If you want to read about your school in the next edition, see page eight for contact ISSUE 44, January 1, 2009 details Helping you choose the right schools for your children The appliance Inside of science YOUNG scientists at Dodderhill School are delighted with their new state-of-the-art lab- oratory – the first of two to be upgraded. The science department at the school has enjoyed much success with a year eight team winning the Birmingham University Salter’s Science competition and an excellent set of science GCSE results. Triple science NEWS Dodderhill has this year moved to the triple The gift of science option – GCSE in biology,chemistry tongues and physics to provide pupils with the best see page 2 possible option for their future and contin- ues to build strong scientific foundations from an early age through specialist teach- ing and workshops, such as the recent elec- tronics day for years five,six and seven. BUDDING BOFFINS: Maisie Heath, Lucy Greenhead and Nikki South Africa callingFoulkes,winners of the Salter’s Festival of Chemistry. NEWS By royal IN March 2009 a group of 48 chil- books and poor sporting facilities appointment dren from Winterfold House and equipment. see page 4 School in Chaddesley Corbett will In order to raise money to help travel to South Africa on a charity these children Winterfold pupils sports tour. are holding several fundraising This is the third such tour – the events and are washing cars in the first trip in 2005 involved just 17 school car park before and after pupils and their supporters.The lessons. second one,in 2007, included some The philosophy of education at 41 children. Winterfold is that learning is not Those pupils who have already limited to the classroom and that taken part agree that they will often the most valuable lessons are remember the experience for the those learned outside the class- REACHING OUT:Pupils on a previous visit to rest of their lives. room. Headmaster Bill Ibbetson- South Africa. During the course of the tour the Price said: “Sportsfields are pupils will be visiting a school important places of learning – you while I was reading Nelson Man- based in a township in Cape Town learn to win and lose gracefully, dela’s autobiography, The Long and another in rural Kwa Zulu the value of team work and trust Walk to Freedom.Irealised that achieved peacefully. For more information about Win- SPORT Natal. and the importance of helping oth- here was a country and a people “I hope that in some small way the terfold House School please tele- Notching up The schools have very little in the ers in pursuit of the greater good who had so much to teach us about 2009 tour will open the eyes of both phone 01562 777234 or you can visit historic win way of resources,with bare class- of the team. forgiveness and mutual respect the Winterfold children and the on the school’s next open day on room walls,few text and exercise “The idea of this tour developed and just how much could be people they meet,” he added. Saturday, February 7. see page 8 BROMSGROVESCHOOL Open Mornings Senior School 13+and 6th Form entry: Saturday January 17th 13+Entrance Tests: Tuesday January 20th 6th Form choices morning: Saturday January 24th Preparatory School Forentryatages 7–12: Saturday January 10th Entrance Tests: Saturday January 17th Pre-Preparatory and Nursery For3+entry: Saturday January 31st For further details please contact Admissions Telephone: 01527 579679 Email: admissions@-school.co.uk www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk 220 pupils aged 2-7,470 pupils aged 7- 13, 800 pupils aged 13 -18 FLAIR, DISCIPLINE, ACADEMIC RIGOUR II January 1, 2009

Achieving success GIFT OF TONGUES: Vidy Reddy for all of the pupils Talking the talk a first time first THEHaberdashers’ Schools in many run jointly across Mon- cent to the sports complex. pupil, Tom Lucy, went on to win Monmouth believe that mouth School and Haberdash- The schools are renowned for a silver medal in the GB VIII in A BIRMINGHAM ten-year-old has learning in primary schools while through confidence and team- ers’ Monmouth School for excellent academic results Beijing, aged just 20. beaten offstiffcompetition to win raising more than £6,000 for the work they achieve success for Girls. combined with a full pro- Entrance to the schools is the national final of the Junior Starfish Programme,which sup- each and every one of their There is an extensive bus net- gramme of extra-curricular selective from seven, but great Language Challenge, which was plies educational materials to 1,450 pupils. work including a daily bus activities and sporting fix- care is taken to assess children held at Olympia, London. Africa. Split into a pre-prep,two prep service from Hereford, Ross tures. on a wide range of abilities and Vidy Reddy, of The Blue Coat For the third year running Blue and two senior schools and and the surrounding areas. Pupils have the opportunity to to look for potential not just test School, Edgbaston, had only a Coat has fielded a national finalist with pupil teacher ratios of 1:9, Endowment income ensures perform on stage,sing in a performance. month to learn Zulu before joining in the competition, winning third each child is encouraged to excellent facilities coupled choir or experience the thrill of Theadmissionssecretariesare 37 finalists from around the coun- place on each previous occasion. develop their talents in an envi- with highly competitive fees; playing in an orchestra. The happy to send sample papers try in a competition that attracted Deputy headmaster Richard Lynn ronment which is both inspir- boarding fees at around £6,300 schools are justifiably proud of and to guide each family over 2,600 pupils.In a race against said: “This is a tremendous ing and caring. per term are amongst the best- their sporting traditions too. through the entrance proce- the clock, Vidy finished two points achievement indeed from Vidy The schools offer the best of value in the UK. Monmouth School fields up to dure. ahead after a nailbiting five after our previous finalist twice both worlds – the advantages of In total, the schools have more four teams in a year group and For more information on rounds of computer-based tasks to came so close in the last couple of single sex education within a than 50 acres of sports fields, the head rugby coach is John assessments for entry to the win a trip to Africa. The destina- years.We’re thrilledby hissuccess framework which includes a two full size all-weather pitch- Bevan, ex-British Lions. schools in 2009/10, or to tion is yet to be decided, but it may – a welcome endorsement of our co-educational nursery and es,ultra-modern sports halls, HMSG’s PE department boasts arrange a visit, please go to well be Zululand. innovative approach to language pre-prep school and a coordi- two 25m pools,performing arts a world-ranked triathlete,Car- www.habs-monmouth.org or call Earlier in the competition, Vidy learning.” nated sixth form timetable, centres,science labs,language oline Jones,and is renowned Diane Jakes on 01600 710433 for came out ahead of 300 children Vidy,who bagged a trophy, a medal where there is a choice of over and ICT suites,art and record- for its athletics and lacrosse, Monmouth School, boys aged selected to learn Vietnamese for and an impressive jewelled crown, 30 AS/A-level subjects. ing studios and a chapel. with hockey introduced in seven to 18, or call Gloria Shep- the semi-finals. added: “Winning the JLC has been A mixture of boarding and day, In 2009, the boys’ prep school, 2007. Rowers from both schools pard, on 01600 711104, for Hab- Now in its sixth year,the Junior an amazing experience and has there is a full diary of after- The Grange, will move into a regularly compete at Henley erdashers’ Monmouth school Language Challenge aims to certainly encouraged me to learn school and weekend activities, stunning new building adja- and represent GB. Former for Girls aged seven to 18. increase the profile of language more languages.” If you go into the woods today

WHATwill the visiting 180 children children see? King’s St currently in Alban’s,the independent, the junior co-educational (four-11) school,as well school,in the shadow of as those who Worcester Cathedral next will be joining to King’s Senior School, is the specially hosting a special event on designed and Friday, January 23, for purpose-built those children who are pre-preparato- thinking of joining the ry department school in years three,four housing recep- andfive inSeptember2009. tion, year one They will take full advan- and year two tage of the hidden outdoor classes,which space that is soon to pro- will be com- vide forest school style pleted in July activities. 2009. “Visitors to Developed our Children’s THE RIGHT NOTE: Margaret Fingerhut with Will Richardson, Steven Swindells,Jeffery So,Andrew Chaloner,Gavin The site will be developed Day in School Thacker and Oscar Allin. to provide an outdoor will experi- learning space that will ence the full encourage children to variety of life A musical masterclass at King’s St explore the environment and develop a love of the Alban’s,par- OUTDOORLEARNING: Issy Khogali, Gus Rendle and Anna Haywood enjoy the outdoors. MARGARET Fingerhut, This was, as always, an pianists, including natural world. ticipating in an international concert inspirational opportuni- Steven Swindells, who is Space for active play and a science,music, telephoning the school open week from January pianist and recording ty for Old Swinford’s currently auditioning vegetable garden will be IT,art and language les- office on 01905 354906. 19-22.” artist, made a return young musicians to see a for music college places included to provide oppor- sons; finishing the day Richard added: “Parents Appointments to meet the visit to Old Swinford respected artist perform in piano performance. tunities for encouraging with an orienteering chal- are more than welcome headteacher,look around Hospital in November live in their school. Each student had the the children’s physical lenge around our school’s too.We are very excited the junior school and when she gave an evening The following day, Miss chance to play for the development and allow for grounds,” said Richard about all the new develop- learn more about the new piano recital in the Great Fingerhut gave a day- others and receive advice hands-on learning. Bellfield, the headteacher. ments at King’s St Alban’s pre-preparatory depart- Hall for students and the long workshop for eight on their playing from Development of these Places are limited so it is and hope to welcome many ment can be made through general public. of the more experienced Miss Fingerhut. three areas will benefit the essential to book a place by new families during our the school office. January 1, 2009 III

The ghosts of past and present WOLVERHAMPTON Gram- putting girls first mar School students brought St Mary’s to life Dickens’ classic A Worcester’sGirls’ School Christmas Carol by choosing it as their festive production for 2008. The adaptation, which was staged at the school’s Hutton Theatre, came almost 150 years to the day after Charles Dickens himself gave a read- ing of the novel to an enthralled audience during a visit to Wolverhampton. “When we discovered that our production was on the anniversary of the author’s own reading of the novel to a Wolverhampton audience we were all very excited,” said director Ian Tyler. Production “This was the first produc- tion in the Hutton Theatre done ‘in the round’. It “Pupilshaveintellectual curiosity...” brought the actors and the audience closer together and Independent SchoolsInspection Report hopefully helped to refresh the audience’s knowledge of the original novel.” Open Events 30th January 2009 9.30am -3.00pm The actors, technicians and 31st January 2009 10.00am -12.30pm stage managers were drawn from all year groups at the DRAMATIC: Jack Harris as Tiny Tim and Ben Scholarship Date 14th February 2009 school, which is based in Acton. Compton Road in Wolver- hampton, not far from where scenes and show transitions Dickens stayed 150 years and scene changes. www.stmarys.org.uk01905 357786 ago. There were also ghostly GHOSTLY: George Potts as Scrooge. The production featured a apparitions which floated musical score with added eerily over the audience’s ran at Wolverhampton Theatre between November songs, which helped to set heads. A Christmas Carol Grammar School’s Hutton 26 and 29. A march for heroes

A DOZEN greetings with the military per- pupils,who are members of the sonnel there. Combined Cadet Force (CCF), They then continued to the city marched from Bromsgrove centre of Birmingham, singing School via Selly Oak hospital to marching songs and collecting the National Memorial Arbore- all the way. tum at Alrewas in aid of the H4H charity. Generosity The march was planned as part Arrival in the square by the of the preparation for the town hall was amidst the bright Nijmegan Marches,which the lights and festivity of the Ger- school participates in most man market and so many people years. showed warm generosity from Pupils marched in full uniform pocket and heart. and collected for the charity dur- Day two started from Sutton ing the march,as well as col- Park and the route went via Lit- lecting sponsorship monies tle Hay and Whittington to Alre- already promised. was. CHARITY COLLECTION: The Bromsgrove School cadets. The H4H march took place over At Alrewas a short ceremony two days,the route starting on was held at the Cenotaph. The who is in charge of the CCF at the cause: they were moved by Saturday from school, via the cadets marched 52km over the Bromsgrove, said: “The cadets the warm generosity shown by Lickey Hills with a stop-offat two days. all marched with a sense of deep so many people from pocket and Selly Oak Hospital to leave Corporal Richard Stephens, moral purpose appropriate to heart.” Bowling them over

A BIRMINGHAM deputy head ing clinics,the volunteers left has returned from coaching behind cricket equipment to cricket in Kenya after using the enable a basic form of the game sport to develop local communi- to be continued over the months ties and spread awareness of ahead. HIV/AIDS. T-shirts with the simple AIDS Richard Lynn, aged 50, spent a awareness message Lets help fortnight working for Cricket bowl AIDS out of Africa were Without Boundaries – a UK also handed out to children and charitysupportedby primemin- coaches alike. ister Gordon Brown and Eng- land all-rounder Andrew Successful Flintoff. “The visit was hugely success- Richard and a team of six other ful and an eye-opening experi- volunteers worked in two areas ence in so many ways.There is of the country,coaching over 300 a tremendous amount of children and 100 student teach- untapped talent in the country, ers and training a dozen new which we hope to support in the coaches. years ahead,” said Richard. The coaches,who successfully Andy Hobbs,trustee of thechar- completed the ICC level one ity and the Sussex Cricket Board award in cricket, were taught development manager, added: how to use the sport to talk about “We’re delighted to hear that the AIDS prevention, testing and Kenya project has proved such a treatment, as well as to break positive experience for our vol- down the stigma faced by those unteers and hope that others with the disease. enjoy similar success in Rwan- In addition to running coach da and Uganda later on this development courses and coach- year.” IV January 1, 2009 January 1, 2009 V

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL 1 FOR PUPILS AGED 3 /2 - 16 YEARS

WinterfoldWinterfold HouseHouse School School • Friendly caring atmosphere Come and see what makes us so special BOWBROOK • Promoting traditional values HOUSE SCHOOL • Small classes For Girls &Boys 3-13 Tel: 01905 841242 • Providing a balanced and Bursaries available for local children exciting curriculum 34 Scholarships PEOPLETON, PERSHORE • Rural location Open Day to Senior Schools So much more Sat 7th Feb 2009 in 2008 10.00am- 12 noon than an education SPOOKY: Witches and wizards bring their poems to life. CHADDESLEY CORBETT•WORCESTERSHIRE•DY10 4PW www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk They’re weaving a magic spell TEL 01562 777234 email: [email protected] www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk SPELLBOUND RGS The Grange Themed around rhythm and wonderful efforts. was overrun by witches and wiz- rhyme, the leading preparatory “Children’s Book Week is ards as its pupils and staff cele- school focused the week on poet- always a great opportunity to brated Children’s Book Week by ry writing, a task which truly captivate and inspire children. dressing up as their favourite captivated and inspired its 380 At the school we have used this ON THE BALL: Members of Bromsgrove School’s U-18 netball squad. book characters. pupils. excitement and witnessed some From Harry Potter to Lighten- The project culminated in a spe- fantastic poems and costumes,” ing McQueen and Batman, the cial assembly where the moti- said Tim Lowe, headmaster of Girls make the grade classrooms and halls rang out vated children presented their RGS The Grange. with a love for reading and individual or group poems in “It has been a great week. I am ONCE again all three age Midlands finals as runners- lands finals. Meanwhile learning that all youngsters front of the whole school and sure the pupils, like myself, groups at Bromsgrove up. The U-16 squad were Ellie Trow has been select- could be proud of. were warmly awarded for their can’t wait for next year.” WELCOME TO School have been success- undefeated throughout the ed for the West Midlands ful in reaching the West county finals, beating netball U-18 team and Polly Midlands Netball Finals. RGSAO to be crowned Fletcher has been selected Sculptors strutt their stuff OLD SWINFORD The U-14 and first team county champions and for the West Midlands U-16 both qualified for the West qualify for the West Mid- netball squad. ECO-FRIENDLY youngsters have been strutting their stuff as sculptors in the HOSPITAL first phase of a decade-long project to From create an on-site sculpture park. Around 70 ten-year-olds at The Blue ✔ Affordability ✔ Academic success Coat School, Edgbaston, worked half a day with artist in residence, Michèle ✔ Topgrade in all Ofsted inspection categories By royal the UK Kitto, a former pupil, to create a wil- low-based snake sculpture in the ✔ Excellence in music and sport school grounds. Head of department appointment with Nicky Lambert-Green said: “Creating ✔ Boarding fees just £3075 per term a sculpture park offers a wonderful opportunity to take art out of the class- ✔ Strong Pastoral Care System GEORGE Sinton, the ex-head of Heathfield School, Wolverley, and former school secre- tary Jean Hunt attended a Buckingham Palace garden party last summer in recognition love room and to work with natural ✔ Weekend programme of activities of their combined service to the school of more than 60 years. The sun shone, the bands resources. So many children love played and it was a memorable day. LAST summer Heathfield working in 3-D: this workshop has ✔ Sixth Form day student places for boys and girls teacher Andy Coomer spent a allowed a whole year group to learn a month working in an SOS Chil- new craft and at the same time to cre- dren’s Village in Tema, Ghana. ate something that future generations Forfurther details contact the Registrar on He took with him more than 150 of children can enjoy. It’s been a stim- 01384 817325 or email [email protected] football shirts, which had been ulating experience for us all.” This donated by Heathfield children, year’s project has been funded by the which were accepted with great school’s art department and spon- OLD SWINFORD HOSPITAL thanks and amazement. It was sored by Tyndallwoods. Later sculp- WORCESTER a very successful trip that will tures will continue the theme of work- HEATH LANE, STOURBRIDGE, DY81QX hopefully be repeated in the ing with natural resources. future. HANDS ON: Youngsters working on a sculpture. website: www.oshsch.com Moffats: ahappy and successful independent school set in rural parkland near Bewdley. KING ED SCHOOL ! day &boarding M ! small classes ! high academic standards for ! attention to individual Boys&Girls needs &strengths aged4to13

King’s St.Alban‘s Co-educational Boarding and Day School 8 - 13 years Independent co-education forages 4to11 Outstanding academic record in preparing pupils for all public and senior schools Expecting high GCSE grades? Open Week Then whynot maximise your chances of aplace Assisted places available at atop university? 19-22 January2009 Set in 90 acres, the school has exceptional facilities for •Excellent A-Levelexam results (93.8% Aand Bgrades in 2008) sport, art and music including indoor swimming pool and •Outstanding opportunities forsport, music and drama. Children’s DayinSchool riding stables. A wide range of evening and weekend activities. Chalet in the French Alps. •Non means-tested Scholarships and means-tested Assisted Friday23January2009 Places forboth science and arts candidates. Contact us for further details: Formoreinformation telephone 01905 354906 King Edward’sSchool warmly invites Sport &Riding daily our 100 acre grounds To find out how your child John Walker Esq, Headmaster, Abberley Hall applicationsfor Sixth Form places. can flourish, call us on Confidence Worcestershire WR6 6DD Forfurther details please telephone Mrs Nicole Phillips,Admissions and Marketing Full, weekly and flexi- 01299 841230 Tel: 01299 896275 boardingwith pre- & in achanging world Co-ordinatoron0121 415 6056 after-school care for moffats.co.uk e-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] day children Asmall school in abig house www.ksw.org.uk [email protected] www.abberleyhall.co.uk www.kes.org.uk VI January 1, 2009 We’re striking a perfect balance

WEST House School, Birmingham’s leading independent preparatory school for boys,has enjoyed a year of notable successes. In June,the school was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspec- torate which concluded that ‘pupils are receiving an education which goes well beyond the academic cur- riculum and successfully prepares them for their senior schools.’ Headmaster Alistair Lyttle said: “The inspectors were extremely impressed by the balance between academic rigour and the develop- ment of the whole child. Describing TOUCHING: Graves from the First World War. our oldest pupils as ‘true ambassa- dors for the school’ strikes some- thing of a chord and represents the Moving war graves visit passion that the boys feel for their education.” A GROUP of 23 students of the Old Swinford Hos- Located in St James’s Road in Edg- from Old Swinford Hos- pital School community baston, West House School enjoys GOOD SPORTS:West House School enjoys superb sporting and academic facilities. pital took part in an at the Menin Gate. fine facilities and places a strong exciting, but emotional, An emotional experi- strong sporting reputation in which occasions. emphasis on music,sport and the educational visit to the ence for everyone was the many pupils win club,district and Mark Denham, the delighted head creative arts in which all pupils play First World War battle- discovery of the grave of county honours. of PE and games,said: “The result an enthusiastic and active role, fields of Belgium and Old Foleyan William During the autumn term, the U-11 is obviously very pleasing and well- while being academically prepared France. Rubery,ofthe Worces- football team secured victory in the deserved. The boys enjoy their sport for Birmingham’s selective second- Of particular interest tershire Regiment, who prestigious Ellesmere College six-a- and work extremely hard – the team ary schools. was the 46 Old Foleyans died, aged 30, in 1917. side tournament having been run- ethic is one that is promoted from a The school’s five acres of pictur- (former students) who Henry Baker laid a ners up on a number of previous very early age.” esque grounds have contributed to a died in the conflict. memorial cross and Most of their bodies poppy at his grave in the were never found and New Irish Farm Ceme- students tried to locate tery,Ypres. their names on numer- The visit really helped to Our school is a ous memorials, such as bring this crucially the Menin Gate and Tyne important historical OLD FOLEYAN: The headstone of Cot Memorial Wall in topic to life and deepened William Rubery in Ypres. Ypres. the students’ under- Charlie Sterne laid a standing of the devastat- the lives of some ten mil- real community poppy wreath on behalf ing conflict, which cost lion men.

PUPILS feel at home at the Elmfield Rudolf Steiner School where teach- ers meet each child as an individual, whole human being with their own unique potential to be encouraged and where parents get involved and work closely with the school in sup- porting a healthy childhood and cre- ating festivals and fundraising events. Pupils learn to understand and sup- port each other and to recognise each one has different strengths and so can help in different ways. At Elmfield all pupils are respected and encouraged to respect them- selves,those around them and the world as a whole and so become tol- erant, caring and supportive adults. KEEP ON RUNNING: Susan Passmore, from MNDA, surrounded by members of the WGS coast to coast team. In this atmosphere pupils learn THE RIGHT NOTE: Music plays an important part in the curriculum. readily and appreciate the school and will give up free time for the forms of further education. children from three-years-old to Best foot forward school, the community and for each Music,crafts and the arts are as GCSEs. other. strong as the humanitiesand the sci- Why not come and find out more STAFF and students at goes from St Bees in MNDA, said: “We were The broad unhurried curriculum ences in the weekly, yearly and about Elmfield’s exciting and bal- Wolverhampton Gram- Cumbria to Robin Hood’s thrilled when WGS addresses children’s needs physi- whole school rhythm of learning. anced education. mar School have put Bay in North Yorkshire. approached us to offer cally, emotionally, socially and men- Pupils go on a wide variety of trips The Stourbridge school is one of 30 their best foot forward to “Each student runs for their support. Events tally so that pupils mature in a bal- and off-site activities including Steiner schools in the UK and a 1,000 raise more than £8,000 half-an-hour then rests such as this do so much anced and sustainable way. such things as a survival trip in worldwide.An open evening will be for a leading regional for three-and-a-half over to raise much-needed This approach enables clear think- Scotland, an exchange with a class held on January 20 and there will be charity. a continuous 24 hour funds and to increase ing, creativity and flexibility to from a German Steiner school, the an open afternoon on Saturday, The ten year ten stu- period. It is quite an awareness of this terri- meet life’s challenges. Duke of Edinburgh Award and join- March 14. dents ran more than 190 undertaking, but the stu- ble disease. A high proportion of the pupils con- ing a choir and/or orchestra. For more details call 01384 394633 or miles across the width of dents always respond so “Motor neurone disease tinue to Oxbridge colleges and other Elmfield School, Stourbridge, takes email [email protected] in their annual fantastically to the chal- (MND) is a rapidly pro- coast to coast charity lenge.” gressive,fatal disease run. The £8,304.93 raised This year students ran that affects around 5,000 by the event, which took on behalf of the region- people in this country.In Amongst the top ten place in May, was recent- al branch of the Motor the UK at least five peo- ly handed over to this Neurone Disease Associ- ple a day die from MND year’s beneficiaries – the ation (MNDA), a cause and life expectancy for WILLIAM Sarhangian, a ton, sat the AS-level gov- extremely hard and to Motor Neurone Disease particularly close to the most people with MND is student at Old Swinford ernment and politics attain 100 per cent in all Association. school, as four years ago just two to five years. Hospital School, Stour- exam last year and the three papers is outstand- Heidi Dalzell, head of a former WGS student, “The fantastic amount bridge, was amongst the results show that out of ing.” Jerry Jarvis,Edex- girls’ games at WGS, David Hussellbee, the raised will enable us to top ten students in the 9,846 candidates,William cel’s managing director, said: “Coast to coast is an uncle of one of the cur- continue to support country – according to achieved one of the high- said: “This is a tremen- annual event, which has rent coast to coast team those with motor neu- Edexcel, the UK’s largest est marks overall. dous achievement and been taking place for sev- member Freya Hussell- rone disease and their awarding body. Outstanding testament to the hard eral years now. bee, died from the dis- families, and to fight William, aged 17, from work students put into “Ten students work ease. against a disease for Tettenhall, Wolverhamp- Old Swinford Hospital preparing for their extremely hard to pre- Susan Passmore, region- which there is currently headmaster Peter Jones exams.We send our con- pare for the run, which al fundraiser for the no known cause or cure.” TOP STUDENT:William Sarhangian. said: “William worked gratulations to William.” January 1, 2009 VII School’s record breaking success

LANDMARK EVENT:Staffand pupils celebrate the school’s success. School gains International MAKING SCIENCE FUN: Children at a science fair. KING Edward’s, Birmingham, has Baccalaureate accreditation been one of the best academic AFTER a rigorous applica- tember 2009. undergone IB training over- schools in the country for over a cen- tion and inspection process, Chris Edwards,the head- seas,and more will follow. tury and in 2008 previous records Bromsgrove School is master,said: “This is a land- The programme will be were broken in every year group delighted to learn that it has mark event and gives Broms- delivered to the standards with 73 per cent of boys achieving been accredited by the Inter- grovians a sixth form option that have graced A-level and an A grade at A-level and 63 per cent national Baccalaureate that will open numerous there is a huge sense of gaining an A* at GCSE – an increase Organisation as a World IB doors previously closed to expectancy among both staff from 40 per cent A*s grades only two School. them. It is also a develop- and pupils.Please note that years ago. Bromsgrove will be offering ment of immense signifi- A-levels will continue to run “These are truly exceptional the International Baccalau- cance for the long term alongside the IB Diploma results,” said John Claughton, CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN: Pupils enjoying a trip to the Alps. reate Diploma to its sixth future of the school. Programme – this is a gen- “achieved by boys who are also form pupils as an alterna- “Groups of Bromsgrove uine choice; an enhance- doing an extraordinary range of tive to A-levels from Sep- teaching staffhave already ment not a replacement.” other things.They reflect not only hard work,but the wonderful rela- tionships and support that this school engenders.” Excellence is obviously one goal of this school,but so is accessibility. The school is also striving hard to ensure that these opportunities are available to all able boys,whatever the financial situation of their par- ents.The school has extended and will continue to extend the provi- sion of assisted places,funded by the King Edward’s Foundation and the generosity of former pupils,and 30 per cent of boys have some form of fee reduction, with ten per cent having free places. Another major change is the inten- tion to offer the International Bac- calaureate Diploma to the sixth KING OF THE HILL: Pupils get a taste of hill walking. form from September 2010. GOLD RUSH: Old Swinford Hospital students celebrating with Linford Christie. “This is an historic change for King for Girls.This project is being fund- and rugby and cricket and hockey, Edward’s School,” said John ed through the substantial generos- now coached by Great Britain inter- Pupils with golden touch Claughton, the chief master. ity of a former pupil of King national and Olympian Michael “We believe that, with its breadth, Edward’s and the King Edward’s Johnson, continue to thrive. its freedom and its recognition of all THIRTEEN members of Linford Christie. achieved their gold Foundation, and will provide excel- Then there are the clubs and soci- Old Swinford Hospital’s It has been a record year award through a diverse aspects of a pupils’ education, it will lent facilities for music and drama eties,which range from debating to provide the right challenge for the Duke of Edinburgh for Old Swinford Hospi- range of activities for a to match the remarkable quality of the Warhammer Society; and the award group travelled to tal’s DofE scheme with period of at least 18 boys that we have in this school.” those activities. trips,which range from a day hill Life at King Edward’s is certainly St James’s Palace, Lon- an incredible 18 students months. They worked Thereafter,anew integrated sports walking to three weeks in Madagas- don, to receive their gold collecting their gold tirelessly through five much more than academic achieve- centre will be built to support the car. ment. The school has recently DofE certificate from awards and it makes it sections of the award – wide range of sports that are played This is a school that is remarkable DofE Trustee, HRH The the biggest single award volunteering, physical, announced the building of a per- to a very high standard: for example, initsachievementsandcontinuesto forming arts centre in collaboration Earl of Wessex, and centre in the Midlands. skills, expedition and a the U-18 water polo team won the develop to provide even more in the Olympic gold medallist Each student has residential section. with King Edward VI High School national championships last year future. Linking up for football glory

RGS Worcester & The Alice Ottley provided to the RGSAO school teams, School has teamed up with long stand- as well as other schools locally. “A link up of ing premiership football club Aston “A link up of this calibre is a fantastic Villa. opportunity for RGS Worcester & The The link will see RGS The Grange Alice Ottley School and truly puts our this calibre is become a regional base for the Mid- three schools on the map as a beacon of lands’ giants in regard to their com- sporting excellence,” said headmaster a fantastic munity activities and talent identifica- Andy Rattue. tion for girls and boys. “A ston Villa are the biggest club in the opportunity” The link-up kicked offwith a boys six- Midlands and their community depart- a-side U-11 football tournament open to ment offers a fantastic range of activi- opment officer,said: “A s a premiership Worcester’s local junior schools. ties and coaching to both boys and girls. football club,we are always looking to The competition winners from each To have them based locally at RGS The develop football for all, as well as iden- region then competed in a grand final Grange takes the school to a totally new tify new areas and top notch facilities at historic Villa Park for the honour of level and means we can now strength- in which to improve participation and representing Aston Villa in the Com- en our links with our community,” enjoyment. We feel RGS The Grange munity FA Premier League Tourna- added Tim Lowe,headmaster of RGS can match our demands and together ment. The Grange. we can offer a fantastic football experi- Other parts of the RGSAO-Aston Villa “A s a school we offer a first class edu- ence to both girls and boys across the partnership will see up to four com- cation through first class facilities.It’s whole Worcester area. munity soccer schools a year taking great news that Aston Villa, a premier- “It is an exciting opportunity for us,as place on the 40 acre RGS The Grange ship football club,has not only recog- I hope it is for Worcester.My team and site and football coaching will also be nised and identified us,but also tied Ilookforwardtocomingtothearea,vis- themselves into what we have to offer ON THE BALL: Aston Villa’s Joe Hunt with pupils iting as many schools as possible and both our pupils and the wider area.” Joshua Nott, Francesca Vella Bonnici and headmas- further developing Aston Villa’s Joe Hunt, Aston Villa’s football devel- ter Tim Lowe. Worcester links.” VIII January 1, 2009 You can contact us at: Editorial Advertising Alex Wellings (Please Please contact Roz put Independent Educa- Barnes on 01527 889050 tion in the subject line) Email editorial: [email protected] Email advertising: [email protected] All inquiries to 5 High Street, Bromsgrove Lois Girls notch up historic win makes GIRLS from the RGS Worces- against adult opposition ine Field, although Zoë has ter and The Alice Ottley from Birmingham RC and won many events including her mark School Boat Club made his- Avon County,winning the national medals in her single tory when they recorded the event by five seconds. scull. LOIS Brown, of Heathfield School, school’s first ever female It was a fantastic moment for The weekend also saw victo- Wolverley, won the year seven dis- rowing crew victory. the newly-victorious crew of ry for the RGSAO men’s J16 trict cross country championship at Competing at Wycliffe Head Sophie Stevens, Ros VIII, beating opposition from the Wyre Forest visitors centre and and Monmouth Head, the Goldrick, Zoë Thompson, Monmouth RC and Swansea was selected to run at the county championships.Well done Lois. girls S4 coxed four raced Julia Davies and cox Cather- to win the novice VIIIs event. Waterbabes make quite a splash HOLYTRINITYSCHOOL WATERBABES from Heathfield School, Wolverley, tasted suc- cess at the Midlands ISA Championships, which were held at Wal- sall in November. Scholarships Eliza and Josh Bradley, from the senior school, and won both of their events and went on to bursaries represent the Midlands region at the National available. Swimming Champi- onships, held at Coven- try. PERSONAL TOURS available every Friday,8.45am until 12pm. Both performed extremely well in their Join us for School Assembly at 8.45am. individual and relay Harry Liversidge, from No appointment necessary -simply turn up! events – Josh won two SILVERWARE: Eliza and Josh Bradley with their medals. gold medals and two sil- year four,also repre- DELIGHT:Harry Liversidge with his medal. HTS School -Independent Co-educational Day School, 3months to 18years ver. sented the Midlands Eliza won one gold, one region in the U-10 boys awarded a sliver medal. won the National 01562 822929 or email: [email protected] -website: www.holytrinity.co.uk -www.iesedu.com silver and two bronze. freestyle relay and was The Midlands region Championships. Registered as aCharity No: 517893 Education for life learning with hands, heart and head

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Heath[eld is an independent day school for boys and girls from 3to16years with an on site day nursery for babies from 3months

T Open Day h g Wednesday 28th January 2009 e in .QYGT CPF7RRGT 5EJQQN 12'0 &#; lov rn VJ ,CPWCT[  PQQP e of lea Year 7 Entrance Exam: 20th January 2009 Heath[eld School, Kindergarten Drop in: Every Friday 9.30-11.30am & 1.30-2.30pm Please ring for aprospectus Wolverley, #EJGGTHWN YGNEQOGIWCTCPVGGF 01562 850204 Kidderminster, (QT HWTVJGTKPHQTOCVKQPEQPVCEV    info@heath[eldschool.co.uk Worcs. CFOKUUKQPU"UIUGEQWM YYYUIUGEQWM www.heath[eldschool.co.uk DY10 3QE 4GIKUVGTGF EJCTKV[ PWODGT