January 2015

Chair Head Bursar Registrar Staffroom School Office ...the professional journal for Management & Staff www.elements-europe.com/schoolsolutions Our front page pictures In this issue... Innovative Off-Site Building Solutions Target Error! 05 ~ ‘independent schools are not the enemy’ Independent/State Schools Cooperation 16 ~ 18 ~ in the wake of Tristram Hunt

Balancing Academic standards 06 ~ with character development New Science Centre The new £7m Science Centre at St Helen and St With the Girls’ Schools Association 08 ~ 11 Katharine school, Oxfordshire, has been officially ~ at their annual conference opened by world-renowned geneticist, Professor Kay Davies CBE, What Does Technology Bring 14 Professor Davies, of the University of Oxford’s ~ to the Humanities classroom? Hertford College, spoke to the assembled audience of visitors, girls and staff before unveiling the official plaque for the new Centre Should Stories of Suffering Be Told 22 which boasts 13 laboratories. ~ to young children? Each science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics has four new laboratories arranged over three Profile 24 ~ 25 subject specific floors. Break out areas on each What ~ in conversation with Richard Brown we do floor, and the resources available in them, such as journals, magazines and touch screens, allow Creating Great Spaces for Bright Futures for independent study, collaboration and small Outdoor Learning 42 group work and discussion. The three storey ~ a breath of fresh air! Elements Europe is a leading UK off-site building glass atrium provides an event space for whole School events including seminars, lectures and solutions specialist and is a part of The Pickstock Group outreach activities. Pioneering the new IELTS qualification 43 of companies, an organisation with revenues of over Professor Davies also toured the new Centre ~ rolling out the first course £200 million. along with other guests and as well as seeing the facilities, spoke to students about the impact the Centre was already making, their science studies Plus Our mission is to create innovative off-site solutions and their future careers. New tower on skyline 04 for the built environment. We do this by combining our Acting Headteacher Mrs Bernadette Stubley said: Computer science app hits iTunes heights 07 “Over two thirds of our girls in the Sixth Form Lessons from a first inspection 12 indepth knowledge of construction with our expertise in study a STEM subject. The strong take-up of Digital learning conference ~ diary date 20 off-site manufacturing, to deliver high quality products science subjects isn’t pushed by teachers, but we do think that as we are an all-girls school Changing Faces... Changing Places... 26 ~ 27 to our clients. that there is less of a preconception as to what College to launch Lower School 27 subjects they should take”. Productions ~ music & drama 28 ~ 30 We have developed standardised innovative designs that Catering Focus Feature 31 ~ 35 Sport 36 ~ 39 TECHNICAL meet the EFA baseline design requirements using our Truce memorial Liability Insurance – just how much is enough? 40 ~ 41 SOLUTIONS A specially commissioned stained glass volumetric products. window, installed in Loretto School’s Chapel to New Products & Services; The Digest 44 ~ 46 > Turnkey Design & Build commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1914 Heads Hunted 47 Christmas Truce, has been unveiled by relatives of > CAD/CAM Capability Why British and German officers involved. Is Your School Mentioned? See page 47 for an A~Z listing Our choose Full story page 21 Contact Us; Editorial Advisory Board; Key Personnel; Subscription Offer ~ page 47 Service us? > BIM Modelling LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A SCHOOL OR NURSERY > Project Management > Trusted Partner to the > Full Design Service Education Sector > Manufacturing > Quality Product & National SchoolTransfer www.elements-europe.com/schoolsolutions > Delivery Service For a Professional – Confidential Service > Construction > Experienced 01691 656 591 www.nationalschooltransfer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1980 621251 [email protected] FIND YOUR SOLUTION TODAY Independent Schools Magazine 3 Part of << Awarded Round Square Target Error: independent membership Beaconhurst School, near schools are not the enemy Stirling, has been named a member of Round Square - the world-wide association of It seems in recent weeks that the independent sector has been under a sustained attack, not just schools with 146 members across from outside but even from within, with some headteachers airing their concerns about “fees five continents. The Regional European Status time bombs” and “Russian oligarchs” along with the broadsides from Tristram Hunt et al on the award, which followed a strict ‘unfairness’ of charitable status. assessment, offers access to a network of member schools and Graeme May, Deputy Head Academic at Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, responds... the chance for international student and teacher exchanges. Attacks on independent schools burden on national resources. that parents make big sacrifices hardship grants was in excess of are not new, of course, and ending Not all independents are making to send their children down the £300m, representing almost 40,000 Pupils also have the opportunity charitable status has long been the fantastic surpluses; in fact many of independent route, but this has children, pretty much matching to take part in European and cri de coeur of those who would them are operating very close to the always been the case. I don’t think the high point of the Assisted international community service really rather the independent sector financial line and barely breaking there was ever a time when sending Places Scheme at its peak in 1998 projects and conferences. did not exist at all. Tristram Hunt even. It needs to be remembered your child to an independent didn’t – children once supported by the Newest addition to The school’s Round Square estimates that business rates relief that independent schools are not involve a good deal of thought and state but now supported by the representative, Assistant Head add up to around £147m per year vast multi-national corporations, belt-tightening for the majority. schools themselves. Bursary funds Dawn Haughton, is delighted by which may seem a significant making huge profits for the There has been some hysterical are created by the very thing that the news. She said: “It’s fantastic amount at first, even in these days benefit of their shareholders; nonsense in the press about the critics of ‘privilege’ and ‘elitism’ city skyline ~ just to be named a member of this when we are used to hearing about neither do most of them have sector becoming the finishing want – a redistribution of wealth renowned organisation and the deficits running into the billions. great foundations at their centre schools for Russian oligarchs, but – because it’s the people who can opportunities now afforded the However, what’s sometimes providing an income from amassed the truth is that the number of afford to pay who are subsidising Beaconhurst community are forgotten in all the outrage about capital. The other consequence is foreign nationals coming from those who can’t. There is much 125 years late! this subsidy is what the state is that some independents would be much more work to be done here endless. It extends our network abroad to independent schools 146 times as we can access the getting for its investment. And forced to charge yet higher fees in is dwarfed by the UK pupils: the but it’s already embedded in the resources of member schools that return is huge. By removing order to keep going, making them ISC recently put the number at mission of independent schools to Brighton College has launched a new city landmark the arch of the entranceway to the school dressed as a around the world.” something in the region of 615,000 even more exclusive. just 24,000 compared with the be doing this. with the unveiling of its grand gatehouse tower at its town crier on a horse and cart. He conducted a hilarious children from the government’s And so to the “fees time bomb” 615,000 UK pupils mentioned Attacking independent schools Round Square schools are entrance – finally built after a 125-year delay. blessing of the tower with the help of the girls and educational books, the saving argument. That fees have been before. And not many of those is never going to be the answer dedicated to promoting personal The tower, which has been named Cairns Tower after boys of the school. The entire school community sang to the nation is conservatively rising in excess of inflation is a fact 24,000 have oligarch parents, I to what’s wrong with education development, responsibility, the school’s current headmaster Richard Cairns, was a specially-composed chant and did a dance to honour calculated at £3bn and that’s using and with that should come the think. Almost without exception, in the UK: you don’t make the environmental stewardship and supposed to be the crowning glory of architect Sir and welcome the tower. the lowest estimation of what it conclusion that the independent the children I have come across weak strong by weakening the international understanding Thomas Graham Jackson’s late 19th century additions The climax of the event was the removal of the blue costs to educate a child in the state sector must be choking off its own in the seven independent schools strong. You might close the gap among students. to Brighton College (which was built in 1845) but a cloth to reveal the tower in all its glory. sector. By anyone’s reckoning, supply. But that doesn’t appear I have taught in and the many by doing that, making things There are 12 Round Square putting in a measly £147m to more I have visited, have been from appear more equal, but at the loss shortage of funds meant his splendid creation was A facet of the new tower is the Smith of Derby clock on to be happening: the proportion schools across the UK. prime the pump looks like a pretty of UK children educated in the ‘normal’ families, genuinely free of of remembering what excellence never finished. Instead a rather squat, two-storey the north side and sundial on the south side, created astute investment. independent sector remains expectations of ‘rights’ or ‘privilege’ looks like. And I don’t just mean affair was created. by the company which is behind dozens of civic and A total of 146 schools from 38 Added to this, by operating in the stubbornly static at around 7%. but rather with a humble awareness the independents because there are In 2012, the school engaged historic building railway clocks around the country. countries are members of Round private sector, independent schools The reasons behind this are no of the opportunities they are being some truly fantastic state schools specialists Richard Griffiths Architects to complete the Square which aims to equip Brighton College was originally designed by Sir Gilbert are wealth creators, providing doubt complex, but one factor given and very often with an in the UK. And they are the single original design of the tower externally. The tower has schoolchildren for the future Scott, the architect of many an iconic building, employment for 275,000 people, might be that parents aren’t inspiring sense of their duty to give biggest threat to independent been paid for, in the most part, by one very generous, through six IDEALS of learning including the Midland Grand Hotel at St Pancras, now returning tax of £4.7bn and just relying on wages to pay the back to their societies in whatever schools if you’re really interested - Internationalism, Democracy, anonymous donor. the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. £11.7bn of GVA (gross value added) bills. 20 years ago the average ways they can. in attacking the sector. There’s Environment, Adventure, The day of the unveiling was a colourful, zany affair, to the economy. The additional house price in the UK was around None of this is to say that the no doubt that independents in Pictured: Richard Cairns (right) with Chairman of Governors Lord Leadership and Service. with Mandarin teacher Thomas Godber arriving through Skidelsky in front of the new tower. value created by high educational £52,000; today it is £186,000. sector shouldn’t be attempting the vicinity of state grammar performance is estimated as a Over the same time the average to control costs - and it does, schools and top comprehensives further £1bn contribution to GDP. independent fee has risen by about often very well. Teaching in do find it much harder to recruit Topping out ceremony This £20bn plus return to the state the same rate from around £3,000 the independent sector is by because parents are essentially Pupils and staff of St Swithun’s Junior School, Hampshire, took part makes that £147m investment look to £12,000. No doubt part of the no means terribly paid, but you interested in high quality teaching, in a topping out ceremony for their new school building as work positively mean now. answer to the 7% conundrum is don’t make your fortune at it strong pastoral care and a decent continues to progress on this new facility at the school’s campus. Pupils Of course, it might well be argued that parents are realising some of either. Neither, though, should extra-curricular provision. If they and staff congregated to witness headmistress Pim Grimes fix the final that £147m is still pretty large the phenomenal inflation-busting the sector be complacent and can get that for the taxes they’re piece on the highest point of the roof of the newly built replacement so why not withdraw it and growth of their main asset and rely on remortgaging of houses already paying then most of them school. still benefit from the wealth the choosing to spend it on their or whatever to keep supplying will go for the state offering. The independent sector produces? children’s education. And why the fees. There has been and will trouble is there aren’t enough of Work will now continue with internal construction elements and Apart from looking a little churlish, not? The independent sector is in continue to be a huge push on those schools around and even the the new school, which will replace the existing school buildings and it would probably have two main a market place and can only charge raising bursary capital to support best state schools still suffer from enable the Junior School to increase pupil numbers to 256, will open effects. One would be that some the fees that that market place will children who want an independent the heavy hand of government in September. The development will include specialist teaching rooms, St Swithun’s Junior School independents would close down, bear; obviously the market is still education but can’t afford the interference, leaving the a science laboratory, an art studio, a media/computing room and a headmistress Pim Grimes on the roof of the new junior school causing redundancies, loss of there or else we’d be seeing that fees. In 2012/13 the total value independent sector free to prosper new performing arts space and gym. income to the state and additional 7% dropping. I have no doubt of means-tested bursaries and through its very independence.

• More on Tristram Hunt, ISSPs etc. see pages 16 – 18 4 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 5 Balancing academic standards Summit of iTunes with the development of character Chart with Computer Kilgraston School, Perthshire, has been chosen as the top independent Science App Bedford Girls’ School has topped school in Scotland by The Sunday Times’ ‘Parent Power’ guide. Apple’s worldwide iTunes U Alastair McCall, Editor of the Guide wrote: “Girls are encouraged to chart with a course that’s being used to help teach its pupils the participate and succeed in all walks of life and the relatively small basics of computer science. Double debating victories numbers allow the school to focus on personal development for each Designed by James Potter, Pupils at The Queen’s Senior School, the night, beating rivals from Director of ICT at Bedford Girls’ Chester, have had two resounding Birkenhead, Kingsmead and child. The school has a family feel to it and should be proud of its School, the Introduction to victories in debating competitions. Birkenhead High School Academy. remarkable achievements”. Python Course features a series of Firstly, six girls wowed judges The annual Queen’s versus King’s video tutorials, screenshots, web in the heat of the prestigious debate at The Chester Debating links and assignments to help English Speaking Union public Society was once again a highly Carol Ann Lund, Acting Principal, reflects on what has brought her pupils get to grips with Python, a speaking competition as the competitive and intellectually programming language used for school such success, describes the Kilgraston educational philosophy, private lives of politicians and the stimulating evening. The motion, different applications. put forward and eloquently and introduces the new Big Friendly Girls (BFG) initiative... iTunes U chart highlights limits of freedom of speech were Taught in Year 9, learning Python argued by Queen’s students Sian Bedford Girls’ School position placed under scrutiny. The Scottish Independent School develop the personal qualities of leadership, encouraging of the BFG scheme amongst is essential for those pupils Davies and Alice Gooda, was that as an innovator in the use of of the Year award has brought of our girls. I see their spirit them to set a positive example, our Upper Sixth. Our older girls who aspire to study ICT further. Two Queen’s teams took part in “No parent should be permitted technology in the classroom,” much excitement, jubilation and personal development as and to practise empathy and flourish in their responsibilities, Introduction to Python is aimed the contest at Birkenhead School to remove their child from sex said Mr Potter, pictured, who and celebration to our school the product of a very deliberate thoughtfulness in their approach and thrive in the roles of mentor, at making that learning process as which required entrants to speak and relationships education”. The simple and interactive as possible created Introduction to Python community, and the public and conscious educational to working with others. advisor, and role model. Over the on a topic, question opponents opposers from The King’s School with the students downloading in collaboration with education recognition has encouraged us to environment that equally supports course of their Upper Sixth year, and also show they could manage put up a fine counter argument Any girl can request support the app on their iPads. consultant Mark Clarkson. reflect about what ‘success’ means their individual growth and their the BFGs grow and mature within a discussion. The Queen’s School and there was much debate from from a BFG by popping a pink In addition to using the course “Digital learning continues to us. More than that, it has academic attainment. their role, and take great pleasure were named outright winners on the floor. slip into a postbox in the dining in school, Introduction to to grow in popularity across prompted us to think about how from watching the younger girls Pictured: The winners of the English Speaking Union public speaking competition Kilgraston is a member of the hall. Our younger girls (‘LFGs’ – Python has been uploaded education and the main we, as school leaders, go about take on board their guidance. International Network of Sacred no explanation needed for that onto iTunes U, an extension advantage I have found via consciously creating the kind of Heart Schools, and I consider us acronym), can turn to their BFG Whilst our BFGs undergo specific of the App Store and iTunes, courses such as Introduction to educational environment in which fortunate in having such a clear on issues of any scale – from a training in safeguarding and which is designed specifically Python is the ability for pupils pupils thrive. and balanced framework of Sacred quick chat or a question about welfare, and have access to for educational institutions to to learn at their own speed. As I have already uploaded The Sunday Times award is Heart goals at the foundation a particularly tricky assignment, ongoing support from the senior upload course content, allowing the material to the course in designed to recognise academic of our school ethos. These goals right up to formal academic team, they’re not – of course - a users worldwide to download the courses for free. Introduction iTunes U, pupils no longer have achievement, and was awarded to help each pupil to develop – and mentoring, shared activities and substitute for the more formal to Python has proved hugely to be in a rush to take notes mark our consistent performance to practise – a sense of social group outings. pastoral system. Rather, they play popular and is currently number down and I can focus further in Sixth Form examinations, awareness, and acquire a firm a complementary role that aligns The LFGs in the younger one in the Courses section of the on helping them on more of a I understanding of their individual alongside a peak performance at boarding houses have particularly with the family-like ethos of iTunes U chart, with more than one-to-one basis.” Incisive Intermediate 2 this year. Writing ability to act as a force for good Kilgraston. benefitted from the buddy 2,500 downloads. To subscribe to the course search STRATEGY in the Sunday Times, the awards in the world. scheme, and previously shy girls I firmly believe that Kilgraston’s “To be sitting above a revered Introduction to Python in iTunes panel noted that “Kilgraston has This year, our girls have been have noticeably come out of their commitment to the personal educational institute like U, which can be downloaded D had a stunning year in the exam meeting with the Director General shell and immersed themselves development of pupils is essential Stanford University in the from the Apple App Store. Distinctive hall… but the school is about of the UN to campaign for an in all aspects of school life. It’s to our academic success, and PROSPECTUSES much more than that”. They noted end to the recruitment of child been especially valuable to pupils that initiatives such as the that our girls are encouraged to soldiers, buying and trading who are new to the school, or BFG scheme are integral to E participate, that they succeed in ethical gifts via a Fairtrade those who need extra support our selection as Independent all walks of life, and that they market, and developing their to settle in to the routine and School of the Year. We find that Engaging WEBSITES support one another within “a own ‘Big Friendly Girls’ (BFG) rhythms of life at Kilgraston. The academic achievement flourishes general feeling of sisterhood”. At buddying scheme. scheme has also been an effective best in an environment where Kilgraston, our leadership team means of integrating year groups, The BFG programme was pupils are happy and supported, A believe that this kind of learning and sixth formers are now a developed as an initiative of our and where the development of Absorbing environment is at the heart of our regular feature in the prep school Head Girls, and is designed to individual character is forefront FILM academic success. and lower boarding houses, give pupils the benefit of a ‘big in the school ethos. As school where they’re greeted with hugs The partnership between sister’ figure in the Upper Sixth. leaders, this balance between S and quickly surrounded. academic rigour and the holistic It has proved highly effective in academic rigour and the Stunning development of pupils is a building links and relationships This year our Sacred Heart goal development of character is one Picture perfect! PHOTOGRAPHY balance I frequently discuss with across the year groups, and is is ‘Personal Growth’, and there of the toughest challenges we colleagues across the sector. valuable in giving our Upper are few better illustrations of this face. There is, in my mind, none A rainbow forms perfectly over King Edward’s School, TheSchoolBrandingExperts.com Birmingham... captured by teacher Chris Boardman (Head of ICT), At Kilgraston, we work hard to Sixth girls a real experience goal in action than the impact more important.

6 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 7 With the GSA in Conference The annual conference of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) was held in London’s National Liberal Club... From the President’s chair: Extracts from the Don’t get me wrong. Rigour is restless and aware that things are ready scapegoats, sometimes missed the point of what we do are constantly challenged Add in the other parental good. Students flourish when are not quite right. Yet still we for governments – of all hues – in schools as a united team of and spontaneous confidence pressures of university fees, opening address by they are required to study a find ourselves in a place where and often for the media. Hapless adults working collaboratively on dissolves. Parents are becoming assisting your child onto the subject in depth. The demise of education has become all about worker bees in an out-of-control the development of the children less bold and intuitive in property ladder - if you can - Head of St Catherine’s modules at GCSE is also good. grades and measures, targets system, we are an easy target. in our care. Bonuses are for parenting adolescents. Today, worrying that they won’t find a School, Surrey, Alice The bite-sized chunks were a and outcomes, and before we Having lived through all the Bankers. And I’m not convinced social media means they are well-paid job, is it any surprise poor preparation for A Level know it is potentially damaging changes from the ‘new’ 1988 they have even worked very well conscious that their every that parents who are anxious Phillips, (pictured): study. But it seems that the need and restricting those whom its GCSE to the present day, I have for them, or led to institutional action is the subject of global to support their children feel The decoupling of the AS from for accountability and – might fundamental aim must surely be seen at first hand in the staff happiness – and thus success - scrutiny. Children, as grumpy that they are not as empowered the A Level is likely to erode we call it ‘PISA Perfection’ – to nurture and grow. By what room - and as a Head of English in any sector. If you are anxious as any of us were when given as once they were. Some even the breadth of subjects young has driven the Department for language have we persuaded who had to introduce Key Stage daily about where a big chunk the answer ‘No’, retreat in the start to believe all that their people study. Gone will be Education and other quangos to ourselves that this is good? 3 testing - the way in which so of your salary might come from, same way to their bedrooms distressed children say instead the halfway house reassuring create an assessment structure many members of our profession you cannot be giving your all but instead of reflecting for a of sifting carefully to get to the The fixation with league tables Alice Phillips affirmation or ‘call to arms’. Over akin to rigour on speed. What are are quickly persuaded to believe to your work and teaching is while to blaring music, broadcast heart of the matter. And anxious has been part of it, and a lack The second thing that concerns time it will drop from four to we doing? It seems that if it can that what they have been putting an all-consuming profession. It their parents’ apparently parents then turn to teachers – of confidence in our own ability me, therefore, is the impact three, undoing one of the real be graded and put on a scale, heart and soul into must have is the job of leaders – you and unreasonable behaviour to all or sometimes turn ‘on’ teachers. to provide what is needed in our of this drive for perfection on strengths of Curriculum 2000. compared, averaged, manipulated been dreadful and damaging. me – to manage the capability of their Facebook friends, or Twitter Relationships that should be own nation has been another teachers. I am really worried And as universities – ever more and mangled, it must be both Time and again they nonetheless our teachers, if it is in question, followers, whose own parents are open and trusting can become part. Did any of you get that about our profession. There competitive for undergraduates - good and useful. The General turn to put their shoulders to through occasional use of proper apparently also ‘completely out strained and all too easily round robin email two weeks ago was a time when the significant make their unconditional offers Certificate of Secondary the wheel of the next new fad employment procedures. Not of touch’. Where once they might everyone feels under attack. offering the chance to measure majority of graduates from at A Level, they will therefore be Education should be what its full or expensive ‘fix it’. They assume to waste days of time tied up have taken time out to come to your school against the PISA grammar schools like mine went We need to ensure that forced to refer back to GCSEs as name suggests: an indication of responsibility and resolve, like in salary appeal hearings and ratings? Well, you may disagree their senses, apologise and ‘move parents know that we teachers into teaching. Now that may Animal Farm’s Boxer, that ‘I must the best indicators of a student’s roadworthiness across a range with me but on reading it I litigation that immediately on’, now they are more likely to not always have been a good work harder’. It is therefore really understand their challenges and degree potential. I know that there of subjects – call them Progress banged my head on my desk. I undermine collegiality and continue the fight. thing, but nonetheless, schools welcome news this Autumn to that they can be confident of a are many who favour the linear A 8 if we must – that is a positive believe that there are many other threaten a school’s positive today face a crisis of recruitment hear the new Secretary of State The world of electronic media listening and supportive ear if Level, but I am not one of them foundation for something to ways in which to improve maths atmosphere. come, not a last chance saloon. at the graduate level of entry. publicly recognising the issue of is one in which children pay they come directly to us for an and I believe it’s not too late to – or any other experiences - in My third concern is for the This does not surprise me at all. teacher workload. far more attention to others’ open debate on any concerns review the reforms and maintain Thank goodness independent our schools. Note that I do not University fees and loans have Parents whom we all serve. They opinions of them than used to they have. an element of midway assessment. sector schools are accountable say outcomes. Experiences. Next comes Performance Related to be paid off. You are bound provide that ultimate third angle be the case. Their formative But that’s by the by. We will all do first and foremost to parents. And Pay. It will drive up standards, Can we get alongside parents Then, even as we are obliged to use to seek the highest income you of the equilateral triangle of impressions are of being watched what is right in our own schools. thank goodness those of us who we are told. I have not met a and support them more? Should phrases such as ‘reintroduce rigour’ can command as a graduate, education – pupils, teachers, and judged rather than of What remains, though, is the believe it best are free to pursue single head yet who has agreed schools offer more structured into the GCSE curriculum, we as well as job satisfaction. Who parents. They are vital members simply being and discovering. confusion, and the ever higher the IGCSE and other public wholeheartedly with that and reassuring courses on simultaneously create a new tension can blame you? Teaching brings of the educational process. But, And if it’s tough, they take it demands at the younger age. examinations. position. Yet somehow we seem what to expect at each stage in an implied criticism of teachers. rewards of many kinds but not in the impact of all the educational out on parents. ‘A mother’s to be letting it happen. of their child’s development? I have alluded to the culture of Were they not rigorous enough in high remuneration, at least not change they are witnessing Add to this the new GCSE grade place is in the wrong’. I first Can we supplement the routine constant educational change what they asked of children from at the classroom teacher level I am unashamedly and volubly without our daily familiarity scale, with its possibility of heard that wry observation from formula of parents’ evenings that we have been living in for specifications that they did not where you have to remain for against Performance Related with the jargon, is baffling to two even smaller bands – 8 & a GSA colleague in Headship which have the aura of speed several decades now. Restlessness write? No teacher I have ever met some years in order to perfect Pay in our sector. I know some them. Add in the public attacks 9 – where the already narrow and I use it so regularly when dating – without the excitement is perhaps a better word than and respected has been against your craft. As long as such a of you will be less strident but on teachers and the result has A* currently sits, and sixteen reassuring mothers of mid- – or routine lectures on the change. We seem not to settle rigour or high standards; many pay differential exists, I would I did promise to provoke debate been an undermining of what year olds are going to feel an teenage girls who have suddenly next stage of the curriculum to to anything and let it grow have achieved them without a appeal to government to consider and start conversations! There used to be their confident trust intensity of expectation that is discovered that there might be be taught and assessed, with gradually – and messily. single examined component in the waiving university debt for any are other ways to reward and in teachers and the education greater than ever. Many of them a competition to be won for something more informal that course in question. graduate teacher who achieves 5 incentivise teachers without system. Again, this is not will aspire to achieve a GCSE ‘9’. A close examination of those the place of alpha female in facilitates dialogue between successful years in the classroom. putting them in unhelpful surprising. Is that really what we want, in changes reveals, time and again, We must have an honest debate the family pack. Nonetheless, it parents who may often feel competition with each other their first public examination? driven politicians, learned and fundamental to that is the Why would a young graduate I speak as a parent, too. I find takes courage and a long time isolated in making big parenting which is what I believe PRP will And how long before that scale educational theorists and caring need to stop casting blame. volunteer want to be subjected to myself increasingly wanting to these days to stay out there decisions or holding the achieve. extends to the ‘Perfect 10’ with and committed teachers inventing Instead, I’d like simply to the kinds of attack that teachers reach out to them as I believe ‘in the wrong’ until your teen unpopular line? all the connotations that holds? and reinventing our education put some brakes of honesty, have faced in the past when the I suggest to you that teachers that parenting has never been gradually realises that you are

Education for me is about so systems, almost all fundamentally realisation and reality check on glamour of high finance or the who want PRP – I understand as difficult as it is today. in fact dependable, wise and ‘in More GSA reports overleaf > much more than perfect scores. well-meaning but clearly what we currently sign up to. law is an alternative? Teachers there are a few out there - have Why? Because one’s instincts the right’.

8 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 9 From my perspective... GSA ‘Government should set the strategic GSA A Personal Reflection on GSA Annual Conference 2014 a once in a lifetime opportunity direction, not interfere in detail’ and we were all privileged to by Charlotte Avery, head of St Mary’s School, Cambridge hear her speak on the issue of Speaking on the final day of the “Of course there are many things leadership. Too often politicians to unleash greatness rather than Alice Phillips has been an this message really does need to global education for women Girls’ Schools Association annual that we haven’t liked in recent times, get bogged down in their own mandate adequacy. inspirational leader this year and get ‘out there’… and her approach to combatting conference, both Barnaby Lenon including the speed and the scope structural changes and forget the “What’s encouraging is that the of the Independent Schools of change, and the relative lack of basic questions. We asked those the GSA Annual Conference 2014 A superb venue: with views over inequality: ‘I did not pick up any debate has been opened up by Nicky Council and Brian Lightman of the work done on providing something fundamental questions with all kinds was the epitome of this: what the Thames, we were offered weapon, I did not pick up any Morgan saying that she’s interested Association of School and College for the bottom third of the ability of stakeholders and importantly with energy and buzz, purpose and five star treatment at the award- gun. The weapon I used was a in the wider aspects of education. Leaders called for politicians to range. But, on an optimistic note, young people themselves. At the pace we experienced in a highly winning Royal Horseguards Hotel pen.’ It was heart-warming to Character, resilience and grit seem concern themselves with educational it’s interesting to think back about beginning of the debate a number to be the latest politician’s buzz convivial and not too formal in beautifully refurbished Victorian hear how inspired she has been strategy and to leave the detail to the successes we’ve had. We have of people said I was being naïve words. We were all saying that atmosphere! The conference splendour of tile and brass, by the breadth of the British managed that delicate balance educationalists. been kept inside the teachers’ about there being a consensus in long before but nevertheless they mirror and brocade. In addition, education system. Thereafter of providing thought-provoking pension scheme. The government education but I’m telling you there do matter. Some really interesting the boat trip along the Thames Malala reflected on her life: from Barnaby Lenon, chairman of have put a new regime in the things are going on in terms of how speakers as well as the chance with speeches by famous women the ISC said: was an enormous consensus. It was Charlotte Avery Swat valley to Birmingham and Charity Commission. Controlling we can work in partnership [with to catch up with friends and enacted at key landmarks – think about rigour and the wider aspects what she has done alongside “All the educational associations grade inflation measures is really government]. The trickier things colleagues. Having the opportunity Cleopatra’s Needle – was a clever humour as our after dinner speaker of a good ‘grounded and rounded’ gaining an education to fight need to lobby to stop politicians important. Measures to toughen up include the whole thing about to hear world class experts in their idea that was generally appreciated. that evening. education. And what we’ve now injustice instituted not only by interfering with what schools do. GCSE and A Levels is something all field ensured that the conference moved onto is a consultation for qualifications. There is a real issue The Annual Conference Service: at JoAnn Deak’s presentation: on the Taliban but also pervasive One of Labour’s measures is that [ISC] associations wanted, cutting about what standards are. What does lived up to its ambitious strapline: our blueprint for a self-improving the ancient and beautiful church the workings of the teenage brain independent schools will be fined down on modules, creating a new a grade C mean in terms of what a ‘Engage Influence Lead’. The societal attitudes and prejudices system. We’re saying to government, of St Margaret’s Westminster: was immensely interesting and if they don’t have a certain kind performance measure for GCSEs young person has learned? Teachers speakers were not only down concerning women’s rights and let go. You’ve got to put some Joined by alumnae and friends of stimulated much thought and of fixture list. This is madness. The and the A Level facilitating subjects are telling me that it’s very difficult to earth but also reassuringly roles. Clearly these can only be trust back in the system. Everyone GSA who work as MPs or peers or discussion. She also hit The Times push back against these politicians measure.” to look at a pupil’s work and say pragmatic in their approach, addressed by brave and visionary knows the economic imperative but in Government departments, we with the headline: ‘Put away the ‘that’s a C’. One of the things we’re generally managing to relate their individuals like her father who needs to start in earnest. All of us Brian Lightman, general had a full house for a refreshing iPad, children are better learners we need to do the leading. We are pushing hard at is the new GCSEs so content to the specific context did not ‘clip [her] wings’. The who run any kind of school share secretary of the ASCL, said: service and upbeat sermon of when they focus’. the people who can drive forward we know what those grades mean of GSA schools. All sessions whole occasion was profoundly this view. Government should set thanks for the teaching profession “One of the things I really want to the education system. We’ve been in terms of learning outcomes. Not were engaging and stimulating Tanya Byron: warned us, with the strategic direction, not interfere from the Very Reverend Canon moving, deeply humbling and, highlight is that we have tried to discussing [the blueprint] with how many per cent get what grades and some, profoundly moving. verve, about mental health issues. in detail.” Dianna Gwilliams, an American essentially, wonderful. open up a much bigger discussion government and they like it. But it’s or how it fits into PISA, but what Highlights for many of us were: Admittedly, in her whistle stop former sound engineer with a Talking about the current about what really matters to anyone an equally great challenge to us [ie you need to know in order to get a tour of causes she focused on just Superlative adjectives abounded Our President and her address: science background who is latterly Government, Mr Lenon said: with anything to do with school education leaders] if we’re going certain grade. three: abuse, social media and about this conference: ‘brilliant’; Alice Phillips was clear, insightful Dean of Guildford Cathedral. A sharp elbowed, pushy parents; ‘superb’; ‘excellent’ etc: one and authoritative and she beautiful anthem, commissioned but she may well have coined a delegate concluded it was ‘an didn’t shy away from telling the to set some of Maya Angelou’s new description of this group: enriching conference which truth. She hit The Times, The words of determination and ‘spread sheet parents’ (to join ticked every possible box’ and Independent and BBC for saying celebration to music, was sang the helicopter and snowplough many suggested it was the that she’d have been written beautifully by the girls of St metaphors) who make children best GSA conference they had off at 16 today since today’s Catherine’s, Bramley. The uplifting Step up into new levels of do too much; this important and attended; as Mr Kipling would culture and exam system does setting was composed by Katherine comfort, reliability and timely point was again picked up have had it, the conference Unequalled. not allow for second chances. A Dienes-Williams, an antipodean performance with the new by the media in The Times, Daily JUST GOT UPGRADED second button was pressed for and first ever female member was, indeed, ‘exceedingly good’. STW compact tractor series Mail and Telegraph. GSA remains, the media (the Daily Mail, The of the Cathedral Organists’ Warmest congratulations are due from Kubota. importantly, on the pulse. Times and the Telegraph) when Association with a post in the to Alice Phillips, 2014 President, From mowing to loading, the new STW is an unequalled performer. Amazingly quick and for her vision and warmest Alice spoke about timid parents’ Church of England, at Guildford Malala Yousafzai was, as one impressively powerful, it’s lightweight and reluctance to discipline teenagers Cathedral. An evident force of delegate, so rightly put it, ‘the thanks to her and the GSA for compact design delivers outstanding efficiency for fear of subsequent backlash nature, Katherine was a feisty and icing on the cake’. Hearing a enabling the vision to come to with minimal surface impact. via Facebook: excellent stuff since entertaining whirl wind of good Nobel Peace Prize winner speak is such brilliant fruition. Heavy duty tasks are light work thanks to the STW’s high torque, low noise Kubota diesel engine plus a host of standard features including the exclusive Bi-Speed turn. National Award With a panoramic, spacious and air-conditioned The Girls Schools’ Association has announced that the winner of its qualified teachers starting their careers in the cab, the STW offers class leading visibility and ‘Sheila Cooper Award’ was Headmistress, Nicola Botterill from Bruton independent sector.” operator comfort. School for Girls in Somerset. A full range of Kubota engineered implements Nicola added that she was genuinely taken aback are available for enhanced productivity. Speaking from the Association’s annual conference, President of the and was delighted to receive the accolade: Why settle for less. GSA, Alice Phillips, explained that each year this national award is Be unequalled. “I firmly believe that offering teachers support presented in recognition of outstanding and significant contribution and opportunities to develop professionally are Scan the to the Association by a recently appointed Head. QR code key to ensuring the quality of our profession’s for more Alice said: “We wished to recognise Nicky’s work on the Professional workforce, and thus to impact most positively THE NEW, EVEN BETTER STW COMPACT TRACTOR SERIES information Development Committee and her role as national GSA representative on pupils’ learning. But my work for the GSA Nicola Botterill to IStip, (the Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel) would not be possible without the full support of all of the staff which is responsible for accrediting teachers through their first within school, and as such, is an award for everyone at Bruton School See it now at your Kubota dealer. year of teaching. It is a prestigious scheme which supports newly for Girls.” For more information or to find your local dealer call: 01844 268 000 or visit: www.kubota.co.uk

10 Independent Schools Magazine STW KUBOTA 135x190mm.indd 1 Independent Schools 05/01/2015Magazine 12:47 11 Lessons from inspection New 9–1 graded ~ head’s verdict Nilesh Manani is head of The Swaminarayan School, Cambridge IGCSEs London, the first independent Hindu school in the United Kingdom. It underwent inspection last autumn, and Mr Manani now available reflects on the experience from his perspective as a first-time head, and what can be learned from it... We have launched new versions of our It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? will be measured with these aims impression of you as a leader, hugely supportive, so we must We spend so much time worrying in mind – so it is important that manager, organiser, motivator… trust them to do justice. Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses in First about when ISI will call, gnawing they are prominently displayed • Share the school development • Look after the inspectors: They at the daily routine of the school, in the reception area. Remind Language English, English Literature and plan: It sets the vision of the will have a very busy schedule especially on a Tuesday morning the staff about them during the school for the future and all staff and it is our duty to make them Mathematics, which will be graded 9–1. until eleven o’clock passes, and we first training day of the academic and governors must share in its comfortable and ensure that sigh for another week. Some Heads year; remind the parents about They are available for fi rst teaching in creation. You and the governors the lessons and meetings run as even set a little bleep on their smart them in the first information will have the vision but staff will planned. Prepare their room with September 2015. phones to celebrate that momentous evening; remind the pupils in the have to put it into action. They all the modern IT facilities in event lest they should forget in the first Head’s assembly, and impress must therefore take ownership of place. Prepare a folder for each busy bustle of a school day, one upon the governors what they are it and what better way than to inspector with all the timetables Some independent schools use more week gone and another week in the first governors’ meeting; ask for their input in its evolution and rooms, a map of the school before the expected call. Yet, it need put a separate copy with just the non-regulated Cambridge IGCSEs, - a plan shared is a plan that and even the latest newsletters. not be that way because we all aims of the school in the parents’ belongs. And, of course, don’t forget which will continue to be available know it is going to happen at some information pack. coffee, tea and biscuits! stage and can be so well prepared • Get the online information right: and will remain graded A*–G. • Take ownership of the for it. The trick is to focus on the This must be done by the one • Lead an assembly: You are the regulations: Any weakness in guidance from ISI – after all your person you have appointed to leader of the school and must these and you will be fighting an To review the new syllabuses and reputation as the Head depends on ensure all the targets remain on show during your observed uphill battle, so there can be no the outcome. track. assembly why the school is other person who is in charge of sign up for introductory events, what it is – inspectors leave the It was no surprise to us when the the regulatory requirements but • Plan the programme for the assemblies clearer about why the visit www.cie.org.uk/igcse9-1 call came. We had been expecting the Head. inspection: This will trigger a school is what it is – excellent, of it for over a year, and had made series of events when the call • Sort out anomalies between course! sure that everything we could comes which will be guided policies and practice: Make sure organisationally do, was done. by your conversation with the • Make your presence felt: You they are compliant with the latest There can be no compromise on Inspector. Yet, if the above must be out and about, “walking literature from ISI because what our preparation for inspection. As recommendations are in place, the walk and talking the talk,” is written in them must happen. you will already be aware, in future you will have nothing to worry when pupils are out. Do this The only way to ensure practice inspectors will no longer give five about. during lesson times as well. matches the written word is to days’ notice – merely a call in the delegate policies to members of • Inform the staff: Plan this for • Talk to the inspection team: morning on the day the team arrives. the team who go through them the end of the day the call Should you discover that things So what can we do to reduce the with a fine brush to remove any comes. This is your chance to are not going to plan, talk to the stress and make the whole process anomalies. raise their morale, tell them we Inspector and inform them about so efficient and worthwhile for all are an excellent school and if we the problems and how you are • Take advantage of the Evaluation concerned? all do our duty as planned, the trying to resolve them. Staff get Form: This is your chance to show • Set up an inspection committee. inspectors will see it as such. ill, supply teachers have to fill what the school is all about even The inspection committee their place – this is all part of the before the inspection team arrives. • Inform the pupils: Complete the should comprise of all the key normal function of a school, so Don’t be timid about giving pupil questionnaire in school by senior managers who will play don’t try and cover it up. You will yourself “Excellent” if you think allocating about twenty minutes an important role in meetings be surprised how understanding it is so. Ask each department to for each class in the ICT room. with the inspectors but it should they can be – Inspectors were sort out their displays to highlight Tell them to tell the truth when have, in addition, one very crucial teachers in their last life! all the good things that happen they are asked any questions – member of the staff whose sole in the department; evidence that is all you can do. If you have You will know it has gone well responsibility will be to ensure displayed is easier to digest than made the students the centre of when your routine is in disarray, you that everyone in the team is aware everything you do as a school, evidence hidden in heaps of have shed a few pounds because of the targets each has to meet. they will respond positively. paper work. So keep the evidence you haven’t found the time to eat www.cie.org.uk/igcseuk • Aims! Aims! Aims! The aims of accessible. The easier you make it • Inform the parents: While we properly; haven’t had the usual time the school will form the guiding for inspectors to find the evidence will always worry about a few to sleep and recover, and have faced Call 01223 553554 principles of the inspection. for all the wonderful things exceptions, the vast majority some difficult questions from the Everything the inspectors examine you do, the better will be their of parents are honourable and Inspector!

12 Independent Schools Magazine

Independent Sch ad Jan15.indd 1 08/01/2015 16:53 Aon Risk Solutions What does Technology bring National | Education to the Humanities classroom? Reflections from Kate Pellereau, Head of RS Swanbourne House School, Buckinghamshire... DEEPLY ROOTED I had a conversation with a This is where technology comes in using technology I know they colleague recently about the in. The signs, according to the will stay with me for the whole technology she could bring into report of engaged children of the lesson, and they will be her English lessons. She was less include: enjoying themselves as they do it. than keen and asked why she Often for my plenary I allow the – Paying attention (alert, tracking a group of 9 year olds! It truly should move to computers and best worker to make an avatar with their eyes) is amazing what is now possible iPads when she was perfectly video to explain what we have and this helps to bring the happy using pen and paper. It was – Listening (as opposed to learnt and this acts as a carrot subject to life. My year 6 pupils a good question and it got me chatting, or sleeping) for good behaviour in the lesson. are currently studying the Jewish thinking. Why am I so keen to be – Asking questions (content A further use for a Humanities faith and I hope to organize using technology in my Religious related, or in a game, like 21 subject is that technology allows Studies lessons when it isn’t a a collaborative project with a questions or I-Spy) us to engage with the wider lesson where it naturally fits? school in America that has been – Responding to questions world. In subjects where we learning about Anne Frank. As a A study in 2013 found that in (whole group, small group, are often learning about events rural school we are limited with 1,500 classrooms, 85% had pupil four corners, Socratic Seminar) or people who live in other the school trips we can go on engagement of less than 50%. countries we are able to engage – Reacting (laughing, crying, so being able to bring places to That means that only 15% of with that community; many shouting, etc.) classes had more than half of the museums now have their artifacts life helps enhance the education pupils engaged in the lessons. When using technology to catalogued online or my classes I am offering my students. It Children today are used to enhance learning, I can witness can skype a museum curator. We also makes them more aware of constant engagement. Whether all of these responses. In fact it can visit holy places and have a the global community they are this means that in queues they always amazes me the difference look around different churches living in and they become more will quickly flick their smart it makes to them. Whether we are and sites from around the culturally aware. For religious phone out to check in with their using an online tool to answer world. I can make galleries for studies this benefit could not be social media, or that at home quiz questions on a passage them to look through featuring more relevant. they will flick from one activity to we are studying, or we could different objects or pictures from To me the future of technology another with constant complaints be recording short videos and global museum collections. I in the classroom is only going of being bored. As educators we putting them together in order recently used an online tool to to get more exciting. My dream need to be meeting the needs to brainstorm perfect Common recreate the journey a Muslim of these children. Rather than Entrance questions, I know that went on during Hajj in order to is that I could provide fully sticking to traditional methods they are paying attention and demonstrate the sacrifice it was engaging lessons 100% of the which we think work, we need to putting effort into what we are and the hardship it entailed. We time so my pupils leave the school be constantly changing what we doing. Both of these activities flew across the world, zooming with a clear understanding of do as the children we teach are could be done on pen and paper, in on different places and I have the worldwide importance and Independent Schools Insurance changing too. but why would I do that when never heard so many ‘wows’ from commitment to different religions. Aon is a leading advisor to many of the UK’s most prestigious academic Kate Pellereau blogs about technology at www.katepellereau.blogspot.com and followed @whatkatepdoes institutions. Through Aon’s experience in this sector we have accumulated invaluable knowledge of the inherent risks faced by educational establishments. Four Heads remember We understand independent schools, so if you are looking to undertake a More than 100 former pupils of headmaster Paul Smith (2005 competitive tender process for your insurance programme, whether you Hereford Cathedral School have – present) was joined by his are purchasing individually or as part of a group, you can be confident that died fighting for our country three immediate predecessors: our proposition will be tailored to meet your needs whatever the scale and in various conflicts around David Richards (1968 – 1975), complexity of your requirements. the world, and their sacrifice Barry Sutton (1975 – 1987) was commemorated with the aon.co.uk/independent-schools and Howard Tomlinson (1987 – planting of a tree in Castle Street. Following a moving 2005). It was the first time that Aon UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. service of remembrance in all four Headmasters had been Registered Office 8 Devonshire Square, London EC2M 4PL. FPNAT70 Hereford Cathedral, the School’s together at the same time. Risk. Reinsurance. Human Resources. 14 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 15

AON09561- FPNAT70 Ind Schools Tree Media AdV2.indd 1 02/12/2014 16:12 Focus on independent/state school co-operation ~ special report

Depriving private schools of £700m in tax breaks Tax Break Scheme “Half of all schools send no students to study Medicine” unless they do more to help children from state schools could prove disastrous – for both the ‘Will Damage Schools’ ~ how our initiative is helping both independent and state students independent and state education sectors, an Accountant Henry Briggs described A report by Jonathan Forster – Principal, Moreton Hall School, Shropshire education finance expert has warned. Mr Hunt's idea as 'flawed'. The Times aspirations of pupils in both project I have been involved in and gain an awareness of what The proposal – by Tristram Hunt, Shadow “The proposal to the politics of envy and destroy Wednesday state and independent schools, in over twelve years of teaching. studying Science at university Education Secretary - would prevent private follows something we do well and also 10th December encouraging them to focus on Moreton makes us feel very involves. In the future we hope Labour’s makes money for UK Plc? bemoans the STEM subjects - with a particular welcome on all levels - they that this powerful triangulation schools from accessing business rate relief worth previously “Fee paying parents in the UK are lack of access to focus on Biomedical Science. organised free transport and between the state school, the more than £700m during the next parliament ill-thought out already stretched financially – but medical schools Moreton Hall acts as a central hub lunch for our pupils and are very university and the independent unless they take steps to help improve the quality plan to deprive their taxes also fund state places to students from in the scheme running regular enthusiastic towards the students school can be repeated so that independent their children are not using. less advantaged backgrounds. extension lessons to stretch and during lessons.” more students are better prepared of education in state schools. schools of for university.” “They are paying again for Some medical schools’ remedy is challenge local state school pupils Part-funded by a generous grant charitable status if they did not But his ideas have been heavily criticised by charitable schools to support to lower grade requirements to as well as providing a programme from the Wolfson Foundation, An additional initiative run meet a clear public benefit test – a bursaries. Their finances will not students from poorly performing of lectures, practical sessions and Moreton Hall has recently by Moreton Hall is a summer Henry Briggs, Senior Partner at the Birmingham plan thrown out in a 2011 court stretch to paying teachers to state schools. visits by staff and scientists to opened a new Science Centre holiday Biomedical Science course case,” said Mr Briggs. office of accountants Haines Watts – a financial teach in state schools as well,” A report, commissioned by further enrich learning. with a dedicated Medical extended in 2015 to include STEM specialist in the education sector. “This latest scheme is equally said Mr Briggs. the Medical Schools’ Council, One state school that has been Science Faculty, the only one in subjects. A bursary scheme to flawed. It will damage private and a school in the UK. This faculty allow students from less financially “It would be far better for the in response to criticism from particularly keen to build on its In this Special Report – Mr Briggs’ analysis, state schools alike.” forms part of Moreton’s drive advantaged backgrounds has just political parties to focus on the Social Mobility and Child relationship with Moreton Hall to become a regional centre of been launched. further details of and reaction to Mr Hunt’s idea, Mr Briggs said that independent improving state education by choice, Poverty Commission, reported is St Martins, near Oswestry. St excellence in the extension of the plus some examples of independent and state schools have already greatly rather than attempt compulsion, that “Traditional interviews had Martins’ relationship with Moreton So, is this triangular collaboration Science curriculum by bringing increased their bursary provision and continue the academy low validity and were highly Hall originally began when working? Well, St Martins can school partnerships, both formal and informal, the element of the practical in response to the ‘public benefit’ movement so that our state schools susceptible to coaching. Personal Deputy Headmaster, Jim Taylor, now – for the first time - offer its experience of Higher Education which illustrate what is already being achieved... test and this has already provided are so good that less UK residents statements suffered from the same approached the school to see what keen scientists the opportunity to into a school environment: an opportunities to many children will choose to send their children to drawback.” opportunities there were for their take triple science GCSEs due to the most gifted and talented Science approach that will not only whose parents are unable to afford fee paying schools. The Medical Schools’ Council had extra resources offered by Moreton private education fees. pupils to attend Moreton’s Sixth benefit Moreton’s girls, but Hall. Moreton students benefit from “Sadly, some of the teachers’ unions promised to do better, aiming to Form upon completion of their also the talented pupils from the arrival of these new pupils, and What Tristram Hunt said “The proposal that private school and Labour-run local authorities recruit 8% of students who live in GCSEs. He said: “Moreton showed neighbouring comprehensive all are gaining substantially from teachers should be more involved in are obstructing this movement areas of the lowest participation an interest in working with our schools. the input from Keele University. ~ and reaction to it... helping state schools will have the in some areas in order to protect rates in higher education by 2023. effect of removing resources from most gifted and talented pupils The third party in the According to Jim Taylor: “I was Shadow Education Secretary school is an equal partner so their own interests,” he said. “There The current participation figure is bursary provisions – which will be as part of its collaboration with collaboration is Keele University. surprised to see how engaged the Tristram Hunt set out a plan to children can mix and sectors is some irony in these proposals only 5%. counterproductive,” said Mr Briggs. Keele University so they invited us Through the partnership Keele students were with the challenging being proposed by an old boy of This is a desperate state of affairs. tackle the ‘corrosive divide’ in learn from each other. to join in. gains access to gifted and talented approach delivered by the teachers education by making around £147 Mr Briggs said that independent University College School – itself The number of students admitted Mr Hunt said: “I realise that “Pupils of St Martins do not state and independent school from the Moreton Science team. As million per year (£700+ million over schools in Britain are world-class an independent school charity – to medical schools is fixed at to some this may seem an historically see university as pupils and has the opportunity a result of St Martins’ involvement the life of a parliament) currently – which is why there is so much and a member of the Eton Group around 8,000 per year, yet there unnecessarily tough test. But that an option open to them, so to start coaching these pupils for in the scheme, a number of gifted received by private schools in overseas demand for places. of Independent Schools,” said is significant shortage of doctors is not because I want to penalise getting them to realise their university life. This opportunity and talented students have this business rates relief conditional on “This earns us badly needed foreign Mr Briggs - who advises both resulting in the requirement to private education but because I potential has been one of our has substantial upsides when year been awarded scholarships to them meeting minimum standards currency and influence in the world. academies and private schools and is recruit medics from overseas. want to make sure we break down biggest challenges. Involvement research suggests that pupils Moreton’s Sixth Form – a strong of partnership with the state sector. Is the answer therefore to return a former school governor. the barriers holding Britain back.” So there are two issues to be in schemes like the Science from non-selective state schools testament to the success of the At present, he said, many “I passionately believe we deserve addressed – the second outside the Triangulation initiative brings out are sometimes underprepared for initiative.” not take into account the diverse brief of schools, namely the creation independent schools receive an education system where the believe me: clawing back business their ambition and confidence. the transition to medical courses And the final words on this rate relief will be a poor consolation nature of our sector - many of more places at medical school. this subsidy despite providing majority of young people enjoy Once these children believe in at university and are less aware scheme are from a St Martins if we do not bring it about.” are small local schools. Clawing minimal benefits to their local the same access to excellence as The first point, however, can be themselves, you can clearly see a of how to make a successful student who had just carried out back business rate relief on communities (such as allowing the privileged 7 per cent; where Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the addressed: how do students from renewed enthusiasm which leads application for highly competitive a practical experiment to extract annual use of sports facilities or independent schools seems a very disadvantaged pupils no longer feel Independent Schools Council, said: less advantaged backgrounds to better performance in their courses such as medicine and genes from jellyfish and transfer entrance into their gardens). Mr ineffective tool to improve social any anxiety or insecurity at aspiring “Independent schools are gain access to university medical examinations. It is fantastic to veterinary science. them to bacteria: “At that point Hunt sets out ‘standards’ which mobility in any meaningful way.” towards success because they feel committed to helping widen schools? The two key issues witness.” Dr. Gordon Dent, Director of I decided that I wanted to be a independent schools must meet success belongs to them; and where access to their schools and to Dr Mary Bousted, general secretary can be resolved if schools and Mr. Taylor continues: “The Admissions at Keele University Medic. The opportunity offered in order to continue receiving our children experience equality of improving social mobility. Already of the Association of Teachers and universities and the medical positive impact it has had upon says: “This initiative provides by this course to discuss science business rate relief. The new opportunity rather than just learn it 90% of our schools are involved Lecturers (ATL), said: profession address the problem our children is immense – they a useful opportunity for local related careers and to meet ‘Schools Partnership Standard’ is one of our core values; in meaningful and effective “Independent schools would collaboratively. cannot wait to get back there. I maintained school students to academics and doctors showed will require independent schools “But most of all I want us to partnerships with state schools welcome much greater clarity Moreton Hall has piloted a can honestly say that the Science attend Science learning beyond me how I could achieve that to: become a country where we no and their local communities. about how they would have to triangular collaboration to raise initiative is the most exciting the standard school curriculum ambition.” • Provide qualified teachers in longer feel the need to point out “Independent schools generate collaborate with the state sector to specialist subjects to state how few state educated members £4.7 billion in tax and save the qualify for business tax relief, with schools. there are in the top universities, tax payer a further £4 billion, expectations that are proportionate Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council, wrote exclusively for • Share expertise to help state professions and sports teams equivalent to building 460 to a school’s finances. While rich, Independent Schools Magazine about the importance of partnerships with state schools school students get into top because that description simply schools, by educating children famous independent schools universities. no longer rings true. out of the state school sector. To may grab the headlines, many – you can access his comments at www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk – click View • Run joint extra-curricular “That is the prize we are chasing subject independent schools to independent schools are just Issues, March 2014, and scroll to page 8 programmes where the state with this new partnership. And one-size-fits-all regulations does balancing their books.

16 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 17 8473 Elliott A4 Education Advert Chosen_Layout 1 03/09/2013 09:02 Page 1

Focus on independent/state school co-operation ~ special report (continued) Eleven years of working together in Southwark Shortfall in school places? ~ independent and state schools collaborating A report by Marion Gibbs CBE, Headmistress, James Allen’s Girls’ School, London A report by the National Audit Office warns Collaboration local state school headteacher as half of those on full bursaries and specifications and the use of new that an extra 256,000 school places will be between co-director helped enormously in the rest averaging 89% assistance. technology in their subject and required in England and Wales by 2014. schools in the recruiting state partners and the So it is definitely not a case of the have observed one another teach independent other two independent secondary independent school students never and shared resources. Originally, few and state schools in Southwark, Alleyn’s and normally encountering those from Southwark state schools had 6th Elliott has developed a new standard rental fleet designed sectors has once Dulwich College were very eager to less privileged backgrounds (as the forms and the SSLP has enabled to meet the needs of the shortfall in school places. again become join. Thus we started with 9 schools, media love to suggest). expertise to be shared as new 6th something of 6 state and 3 independents. The What do we do? Far too much forms have been established. At a “political football”. Many of us DfES/London Challenge funding to mention all of it here, but I will JAGS, we teach A level Music and have been working together with meant that we could also employ give a flavour. For six years we ran Latin to neighbouring state school local partners on a regular basis a recently retired state school head a Pupil Voice project, originally as a students. for years, with little fanfare or fuss. as our part-time co-ordinator. learning enquiry and then focusing We are now engaged on a two- Others may be concerned about Interestingly, one of the initial more on classroom practice and year project under the auspices getting more involved. I have been challenges was to bring together exactly what helps students to learn of the London Schools Excellence co-directing the Southwark Schools’ some of the state school students well. We have held joint concerts Fund, working not just across the Learning Partnership (SSLP) since who had long been involved in at Southwark Cathedral, where SSLP but with state schools from helping to found it in Autumn postcode wars and gang rivalries. students from all the schools played neighbouring boroughs to develop 2003. People often ask me questions The underlying philosophy of our and sang together, not competing, innovative new teaching resources about it. How did we get local state partnership is that we all have but benefiting from being in a larger for Chemistry, English, MFL and schools involved? Weren’t they things that we can learn from one group of talented young people and Physics at KS4, We have funding worried about the independent another. We want to share good enjoying working together. Students for this specific project, but we lost schools poaching their pupils or practice and explore innovative ideas have also come together for our SSLP government funding years staff? Why have some state schools together to benefit our staff and our debating workshops, “silly sports” ago and rely on a £1,000 annual left and others joined? What are students. It is too easy for specialist days, an eco-conference, drama contribution from each member the mutual benefits? How does it staff to become isolated from others days, CSI investigations, team- school’s CPD budget. We no longer all work? working in their own area; the era building and enterprise workshops, employ a co-ordinator, but each In 2003, Tim Brighouse, then of the local teachers’ centre has long specialist careers sessions, language Elliott standard layouts: Commissioner for London Schools, gone. Some projects are led by state conferences, geography workshops, member school has an SSLP Link at BENEFITS 30 person single classroom challenged a number of London senior management level, who meet > SC384 - school staff and some by those from MUN, university presentations, Low cost rental rates secondary headteachers from an independent school and some BMAT training, mock university termly and keep in touch. Almost both sectors to work together in by both, whoever has the expertise interviews and community action, all Southwark schools are now Available from stock partnership to raise standards for all and enthusiasm. As for students, it to name but a few. Some events academies and some chains will not TECHNICAL children in London schools. From is not only vital that they learn to are specifically organised by us allow their schools to be in other SOLUTION Allows early occupation this, the SSLP was formed, with Dr work together with others from all for the SSLP, but if one school is partnerships, so they have had to Variety of sizes & layouts Irene Bishop, Head of St Saviour’s & backgrounds, but also to have the organising an activity, a speaker, withdraw. However, other schools Regulatory compliant St Olave’s CE School and me, Head opportunity to share their individual play or workshop for their own which were too successful to be in Heating and cooling options Quality learning Typical rental of James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) passions and interests with a wider students, especially in minority the initial 2003 group or who are environment rate from as its co-directors. We were given group of like-minded young people. subjects, if there is space, we invite newly formed have been very eager Ventilation as little as initial funding on the proviso that, In fact, the independent schools our partners. The same is true to join, recognising the mutual £156 Up to 50 year design life other than the lead state school, all in Southwark are themselves very for staff CPD. NQTs have spent benefits for staff and students; we per week* our other state partners had to be ethnically and socially mixed day time observing and working in still have nine schools. Poaching has Robust fixtures schools in challenging circumstances schools, at JAGS, for example, we schools in the other sector and not been an issue. There is a great & fittings with below average GCSE scores. have some 50 home languages and derived much benefit from it. Staff spirit of collegiality and mutual Having a well-established leading 126 students on bursaries, almost have met together to discuss new respect. > DC584 - 60 person double classroom Elliott is the market leading education specialist with over Enjoying a Maths Challenge 50 years experience, and is the UK’s largest supplier of The Mathematics skills of Year three twenty minute rounds, the Leigh coming second and Pike RC Primary, Horwich Parish, Eagley portable accommodation and secure storage solutions. 6 pupils in several local schools girls and boys completed a cross Lane Primary School third. Each Junior School, Clarendon Cottage, were put to the test at this year’s number - like a crossword but with contestant in the winning team St Philip’s, St Peter’s CE Primary Maths Challenge at Bolton School, digits instead of letters - which had took home a £20 Amazon voucher School, Claypool and St Peter’s Other layouts, sizes, and toilet options are available to Lancashire. a mathematical twist to it; a logic and there were £10 vouchers for from Hindley. rent or buy. The event, which has been running puzzle where the right things had each member of the 2nd place The Maths Challenge is just one for several years, aims to help get to be positioned in the right place team and £5 vouchers for the of many events held at Bolton young people involved in Maths in on a grid; and a speed round of 20 bronze medallists. Each of the School for local children in a a fun way. questions where they had to provide top three schools also received a programme which includes the Fourteen local Primary Schools as many correct answers as possible. framed certificate. Hindley Green SHINE programme on Saturday sent out their very best minds to In a closely fought contest, won the bonus round. mornings and challenging but fun For more information please contact us on compete in three timed challenges, Wood Fold Primary School ran Other schools taking part included days focussing on many subjects which demanded intellectual rigour out as eventual winners, with St Paul’s of Astley Bridge, including science, languages, FREEPHONE 0800 0858 202 and collaborative teamwork. Over Christ Church CE School from Heathfield CP School, St. Gregory’s classics and sports. or email [email protected] Typical rental rate from as little as £265 per week* www.elliottuk.com *Rates are based on a 2 year rental period. Prices exclude delivery and installation. 18 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 19 Investing in Traditional Teaching the future of Engineering and Poignant ceremony Meets Digital Learning Science ~ conference to show the way Oundle School, Northamptonshire, has received a half a million pound A specially commissioned stained glass window, installed Loughborough High School a chance to find out about the played a key role in this and donation to launch its fund- in Leicestershire, part of rollout of iPads to younger pupils have made some interesting raising campaign to complete the in Loretto School’s Chapel to commemorate the 100th Loughborough Endowed Schools, at Fairfield Preparatory School and suggestions – they also staff our final development phase of its anniversary of the 1914 Christmas Truce, has been unveiled will host a special conference take part in workshops on a variety help desk. I’m sure that as new SciTec Campus. an award-winning on Tuesday 10th February 2015 of subjects. generations of devices come and innovative science complex, by relatives of British and German officers involved. entitled ‘A Tablet for Every Gwen Byrom, Headmistress at the along they will be the first to that was opened in 2007 with Pupil’, to share their experiences school believes IT provision varies show them to us!” sixteen state-of-the-art science The window was commissioned in The grandsons of Archibald Buchanan- with schools considering the laboratories. This second and final depending on the needs of pupils, A former study area at the High commemoration of the 1914 Christmas Truce Dunlop (a former Loretto pupil and one of deployment of tablets to pupils phase, incorporating both a brand staff and parents and the vision of School has now been transformed and Loretto’s association with that event and the instigators of the 1914 Christmas Truce) and teachers. new Mathematics department and the individual school. into a student-led iPad help facility was created by Haddington-based artist, Kate and Hauptmann Maximilian Freiherr (Baron) a significant refurbishment of the It was one of the first independent She said: “To achieve the rollout called the Genius Bar. Henderson. Its inspiration was the meeting of von Sinner, (the commanding officer of the Patrick Centre, will link Science, schools in the country to go 1:1 of iPads there was a significant former Loretto pupil, Major Archibald Buchanan- Machine-gun Company of the Prussian 6th A group of pupils are on hand Mathematics, Design, Technology with iPad, and this conference is amount of work to do on our IT Dunlop and his German counterpart. Their Jäger Battalion, who was also involved in during lunchtimes to provide and Engineering both physically an opportunity for school leaders, infrastructure. We also worked to historic handshake was a gesture during the device and app support to pupils and philosophically. Pupils will be the Christmas Truce) unveiled the stained governors and decision-makers to establish our philosophy regarding extraordinary event of the ‘Christmas Truce’ in and staff. Known as the Genii, able to move seamlessly from theory glass window together in a poignant act of Ypres 1914. The positive image of enemy soldiers they have helped set up iPads to practice and from pure science reconciliation. at peace is juxtaposed with the 148 poppies, during the rollout, led workshops to the achievement of workable representing all those Old Lorettonians lost in Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs for parents, and provided support technology, whilst embracing new the conflict. The phrase around the shield Gloria at Loretto School, said, “We all grew up with for teachers and students in the fields such as nanotechnology and the story of soldiers from both sides putting classroom. mechatronics. in excelsis deo et in terra pax (Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace). The official down their arms on Christmas Day 1914, and Dr Sue Jackson, Director of Studies This transformational philanthropic unveiling of the stained glass window took place it remains wholly relevant today as a message at the school and iPad project lead, gift has come from the Michael Uren during a special Commemorative Service in the of hope over adversity, even in the bleakest of said the idea behind the facility Foundation. Michael Uren OBE and Loretto Chapel last month (December). times.” is to use the students’ digital his other Trustees are passionate knowledge to educate others. about seeking to encourage Wall Bouldering Parkour “Teachers are experts in education the education of engineers and and we don’t want them to feel development of engineering within forced into becoming IT experts the UK. as well. Their acknowledgement of One of Michael’s principal objectives Challenge your children student expertise and willingness is to help to create the engineers to learn from students and and entrepreneurs of the future and physically and mentally allow pupils to learn from each his donation for the SciTec Campus other makes the iPad project a reflects his support for the School’s • suitable for children of all abilities hear more about the deployment filtering and use of devices in partnership.” vision which is to provide state- • ideal for those who dislike team sports and the decision-making behind it. the classroom, how we converted Mrs Byrom went on to say: of-the-art facilities for tomorrow’s • designed in conjunction with professional this into our policies and how we A speaker from Apple will deliver “Technology won’t stand still, and engineers. The SciTec project has Parkour practitioners and climbers would communicate the rollout to the keynote session, and staff we have chosen to embrace and now reached the fund-raising stage • encourages discipline, parents. and he hopes that his donation will concentration from the school will discuss move with it, rather than feel we and control issues surrounding their IT vision “We see this not as a one-off are not preparing our pupils for the start the ball rolling, enabling works including finance, governance, capital investment, but as a technology-heavy lives they already to commence in early 2015 and be technical insights and teaching fundamental and evolving part lead outside of school and when completed by summer 2016. and learning. There will also be of school life. Our pupils have they enter the world of work.” Headmaster, Charles Bush For more information about the conference and to book your place visit www.leshigh.org/information/a-tablet-for-every-pupil/ commented, “Engineering is the lifeblood of Oundle’s history and heritage. The School must School welcomes Jonathan Dimbleby continue to inspire pupils to Dauntsey’s School Wiltshire the events that unfolded during that gripped and entertained the become engineers to carry on welcomed Jonathan Dimbleby in the battle of El Alamein in Egypt audience from the start.” the tradition for the good of the the last Mercers’ Lecture of 2014. A during World War 2. nation. The future of science and Lappset’s equipment can be designed to suit any number of Sixth Form pupils joined site, whatever its size or situation, and tailored Will Blakeney, a Sixth Form engineering will involve the blurring Jonathan for conversation and to the needs of users. We handle everything pupil who attended the lecture of disciplines and the aim of the from the initial project design and manufacture dinner at the Headmaster’s house SciTec campus is to enable young through to installation. prior to his talk entitled, ‘World commented: “With wit, a wealth minds to think with an increasingly War Two in the Desert.’ Jonathan of knowledge and an ability to interdisciplinary focus which will Contact us to find out more Dimbleby attracted the largest bring the subject to life, Jonathan t. 0800 881 5352 | [email protected] audience of the lecture series this provided a both fascinating and help them succeed at university and www.lappsetlatest.co.uk | www.lappset.co.uk year, as he took them through insightful account of World War 2 in industry.”

20 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 21 History Safety tips ahead Should the story comes alive of school ski trips Children in Year 4 at Dorset House School, Flying effortlessly down a snow- of war be told... West Sussex, stepped back in time to experience covered slope, feeling the wind on your face, and soaking up the Do we want to commemorate with children as young as three and four a the life of an evacuee in World War Two. beautiful mountain scenery – long, drawn out and bloody war which resulted in death and destruction Janet White Year 4 Form Teacher, reports... there is a lot for school children to love about skiing. However, on a scale hitherto unknown? That is the question which has been faced by As they listened to the broadcast to reassure parents of their skiing can present some very real hundreds of schools as they considered how to mark the anniversary of the Great War. For by Chamberlain that war had safe arrival. Demonstrations dangers, from frostbite to broken been declared they began their were given of how to make bones and head injuries – here adventure. Gas masks were tried their beds properly with clean teachers at Leicester Grammar Junior School, the answer was a resounding yes. Ewen McAulay health and safety on and diaries were started to sheets and blankets and finally manager from legal consultancy record their thoughts and feelings. they enjoyed the welcome Leigh Picciano Moss, Year 6 History Teacher, reports... Law at Work explains how to As the days passed and they heard dinner provided by local people. prepare for a school ski trip; Such a significant event in on the battlefield during a World proudly in the school’s foyer. The history walk into the local village of the safe return of a family We explained that food was rationed and of course, children twentieth century world history, War I week held earlier this term work submitted really does capture of Great Glen and discovered the member from Dunkirk and the Why Is Skiing Safety were asked for their identity which changed the lives of millions when ‘soldiers’ and their life size the global nature of the conflict real life stories behind the names struggle of a cousin in his Spitfire cards and ration books. The Important? of people forever, cannot be trench visited the school. A cookery with one great great grandfather on the War Memorial. Many were to battle in the skies to protect meal of cottage pie and apple Skiing involves moving at very ignored. Out of respect for those lesson enabled children to make fighting with the Canadian Army surprised to learn that some of the our country, the Blitz began. The children’s lessons were disturbed crumble was gratefully received. high speeds down steep hills who lost their lives in a period hardtack biscuits, which would at Vimy Ridge; one photograph soldiers who didn’t return were the by the sound of sirens and enemy The evening passed with games past other skiers and natural warm up and stretch before they which has now faded from living have sustained the men fighting showing a soldier proudly seated same age as their older brothers aircraft. They were ushered in of beetle drive and charades and and man-made obstacles and start skiing. memory, we have a duty to pass on in the trenches. They learned that on his camel in Egypt; and another and sisters. their stories to our children. those same men would have shared of a Colonel in the Indian Army, his an orderly fashion to the shelter finished with a wartime singsong weather conditions can change The best way to learn is from a Just ahead of 11th November Year in the grounds where they sat accompanied by the Fr David rapidly. Falls are going to happen, By engaging even their youngest the trenches with lice and fleas rank defined by the badge on his certified instructor, private lessons 6 impressed with their choice of crushed and anxious as they Twinley and his accordion. children in a series of reflective and rats (as big as cats) and often turban. regardless of how good the skier, will give the most one-on-one words to sum up Remembrance waited for the ‘All Clear’. They The morning came with rationed activities of remembrance, LGJS suffered from Trench foot. Dressing Several trips out of school have and collisions are common. time with an instructor, or there Day: respect, suffering, courage, were informed that they were to breakfast of tea, porridge and has focused on the message that up in uniform hats and coats and been arranged for children to The skier safety code, often are less-expensive ski schools. sacrifice, paying with one’s life, be evacuated for their own safety. toast. The Rainbow Theatre the suffering of war gives us practising drill with muskets and further experience aspects of gratitude, freedom, peace. They Complete with name labels, gas Company organised the children printed on lift tickets, lists some the incentive to avoid it in the (bean bag) bombs was a highlight World War I. Years 5 and 6 went Be Smart on the Slopes have clearly taken from these mask boxes and suitcases they in a drama workshop with role of the “inherent dangers and future. Key stage 1 donned their for some. to see a production of War Horse Here are a few important commemorations the message that gathered on the platform of play. As the week continued, so risks of skiing, including: existing wellies, went out in the mud and Each child in the school painted a and afterwards produced their reminders before hitting the was intended. The last two are Pulborough railway station. As did the rationing of food, with and changing snow conditions; planted poppy seeds in the school model of a soldier to form part of creative response to it in the form particularly poignant as, in these the train pulled in, they bade spam fritters and the children rocks and trees; collisions and the slopes: grounds, they then made their own a 3-D scene from the battlefield. It of art work, poetry, diary entries troubled times, they are what we all farewell to parents and clambered cooking their own soup and failure of skiers to ski within their Always ski with someone: No poppy wreaths to decorate their is hard to imagine that there were and models, many based on their wish for all children everywhere. aboard, accompanied by teachers. wartime biscuits. classroom. Year 2 were inspired many families untouched by the reflections about the use of animals own abilities.” matter how good the skier, it’s Many waved excitedly from the The pupils learned to knit and by the poppy installation at the Great War and so everyone was in war. The opportunity to develop On 11th November we held a possible to have a bad fall and window of the carriage but there used old clothes for ‘Make-do and Gearing Up Tower of London, and made their encouraged, with the help of their historical research skills was given candlelit service to remember all of be unable to continue skiing. still was a moment of anxiety Mend’. For maths they worked out It’s important to have the right own giant wall display with paper parents, to delve into the history of to some of the older children those who have lost their lives in Having a skiing partner who as the familiar faces of parents rations and used imperial weights. poppies representing the fallen and war, and in particular those who gear and know how to use it, in can summon the ski patrol, if their own family with the purpose who, on a visit to Leicestershire disappeared. their thoughts about peace written of learning about how the war Record Office, used census returns, died during the First World War, in Has it been fun? The children addition to skis with bindings necessary, is much safer than Once they arrived at Amberley, the always say `yes.’ Have they learned on doves which fly high in the sky affected them. The enthusiasm marriage registers and birth the centenary year. We lit candles checked by a professional, skiers skiing alone. children began their walk along above. and response of the children was certificates to piece together the to remember those who had died, a lot about the war? The answer need the right boots, poles as the river bank to school. Cases Know your limits: Beginners Children in Key Stage 2 experienced amazing, and an informative life of a local man who fought on but also to show that where there is is also `yes.’ Have they gained a well as protective eyewear and a were heavy and some struggled, what life would have been like and interesting display now sits the front line. They also went on a light, there is hope. sense of what it must have been helmet intended specifically for should stick to the beginner sharing their load with friends. like in the war? I think that they skiing or snowboarding. slopes until they feel comfortable At The Manor they were greeted have and maybe (hopefully) they enough to move to something Building work uncovers archaeological finds by `Lord and Lady Marconi’. will have been inspired to discover Dress for Excess steeper. Most ski trails are clearly Archaeologists working at The accessibility and changing thought to date to the time of Postcards were written home more of our rich history. The best way to dress is in layers marked as green (beginner), Queen’s School in Chester have facilities as part of the School’s the former gaol and one of the – which can be shed if the sun blue squares (intermediate), red discovered Roman artefacts Fitness For All strategy. test pits uncovered the sandstone comes out. (advanced) or black diamond and part of the original gaol Because archaeologists consider foundations. (expert). building’s wall and foundations the site of significance, they The School’s Head of History Before School Children Follow the rules: Never venture during a dig. dug three trial pits and observed Nia Tunnicliffe said: “Having a Make Their First Turns past the ski area boundary or ski The site on City Walls Road used two trenches while work was real archaeological dig going on One of the most effective ways into a closed area. to be the City Gaol but was ongoing. on-site has been hugely exciting to prevent injuries while skiing is turned into a school for girls Both trenches produced Roman for us all. Knowing that we are to be physically fit, as stronger Practice skier etiquette: Skiers in more than 130 years ago. tile and Roman ceramics were walking around in a building muscles help maintain control front or below have the right of Work is currently taking place found in one. Within one of that is steeped in these layers of on the slopes. School children way. Never stop in the middle of on the school’s gymnasium to the trenches a sandstone wall history, really brings learning to should be getting regular a trail or anywhere which can’t create another floor and improve was also uncovered which is life.” exercise beforehand and should be seen from above. Ewen McAulay, Health and Safety Manager at Law At Work Tel: 0141 271 5555 Pictured: A history class inspect the site where the new gymnasium is being redeveloped

22 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 23 Richard Brown has been head of Dorset House School, Sussex, since 2008. He was previously a Housemaster and English teacher at Pangbourne College, Berkshire. ProfileIn conversation with Richard Brown

Born: 1968 Dorset House is a day and about our financial viability and I direct of changes in the National Curriculum the changes that have been introduced over Before you entered teaching, you boarding school for boys and girls any worried parent to the Bursar for further concerning ICT and as ever we are reviewing the past few years, the experience of sitting spent some years in the Army, Children: Guy (16) and Theo (13) Q aged 4 - 13. You have overseen its discussion. Over the past four years, we have our ICT provision especially when it concerns 8-10 exams in a week is valuable preparation Q rising to the rank of Captain in evolution from predominantly boys-only to made a surplus of over £500K from an annual ‘programming’. for GCSE’s in the future and the sense of the Royal Dragoon Guards. How has your Schools and University fully co-ed. Did you find any initial resistance income of £1.4M, increased pupil numbers achievement for those pupils is palpable Army experience helped in your current job? Attended: Chafyn Grove Prep from existing boys’ parents to the introduction by over 30% and reduced our staff costs to a One of the difficulties faced when they receive their results. One of the Does military-style discipline have a place in School, Magdalen College of more girls? What were the principal realistic benchmark – the key is also having an by parents and schools is alternatives is the Prep School Baccalaureate schools as some have suggested? School, Oxford Brookes (BA how to allow young people and I believe that it has its merits in terms challenges in making such a change? outstanding Bursar. Q I was in the Army for five years (Hons) English and Law) and access to technology whilst still ensuring of skills training but I don’t see why teachers Change makes parents (and before I became a teacher and Reading University (MA English On the subject of communication the appropriateness of what is written or of CE can’t apply these same skills of critical some staff) very nervous and the this experience helped me in in Education) with parents, all independent seen. Responsible parents have blocks and thinking and independent learning in their A introduction of girls at a boys-only my role as a headmaster – the importance A schools trumpet their focus on monitors on the PCs at home, but these own teaching. school was no different. I could sympathise with Q of leading by example, establishing a clear First job: 1991 HM Armed Forces each child as an individual. But how can this tools are less available – and often more the frustration and anger from some parents vision, how to deal with pressure as well (Royal Dragoon Guards) be demonstrated and transmitted to parents complicated to supervise – on mobile You often say that Dorset House who had bought into a particular education for as being able to multi task, and not to get on a regular basis? devices. What advice can you impart about ‘provides an antidote to a world First management job: their children but as the new girls were likely keeping children safe, and about what to say where children grow up too bogged down in the minutiae – the skyscraper Prep School parents want three Q to filter from the bottom upwards, I could not 2000 Housemaster, Pangbourne or do if one discovers that boundaries have quickly ~ the school is a haven for learning, analogy springs to mind, rooted in the types of communication – College see a problem for the majority of parents who been crossed? adventure, and discovery’. Can you expand community but able to see beyond. I am not would still have boys-only classes in the senior logistical, reactive and proactive. sure about military-style discipline other than A My view, as both a parent to these sentiments? part of the school. The transition has proved a Logistical in terms of timings and locations to say that pupils, of whatever age, need clear First job in education: two teenage boys and from In a world of ‘helicopter and success with an increase from 9% girls in 2008 of school events; reactive as in access to staff boundaries and fairness from their schools. 1997 English Teacher, an educational perspective, is snowplough’ parents, the Edinburgh Academy to over 40% in 2014… and in a recession! The when they have an issue or problem; and A firstly to try and have an open dialogue with pressure of pre selection tests, key challenge was to ensure that Dorset House proactive whereby staff inform parents about A ’As a head, you must have a real your children where they can feel free to CE, GCSE and A Levels or IB as well as the Appointed to current job: 2008 offered a fully co-educational provision for all its the progress of their children. A small school desire to make a difference to discuss problems that they may face online. increasing cost of independent education, pupils – not just a boys’ school which takes girls. like Dorset House is more able to communicate children’s lives as well as having Secondly, schools must continue to offer I believe that prep schools must try and Q Favourite piece of music: with parents effectively because it is dealing a forward-thinking approach to education’. advice and guidance through PHSE lessons ensure that there is a moment in a child’s ‘You Can Close Your Eyes’ by A number of smaller prep schools with less children – a more bespoke service. These are your words. How do you feel you and use experienced esafety experts, like Karl education where they can be happy, James Taylor have gone bust recently, some In the end, it is about giving value and great measure up to them? Hopwood, to discuss these issues with staff, experience many different opportunities at little or no notice. Whilst customer service. Q parents and pupils. and be able to enjoy their learning away All I know is that running a Favourite food: Roast Lamb increasing pupil numbers must have improved from the unnecessary pressure of ‘hothouse’ small prep school allows me the income for your school, should parents You have introduced iPads Many Dorset House pupils sit environments. It is not surprising that happy and my staff to ‘turn the ship’ Favourite drink: Pint of beer or generally concern themselves as much with and other technologies into A the Common Entrance exam children do extremely well. more easily – it is a nimble environment a Nespresso coffee the financial viability of schools as well as the the classrooms. How have you Q Q for progression to senior where new ideas can become a reality very academic and extra-curricular provision, and monitored the effectiveness of this approach schools. What is your view on the merits You have developed a new quickly which is exciting for everyone. I will Favourite holiday destination: how can such details best be communicated compared with more traditional ones? What is - or otherwise - of the Prep School Bacc format for Open Days, which has use the example of our Year 4 teacher who South America to them? your classroom ICT strategy going forward? alternative which is now in its infancy? Q attracted more visitors. What’s was studying World War 2 evacuees with Favourite leisure pastime: You are right, there have been We had the video machine then There is a concern from some the secret? her class and she organised a trip whereby Mountaineering or watching my a number of small schools that the DVD player and then the quarters that Common Entrance Over the past few years, we have her class caught a train from Pulborough to sons play rugby A have closed over the past five A interactive whiteboard – did these does not prepare the pupils organised one of our Open Days Amberley on a Sunday afternoon, all dressed years and one has to make a decision either technological innovations improve teaching A as evacuees, walked along the River Arun to effectively for their senior schools – it’s not during the year on a Saturday to make changes, merge or be taken over by a and learning? We have now embraced the iPad A Dorset House and stayed overnight in the Favourite TV or radio moderated, teachers spend too much time morning and combined this with Senior programme/series: The Ashes senior school – standing still is not an option. technology as a ‘tool’ for teaching and learning on CE preparation and regurgitation, it is School ‘fair’ where the schools that we feed boarding house. There were hard beds, spam All parents, present or prospective, have access but not a replacement – staff download apps, too narrow a syllabus and children are not are available to parents to discuss the next for supper, the local vicar singing ‘We’ll Meet Suggested epitaph: ‘How we to the Charity Commission website and can use them in their lessons and the feedback taught how to learn. I am not convinced as I stage. We have also had a Senior School Again’ on his accordion as well as some old live measures our own nature’ see the financial situation of their school. At from pupils and parents has been very positive. feel that the syllabus for the CE subjects are forum where Heads sit on a panel and answer fashioned games – what an experience for (quote from Philip Larkin) Dorset House, I have always been very honest It is clear that there have been a number interesting and robust especially with some of questions from parents about their schools. these children!

24 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 25 Changing Faces... Changing Places... College announces

The Independent Schools Council New Head Mistress for Branwood Preparatory School, The trustees of has appointed Julie Robinson to Greater Manchester, is Mrs Kate Follett. the Montessori St opening of Lower School We welcome news Nicholas charity be General Secretary from April, She brings with her 19 years of education experience have announced of head changes. in succession to Charlotte Vere, and was originally trained to teach Maths, Science Epsom College, Surey, is to take pupils at age 11 from September 2016. the appointment Please email a brief a the Interim General Secretary. and Geography up to A Level standard. At her of a new Chief The College will appoint a new relative strength of the papers they brief biog and image. Mrs Robinson was a prep school previous school, The English International College in Executive, Dr Stephen Tommis. Dr Head of the Junior School and sit on the examination day. head and in recent years has been Marbella, Spain, Mrs Follett was the head teacher of 250 children and There is, of course, Tommis took up his post with the the current Headmaster Mr Jay Pupils who wish to join at Education and Training Director the school had such a strong academic track record that over 50% of Piggot (pictured) will remain as no charge. charity this month (January). 13+ will sit the Epsom College the children in the senior part of the school would go to Oxford or at IAPS. Headmaster of both the Lower entrance examination in Year Cambridge by the end of their studies. Dr Tommis is a graduate of the and Senior School. Current subject 6. Successful applicants will be University of Dundee (MA First Prior to teaching in Spain, Mrs Follett worked with ex-Prime Minister specialist staff will also teach the offered a deferred place for entry The Governors of the Haberdashers’ Monmouth Class Honours), Jesus College, Lower School Curriculum. Tony Blair and John Prescott as part of an advisory group with specific at 13+ on the condition that they Schools have appointed Dr Andrew Daniel to Oxford where he was awarded the emphasis on teaching science in schools. An initiative which worked The Lower School will be maintain high academic standards succeed Dr Steven Connors as the 37th Headmaster D Phil degree and the Institute particularly well was inviting parents and/or grandparents to come and situated in one of the buildings in Year 7 and Year 8, receive a of Monmouth School. He will take up the post in of Education, London University do a joint experiment with their child which they can then take home. which currently holds staff good transfer report and deliver a September 2015 for the start of the Michaelmas Term. where he took a PGCE. Making glue bounce was a particular favourite! accommodation. This will be fully strong performance at Common Dr Daniel is currently the Senior Deputy Head at He has worked in education for converted in 2015 to provide Entrance. state-of-the-art and purpose built Wellington School, Somerset. 23 years and was the founding The fee for pupils joining the John J Taylor St Leonards School, bringing facilities. prospect of offering an education A former pupil of Atlantic College, Dr Daniel graduated with a starred Executive Director of the Hong Lower School in 2016/17 will be has been considerable experience in music, The Epsom College 11+ to boys and girls from the age first in geophysical sciences from the University of East Anglia and Kong Academy for Gifted £5,700 per term. appointed arts and theatre. Having started examination will be held in the of 11 to 18. We want our pupils University of Washington, Seattle. He was awarded his doctorate from Education (HKAGE), from 2008 to The College will continue to Principal at his teaching career as a teacher January of the proposed year of to find a passion for things that Liverpool University on the mathematical modelling of plate tectonics 2014. The HKAGE is an initiative retain a wide and accessible point Hamilton of Classics and English at one of entry. All pupils will complete matter to them, an interest in and in Patagonia. to ensure that appropriate of entry at 13+ in addition to College, South the leading independent boarding English, Mathematics, and respect for others and their worlds, provision is made for teachers, admitting Year 7 pupils. Prior to Wellington School, Dr Daniel gained wide teaching experience reasoning tests. They will all be the chance of challenge and Lanarkshire. He commenced his schools in England, Mr Taylor parents as well as all gifted both in the UK as Head of Mathematics at Taunton School and in automatically considered for an Said Mr Piggot: “The whole school achievement, an attachment to the new role this month (January) progressed to become Head students across Hong Kong. Academic Scholarship on the community is excited by the life of the mind.” Switzerland, where he was responsible for the academic life of Aiglon following the retirement of the of Department and eventually After a spell in business working College. current Principal, Margaret Clarke. Housemaster at St Leonards as an antique map dealer, he Married to Alison, an oceanographer, Dr Daniel has a ten year old Mr Taylor joined Hamilton School. He and his wife will decided that education was his true daughter and eight year old son. His interests include mountaineering, College from his previous position be relocating to the West of Finding their ‘Inner Child’ vocation and taught at Sherborne hill walking, cycling, coaching squash and the French horn. as resident Housemaster at Scotland from St Andrews. Mums, dads, children and members three and accepts childcare vouchers develop a desire to learn and School. He was promoted to Head of the public all had fun at the and early years entitlement. feel comfortable with asking of Department after one year and official opening of the Chilton questions. Playing planned The Governors of Leweston School, Dorset have subsequently to Undermaster. His In addition to a wide range Cantelo School, Somerset, Nursery. games and participating in Following the last eight years, as headmaster announce that Mrs Kate Reynolds has been appointed next post was as Deputy Head of planned activities on offer stimulating activities is the best announcement of Davenies Prep School in as Head of Leweston from September 2015. Mrs of The King’s School, Gloucester Finding their ‘inner child’ the enhanced provision at the way to engage them. As part of earlier this year Beaconsfield. Craig is also an Reynolds takes over from Adrian Aylward, who steps and after three years, Stephen everyone was asked to take Nursery includes sessions in Chilton Cantelo’s individualised that Jonathan independent schools inspector down at the end of the academic year after nine years was appointed as Headmaster off their shoes and make pasta French and Spanish, Music, learning approach we provide and a prep school governor. in post. of Abbotsholme School in necklaces, play with foam, create Forest School, Gardening, Wansey will retire learning plans for each child Staffordshire. glittery masks and say a few Cookery and PE. as headmaster Craig is an English specialist, Mrs Reynolds was educated at St Mary’s Ascot, Wellington College to make sure we give them the of Crosfields School, Berkshire, with keen interests in literature, and at Bristol University where she studied Law from 1986 to 1989. Between 2003 and 2008 he was words to a toy elephant that Alanda Phillips, Head of Pre encouragement they need. It in August 2015, the board of films and plays. He also enjoys She passed her Law Society Finals in 1990 and practised as a solicitor the Director of The National could only understand Spanish. Prep said: ‘We encourage our was fun to show the adults today governors has completed its classical music and art. He is an until 1994. In 1994 she obtained a PGCE from Bath Spa University Association for Gifted Education The Nursery takes children from age children to be curious so they how we do this.’ search for his successor. The new enthusiastic sportsman and runs in English and subsequently worked at Gillingham School, Sherborne (NAGC) in the UK where he led headmaster will be Craig Watson, regularly, as well as following School and, of course, Leweston, where she is currently Head of EAL campaigns to get parents’ needs who has a wealth of prep school rugby. He is married to Helen, (English as an additional language). In 2012 she undertook a M.Ed. in heard in government and schools. experience, both at The Hall Prep who works in publishing, and Educational Leadership from Buckingham University. The Montessori charity they have a 16-year-old daughter. School in Hampstead and, for the Mrs Reynolds, aged 47, has four children and her husband, Giles, is represents 676 schools. 177 of also a teacher. these schools are now MEAB accredited. Montessori Evaluation The Board of Governors of Taunton School, Somerset, and Accreditation is a quality have appointed Mr Lee Glaser as Headmaster of Scarborough Deputy Head at King’s School improvement scheme established Taunton School from this month (January), following College, in Madrid. He was educated at by the charity. MEAB’s mission Dr John Newton’s departure to take up the position as Yorkshire, will be Bradford Grammar School and is is to acknowledge and support Principal of Scotch College, Adelaide, South Australia. welcoming a new a graduate of Warwick University. good, genuine Montessori practice Headmaster next Lee Glaser, 47, read Mathematics at Liverpool He has previously worked in and thereby promote greater September, upon University and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers and the UK at Princethorpe College understanding amongst parents the retirement of Isobel Nixon. Lybrand (now PWC). He was at Millfield School as Senior Master and and Pangbourne College. He and the wider educational sector of Director of Sport, and has been Deputy Headmaster at Taunton School The new Head will be Mr Charles is married to Kate and has one what constitutes “best practice” in Pictured: Adults finding their ‘inner child’ including Rev Barbara Stanton, John Hollis President of the Yeovil Rotary Club, Chairman of South for five years. Ellison who is currently the daughter, Elsie Mae. Montessori settings. Somerset District Council Mike Best, Mayor of Yeovil Mike Lock and Mrs Lock, Alanda Phillips Head of Pre Prep and Verity White, Headmistress

26 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 27 Cultural diversity explored Radical conversion St Benedict’s School, London, to 17 years old and has set a school Theatretech have completed that accommodates over 200 who students crossed cultural precedent, as the entire work was an interesting conversion of a face an end of the Hall which has Independent Theatre Consultants boundaries with their latest performed – as it was written – in typical multi-purpose school hall been generously equipped overhead theatrical production, a gripping Spanish. at Westminster Under School, with stage lighting bars, tracks, to Schools and Colleges for over 30 Years dramatisation of ‘Bodas de For Mrs Payne it was a labour of London, which is the Prep School curtains, projection screen etc. Sangre’ (‘Blood Wedding’), the for Westminster School. The Hall love: “It has been my great privilege Theatretech have inserted a technical classic work by revered Spanish and its adjacent classroom facilities to work with such a talented and gallery all the way round the space, playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca. had been built in the 1980’s and hard-working cast and crew, to pass allowing much improved access The production was produced and whilst it had some ability to host on my love of Spanish literature, to stage lighting and audio-visual dramatic and music performances, directed by Modern Languages language and culture and to positions as well as an overspill it was more geared towards general teacher Mrs Isabelle Payne and stimulate a growing interest among audience seating area. The control Unique West End school use and PE. Tiered audience staged by the Modern Foreign our students – young and old alike room has been centralised at the rear seating had to be brought in for Languages department. It had a – in learning about other cultures of the seating block, and enlarged, theatre workshop each school production which then cast of nearly thirty students aged 8 and languages.” and audio, lighting and projection constrained the non-drama activities Drama pupils from The Leys, Cambridge, are putting into practice lessons equipment levels have been greatly during such events, and the range they learned from leading figures in commercial theatre at a unique enhanced and are now state-of- of theatrical systems and equipment residential workshop in London’s West End. the-art. was somewhat limited. Twenty pupils from Year 11 and the Lower Sixth took part in a four- Windows have guided blackout Theatretech won a competition day course run by Tony-Award-winning West End and Broadway blinds, and there is a new tempered to radically convert the space into producer Steven M Levy (an Old Leysian) at the Charing Cross Theatre in air ventilation system that utilises a more focused assembly and modified original kitchen ventilation New Builds conjunction with the Drama department at The Leys. The insights and performance facility, which extends plant situated on a nearby roof. Renovations inspiration they gained are now coming to fruition in creative endeavours the ability of the staff and children including play-writing and a dance show. both technically and in all areas of The project was completed in 4 Conversions drama, music and presentation. months and in time for the start of Upgrades The aim of the workshop was to give pupils with a particular interest in the autumn term. Reaction from the The PE facilities have been moved performance Drama an insight into the practical and commercial side master, staff and parents has been Drama Studios out of the Hall to another building, of putting on a show. Mr Levy described the London Theatre workshop extremely positive. Recording Studios as has the necessity to provide as: “unique, easing pupils into the professional world of the theatre and Theatretech can be contacted at info@ Concert Facilities dining space for school lunches, and allowing them to contextualise their academic. theatretech.net or on 01428 651488. this therefore allowed the Hall to Images of a range of educational Dance Studios have a new semi-sprung floor, and projects can be viewed on their website Theatres at www.theatretech.net a retractable bench seating system Let us visit f.o.c. to see how we can help practice rooms you achieve your Sound-isolating education > home > recording requirements

Theatretech offer the Our sound-isolating following services: Music Practice Rooms enable musicians to Architectural Design rehearse in controlled Theatre Systems Design conditions that limit Electrical Design noise escape to the Mechanical Design adjacent areas. Built Stage Lighting on a modular design, Audio and Video the practice rooms can Rigging Fixed and Mobile Seating be adjusted to fit the space available.

Get in touch The White Barn • Grayswood Road Grayswood • Haslemere • Surrey • GU27 2DJ Telephone: 0844 846 9740 Tel: 01428 651 488 • Email: [email protected] www.musicpracticerooms.com www.theatretech.net

28 School Productions School Productions 29 Lorna Doone Blundell’s School, Devon, play The play tells the story of John’s for the academic year was ‘Lorna love for Lorna Doone, one of the Focus on healthy eating Doone’, based on the book written notorious Doone clan of Exmoor, by R D Blackmore, who attended against a backdrop of the Monmouth the school from 1837 and who set rebellion in the 17th century. It was Ronan Harte is the Managing Director of independent school early parts of the book at Blundell’s, performed by drama students in catering company, Holroyd Howe. Here Ronan discusses how as the scene of hero John Ridd’s Years 11 – 13 who played to capacity schooldays. It is the first time that audiences and received standing New performing arts ensuring pupils are healthy leads to a healthy business, and a the school has performed this epic ovations. The play was directed by healthy future for all. And whilst there are battles being won, the drama and was chosen to celebrate James Rochfort, the school’s resident facilities opened the first 25 years of the school’s professional actor, whose theatre Stamford Endowed Schools’ new of his life working in creative war on poor diet is still ongoing. purpose-built theatre, Ondaatje credits include the National Theatre’s Llowarch Performing Arts Centre, industries. At the opening, Lord Hall. Amongst the guests for the Olivier award-winning All My Sons My memory of school meals is year. That means eating up to 4 self-operated, told us that a poll critical areas, like new school and the refurbished Oswald Hall was led around a special gala reception on the final night of and leading roles on television lumpy semolina topped with a meals a day there. Just think how had revealed 72% of their pupils buildings and improved facilities. Elliott Hall and music rooms have Festival of the Arts, held by the play were pupils and staff who including ‘Eastenders, Lewis and the dollop of synthetic strawberry jam. many bad food habits these children are currently dissatisfied with their been opened by Lord Tony Hall, students, as choirs and ‘Grease’ In summary we are winning had been involved in the very first title role in Channel 4’s Snowdon This is typical of what our school and young adults could pick up in school meals. Imagine the impact Director-General of the BBC. rehearsals were staged around battles but the war on poor play performance at the theatre. and Margaret. dinners consisted of 30 years ago that time. And conversely, the many that’s having. If any school thought The Old Gymnasium and Stamford the performing arts centre for quality catering is not yet over. and in some cases, just 10 years positive habits we could equip them 72% of their pupils were dissatisfied School Hall have undergone a guests to enjoy. There were also We all have to work together to ago. The good news is that with with. We know that children with with the teaching standards or transformation into a Performing introduce changes that not only performances from some of the the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution diets lacking in essential vitamins, sporting facilities, big changes Arts hub, from which the whole of combat these issues of health and school’s talented musicians and school meals have come under minerals and essential fatty acids would be made very quickly! the Stamford Endowed Schools, well-being, government legislation, dramatists in the Oswald Elliott the media microscope and with tend not to perform academically, Lincolnshire, will benefit. The The catering department offers and adding value for parents, but Hall, where Lord Hall addressed the headlines screaming of e-coli in lack concentration, and have been facilities include new studios and a number of additional financial changes that suit a school’s specific school on the power of the creative schools and the horse meat scandal, cited to be more disruptive in the rehearsal spaces for Drama and opportunities. Sixth-form cafes, needs. Regionality, school traditions arts, and the importance of the the catering community at large classroom. recording suites for Music, as well summer schools for international and culture, financial position, next generation and new talent has come under increasing scrutiny. as a performance space in the However providing a nutritious students, and conferences and and specific pupil requirements all within the field. Oswald Elliott Hall with brand new A really good school catering service meal for your pupils is not where weddings all provide additional dictate the type of catering service lighting rigs and sound equipment. Lord Hall said of the facilities, today needs to be able to deliver our challenge ends. We need to revenue streamsIndependent that will,Schools in May turn, 14 135x90.pdf your 1 school,13/05/2014 and 09:12:15 most importantly The Hall has already played host to “What’s great is, they are not just against some key benchmarks; give them the skills to do it for allow schools to reinvest in those your pupils, will benefit from. Pictured: Lorna Doone in the clutches of the villain Carver Doone traceability, ethical-sourcing, British, successful Foundation Lectures and for those who act, or sing, or themselves and instil a sense fresh, nutritious and of course music concerts, with packed-out dance, or play music here. They of responsibility in our young delicious. But how many schools can audiences at both. are also for the many hundreds - people. To make sure they are say 100% confidently that they meet As Director-General of the BBC, thousands, I would imagine - who not reliant on pre-prepared foods, these? With so much to consider just Lord Tony Hall has spent most will sit in the audience.” and understand the personal in choosing ingredients, let alone achievement of growing, cooking the issues around health and safety and feeding themselves and others. Showcasing musical talent and staff training, it’s no surprise In a number of schools where we Talented musicians from Solihull took their performing skills into the that we are seeing a 40% increase in work, we have been building kitchen concert hall as part of the school’s St Cecilia Concert. the number of schools outsourcing gardens and teaching even the A total of 165 pupils aged 8 to 18 took part in the concert led by their catering. youngest how to grow vegetables Solihull School’s new Director of Music, Tim Kermode. The students sang And what about health in its most and herbs, as well as how to turn C For all your and played in 13 different ensembles, which included the Symphony literal sense? We all know that them into healthy meals. M Orchestra, Wind Bands, Big Band, two String Ensembles, Madrigal fresh, nutritious meals will support Group, Jazz Singers, Senior Clarinet Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble and Y music education the immune system and help to Other schools have really seen Percussion Ensemble. the benefit of cooking lessons for equipment keep our pupils healthy. Sugar CM & performance The concert featured a range of musical periods, styles and genres, their pupils. When we first started and salt content are high on the MY which included music by Vaughan Williams, Holst and Vivaldi as well as agenda when it comes to healthy running cookery lessons at one familiar music from film, TV and stage. school, one of our chefs watched CY Music Stands, eating, as the levels of both FREEPHONE Lights & Accessories in food in general has reached in amazement as a boy tried to CMY Music Folders terrifying heights. We recently peel a raw egg! Cooking lessons, K 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & Accessories launched a ‘Half-measures’ gardening, farm visits, bake-offs, to join the Instrument & Sheet harvest festival… all of these things Music Storage initiative that literally cuts in education discount Conductor’s half the amount of sugar used in will help to educate pupils about programme and Equipment foods. In one school, we reduced food and give them lasting life skills. save money on Staging & Risers Theatre Products weekly sugar consumption by 20 your purchases! Finally looking at healthy Acoustic Products kilos. And have the pupils noticed? business we cannot ignore that Of course not. financially, Independent schools are We must also consider the academic increasingly having to justify their impact of healthy eating. A pupil fees, and demonstrate value in all www.blackcatmusic.co.uk could spend up to 250 days school areas, including the dining room. in a boarding environment each One school, which is currently

30 School Productions Catering 31 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Top catering award The catering team at Bishop’s Stortford College, Hertfordshire, have won a Gold CAP Award for the fourth year running – setting a new record for How to make a packed excellence. After recently achieving top marks from East Herts Council for Food Hygiene, the College, with 1370 pupils, is now the first in the UK to claim the top prize for the highest quality food and service four years in a row from CAP. lunch go further The CAP (Continuing Advancement Programme) Awards recognise excellence in catering and are regarded as the highest measure of quality, best safe Christmas Cake Off practices and service. Food can be an emotive issue; add a hungry child into the equation and emotions can run The College Headmaster, Jeremy Gladwin, said he was delighted with the two even higher. Kathryn Pell-Walpole, director of sales for independent catering company, St Augustine’s Priory School, London, enjoyed a very special Christmas awards. He said: “To receive recognition from the local authority by way of Bake Off, when parent and Great British Bake Off host, Mel Giedroyc, retaining our five star status, and to win a CAP Gold Award for the fourth Wilson Vale, explores how to satisfy and sustain pupils throughout an away day – and attended the event to judge the competitors’ cakes. successive year is stunning. It reflects superbly well on the dedication of our entire team, led by Gary Law, to the pupils and staff of the College. enhance a school’s reputation along the way. The pupils were asked to bring a dozen homemade Christmas cupcakes to enter the competition and, of course, the judging criteria included Providing high quality food in a hygienic environment is a top priority for the College because we recognise the clear link between good nutrition, learning checking for a soggy bottom. Prizes included a signed copy of the and wellbeing. Well done to the team.” Great British Bake Off book. The event was part of the school’s Parents Association Christmas Fair, and all pupils in the senior school were invited to enter. Parent Mel Giedroyc commented, “I was very impressed by the quality of the entries and the girls’ enthusiasm - St Augustine’s Priory can be proud of girls who excel not just in academics but also in baking!” The judging panel also included Chef, Nick Mariconda from the school’s onsite catering team-Holroyd Howe. Headteacher Mrs S. Raffray MA said, “Our pupils and staff love The Great The subject of packed school lunches has been good food great. There is also less likelihood the school such as an enhanced perception British Bake Off and we wanted to give them the opportunity to have aired and debated, and it is clear that any that they will return to school hungry after a trip of pastoral care, an additional arm to the some fun with baking. As a school, we are very focused on developing independent school with a caring ethos will want out and still carrying an uneaten, unappetising marketing strategy or a better relationship with our pupils food knowledge and skills, and holding the Christmas Bake Off the very best for its pupils. But with standards sandwich in their lunch-box. parents and the school community? proved extremely popular.” varying from school to school, it takes very little A catering team with the craft skills to slow There’s far more to a packed lunch than meets Cut the Cost of Kitchen Waste with to ensure that ‘lunches on the go’ for a field day roast meats on site or make their own granolas, the eye. or sporting event pack the nutritional punch yoghurts, soups, cakes and the majority of dishes Kingspan Environmental’s Smart needed to sustain pupils who would ordinarily be from scratch will set the standards in a school How can you ensure that your packed tucking into a hot main course and pudding in Food Waste Management Systems dining hall and beyond. lunches are giving pupils the right the school dining hall. Waste2-O is a new fast and that uses naturally-occurring Thinking outside of the box nutritional balance and sustenance – and easy to use way to deal with micro-organisms to eat the fat, Take the humble sandwich as an example, often a reflect your ethos? • Are your packed lunches about filling hungry school kitchen waste. oil and grease which builds staple feature of a lunch box. But there is a huge • Replace crisps with crudité and hummus tummies or do they represent much more than up in kitchen drains. Its high- difference between giving a child a sandwich to avoid empty calories and to boost It’s a tried and tested, cost-effective that? There are warning signs to indicate that performance, multi-strain bacteria made from bought-in white bread with processed nutritional values. alternative to macerating or a caterer’s purchasing policy may be less than composting leftover food. are scientifically proven to digest ham and a hand-made granary with slices of ideal. For example, what percentage of the • Replace bought-in cakes and chocolate different types of fats and oils from slow-roasted meat. The food is loaded into the items in the lunch-box is home-made? If there bars with home-made granola bars made a wide range of food-stuffs. top of the unit and a powerful Caterers who place emphasis on the integrity, is a large percentage of processed or ready- with oats and honey (rather than sugar) for formulation of micro-organisms iFOG was Highly Commended in provenance and seasonality of food will made foods, items made from packet mixes and slow-release energy.

‘‘It all starts with rapidly digest it producing a totally the Sustainable Catering Equipment understandably produce a very different standard branded, bought-in cakes, you have to question • Include a carbohydrate element such as a neutral, greywater solution. Any Award category at the recent CESA of packed lunch. For example, at Wilson Vale the nutritional content of the food. freshly made pasta or cous cous salad.

enjoyment – great food that humans can typically Awards 2014. we support the Real Bread Campaign and • Set a clear vision by considering how • Add colour, interest and taste by providing digest can be put have trained all of our chefs throughout our tasting, healthy food ‘‘ important catering is to your school? Do you a boxed mixed salad containing speciality through the unit. independent school contracts in traditional bread- have a packed lunch policy in place that is leaves, pulses, vegetables and grains. that pupils look forward Waste2-O will making skills. communicated to parents and pupils? In other • Always include a piece of fruit. save your school to and really love Basic, ‘real’ bread needs only four essential words, it is vital to define what your catering thousands of ingredients; flour, salt, water and yeast. philosophy is so that standards can be set and pounds in bagging That’s it - no processing aids, fats, maintained right across the food offer. Learn more at chartwellsindependent.co.uk and binning costs artificial additives (which includes most Or contact Anne Thomas, Director – Client Services on and safeguard you • Conduct a packed lunch audit. Food taken out flour ‘improvers’, dough conditioners and 07920 214085 or [email protected] against future waste of a school environment can speak volumes preservatives), chemical leavening (e.g. baking disposal clamp- about a school’s culture, standards and ethos. powder) or anything artificial. downs. Do your school packed lunches reflect your iFOG is ‘fit and Getting the basics right not only sets standards quality standards? Think about the added forget’ system high but it gives pupils a sense of what makes values a quality catering operation can offer http://kingspanenviro.com/foodwaste For further information on Wilson Vale’s approach see www.wilsonvale.co.uk T: 01530 563100 E: [email protected]

32 Catering Catering 33 The first contract caterer to receive Hello, we’re GF accreditation from Coeliac UK Thomas Franks has recently become the first contract caterer Thomas Franks to be awarded gluten-free (GF) accreditation from Coeliac UK. We are a family owned caterer with a keen focus on creating great restaurants within Coeliac UK is the national Charity delivering to the best possible standard’ and will provide our In December, accreditation for people with coeliac disease standards”. gluten-free customers with the was awarded to thirteen of independent schools & businesses. with over 60,000 members. Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive of added reassurance that our the caterer’s business partners’ The charity works with food Coeliac UK said: “Coeliac UK is catering teams can confidently restaurants and then rolled manufacturers, retailers and the widely recognised as the expert deliver the high standards out to many more of their 94 “Simply put, we provide you with a bespoke food service industry to share body on the gluten-free diet necessary to prepare safe GF catering facilities across the UK. its expertise in all aspects of and has been working alongside food. the GF diet and to help improve catering service that is unique to you.” the catering industry for many the provision of GF foods for its years to encourage the catering Members. Thomas Franks has industry to meet the needs of worked closely with Coeliac UK the growing number of people over recent months to establish requiring a gluten-free meal. rigorous standards within its We’re delighted Thomas Franks catering business to ensure it has gained our accreditation meets the requirements of their and urge all establishments to accreditation process. consider the benefits of providing HOW WE W HAT “The Company’s vision has gluten-free food for their always been to focus on customers.” providing fresh, locally sourced Company nutritionist, Julia and nutritionally balanced food WORK WE DO Hayes, has co-ordinated the for its customers” says Frank extensive training programme. We love food! It’s as simple Well, we make exceptional, Bothwell, founder and Managing Julia said: “The accreditation is Director. “But, with increases in a great endorsement of Thomas as that, we love what we bespoke menus out of locally food allergies and intolerances Franks’ commitment to its over recent years, we recognise do and we’re passionate sourced, fresh ingredients, clients and customers. There is that for a business to remain an increasing demand for GF about it. everyday! a leader in this sector, it must options on our menus, both in demonstrate a clear commitment schools and in the workplace to catering for all its customers’ and many of our locations needs. Being the first contract are already catering for these caterer to hold the licence to needs. But having Coeliac UK’s use the Coeliac UK GF symbol GF accreditation is the ‘gold enhances our reputation for

Thinking of outsourcing? If you would like to know more about this proccess or our approach to catering, please contact us

Website: www.thomasfranks.co.uk Visit: www.thomasfranks.co.uk | Tel: 01608 738070 | Email: [email protected] Tel: 01608 738 070 / Email: [email protected] Address: The Stables, Hook Norton Brewery, Brewery Lane, Hook Norton, Banbury, OX15 5NY 34 Catering New Tennis Academy Ewell Castle School, Surrey, has launched a high performance tennis academy in conjunction with Tennis Avenue Academy. The The choice of champions. new Ewell Castle Tennis Academy is designed to allow pupils to combine extensive quality tennis coaching and training together with a bespoke independent school academic education within a flexible and integrated curriculum. The launch of the Ewell Castle Tennis Academy, which is for players aged 7-18 years of age who are minimum county level, is the first of what the School plans to be many sports that will enable its pupils to achieve and succeed. At Tennis Avenue Academy in New Malden, the tennis programme is one of the largest and most Yachting association champion status successful in the country. Mr Windermere School, Cumbria, Clubs are rightly recognized access to the very best coaching Hareen Wasantha, Director of has been awarded Champion as the very foundations of our resources (including best practice Tennis at Tennis Avenue Academy Club status by the Royal Yachting performance programmes, not workshops). who will be running the tennis Association, and in doing so only providing great coaching, side of the academy is a former Graeme Rowe is the RYA Principal becomes the first school in the UK advice and support, but also as England 18&U player, two-time and Chief Sailing Instructor at to achieve this status. those locations which provide great Middlesex county 18&U champion Windermere School and has places for young people to have and former member of the LTA RYA Champion Clubs are recognized been race coaching for over School of Excellence. fun, alongside learning to sail, race as being ‘Centres of Excellence’ for fifteen years: “Champion Club and develop their enthusiasm for Peter Harris, Principal of Ewell junior race training and racing and Status shows that as a school competitive sailing and thereby Castle School, remarked “I am many form the very foundation we are serious about sail racing delighted to have recently launched of the British Sailing Teams. Since progress within the sport.” and that we are dedicated to the Tennis Academy and to be the inception of the original Volvo Windermere School applied for the providing as many opportunities working in partnership with Tennis RYA Champion Club programme in Champion Club status following as possible for the students to Avenue Academy. The tennis 1997, the scheme has recognized, a program of assessment and become exceptional athletes. It is programme includes 48 weeks per promoted and invested in clubs improvement at its Hodge Howe a fantastic achievement and could year of tennis coaching tailored to which have continually introduced Watersports and Outdoor Education not have been done without the meet the needs of the individual, young people into sail racing and site, located on Lake Windermere, help of the staff and the many full tournament planning and encouraged them to progress via less than a mile from both the kind contributions from the support, with 15 hour weekly good quality race training in a safe junior and senior school sites. Friends of Windermere School. We training programme. Daytime and fun environment. Hodge Howe has been operating are looking forward to working sessions will be based around the players’ academic timetable. In order to gain RYA Champion for a number of years as both a with the RYA and I’m sure we can Pupils will be full members of the Club status, Windermere School BCU and RYA Training Centre, look forward to producing some England cricket star Matthew Hoggard and Olympic hockey quality sportswear for ambitious young athletes in schools school community and follow core has had to show that it not only and the application for Champion extremely talented sailors.” player Chloe Rogers know what it takes to be a winner. across the country. Technology, protection, style, subjects but with some flexibility introduces young people into Club status brings the centre into Ian Lavender, Headmaster of to drop some subjects, to free up Skill, hard work, dedication – and sportswear that’s alignment with the whole school Squadkit’s stylish range comprises advanced fabric racing, but also that it develops Windermere School, adds: “I am time to train.” designed to help produce peak performance. That’s why ethos, ‘to be the best small school their enthusiasm and talent. A delighted that the Royal Yachting technologies, designed to both enhance performance and in Britain.’ they choose Squadkit, the performance range of sports kit measure of this success is the Association has awarded the School offer maximum physical and psychological protection for number of young sailors gaining from Schoolblazer, the UK’s leading supplier of school As an RYA Champion Club, Champion Club status. We are the young bodies and determined minds. places in the RYA Zone / Home Windermere School will be entitled first school in the country to have uniforms and sportswear to over 100 of the UK’s top schools. Country Squads. The school had to a series of benefits. These achieved this accolade and many Like Chloe and Matthew, your students deserve the best. already received confirmation There’s no substitute for young talent. But it helps if the include development advice and people have worked very hard to Help them reach their full potential, with Squadkit. that one of its students had been support to continuously recruit make this possible, from staff, athletes of the future receive the best possible preparation selected for the RYA Intermediate young sailors into the sport at the parents and governors; but I would to fulfil their potential. Squadkit is dedicated to providing Topper Squad and recently the right age for them to have the best particularly like to congratulate Mr school was pleased to announce chances of achieving success in Graeme Rowe for the way he has that eight of its students have the future; recruiting, training and transformed sailing at Windermere confirmed places in the RS Feva XL contracting in coaches to support School. To me what is important, Pictured: L to R: Mr Hareen Wasantha Squadkit exclusively available from Schoolblazer, North/West RYA Zone Squad. - Director of Tennis at Tennis Avenue the delivery of club programmes; however, is not the status itself, but Academy, Mr Peter Harris – Principal Ewell UK leader in stylish schoolwear and sportswear Duncan Truswell, RYA Youth Racing the accreditation and branding of the increased opportunities that can Castle School, Mr Jon Grindrod – Director of Sport Ewell Castle School Manager, says: “These Champion an RYA Centre of Excellence; and now be afforded to our students.” Call 01832 280011 [email protected] www.schoolblazer.com 36 Sport

4677 Squadkit A4 Advert.indd 1 18/09/2013 10:56 Advertorial Feature Orienteers win again Clayesmore Senior School’s away with an impressive 4th Go for gold in 2015 fast-moving map readers who place overall in their class and nimbly navigated their way to a six team members were awarded with new sports facilities win at the British Small Schools Gold Medals and the Bill Stevens Sports surface expert total-play Ltd have invested heavily in such coaching time; Championships 2014 at the Memorial Trophy. has helped leading independent facilities over recent years. in turn helping Newsam Estate near Leeds. The The twelve team members helped to schools across country develop to enhance Clayesmore crew joined 900 other make this the fourteenth time that Over the past couple of years, class-leading new facilities. performance. entrants, to spend an energetic Clayesmore School, Dorset, has won in addition to our ever-popular Especially well known for its ECB weekend finding their way from the Small Schools Championships non-turf cricket and cricket- New materials approved non turf cricket match & point to point and eventually and they are hoping to continue based MUGA installations, we’ve mean that not Soccer Success practice systems and its cricket- facility alongside cricket practice triumphing in this Small Schools this winning streak next year when The Old Vicarage School, Derbyshire, hosts 18 tournaments in various been helping clients develop only can facilities based MUGAs, the company is nets, based on an ECB approved competition. The Year 10 Girls the competition will be held on the sports including Football, Netball, Hockey, Rugby Sevens, Cricket, Rounders synthetic facilities for track and be designed to meet the demands seeing a rise in popularity of system, that can be transformed team also managed to come Sandringham Estate. and Tennis, throughout the year for different age groups of boys and girls field disciplines. From runways set by governing bodies for sport synthetic track & field facilities, as into an area suitable for a host from schools locally and nationally. Last term saw their most successful and landing areas for long jump, such as UK Athletics and Sport Business Development Manager, of sports in the space of a few Football Season to date. The boys and girls have won tournaments at all triple jump, high jump and pole England but tailored to meet a James Coney – also a current UK minutes. age levels. For the first time ever, they achieved the “clean sweep” in our jump; to combined discipline school’s needs and budget. A great Athletics Performance Coach – own Football Tournaments winning the U9, U11, U12 and U13 6-a-side runways and landing areas; shot example of how we have worked And we can also help breathe explains... Tournaments. They were runners-up at the 6-a-side tournament hosted by put circles and throwing areas; and with a school to come up with a life back into existing facilities Foremarke Hall School, losing to Altringham Prep in the final. The development of synthetic circles and cages for discus and bespoke solution was at Orwell – for example, by resurfacing sports surface performance over hammer, there are a host of space Park School, where we designed old sprinting tracks or replacing Head Matthew Adshead said the cherry on the cake was being crowned the past decade has been meteoric. and maintenance-saving options and installed a long / triple jump materials used in other facilities The Independent Schools Association U10 Midlands Champions at the Now, for pretty much any sport, available that can maximise your facility, complete with landing pit we can not only make them tournament hosted by Dixie Grammar Junior School. This was particularly non-turf pitches can rival and even school’s use of these facilities finished using rubber-top perimeter safe for use, but reduce future pleasing as our team included three of our talented U8 players. out-perform traditional playing throughout the year. This not kerbs, adjacent to the school’s maintenance and usually even Pictured: The OVS Winning Team at the ISA Midlands Region U10 5-a-side Football Tournament at Dixie Grammar Junior School surfaces. And, when you add into only means you are getting more brand new cricket-based MUGA. bring them up to current athletics the equation that they require use out of your investment, but By utilising this space that would performance standards; effectively considerably less maintenance, it’s the fact that facilities are less otherwise have been wasted, the providing a new facility at a 2nd place for triathlon team easy to see why so many schools reliant on weather should boost school has another great new fraction of the cost.

To discuss how total-play Ltd could help your school develop versatile synthetic facilities to revolutionise your sports coaching and performance, call James on 01604 864575 or visit www.total-play.co.uk Hockey masterclass Prior Park College, Somerset, Assistant Coach and won a Bronze welcomed Karen Brown, England Medal as a coach at London 2012. and Great Britain Women’s Hockey “The girls really benefitted from player and coach, to lead girls the words of wisdom that Karen across all year groups in a Hockey offered regarding all sport being Surfaces that ‘make the grade’ Masterclass. a fun experience from which Design - Construction - Maintenance - Refurbishment Karen won a Bronze Medal at the desire for self-improvement the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, through increased fitness and and is the most capped female refinement of skills can spring” hockey player in the world. She is From cricket to cricket-based MUGAs, track & field to said Head of Academic and a role model to all hockey players, The season has got off to a flying start for the Buckswood School, Curricular PE, Mrs Lori Redman. winter sports: synthetic & fine turf sports surfaces that especially women looking to forge Sussex, Triathlon team who have finished their first event of the year careers as coaches in sport beyond Pictured below Head master James in second place. The Pony Club event was organised by the East ‘make the grade’ their careers as players. Karen is Murphy O’Connor with Karen and Sussex branch. currently the Team GB Women’s pupils. The team, consisting of Poppy Pittock, Florence Waite and Emily Paice took part in three phases including a 1500 metre run, shooting competition and a 3 minute swim. The team performed very well with first place in the swimming phase being won by Poppy Pittock, and Emily Paice achieving second place. The shooting phase was the first time most of the team had encountered turning targets and all achieved strong scores over the one-handed ten shot round. Poppy Pittock is on the Team GB Talent Program and regularly trains with other future Olympic hopefuls. Poppy represents the school at County and National level across a wide variety of sports, reaching the National Athletics finals in Birmingham this year. Buckswood Stables Manager, Karen Prebble said “this was an amazing T: +44(0) 1604 864 575 E: [email protected] W: www.total-play.co.uk result for the team’s very first competition, it has given us a benchmark from which to develop and I am looking forward to an exciting season. Congratulations to all the girls and good luck for the next competition”.

38 Sport Sport 39 How much liability insurance is Outreach maths champions enough? A team from Harborne Primary School has been crowned the maths Be prepared, because the cost of a serious injury for which a champions in the final of a city- school is found liable could be greater than you think, writes wide maths competition organised by five boys from King Edward’s Jon Taylor, Head of Education at Marsh. School, Birmingham. In recent years, compensation liability insurance limit must Almost 50 state primary schools The Risk Exposure from Birmingham and beyond payments awarded following Does the school encourage consider the possibility that a entered teams of Year 6 pupils into accidents leading to serious pupils to engage in potentially serious injury to a pupil could the competition which is designed injuries have increased high risk activities, like rugby, lead to many years of payments to stretch their abilities whilst substantially. This is illustrated horse riding, or ski trips? and very high costs overall. having fun. in the case of Collier v. Equally, given that injury Future-Proofing Norton, 2012, where a record Harborne Primary School won payments take loss of earnings Public liability insurances are £23 million was awarded to the competition, closely tailed by into account, think about typically arranged on a “claims- a teenager left paralysed as Coppice Primary (Sutton Coldfield) whether there is potential occurring” basis, meaning in second place, and Acocks Green the result of an accident – an for serious injury to high net that the policy in force at the Primary School and Woodthorpe in award that consisted of a worth individuals, especially time of the injury or damage equal third place. £7.5-million-lump sum, and where visitors to the school are will provide the cover, even if annual payments of £270,000. Vidy Reddy, Jeremy Ho and Suhayl involved. a claim is made many years Fazal in Year 12 and Johnny Allen There are, of course, inherent The Scale of the Risk later. Therefore, the indemnity and Kiri Koumi in Year 13 at King risks in running a school and it It is important to remember limit selected now needs to be Edward’s wrote the questions for is unfortunate that occasionally that liability insurance limits adequate to cover the possible the competing primary school these risks crystallise with serious generally apply to each effects of claims inflation in children, which included a cross- consequences – both human and number and maths relay races. incident, not each individual, future years. financial. Clearly, action to identify so it is critical to consider Of course, the risk factors that Jeremy Ho, one of the boys and mitigate risk is common who organised the competition, worst case scenarios. Assess could both lead to a serious NOT ALL PERSONAL ACCIDENT practice in schools but no amount said: “We’ve loved seeing all the the potential financial cost of accident and help to determine of risk assessment and preventative children coming to our school to an accident resulting in serious the level of liability cover action can completely eradicate compete in the heats. They have so required will differ from school COVER IS THE SAME the chances of a serious accident injury to more than one person much energy and enthusiasm for to school. Ultimately, it is for occurring. With this in mind, it is – for example, an “awards day” mathematics!” the school to decide the level of also very good practice to review may involve an unusually high Can your pupils’ personal accident insurance scheme extend to include Tom Arbuthnott, Director of cover appropriate to them and the level of liability insurance a number of pupils, parents, and Outreach at King Edward’s School, remember, this is one area where the school’s teaching and support staff? school has in place. staff being on school premises said: “It’s wonderful to see so many at any one time. no-one can say that they are schools taking part in this activity This leads on to the question of fully covered. When considering and I know that their pupils – and “How much cover is enough?” Long Term Costs the limits appropriate to the To find out how we may improve your current personal accident insurance cover, please contact us ours – have benefited from the extra This is a difficult question to As was the case in Collier risk that your school presents, today (quoting ISJAN15): stretch and challenge provided by it. answer. Indeed, there is no v. Norton, 2012, injury guidance is available so do ( 01444 313174 * [email protected] 8 uk.marsh.com/education Congratulations to the team from correct answer. The level of compensation payments can involve your insurer or insurance Harborne Primary School who were cover considered reasonable continue for a considerable broker in this process. Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Copyright © 2015 Marsh Ltd. All rights reserved. the overall winners. for the risk presented needs to number of years, and take into account a range of this is clearly a particular For further information, please visit “Through sharing our resources, uk.marsh.com/education or join the our teachers and our facilities considerations. consideration for schools. Any Marsh UK Education Forum on LinkedIn. with primary schools, we can help Marsh Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Copyright © 2015 Marsh Ltd All rights reserved. challenge their brightest children.

40 Finance

IS_PA_JAN2015.indd 1 22/12/2014 10:00:06 Outdoor Spitfire in memory

Pilot-Officer Paul Abbott Baillon, R.A.F. (V.R.) of former pupil pilot Killed in Action Ratcliffe College, Leicestershire, has The last pilot to fly this actual Ferry Pool for the Air Transport students, but is a long process as learning been gifted the entire remains of aircraft was Paul Baillon (a Auxilliary (ATA). The ATA flew the average age of those involved a World War II Spitfire following former pupil of the School during over 50,000 flights from here in is about 13. They need to be – a breath of fresh air its recovery from Salisbury Plain 1923-32). His daughter, Rosemary that time, so it was a major hub taught how to hold tools properly just over a year ago. The School’s Baillon, who never knew her for them. The die was cast for a before even using them, but that Open-air lessons are fast becoming a familiar feature in the school curriculum; but far from students are currently building a father as he was shot down Spitfire build as it would be an is all part of the project. A unique full-sized replica Spitfire in honour before she was born, attended on excellent way to honour the ATA project where children are building yet another seasonal ‘learning fad’, outdoor learning provides a much-needed extension to of a former pupil, Paul Baillon, who the day as well (pictured below and the aviation history of the a replica Spitfire! flew the actual plane. with Richard). school. I then discovered that The bulk of the aircraft is the traditional classroom setting while offering creative learning opportunities in a different an old boy from here had flown Mr Richard Osgood, Senior Three years ago, Mr Dominic Berry, being constructed from wood, Head of Art and Design at Ratcliffe Spitfires during the war, and was environment all year round – and it’s very much here to stay. Archaeologist, Conservation, Defence to a tolerance of +-0.5mm. College, started The Ratcliffe tragically killed towards the end of Infrastructure Organisation, and Some parts will be aluminium, Spitfire project. There are a few 1940 by none other than Helmut By Ben Evans, Headmaster at Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire. some of the injured servicemen went like the pilot door and some to the School to present the remains reasons why, as Dom explains: Wick. In fact, our pilot, Paul Baillon Taking children out of their usual who struggle academically in the story on the log circle on in the and everything it can tell us, not to cockpit/canopy parts. Airframe of Spitfire P9503 as recovered from “The School now owns the land was Wick’s last kill, seconds before environment once in a while is traditional classroom setting, can willow arbour. mention the importance of looking Assemblies on the Isle of Salisbury Plain just over a year ago that was once Ratcliffe Aerodrome, Fl. Lt John Dundas shot him down. good for the soul. Such change in achieve success in an alternative after the natural world (through Wight have been very helpful Other lesson examples might use in project Operation Nightingale. and during the war, this was No.6 In October 1940 Baillon surroundings encourages increased learning environment. recycling, energy use and pollution). with advice and have given us a giant number square for maths successfully bailed out of P9503 independence, engagement, Parents can also extend their child’s hundreds of rivets and some In reality, all learning could take calculations or a compass for over Andover having received return resilience, risk-taking and team outdoor learning experience by rivet tools. Dunlop Aircraft Tyres place outdoors, regardless of the direction, giant clock for telling fire from a Ju88. That aircraft work. Of course, exposure to the getting them to help in the garden, have donated the 3 tyres (we weather, to take advantage of the time or even pond-dipping ‘great outdoors’ is really what it’s growing vegetables in pots and crashed heavily near Upavon and still need wheels and UC legs), natural resources and areas. The around the lake. Recently some all about. Running lessons outside learning to look after them, raking was excavated last September (I Homebase have given us £750 only consideration is of course of our older year children made also brings children that much closer up leaves in the autumn, spotting was part of the team on the dig). of tools and materials, and a dressing appropriately. Children use of iPads and technology to to nature, giving them space to birds and other animals - they will It is P9503 that the students are number of individuals/companies can learn a lot from being out take photographs of the school explore and a front row seat into the love it. Take them to farms and building a full-sized replica of, to have donated items, time, and in the wind and in cold and wet buildings outside to arrange them outdoors. Many children don’t have animal centres, zoos and safari exacting detail. With the remains money.” weather. They see things differently chronologically to tell the story of an outdoor ‘home life’ with quite parks and get outside walking and of P9503, they will use any parts (how does nature cope with the the school from inception to present so much space and freedom to run enjoying the outdoors. It should they can in their build, but the vast differences between summer and day. These are all great ideas for around, get muddy, pick up sticks, not be seen as a punishment but an majority of parts are small pieces winter? Falling leaves, hibernations, encouraging outdoor learning. splash in puddles, kick leaves, climb ice on the lake etc. are all effects outdoor adventure. of twisted aluminium, so they will trees and safely light fires. The Some schools hold back on of the seasons which can be Behaviour can also be affected in a form a permanent display. introduction of outdoor learning in experienced first-hand. Children outdoor learning blaming lack of positive way when working outside. The project, known as The school gives everyone access to this also learn certain degrees of facilities but really all you need Children work more productively Ratcliffe Spitfire, has been very type of learning adventure. independence and important life is imagination, enthusiasm and a as a team when outdoors; they enthusiastically taken up by the skills such as how to dress properly willingness to do the traditional probably listen more carefully Promoting learning things a little differently when it by doing for certain weather, how to keep (because they have to) and behave active, how to keep warm when it comes to lessons and teaching. more sensibly as a result. Children Watching the seasons change is is cold, how to listen to instructions Any amount of outdoor space who typically fidget and lose focus another great marvel of working and carry them out effectively. can be used creatively to enhance in a normal classroom setting will Pioneering new IELTS qualification outdoors. Outdoor learning isn’t pupils’ learning, whether it’s a small thrive outdoors. simply for the summer months, Structuring your lesson tarmacked playground to field or King Edward’s Witley, Surrey, is the Home Office and British 2014 as Head of Learning Support there is just as much to discover grounds of many several acres. A outdoors Out of touch the first school in the UK to roll universities. It is being trialed in and EAL is spearheading the and learn during the autumn and Forest School curriculum however, How to structure an outdoor Given the right focus and motivation out a new course that aims to small groups from September 2014, initiative and comments, “Children winter months too, whether that does need trees, green space and learning session correctly is children will benefit hugely from equip international pupils with with a view to launching to all from 43 different countries choose is observing how animals live and nature (log circles, space to walk and another key consideration. At learning outdoors as opposed to an improved English Language relevant international pupils from to join the King Edward’s Witley adapt or exploring their different other structured areas for purposeful Edge Grove a forest school lesson an indoor classroom where they qualification, designed to enhance September 2015. community, to take advantage of habitats. learning) but so much can happen will begin with self-registration are more likely to have drifted off their application for university. the proven benefits of a British in other spaces too so it is important Access to the IELTS qualification Educationally, learning outside (hang your name tag on the tree), task or lost focus and interest. Although schools are not obliged education that will enable them not to overlook that. Be creative will commence from Year 10 stimulates high levels of this might be followed by a group Unfortunately, some schools are of to offer any form of specialist to develop the skills, attributes with playground markings and use and will be available as part of concentration and focus because it activity around the seated log the opinion that outdoor learning English qualification to their and knowledge required to the tennis courts or Astro turf, the the IB studies for EAL (English encourages learning by doing (one circle, a walk through the living lacks academic rigour and focus. international pupil intake, King become active global citizens. car park (safely) to measure capacity as an Additional Language) of the most important principles in hedge to collect leaves and twigs They are of course mistaken and out Edward’s Witley has been running King Edward’s Witley has a for example. pupils, although international education). It also allows teachers or to observe wildlife and then of touch. Others believe outdoor the IGCSE in English as a Foreign long-standing reputation for the the School’s commitment to pupils opting for A-levels at King to provide for all learning styles use that material to construct a Helping at home learning means taking your class Language since 2011. However, the provision of the very best teaching maximise the support available (kinaesthetic, visual, auditory etc.) piece of artwork or installation, for outside on a sunny day to read them new IELTS (International English Edward’s Witley will also be able and resources to encourage to international pupils, to ensure and means they can use a variety instance; these could then become Parents can help at home too by a story or allow them to revise on Language Testing System) has the to follow the course. all pupils to realise their full they are able to enjoy a seamless of activities from the creative the habitats for different creatures. getting their children used to being the grass – out of touch again. But added benefit of being recognised Mrs Sheila Butler, pictured, who potential. Our decision to offer the transition from King Edward’s to the practical hands-on. This Then the lesson might be finished outside (whatever the weather) and change is afoot, I believe things will as a leading qualification by joined the School in September IELTS qualification demonstrates Witley to university.” helps to ensure that those children off with a final group session or teaching them to appreciate nature improve over the coming years.

42 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 43 Want to improve academic performance? Rollalong make the grade with new school buildings Rollalong have a successful track record of delivering new schools and school extensions by Try being more active. using a combination of offsite manufacturing techniques and traditional in-situ construction. Redland High School The Gregg School Alistair Goulding, Communications Officer, Education and Young People, Sustrans At the end of 2014, the fine tuned by the Junior School Rollalong truly interpreted exactly What’s next? In the pipeline for R-Education team from Rollalong Head, providing uni-sex WC space, what I had on my wish list for this year is an exciting project with “Those who think they have not and demonstrate lower rates of successfully delivered a bespoke a kitchenette, an accessible WC the EYFS Dept. The rooms are an Independent day school in time for bodily exercise will sooner depression and anxiety. 3 classroom Early Years block in and a hygiene room, in addition light, bright and welcoming Southampton. The Gregg School is or later have to find time for Independent schools often place Bristol. Redland High School is to 3 good sized classrooms. and are so very conducive to set in 23 acres of private landscaped illness”, said Edward Stanley, the great value on sports and PE and an Independent school for girls Extensive circulation and storage memorable learning for our 3-5 grounds and the existing school 15th Earl of Derby. situated in a conservation area their pupils benefit. However it space is provided by the extra wide year olds. The whole relationship teaching facilities are, in the within inner Bristol. The new Stanley’s observation could also has been shown that there can be corridor linking rooms within the with Rollalong has been genuine, main, provided within a converted building therefore needed to meet honest and transparent from apply to finding extra time for a drop in sports participation as building. Each classroom has its Georgian Manor House. the requirements of the school, fit the offset and the workmen and study, as a wide range of research young people move on to university own independent access to the with the constraints of the local contractors on site were extremely has demonstrated that participation and again after they graduate. outdoors, and full length foyer Planning Authority and consider hard working, yet still had the in physical activity is positively windows further enhance the In the same way that a good the views of the local residents time to listen to me in helping the related to academic performance. association. learning environment for the pupils. education can provide students school run safely and smoothly.” For example, exercise has been with skills that will be used for life, The building was designed in close “Our new building really does Joe Eyles found to help students improve Artist’s impression of the new building getting children to travel actively liaison with the Junior School Head exceed all my expectations and Headteacher at Redland High Junior School GCSE grades between 10-20%, The continued success of the school can foster a habit that continues & Bursar, both of whom were taken increase concentration for up to at an early stage to view a number has meant there is requirement to into adulthood. Sustrans is a charity four hours (after walking or cycling of Rollalong’s recent projects and provide additional teaching facilities that’s enabling people to travel In March Sustrans is running the Big Pedal, an event that sees schools compete to see who within the grounds of the school. to school) and result in better to speak directly with the end users. by foot, bike or public transport can get the most pupils, parents and staff members to arrive by bike or scooter, with some Rollalong have begun groundworks scores in subjects – even after time fantastic prizes up for grabs. It’s an ideal platform to increase active travel – in 2014 more Following this consultation stage, for everyday journeys. The charity than 1.1 million active journeys were generated and 76% of respondents to our survey said on site and the building is due to be from those subjects was reallocated a mono-pitch roof was specified, has officers working in over 2,400 that pupils continued to cycle and scoot to school after the event. Visit www.bigpedal.org.uk handed over during summer 2015. to PE. to take part and find out more. together with a treated timber schools, colleges and universities vertical overlap cladding system, The design solution, provided by Physically active children also have to give young people the skills Sustrans would like to hear from independent schools about how we can work drawing on finishes acceptable to Rollalong, is to create a two storey wider social networks, are more and confidence to travel actively, with them – email Sustrans dedicated team at [email protected], the Planning Authority and liked by building in two wings around a Redlands High School, Bristol resistant to substance addiction, which has benefits for both their call 0117 915 0100, or visit www.sustrans.org.uk/education for free curriculum the school. The internal layout was feature atrium. display less social inhibition, education and their health. resources, challenges and incentive programmes. If you would like to know more about their product range or services call the Rollalong Education team on 01202 824541 www.rollalong.co.uk School benefits from PEL’s Reclamation In Education (R-I-E) New Apollo Sports Bag Rainbow storage trolleys Marathon School Supplies has had fire & security expertise a busy start to the year launching get the thumbs up its new sports bag, the Apollo, and PEL Services Ltd., one of the UK’s it seems to have attracted a lot of foremost providers of commercial attention already. fire, security and communication systems, has completed the Introducing the new Apollo, installation of a new access Marathon Director Janet Fay said: control, intruder alarm and fire “With the Apollo we wanted to bag. Instead of rigid end pockets alarm system for a school in develop a sports bag which would the Apollo has a new wet sleeve Reading, Berkshire. R-I-E is the green service provider • Flexible to the projects time cover all of the requirements of an pocket. This allows used items to which focuses solely on the restrains active child, while maintaining the St John’s CE (Aided) is a multi- be kept separate from the main reclamation and recycling of surplus style and quality of our popular cultural, multi-faith, Church of Due to the ongoing concerns with compartment, but has also made furniture and timber waste material Olympic sports bag. Gathering Leafield Environmental has anything from sports equipment England Primary School. To the reuse of Iroko timber within the bag more flexible and easier contractor and the school to from Educational establishments feedback from our customers has developed a new range of mobile to waste items such as large expand its capacity and modernise education, CLEAPSS approved of the to fit in to smaller school lockers. ensure all deadlines were met and throughout the UK. heavy-duty trolleys in bright cardboard boxes and plastic its facilities the school has recently service offered with the view. allowed us to understand the interruption to the school day was We have opened up options to colours for handy storage in bottles. Benefits of our service: features that are important to our undergone a major refurbishment minimised. “We discussed your service and took customers who want a little more schools and this led to the creation classrooms, sports halls and Smaller 100L trolleys can be and a new building has been added • We pay the Education the view that we think it is a good from our Olympic style, but at no PEL designed, installed and a of the Apollo.” outdoor areas. stored neatly under tables or in to the site. In order to meet the Establishment directly for what idea for schools. We have long been additional cost.” commissioned site wide security Versatile and light-weight they are cupboards and the generous 305L deadlines in place, work on the we can reclaim concerned at the indiscriminate The Apollo has all the features and fire alarm systems at St John’s, “Secondly, we have developed the easy to wheel about and when not trolleys are perfect for tidying existing building had to commence re-use of iroko, often used for we have come to expect from covering both the new and existing • Waste fees of the project are Apollo to be highly customisable. in use the trolleys simply stack one away large items such as sports during term time, with contractors benching, by D&T departments in Marathon bags. Premium quality school buildings in addition to the reduced We recognise the diversity in school inside the other saving valuable equipment. such as PEL working overnight schools, given report of the adverse fabric & extra-strong components, branding and the need to stand out onsite church. • Less waste is sent to landfill space. and during the weekends. Each effects of its dust. We believe that added to the classic kit bag style from the crowd when representing Trolley prices start at just £80 for • The timber and furniture is reused weekday, the school had to be in A major project, PEL Services was relieving schools of the opportunity with a double bottle holder. Two your school; with this in mind Available in three sizes and can be 100L. Lids are available on request ourselves in sustainable furniture a safe condition to welcome its awarded this contract due to its to use this material has benefits features in particular make it stand we have developed the Apollo to made in any colour to blend in with from £15 each. making pupils, making for a challenging extensive experience in fire and somewhat beyond just paying for out from the competition, Janet allow a huge variety of colour any school’s identity and branding. For more information on the NEW working environment. PEL security, its considerable work with • We operate throughout the whole the timber”. Fay goes on to explain: “Firstly, we personalisation on almost any Strong and sturdy with wheels for Rainbow Trollies or Leafield’s Services worked with the main schools and its competitive pricing. of the UK Phil Bunyan, Director, CLEAPSS have adapted the structure of the component on the bag. easy transit are ideal for storing novelty bin ranges. Tel: 0333 123 2100 Tel: 01271 830737 Tel: 01932 359188 Tel: 01225 816500 www.pel.co.uk www.r-i-e.co.uk www.marathonss.com/products/sports-bag-range/apollo www.leafieldrecycle.com

44 Products and Services Products and Services 45 Heads Hunted DESIGN : INSTALLATION : MAINTENANCE Among the upcoming head Pitch Construction : Piped Drainage Systems Sand Slitting : Blec Vibro Sand Banding Koro Surfacing : Vertidraining and principal appointments: Topdressing : Overseeding Bricklaying, paint spraying and welding were among the activities tried out by Year Davenies School Buckinghamshire 9 girls at St. Mary’s School for Girls, Essex, when they took part in the Women in The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Day at Colchester Institute. Willow Farm, Red Cat Lane Burscough, Ormskirk L40 0RF Felsted School Essex The day attracted girls from schools across the region and was designed to t 01257 255321 f 01257 255327 introduce them to skills they could learn to prepare them for careers in the Digest e [email protected] Heathfield School Worcestershire technological industries. www.duncanrosslanddrainage.co.uk As well as trying out their construction skills, girls had a taste of music technology, Kent College Pembury Kent television production, computer aided design and mechanics - changing the front wheel of a motorbike and racing to change an engine’s spark plugs. Yateley Manor School Hampshire Schools featured in this issue include: If you would like mention made of your School Cricket Specialists to Sri Lanka Abingdon School Ewell Castle School Ratcliffe College upcoming head or principal appointment for Beaconhurst School Hamilton College Scarborough College • Play on Test match Grounds Bedford Girls’ School which applications are sought please let us Hereford Cathedral School Solihull School • Sri Lankan Test coaches Bishop’s Stortford College St Mary’s School Sports turf experts James Allen’s Girls’ School • Fully Escorted know – there is no charge for a listing. Blundell’s School Kilgraston School St. Augustine’s Priory School Bolton School Sports turf construction • Free Staff Places King Edward’s School St. Benedict’s School Natural & artificial surfaces Branwood Preparatory School King Edward’s Witley St. Catherine’s School Brighton College Drainage & irrigation Leicester Grammar Junior School St. Helen & St. Katharine Tel: 01273 845117 www.qualityplayer.co.uk Bruton School for Girls Renovation & maintenance News items, contributions, comments and Leweston School St. Mary’s School for Girls Buckswood School suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Chilton Cantelo School Loretto School St. Swithun’s School Call 01722 716361 Clayesmore School Loughborough High School Swaminarayan School www.mjabbott.co.uk Crosfields School Monmouth School Swanbourne House School Please email to: Dauntsey’s School Moreton Hall School Taunton School [email protected] Dorset House School Oundle School The Leys School Westminster School Design - Construction - Maintenance - Refurbishment Edge Grove School Prior Park College A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST Epsom College Queen’s School Windermere School Create a winning team with the ULTIMATE in Experts in natural & Custom Performance Sportswear non-turf sport surfaces The Independent Schools Magazine is read by decision-makers Visit our website: gforcesportswear.co.uk T: +44(0) 1604 864 575 – Governors, Heads, Bursars, Departmental Managers – and Call our sales team on: 0116 255 6326 E: [email protected] W: www.total-play.co.uk reflects news, ideas, influences, and opinions in the independent education sector. A personal copy is mailed to heads and other key Or send us an email at: [email protected] personnel in fee-paying independent schools plus opinion formers in governments, political parties and educational associations. It is

also available on the internet. Vires per Verum – Strength through Truth Editorial Advisory Board The publishers are grateful for the interest, advice and support of a distinguished Editorial Advisory Board whose members currently include: Rosemary Brown, OBE, FRSA: Director and Chairman of the Gabbitas, Sir Chris Woodhead, formerly Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Truman & Thring Educational Trust now chairman of the independent schools group Cognita and a Professor at the University of Buckingham Deborah Leek-Bailey, OBE: 2008 Chair of the Independent Schools Henry Briggs: Senior Partner, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Association (ISA), Independent School representative with the National former school Governor College for School Leadership and former Head teacher of Babington House School, Kent Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Tory Gillingham: General Secretary of AMDIS – the Association of Marketing Public Relations, a consultancy with expertise within the education sector and Development in Independent Schools Practical Training tailored to your needs Reclamation Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) Tracy Cook: Head of Press, Independent Schools Council • Medical & Emergency Services Trainers In Education • Courses for teachers, students and parents Key Partners: All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of this magazine in part • Specialist Teenage First Aid Courses Green service providers for Subscriptions: £3 per issue, or £20 per Commercial – Jeff Rice or whole is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. surplus furniture & timber annum (ten issues) payable in advance by Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those cheque to Bull Nelson Ltd (please remember Editorial – Kimble Earl of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and images are waste streams. Production – Andrew Wicks accepted by the publisher on the understanding that the publisher to include your name and full address) to: cannot be held responsible for loss or damage however caused. All Fees payed direct to Direct Lines & email addresses: material, copy, and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free The Independent Schools Magazine unless otherwise advised in writing. Advertisement bookings are Educational Establishment, Editorial, Accounts, Distribution: 01491 671998 accepted subject tonormal terms and conditions – see website. Lower project waste fees, less PO Box 4136 [email protected] Upper Basildon Independent Schools Magazine is waste to landfill, UK wide Advertisement Sales: 01235 838560 Reading published by Bull Nelson Limited. collections. [email protected] Reg in England No 2876999. Berkshire RG8 6BS www.firstaidforlife.org.uk Production: Andrew Wicks Copyright Bull Nelson Ltd. e-mail: [email protected] Tel: 01271 830737 Email: [email protected] Tel: 020 8675 4036 www.r-i-e.co.uk www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Email: [email protected] Printed by Manson Group. HSE & Ofqual Approved

46 Independent Schools Magazine Independent Schools Magazine 47

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