this gauze mats are designed for use into circulation is on-going. As and students is of the utmost advice carefully. over Bunsen burners. part of this, HSE inspectors have importance so NEU would urge HSE has served enforcement served enforcement notices on Schools and colleges need to all schools and colleges to follow immediately contact any supplier notices on both companies. both companies to ensure that this advice. of scientific equipment they all affected mats are disposed A HSE spokesperson said: have used to purchase ceramic Science teachers must not be of safely. “Although the risk of exposure gauzes and ask them to provide a required to carry out the removal is low, we took action as soon Immediate steps need to be taken reassurance that the gauzes they of suspect gauzes. In line with as we were informed. HSE to remove current gauze supplies have provided are asbestos free. It CLEAPSS advice, if there are no Inspectors ensured supply of the from use until it is established is important not to rely on verbal competent person(s) on site then asbestos-containing gauze mats whether the gauzes used in any reassurance. Suppliers should be a specialist asbestos removals stopped immediately. We got the school or college have been asked for a copy of a recent test contractor may be used. See message out as soon as possible provided from an asbestos-free certificate from a UKAS accredited the CLEAPSS advice for further and alerted schools, colleges and source. Information about how test company. Advice on buying information about disposal. Honouring trailblazers of the digital world Talented Art and Graphics students these important figureheads of woman who exceeded expectations Manchester High School for Girls from Manchester High School for the early tech industry. for her gender in the 19th century.” currently works with tech giant Girls have recently been involved in In an era when women were Turing’s work at Bletchley Park, UKFast and earlier in the year a not so top secret creative project, routinely denied an education, the top-secret home of the war’s also hosted a National Cyber as the Home Office opened their Ada Lovelace not only broke with codebreakers, is widely celebrated Security Centre ‘Cyberfirst Day’, newly refurbished Cyber Security protocol but also pioneered what we and Manchester High alumna, searching for the next generation Operations Centre (CSOC) last know today as a computer. As an Lilian Nanette Wise, was a ‘Hut 6’ of cyber security professionals. month (September). articulate and strong mathematician, employee supporting the work of These STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Two rooms at the facility based Ada’s work on Charles Babbage’s cracking the Enigma code during Maths) activities help pupils at Soapworks in Salford, have ‘Analytical Engine’ gave us what World War II. many consider today to be the understand the importance been named after two pioneers When asked about her creation for first ever computer programme, of computing and technology of computing and cryptography; the Turing room, Axelle explained: recognising the full potential of this through the ages, the growing Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing. “I wanted my piece to be a nod to type of machine decades before significance of cyber security A-level Fine Art students, Axelle all the dimensions of Turing, not most others. across all industries and the need Sibierski, Connie Baxendell and just his incredible work with Enigma for women to stay involved. Michelle Ameh, joined A-level Michelle described how she felt and his cipher, but to represent his Graphics students, Hannah about creating a piece for the whole story and include reference to The Cyber Security Operations Farnell and Bethany Woodhead, Lovelace room: “I was so excited to him being posthumously pardoned Centre monitors the Home Office in the once in a lifetime be given the opportunity to create after being convicted due to his IT estate to identify and respond opportunity of producing a series a piece of work to represent Ada sexuality in a time when same sex to cyber security incidents. of artworks to represent each of Lovelace, she was an incredible relationships were illegal.” Security Minister Ben Wallace visited the CSOC to hear about the work that the staff carry out on cyber security. Oliver Quaye, Head of Operations at CSOC explained why he thinks MHSG students were a great fit for this project: “We know the history of the school in terms of Bletchley Park, with alumna Lilian Nanette Wise having been instrumental in the code breaking effort during the war. What better choice for a commemoration of the Enigma programme than to have modern day students produce artwork of what these two pioneers mean to them!”

36 Independent Schools Magazine School catering in-house New Sporting opportunity or out-of-house: An independent perspective from Hunter Douglas It’s complicated and sometimes typically pupils, school staff, parents contentious. Should an independent and frequently other users of the school invest in its own catering school premises? team or simply outsource the More interesting is the process that function to a catering contractor? Is must be undertaken when schools it that simple? Independent school choose to change that catering inspector Ian Jackson has seen both provision. An astute bursar will sides of the argument. As the MD want to be sure that the financial at the CAP Awards, the nationally- Hunter Douglas Architectural have carrier system and can be supplied investment in contract catering acclaimed housekeeping and extended their range of Sports Hall with increased sound absorbing delivers value for money. When catering development programme, Ceiling systems, by developing a capabilities. moving to contract from in-house, he and his team have visited, choice of robust ceiling applications many factors impact that value. The metal linear and mesh panel inspected, measured and assessed that are tailor made for such One is the legal requirement to designs offer a reduced static load numerous independent schools and demanding environments. TUPE existing catering staff to while the wood veneer, lightweight tasted the fruits of catering labours the contract provider. Staff will These additional finishes include an aluminium and steel systems offer from in-house and outsourced typically transfer to the contractor extended range of wood species, easy access to the plenum. suppliers. while keeping their existing terms veneered wood, aluminium, steel All systems are fully compatible with Which option delivers the best and conditions of employment. and square edge designed mesh industry standard lighting, HVAC, value for money? What about Does that fit with the contractor’s panels. The traditional wood and speaker, fire safety and security food quality? And the less policy? If so, great. If not, there will metal linear ceiling systems are services. Designers are encouraged tangible elements like service be costs associated with making tested and certified to the highest to check out Hunter Douglas levels, commitment, and customer that integration happen to the standards for sports halls and Architectural’s extensive range of interaction where customers are satisfaction of all parties. swimming pools. They meet all of colours and finishes and in particular the requirements set out in the Din Perhaps surprisingly, the CAP team their custom colour matching service 18032 pt 3 standard for ball impact is frequently engaged by contract available for both veneered wood catering companies to examine the resistance, feature a reinforced and metal application. processes and performance of its school catering teams. Just like the 01604 648 229 in-house teams, they are keen to www.hunterdouglas.co.uk prove their merit to the customer (the school) that contracts them and ® retain that business. Tremendous 10 years for Taraflex Tel: 01858 540 200 at Guernsey Grammar School www.capaward.co.uk/education Schools warned to book ATOL protected trips Teachers are being advised to check that any school trips involving air travel, booked for the coming academic year, are fully protected by the ATOL scheme. The advice aims to prevent parents Over ten years ago, The States of element of this school’s educational being left out of pocket if the tour Guernsey in the Channel Islands buildings requirement. operator organising their children’s 2 wanted to source 500m of sports The all-new Evolution product trip collapses. Parents of children flooring for The Guernsey Grammar is now safer, higher performing at one school were left with bills of anxiety involved, we urge school School and Sixth Form Centre. They and offers even more protection £750 per head earlier this year. The trip organisers to spend time turned to international flooring than before. There’s no doubt company concerned did not have researching travel providers. It will specialist Gerflor to provide the that Gerflor’s Taraflex® Evolution ATOL protection. be time well spent”. solution with their world-class, top continues to be the market Andy Cohen, Head of ATOL, said: The CAA has set up a dedicated performing Taraflex® Evolution benchmark in sports floors with “To avoid landing parents with ATOL webpage for the education sports flooring for their main optimal durability, comfort and additional large travel expenses sector, which gives targeted advice sports hall. Relying on quality protection offering a P1 category to get their children home, for anyone responsible for booking refurbishments that are both future shock absorbency 25% to 35% and not to mention the stress and a school trip. proof and fit for purpose is a key a new 7.5mm thickness. www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/ Tel: 01926 622 600 Guidance-for-the-education-sector/ www.gerflor.co.uk

Products and Services 37 College Celebrates 150th Birthday Last month (September) Bishop’s Pupils also brought in specially Stortford College celebrated baked ‘birthday cakes’ for a its 150th birthday. A special competition in the Prep School Founder’s Day service for and Trotman House girls in the pupils, staff, parents, governors Senior School held a cake sale and alumni (known as Old at lunchtime also in aid of ONE Stortfordians) was held in the YMCA, Bishop’s Stortford. College’s Memorial Hall which Celebrations will continue over 300 people attended. This throughout the academic year. This was followed by a special birthday term pupils will look forward to tea in the adjacent marquee. the burial of a time capsule, a visit Celebrations of the occasion from the Lord Lieutenant, and in continued the following day; November, a specially commissioned Surgery in Schools workshop at morning break, pupils from play will be performed by Senior A record number of young students and consultants from across the campus gathered School dramatists. Trees will also be people interested in a career in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, together to dance along to The Village planted around the College campus. Medicine attended the Surgery with support from the Royal People’s YMCA as they launched in Schools workshop held at The College of Surgeons. Cambridge A limited edition, History of their Whole College fundraising Leys, Cambridgeshire, last month University Surgical Society (CUSS) Bishop’s Stortford College is also activities in aid of ONE YMCA, (September). was founded in 2005 by a group Bishop’s Stortford. Almost 1000 in production and will be available The free annual event, now in its of clinical medical students with pupils and staff joined the dance to purchase at the College’s 10th fifth year, is run by The Leys School the aim of making surgery more Festival of Literature in February which was held in glorious Careers Department with Cambridge accessible and to promote surgery sunshine on Middle Green (see 2019. Further details are available University Surgical Society’s medical as a career choice. picture). on the College website. The

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38 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] online This magazine, and back issues, are available 24/7 to read or download, visit: www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk/view-issues.html You can receive notification of future issues immediately they are published – simply register your email address here: www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk (Your email address will never be sold on or otherwise made available to third parties and you can cancel at any time) There is no charge for these online e-magazines, thanks to the support of:

Schools featured in this issue include: Abingdon School Farnborough Hill School St. Joseph’s College Bowbrook House School Lyonsdown School Ashford Prep School Giggleswick School St. Margaret’s School Bredon School North Bridge House Senior Beech Lodge School Gower School St. Peter’s School Cardiff Sixth Form College School Bishop’s Stortford College Ipswich High School Swanbourne House School CATS Canterbury Our Lady of Sion School Bolton School King’s Ely The Leys Cransley School Quinton House School Burgess Hill Girls Kingham Hill School Truro School Derby Grammar School Rosemead Preparatory School Cheltenham College Kitebrook Preparatory School Westholme School Ditcham Park School Springmead School Cumnor House Leighton Park School Duke of Kent School St Christopherís School Surrey plus all the schools shortlisted Denstone College Lockers Park Preparatory School Finborough School St Davidís College for this year’s ISA awards Downsend School Loughborough Amherst School Frederick Hugh House School St James Senior Boysí School Durham School Maltman’s Green School Adcote School for Girls Grantham Preparatory School St Joseph’s School Edgeborough School Manchester High School for Girls Alderley Edge School for Girls Heywood Preparatory School St Petroc’s School Ellesmere College Mill Hill School Alleyn Court Preparatory School Hipperholme Grammar School Torwood House School Eltham College Purcell School Appleford School Holme Grange School Trinity School Erskine Stewart’s Melville School Reigate Grammar School Beech Hall School Hull Collegiate School Woodlands School Great Warley Farlington School St. George’s School Bellerbys College Cambridge Leighton Park School Woodlands School Hutton Manor

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 Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) Tory Gillingham: Managing Director of AMCIS – Association for Admissions, Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE: Director of DLB Leadership Associates Ltd., a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: former head of Babington House School, Kent President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Public Relations, a consultancy with expertise within the education sector Tim Wilbur: Director of Schools Consultancy at Gabbitas Educational Henry Briggs: Senior Partner, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Consultants; former head of Rossall School, Lancashire, and of Wanganui former school Governor Collegiate School, New Zealand Georgina Belcher: Communications Officer, Independent Schools Council Helen Davies: Bursar, Tormead School, Surrey

Subscriptions: £3 per issue, or £20 per Advertising Sales & Accounts: All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of this magazine in part or whole is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. annum (nine issues) payable in advance by Sean McKeon, Fellows Media Ltd., The Gallery, Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those cheque to Bull Nelson Ltd (please remember Manor Farm, Southam, Cheltenham GL52 3PB of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and images are to include your name and full address) to: T: 01242 259249 accepted by the publisher on the understanding that the publisher E: [email protected] cannot be held responsible for loss or damage however caused. All The Independent Schools Magazine material, copy, and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free Editor & Publisher, Distribution: unless otherwise advised in writing. Advertisement bookings are PO Box 4136 accepted subject to normal terms and conditions – see website. Kimble Earl T: 01491 671998 Upper Basildon, Reading E: [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine is Berkshire RG8 6BS published by Bull Nelson Limited. E: [email protected] Design studio/pre-press production/website: Reg in England No 2876999. Andrew Wicks T: 01635 201125 © Copyright Bull Nelson Ltd. www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk E: [email protected] Printed by Manson Group.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 39 UNIFORM & SERVICE THAT STANDS OUT Experts in creating distinctive designs using quality fabrics for the UK’s leading schools. Tailored sales channels for a first class customer service experience.

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