November ~ December 2018

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VEHICLE CERTIFICATION AGENCY NATIONWIDE SUPPLIERS OF PEUGEOT FORD & VAUXHALL In this issue... 05 Schools Fees & Money Laundering where’s the evidence? how schools can protect themselves 06 Pupils Solve Real-world Problems through innovative new projects 08 Student Leadership new approach brings benefits 10 Public Austerity & Independent School Pay Rugby team meet new survey Dylan Hartley 16 GDPR Data Subject Requests Bedford Prep’s U12 rugby team were jubilant how to deal with them, step-by-step guide on Sunday 7 October when a series of superb performances earned them the runners-up 24 Profile trophy at the Finborough School Rugby in conversation with Antony Spencer Festival, where they were very excited to meet England co-captain, Dylan Hartley. 44 In Remembrance In the group stage, they won their first three Marking a Century Since the Armistice matches against St Faiths, Finborough B and Taverham. In the final group game, Bedford Prep undoubtedly played the best rugby of Plus the tournament; they used free-flowing, 07 Changing Faces, Changing Places; Heads Hunted running rugby with quick passing and some outstanding offloading out of the tackle to 12 Religious Education ~ Commission implications overturn a gutsy St Joseph’s side. 15 No VAT on Fees ~ for now anyway Having won all their group games, the boys 18 Inspecting the Inspectorates ~ latest news progressed into the top-tier triangular against 26 Music, Drama & Dance Focus Feature an extremely physical Finborough A side and 30 Wellbeing initiatives a Greshams side playing a similar style to 32 The Great Outdoors ~ projects explored Bedford Prep, with eye-catching speed and passing. 34 Catering & Food ~ Focus Feature 37 Brexit negotiations ~ ‘Send in the Kids!’ The boys finished runners-up, scoring 19 tries and conceding just one, gaining the Runners- 38 Global Perspective ~ Part Two Up Trophy. While they were there, the boys 41 £51m fee assistance in Scotland met and had their photo taken with England 42 Sports News co-captain Dylan Hartley (pictured). 47 Editorial Advisory Board; Free e-mag Subscriptions; Contact Us

Town Crier tradition Season’s Greetings Warwick’s Town Crier has visited Warwick As has become our custom, this is a combined November~December issue. School annually for more than a century. This Our next issue will be out in January. year his visit got a specially loud cheer. The team at ISM wish all readers, advertisers, and advisory board members a pleasant Christmas and successful New Year. See why on page 14 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A SCHOOL OR NURSERY National SchoolTransfer For a Professional – Confidential Service www.nationalschooltransfer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1980 621251

Independent Schools Magazine 3 New outdoor pursuits venture

Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, is Governing Body Leadership Awards expanding its provision to become such as Hill and Moorland Leader, a commercial outdoor activities to provide training relevant to a provider. range of activities. This is expected to be popular with those such as The school is opening up its scout leaders or teachers working facilities and expertise to the wider on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award public with a range of outdoor scheme. Giggleswick also has educational and recreational providership status for the National courses for all ages and abilities Navigation Award Scheme. as well as instructor training and PE Teacher’s Channel Swim qualifications. As well as set dates open to anyone Sophia Storrar, a PE teacher at high water Spring tide of 7.1m to book onto, bespoke courses will certainly added to the challenge! Head of outdoor pursuits (OP), be available, with a minimum of Abbey Gate College, Cheshire, Chris Wright (pictured), is successfully swam the English four people per class. Sophia took on the Channel implementing and leading the Channel in a team relay to raise challenge to raise funds to help development, which will make the Chris said: “Corporate development money for Cancer Research UK. improve cancer treatments and in most of the school’s experience, days can be arranged and we can Smashing her £2000 target, memory of her best friend, Pip and resources and ideal location for also facilitate guided walks, caving, Sophia raised nearly £4000. all those who have battled cancer. adventure on the edge of the mountain biking - you name it. We Yorkshire Dales National Park. have a range of experienced staff at The team of three swimmers In preparation for her cross- Giggleswick and we also work with completed the crossing in 11 Channel swim, Sophia trained Said Chris: “From now on, everyone local freelance experts to offer safe hours and 58 minutes supported across the globe in oceans, seas, can access our OP department. This and fun activities to all, under our by pilot boat, Rowena. The rivers, quarries, lakes and pools, is an exciting development for us, AALS licence. Dover Strait is renowned for both day and night, sometimes in we are opening up the outdoors having strong tidal flows and the temperatures below 7°C. to a much wider range of people, “We intend to reinvigorate our giving adults and groups of all ages holiday course provision and the opportunity to improve their develop programmes for adults as Former heads gather skills and discover new activities.” well as children during the Easter and summer breaks.” Courses and events will be on offer for centenary throughout the year to fit alongside Chris also intends to put the school’s extensive programme Giggleswick firmly on the map for for its pupils in a wide range of outdoor interest events. Already it outdoor sports, from climbing, is the venue for the English Schools Fellrunning Championships and fellrunning and mountaineering hosts a popular Kendal Winter to kayaking, caving and mountain League fell race. The school will biking. host a cyclocross race in December, Giggleswick Outdoor Pursuits in collaboration with the Yorkshire will offer courses such as Hill Cyclocross Association and on April Skills and Mountain Skills under 13 and 14 2019 a specialist UK the Mountain Training England ultra running festival will take place umbrella, as well as National at the school. A host of ex pupils and staff came to David Bowie practising his music together recently to celebrate the in his parents’ house which was Bickley Park School, Kent, one next door to the school. hundredth birthday – and shared Current Head Master, Patrick tales of wartime, prime ministers Wenham, said: “This was a unique and pop stars. gathering, with former pupils flying Alumni were tracked and traced in from as far afield as Finland. It from around the globe and were was especially wonderful to be able invited to revisit the school to to assemble Heads spanning over collectively share memories. Old half the school’s existence. A joyous boys who’d been pupils during atmosphere pervaded the day with World War II, and from as far away those attending sharing a common as Finland, came together to join delight in revisiting Bickley Park four ex-Head Masters and the and even enjoying a school meal daughters of two others, for the day. together.” The oldest old boy in attendance, This term the centenary was Clyde Britton, recalled a German themed around celebrating the bomb landing on the main building past. The Spring Term will look while he and fellow pupils sheltered at how schools and learning in the cellar. Another told stories will change in the future and about the occasions when Prime the Summer Term embraces Minister Harold Macmillan used to ‘Community’ with a massive street drop in for tea and biscuits with party involving the school and the boys, while one told of listening wider community.

4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] School fees & money laundering Following the recent publication of The Serious and Organised Crime Strategy by the Home Office, the Government minister for security and economic crime, Ben Wallace, said that the government would target bodies such as public schools, football clubs and luxury car garages that may be facilitating billions of pounds worth of money laundering, but failing to report suspicious activity. The comment prompted a stern reaction from school leaders who demanded concrete evidence of any wrong-doing. Henry Briggs, senior partner at the Birmingham office of chartered accountants Haines Watts, considers the issues...

As the Home Office is currently services and so should be aware A ‘No Cash’ policy should be firmly a matter of course; to help with being vilified in other areas of of their need to comply with the in place. I would be surprised any possible future non-payment the press for providing inaccurate Regulations. if there are many schools left of fees, as well as satisfying any information to the last Home that do not already have this. If Home Office enforcer or journalist The areas of risk for them are a Secretary, one may be forgiven for they do accept cash, and think alleging improper or illegal activity. matter of common sense. Payment cynically dismissing such politically they have good reason for some of fees by cash can have no good With both Home Office and charged hard talk, were it not parents paying this way, they reason, other than that either the HM Revenue and Customs staff serious. should fortify their credit policy by funds would attract too many struggling with huge workloads in providing options such as payment It is, at the very least, an questions if paid into a bank the light of other challenges, one by direct debit. If granting credit, opportunity for fee paying first, or they have been obtained wonders if these recent reports of they should either obtain a credit schools to re- examine their through tax evasion. Either way, holding handlers of cash in the licence or use a licensed provider systems and controls so as to in these circumstances, a criminal legitimate private sector to account as a contractor on their behalf. demonstrate that they should not offence has been committed are either a deflection, or just all Cash may not only be ill gotten, be targeted in this way. and a recipient of such funds is talk and no action. It is best in any but will also provide temptation to indeed handling ‘dirty money’. event for financial managers in Independent schools currently defraud inside the organisation. In no circumstances should it be independent schools to make sure are not in the regulated sector accepted. ID checks and credit ratings on their systems are robust, and are under the recently revised prospective parents are also carried seen to be robust, to counter any Money Laundering Reporting Parents or payers of fees who out in many schools and this can possibility of providing any outlet Requirements 2017 under the are members of a family that is be done early in the process as for the proceeds of crime. Proceeds of Crime Act. Unlike politically exposed –either in the Accountants and Estate Agents, UK or abroad – should be subject who are also targeted by the to enhanced due diligence Little in the way of answers same minister for having not procedures by the recipient; played their part in hardening these are not so onerous, with ISM placed the following questions before the Home Office: the environment and reporting numerous reputable internet i) Have there been any known instances of independent schools accepting suspicious activities. As members credit agencies providing cash-payments for fees which are believed to have come from criminal of professional bodies who risk facilities to check background activity? going to prison for failing to and detail. ii) If no, will Mr Wallace make it clear that he was referring to possibility comply, he produces no evidence The best way for schools to rather than actuality? of this or indeed reports of this ensure they are neither liable iii) If yes, how many instances over what period? What action has been being so. Prosecutions have been to be taken advantage of taken or is being taken against those schools? Can he name ‘guilty’ almost non-existent. Feedback to by criminals in this way, or schools? those who are regulated, of how wrongfully accused of doing iv) What checks does Mr Wallace suggest schools should take to avoid the numerous suspicious activities so, is to have robust systems inadvertent complicity in money laundering? reports that they have had to for its prevention. Real money make by law, have been followed A spokesman said the Home Office would ‘neither confirm or deny’ points launderers will quickly seek to i, ii, and iii. up, has been underwhelming. take their money elsewhere and On iv, the spokesman said Mr Wallace is trying to raise schools’ awareness Fee paying Schools, though, do any potentially difficult or illegal of the issue. accept money for high value situation will be prevented.

Henry Briggs is a former school governor with expertise in advising and supporting both independent and state schools.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 5 School delighted with ‘transformational’ initiative Pupils solve real world problems Changing Places... through interdisciplinary projects Ian Munro, Rector at Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow, suggests school leaders look beyond the traditional curriculum to creativity, innovation and a new curricular model, to better prepare youngsters for a rapidly changing world.

At Kelvinside, we have an and in the short time since, the that providing pupils with the they operate in isolation. A hybrid audacious goal – to transform difference the collaboration opportunity to learn from experts, approach is required. education. And it’s probably about has made to pupils has been not necessarily ‘teachers’, in an The benefits of learning from time too. transformational. environment that fosters creativity what our NuVu colleagues are goes some way towards offering Amongst many educationalists, it By working with NuVu design already achieving in America and an evolution of the traditional has become de rigueur to lambast experts from Harvard University building on it with help and system. Diversity, both of message the current exam-led educational and Massachusetts Institute of input from everyone involved at and how these messages are system. However, few have Technology (MIT) over the course Kelvinside Academy, will be far- delivered, is essential. Experts in forwarded suggestions on how of two summer camps, pupils reaching. We have already built specific areas can provide valuable the system might evolve to better from Kelvinside Academy, and a series of industry partners who insight into the world of work prepare youngsters for a world and other schools across Scotland, are helping us to co-create a new and research that will complement job market which is changing at a have broadened their horizons curriculum around future skills what our teachers already offer. more rapid pace than ever before. and achieved far more than they that sit well within the two-week We’ve expanded our partnership Let me be clear, I do not think the ever thought possible. Pupils don’t studio model. normally get to build robots or to embed NuVu and its style of current system is completely broken, We hope our drive to push the wearable technology at school - education within our own day lots of extraordinarily good things educational envelope will have but why shouldn’t they? That’s to day core school curriculum. happen in schools across the UK a ripple effect across society. exactly what some of our pupils MIT graduate James Addison is every day. However, worryingly, in We want to encourage decision have had the chance to do! a designer and researcher whose many ways the educational offering makers, particularly in the Scottish work spans architectural design, does not look too dissimilar to what Rather than learning from teachers urban planning, technology, Government, to question the status we would have seen in classrooms in a traditional setting, pupils entrepreneurship and education. quo and to look at alternative over 100 years ago. have collaborated with design As of August, James joined our models, concepts and solutions. experts and each other to achieve That’s why we are steadfast in school as a NuVu design fellow The future is unknown and no-one incredible things. our ambition to expand the and will lead pupils through two- has all the answers. What we do possibilities schools can offer Pupils learn in different ways and week immersive design studios know is, that if we remain standing our pupils. To do this, we are we as educators should present this academic year. still, we will not prepare pupils constantly gathering insight a variety of opportunities and During these two-week studios, for a rapidly changing world. And and ideas through research of options. While some will learn pupils will be challenged to learn that would be a dereliction of innovative practise elsewhere in best through more traditional in new ways, solving real word duty. I enjoy and encourage an the world. We have engaged with practices, others seem better problems through interdisciplinary open dialogue and debate with my pupils, parents and teachers, as suited to a more hands on and hands-on projects. This could colleagues across the education well as learning from the public creative environment. We should involve building a swarm of sector and will continue to be both and private sectors. be able to offer both – and more. robots capable of completing reflective and responsive in these We’ve looked outside our school, As school leaders, it’s our duty search and rescue work in a conversations. to identify and provide the best and outside the UK. The system disaster zone, or it might entail We will rigorously monitor the education possible for our pupils. which grabbed our attention was creating a piece of physical outcomes of our innovative That cannot be done without developed at NuVu - the world’s theatre that draws attention to approach to education and asking questions and making leading innovation school, based homelessness in Glasgow. share what we learn with our in Boston, USA. Their approach changes to the current system. As children progress through counterparts in schools across focusses on developing the creative For example, does the current school, we have to help them Scotland, the UK and the world, process through the architectural curriculum really ‘map’ to the real unleash and develop their creative as well as with parents, pupils, studio model. There are no exams, world, and what do exam results sides. It seems exams, timetables peers and politicians. I truly believe rather pupils solve real world alone actually tell us about a and the traditional classroom can our new approach at Kelvinside problems, big and small, through young person? erode our pupils’ imagination. Academy can be an exemplar that interdisciplinary project work. We believe that we are now Traditional elements of education demonstrates the vast array of Last year, we secured an exclusive starting to answer some of cannot succeed in fully benefits a new style of education European partnership with NuVu, these questions. We propose developing our young people if can have for our pupils.

6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Changing FACES... Changing Places... Heads Hunted Among the upcoming head For ‘Old Boy’ one summer with his sister, who Geoff Laidler, was a primary school teacher, that and principal appointments: returning to Geoff found his true calling. Bablake School West Midlands Dame Allan’s Following a PGCE at Northumbria Schools, University, Geoff worked at various Glasgow Academy Glasgow Newcastle-upon- North East primary schools before Tyne, as head of the Junior School taking up a post as head-teacher Hilden Grange School Kent was an irresistible opportunity. at St John Boste, Washington. He A student at the Boys’ School from stayed there for six years before Seaton House School Surrey 1985 to 1992, Geoff went on the moving to St Agnes’ in Crawcrook, study music at Durham University, where he has been for the past six Stonar School Wiltshire but it was through volunteering years. If you would like mention made of your Mr Louis d’Arcy strong and in 2002 he joined upcoming head or principal appointment for is the new Whitgift School as a Mathematics which applications are sought please let us know Headmaster of teacher. He held a number of roles St Bede’s College during his time at the School, – there is no charge for a listing. in Manchester including second-in-charge of and will be the Mathematics department, joining the College in January Head of First Form (Years 6 and News items, contributions, comments and 2019. He is currently Deputy 7) and Housemaster. From there suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Headmaster at Bradford Grammar he joined Ipswich School in April School in Yorkshire. Mr d’Arcy 2012 as Head of Sixth Form and Please email to: read Chemistry at St Peter’s also became a member of their College, Oxford before beginning Senior Management Team. His [email protected] his career as a management wife Roxanne is a Primary School consultant at Accenture. The call Headteacher and their first child, of teaching proved to be too Anna, was born very recently.

Moorfield School, of Cambridgeshire across 3 schools, Yorkshire, has a but has also taught in Devon and new head – Paul Grimsby. Baddeley. Married with four primary aged From the village daughters, he enjoys spending time of Instow in with the family at weekends and North Devon, he studied teaching keeping active together. at Bishop Grosseteste College in During his career as a headteacher Lincoln and achieved BA hons in he has introduced and championed English with Qualified Teacher such initiatives as Forest School, Status. FEEDING a Pupil Welfare Officer, a Nurture He has been in teaching for 20 Classroom and individual years and 13 of these years have mentoring for children as well as INDEPENDENT been as a senior leader with the focusing the whole school vision last four being as a Head Teacher. and values around the importance He mainly taught in the Ely area of community.

The Governors nearly a decade of service to MINDS of King Edward’s King Edward’s and the School’s Witley have charitable foundation, Bridewell holroydhowe.com 01189 356707 announced the Royal Hospital. appointment Mrs Wright is currently Deputy of a new Head and Principal of Bridewell Royal Head at St Peter’s School, York. Hospital, effective from September Prior to this she was Deputy 2019. Mrs Joanna Wright will take Principal Pastoral at Queenswood over the leadership of the School School, Herts, a Housemistress at from the current Headmaster, Mr St Edward’s, Oxford and Assistant John Attwater when he becomes Director of the Stahl Theatre at Principal of King’s Ely following Oundle School.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 7 Student Leadership There are few issues written about more these days than the concept of leadership, whether the focus is on the stories of great past leaders, techniques on how to improve leadership, or concerns over the lack of diversity seen in those who lead. It is clear that leadership is a hot topic, and more than ever it is essential that schools prepare students for the types of leadership roles they will hold in future. In this special ISM report, Dr Andy Kemp, Head of Wells Cathedral Senior School, Somerset, discusses his innovative approach, and reports on the recent conference he held for heads of school across the south-west region. A right or a privilege? Analysis led to radical changes in prefect structure Leadership roles and approaches as part of our debating society instrumental captains, academic but their role is very much to offer have changed a lot over the years, programme last year, which lay at captains, year group captains, support and put them in contact and it is essential that we as schools the heart of some radical changes whole school areas of responsibility with people, not to direct them, or respond to these changes, and we made to our prefect leadership such as philanthropy, welfare, step in and fix things for them. ensure that we are supporting our structures at Wells Cathedral School mentoring; and the head and This structure enables us to ensure future leaders to develop the skills a couple of years ago. deputy head boy and girl. that every student has gone and experiences necessary to enable We like many schools operated The specific duties of the various through a process of planning and them to confidently take on the a structure which involved the student leadership roles are delivering a project which they own. roles and responsibilities they will appointment of around 20 student intentionally vague, to provide space This gives them an experience of hold in the future. leaders (making up around 20% and scope for those who take on leadership, working with others, Our schools have always provided of the upper sixth). They were the role to take it in a direction and importantly also gives them opportunities for students to chosen through a combination which matches their passion and something practical they can talk develop their leadership skills of written application, staff and interests. However in general we about in future interviews. whether through captaining a sports student votes, and an interview would anticipate that every student We have also redesigned the team, leading a section in the CCF, process for those who wanted to be leader would at some point during process of applying for the roles or being a House Captain or Prefect. Head Boy or Head Girl. Every year their tenure be involved in leading of Head Boy and Girl and their However the problem is that these it was a challenge to choose only an event or activity designed to deputies so that it better reflects a opportunities tend to favour the 20, as there were always excellent promote or support their area real application process. Students students who have benefited from students who just didn’t make the of leadership. This has led us to are required to write a letter of past experiences to develop their cut, but who could have benefited describe the work of our student application, they then go through leadership, and so as is often seen from the experience and contributed leaders as ‘project leadership’ and a long-list interview process which in the world of sport, students who significantly to the school. has given us a structure through involves a number of practical tasks, show some small natural disposition So after a number of years of feeling which we can train and support before a final shortlist interview (such as being tall when they are dissatisfied with this, we radically them in developing their skills. which involves previous Head Boys 7-8 for sport) at a young age turned the process on its head, and Each student, or group of students and Girls. are provided with opportunities decided that rather than capping is responsible for devising and I am committed to helping all to develop further, with the net the number of students involved, delivering a project which could be students develop their leadership result being an uneven profile of we would open it to everyone, and as simple as planning and running potential in their time at experience. move from student leadership being an assembly, arranging a visiting school, and feel that providing This brings me to the heart of my a privilege reserved for the few who speaker, running a competition, a structured process to support question - should the opportunity to had already shown potential, to a through to organising a major music these is essential for any school develop student leadership be a right right open to everyone who wanted festival, such as our Event on the who is committed to the holistic which all students deserve, or should to improve. Lawn, which included three stages education of the young people in it be a privilege for those who have To make this work we had to and a light artist and raised almost their care. So I am convinced that earned it. It was this question, create properly defined roles £5,000 to support our charitable student leadership should be a which was debated by the student and responsibilities made up of work in Sierra Leone. The students right open to everyone, and not a body at Wells Cathedral School sports captains, house captains, are supported by designated staff, privilege reserved for the few.

8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Head boys and girls think through their roles at conference Forty-five students from of politics. Reminding us that on the key aspects of pace and tone, The final session of the day was a independent schools across the sometimes you are required to show giving the students a chance to Question & Answer session with south west descended on Wells leadership in areas which aren’t of practice in front of their peers. staff and past Heads of School, significant importance to you, but Cathedral School full of excitement Before the conference students had and focused on the details, with are to others, but that we must and anticipation. This particular been sent a link to complete their the majority of the questions being never let this distract us from those group of students brought with Belbin Team Roles profiles. This addressed to those past Heads of them confidence, but also lots of issues which we are personally next session, which was led artfully School who had done what was still questions, because they were the passionate about. An important by a colleague from Belbin, focused ahead for those in the room. message for everyone in leadership Head Boys and Head Girls, and their on helping the students understand roles. deputies who had come to spend their own preference to team The feedback was fantastic with one some time thinking and reflecting Across the course of the morning working, but also the importance student remarking that this event on what it means to be a leader. the focus was on exploring some of building a balanced team who was “a head of school essential”! Leadership in schools is a topic of of the key practical aspects of complement each other. This event marked a significant leadership. Thinking about the growing importance, although the The afternoon was given over to moment for many of these students, importance of being a visible experience of students varies widely discussing some practical questions not only in their time as Heads from those whose role as prefects leader, carefully planning your through considering various of School, but also on their own day to ensure you interact with as is to manage behavior and support situations and scenarios taken many different people as possible; leadership journeys which will the work of the staff, through to from the past experiences of head then we took some time to think continue well beyond their time at those who are given the space boys and girls in previous years. about how we can make the most school. I believe that schools are the to explore their own individual These varied from the obvious – of meetings by ensuring they are ideal places for students to develop passions to support and develop ‘How will you manage the balance well chaired and thereby making their own leadership potential, the school. However, whatever the between your school work and sure that we hear a balanced set nature of the role, no-one should your leadership role?’; to the classic and I believe that we must all of voices; next came the challenge be expected to take on significant challenge of all leadership roles explore what we can do to provide of delegation and the crucial leadership roles without training in ‘How would you deal with a opportunities for all our students to difference between handing work and support, and it was to this disaffected member of your team?’. develop their individual leadership on to others, and real delegation; end that Wells Cathedral School Ending with the crucial question capacity, whether they are Heads of and finally we explored some put together a day of activities to of ‘How will you say no when it all Schools or taking on other roles and project management techniques. support students at the beginning becomes too much?’ It was clear responsibilities. of their formal leadership roles in Around lunch the group split into from this session that our Heads school. The day kicked off with an two halves to look at two more of School used this opportunity to Plans are already underway to make inspiring reflection by Tessa Munt, practical sessions. The first was the reflect on how they were going to the event even bigger and better for previously MP for Wells (2010- one which seems to make everyone go about their roles, and ensure next year, so that we can continue to 2015) reflecting on the lessons she nervous as we explored the art of they have the necessary support support the leadership development has learned both within and outside public speaking. Here we focused systems in place. of students across the south west.

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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 ‘Passive smoking effect’ of public austerity on pay in independent schools John Richardson, the National Official for the independent schools sector, National Education Union (NEU), reports on the 2018 NEU Independent Sector Pay & Conditions Survey. The survey was conducted last month (October), with approximately 1,200 independent school staff taking part.

An oft-stated maxim for Sadly, weekend working is not independent sector employers, is Dr Mary Bousted, joint general far behind. 41% of teachers who that they match or better the cost responded to the 2018 NEU survey, of living award made in the state- secretary of NEU, said: reported working every weekend. maintained sector. An easy task in “Independent school staff are being A teacher in Scotland summed up a the years of public austerity since common experience: I regularly work 2010. undervalued. Employers need to refocus on their 7.30am to 6.30pm at school, plus an However, September 2018 is biggest asset: their hard-working staff. Staff morale is hour at home three evenings a week different. The 3.5% headline increase being damaged by below inflation salary increases and and every weekend. for state-maintained teachers has burgeoning workloads. Employers can demonstrate And a proper lunch break to changed the dynamic, leaving many recuperate is becoming less and independent sector employers way how they value staff in two ways. Firstly, by carrying less prevalent. Less than half of all behind the curve. out a workload audit of all staff to ensure manageable teachers and support staff reported So, what percentage of independent workloads, adequate rest periods and appropriate that they enjoyed a lunch break of more than the statutory minimum sector teachers received a cost of recompense. Secondly, pay should be increased, as a living increase of at least 3.5% this of 20 minutes. As one teacher put September? The 2018 NEU survey bare minimum, in line with the Retail Price Index.” it, No place to relax at lunchtime, reveals a meagre 1% of respondents. expected to eat with the children, While the state sector is an for lyRPI, or an 8.8% pay cut if meaning no brain break. Of course, the headline increase in important benchmark, there are measured against CPI. the state sector needs to be put into The lack of an adequate lunch time more than two horses in the race. context. Only those on the main If an employee had received 2% pay rest break for many independent Salaries in other industries are pay scale will receive the full 3.5%. awards since 2010, they would have school staff should be of grave becoming incrementally more Though, according to the Institute had the equivalent of a 7.1% pay concern to employers and to parents. attractive as living standards for for Fiscal Studies, this is 40% of all cut in real terms when adjusted for teachers and support staff in the Many support staff have suffered a teachers. Those on the upper pay RPI, or a 1.3% pay cut if measured independent sector fall in real-terms, double-whammy, with an increasing scale received 2% and leadership against CPI. year after year. trend amongst employers towards positions 1.5%. In a separate award, paying support staff for term- Inflation, as measured by the Retail While salaries are falling in real terms support staff received 2% in April time only, while at the same time Price Index [RPI] was 3.3% for the in the sector, there is one area which 2018, with the same amount agreed expecting them to work additional year to September 2018. A cost seems to always outstrip inflation… for April 2019. unpaid hours. of living award below that figure workload! In their 2018 Census, the means that your living standards fall As one London teacher described 39% of support staff responding to Independent Schools Council in real terms. the imbalance: workload has the 2018 NEU survey, stated that proclaims the highest pupil numbers dramatically increased by small they were paid to work term-time since “records began”, while noting RPI has traditionally be used to increments year by year but pay has only. that fee increases are at their lowest calculate inflation for wages as, not reflected this. At the same time, over 70% said since 1994 – at 3.4%. unlike the Consumer Price Index [CPI], it includes housing costs. It is Teachers working in the evenings that the demands of the job required Both statements bring into sharp used by the government when they when they get home from school is them to work extra hours, with 63% relief the belief of many NEU want to increase revenue, such as now the norm. 65% of respondents doing so without any remuneration. members that public sector austerity train fares or, as just announced in stated that they worked 3 or more Full details of the survey are has been used to hold down wages the autumn budget, to increase the evenings every week. available on the NEU website. in the independent sector. And this duty on wine! year, it just got worse. Unfortunately, wage increases The 2018 NEU survey records the below inflation for independent Independent sector real terms pay most common cost of living award school staff has been the norm for change Sept 2010-Sept 2018 received in September was in the several years now. So, what is the range of 1.1-2%. cumulative effect? Inflation vs RPI vs CPI Worse still, 21% of independent If an employee had received 1% Annual 1% award -14.1% -8.8% school teachers reported that they pay awards since 2010, they would received no cost of living increase have had the equivalent of a 14.1% Annual 2% award -7.1% -1.3% whatsoever. pay cut in real terms when adjusted

10 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature The Hammond Since its beginnings as a dance class Centenary Studios, opened by in 1917 under the direction of Miss HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. Irene Hammond in the Ballroom The new building includes dance at The Grosvenor Hotel in Chester, studios, a Jazz Café for Senior The Hammond in Chester has students, plus a Learning Resource provided a supportive and nurturing Centre which will play a vital role in environment for talented young ensuring that Hammond students performers. are properly prepared for their future Whether that performance is in in performance, helping them to Vocational Training leading to the stage careers, The Hammond is dance, musical theatre, music or achieve academic success in addition Diplomas in Professional Dance and enjoying a growing national and academically, The Hammond shows to their vocational training. Musical Theatre. Many Hammond international reputation as a school graduates work in the West End or for performance excellence. each individual the importance of The Hammond is based on the edge with professional dance companies. being the best that they can be, and of Chester and is recognised and The Hammond offers carefully The Sixth Form Drama Course that performance really matters. funded as a centre of excellence structured artistic training in Dance, combines a BTEC Diploma Level 3 In recent years, significant by the Department for Education Musical Theatre, Music and Drama; in Performing Arts (Acting) with the investment has enabled The (DfE) under the Music and Dance aiming to help prepare students for study of two ‘A’ Levels. Hammond to expand and develop Scheme (MDS), and is one of only a career in the world of the theatre. into the unique establishment it nine residential schools nationally The school has a strong This is evidenced by Ofsted is today. The Hammond Theatre within this scheme. Additionally, commitment to Performance (Outstanding in all categories in (seating over 400) in the Performing The Hammond receives financial Education – both on the stage both 2011 and 2015), and The Arts Centre, The Music Faculty support through the Education and in the classroom. Admission to Independent Schools’ Inspectorate with its recording studio, individual Funding Agency’s (EFA’s) Dance The Hammond is based on both who found The Hammond to be practice rooms and Apple Mac and Drama Award Scheme (DaDA) talent and potential, regardless of ‘Fully compliant’ in March 2018 computer suite, plus state-of-the- for some of its post-16 students. personal circumstances, with many and art dance studios, all offer excellent The Hammond caters for pupils students relying on financial support performance opportunities for the in its Preparatory School from the from the MDS or DaDA schemes in “The Hammond offers an excellent school’s talented students. age of 6-11. The main part of the order to attend the school. Whilst quality of education.” The Most recently, the school has school takes Senior students from many of the School’s Alumni go Independent Schools’ Inspectorate completed construction of The 11 to 19 years, providing Post -16 on to successful international (2014) www.thehammondschool.co.uk

Where Performance Matters PROFESSIONAL TRAINING (16+) Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Dance or Musical Theatre BTEC PERFORMING ARTS - ACTING (16+) LOWER SCHOOL (11+) Full time Dance, Drama, Music and Education Hammond Preparatory School BA (HONS) Musical Theatre Performance LOWER SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM Saturday 26th January 2019 Call 01244 305350 for details DATES FOR AUDITIONS PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE Principal: Maggie Evans, BA (Hons), MA, PGCE, NPQH, FRSA. The Hammond, Chester T: 01244 305350 W: www.thehammondschool.co.uk Accredited by CDMT. The Hammond School Limited

E: [email protected] Photography by Brian Slater is a Registered Charity.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 11 The Commission on Religious Education: What does it mean for the independent sector? The Commission on Religious Education (CoRE) recently reported its findings after a long period of consultation with stakeholders. CoRE was set up by the RE Council, but was run independently of it. As independent schools, we are unlikely to feel the full force of CoRE’s effect, but times are changing for Religious Education, and Independent Schools will surely find themselves influenced by the findings, writes Clare Jarmy.

These key recommendations are it, “communism, libertarianism, of priorities in RE for successive Russell Group’s list of ‘facilitating’ likely to have the biggest effect capitalism, nationalism and governments. In the independent subjects, where Religious Studies A on independent schools: socialism are just a few non- sector, there has been a longer Level is conspicuous by its absence, 1. Religion & Worldviews religious worldviews; should they history of an academic approach also hugely underestimates the be taught in RE too? It…seems as the term ‘Religious Studies’ usefulness of the subject for all CoRE recommends that ‘Religious hugely ironic that the answer to implies. The sector has a wealth sorts of areas of further study. Education’ should be renamed declining religious literacy should of expertise amongst its teachers: CoRE requests that the Russell ‘Religion & Worldviews’. Do be to teach less religion.” expect to meet lots of textbook Group re-examines its list. not be fooled: this change of authors at the ISRSA Conference! nomenclature is no mere window- 2. National Entitlement Here, CoRE could have direct Having argued that this is a dressing. The Commission Provision for RE has been found implications for the independent challenging and academic subject, recognises the huge change to be patchy in recent years, sector: some Heads of RS feel CoRE recommends that Religion that has taken place in religious and increasing academisation of under an unfair amount of and Worldviews is finally given the affiliation in the last fifty years, maintained sector schools has pressure to justify their subject, status that, as such, it deserves. and argues that the subject must diminished the amount of RE purely because of its seemingly For its whole history, RE has been evolve to recognise this. Around being taught. 34.1% of academies arbitrary exclusion from that list. a bit different, in its legal status, in 50% of adults in the UK have no with no religious character were its provision, in its locally agreed If CoRE’s recommendations are religion. 41% identify as Christian. not teaching any RE in KS3 syllabuses, and, many would Focussing on ‘The Six World in 2015; 43.7% at KS4. CoRE taken up, we can hope for better argue, this was for some good Religions’ does not reflect the recommends that a National resourcing for teacher training, and reasons. Yet, its unique place on religious (or increasingly non- Entitlement is created to ensure hence higher quality applicants the curriculum has also made it religious) nature of the UK. By that all students can access the for jobs in both sectors. We can a bit of an outlier, difficult to introducing ‘worldviews’ to the subject. This might cause some hope that students expect RS to categorise, and difficult, for some, subject, and requiring students to independent schools to examine be taught, and to be taught well, to take seriously as an academic handle concepts such as secularism the provision they have in place as it so often is by colleagues in pursuit. Recent government as well as religion, it is hoped themselves. Whilst there is no the independent sector. More than decisions, namely the exclusion that the subject will be useful suggestion that independent both of RE from the EBacc and this, we can hope, finally, to be in reflecting the conversations schools will have to conform, the of short-course RE from schools’ understood for what we are. We students will need to have in their National Entitlement confirms the performance figures, have hugely are teachers of a valuable, viable, lives as well as at work. importance of the subject, and challenging and rigorous academic some independent schools might undervalued the subject and Even though most schools in the see fit to follow suit. led to a dramatic downturn in subject: so much more, but Independent Sector tend to call uptake nationally at GCSE. The nothing less. this subject ‘Religious Studies’ 3. An ‘Academically Rich & and not ‘Religious Education’, Rigorous’ subject About the ISRSA this name change, and everything A key aim that has come out of The ISRSA affirms that Religious Studies is an academically it implies, is causing controversy. CoRE is a call for an “academically rigorous subject of vital relevance with a challenging and timeless The term ‘worldview’ is defined rich and rigorous” approach to voice. It exists to support RS teachers in British independent by the report, but not closely the subject. Religious Education schools, to provide networking and training opportunities. It is enough. Couldn’t a worldview has historically served many goals: also the voice for RS teachers, defending the value of the subject mean any set of beliefs that are in community cohesion; spiritual and presenting views to educational decision makers. some way foundational to the way development; formation of world someone sees the world? As Philip view; tolerance and understanding ISRSA is always keen to welcome new members to the organisation Robinson, the RE Advisor to the of others. Academic rigour has or Council. Please contact ISRSA at [email protected] Catholic Education Service puts not always featured at the top Clare Jarmy is Chair of the Independent Schools Religious Studies Association and Head of RS & Philosophy at Bedales School, Hampshire. @clarejarmy

12 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 13

YFA Flyer A4 Advert.indd 1 03/05/2018 15:45 Town Crier receives a big cheer Oyez, oyez, oyez! Warwick School students received a public news announcement in true historical style when Town Crier Michael Reddy visited and requested that the Head Master grant permission for an extra week’s holiday at half-term. This was greeted with huge cheers from the gathered pupils! Mr Reddy also collected for his chosen charity – The Warwick Town Christmas Lunch. This was created last year to provide a Christmas Lunch to help combat Festive Loneliness and in addition Christmas dinners were given to Leamington Night Shelter to hand out. Last year was a great success and the hope is that donations and support will enable this year to be equally successful. Michael Reddy commented, “Incredible generosity from the pupils and First wedding for over 200 years staff at Warwick School, as we were taken from classroom to classroom, me holding out my Tricorn hat for the charity that will bring together and New Hall School, Essex, hosted the provide a marvellous and memorable feed 80 local people that would otherwise be on their own this Christmas first ever wedding in its Chapel for venue for Alex’s special day. It is Day. As it got heavier and heavier I knew it was a big amount, but was over 200 years when former student lovely to welcome former students and Head Girl Alexandra Grainger blown away by the final count £595. Thank you all so much.” and their families back to New married Daniel Meyeron. Traditions at Warwick School are of particular importance and the Hall, as they celebrate important invitation to the Town Crier is one that has been kept for many a year, Since 1799, the school has resided milestones and achievements in their dating back to at least 1912. in the former Beaulieu Palace, which lives beyond the school. We wish once belonged to Henry VIII. Miss In the middle ages a Town Crier would have been the main means of Alex and her partner Daniel every important news communication, announcing in public as many people Grainger relished the opportunity good fortune and happiness as they couldn’t read or write. to celebrate her special day in the school where she studied from the embark upon this new chapter of ages of 11 – 18, before studying their lives together.” English at the University of Exeter. Katherine Jeffrey, Principal, said “The New Hall Chapel is part of the magnificent Tudor palace of Beaulieu. The sheer scale, beauty and history of our grounds will

Pictured: Nine New Hall Alumni at the wedding, from left to right: Florence Swift-Oliver; Eleanor Grainger; India Rich; Alexandra Grainger; Ellie McCrea; Jessica Grainger; Phoebe Lane; Danielle Argent; Gabriella Inwang

Pathways from neuroscience to the classroom

Five years ago Julia Harrington, Anniversary celebrations Bickley Park School, Kent, has pupils have access to a swimming headmistress of been teaching boys since 1918 and pool, astro-turf pitch – opened in preparations are already under way Queen Anne’s September 2016 – tennis courts, a CONFERENCE CALL! to commemorate its 100th year. School, started Staff are planning a year of events six acre sports pitch and climbing an educational and activities, and are now busy wall. neuroscience contacting, and tracking down, as Teaching is still conducted from many alumni as possible. some of its original 1918 buildings Last month (April) heralded in Surrey and the City, and to reflect programme Bickley Park Old Boys will form but, since then, the school has the 150th anniversary of King on the wonderful evolution of our part of the school’s centenary grown hugely. New facilities Edward’s move to Witley, Surrey, she called parent foundation - Bridewell Royal celebrations, which will run are continuously being added, and the School has embarked on Hospital – into the outstanding BrainCanDo. including, recently, a brand new a year of celebratory events to throughout the academic 2018/19 School we are today.” year. nursery. A new Reception block commemmorate its history. CPD-Accredited one-day conference 15 March 2018 Additional commemorative events ‘I did so, because while advances and dining room will open in The Mayors of Haslemere and Patrick Wenham, headteacher, said: include a special Bridewell Day in neuroscience have discovered September. Waverley were present as a holly tree development of the teenage brain “Throughout our centenary year thanksgiving service held last month more and more about how the was planted in the King Edward’s and how a better understanding we hope to bring together past, Footballer and TV presenter Chris in the presence of the Lord Mayor brain develops and what stimulates Witley grounds to mark the date Running a conference of interest of it can transform teaching and present and future pupils, while Hollins is among Bickley Park’s of the City of London and HRH or depresses young minds, this that the School moved from London learning. celebrating Bickley Park’s long well-known alumni, which includes The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO at knowledge was not filtering through to its new premises in Witley. A history and highlighting our plans Southwark Cathedral, an exhibition to schools and teachers. I believe ‘We work with universities to political historian Sir Anthony second holly tree was planted in the for the next 100 years.” at Haslemere Museum in May and that how young people deal with bring together the latest findings Seldon, but the school has also grounds of St Bride’s Church, Fleet the opening of the School to the the pressures of adolescence and in neuroscience and psychology Bickley Park School was founded hosted a famous name on the other Street, symbolising the School’s public for Heritage Open Day on early adulthood is as important as to build an evidence-informed by Mr and Mrs Richard A Brandram side of the blackboard. Children’s presence there as a Tudor orphanage Sunday 10th September 2017. the way they learn.’ educational practice,’ says Mrs and started off with just 20 author Enid Blyton taught at the when it was originally founded in Harrington. ‘ Unlike so many other pupils. Mr Brandram was the first school in 1919 before moving the City of London. Bridewell Royal Hospital (reg. charity ‘Technology has given programmes in this area, we take headmaster and, like others that to Surbiton to work as a nursery no. 311997) remains the parent neuroscientists access to the working these findings and apply them in John Attwater, Headmaster of King followed in his footsteps, has a governess. foundation for King Edward’s brain which has helped to explain Edward’s Witley, said, “We retain the classroom, the sports field , the school house named after him. and provides financial support to to independent school staff? many of its cognitive functions. I boarding house and the playground Bickley Park is on the lookout close links with the City of London over 100 children whose home believe that the knowledge we have The Brandrams were focussed on and are proud of our heritage. The to create the best possible for alumni and is calling on past circumstances mean it is beneficial gained through these developments educating boys and sport played planting of these holly trees will educational experience for both pupils to get in touch. Visit for them to have access to an Neurosciences at the School of a strong part in their educational could – no, should! – be fed into teachers and pupils.’ www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk/alumni/ allow us to reflect on our two homes How to understand and work Medicine at Cardiff University (and outstanding boarding education. the education system and translated • vision. This is continued today as Pictured: The Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Chris Storey and Mayor of Haslemere, Councillor Sahran stand-up comedian) to contact the school. into programmes for schools. Research programmes include: with stress Abeysundara, treasurer Justine Voisin, headmaster John Attwater with Head Girl and Head Boy How music can make you smarter • Dr Joni Holmes, Head of the ‘Marking the fifth year of • • Understanding biological rhythms Centre for Attention Learning and BrainCanDo, Queen Anne’s is • The impact of emotional and the science of sleep Memory at the Cognition & Brain holding a one-day CPD-accredited contagion on motivation to learn Hampton School Conference As well as updates from the current Sciences Unit at the University of conference on Thursday 15 March • The role of self-affirmation in university research collaborators Cambridge for directors of teaching and cognitive task performance at University of Reading and and panel sessions led by Jonnie Then make sure they know about it by learning, teachers, educationalists, Goldsmith’s, University of London, parents, psychologists, academics, • How memory works Noakes, Director of the Tony Little the conference will include and everyone interested in the Centre for Innovation and Research Digital presentations from: in Learning at Eton College. Professor Michael Thomas, Director • Queen Anne’s School is an of the Centre for Educational independent day and boarding Wellbeing Neuroscience at Birkbeck school for girls, and part of the University, London Grey Coat Hospital Foundation and Protecting Pupils Online Friday 9 June 2017 Cranleigh announces• Dr Dean Burnett, neuroscientist thetechnology United Westminster Schools 10.00am – 3.30pm £195 advertising in Independent Schools Magazine, at the Division of Psychological Foundation. Medicine and Clinical Sexting, cyber-bullying, tech-addiction, digital footprint - how can teachers help & teenage mentalThursday 15 Marchhealth 2018, 9.15 am to 16.00conference pm protect pupils online? Join us for an insight into the latest digital trends and hear first-hand Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham, Berkshire RG4 6DX Tickets (£60) can be booked through the BrainCanDo website (www.braincando.com) or by calling 0118 918 7343 about their potentially damaging impact. Specialist workshops will offer expert guidance Booking open for conference or emailing [email protected] on helping young people navigate the online world safely. on 8th March 2018 Independent Schools Magazine 11 Cranleigh School, Surrey, is Agenda: Speakers include: hosting a one-day conference on 1.30pm-2.15pm: Registration: tea, coffee & pastries • Digital Sisters: Emma and Charlotte proved popular with parents and • Lorin LaFave: campaigning for online the professional journal for the sector. Technology and Teenage Mental Robertson from Digital Awareness • Parent Zone: advising teachers pupils alike. 2.30pm: Welcome address: safety following the death of her son • Holli Rubin: a body image Health in March, in association UK, trail blazing e-safety in schools on how to help parents deal Speaker: Pooky Knightsmith, Director of the Schools Programme, Charlie Breck Bednar, who was groomed online specialist tackling the issues Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] mental health charity the Booking has now opened for with digital dangers Waller Memorial Trust surrounding online identity Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. the conference on 8th March. The conference will host Heads, It includes keynote speeches 2.45pm: Introduction: Deputies and Pastoral Leads from: Clinical and Developmental Speaker: Dr Andrea Saxel, Deputy Head Pastoral, Cranleigh SchoolFurther information and booking: from a range of South East Psychologist Dr John Coleman; 3:00pm: Keynote Address 1: Technology and the Teenage hamptonschool.org.uk/digital-conferenceBrain paren MAKING THE INTE tZO Neuroscientist, columnist and RN ET W N ORK FOR FAMe schools and feature experts Speaker: Dr John Coleman Clinical and Developmental Psychologist ILIES from the fields of neuroscience, stand-up comedian Dr Dean Register3.30pm: for your Keynote own freeAddress e-copy 2: Technology, Sleep and www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Mental Health mental wellness and adolescent Burnett; founder of the Everyday Speaker: Dr Dean Burnett, neuroscientist and author of The Idiot Brain psychology. Sexism Project Laura Bates BEM; Pooky Knightsmith Director of 3.50pm: Keynote Address 3: Body Image, Sexting & Pornography Independent Schools Magazine 19 Deputy Head (Pastoral) Dr Andrea the Schools Programme at the Speaker: Laura Bates BEM, founder of the Everyday Sexism Project and Saxel says: “So much disparate Charlie Waller Memorial Trust; and author of Everyday Sexism research on the impact of Dr Andrea Saxel. Workshops will 4.10pm: Break: tea & coffee, Exhibition technology on teenage mental be led by Vicki Shotbolt, CEO of Read by heads, bursars, and senior staff. health is being undertaken at 4.45pm Workshop Sessions: ParentZone, Claire Eastham, author the moment. Quite rightly it is a of We’re All Mad Here, and Sam Educating parents – theory and practice – run by Vicki Shotbolt, CEO matter of concern for schools and Cooke, Housemaster at Cranleigh. of Parentzone parents alike. We felt there was a The Conference aims to bring Creating healthy head space for teenagers – run by Clare Eastham, compelling need for a conference together educators with an interest author of We’re All Mad Here to address the issues all together. in the impact of technology on We will hold a similar conference Practical Approaches to Pastoral Care – run by Sam Cooke, Housemaster teenage mental health, to share for parents.” at Cranleigh School, with Dr Andrea Saxel ideas and experiences, to learn from Earlier this year Cranleigh became pioneering work going on in this 5.45pm: Break. Bowlfood, drinks & Exhibition Free artwork design service if required. the first boarding school in area and to create a network of 6.30pm Panel Discussion the UK to prohibit the use of links and best practice. 7.15pm Meeting close: Dr Andrea Saxel mobile phones for pupils in its The event is open to all who share first two year groups (Years 9 an interest in the field, whether and 10). Cranleigh, a dedicated at primary or secondary level, co-educational boarding school, state or independent schools. The educates pupils from age 13 to conference will also feature an 18. Staff claim that the move has exhibition, as well as opportunities for networking. Details from: Samantha Turner Independent Schools Magazine

For booking details and further information: www.cranleigh.org/our-school/academics/resources/cranleigh-training/technology-teenage-mental-health-conference Fellows Media Ltd., The Gallery, Southam Lane, Cheltenham GL52 3PB

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14 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] No VAT on fees - for now anyway The government has no plans on school fees would make this result in staff redundancies. This to change the VAT treatment of an unaffordable choice for many would not just be teachers; many independent schools. families. Smaller independent would be catering staff, cleaners, This policy was revealed to Lord schools would certainly close, grounds-people and classroom Lexden, chair of the Independent resulting in a sudden increase in the assistants. Along with job losses, Schools Association, in a written numbers of young people needing there would be negative impact on answer in the House of Lords last places at state schools – driving many local suppliers, who rely on doing more and more to widen month (October). up costs to the taxpayer. Currently, independent schools as part of their access in recent years, increasing the 600,000 children are educated in supply chain. The clarification followed some amount of means-tested bursary independent schools, saving the weeks of press reports that the “Ultimately, putting VAT on school provision for lower income families taxpayer the cost of educating Treasury might be considering fees would cost the Government and providing a growing number them. For every child forced out of including such a move in the recent money, not raise money, and of free places to looked-after the independent sector, the impact Budget. heap more pressure on the state children and young people on the on the Department for Education’s Julie Robinson, ISC general system when it is already stretched. edge of care. All of this important budget would be approximately secretary (pictured right), said at the Working in partnership with the £6,310 per pupil per year, with and life-transforming work will be time: “The sums for a policy such Department for Education, we a further one-off capital cost diminished if a VAT on fees policy as this do not add up. A third of have been making huge strides to associated too. were introduced.” pupils at our schools are on reduced develop and strengthen partnership fees and most of our pupils are “In addition to the impact on projects between independent and Labour announced last year that it from families where parents work costs and capacity in the state state schools, which benefit tens of might impose VAT on school fees hard to pay for an independent sector, a drop-off in the number of thousands of pupils every year. And, in an effort to raise more money for school education. Putting VAT independent school pupils would independent schools have been free school meals. Time capsule buried Bishop’s Stortford College have Old Stortfordian (OS) Committee continued their celebrations of Member Michael Baim (’58-’62). their 150th anniversary with a Time All three sections of the College Capsule burial and a visit from the put forward ideas for content and Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire. helped to pull the box together Members of the College community which included poems, a quilt including Old Stortfordians, parents, made from College ties, newsletters, staff and pupils gathered in the theatre programmes, menus Memorial Hall for a service to from the Dining Hall, drawings celebrate the changes in our lives and artworks, DVDs of Senior over the last 50 years and what School House Music and a Prep pupils in 50 years’ time might look School play, copies of the current forward to experiencing. prospectus and other items that The Time Capsule was the idea of illustrate College life today. Leaders in all aspects of independent education

Supporting families and schools worldwide with impartial, expert advice. From early years to higher education.

www.gabbitas.com China Pictured: Bishop’s Stortford College also welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr Dubai Robert Voss CBE who represents Her Majesty The Queen and supports the Royal Family in the [email protected] United Kingdom county. Pictured: Paul Stanley, Bursar; Guy Baker, Chairman of the Board of Governors; Mr Robert Voss, Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire; Heather Collier, Head Girl; Oliver Lewis, Head Boy; Jeremy Gladwin, College Headmaster

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 15 Step-by-step Guidance for Schools Dealing with Data Subject Access Requests Data subject access is not a new concept for schools and burdensome requests have long caused administrative headaches for bursars and data protection officers. However, important changes to the regime introduced by GDPR earlier this year, together with growing public awareness of data protection issues and individual rights, make it advisable for schools to keep how they deal with subject access requests (“SARs”) under review, writes Louise Smyth... Step One Identify a SAR respond directly to the child. information or narrow the scope and information about someone The GDPR does not specify how This is often a “grey” area and of the request. else, schools will need to seek should be determined on a case a SAR should be made and has Step 4 Respond Within the third party consent but even if largely removed the ability to by case basis with reference to this is withheld, they will still Requisite Timeframe charge a fee (unless the request a particular child and it may be need to conduct a balancing Under the GDPR, schools must is manifestly unfounded or sensible to seek input from the exercise and determine whether respond to a SAR within the excessive). Valid requests can school’s legal advisers. it is nevertheless reasonable to shorter deadline of one calendar therefore be made verbally, disclose that information. Step Three Consider the month of receipt of the request. as well as in writing, to any Scope of the Request This can be extended by up Given the tight timeframe, it is member of a school and schools Individuals have the right to two months if the request therefore advisable for schools should therefore ensure staff are to obtain a copy of their is particularly complex but to have a process in place to trained to recognise and flag any personal information as well schools wishing to rely on this allow them to search for and potential SAR. Whilst schools as supplemental information extension are required to write collate information expeditiously. cannot insist that individuals use about the way in which their to the individual setting out Practically speaking they may a prescribed format to make a data is processed and who their reasons within one calendar wish to consider approaching SAR, a clear and easily accessible personal data is disclosed to. month. their legal advisers for support data protection policy that sets Schools can front-end much in dealing with a particularly out a sensible process for making Responding to a SAR can be a of their obligations in respect onerous request. Law firms will a request will help to ensure that time-consuming and labour- of supplemental information often be able to supply paralegals requests aren’t missed. intensive exercise. Personal or trainees to boost forces on the by ensuring they have issued data can be held in a plethora Step Two Consider the ground, as well as advising on comprehensive privacy notices of mediums such as emails, tricky issues such as whether to Identity of the Data Subject to employees, pupils and parents paper files, databases, word disclose third party data. Schools may request proof of detailing this information. processing systems, CCTV records, identity if there is any doubt SARs are often broad and telephone records, internet logs, Finally, the information needs as to the identity of the person burdensome in nature. Schools automated systems and log- to be provided in a clear and making the request. are entitled to ask an individual in records. Once all personal intelligible manner. There is Additionally, where a SAR is for more information to clarify data has been collated, it will a particular requirement to made in relation to personal data their request but ought to do so need to be reviewed and often use clear and plain language held about a child, schools need as soon as possible. This can be redacted to remove reference to if disclosing information to a to carefully consider to whom a useful tool to get to the heart e.g. third-party data and legally child. If a SAR is submitted they need to respond. If the of what an individual is really privileged information. Where electronically, schools should school is satisfied that the child seeking to access but there is personal data includes both respond to the request in an is mature enough to understand no obligation on an individual information about the individual electronic format, unless the his or her rights, it should to provide any additional who is the subject of the request individual requests otherwise.

Louise Smyth is a lawyer at Field Seymour Parkes solicitors in Berkshire. If you have any queries regarding dealing with a SAR, or the GDPR more generally, please contact her at [email protected] or on 0118 951 6365.

16 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Amelia, Oundle School Collection.

Amelia wears the distinctive bespoke striped culottes of Oundle and a performance cotton fitted blouse. Worn with a navy four button polywool fitted jacket.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] schoolblazer.infoIndependent Schools 01832 Magazine 280 17 011

6478 A4 Advert Artwork_Final.indd 3 27/09/2018 12:11 Inspecting the Inspectorates

As Ofsted published its annual reports on the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the School Inspection Service (SIS) this month (November), Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman said she is concerned that the reports are of ‘increasingly limited value’ because Ofsted’s ability to monitor the work of the inspectorates is ‘seriously hampered’ by the existing commissioning arrangements. She wants new monitoring arrangements to be put in place.

It is now the third consecutive and whether it supports the that make up the Independent members of the Focus Learning year that the monitoring activity judgements made. Additionally, Schools Council, including their Trust; the Steiner Waldorf commissioned by the Department the two inspectorates have not registered early years provision Schools Fellowship; and the provided Ofsted with sufficient for Education has provided and boarding provision. Cognita Group, where its schools insufficient evidence to provide management information of their SIS inspects selected registered do not belong to an Independent a reasonable level of assurance inspection activities, for example independent schools that are Schools Council association. about the quality of the the profile of grades being inspectorates’ work, according to awarded to be able to review Ms Spielman. overall inspection outcomes. This Extracts from Ofsted’s quality- level of evidence and information In total, over the past three years, is clearly not sufficient to provide monitoring of the inspectorates: Ofsted has been commissioned for an objective assessment of ISI carried out 459 inspections year 2017/18 from which to conduct on-site monitoring the quality or standards of their during the academic year OFSTED evaluated six reports. visits of only two ISI and two SIS inspections.” 2017/18, from which OFSTED Of these, five were reports from school inspections. Ms Spielman evaluated 17 reports. Four of the Ms Spielman wants to conduct full inspections of each school’s said: “The only other source of 17 reports sampled and evaluated more monitoring visits to allow educational provision. The evidence available to inform my by Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) more evaluation of inspection remaining report was from a annual reports has come from were for regulatory compliance practice. She also suggests termly progress monitoring inspection. reviewing inspection reports; my inspections. The remaining 13 safeguarding focused checks, Ofsted also evaluated two inspectors have not had access reports were combined inspections to verify that any safeguarding inspections on site. to the evidence bases gathered of schools’ regulatory compliance issues were followed up and during these inspections, and and of their educational quality. In two of the reports, inspectors’ reported on appropriately, and as such, have been limited to Eight of the combined inspection qualitative judgements are a requirement that ISI and SIS making an assessment about reports were for boarding schools. provide her with management not fully supported by the whether the report is internally These inspections reported on information. commentary within the report. coherent. They cannot make the school’s compliance with the On one occasion, the reported any assessment of how the ISI inspects selected registered national minimum standards as evidence within the report’s inspection was conducted, independent schools with well as the quality of the school’s summary does not support what evidence was gathered, membership of the associations educational provision. the judgement of ‘good’ that All of the reports reviewed has been given. It is therefore comply with ISI’s inspection not clear in these cases how ISI statement: guidance. In four of the inspectors have arrived at their reports, the recommendations We note the publication of Ofsted’s annual report to the Secretary judgements. to improve the quality of the of State for Education about the quality of ISI’s inspections. We school’s educational provision Two of the reports do not are delighted by the recognition of the many strengths of our lack sufficient precision. In contain recommendations work. We very much value open and constructive professional two of these reports, the which directly address the main dialogue with Ofsted as part of our regular process of self- recommendations do not make weaknesses that each report’s improvement. To that end, we look forward to continuing our clear the specific actions leaders summary identifies. In these discussions with them and the DfE about the most useful form must undertake to bring about cases, it is not clear what actions of monitoring, including peer review, in order to ensure that our improvement. school leaders should take inspections are of the highest quality, focusing on safeguarding the welfare of children and the quality of their education. SIS carried out 17 standard to bring about the necessary inspections during the academic improvement.

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

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 19 Is it the Elephant in the room or the Rhino in your minibus? Chris Maynard, Managing Director of A LOT HAS CHANGED Castle Minibus gives an insight into the How long has it been since you updated your minibus management, training and policies? contentious issue of light weight minibuses 70% of schools* surveyed did not understand their obligations under a Section 19 Permit and the consideration schools need to give *survey completed in 2018 by Castle Minibus of 300 UK schools to both the vehicle and the driver.

Did you know that you can legally ‘In summary the current DVSA vehicle. ‘Lightweight’ minibuses 17 seater minibus and adding 20 drive a minibus with a standard B view is that if your driver as they are commonly called are bags at 8kg each you’re looking category licence? (including teachers who drive) is in fact vehicles that leave the at a payload of 1197kg which is a volunteer then they can drive a factory as vans and are then This single sentence piece of the weight of an average black 16-passenger seat minibus if they fitted with seats and windows to information might seem like rhino. got their licence after 1997. So, turn them into a minibus. They the answer to a school’s prayers for example, if a teacher chooses can stay under the weight limit Don’t do the maths: Get the right when it comes to training their to drive a minibus when doing of 3,500kg by not including vehicle to carry your ‘precious cargo’ teachers to drive a minibus; so extra duties which they choose to heavier safety elements such long as the driver is; No major manufacturer, like do but are not required to do in as side impact bars, which Ford or Mercedes, produces a • Over 21 their contract then they can drive amazingly are not a legal factory-built minibus with a GVW the 16-passenger seater minibus. requirement. • The driver receives no payment of under 4250kg because of or other consideration for BUT if they have a contract This weight limit can be the safety and comfort features MINIBUS COMPLIANCE COURSE (MCC) driving – therefore you are a which states that they are increased to 4,250kg for the considered necessary when volunteer required to drive a minibus addition of specialised equipment transporting passengers for any Developed in consultation with the ISBA and a former senior traffic commissioner the course is then they are not a volunteer. only; namely wheelchair access • The journey is for social reason. Drivers of this type of delivered by Castle Driver Training’s highly experienced ADI instructors. The UK’s only school An example is; If they are a which must always stay in the purposes only vehicle who drive for their school minibus compliance course covers; geography teacher and it is part minibus. The gross vehicle weight • The minibus with up to 16 of their contract that they are is the maximum operating weight under a Section 19 Permit need passenger seats has a gross either a D1 (101) an entitlement required to take students on an of a vehicle as specified by the ‘The law in this area is ‘This is a must-attend vehicle weight of less than on standard driving licences annual geography field trip. The manufacturer including the complex and not always easily course that, when properly 3,500kg with an extra 750kg obtained before 1 January 1997 DVSA view is that they are paid vehicle, fuel, driver, passengers understood by schools and Licencing and permits implemented in a school, will allowance for specialised for this and are therefore not and cargo. or an unrestricted D1 licence equipment only. their teaching staff with severe Driver responsibilities produce a ‘safety system’ volunteers and therefore need a So, what schools need to that requires both a theory and penalties for non-compliance – which will be auditable and fully There are two issues with the full PSV driver licence’. understand is what ‘payload’ practical test. as well as the risk to the safety Vehicle safety compliant’ conditions above that schools So, it is up to individual schools you can add to your lightweight A solution to the confusion of your pupils. It is therefore vital Journey planning need to consider. One is the to look at the contracts of their minibus. Payload is the gross that your school gets it right’ John Murphie, Chief Operating Officer. ISBA grey area, which is open to staff and determine whether they weight of the vehicle (GVW) Vehicle weights, correct licenses Onsite assessment interpretation, of what is social and permits along with driver Beverley Bell, Former Senior Traffic are required by their contracts to minus the unladen or kerbside Commissioner for Great Britain purposes. drive the minibus for field trips, weight (ULW). training, maintenance and regular safety inspections are all Are school journeys social? Can excursions or sporting fixtures, You need to know therefore responsibilities a school needs to teachers be classed as volunteers? as in that case they are NOT what the vehicle weighs unladen, volunteers and would need a full manage when they are running Castle Minibus recently launched which can vary depending on PSV licence or a D1 licence if a minibus. Therefore, Castle the Minibus Compliance who and how the vehicle has the school operated its minibus Minibus developed and launched Course, a course supported been converted from van to under a Section 19 Permit. and recommended by the ISBA, minibus and also how heavy the MCC Minibus Compliance approved by RoSPA and written Adding the weight of a Rhino to your passengers, luggage and Course to give legal clarity to in consultation with Beverley your minibus equipment is likely to be. schools and provide them with a Bell, a former Senior Traffic The second issue when driving If an average 14-year-old boy `best practise` system to create For more information, dates and venues across the UK visit Commissioner. Beverly Bell’s a minibus on a standard B car weighs 59kg and the average a safer and compliant minibus www.castleminibus.co.uk or call 01869 253744 advice on this point is; licence is the weight of the adult 68kg and you’re filling a policy moving forwards.

For more information on the MCC, dates and venues visit www.castleminibus.co.uk/drivertraining/mcc or call 01869 253744

20 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] A LOT HAS CHANGED How long has it been since you updated your minibus management, training and policies? 70% of schools* surveyed did not understand their obligations under a Section 19 Permit

*survey completed in 2018 by Castle Minibus of 300 UK schools

MINIBUS COMPLIANCE COURSE (MCC) Developed in consultation with the ISBA and a former senior traffic commissioner the course is delivered by Castle Driver Training’s highly experienced ADI instructors. The UK’s only school minibus compliance course covers;

‘The law in this area is ‘This is a must-attend complex and not always easily course that, when properly understood by schools and Licencing and permits implemented in a school, will their teaching staff with severe Driver responsibilities produce a ‘safety system’ penalties for non-compliance – which will be auditable and fully as well as the risk to the safety Vehicle safety compliant’ of your pupils. It is therefore vital Journey planning that your school gets it right’ John Murphie, Chief Operating Officer. Onsite assessment ISBA Beverley Bell, Former Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain

For more information, dates and venues across the UK visit www.castleminibus.co.uk or call 01869 253744

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 21 Get more visitors to OPEN EVENTS at your school FAST • FREE • EFFECTIVE Scores of independent schools Supercharged performance in the UK already rely on A team from Ardingly College, Dr Andrew Spiers MBE, Director WhereCanWeGo.com to publicise Sussex, raced past the finish line of Science & Technology, said: at Circuit Zolder, Belgium, as they “The Ardingly Solar project is took part in the prestigious iLumen really about engaging young OPEN DAYS • FETES European Solar Challenge. people with environmental engineering. It is our hope that by Thirty five students from Ardingly PLAYS • PTA EVENTS building this car and refining its who were representing GB & performance, our students will feel Northern Ireland, were involved CONCERTS a sense of responsibility about the finishing tenth of twenty in the big environment, learn about cutting- race – after speeding through a 24- edge technology, and take away a hour circuit in particularly testing determination to make a positive conditions. difference.” During the race, the Sussex Over the past eight years, more competitors managed to complete than 300 students have been 140 laps and a total of 590km. involved in the Ardingly Solar Ardingly are the only school to project with local businesses Cirrus have ever entered this event and Laser, Cordek, Tracmaster, Time24, were competing against prestigious Lincoln Binns & XBex, industry university and industry based professionals, and universities from teams. the South of England. The event was the culmination With success under their belts, the of years of hard work, with pupils solar project team will now turn designing and building their their attention to preparing the competing car with the very latest car for the Australian Bridgestone of eco-technology so that it can World Solar Challenge in October harness power directly from the 2019. In 2015, they made it to 6th sun. place.

It’s free, and it works. Organisers regularly report 30% of visitors hearing of events through WhereCanWeGo.com. In one recent month, for example – 427,248 visitors in 13,775 towns and villages made Rocketing along with Tim Peake 1,669,386 searches and saw 25,040,790 event Pupils from Babington House biggest science exhibition and announcements. Plus the Googlebot visits several School, Kent, came face to face attracts visitors from across the times a day and will quickly notice your events. with astronaut Tim Peake at a globe. special event in London recently. Year 11 pupils spent time chatting The six students were invited to with Tim and telling him what they WhereCanWeGo.com meet the astronaut by Empiribox enjoy about science at school. They during a visit to New Scientist even joined him in building a mini Britain’s family & community what’s on guide Since 2005, over 80,000 organisers have posted 850,000 events Live. Taking place at London’s NASA space rocket, which they took Excel, the event is the world’s home after the show.

22 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Science Council Award for Teaching Innovations Dr Diane Molyneux, Team Leader and the debate about fossil fuels. category. Other awards are for their results that are used in of Primary 6 at St George’s School I am particularly keen to promote Registered science technicians and universities as part of real research. for Girls, Edinburgh, has won a science as a career choice for Chartered Scientists. To win the Establishing an international national award from the Science girls, and to promote positive role award, Diane had to demonstrate EcoSchools link with a school in Council for her work in teaching models for girls in science.” commitment to undertaking work- India on environmental issues Science. Mark Ashmore, Head of Science based and self-directed learning made the children’s research really Diane’s award is in recognition at St George’s commented; ‘Diane at a high, exemplary standard in come to life. Diane’s science of her continuing professional has developed the Primary 6 order to enhance the quality of her lessons are just as likely to be development (CPD) efforts and science course over the last year, practice and to benefit colleagues, outdoors as in the classroom or and the students she teaches. achievements as a Chartered with significant self-reflection and laboratory, and the pupils have Substantial initiative and evidence Science teacher (CSciTEach). evaluation of the lessons. This has enjoyed using resources for the of reflection on the impact of Chartered status involves an led to an effective and engaging RSPB birdwatch, the BTO study her practice are expected. She is annual submission of the CPD science course for the P6s making of bird habitats and distribution activities, which is reviewed by full use of our lower school the only teacher in this year’s list of worms, the RHS gardening the awarding body, in order to laboratory facilities, and provides of UK award winners. The Award programme and from many other maintain chartered status. an excellent grounding in skills ceremony was held last month organisations. and knowledge for girls to study (October) at the Royal Society of She said: “My passion is for science further up the school.’ Chemistry, Mayfair, London. During the year, Diane has also Science and Maths teaching. experimented with different What really makes me tick is Members who have attained Over the last year, girls in her finding ways to engage children chartered status, from 29 Primary 6 Science lessons have techniques to encourage verbal with science – developing professional national bodies of benefited from an increase in responses rather than written their scientific capability, their Science, are eligible to enter the practical hands-on work focusing responses from pupils to help cater way of looking at things, CPD Science awards and Diane on problem solving with projects for dyslexic children. This has and encouraging them to be was nominated by the Association such as Time, Trees and Forces as involved using photography rather scientifically critical about topical for Science Education (ASE) for part of the BBC Terrific Science than asking the girls to complete issues such as the war on plastics the Chartered Science Teacher programme. Children submit written worksheets.

Paper V People? Wellbeing needs to become REAL in your school

Wellbeing for all needs to become number one on the agenda in It is time for Accessibility education. Until wellbeing has pride of place on a leaders agenda How accessible is the information your staff need to be well? Are they things will not change. Today, it is time to get REAL! expected to fend for themselves without support? If you asked your staff this It is time to be Responsive question, what would the response be? When things go wrong, the first step How responsive is your organisation in managing the wellbeing of your solution needs to be near and simple. How can you make that happen? staff? Take time to have a look at your policies and procedures for the It is time for it to be Lasting management of your staff wellbeing? Is it paper or people? Choose one day Your staff have two contracts in your organisation – a written one and and do an honesty check of your organisation. an emotional one. How they feel determines how long they stay. As John It is time for Early Intervention Maxwell says, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know Yes, I know that you do not have a crystal ball but you know the life events how much you care.’ For L you could also have learning. What does your that will affect staff. It could be a bereavement, an ill relative or situations organisation need to learn to put wellbeing at the front of the agenda? to do with staff children. Take time to look at your systems to act early when staff need it. It is time for you to take real action now! Where will you start?

For more information contact: [email protected]

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

Born: 1971 St. Lawrence College opened in 1879 gender based cocoon. Despite the current focus with just 5 pupils, as an evangelical in some parts of society upon gender fluidity, Married? To Suzanne, who Qestablishment with the purpose of boys and girls are clearly different, but there is also teaches. Four children, one combining “careful religious training with a sound, a greater range of variation within one gender currently studying at Oxford, one liberal education”. How, if at all, has that central group than there is between boys and girls, for on a Gap Year, one in the Upper purpose changed today? example in areas like intellectual ability. Practically Sixth and One in Fourth Form. this means a top Maths set combining boys and Whilst society has become more overtly girls is generally better than a single sex top set diverse and secular, we think the vision Schools and university attended: of more mixed ability. The notion that the early of the founders remains very relevant Chesterfield School (now renamed A adolescent years are different, presuming boys and today. As a community, we benefit from having Brookfield Community School), girls are too distracted by each other in class to pupils from a wide range of faith backgrounds, then Queen’s College Oxford. make progress, simply isn’t my experience. To take but the continuing strong Christian foundations a broad stereotype, girls can have more mature First job: Paper round, then of the School do make a palpable difference to its study habits at an earlier age, and the boys benefit collecting Pools Money (remember culture, which is marked by kindness, tolerance and from this example, whilst the girls can benefit from that!) in a tough estate in compassion. a more grounded approach by the boys. Above all Chesterfield. I’d be walking else, parents should worry less about what is going around the estate with a bag Part of the College ethos says: ‘People on in the controlled confines of the classroom filled with cash and betting slips. with different world views are part of between boys and girls of this age, and be more Qour family, bound together by mutual concerned about what they are doing online at First management job: respect and recognition of the importance of faith home in the evenings! I qualified with Ernst and Young, and morality.’ How do you instil a sense of that and worked on a team supporting importance in your pupils? Yours is one of the medium-sized schools high tech SMEs. It has to infuse everything that goes on in in HMC membership, with around 650 pupils aged between 3 and 18 of whom First job in education: Teacher at school, because when seeking to support Q about a third board. Some might say this is Eastbourne College, 2002. the value of faith and morality within A an ideal size - small enough for you to know education, we set a high standard and need to Appointed to current job: 2013 guard against any hint of hypocrisy; pupils are everyone personally yet large enough to offer a very adept at exposing pompous claims of high wide curriculum. Could you see any advantage in Favourite piece of music: standards that aren’t reflected in reality! So we growing further? Is that your aim? An obscure band called This Mortal support these values by what we say but especially We’ve seen significant growth in recent Coil, and their album “Blood” by what we do, in the way all staff should model years, with numbers in the Senior School good behaviour to pupils. It also comes from open Favourite food: A perpetual up by 50% in the last five years. We’re discourse, from a willingness to talk about issues A a better school as a result, but partly because battle between Italian and Thai. of faith and morality in a balanced way, in contrast we didn’t make growth an objective but simply Favourite drink: Coffee to those who want to banish such topics from the responded to the demand for the type of education school arena, which seems rather limiting to me. we were providing. There are financial and Favourite holiday destination: academic economies of scale in schools, but I France The College commenced its journey from would be concerned that if we grew much more we would lose the closer sense of community that is Favourite leisure pastime: boys-only to all-through co-education back in 1968, completing the transition possible in a school of our size. Hockey Q fifteen years later. Does the trend to the so-called Favourite TV or radio diamond-model - where boys and girls are taught You are a qualified accountant, and programme/series: Radio 4’s separately in early teenage years - hold any worked in finance before switching into “Today”, for all its faults. Box set attraction for you? Qteaching Economics. Why did you make that career move? What - or who - inspired you to binges: 24, Walking Dead, The Not to me personally. I respect the views get into teaching? Do you still teach the subject? Killing etc. of those who argue for this model, and no doubt it can be done well, but I was always attracted to teaching, Suggested epitaph: A I think schools should be preparing pupils for a and had some great role models at the By Grace Alone coeducational world, rather than preserving some Astate school I went to, but they were 24 Independent Schools Magazine Antony Spencer has been Principal of St. Lawrence College, Kent, since 2013. He was previously deputy head of Clifton College, Bristol.

somewhat demoralised and encouraged University students are much more focussed focussed upon the core task of academic me to do something else first. By the time I upon graduate employment opportunities development, when there are so many other was qualified as a Chartered Accountant, than in my day, and the breadth of work pressures upon their priorities. working in finance and with a growing experience possible in a Gap Year can be a family, the cost of change to teaching grew considerable help. It’s also a chance to do St. Lawrence College is in the port considerably, but I took the plunge, sold the things and meet people that may not come town of Ramsgate, which played a house, halved my salary and have no regrets. again. I made pizzas, worked as a gardener, significant role in the evacuation I don’t currently teach, and I miss it, but it worked in a legal office and managed waiting Q is hard to synchronise the role of Head with lists in an orthopaedic hospital; great life from Dunkirk in World War II, One of the demands of teaching examined classes experience! the Dunkirk ‘little ships’ still moored at without the pupils suffering. Ramsgate and open to the public is the Motor Yacht Sundowner, (built 1912) once You have played hockey for the private yacht of the second officer of How has that financial background town, county, and university with assisted you in your role as Qconsiderable success, and still turn the Titanic, C.H. Lightoller, who succeeded in QPrincipal? Given the number of out occasionally for a local side. The College bringing home 127 members of the British short-notice closures of independent schools water-base hockey pitch is Olympic-sized. Expeditionary Force in just one trip. How in recent years - usually citing financial You must surely be tempted to show your does the College mark Remembrance Day? difficulties as the principal reason - should pupils how the game should be played as a professional level of financial competence well as cheering them on from the sidelines? It’s a big and solemn occasion, with be a pre-requisite of headship? a formal Chapel service but also a The pupils exhibit a level of whole school Act of Remembrance. The financial experience has been athleticism and skill that far A We use assembly talks to explain why this invaluable, but more important surpasses mine, and we have an A isn’t just a commemoration of an historical for Heads is to be commercially incredibly strong set of coaching staff, so A event but a warning to be vigilant against savvy. Schools are complex organisations I mostly restrict my time to the sidelines; with many stakeholders, and the image one of the perks of my job is that I get its repetition, as the warning signs grow ever of a Head sitting in a dusty office only paid to watch sport! There are two staff louder in today’s uncertain world. considering academic matters is completely v’s pupil matches per year, and I do play in anachronistic. Most new Heads feel that those. It always makes me think of Monty After the war, the ‘Jennings’ author, financial matters are the weakest part of Python’s “Meaning of Life” comedy sketch Anthony Buckeridge, came to St. their skill set, compared to academic and of the masters v’s pupils match, without the QLawrence College as a master and pastoral areas, and I think more can be cheating. taught in the school for five years. It was done in preparing them, but I wouldn’t during this time that he began to write make it a pre-requisite; there are some very At the October HMC Conference books and radio plays about the character at commercially minded Heads out there who chair Shaun Fenton presented his the fictional Linbury Court Prep. How would didn’t have my level of training. Q‘top ten tips’ for creating happy and a mischievous, impulsive, undisciplined, but successful young people. If you were asked rather likeable young man like Jennings fare You took a Gap Year between for just three you consider most important, in school today? A-levels and your time at Queen’s what would you choose? College, Oxford. What did you do? Is I fear that some schools Q That’s tricky, because they are a Gap Year something you would advocate are inadvertently applying intertwined, but I would go for for today’s sixth-formers, and, if so, why? straightjackets to such creativity, Joy, Moral and Ethical Purpose, A A as education becomes a clinical system of I had a Gap Year both before and and Knowledge. The first two are core data management at times. I’d like to think after my time at Queen’s, and I to our humanity, and goodness flows to thoroughly recommend them for ourselves and others from a focus upon that Buckeridge would find a welcome home A at St Lawrence; the undisciplined trait we’d most sixth-formers. I think the reasons are them. Knowledge is a counterbalance, and even stronger today, in that a Gap Year before in a world of fake news and extremism, it’s work on, the impulsive we’d try to direct, university allows a period of work experience important that young people are armed the mischievous we’d try to smooth and the and the raising of finance (the maintenance with knowledge to defeat ignorance. likeable we’d rejoice in; the mix makes for loans for university today are inadequate). It’s also important that schools remain great creativity.

Independent Schools Magazine 25 Music, Drama, & Dance Inspiration from theatre Experts in Performance BBC’s Young Choristers of the Year director GCSE and A Level Drama pupils at Emilia Jaques from Queen Abbey Gate College, Cheshire, were Mary’s School, Yorkshire, has Floors for Education lucky enough to have a talk from top been announced as one of the theatre director, Loveday Ingram. BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers Loveday trained with John Barton at of the Year 2018, alongside the the Royal Shakespeare Company, who boy winner, Cassian Pichler- she then assisted for 4 years. She has Roca from Dean Close School in directed musicals and plays in the Gloucestershire. West End as well as having worked The prestigious competition extensively in the UK and Ireland and was Associate Director at Chichester included two preliminary rounds Festival Theatre for 3 years. She and a final in the studios of the worked as an Assistant and Senior BBC’s Philharmonic Orchestra at Assistant Director at the National MediaCityUK. Theatre and was Assistant Director on The final was hosted by Blue the original production of Mamma Peter’s Radzi Chinyanganya and Mia. Pupils also saw her dynamic composer and conductor, Bob interpretation of Julius Caesar at Chilcott, was chair of the judges. Storyhouse last year. He was joined for the occasion by The pupils were given an insight into organist, composer and musical Cantorum and Director of Choral Carole Cameron, Head at Queen how the industry works and the many director, Simon Lole and the Music at Dean Close School Mary’s School is also delighted: “I processes one goes through when founder and director of the Rock said, “I am immensely proud of am so proud of Emilia, she has a creating a piece of theatre. Loveday also explained the work involved in Choir, Caroline Redman Lusher. Cassian, he has worked incredibly beautiful voice and performs with taking a production from page to hard and is a valuable member of confidence and composure. As a Since the final was recorded stage. They were also given a chance school, we have strong traditions Emilia and Cassian have already the choir, always performing to to work on Othello and share their in both choral singing and taken on their first commission an outstanding level. Winning this own directorial ideas for one of Iago’s instrumental music and it has been – a CD recording with the BBC award will hopefully inspire other famous soliloquys. wonderful to see Emilia blossom.” Philharmonic Orchestra. They boys to consider Choristerships, Emilia will be singing this Christmas Head of Drama and Theatre, will now go on to appear on which offer children so much at Ripon Cathedral, and in a Charlotte House said: “Loveday’s talk various BBC television and radio more than just a first class was an absolute inspiration for both Candelit Concert on Saturday 1 Trinity Laban programmes in the next 12 musical education. Being a the pupils and myself. They will be December at 19:00 at Baldersby Harlequin Floors are renowned manufacturers and installers of months including BBC Radio 2’s Chorister means they not only able to take so much from her wealth St James Church. The repertoire sprung dance floors and vinyl, ballet barres and mirrors for all dance Good Morning Sunday, BBC Radio of knowledge and put it into their learn to sing to a professional will include a performance of ‘A studios and performance spaces. 4’s Daily Service and Sunday own performances and exam pieces. level, they also learn valuable Ceremony of Carols’ by Benjamin Harlequin Liberty is a sprung floor system chosen by Trinity Laban. Worship, along with special events We would like to thank Loveday for life skills such as team work, Britten and other seasonal music. Based in the spectacular RIBA award-winning Laban Building for Christmas and Easter. giving her time so generously and organisational skills, resilience and Tickets are available by calling look forward to seeing the pupils dancers can rest assured that their rehearsal work in the studio will take place using the same tried and tested Harlequin dance floors Simon Bell, Director of Schola a sense of responsibility”. 01845 575000. using her ideas in their performances they will experience in studios and on dance stages worldwide. and the upcoming production of Lord of the Flies.” With over 40 years experience, Harlequin has an enviable reputation Prize for duo in Hispanic Festival It was very, very important for us in this new having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious dance and building to have the very best floors. Harlequin was performing art schools, leading architects and building contractors Two King’s Ely Senior students have the festival and they made King’s “ the name out there. That was our first choice…it is within the education industry. won an award in recognition of their Ely proud with a performance which extremely important the floors are of the best quality. Our products are easy to specify from the NBS product

Spanish and theatrical skills. saw them win the prize for the ‘Best First of all they need to have the right degree of spring selector on RIBA or via the architects page on our website. Annie Moore and George Collier, Unique Theatrical Experience’. “ in them and that is something Harlequin are experts both Year 10 students, participated Head of MFL and Spanish at King’s at. Secondly, the actual surface has to be one that isn’t in the VI Hispanic Theatre Festival Ely Senior, Esmeralda Salgado, said: held at North London Collegiate “This is an outstanding achievement slippery or too sticky. So that’s Harlequin for us. School last month (October). for Annie and George, who were Mirella Bartrip, Director of Dance Ask our team about our RIBA approved CPD and book a seminar The festival, organised to celebrate competing against some very well- Spanish language and culture in the known schools, especially given curriculum, consisted of 14 short their young age and the amount Contact us now for our free Guide for original Spanish plays which were of Spanish they had to learn while Architects and for free samples performed on the night by students bringing their performing skills to in Years 11-13 – and all in Spanish the test. This experience is all part 0800 28 99 32 of course! of King’s Ely’s MFL Department’s [email protected] aim to take languages outside the Annie and George were the Pictured: George and Annie with Arancha Lorente, Teacher of Spanish at King’s Ely Senior, [email protected] youngest students to participate in classroom!” who helped to prepare them for the competition

26 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Experts in Performance Floors for Education

Trinity Laban Harlequin Floors are renowned manufacturers and installers of sprung dance floors and vinyl, ballet barres and mirrors for all dance studios and performance spaces. Harlequin Liberty is a sprung floor system chosen by Trinity Laban. Based in the spectacular RIBA award-winning Laban Building dancers can rest assured that their rehearsal work in the studio will take place using the same tried and tested Harlequin dance floors they will experience in studios and on dance stages worldwide. With over 40 years experience, Harlequin has an enviable reputation It was very, very important for us in this new having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious dance and building to have the very best floors. Harlequin was performing art schools, leading architects and building contractors “ the name out there. That was our first choice…it is within the education industry.

extremely important the floors are of the best quality. Our products are easy to specify from the NBS product

First of all they need to have the right degree of spring selector on RIBA or via the architects page on our website. in them and that is something Harlequin are experts“ at. Secondly, the actual surface has to be one that isn’t slippery or too sticky. So that’s Harlequin for us.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 27 Music, Drama, & Dance Singing day Children from Ealing and west London primary schools were invited to join pupils at St Benedict’s School for a wonderful day of singing with VOCES8, acclaimed as one of the finest a cappella groups in the world. A day of singing workshops ended with an evening concert in Ealing Abbey, giving 270 children aged 9 to 12 the opportunity to perform the songs they had learned alongside VOCES8, who also sang music from their wide repertoire. The Abbey was packed for the concert, which opened with the inspirational VOCES8 singing a wide range of choral music Children in Year 7 then sang an Latin American song Sway leaving to lead young children in a range – from the 16th anthem Sing arrangement of Jessie J’s Price Tag, everyone with a spring in their step. of musical activities. St Benedict’s Joyfully by William Byrd, and which built up to four parts, and students have long been associated Rachmaninov’s Ave Maria, to Nat As well as giving concerts around Freedom is coming, another great with this scheme and assist with King Cole’s Straighten Up and Fly the world, VOCES8 are part of an choice for young singers, which also extensive education programme music workshops in London primary Right, and Simon and Garfunkel’s grew in complexity as the choir split which encourages children to schools each year. Homeward Bound. into four groups. All the children enjoy singing. Voces Cantabiles had a great time, filling the Abbey The Headmaster of St Benedict’s The youngest singers, all in Year Music (VCM) promotes the vital with their wonderful singing and Andrew Johnson said: “VOCES8’s 5, then took to the stage to role music can play in academic doing accompanying actions as perform three gospel songs and progress and life chances, and has perfectly blended voices, expressive they sang. Great Day, dazzling the audience worked with more than 300,000 singing and sense of fun were with their enthusiastic singing The concert ended with two Celtic young people worldwide since it hugely inspiring for the children and in two- and three-parts, led by arrangements from VOCES8 - began in 2006. The programme the audience alike. It was a great VOCES8 and Sixth Form singers Caledonia by Dougie MacLean includes a Young Leaders scheme privilege to have this wonderful from St Benedict’s. and Danny Boy, with the lively which trains sixth form students choir with us once again.” Into the spotlight Tockington Manor School, first-hand from people working in Gloucestershire, has stepped into theatre and gain a true insight into the spotlight with the official the many career paths the theatre opening of their brand new Russell industry has to offer. Music and Performing Arts Suite. Jenny Hutchinson, Theatre Director The new dedicated facilities feature at The Bristol Hippodrome said: a multi-use music and dance studio “We are passionate about inspiring plus individual music practice rooms for one-to-one music and developing theatre audiences lessons provided in school time by for the future by engaging with peripatetic teachers. Accompanied as many people as possible. We by state of the art technology, are incredibly excited and proud pupils will use the latest music and to be working in partnership with multi-media software as part of a Tockington Manor, particularly fully rounded curriculum. with the launch of their new L-R: Rebecca Hughes – Director of Music at TMS, Naomi Kilcoyne – Sales and music and performing arts suite. Development Manager at The Bristol Hippodrome and Mr Symonds – Headmaster of TMS At the official opening Mr Stephen This partnership is a great way to which are now proudly placed on said: “It is fantastic that our Music Symonds, Headmaster, announced help ignite pupils’ interest and the external building. department can now boast the a new partnership with The encourage participation in theatre.” Bristol Hippodrome. This unique technology to broaden music Dr Tim Greene, Headmaster of partnership supports the school’s The Russell Music and Performing education in spectacular ways, Clifton College said: “We are music and drama curriculum and Arts Suite has been made possible and enable pupils to learn how to delighted to have been able to offers many opportunities for the thanks to the fundraising efforts share and collaborate on various support the Russell Music and school. Building on objectives of the Friends of Tockington platforms. Having such modern Performing Arts Suite. We hope within arts and music, pupils will Manor (FOTM) and with support facilities will equip their minds to that it will expand the Music and attend a careers insight morning from Clifton College. Parents and create, perform and succeed at Drama opportunities for pupils and at the theatre which will give them friends of the School and Nursery a higher level in subjects such as give them great enjoyment.” the opportunity to explore behind were given the opportunity to Music production, composing, TV the scenes, experience lighting support the development by Miss Rebecca Hughes, Director of production, film making, animation and sound demonstrations, hear purchasing a named brick. All of Music, Tockington Manor School and web design.”

28 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Drama, & Dance Opera debut Choir sing at St Paul’s A Yorkshire school pupil will be been busy rehearsing with his making his singing debut for fellow vocalists. Opera North later this month He will take his place in the choir (November) at the world premiere of for the opening night of Will Todd’s a performance centred around the Songs of Love and Battle, a micro Second World War. opera depicting the conflicting Will Johnson, an Ashville College emotions of war through the words music scholar, successfully and poems of Maggie Gottlieb. auditioned for the Leeds-based Whilst this will be the first time organisation’s Young Voices over the 11 year old has sung in a the summer, and since then has professional setting, Will - who is a member of his school choir – hopes it won’t be his last, as he has his The Royal School, Surrey, Senior The service was attended by sights set on a career in the arts. Choir sang at the Annual National representatives of many seafaring The Opera North Young Voices Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s organisations and charities (ONYV) offers a perfect transition Cathedral last month (October). including the Admiralty Board, between the Children’s Chorus and The Service was attended by a The Royal Navy and Royal the Youth Chorus and continues to 1,000 strong congregation with Marines Charity, The Honourable provide expert training to enable seafaring connections. Company of Master Mariners young people to perfect their vocal and The Royal National Lifeboat technique and musicianship skills. The Royal School is one of only Institution. The sermon was Remembrance Feature five schools in the UK to be - see pages 44 and 45 invited to participate in this special given by The Reverend Andrew service. After a picnic lunch in Wright, Secretary General of the Cathedral garden, The Royal the Mission to Seafarers, and Creative dancers School was joined by the four other the Naval Prayer was led by The A group of dancers from Ballard key stages in a variety of styles. schools that form the massed choir Venerable Martyn Gough RN, School, Hampshire, have been Our girls were very professional and rehearsed a series of anthems Chaplain of the Fleet, who has recognised at the Independent throughout, including Megan and and hymns that they had been recently joined the Governing Schools Association (ISA) National Jordan Tapsell who also entered preparing throughout the last year. Body of The Royal School. Dance Competition. Held at the ‘Dance-Off’. The whole team Reddam House Berkshire, the flew the flag brilliantly for Dance ISA Dance Competition brought at Ballard!’’ together youth dancers from The Ballard School Visions Dance schools across the UK. Company is a programme for Showing off their skills in the KS4/ the ablest dancers in Years 6-11. KS5 competition category, Ballard They meet weekly for intense School’s Senior Visions Dance dance tuition, which gives them Company received the ‘Highly an opportunity to develop their dance vocabulary, technique Commended’ Award for their and choreography skills. At the F.E.A.R. (Forget Everything and tournament, the girls also got to Run or Face Everything and Rise) see Maisie Wignall perform the performance. For all your Lindy Hop. Maisie is a former Sharon Ladbury, Head of Dance pupil who left Ballard in 2016 to music education at Ballard School, said: “It study Dance and Performing Arts was a great day with many at the Arts Educational School in & performance equipment schools performing across all London.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 29 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Wellbeing Special... Never too early to focus on wellbeing Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School, be working closely with The Mind Bedfordshire, is working with The Map Charity, as well as parents and Mind Map Charity to support staff to teach our little people how the well-being and resilience of to recognise and communicate their their pupils. Their new initiative feelings, in a manner which is easily will include a range of parenting understood by them.” First independent school to workshops as well as a number of Pilgrims’ Pastoral and SEND classroom-based programmes. The Coordinator, Jacqueline Morales, attain Wellbeing Award initiative was launched recently to introduced ‘Casey the Caterpillar’ to parents at a special information Woodhouse Grove School, Yorkshire, the appointment of a Head of the children and Liz Fordham and evening at school. has been awarded the Wellbeing Wellbeing, Rebecca Vernon. She Natalie Tillett from The Mind Map Award for Schools – making it the said: “It is vital that the whole Headteacher, Jo Webster (pictured charity delivered the first Caterpillar only independent school in the UK school community is engaged to below), said: “They may only be Club to each class. The school will to achieve this accolade. support emotional health. As well as little, but the health and wellbeing be focussing on a different feeling having systems in place to support of every child in our school is each week and every year group will The Optimus Education Wellbeing all different types of emotional and incredibly important to us and we be participating in ‘Casey calm time’, Award has been developed in mental health needs, we encourage understand that, because they are which will encourage pupils to take partnership with the National so young, they are at a vulnerable a moment to reflect and relax. The Children’s Bureau with a focus pupils to take responsibility for stage of their development. We will children and staff have even made on ensuring effective practice each other. We have also recently their own ‘Casey the Caterpillars’, and provision is in place within established an online resource, the with lots of brightly coloured wool schools to promote the emotional Student Support Alphabet, offering pom-poms, sewn together. wellbeing and mental health of information and advice on a huge both staff and pupils. It centres amount of topics, which is accessible Each child has also been given a on the long-term culture of a to students 24 hours a day.” ‘feelings flower’ to give them the school, embedding an ethos where opportunity to express their feelings James Lockwood, Headmaster, mental health is regarded as the visually, enabling staff to easily said: “We are tremendously proud responsibility of all. identify those children who may be to have achieved the Wellbeing feeling ‘sad’, ‘worried’ or ‘nervous’. The school’s Learning Support and Award for Schools – a testament Positive feelings can also be Pastoral Teams offer provision and to our staff and pupils and expressed, such as ‘happy’, ‘excited’, interventions that match the needs their commitment to our school ‘confident’. For Year 2 pupils, the of students, and staff and pupils ethos regarding the importance school will also be introducing can also seek advice and support of mental health. Woodhouse special ‘talk time’ sessions each from each other at a pupil-run Grove is not just a school, we are week, and these will allow a child drop-in centre “The Hub”. a community – and, as in any to meet up with a specially trained A more recent development that community, we take responsibility grown-up to talk through any demonstrates Woodhouse Grove’s for each other’s wellbeing. It is worries or concerns they may have. commitment to promoting mental wonderful that this has been The charity will be hosting three health as a part of school life is acknowledged. parent workshops over the next few Pictured: Mr Dan King (Director of Sport), Mrs Rebecca Vernon (Head of Wellbeing) months. and Mr Anthony Cadman (Deputy Head Pastoral) Wellness centre opened Farnborough Hill School, whole person: Farnborough Hill I hope we will have many happy Hampshire, now has a well-being has had this as a core value for meetings here which enrich us and centre – St Raphael’s – at the over 125 years. The new wellness provide us with love and support. heart of the School encompassing centre will provide additional This Centre will be key to providing the Rennie Surgery, St Luke’s advice so that pupils leave with extra care for the girls; it will be an mindfulness space, St Catherine’s sound strategies for nurturing and area of positivity, emphasising and (Learning Support) and the School looking after themselves physically, accentuating feeling good about Counsellor’s room. intellectually and mentally. oneself, developing strategies to This has come at a time when The opening was attended by self-heal and become more resilient. Mental Health is at the forefront the School’s Sisters, the Chair of I am delighted that an idea of people’s minds; universities Governors, pupils, and staff. In discussed so fully in School Council have been criticised for providing her speech Head, Mrs Alex Neil, has come to fruition’. inadequate support and recent commented, ‘St Raphael’s was news reported universities’ concerns named after the Patron Saint of St Raphael’s was officially opened that they risk “failing a generation” Healing; he was also Patron Saint of by Sister Rennie, (pictured) who was unless students get better mental Travellers and of Happy Meetings. a pupil at the school in the 1930s, health care. There is a necessary As we are on life’s journey, subsequently became a Sister and movement toward supporting the travelling alongside one another, was later the School Nurse.

30 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] It’s time to take part! School’s ‘freshers’ fair’ initiative Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, taekwondo – set up stalls in the stalls. It created a lot of interest learning at Giggleswick. What pupils enjoyed a taste of university school’s Richard Whiteley Theatre to and excitement for pupils and happens outside the classroom life with a ‘freshers’ style fair event entice new and returning students many signed up for things on the is just as important as what showcasing the 72 clubs, societies, to sign up for their favourite hobby spot. Lots of pupils were keen to happens in it. It’s about personal clinics and academic enrichment or try something new. try something new whether it was development, helping our pupils to First independent school to activities available to enjoy outside Seasonal sports sat alongside mountain biking, young enterprise build confidence, take responsibility lesson time. swimming, cycling, squash, strength or a new language.” and learn important communication, Staff and pupils involved in the and conditioning and many other Crafts, art, life drawing, cookery, team work and leadership skills.” attain Wellbeing Award active, competitive and physical various clubs – covering every electronics, robotics, computing, Sixth formers were keen to sign interest from beginners Greek to training activities. Music was photography and videography are up for responsibility roles within represented with clubs for flutes, all active clubs along with, shooting, activities both to bolster their ceilidh band, concert band, orchestra Combined Cadet Force and any profiles and have a go at being and choirs while budding thespians number of outdoor pursuits options. can immerse themselves in a a leader. This has particularly Shakespeare Festival or major drama Neil said: “The co-curricular fair helped lower sixth formers be more productions. was aimed at getting all pupils to ambitious in their choices and see what was available to them in committing to new activities. Senior master, Neil Gemmell, said: “It was a big success and the staff a format where they could actually Neil added: “The whole thing felt did a fantastic job in promoting see, try, test and find out more. a lot like a university freshers’ fair their clubs along with a number “Our co-curricular programme is giving an interesting and exciting of sixth formers who were also on a really important part of life and atmosphere.” Building project success One of the bigger challenges facing and for the long-term spatial a Bursar or Head Teacher is the development of the site to delivery of a new building. If this be aligned with the School’s is the first time that you have been Development Plan. Although involved with the process the task this can feel like a substantial is particularly daunting – there is a investment at the outset, complicated industry to understand, ultimately it will improve value many interested contributors, and a by reducing abortive design work very substantial budget to manage and highlighting risks, as well as effectively. Buildings are normally aligning large projects and small the largest single items of capital estate improvements alike with expenditure in a school and their the overall vision. Master Plans operation and maintenance costs allow stakeholders to understand are a large element of ongoing the broader objectives over the expenditure, so they should be a long term and assist in planning key focus of good educational and strategic fundraising. Explore Floor at Kensington Prep School © Benedicte Ausset-Drummont business planning. Schools are complex communities, Almost every building is a and delivery of projects which It is common for projects to be with numerous participants. A prototype, forming a bespoke is understood by the whole seen in isolation, but to function building is only ever as good as its response to the school’s site, brief construction industry. Using this effectively a school’s buildings need brief and so the briefing process and budget. The delivery of a to define the activities at each to be considered in relation to the is critical to the success of your building has been likened to the stage, and what needs to be whole estate – its context, ethos project. Defining the brief is best assembly of a car, by hand, by signed-off, will help mitigate the and character. The initial task is to seen as an iterative process during people who have never worked risks of unsatisfactory outcomes. gather good baseline information. the early design stages, ideally together before, in a muddy field. Documenting your sites’ legal starting from the Governing Body’s Appointing a design team familiar The risks of this process can be constraints, utilities, condition, vision and developed through with the education sector and reduced by working with people planning policy context and consultation led by your architect; organising your client team to who have done it before, using obtaining dimensional surveys at gathering information, steering work with them, closely, will ‘standard’ processes and structures, the outset, will substantially de-risk group validation, and testing maximise the chances of creating and ensuring there is sufficient the design process. through design. The design team useful, enjoyable and long-lasting client resource to contribute to the Commissioning (or updating) a should ‘stress-test’ the brief at buildings that will serve your process effectively. Master Plan allows the factors the early stages and ensure this is school well. affecting development to be documented clearly and signed-off The RIBA Plan of Work forms a James McCosh, Partner documented and understood by the Governing Body. framework for design, procurement van Heyningen and Haward Architects

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 31 The great outdoors... Pupils and families ‘go wild’ at launch of new outdoor learning facilities 120 pupils along with their siblings model of an owl using a piece and parents attended the launch of of clay and the natural resources Gresham School, Norfolk, new OWLS they could find around them. The (Outdoor Wild Learning School) youngest children also created programme, at which a new open some dinosaur art using natural sided wooden classroom, spaces for materials and, working together, campfires and an outdoor theatre children and parents constructed were introduced to a captivated model Celtic villages, lit fires and audience of pupils’ families. cooked s’mores.

From the start of the school year, Pre-Prep Headmistress, Mrs Sarah back garden; unveiling our new the parents equally love that their all of Gresham’s Nursery and Pre- Hollingsworth, said: “We are so facilities and sharing some of our children are able to regularly enjoy Prep pupils have been participating fortunate to be located between favourite activities with pupils’ these experiences. The parents have in the OWLS programme and the the coast and the countryside of parents has been fantastic. The been very complimentary about event provided them with a chance north Norfolk and to have so much pupils loved the fact that their the facilities and activities, and we to show their families the sort of space on site. We wanted to develop parents were at school with them, are really gratified with how well activities they have been enjoying. an outdoor learning programme getting stuck in to the sorts of received the OWLS programme has Every child produced their own tailored to our pupils in our own activities they do every week, and been in just its first year.” Sixth formers are Helping grow swift population ‘ground force’ for good Sixth Form students and Tom Finch who led their team from Rendcomb College, of Year 12s in designing the layout Gloucestershire, spent a day of the area and completing the at Stratton Church of England various tasks throughout the day. Primary School working on a One group were tasked with ‘Ground Force’ project to clear and sanding and painting the fencing create a new outdoor learning area at the front of the school while for the primary school’s pupils. another group cleared the Students in the Lower Sixth overgrown area and prepared seats transformed an overgrown section and decorations. of the school’s site from unwieldy They cut back the trees and undergrowth into a new campsite bushes and moved large logs to area with seating, a small fire pit uncover a huge amount of space and path through to the pond. for a campsite. Once cleared, Headmistress of Stratton Primary, they began outlining and digging Ceris Towler, said: “I can’t believe a path through the site to the Lockers Park Preparatory School, David Kirk, Chair of The Box Moor the transformation. It is so sections where the seating would Hertfordshire, pupils have Trust observes: “Research on swifts important to have links with schools be placed. been putting their design and suggests that the surviving young like Rendcomb College who give so prefer to nest near their original much back to the community. Alice Wyndow, Deputy Head of technology skills to good use in a Sixth Form at Rendcomb College, special project launched by local site. The trouble is that they often “We are so thankful for all the said: “I am so proud of all of the charitable organisation The Box cannot find a suitable roof. I have effort put in by the pupils; they students involved. Their teamwork Moor Trust. watched youngsters repeatedly have done such an incredible job. and dedication shone throughout searching under eaves for holes The children cannot wait to use the day and really showed what The endeavour is aimed at and flying away unsuccessful. The the area and are so excited to see the Rendcomb College mind-set increasing the local swift answer is to erect wooden swift their new campsite.” is about; being thoughtful about population whose numbers nest boxes as close as possible to The project was managed by their community and ambitious in have been gradually decreasing an existing site.” 17-year-old students Eve Harker the tasks they set themselves”. every year. Lockers Park Year 6 Christopher Wilson, Headmaster pupils have cut templates and at Lockers Park says: “Our Year 6 constructed some of the 50 nest pupils relished the opportunity to boxes needed as part of their get involved in this worthwhile local Technology course, while the Box scheme while honing their DT skills Moor Trust Junior Rangers will in the process. We hope to see an complete the rest. Residents living increase in swift numbers over the around Lockers Park School in coming years as a direct result of Boxmoor with two-storey houses the programme. The Box Moor Trust are being asked if they will house a is a fantastic local resource and nest box to help encourage swifts we frequently utilise its facilities to to thrive once more. enhance our pupils’ learning.”

32 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] New eco-garden promotes Five Green Flags positive wellbeing The commitment to caring for how school initiatives can make Felsted School, Essex, have opened the environment demonstrated a positive difference to our a new eco-garden for the youngest by pupils at St Mary’s School, planet. years, with the aim of building Essex, has earnt recognition as Earlier this year, St Mary’s awareness of the environment and the first school in the UK to be Eco Team responded to David creating a love and responsibility awarded five Green Flags. Attenborough’s shocking for everything in nature. St Mary’s is one of a handful of revelation of the choking of our The project was a collaboration Ambassador Eco-Schools in the oceans by plastic and pressed between staff, parents and pupils country and has its own pupil- the school to implement a with some help from outside led Eco Team, which spearheads ban on all single-use plastic creatives including TV’s Lloyd Warbey (Disney’s Art Attack). The garden was officially opened recycling and sustainability water bottles. A re-fillable Lloyd helped the children plan by Deputy Headmaster, Mr Tristan activities within the school, water bottle is now included various zones within the garden Searle who retired at the end of while also sharing its eco in the list of essential school area for the children to explore, the summer term after 33 years experience and expertise with equipment for every student. including fairy houses, a bug hotel, at Felsted. His wife Nicky, also like-minded organisations in the The school recycles as many toadstool stepping stones, pebble a teacher at Felsted Pre-Prep, community through conferences materials as possible and insects, plants to care for and ‘play who was heavily involved in the and seminars. The school was initiatives are in place across stations’ made from electrical wire project, comments; “The garden awarded its first Green flag in the school to ‘reduce or re-use’, reels each personalised by the nine is a great opportunity for calm 2008 and has been assessed including: classes from Reception to Year 2. play in an inspiring environment, every two years by Eco Schools • recycling all packaging and The original nature garden was promoting positive wellbeing for in order to be re-awarded. reusing for art projects largely destroyed in a storm last our youngest children. It has also year which brought down the helped encourage independence, “Achieving the Green Flag • making good use of the local willow tree. In memory of their tree, as the children contributed to the for the fifth year in a row is Freecycle in order to obtain the children worked with willow- building environment, recognising a great achievement and one items for School use such as weaver Suzanne Lynas to create that their ideas had been listened to no other school in the country water butts and plants/seeds insect sculptures for the garden. and respected.” has managed,” said Mrs Sarah for the School Gardening Pictured L to R: Nicky Searle, Tristan Searle and Lloyd Warbey with Felsted Pre-Prep in the Eco-Garden Wilding, St Mary’s Eco Co- Club as well as offering items ordinator. “Our students are the School no longer needs certainly passionate about • supporting Bras for Breast looking after our environment Cancer for future generations and their energy in spreading this • being part of the organisation message to other students Virtual Skip and throughout the wider • uniform recycling for cash to community is so impressive.” re-invest in Eco Projects In fact, St Mary’s has recently • considering environmentally been invited to twin with a sound options, such as timed school in Australia, which has lighting and installation just received its first Green of photovoltaic solar Flag, in order to show students panels, when carrying out on the other side of the world refurbishment at the School

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 33 Catering & Food

Tasty lessons Pupils from Bromsgrove Pre- pupils about the importance of Preparatory School were treated to trying new foods, particularly fruit a demonstration on nutrition when and vegetables. Sally Crewe, a nutritionist from There were lots of willing volunteers Holroyd Howe, used the story of to try the healthy smoothies, as well Ready, set, bake for Macmillan Peter Rabbit to talk to the young as a homemade pea dip. The children at The Ursuline the competition. A donation was Preparatory School, Essex, swapped made by everyone that entered. their pencils for whisks in a bid The judges had the impossible to compete in the Great Ursuline tasks of deciding the winners Bake Off. for each category. The children Miss Amelia Allen, class teacher produced some phenomenal bakes and a keen baker, hosted a bake with an array of delicious flavours, off competition that was open tantalising textures and daring to children from Pre-Reception designs with not a soggy bottom (Nursery) up to Year 6 (aged 10- in sight. 11). Depending on their age group, the children were given the task Pupils, staff, friends and families of baking Signature Cupcakes, of the school all supported the Technical Biscuits or Showstopper day, which culminated in a coffee Sponges (with a sport theme morning and bake sale. In total, decoration or hidden surprise the school raised over £1,200 for inside!) Nearly 100 children entered Macmillan. GBBO-inspired competition To mark the end of the Great of each baker, the judges didn’t Roast dinner celebration British Bake Off, New Hall School know who had prepared each bake. staff members have been baking Admissions Officer, Julie Keylock, to put great school food up a storm after being inspired by was crowned the winner and in the spotlight the show. awarded a trophy for her delicious Taryn Dodd, PA at New Hall, Crunchie millionaire’s shortbread. The Great Roast Dinner celebration from a cooked school meal, which organised the competition which Senior Housekeeper, Helen has been launched aiming to is why we are putting great school saw experienced and new bakers McCullun, was placed second while encourage more pupils to eat a food in the spotlight with the making millionaire’s shortbread and third place went to Cleaner, Lisete healthy school dinner. Great Roast Dinner celebration. bringing them in to school for Bake Gouveia. All the contestants were The celebration, led by the “The celebration will give pupils Off style judging. briefed to produce 12 identical Soil Association’s Food for Life and their families the chance to shortbreads, with judging based Staff gathered in the refectory at programme and Knorr Gravy, see just how enjoyable and easy on taste and presentation. Other lunchtime, to see their own ‘Paul’ will put great school food in the it can be to eat a healthy meal at entrants came from the Teaching, (General Catering Manager – Bruno spotlight through a series of Roast school and we hope it will inspire Admissions, Boarding and Milin) and ‘Prue’ (Anneli Brown Dinner themed events taking place them to opt for school meals Administration departments. Most throughout the academic year. and take that first step towards a – Senior Sous Chef) examine and contestants had put their own stamp healthier and happier lifestyle.” taste the cakes lined up by the nine on their shortbread, ranging from Schools will be encouraged to amateur bakers. While the audience Maltesers to Chocolate Orange and invite parents and other family Food for Life works with schools could see the cakes and photographs White Chocolate feathering. members through the gates to across the UK, supporting them share a delicious and healthy lunch to deliver a programme of food with their children, so they can education that has a positive see just how great school food can impact on pupils and the wider be, inspiring them to select school community. All pupils at Food for dinners as the regular lunchtime Life schools have the opportunity choice for their kids. to grow their own food, and pupils in Food for Life schools are Schools and caterers can register to twice as likely to eat five a day join the free celebration at www. and a third less likely to eat no greatroastdinner.co.uk fruit or vegetables than pupils in James Cashmore, Director of Food comparison schools. The Great for Life said: “It has never been Roast Dinner celebration aims more important for us to make to build on this work, creating a healthy eating easy and normal . It generation of children who see is far easier for children to get the eating fresh, healthy and nutritious L-R: Helen McCullun, Senior Housekeeper; Anneli Brown, Senior Sous Chef; Julie Keylock, nutrients they need to stay healthy food as the norm. Admissions Officer; Bruno Milin, General Catering Manager; and Lisete Gouveia, Cleaner

34 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature Catering & Food Catering to fulfil a vision and meet commercial objectives Faced with a ‘canteen-feel’ dining hall in need of refurbishment, St Columba’s College, an independent Catholic day school for boys in St Albans, rose to the challenges that a non-compulsory dining policy can bring. The school’s vision was to create showcase our food. Our dining choices easier and far more down and eat together is a step in a contemporary and welcoming hall has become the heart of the attractive to our young customers the right direction.” dining facility and a new Sixth Form school. Not only has it enhanced who continue to ‘pay as you go’ The school’s new Sixth Form café café to encourage more of its pupils the eating experience for our boys; but now the flow is faster, and the to eat in. in doing so, the investment is tills are ringing more often,” said is already scoring high marks from its client-base, with a full barista Working closely with its new helping us to meet our long-term Kathryn Pell-Walpole. commercial objectives, and that’s service and freshly made sandwiches on-site caterers, Chartwells The salads bar at the school has also important too.” and cakes on offer. Independent, and commercial had a complete revamp, with an kitchen and restaurant designers, Kathryn Pell-Walpole, partnership emphasis more on fresh, seasonal “St Columba’s had an eye on the Catering Design Group (CDG), director of Chartwells Independent, choices. Snacks are less of the commercial necessities of a school the transformation took place said: “The success of a project like bought-in sugary type and more dining service but also had the throughout the summer months this can only be down to one thing home-made and savoury. ability and imagination to know to ensure minimum disruption to – the people behind it. The school, Susan Accorsi, operations manager the positive impact this would school life. CDG, Chartwells Independent and with Chartwells Independent, said: our amazing operations team have on the school community,” St Columba’s School now has a “St Columba’s is a perfect example worked seamlessly together to make said Susan Accorsi. fresh, contemporary dining room of how a school can generate more this happen. design based on four key colours to income but at the same time, ensure “This is more than a facelift; reflect the school’s vibrant branding. “From a design perspective, its pupils have better nutrition it’s about investing in pupils’ These are also mirrored in cluster CDG understood our operational during their school day and a wellbeing, supporting pastoral lights, furniture legs and frames. requirements, such as ergonomic happier and more sociable lunch- care and being mindful of how A bespoke central ‘cross’ design flow and counter flow, as well time experience. a positive dining experience can conduit lighting ties in the servery as being on trend with design “Anything that can support and influence young, impressionable and seating area. elements, finishes and lighting. encourage young people to sit minds and eating habits.” The CDG team also designed and “Operationally, our team really installed a 6th Form café, providing gelled with everyone on-site and a small but modern facility for the understood what we were trying to pupils to meet, eat and mingle. achieve. From the outset, they did The result? Just one month into the their utmost to make it a success so all credit to them for their support.” Chartwells autumn term, sales were 10% higher than budget and 29% higher than Food also had a complete overhaul. the same time last year. Chartwells Independent has introduced a complete meal plan, Independent Paul Daly, bursar of St Columba’s College, said: “Our goal was to offering a main course, three sides enhance the dining experience for and a dessert for a set price. Creating a lifelong love of food our pupils and staff and we now “As well as making the dining have a vibrant space with improved environment more visually flows and new counters that appealing, we have made food

Learn more at chartwellsindependent.co.uk

Kathryn Pell-Walpole | Partnership Director Kathryn Pell-Walpole | Partnership Director Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ Compass House, Guildford Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9BQ +44 (0)193 2 572300 +44 (0)1932 572300

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 35 Arts & culture provision receives accolade Bolton School Boys’ Division has to establishing our position as strands of the curriculum, echoing feedback from and ongoing received the Platinum Artsmark a regional and national opinion the school’s ethos of ‘education contact with alumni. Award, confirming that the former within arts education, as all round’. External partnerships have School’s arts and cultural provision further progress to the leadership In response to the increased scope developed exponentially since is of the highest possible standard. role we have established locally.” of arts and culture, Headmaster the school first applied for the The School’s Director of Creative The Platinum Award has been Philip Britton created new roles: Artsmark, and the school is part of Learning and Partnerships achieved following two years of in addition to the pre-existing the Arts Council’s Local Cultural Miss Naomi Lord said: “We are development, which began with an Director of Community Music Mr Education Partnership (LCEP) very proud to receive this level assessment of the arts and cultural Bleasdale, a Director of Creative programme. of recognition for our work experiences already on offer. Learning and Partnerships, Miss Each area of the creative arts in School and with the wider This process revealed interesting Lord, and an Arts Award Co- is well resourced: pupils use community. It represents our interdisciplinary opportunities and ordinator, Miss Sherry, have the school’s multiple on-site ongoing commitment to arts and openings for collaboration, which been appointed. Governor theatre venues, studio spaces, cultural education at a governing have in turn helped to enhance Helen Critchlow is the dedicated screen-printing equipment, body level and to the provision under-represented areas. caretaker of creative arts in school. kiln, dark room, soundproof of opportunities that stretch our Provision has been refined: all Amongst other projects, she has booth and recording studio. been involved with planning the whole School setting. Years 7 pupils are now invited Young musicians perform both upcoming Open Arts Exhibition, “Our pupils are offered equal to design and fulfil individual in school and beyond in local which will showcase artwork by opportunity to influence, lead, creative projects through Bronze primary schools through the current and former pupils, parents experience and evaluate a broad Arts Awards over the course of Community Music Programme, and staff. range of high-quality arts and Lower School, with the option to at Bolton’s Victoria Hall and at cultural activities across a wide progress to Silver and Gold. The Alumni links are key for pupils Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. range of media. We enjoy strong school’s technicians and librarians interested in pursuing a creative Further engagement with arts partnerships with arts and cultural as well as teachers are trained as arts career. Old Boys frequently and culture is provided through organisations and the long- Arts Award advisors and support return not just to speak to extensive regional, national and lasting positive impact of this pupils with research skills and pupils, but to offer masterclasses international theatre, concert and collaboration is evident across technical expertise. Boys can weave and mentoring. Most recently gallery trips. school life. We are looking forward together interests across different Ralf Little worked with drama Artsmark is a standard mark students (pictured); boys have reviewed every two years. On that also worked with Andy Patterson basis, planning is already under (film producer), Brian Appleyard way to capitalise on the strong (journalist and author), Barney foundations of the Platinum Award Pilling (film producer), Mark to inform education in local, Radcliffe (broadcaster) and Robin regional and national contexts. Partington (architect). In 2015 Sir To this end, the school is part of Ian McKellen returned to meet a regional digital arts initiative pupils, lecture in the Great Hall and the Royal Society of Arts and ratify the school’s work as (RSA) cultural learning working Stonewall Champions. Through group, focused on reimagining the teachers and specialised careers creative curriculum for the 21st days, boys are able to access century.

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36 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] “Brexit negotiations hitting a standstill? Send in the kids!” ...says Mr Warren Honey, Headmaster of Hydesville Tower School, West Midlands How long has it been going studies have suggested that this age Senior School Information Evening, nor school should regard a mental on now? It feels as if there has can be a turning point for many he was described to me by listeners health issue as a negative aspersion never been a time when radio or children in terms of their emotional as an orator, as a deeply impressive on themselves – the causality is television was not carrying a Brexit resilience: the nadir of their character; as a…politician! often too complex for this – but story. As the anchor introduces challenges and self-doubt; but even If things do go awry, however, the the solution is more likely to come the European editor, I find myself that is not a guarantee, and high best chance we have is for children from our teamwork. Although we twitching nervously: never helpful quality professional support can to admit to their struggles early. may never recapture that innocence when driving a car! Trembling, I be slow to arrive or limited in its This can be hard, despite celebrities of childhood, when everything await the inevitable doom-laden impact in certain cases, especially like Stephen Fry and Ruby Wax seemed possible and no hurdles message of hard borders, backstops, with the funding squeezes that coming forward to describe their were insurmountable, maybe this is belligerent negotiators and have occurred. own difficulties. As a society, I the zone we need to recreate: not mutinous cabinets (new range, soon This is too important an issue to believe we are moving into a time mollycoddling them or preventing to be released by Ikea). risk getting wrong. In reality, there when physical health and mental any form of failure, but keeping Indefatigable. It is the word that is unlikely to be a single factor health are regarded as being equally them grounded that the love and comes to mind when considering responsible for the increase in important and as likely as each appreciation of them remains a child’s persistence. At the school mental health issues in the young. other to suffer challenges. Once unconditional. gates on Friday, as I wearily looked The pressures being experienced by the stigma of mental health has Back to Brexit. Will there be a deal? forward to a fortnight’s holiday, a our children are multi-factorial, and diminished, we might have children Will anyone give ground through the Year 2 pupil approached me. “How can impact regardless of economic quicker to talk to staff or parents negotiations? If Theresa May needs old are you?” came the innocent status, education, family situation to share their fears. Any red flags some help in wearing down Donald question, which with the artistry of or availability of technology. As a raised should always be treated as a the chronologically-challenged, I part of Cognita, Hydesville Tower call to arms: working together, we Tusk and Michel Barnier, I know the evaded. Again it came. Parried. Using School is increasingly well-placed will always have a greater chance of right child with the resilience and the sort of techniques usually only to help support children and success in helping the child back to gusto to do so. I just hope his dad is seen in television shows portraying families when difficulties are emotional stability. Neither family taller than them both. extreme interrogation, he switched encountered. Mrs Kingston is the to good cop: “My dad is bigger than Mental Health Champion for the you.” I’m used to this one, partly whole school, and is readying a because it is a favourite of children, variety of initiatives that are being Don’t take our and partly because most dads seem rolled out across the UK schools to to be bigger than me. But it was maximise our understanding and word for it… simply a ruse, a masterstroke, a resources. Indeed, at the recent coup-de-grace. Three more requests Cognita Global Conference, mental of my age and I was revealing my wellbeing of pupils (and staff) was “ Congratulations to your team- the prospectus date of birth, address and probably the main focus point, with sharing was the best I’ve seen in 11 years which made

PIN numbers and National Insurance of best practice from around the both Prep and Senior School Open Mornings details. Satisfied, although intrigued world and Heads working hard at so successful. The parents“ I spoke to were also about how such a large age was determining what would fit in their very impressed ! possible, he went on to peeling own school contexts. Susan Hogan leaves off the bushes and seeing Our first step in all of this has to be Director of Communications, Rydal Penrhos School how high he could jump. prevention. There are no certainties Anyone dealing with young in life, but with school and home children regularly will recognise working together, we can create an that persistence, recalling similar environment that lowers the risk of cross-examinations they have emotional issues arising in the first experienced as the child looks place. Anyone watching the recent to discover everything about the Fashion Show in the Prep School world around them. Resilient, will understand what I mean when determined and optimistic: typical I describe the boost in confidence features of the young, and crucial and the character development Picador to how they start growing up. arising from such events. Seeing Sadly, this emotional strength is not children from 4 to 11 years old Inspirational branding, graphic design guaranteed throughout childhood, strutting their stuff was to see grit and literature for schools. with mental health disorders such and resilience at its best. This is as anxiety and depression arising in how we want our children to feel some children towards the end of throughout life: ready to go and picadordesign.co.uk primary education and gathering certain of their brilliance! When 0117 244 0089 [email protected] pace towards the age of 14. Some Rory spoke to a full house at the

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 37 PICADORAD_NOV_1JD.indd 1 05/11/2018 08:19 Conservation efforts Gaining a Global Endangered turtles in Costa Rica But it was a clean-up operation at are enjoying cleaner beaches and Ojochal beach at Playa Ventanas safer waters, thanks to the latest and another near their reservation Perspective conservation efforts by pupils that really opened their eyes to at Lewes Old Grammar School what the world’s most powerful Following last month’s round-up of student (LOGS), Sussex. species is doing to the planet. Eight students from Years 10 “At first, the rubbish on the experiences around the world, here are further and 11 travelled to the Playa beach was inconspicuous”, said examples of initiatives by independent schools... Tortuga reservation in Central Bursar, Tim Laker. “But as we America recently for a once- went on, we realised there was in-a-lifetime excursion that everything from shoes to straws, Charitable adventure saw them monitoring turtle cans to sponges, wires to fishing The summer of 2018 brought an a new kitchen, and painting the movements during the start of net, to polystyrene and endless incredible charitable adventure for hall – all of which were undertaken the breeding season. plastic bottles. The students 21 girls from Farnborough Hill with joy. A particular highlight was Conservation work included really came away with a renewed School, Hampshire, when they being able to spend some time with making regular night patrols to awareness of the impact their travelled to Borneo to help with the the children in their classrooms check for female turtles coming actions could have on ecosystems extending and modernisation of a between the sessions of heavy ashore, retrieving eggs to protect around the world.” school. labour, assisting the teachers and them from poachers and predators entertaining the pupils. Excursions included a boat trip off Having spent the past year and constructing a turtle hatchery. Uvita, where the visitors saw three fundraising to be able to donate Mrs Alexandra Neil, Head, They observed an Olive Ridley humpback whales with calves new classroom chairs, new tables, commented, ‘I am thrilled the girls turtle at close range, before alongside a pod of bottlenose stationery supplies and building had this extraordinary opportunity helping local conservation workers materials for Nalapak Primary to help others while experiencing dolphins, and a boat trip through measure and tag her. School in Ranau, the girls were a country and culture so different some of the 70,000 hectares of thrilled when the opportunity arose from our own. The wonderful The three week trip was organised mangroves which account for to travel there themselves to help generosity of the School community by Lewes-based Working Abroad, 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. with an ongoing project. The girls’ enabled fundraising for the supplies which matches volunteers with Here they were greeted by three adventurous spirit and willingness needed by Nalapak Primary School; environmental and social projects different species of monkey and a to learn were called upon when they for the girls to then be able to across the world. Playa Tortuga two-toed sloth with her baby as were challenged with cementing travel there and offer themselves is a non-profit biological research well as a large number of species a drive from the road to the main as helpers was a real bonus for this and education centre founded by of birds and reptiles. building, building an extension for adventurous group.’ two citizen scientists to promote After weeks of hiking, snorkling research, data gathering, species and exploring, the students gave monitoring, and community a presentation to the staff of Support for Romanian orphanage education and outreach the Playa Tortuga reserve on the A group of Lower Sixth pupils well as parties and themed days. programmes. discoveries they had made. and staff from Dauntsey’s School, Most of the Romanian children Among the students’ other tasks Wiltshire, have recently returned live in poverty and have hugely The trip was the second that was to place cameras in the from a visit to the Romanian complex emotional and sometimes LOGS had made to Costa Rica in rainforest to track mammals, town of Cernavoda to support behavioural problems. Some are an effort to inspire young people including racoon, agouti and Nightingales Children’s Project. Over quite severely disabled and many to help the environment and ocelot, make ‘monkey walks’ to a period of ten days, the pupils have HIV. demonstrate man’s impact on it. worked with local street children and observe capuchin and howler To ensure the trip was a success, the “The amount of plastic pollution orphans, ranging in age from six monkeys, and assist rangers in pupils started fundraising in January. finding and measuring tree boa on the beaches was an eye-opener months to 24 years, to run a week- They raised more than £12,000, and caimen. They also became and really brought home why the long play scheme. On some days which financed the week’s activities involved in an ambitious project school is committed to reducing there were as many as 120 children and will fund further projects at to record every species of bird on plastic consumption over the next attending the scheme. the orphanage. The money was the reserve. few years,” said Tim Laker. The Dauntsey’s pupils provided raised through a range of initiatives a real treat for the local children including a Bond themed Charity with craft, sports, drama, dance Auction, cake sales, crepe and chip and team-building activities as sales, a netball tournament, the sale of candles made by the girls from the project and sponsorship of pupils who took part in the Devizes to Westminster canoe race. Nightingales Children’s Project was set up by the current director, David Savage MBE, who came to Romania in 1992. David has since settled in Romania and, in 2003, was awarded an MBE in recognition of the work he has done to highlight the plight of under-privileged and vulnerable young people in Romania.

38 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Malawi experience Students at Derby High School have She said: “We climbed Mount spoken of a life-changing World Mulanje on the first day. It was Challenge trip to Malawi. quite difficult as we got ants in our clothes and it was cold. I don’t think Twenty-three students and four staff we had expected to be climbing spent four weeks in Malawi where properly, we had to use our hands they took part in challenging treks, and it was quite challenging.” climbed Mount Mulanje - which stands at 2,319 metres high - and Lauren Stanley, 17, of Derby, said carried out voluntary work in the the trek was quite demanding. local community. She said: “There were a lot of She said: “I think it really opened Each student had to raise £4,500 5.30am starts but we coped quite my eyes and I definitely learnt a lot to fund the trip and students well. It was a lot more physically about myself. I feel like I view life in were also tasked with organising demanding than I expected a different way now.” especially with the conditions, we accommodation and finances once Annie Allum, Derby High School kept sliding down. It was amazing they arrived in Malawi. teacher who led the trip, said: though, especially when we got to the Malawian culture and “The experience that all of the Student Sara Azeem, of Derby, said the peak. certainly made memories for life. each team member was given a role girls had on our trip to Malawi “Our project was to build part of and she was responsible for finance in July was just truly fantastic “The skills that the girls gain from a shower block at a school. The and budget. and unforgettable! We were all a completing a World Challenge children there were lovely and I challenged beyond our comfort expedition, as well as the 20-month She said: “It was quite stressful remember us all watching the World zones, staff and students alike, run up to departure, are long- as we were handling the money Cup together in a tiny room in and the girls took ownership of lasting. It was just lovely to see but it was good experience and someone’s house. About 30 of us their experience by taking on how far they had come and how really helped me to improve my were crowded in there and the TV different roles and responsibilities much they had developed by the organisational, teamwork and was solar powered.” throughout the trip, from end of the trip. Malawi was a communication skills.” Varunika Elangovan, 17, of Derby, budgeting to cooking on open wonderful country to visit and the The 17-year-old said the trek was said the whole trip was the best fires to leading treks. All the girls girls certainly enjoyed exploring ‘the a challenge. experience of her life. thoroughly enjoyed experiencing warm heart of Africa’.” Global citizenship research A group of enterprising Bedford Girls’ School (BGS) Sixth Form students were honoured to be invited to present their research into global citizenship at the recent Cambridge Festival of Ideas. Established in 2018, the Festival is one of the most exciting events on the Cambridge calendar with over 200 talks, debates and workshops celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences. Inspired by the Cambridge-based charity, Aradin, whose work is concerned with the preservation of endangered linguistic and cultural heritage, the students carried out an in-depth action research project into both to the individual and a study whilst I was still at school and of deep thinking of how academic the question of how young people community, as well as giving people it has been an invaluable experience study interfaces with the issues in view their own cultural identity, in a ‘freedom to be themselves’. The that I am sure will come in extremely the real world that universities are particular British culture and how findings also concurred with research useful at university and beyond.” looking for now in future students this conflates with other cultural projects in Canada and Australia, Dr Amal Marogy, Affiliated and what our future world really identities. which show that a strong sense of Researcher in Neo-Aramaic Studies needs.” Working under the guidance of cultural identity is vital for good at the University of Cambridge and Dr Jennifer Walters, Director of Sixth BGS English teacher, Mrs Claire mental health. The BGS team founder of Aradin, expressed her Form at Bedford Girls’ School added: Barrett, the research team conducted concluded by suggesting that the excitement about BGS’ part in the “We aim for students to grasp all extensive research with a cross link between cultural identity and Aradin collaborative project, she said: opportunities and use their time in section of young people, before emotional well-being should be “I am so excited about the work of Sixth Form to prepare effectively presenting their finding entitled addressed in schools. these young women. Getting young for the wider world, undertaking Young Britain: Culture and Identity Upper Sixth student, Beth English people to think more deeply about this type of independent academic at the Festival. explained: “The project allowed me issues of culture and identity is research is a perfect example of how The research found that young to develop new ways of learning and vital for the creation of a peaceful students can widen skills and gain people view culture as something researching. I never thought I would and healthy society for our next insightful understanding in new that gives ‘vibrancy’ and ‘colour’ be able to carry out this level of generation. It is evidence of this kind areas of academic study”.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 39 School smashes fundraising target for Tanzania Derby Grammar School has smashed headteacher a laptop, printer and a its target to raise £50,000 in 10 photocopier. years to help improve the lives of Dr Ruth Norris, Head at Derby schoolchildren in Africa. Grammar School, in Littleover, said The school launched the Tanzania the school was extremely proud of fundraising project in 2013 with what had been achieved in Mwanza. the aim of raising £50,000 by 2023 She said: “We are extremely proud to for Gedeli B School in Mwanza but have forged this link with Gedeli B students and staff have already School and to have helped improve because they were disabled, mixed have got. It’s definitely the people raised £83,000 after just five years. the lives of children there. The visit race or albino. you are with who make you happy.” The aim of the project, which has to Mwanza is an unforgettable and “Having been out there it confirmed Vicky Charnock, Head of Upper been shortlisted for a national often humbling experience for Derby for me that I want to study School, and April Sly, Head of Junior award, is to supply Gedeli B School Grammar School students, and our midwifery at university because a School, organise the trip for the with educational resources, such partnership has a life-changing lot of universities have the option students. as pens and paper and even actual impact on the children at Gedeli B of spending part of the course in classrooms, and students from Derby Mrs Charnock said: “I think what School. We hope that it continues Africa. I came back absolutely sure Grammar visit every year. for many years to come.” we have done is amazing, it’s like a that’s what I wanted to do so for different school compared to when When the project was launched in This year, 26 Year 12 students me, the trip has been life-changing.” we first started going out there. It’s 2013, Gedeli B School had 1,357 visited Gedeli B School where fantastic to see the new classrooms children in five classrooms – an Matt Simpson, 17, said: “I think the they taught lessons and improved that we’ve built and the toilet block average of 270 children per class children at the school loved having classrooms. They also visited and just the overall impact that – they had no water, electricity, us there because they have such big an orphanage for children who we’ve had.” text books, sports or educational class sizes they wouldn’t normally attend the school and a home for equipment. have that level of attention and The school will find out in babies who have been orphaned. they really wanted to learn. “I think November if it has won the With the £83,000 raised so far, Students could also choose to being out there was quite surreal Independent Schools Association Derby Grammar School has either go on safari or climb and seeing how different the world Award for Outstanding Contribution built four classrooms, installed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest is was quite overwhelming.” for International Understanding. electricity and running water, built mountain in Africa. toilet blocks, supplied classroom Arvin Suddhi, 17, said: “The trip is Students’ next trip to Mwanza Freya Lockley, 17, said it was the equipment and specific resources probably the best thing I’ve ever in the summer of 2019 is already trips to the orphanages that affected for children with special needs, done in my whole life. My brother being planned, if you are an her most. provided sanitary items for older had been before but I couldn’t organisation or individual who girls in the school, supplied She said: “Going to the orphanages imagine how much of an impact it would like to donate or support the every child with school books, was really emotional, seeing children would have on me. We worry about schools’ activities contact April Sly pens and pencils and given the who had been abandoned perhaps so much and look at how much we at [email protected] Helping to empower women Girls from Queenswood School, of Maru-a-Pula independent school Ray of Hope, which was formed four Queenswood girls are now looking Hertfordshire, are selling in Gabarone. The trips have had a years ago by a group of Maru-a-Pula forward to establishing a charity link homemade Botswanan jewellery to key focus on community service and Sixth Form students. Since 2016 the with another initiative of the Ray raise money for an inspiring new how a relatively affluent school like partnership has raised money for of Hope team, entitled ‘Hope for women’s charity. Maru-a-Pula is reaching out into the a day care centre for orphans and Her Botswana’. This is a women’s local community. Since 2016, 20 pupils from the vulnerable children in the village of empowerment enterprise, which school have enjoyed the opportunity Both visits to Botswana involved Gamodubu that is supported by Ray aims to tap into the artistry and to spend time in Botswana as guests spending time with a charity called of Hope. industriousness of destitute women at Gamodubu village. All proceeds from the sale of jewellery produced by these women are ploughed back into the local community. The school welcomed former Maru-a-Pula student Thato Mauco and member of Ray of Hope to Queenswood, who came to chat with girls about Hope for Her Botswana. The Queenswood girls now plan to raise funds for this new initiative through sales of jewellery produced by the women of Gamodubu and the occasional bake sale. Pictured: Thato with the girls who will be supporting Hope for Her Botswana.

40 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] SPATEX2019 90x277 HPV Ind Schools.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 17:54 Page SPATEX2019 90x277 HPV Ind Schools.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 17:54 Page SPATEX2019 90x277 HPV Ind Schools.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 17:54 Page £51million in fee assistance Figures released by the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS) have revealed that Independent Schools in Scotland have provided in excess of £51 million in fee assistance during the current academic year (2018 / 2019). The data, collected from SCIS’s children around the country and 74 member schools, shows that the availability of fee assistance 24.6% of mainstream pupils (7204) is something the sector is hugely received means tested assistance proud of and works hard to (£30,807,706), with 573 pupils achieve. We have seen a steady and (3.2%) benefiting from 100% fee significant increase in the bursaries assistance. A further £20,301,772 available rising from £24,588,023 in was awarded to children on non- 2009/2010 to the current figure of means tested basis. £51,109,478. The figures show an increase of “This is a significant financial £2,473,121 on the previous year commitment for schools – all of and brings the total fee assistance which are not-for-profit - as the provided by the sector in the budget for fee assistance must last ten years (2009 – 2019) to come from cash reserves once £404,495,065. salaries and other operational Commenting on the results, expenses have been paid.” John Edward, Director of SCIS, John added: “Scotland’s (pictured) said: “These results of the independent sector provides research into fee assistance in the choice, diversity and excellence for independent sector demonstrates Scotland’s young people and we will our absolute commitment to continue to work hard to safeguard widening access to independent fee assistance despite the impact of education in Scotland. We are the Barclay review which will cost responsible for educating 30,000 the sector £5 million a year.” Sports investment A £6m programme of work has to create a new strength and started to transform the sports conditioning gym and a 1250m2 facilities at Repton School, state-of-the-art sports hall, Derbyshire. designed by Matthew Montague Architects. The new facility will be Contractors Davlyn have just used for indoor hockey, netball, completed phase one of the works basketball and football along with new squash courts, changing rooms, seating and sports storage area. The contract also included the demolition of the old 1960s squash courts. The second phase of works will see the existing Tanyard Building extended and refurbished to create a new entrance, changing rooms, briefing room, link corridor, social area, viewing gallery and a bigger car park.

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Cricket stars return to school Pupils of West Buckland happy to take part in a lively Q & A Preparatory School, Devon, were session and a quick game out in the thrilled when Somerset and playground, facing some impressive England cricketing twins Craig U11 bowling. and Jamie Overton, returned to their former school accompanied Deputy Headmistress, Jan by Chairman of the North Devon Witheridge, was delighted to see the Youth Cricket Association. pair. “The twins are great supporters The players presented young of the school and are always willing cricketers with their league and to give something back to grass Reaching new heights at district cricket awards and were roots cricket in North Devon.” climbing challenge Highlighting the growing interest sport here for girls and boys. We in climbing as a sport, more than decided to launch the competition 60 pupils from twelve schools as there is no event of this kind across six neighbouring counties in the region and we wanted took part in the first Bredon our pupils to benchmark their School, Gloucestershire, Inter- own climbing skills and ability school Climbing Challenge. against others. It is great to put the spotlight on climbing as a This was the first climbing school sport; it is rapidly growing competition of its kind in the in popularity and is making its region and involved participants Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games from 15 to 18 years of age in 2020.” taking part in different climbing challenges including bouldering, Participating schools were: speed and top rope climbing Bredon School, The King’s School competitions. The event took place Worcester, John Masefield High at the Redpoint Climbing Centre School, Malvern College, Leasowes Riders make school history in Worcester which boasts 1500 High School, Cheltenham Ladies’ The King’s Ely Equestrian Team they represented King’s Ely as a square metres of climbing and College, Bromsgrove School, Dixie Grammar School, Twycross made school history at the National team in the 1m Jumping with Style bouldering walls. Schools Equestrian Association’s (JwS) Arena Eventing category. Fast House, Kineton High School, The Organiser of the event, Andrew Evolution Centre and Weobley (NSEA) National Championships. and stylish rounds from all four girls Lister, climbing instructor at resulted in them securing first place. High School. The three-day event took place at Bredon School, said: “We were Schools entered teams of up to six the College Equestrian Centre in Manager of the King’s Ely delighted with the huge interest students and the best four scores Keysoe, Bedfordshire, last month Equestrian Team, Sue Cameron, shown for this competition made up the team’s total score. A (October) and saw riders from some said: “Whilst we have had teams from schools and participants range of prizes, including vouchers of the UK’s top equestrian schools and individual riders go to previous stretching across six counties from for climbing sessions at Redpoint, championships and secure some Shropshire, Leicestershire and battling it out in competitive classes. DMM climbing bags, Mammut individual placings, we have never Warwickshire to Gloucestershire, King’s Ely riders were not only water bottles and gift vouchers in the history of the school had a Worcestershire and Herefordshire. crowned National Champions but team win at the championships! for Dick’s Climbing in Bristol, were were also placed in every class that To not just have won, but also “With our own climbing wall at awarded for both individual and they had qualified for. The National secure placings in every class our Bredon, climbing is a very popular team successes. Champions accolade was secured riders qualified for is phenomenal. by Eleanor Fairey, Emily Gredley, The riders were exceptional in their Katie Cameron and Adele Shaw in support for each other and an the finale of the competition, where absolute credit to the school.”

42 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Sport Rugby tour to Canada & USA Thirty-six St Benedict’s School, fast and hard and St Benedict’s London, rugby players enjoyed a eventually went down 8-24. two-week tour of Canada and the After an early morning swim and USA, visiting British Columbia, sea recovery session, the boys then Victoria Island and Seattle. travelled to Victoria Island for The tour began in Vancouver, their second game. They had the with the first session at the opportunity to go whale watching New hockey pitch opened iconic Stanley Park, followed by just off the coast before heading visits to the Capilano Suspension off to the rugby club, where they The new hockey pitch at Rendcomb said: “Having this new facility is a Bridge (see picture) and Grouse played Cowichan Bay teams: St College, Gloucestershire, was blessing and it is so great to see Mountain. Benedict’s won 21-15 overall. officially opened by South African so many people of all ages getting It was then time to make the long former hockey professional, stuck into the coaching. I started The first fixture was just three days journey back to Vancouver and Robynne Jacobs. playing hockey when I was 10 and into the tour: two St Benedict’s I went on to play for South Africa teams lined up against British down to Seattle. The B team lost to The sports pitch was resurfaced so you really can pick up a stick Columbia A and B teams. The a very strong Washington Crusaders during the summer by NottsSport, whenever you like.” St Benedict’s B team (mainly representative team. The A team the official surfacing partner of Year 11 students) played first, in rounded off the tour with a 27-26 Speaking about the new facility, England Hockey, and the school a fast and frantic game played win in an incredibly tough game. celebrated the new facility with a Head of Rendcomb College, Rob Jones, said: “We have had great with great spirit, and won 25-15. St Benedict’s rugby coach Myles morning of hockey skills sessions support from our Trustees, the The A team then played against Stringer said: “The tour set us up for all ages followed by an Dulverton Trust and the Friends their counterparts, a team which for what we hope will be a season exhibition match. of Rendcomb, among others, who included three current Canadian full of positives and gave a strength Robynne, along with coaches from have ensured this wonderful new U18 Internationals, which provided to the squad that they will always the school, led the sessions with facility has become a reality. This quite a challenge: the game started remember.” children as young as 3-years-old pitch will be much enjoyed and getting involved. Talking about used by all the pupils across the getting into the sport, Robynne College.”

School welcomes Wales Hockey Captain Cottesmore School, Sussex, participating, followed by the girls’ welcomed Leah Wilkinson, Wales’ hockey teams. Leah’s visit was hockey captain, to provide concluded by enjoying supper with coaching for the Cottesmore staff the 1st Girls’ hockey team. and pupils. Leah has collected over 150 caps Sian Kerr, Head of Girls’ Games for Wales. Making her Wales at Cottesmore School said, “Leah debut as a teenager in 2004 and, is an exceptional role model for more recently, being appointed our girls; they thoroughly enjoyed Assistant Director of Coaching for their time with her and embraced Woking Hockey Colts, this was a the opportunity to train with an real occasion for the Cottesmore girls to learn. The afternoon international player, who imparted was spent coaching staff on the words of wisdom on winning Astro Pitch, with the sports staff matches”.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 43 In Remembrance Independent schools across the nation have marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in a wide variety of ways, including a major concert in Birmingham. Here is a flavour of some of the occasions, the research done by pupils, the tributes to the fallen in so many conflicts.... Concert of Remembrance and Hope Twelve schools, 360 talented young The second half was more muted, concert is not only an opportunity musicians aged from eight to 24, with acts of commemoration being to showcase some of the rich and 60 teachers and a sell-out audience carried out to the first movement of varied talent of our schools but is brought the generations together ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins. also a chance for our students to in a concert of ‘Remembrance In addition to the music there were give thanks for their sacrifice.’ and Hope’ in the Birmingham art displays, readings from real letters Diana Watson, Education Manager Symphony Hall on Remembrance from the front line and poetry. at the Company added, ‘We like Sunday to mark the 100th to provide our associated schools anniversary of the armistice. The last post was played by students on the top balcony of with opportunities to collaborate, 250,000 boys under the age of 19 the Symphony Hall as poppies to help them achieve what a single fought in the First World War. To cascaded from the ceiling onto the school is unlikely to be able to honour their sacrifice and bravery, audience. The concert culminated do in isolation. The Company’s the event was organised by the in an outstanding performance of motto is Concordia Parvae Res Merchant Taylors’ Company, one Mozart’s Requiem from a combined Crescunt, which translates to With 6. Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, of the ‘Great 12’ livery companies choir and orchestra of over 300 Harmony Small Things Grow. This Crosby in the City of London, and students. seems particularly fitting on this brought together performers from 7. Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, particularly poignant occasion.’ its associated schools across the The programme, which was a Crosby country. colourful collection of artwork, This open concert included 8. Merchant Taylors’ Junior Boys’ poetry and letters from WW1, listed performances from 12 of the The music in the first half was School, Crosby the names of alumni and staff from 13 schools associated with the a combination of classical and 9. Merchant Taylors’ Junior Girls’ each school who had served or Merchant Taylors’ Company, upbeat numbers, including ‘What School, Crosby sacrificed their lives during the war. which were: a Wonderful World’, ‘Amazing 10. St Helen’s School, London Grace’, new classical composition The Master Merchant Taylor, 1. Merchant Taylors’ School, 11. Wolverhampton Grammar Duncan Eggar, said, ‘All of these ‘Everyone Sang’ based on the Northwood School poem by Siegfried Sassoon and a schools and colleges have their 2. Merchant Taylors’ Prep School, 12. St Saviour’s and St Olave’s compilation of WW1 songs titled own histories of pupils and staff Northwood School, London ‘War Time Radio’. There was a who have given their lives in particularly rousing performance defence of our country. Thanks to 3. St John’s Prep School, They were joined on the day by of ‘Do you Hear the People Sing’ the sacrifice of so many, we are Northwood local school Bournville Junior from Les Misérables by the younger able to celebrate our freedom at 4. King’s School, Macclesfield School and students from the Royal performers (aged 8 – 13 years old). such an extraordinary event. This 5. Wallingford School Birmingham Conservatoire. The boat crew that was lost to the Great War It is an iconic image: Wednesday 4 that gave Keith Hoult, father of March 1914, twenty-one past and current Abingdon School pupil, present members of the Abingdon Matthew Hoult, the idea of making School, Oxfordshire, Boat Club a commemorative film for the posed beside the Thames prior to centenary of the Armistice. It is their annual boat race; the 1st IV based on the 1914 1st IV and their rowing crew taking on former pupils coach, the science master Sidney from the School. The School’s crew Harold Baker, who was killed in – Hilary Donkin, Arthur Davenport, March 1918. Frank Lupton and Alan Eason – beat Narrated by the School’s archivist, the Old Abingdonians ‘easily’. Sarah Wearne, the film intersperses Five years later nine of the young contemporary footage of Abingdon’s men in the photograph were dead. current rowers with images of those Donkin was the only member of the who died, creating a poignant 1st IV from 1914 to survive the war. reminder of just four of the young It was this photograph and the lives lost during the First World War ensuing loss of such young lives over a hundred years ago.

44 Independent Schools Magazine Memorial lanyards Staff and students at Bedford they served with, dates of birth Modern School commemorated and death and a link to a personal the centenary of the end of World profile on the Imperial War War 1 by ‘adopting’ one of the Museum’s (IWM) Lives of the First 1,100 Old Bedford Modernians World War Digital Memorial which will give more information about (OBM) who served during the their OBM’s life. war. They were issued a card on a commemorative lanyard detailing More than 1,100 OBMs and the identity of one of these men former staff, who attended BMS somewhere between 1875 and which included their name, who 1918, contributed to the war effort and some 80% of them served and survived. Once the war finished they returned to their families, took up civilian employment and helped shape the environment we know today. The youngest OBM to serve was just Friends in Flanders 14 (having volunteered under age) Staff and pupils at Sibford School were risking their lives at the front and the oldest was 59. in Oxfordshire marked the 100th and they believed that one way of anniversary of the Armistice by being able to do this was by creating welcoming Linda Palfreeman, author an ambulance unit.” Pebbles in memory of the book ‘Friends in Flanders’. Linda went on to outline some of Linda spoke to pupils about the the work undertaken by the FAU, The whole New Beacon School, Kent, school plus guests lined up on the work undertaken by the Friends particularly in Ypres where the men playing fields in front of a flagpole for the traditional act of remembrance. Ambulance Unit (FAU) during the worked tirelessly to try to alleviate Each pupil had also painted a pebble in memory of those who died in WW1 First World War. the suffering of the townsfolk and these were laid out in a 100 formation as a visual reference for the day. and where they faced the added “Most Quakers were of the opinion challenge of a typhoid epidemic. The school’s memorial garden – created this summer as part of the that any war was directly opposed to Sevenoaks Town Council entry in the Britain in Bloom competition – their beliefs and to the ‘law of love’,” Anna Jo Mathers, Assistant Head, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1. A plaque with the she explained. “However many of Learning and Teaching, at Sibford poem ‘Base Details’ by Siegfried Sassoon, one of the foremost poets of WW1 the younger men in particular were School said: “Not only did she anxious to carry out work in the war inspire our pupils but she also stayed forms part of this display as does a list of the names of the Old Boys who zones. They wanted to share the on to give a second talk at which we were lost in WW1. dangers and the deprivations being were joined by parents and members suffered by their countrymen who of the public.” Seven Hundred and Two That’s how many former cricketers and rowers, athletes and At the Cenotaph Cheltenham College, Gloucestershire, aspiring leaders, often forgotten Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire, to the Old Bromsgrovian who lost pupils and staff died during World when looking back at a war that held a number of Remembrance their life. War One. As a fitting tribute the ended 100 years ago. activities in the lead up to Armistice Amongst those killed was Victoria school is spending this half term Speaking about the research the Day. The School’s biggest project Cross recipient, Eustace Jotham remembering the 702 and sharing pupils undertook, General Sir was the creation of an outdoor field whose actual VC is kept at the some of their poignant stories. Michael Rose KCB, CBE, DSO, QGM of acrylic poppies, each one unique School. This display provided the said: “I am so very pleased to see The stories of all 702 have been inspiration for a collection of smaller the pupils of today discovering the brought together for the first time events for ‘Remembrance Week’. in a new book, College Echoes stories of the brave Cheltonians by Patrick Stevens, published by killed in the First World War. Like Mrs Jacqui Deval-Reed, Headmistress Silverdart, to be celebrated at a them, I often sat in Cheltenham of Bromsgrove Preparatory and memorial dinner hosted by Rageh College Chapel wondering what Pre-Preparatory School attended Omaar at the Imperial War Museum. sort of people they had been whose the Service of Remembrance in names were now inscribed on the London on November 11th as As part of the memorial four pupils highly polished brass memorials part of the People’s Procession – a studied the school records of four lining the Chapel walls. I wondered nation’s thank you. Mrs Deval-Reed former pupils, those at the school where destiny would have taken joined ten thousand others in The around the time the war broke out them had their lives not been so Mall before they processed down and all with one thing in common, suddenly cut short by war. The Whitehall and past the Cenotaph, they lost their lives in battle during actions of the fallen may in some and laid a poppy wreath to honour World War One. ways remain unsung, but they are the ninety-four Old Bromsgrovians They discovered young people, with not forgotten, - nor ever should who died. Mrs Deval-Reed, bright futures, who had similar they be. I hope that the pupils have (pictured), said “It was extremely interests and traits as themselves discovered valuable lessons and moving and a privilege to represent and ambitions that they never had insight that they can take on into Bromsgrove School in this way”. the chance to live out. They found their own bright futures.” Continued overleaf...

Independent Schools Magazine 45 Huge wall of poppies Hornsby House, London, pupils The event formed part of an have made a wall of poppies, extended Remembrance week which went on display in the to commemorate the centenary, school playground to mark 100 which included an external drama company delivering workshops years since the end of World War I. that brought war poems to life. Each pupil made their own poppy The whole school congregated and attached it to the wall, in the playground for a special Aerial tribute making an eye-catching display centenary edition of the annual which evoked the scale of loss of Remembrance service, led by Pupils at Solihull School have the result is very effective and life in the war. Headmaster Ed Rees. staged their own unique display poignant.” to mark the 100th anniversary The photo was the start of of the Armistice with a stunning a series of school events to aerial photograph. commemorate the centenary of The whole school took part to the end of the Great War, with create an innovative “1918-2018” the centrepiece being the annual human montage in honour of the Remembrance Service in the heroes of the First World War. school’s quad. Headmaster David EJJ Lloyd Guest of honour was former pupil said: “The photograph was an and RAF Squadron Leader Dan imaginative way of saluting the Jones, who also inspected the service and sacrifice of all those school’s Combined Cadet Force involved in World War One. The (CCF) and attended the traditional entire school took part and I think wreath-laying ceremony. The Digest

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46 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] October 2018 online September 2018

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Schools featured in this issue include: Abbey Gate College Bromsgrove School King’s Ely St. Bede’s College Abingdon School Cheltenham College Lewes Old Grammar School St. Benedict’s School Ardingly College Cottesmore School Lockers Park Preparatory School St. Columba’s College Ashville College Dame Allan’s School Merchant Taylors’ School St. George’s School for Girls Babington House School Dauntsey’s School Moorfield School Ballard School Derby Grammar School New Beacon School St. Lawrence College Bedales School Derby High School New Hall School The Hammond Bedford Girls’ School Farnborough Hill School Pilgrims Pre-Preparatory School Tockington Manor School Bedford Modern School Felsted School Queen Mary’s School Ursuline Preparatory School Bedford Prep School Giggleswick School Quenswood School Warwick School Bickley Park School Gresham School Rendcomb College Wells Cathedral School Bishop’s Stortford College Hornsby House School Repton School Bolton School Hydesville Tower School Royal School West Buckland Preparatory School Bredon School Kelvinside Academy Sibford School Wolverhampton Grammar School Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory School King Edward’s Witley Solihull School Woodhouse Grove School

The Independent Schools Magazine is read by decision-makers – Governors, Heads, Bursars, Departmental Managers – and reflects news, ideas, influences, and opinions in the independent education sector. A personal copy is mailed to heads and other key personnel in fee-paying independent schools plus opinion formers in governments, political parties and educational Vires per Verum – Strength through Truth associations. It is also available on the internet. Editorial Advisory Board The publishers are grateful for the interest, advice and support of a distinguished Editorial Advisory Board whose members currently include: Richard Brown: Head, Handcross Park School, Sussex 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

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 47 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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