independent schools guide september 2012

UNMISSABLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE Independent TheirTheir futurefuture schools specIal As the new school year begins, follow our indispensable guide to startsstarts herehere safeguarding your child’s future

Choosing the right school for your child Scan here Scan here to see the It’s the most important decision you will ever make on behalf to see the GDST in GDST in LeadingLeading girls’girls’ educationeducation action of your child. But don’t fret – Vanessa Berridge is here to help action Independent day schools for girls aged 3 - 18 Independent day schools for girls aged 3 - 18 ll educationalists emphasise of school selection. You need to observe that it is crucial to know your how well your child relates to other children, and not impose upon children, and whether he or she is shy them your own ambitions and and retiring, needing nurturing in a Ahopes. It may be difficult to assess a smaller, more caring and less challenging www.gdst.net small child’s academic potential at three school. You also need to think about how www.gdst.net or four, which is why it’s necessary to the child tends to learn, whether he or twitter.com/gdst keep an open mind throughout. But she is more visual than verbal, more twitter.com/gdst there are questions that you should be adept with figures than with words. Does www.facebook.com/TheGDST asking yourself as you begin the process the child have special talents, such as w www.facebook.com/TheGDST A network of 24 schools and two 22academies December 2009 14 September 2012 The Lady 57 A network of 24 schools and two academies 16-page schools specIal

The02DISPLAY Lady GDST AD advert Template.indd September 2012v4.indd1 1 06/09/201210/09/2012 18:33:31 10:28 The Lady GDST advert September 2012v4.indd 1 06/09/2012 18:33:31 harrow inDepenDent SchooLS SpeciaL BUILDING CHARACTER AND FULFILLING School, steeped in tradition

DoS anD Don’tS When POTENTIAL ViSiting a SchooL Do… u Prepare carefully the questions you want to ask. u Try to chat with both pupils and teachers independently. A pupil-led tour is often very instructive. u Try to observe a lesson, but also look at the children out of lessons to see how the school works. u Look at the attitude of the children. Do they relate well to their teachers? Do they look confident and happy? Is there a buzz in the classrooms you visit? u Spend some time with the school’s head and, if you’re looking at a boarding school, then ask to meet the house parents. u Find out about how the school communicates with parents. Is there ‘It’s a myth that it’s necessary to put your child’s a lively parent-teacher association? u Ask about pastoral care and about name down at birth for schools like Eton’ whether there are school counsellors to help with emotional problems. painting, music, ballet or sport? consider what it will give your child u Ask about policies on drugs, alcohol Relatively few pre-prep and prep that a day school cannot. And if you’re and bullying. Beware if the answers schools have competitive entrance thinking of full boarding, you need to sound fudged. tests, apart from in the larger find out how many pupils stay over the u Look at the noticeboards. If the population centres, such as London, weekend and whether there’s a good school advertises a wide range of where the pressure on places is range of opportunities laid on. extra-curricular activities, make sure greatest. Even if there are tests at five Even when choosing a first school, that they really are on offer, and in and seven, you shouldn’t think of these these questions should be kept in depth – not just to a handful of as exams that children pass or fail, but mind, although you may want to children in the first team. Are there as assessments as to the right kind of consider moving a child later on if, say, photographs of matches, concerts, school for your child. an academically selective school plays and flyers for other events? proves too demanding or vice versa. Starting out Location matters, too. If you’re opting Don’t… It’s a myth that it’s necessary to put for a day school, it’s best if it’s no u Forget to ask about the flexibility of your child’s name down at birth for more than 20 minutes away, so that the curriculum, and whether there is schools like Eton. In fact, Barnaby the children don’t have tiring journeys a chance for children to study more Lenon, chairman of the Independent and have their friends at hand, unusual subjects. Schools Council (ISC), and formerly believes Lenon. ‘I despair of parents u Use league tables as your chief headmaster of Harrow, stopped that who send their children some distance yardstick: they’re a guide, but Catholic boarding and day school system when he was in charge of when there is a good school nearer.’ nothing more. admissions at Eton in the mid-1990s. u Be dazzled by a whistle-stop tour All girls, ages 11-18 • 700 acres in Surrey ‘You don’t have to decide at an early Making the choice by the head, which shows off the age,’ he says. ‘Most senior schools now All these considerations will help to school but doesn’t allow you to meet 35 minutes from Central London pre-select at 11, so that your child isn’t narrow down your choice. If you are pupils or teachers. entered for a school which is relocating – from abroad or within the u Be seduced by splendid facilities if inappropriate at 13.’ UK – it may be worth employing an you’re not impressed by the staff. Choosing a school is a series of educational consultant such as Teachers are an even more important sieves. Do you want boarding or day? Gabbitas. ‘You can learn a certain resource. Join us for Open Day If boarding, weekly or full-time? Co-ed amount from school-gate chat,’ says u Just look at the public areas. Try to or single sex? Faith or non-faith? Do Catherine Walters, director of schools get behind the scenes to the Saturday 29 September 2012 you want a school that takes your placement at Gabbitas, ‘but we’re common rooms, cloakrooms and loos. child from five or seven through to 18, professionals. We keep up to date u Go against your better judgement. or do you want your daughter to make about what is happening where, and If you have any reservations about 10am-1pm All welcome the change at 11, or your son at 13? If we have knowledge of the nuances the school, don’t pick it for your child. boarding is a possibility, you should within schools that can make all w Tel. 01883 654206 woldinghamschool.co.uk 14 September 2012 The Lady 59

TheLady_210x297.indd02DISPLAY AD Template.indd 1 1 10/09/201229/08/2012 10:3213:44 Artwork 270mm x 92mm wide:Layout 1 05/09/2012 17:15 Page 1

inDepenDent SchooLS SpeciaL

World renowned BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL eton college

WITHUS SHE WILL THRIVE

‘Visit two or three schools – can you imagine your child being there, valued and thriving?’

the difference between happiness and a child is likely to be shy at interview, or three, and asking yourself whether misery for a child.’ for instance. If the parents’ aspirations you can see your child in any of them. In the early days, it’s probably best are not realistic, it is my job to tell them. ‘That’s actually more important than to choose a nearby school with a We take pride in getting our children whether the school is single sex or kindly ethos, where children can to schools where they will flourish.’ co-ed,’ he says. ‘Can you imagine your flourish without too much pressure, Having drawn up a shortlist of child being there, valued and thriving?’ even if you believe that your child is schools, you need to look carefully at Crombie also stresses the likely to be an academic high-flyer. their prospectuses and websites. If importance of having a personal tour A child who has learned to enjoy either is unimpressive, the chances are of the school. ‘Don’t just visit on a school and education is likely to be the school is, too. Don’t be over- formal open day, when a special show “School is so exciting. I love the surprises you get in A GDST school less intimidated when moving on, than influenced by league tables, but look is being put on. You need to see every lesson” Amy, Year 1 one who has been pushed beyond his at the schools’ valued-added whether there’s a buzz about the or her abilities while still small. measures, which are often published. school and good interaction between Most parents register for several If Winchester, Eton, St Paul’s or the children and the staff. As a head, schools and make the decision late in Westminster is your first choice, you’ll I most dread showing parents round the day, says Lenon. It is also vital, he need a good second choice, advises during a wet break, but then they says, to listen to the school head, who Lenon. ‘But the applicant-to-place ratio really see how the school works.’ PEN will be familiar not only with your child is probably not as frightening as it Although it’s worth taking your child O but with the schools you are looks,’ he adds. ‘At Harrow, we typically to visit one or two schools, the choice considering. ‘Prep schools don’t like had 500 applicants for 150 places, but must be down to the parents. ‘I don’t their pupils to fail Common Entrance.’ we never knew how many other see how a 10- or 11-year-old is in a Keith Crombie, headmaster of schools the pupils were down for.’ position to choose,’ says Lenon. ‘A MORNING St Michael’s pre-prep and prep school You should also contact parents at child that age will be influenced by in Kent, agrees. ‘A big part of my job,’ the school, who will be able to give a something peripheral. It’s the parents’ SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH 2012 he says, ‘is to advise parents on the detailed account of their experiences. responsibility to know their child, take 9.30 AM ‐ 1.00 PM next stage. We liaise with senior And, most importantly – visit the advice from the prep school head and schools and can play a part to help, if schools. Crombie suggests seeing two choose the appropriate school.’ uSeFuL contactS SIXTH FORM SchooLS Boarding Schools’ association charterhouse, Surrey 01483-291500, www.charterhouse.org.uk 020-7798 1580, www.boarding.org.uk Downe house, Berkshire 01635-200286, downehouse.net gabbitas 020-7734 0161, OPEN EVENING eton college, Berkshire 01753-671000, etoncollege.com www.gabbitas.co.uk harrow School, Middlesex 020-8872 8000, www.harrowschool.org.uk girls’ Day School trust 020-7393 MONDAY OCTOBER 8TH 2012, king’s college School, Wimbledon 020-8255 5300, www.kcs.org.uk 6666, www.gdst.net FROM 6.45 PM Marlborough college, Wiltshire 01672-892200, www.marlboroughcollege.org girls’ Schools association 0116-254 portsmouth high School, hampshire 023-9282 6714, www.portsmouthhigh.co.uk 1619, www.gsa.uk.com St Michael’s, kent 01959-522137, www.stmichaels.kent.sch.uk the good Schools guide 020-3286 6824, www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk 4+, 7+, 11+ and 16+ 2013 uppingham, rutland 01572-822216, www.uppingham.co.uk Fees assistance & Scholarships available (11+ and 16+) Wellington college, Berkshire 01344-444000, www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk independent association of prep Whitgift, South croydon 020-8688 9222, www.whitgift.co.uk Schools 01926-887833, www.iaps.org.uk [email protected] Winchester college, hampshire 01962-621100, www.winchestercollege.org independent Schools council Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/lad1 020-7766 7070, www.isc.co.uk getty images

60 The Lady 14 September 2012

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charterhouse Ofsted Outstanding Boarding school at Swanbourne House, Buckinghamshire

Swanbourne is set in 55 acres of wooded grounds. It was formerly the home of the Fremantle Vanessa Berridge discovers that there’s a world of difference between family whose fame was set when Fremantle sailed with Nelson’s “band of brothers”. Our Boarding old-school boarding and the all-singing, all-dancing 21st-century version ethos centres on openness, honesty and trust within a strong family home and we happily provide the fl exibility often necessary given the unique demands of Service, Foreign Offi ce and expat life. Bursaries We have a set number of Bursaries available for Service families and our Boarding cost is one of the top for value in Britain. Pupils can Feeling at contact their parents through email or telephone and are supported whatever the time of day or night. The children live within the mansion, spending time together as a boarding family in the evenings and at the weekends. The children enjoy an impressive variety of activities and trips at the weekend. home at sChool

Academic success he last few years have seen is all-singing, all-dancing,’ observes Skype, Facebook and email (although We are an academic school and many pupils gain scholarships. We are a halt in the steep decline Ian Hunt, managing director of most schools restrict use to certain non selective, yet have achieved 79 scholarships in the last six years, of boarding that took place educational consultants Gabbitas. ‘It periods of the day). Schools no longer which shows the depth within the school. in the three decades from is clear that if the school is going to keep parents at arm’s length. Although 1960.T Day schools still tend to be offer boarding, it’s going to do it Uppingham is a full boarding school, Leadership Training & Activities favoured by the majority of parents, wholeheartedly.’ with only one fixed exeat, plus half- The School offers opportunities in Music, Sport and multiple activities as the latest figures from the 2012 For boarding has changed over the term, parents are welcomed, even for boys and girls. In the senior years all of the pupils are part Independent Schools Council (ISC) last 20 years, and even more rapidly in midweek, to matches, plays and of a prefect duty team. Leadership Training is an integral part of census indicate: boarders represent the last five to 10 years, says Hilary concerts. Crucially, most parents now our programme and team tasks are set which develop teamwork, 13.5 per cent, so 68,476 out of 508,472 Moriarty, National Director of Boarding live no more than an hour and a half ingenuity, organisation, negotiation and self-reliance. If anyone was to pupils at the ISC’s 1,223 member at the Boarding Schools’ Association. from their children’s schools. sum up Swanbourne, it is about growing up with support in a school schools. The majority of schools with ‘Schools have become much more This accessibility has transformed where pastoral care is our main beacon. The sense of fun and the boarding have over 75 per cent day open and accessible. They were once the concept of boarding, and has been provision of activities, together with our strong academic organisation pupils. There are regional variations, self-contained and impenetrable in response to parents’ requirements. provides a rich tapestry. Come and see us, you can be assured of a too, with 27.9 per cent of all pupils in warm welcome. the southwest boarding, but only 2.2 per cent in Greater London, where the choice of independent day schools ‘Schools that have traditionally been day Next Open Morning: Saturday 6th October is more extensive. schools are now opening boarding houses’ The boarding sector is buoyant at To request a Prospectus or arrange a visit contact Mrs C Hollowday the moment, particularly with the internationalisation of UK schools. ‘We worlds.’ She cites the example of an The last 20 years have seen a major on 01296 720264, email offi [email protected] or visit our live in a global economy and schools 11-year-old boy who went away for the investment in the quality of boarding, website, www.swanbourne.org reflect that,’ says Richard Harman, first time to school some decades ago both in terms of facilities and of staff. headmaster of Uppingham, and during a postal strike. ‘Pupils at the ‘Boarding accommodation is much Swanbourne House School, Buckinghamshire, MK17 0HZ current chairman of the Boarding school weren’t allowed to phone for less spartan. There’s a sense that Schools Association (BSA). He points the first three weeks because it was schools needs to be a home from to an increasing number of pupils from thought they needed to settle in,’ she home,’ says Harman. The training of China, Hong Kong, Russia and recounts. ‘But they weren’t getting boarding staff has also become more “Swanbourne is just a school one would elsewhere in Europe, shown by ISC letters, either, and the school wouldn’t professional. ‘We’ve tried to retain the dream of. It is truly a great discovery.” research. bend the rules, so he had no contact enthusiasm of the amateur,’ he Gabbitas Guardianship And schools that have traditionally with his parents at the start.’ explains. ‘We still want the old- been day schools are now opening That kind of inflexibility is fashioned sort of teacher with a boarding houses, such as Whitgift in unthinkable today. Children can keep vocation, who loved being part of a www.swanbourne.org Preparation for top public schools Croydon. ‘Their weekend programme in touch daily with their parents by community and was happy to work w

14 September 2012 The Lady 63

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A breadth of academic, cultural and sporting education that otherwise would not have been possible Parent of Dragon bursary pupil

Sport at uppingham Dragon School Open Mornings DRAGON FOUNDATION FEE ASSISTANCE Up to 100% Bursaries, Year 4 entry 24-7 during term time. But we need boarding is about a partnership Spending time at close quarters also Autumn 2012 to underpin that with rigorous training between parents and school. Hunt, means that children make friends for Saturday 22 September Up to 50% Ability Awards, Year 4 to 7 entry in the issues that children face.’ Most formerly headmaster of Millfield, says life. That’s the view of Roland Bardsley, schools, too, have professionally that schools do not attempt to be whose 15-year-old daughter, Leilia, is a Saturday 13 October Boarding & Day places trained counsellors to help with surrogates, but fully involve parents. pupil at Uppingham. ‘There’s delicate emotional issues, while the ‘It’s a joint approach, a triangle something magical about the ENQUIRE NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2013 role of the house parent is crucial. between parents, school and child. confidence that a boarding school These improvements have been driven Communication is key.’ He also adds gives you,’ he believes. ‘You have to go both by the BSA and by a rigorous that schools can even enhance parents’ through so much on your own, and T: 01865 315405 E: [email protected] inspection process since 2002, when relationships with their children by that kind of adversity defines a national minimum standards for dealing with the difficult disciplinary person.’ He and his wife chose boarding schools were set. battles in teenage years. Uppingham because it’s ‘a comforting, www.dragonschool.org ‘Parents can be reassured,’ says In cases of bereavement or kind place, which cossets and looks Harman, ‘that they are paying for marriage breakdown, boarding school after the children’. His daughter has good-quality care, underpinned by a may even offer the stability and grown in self-confidence since she’s sound regulatory system.’ continuity not provided at home. been there, and is happy with full So it’s no longer a case of handing Modern work patterns and economic boarding. ‘Leilia is convinced that the over a mite at seven and getting him pressure are also changing the nature best times are at weekends. She likes back at 18 a fully-formed adult. Now, of uptake of boarding places. Many the total immersion in her own set.’ At Uppingham, the pupils are progressively given more freedom ‘Weekly boarding needs to be a genuine within a structured environment. In the sixth form, they are allowed to go out educational offer, not just a glorified sleepover’ into the local town, have more use of their laptops, and have their own parents now both work full time in rooms (many now with en-suite demanding jobs, so weekly boarding showers). There’s a sixth-form centre makes sense, leaving weekends free to and vibrant social life at weekends. For be enjoyed together. the reality is that teenagers would ‘The good thing is that there is now rather spend time with their peers. ‘In a choice for parents,’ says Harman. ‘But the sixth form, they’re so busy, they this has to be carefully managed. don’t want to go home,’ says Harman. Weekly boarding needs to be a Making the transition from day to genuine educational offer, but not just boarding for the sixth form bridges the a glorified sleepover.’ He believes that gap between day school and the very busy and varied programme university, believes Noelle Chase, of schooling and extra-curricular whose younger daughter has just left activities offered at Uppingham can Marlborough. ‘I’m not worried about only be achieved by full boarding. her moving on to higher education It’s hard to provide that kind of now,’ she says. In the end, it was her packed programme in a day school, daughters’ choice to leave their which is why Noelle Chase chose to London day school. ‘I think they liked move her two daughters to the opportunity to reinvent Charterhouse and Marlborough in the themselves. And my elder daughter sixth form. ‘It was the facilities that got the chance to play sports at attracted us,’ she tells me, ‘and the Charterhouse.’ extra commitment of the staff in a And, if you’re worrying about the boarding school.’ expense, the difference between Advocates for boarding are in no boarding and day schools may be less doubt that the extra sport, music and great than imagined, as Hunt points drama on tap in a boarding school, out: ‘When you factor in the cost of combined with constant access to petrol, extra-curricular activities, food uppingham school teachers, is of huge educational and and parents’ time, boarding can be

developmental benefit to any child. economically worthwhile.’ moRRisey pascoe 64 The Lady 14 September 2012

02DISPLAY AD Template.indd 1 07/09/2012 15:23 www.doyrms.com Telephone: 01304 245023 independent SchoolS Special St Benedict’s, Ealing A truly Independent Catholic Day School Teaching a way of living extraordinary Co-education from 3 years through to 18 school The Duke of York’s Royal Military School An Academy with Military Traditions Why choose us? Vanessa Berridge reveals We now welcome all how to prepare children children aged 11 to 18 OPEN MORNINGS Your child will enjoy: NURSERY: 4 October for the entrance exam to • an independent school lifestyle with sports, music, drama, the school of your choice Combined Cadet Force and JUNIOR: 20 September, 9 and 17 October trips abroad; • a quality education where they will achieve SENIOR: 18 September, 5 and 15 October the very best they can; Excellent Academic Results • an ethos where traditional values such as self-discipline, • self-reliance, spirituality, leadership and respect for others is present; and Outstanding Pastoral Care Making a good entrance • a busy and fun community where they can live and study with • their friends. Extensive Co-curricular and Sporting Activities Our fees are only £3,325 per term (£9,975 per year)*. We are competitively • priced as you only pay for boarding; your child’s education is paid for by the state. Come and visit us for a pupil-guided tour. We also offer ‘Taster Weekends’ SchOlaRShIPS aNd BURSaRIES IN SENIOR SchOOl so that your child can try boarding with us. hildhood has always been above their academic ability, they coach a child coming from a feeder To book a place at an open event or for more information please contact: about jumping hurdles, but won’t be happy there.’ pre-prep or prep school.’ * Our fees are reviewed annually Telephone: 020 8862 2281 it does seem that the It can, of course, be hard to hold So no child should face an entrance E: [email protected] W: www.stbenedicts.org.uk hurdles are multiplying your nerve when you discover that test ‘blind’. Parents can get papers We respect the dignity of all and welcome students of other Christian Cearlier and getting higher. The first virtually every other child seems to be from previous years to help children denominations and, in the Senior School and Sixth Form, other faiths. hurdle, which obsesses many parents having coaching. But, says Prescott, understand what will be expected. from birth, is how to get their child ‘Parents need to steel themselves not ‘The papers will also give an idea of into a school of their choice. to be influenced by other parents’ how the school makes its assessment,’ I remember ringing up a pre-prep, anxieties.’ Apart from anything else, says Hamlyn. ‘For example, does the slightly tongue in cheek, when my first schools know how to spot hot-housed English comprehension ask for written son was three weeks old, only to be children. ‘We can tell whether a child’s answers, or is it multiple choice? If Planning for the future downside SCHOOL told that I had left it rather late. So, problems with a maths or English your child has problems writing when my second son was due, I rang question is because she hasn’t met it cogently, then it may be an idea to find THE CATHOLIC CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING before he was even born. He was due before,’ says Prescott. ‘It’s our job to a school that has multiple choice. AND DAY SCHOOL FOR PUPILS 11 - 18 in August, so the lists for his year were assess natural ability. We also look at Schools should be transparent about already closed: the school secretary the child’s previous school to see their entrance exams, and you should advised me to delay his birth until whether she’s likely to have received be suspicious if they’re not.’ September (not something I fancied, in-school coaching.’ At Portsmouth High School, nor, in the event, did he). Entrance tests, says Hunt, should be younger children are encouraged to This snapshot gives an idea of how informing the school about how best spend a day at the school to familiarise competitive London schools are. And, they can help the children who are themselves with the environment. ‘If if it’s tough at three, you can imagine applying – where their strengths and the girls feel relaxed, they are likely to how much the pressure hots up as the hurdles of entry at seven, 11 and 13 approach, especially for places in the most academically selective schools. ‘Entrance examinations are an information Not surprisingly, all this feeds Open Days 2012 parental paranoia, with many parents tool – they’re not a question of pass or fail’ Nursery, Infant and Junior School opting to have their children coached Saturday 13th October, from a surprisingly young age. But the weaknesses are, and how much added show themselves at their best.’ 9.30am - 12.30pm clear message from educational value the school can give to assist Ultimately, Hunt, Prescott and professionals is – don’t. ‘Children children to reach their full potential. Hamlyn all agree that the important Senior School Outstanding co-education for 3 to 18 year olds shouldn’t be coached at all,’ says Jane ‘Entrance exams are an information thing is to let children enjoy their Saturday 6th October, Prescott, headmistress of Portsmouth tool, not a question of pass or fail.’ childhood and then sit them for the 9.00am - 12.30pm We can help... At Kent College High School. ‘Coaching may help give Susan Hamlyn, director of the Good appropriate school – nothing makes pupils realise their dreams OPEN DAYS a false impression of the child’s ability, Schools Guide Advice Service, would up for the investment of parental time. Sixth Form Evening 20th October 2012 and March 16th 2013 - 11am - 2pm which will lead to problems later on.’ also argue against coaching for the ‘It’s not down to coaching,’ Hunt Thursday 15th November, Ian Hunt, managing director of most part, but there are exceptions. ‘It emphasises. ‘What you should be 6.00pm - 8.00pm Te l 01761 235 135 educational consultants Gabbitas, is not the business of state primaries looking at is the range of cultural Email [email protected] to register agrees. ‘Extreme preparation for an to coach for academically selective opportunities that you’re giving your entrance exam will skew the test,’ he schools – so it’s disingenuous to say child. Are they reading to the highest suggests. ‘Children may well cope with it’s not necessary. In that case, a little quality they’re capable of at their age?’ Stratton-on-the-Fosse Radstock Bath BA3 4RJ getty images Download the Kent College App from the App Store the coached aspect of the exam, but coaching to give children exam Hamlyn sums it up: ‘On a summer’s Junior School • 01227 762436 • Senior School • 01227 763231 www.downside.co.uk flounder in the classroom where practice, or to give them an idea day,’ she says, ‘a child should be out www.kentcollege.com different skills are needed. If you of the maths syllabus, may well be with friends and getting into mischief, prepare children for a school that is worthwhile. But it’s outrageous to rather than going to summer schools.’

14 September 2012 The Lady 6967

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The Lady September12_The Lady 10/09/2012 16:16 Page 1 Charity registration number: 528409 BERKHAMSTED testing times A diamond school offering the best of co-educational Examination choices can be extremely confusing and recently there has been and single-sex tuition much experimentation. Vanessa Berridge unravels the options PRE-PREP & PREP SIXTH

he way children are and is a continuous programme over with another. Given that most able examined is in a state of four years from age 12 to 16. Dr David pupils are going to carry on with their flux. There are daily horror James, head of exams at Wellington, studies in chosen subjects, why not stories in the newspapers believes GCSEs are too narrow. require them to take exams at 16 only Our next independent schools aboutT grade inflation, about how our ‘For example, you can teach part of in the core subjects that they propose education and examination system is Macbeth rather than the whole play to drop? That would encourage guide will be published on no longer fit for purpose. So, in recent just to past the tests,’ he says. ‘GCSEs breadth in learning to 16, while giving years, there has been considerable are fine for schools with large classes students space for deeper learning. experimentation, most of it at and little teaching time, but that’s not That would be truly revolutionary.’ sixth-form level, but many schools the case in most independent schools.’ He adds: ‘Few other countries are now considering other options By contrast, the MYP allows schools follow the model of intensely high 14th26th September April 2013 2012 for the middle school years. to develop their own programmes, stakes earlier than school-leaving age. and to use different methods of The rationale is that GCSEs become the MiDDLe SchooL YearS assessment. ‘It’s more flexible,’ says the way in which you give people the The more rigorous and linear IGCSEs James, ‘and enables greater creativity right to specialise, so they have a head For further details please contact have now been adopted by on the part of staff and pupils.’ start at university here, which is more academically competitive schools, such Michael Gove recently threw specialist than in, say, the United JOY ROBINSON as Winchester, Eton and some Girls’ a further spanner in the works by States. But, once you start picking at e-mail Day School Trust (GDST) schools, in suggesting that GCSEs should be it, you need to look at both fifth-form addition to, or to replace, GCSEs. A replaced by the old O levels and CSEs. and sixth-form studies together to minority, such as Wellington, is taking This proposal provoked a sharp achieve an integrated whole.’ GIRLS BOYS [email protected] [email protected] up the broader-based, four-year IB response from Kevin Stannard, His argument is that children are Middle Year Programme (MYP), which innovation and learning director at the being subjected to three years of Open Days 2012 : Thursday 4 & Friday 5 October or telephone leads to the sixth-form IB diploma. GDST: ‘It is a shame that Mr Gove is intensive, high-stakes work if they or telephone Wellington offers both the MYP and not prepared to be braver when follow GCSE with AS and A2. ‘AS are Call 01442 358001 or visit our website for details conventional GCSEs (MYP pupils have assessing examinations for 16-year- helpful for sorting out university getty images www.berkhamstedschool.org to take Maths and English GCSE, which olds. Getting rid of AS exams for applications,’ he says. ‘But they’re not 020 7379 4717 is a university requirement). One in 17-year-olds would have been grasping having a great effect on teaching. A member of the Berkhamsted Schools Group Registered Charity No. 310630 020 7379 4717 three pupils at the school now chooses the nettle. Replacing GCSE with We’re getting pupils in rather than the MYP, which has no external exams O level is more like replacing one weed preparing them for university.’ w 14 September 2012 The Lady 69

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OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2012 ‘It’s the subjects offered 10.00AM – 1.00PM and the way in which To attend the Open Morning please call Nicola Jones on 01865 517103 or email they are taught that [email protected] matter most’

WYCHWOOD SCHOOL GSA independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18 the Sixth ForM two highest Distinction levels (D1 or sixth.’ He applauds recent reforms. The A* grade has been introduced at D2), equivalent to A* in A level. This ‘The January modules are likely to 74 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6JR wychwoodschool.org A level In the sixth form, to counteract includes 17 results at the highest cease within the next couple of years claims of grade inflation and to available Pre-U grade of D1. at both AS and A2 level, so the grade differentiate the highest flyers for ‘The staff have enjoyed learning inflation caused by module resit will no universities. The relatively new and alongside the girls so it’s proved a very longer apply. A levels are moving in demanding Cambridge Pre-U (more good qualification for us,’ she tells me. the direction that most heads want.’ Day, full & weekly boarding like A levels of 30 or 40 years ago) is ‘The girls have appreciated Pre-U’s That’s one of the justifications that the chosen system of Downe House, challenge and depth and they’ve Andrew Halls, headmaster of King’s GSA School 880 girls 4-18 years Winchester and Charterhouse. The received generous offers from the College School, Wimbledon, has given Founded 1885 breadth and rigour of the International good spread of universities that we for reintroducing A levels alongside IB Baccalaureate (IB) has wider appeal would normally expect.’ after six years as an IB-only school. St Catherine’s than the Pre-U, in both the state and Wellington College offers both ‘The new A* grade has begun to repair independent sectors. But the leading IB and A levels, although Dr James a reputation damaged by more than Bramley UK IB school, King’s College School, argues that IB is more testing, 10 years of grade inflation,’ he argues. Wimbledon, messianic in its promotion especially as 70 per cent of the He has also admitted that ‘for some of the diploma, has sent out shock ultimate grade comes from exams at pupils, the demands of pursuing six waves by deciding to run A levels again the end of the second year. ‘A-level subjects in the IB combined with the from September 2013. ‘The IB world is students who have banked many of commitment needed to excel in sport, “Lots of options, lots very unhappy about that,’ says their results have an easy year in the music or drama can be too great.’ Janette Wallis, senior editor at the upper sixth just before they enter It can be confusing for parents Good Schools Guide. ‘King’s College university and the most exacting stage when confronted by this maze of of opportunities - real School’s decision is a statement that of their education.’ He adds that the IB choice. But whatever diploma is IB doesn’t serve everyone.’ diploma is rigorous and interesting to offered, the teachers will teach to it. All-girls Downe House took the teach. ‘The English questions on IB Janette Wallis of the Good Schools education takes place here” decision to go over to the full Pre-U papers are like university questions, Guide suggests that this should not be Good Schools Guide 2012 diploma two years ago, believing it to testing the examinees’ ability to deal a key element in parental choice. ‘The be the best preparation for university. with wider concepts. I don’t see any qualification is not the most important ‘The grading structure differentiates increased rigour in the new A levels.’ aspect,’ she suggests. ‘It’s the subjects more keenly at the highest level,’ says Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the offered and the way in which they are headmistress Emma McKendrick, who Independent Schools Council, believes taught that matter most.’ For further details please contact also likes the Global Perspectives and that A levels are not yet dead. ‘The Parents should be looking at the Judy Corben, Registrar independent research element. The statistics don’t support the idea that amount of off-syllabus work provided, school chose Pre-U in preference to everyone is moving away from them,’ says Stannard, and the range of t: 01483 899609 the IB because, in McKendrick’s words, he says. ‘IB and Pre-U are excellent outside speakers supporting teaching. ‘We believe that the IB is too diplomas, and it’s very good to have ‘Teaching and learning should always e: [email protected] prescriptive and restrictive to enable an alternative to A levels. But I resist dominate, not exams.’ us to nurture each individual’s talents’. the idea that A levels are easier than Stannard concludes by quoting The school’s first full Pre-U cohort they were. The A-level syllabus in most Thomas Huxley, who was involved in has received its results, and McKendrick subjects is more interesting, the books devising the first public exams in the www.stcatherines.info is delighted with them, as 26 per cent are better and the AS has encouraged 19th century: ‘Examinations are good of entries were either graded at the pupils to work harder in the lower servants but poor masters.’ 70 The Lady 14 September 2012

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