February 2017

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FORD PEUGEOT VAUXHALL APPROVED SUPPLIERS THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF SCHOOL MINIBUSES Our front page pictures In this issue... Handling a Crisis & the Resulting PR Fallout 05 ~ practical tips from a specialist Community Action & Partnership Mentoring 08 ~ 11 ~ examples of best practice from across the country Mental ‘Toughness’ 12 ~ 13 FULLY TYPE APPROVED SCHOOL MINIBUSES ~ new research findings will help staff help pupils Extended Project Qualification 16 Cake for all ~ value to sixth-formers The dining room at Manchester High School for Girls was busier than usual one day last Profile 20 ~ 22 month (January) as each and every one of ~ in conversation with Sarah Dunn the School’s 938 pupils, from the Preparatory Department through to Sixth Form, received a piece of birthday cake with their lunch. Is Complacency Creeping The special treat was part of the School’s Into Outdoor Learning? 26 ~ 27 Founders’ Day celebrations, marking the day ~ head detects a tick-box approach that Manchester High first opened back in 1874. Mental Health First Aid Training 36 At 143 years old, MHSG is the oldest all ~ advice for staff in supporting pupils girls’ school in the city. Its roll call of alumnae boasts prominent figures from history, such as the pioneering Pankhurst Plus sisters to women like Libby Lane, the first Premier opens eco-garden 04 female bishop of the Church of England, and Nicola Mendelsohn, Vice-President of Head predicts rush to independent sector 07 TAKE A CLOSER LOOK Facebook, who continue to smash through D&T teacher loses stress case 15 the glass ceiling today. Can air pollution harm classroom learning? 18 Mrs Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress, Artist~in~Residence inspires pupils 19 New and Used 9 -17 Seat School Minibuses commented: “Healthy eating is always the Music & Drama Focus Feature 23 ~ 25 B and D1 Licence Options focus of meals here at Manchester High and we encourage pupils to choose foods that Sports & Schoolwear Focus Feature 28 ~ 31 Fully Type Approved and Certified by the VCA promote concentration, energy and well- ‘Thinking of Others’ ~ charity efforts 32 ~ 33 Flexible Finance Plans to Suit all Budgets being. That said, we did think the School’s Staff rise to DofE Diamond Challenges 33 36 Months New Minibus Warranty 143rd birthday called for something a little Finance, Business, Insurance Focus Feature 34 ~ 35 extra special.” 12 Months Used Minibus Warranty Changing Faces...Changing Places 37 The School’s extensive archive collection Comprehensive Choice of Mobility Options shows that just 60 girls were enrolled in New Products & Services; The Digest 37 ~ 38 Full Nationwide Service and Support lessons on Manchester High’s first day in 1874. The youngest was Jane Porter, seven Heads Hunted; Editorial Advisory Board; Contact Us; A~Z of featured schools; years old and the daughter of a pawnbroker. e-magazine free subscription offer ~ page 39 Choose with confidence, our knowledge and At 18, Annie Worthington was the oldest support make the difference, call today pupil. She came from a family of merchants. Pictured are the current youngest and oldest pupil – Preparatory pupil, Safa Bilal Fine specimen aged four years and five months, and Maria A detailed drawing of a benefits of combining art 01202 827678 Hussain, 19. lion atop a lion’s skull and science. redkite-minibuses.com by Sasha Morgan, an Art Sasha, 12, won an art set Scholar at St. Mary’s School, and art experience day [email protected] Essex, impressed the judges at the Royal Veterinary Unique designs of the Royal Society of College, which included a Drawings by St Leonard’s School, Fife, pupil Biology’s Nancy Rothwell behind-the-scenes tour of Charlotte Baillie have played a transformational Award. Sasha’s artwork was areas not usually open to role in the refurbishment of her boarding described as Outstanding in the public. Sasha also took house, as they have been incorporated into the judging of the national part in workshops led by fabrics used throughout the building. FORD PEUGEOT VAUXHALL APPROVED SUPPLIERS award, which celebrates acclaimed artists, including Full story and images page 6 specimen drawing in London Zoo’s artist in THE UK’S LEADING SUPPLIER OF SCHOOL MINIBUSES schools and highlights the residence Tim Pond. Independent Schools Magazine 3 Premier outdoor moments

Year 7, 8 & 9 girls at The Towers School, Sussex, took part in an eco- building project to build a ‘Live Willow Dome’ on their school field. This will be used by the students as an outdoor recreational room and learning zone. The initial concept, planning and organisation took place during lunchtime eco-club meetings. Theresa May declares the garden open watched by head Joanna Leach, The club then went on to harvest chair of governors Wayne Bradley, and girls on the schools eco-committee willow at Gatwick as a part of the Gatwick Greenspace Partnership On the very day that Donald Trump not have extensive grounds, the instigated by Science Teacher Mrs project, where they learnt how was being sworn in as President creation of the Eco Garden gives Knott and the Eco-Committees, to coppice, about woodland of the United States of America the school opportunity to make past and present, the garden ecosystems and woodland last month (January), Prime learning outside of the classroom designer Julia Wickham-Smith and management. Then, with the Minister Theresa May was giving more alive in the outdoor setting. funded by the PTA. help and guidance of The Sussex an assembly to school children and One of the aims of the garden is to Mrs Joanna Leach, Headteacher, Wildlife Trust, they built the dome. opening their new Eco Garden. help to educate the girls on eco- said “As a girls’ school we are all friendly issues and turn theory into Theresa May spoke to pupils at very proud to see a woman not practice, not only teaching but also Highfield Preparatory School, only as our local MP but as the reinforcing the love of learning. It Prime Minister of the country. I am Berkshire, about her role and will also be used as a quiet area to sure that all of our girls here today then answered questions from the observe the birds and a conducive have been inspired by the visit and girls in assembly before officially place for quiet reflective time. you never know, there may be a opening the garden. One pupil The Highfield Vision is that the future Prime Minister amongst us. asked the prime minister how many Beacon of Excellence is achieved As we know it is an incredibly busy shoes she had, to which she replied through a partnership between the time for the Prime Minister and ‘not enough’. girls, the staff and the parents. This we all felt truly honoured here at Even though Highfield Prep is project has been an outstanding Highfield that she gave us some of a town centre school that does example of this having been her very precious time.” Pupils of Kelvinside Academy Nursery, Glasgow, have been pulling Pupils from Kingswood School, on their wellies and exploring nearby Bath, planted a Mulberry tree in the woods located just a five minute grounds of the school as part of a walk from school. national tree planting initiative. The idea behind Forest Kindergartens Launched by the Boarding Schools’ originates in Scandinavia and the Association, The Boarding Orchard, concept has been championed by as the project is known, aims to Forestry Commission Scotland. be the largest orchard by distance Glasgow City Council has also in the UK and involves boarding supported this, rolling out similar schools joining the orchard by initiatives across the city. planting fruit trees in their grounds. Speaking about Kelvinside Academy The trees symbolise the ‘tree of Nursery’s recently introduced Forest knowledge’ and demonstrate each Kindergarten Tracy Nugent, Head school’s commitment to growth Kingswood boarding pupils. development society jointly run by and caring for the environment. of Nursery said: “There are so many Since its launch, schools across the Said Mr Morris: “We are delighted to staff and pupils, we host the Youth benefits to allowing children to UK - including Wales, Scotland join the BSA’s national tree planting Climate Summit here in Bath. play freely in woodland. As well as increased physical activity, the and Northern Ireland – have joined initiative. At Kingswood we are “The Mulberry tree has particular The Boarding Orchard, and trees outdoors is a great place to learn passionate about the environment significance here at Kingswood. The have also been planted at boarding and contributing to a fair and as the children witness nature Mulberry harbours used on D-day schools in Switzerland and the USA. sustainable future for all. Many first-hand and discover more for the landing on the Normandy independence through real-life Kingswood Headmaster, Simon of our pupils take part in a wide beaches were designed at the school experiences. Morris, and Boarding Schools’ range of activities, projects and Association Chief Executive, programmes that cover the many during World War II when members “Research has shown that Robin Fletcher, who also lives in facets of sustainability and, as well of the Admiralty were resident at the concentration levels are improved for Bath, planted the new tree with as having our own sustainable School.” children who learn outside. Pictured l to r: BSA Chief Executive, Robin Fletcher, Kingswood Deputy Head Gordon Opie, Hugo Weston, Sabrina Robley, Head of the Kingswood Foundation, Simon Morris, Wilfred Nokes, Polina Kuprish, Mimi Watts, Nino Buranasetkul, Stephanie Sergeant, Kingswood Head of Boarding, Angie Wright and Fonthill Housemistress, Claire Sergeant.

4 Independent Schools Magazine How would you respond to allegations of inappropriate behaviour by a teacher or pupils? How would you manage a coach crash involving pupils on a school trip? Avoiding the sticks and the stones Handling a crisis and the PR fallout is tough. However, there are simple practical steps that could make all the difference, says Elisabeth Lewis-Jones.

The variety of activities offered How would you manage a coach information to stop dangerous car by schools, coupled with the crash involving pupils on a school park gossip? Have you empowered emotive subject of children and trip? Are your plans tested? staff to report any concerns to you have instant media interest, When did you last run a table you, to allow for swift action? of expenditure can be agreed especially when something goes top exercise to check responses, 4. Keep calm in a crisis wrong. Managing that response information and communication? quickly. You need to fly parents If you’re in charge and the worst out? Then you need that expense effectively is key to maintaining a Agreed, flexible protocols happens, gather your thoughts agreed quickly. positive reputation. developed in ‘peace time’ are vital – and check back to your crisis 1. Understand what a crisis is alongside regularly testing and management plan. Another area that many updating processes. A situation is schools forget is the different In today’s 24/7 news, a small The most important task is to likely to occur out of office hours, communication channels available. problem can quickly escalate. It’s check the facts. Did a reliable so this needs to be planned for…. Have you updated your website important to remember what a source tell you about that coach – is there an emergency number problem actually is and where it and when a key member of the crash? How many children are for people to call? Do you need to comes from. Usually it’s down team is out of the country! involved? Are the emergency to a school’s corporate culture. The plan must consider activity services at the scene? take information off your website? Without robust health and safety Have you used your school text during and after a crisis, as follow For the media it is important to procedures, you’re likely to have to system? Have you updated notice up can be as important as the never lie, never speculate and deal with an accident. If you have boards? Is there anything on management of the crisis. to always meet their deadline. a negative relationship with the notice boards that the media Finally, by planning you can However, remember the parents common room, expect disgruntled might see if invited into schools? ensure messages don’t conflict and where they might be getting staff to talk to the media. What’s on your school answer with on-going corporate messages/ news from, their feelings and machine message? For most schools, a crisis situation activity and that responses are in reassurances they need. could have been avoided with When the Pan Am aircraft went line with long term objectives and Understand what you can and proper processes in place, positive down, relatives frantically phoning business plans. can’t say in these situations, communication with the school the airline heard ‘we’ll be home for 3. Stop a situation and where the police take over community and if the school had Christmas’ music as they were put becoming a crisis and manage the message of the a good reputation in the first on hold. Often open dialogue will quickly incident. place, which would have put the stop a situation. It’s amazing how 5. Bouncing back small incident in context. Always have one person, ideally people can take to social media the most senior member of staff, The final phase of a crisis A school facing constant issues before even contacting the school. to be the face of the situation. management plan covers recovery is usually not well run with a If you responded to that social Their constant updates will of your school and community. corporate culture of failure, fear, media post, you risk giving the ensure consistency. Don’t chop Initiatives from a student despair. story oxygen. Pick up the phone, and change spokespeople. This counselling programme to staff 2. Prepare a plan in if the situation allows and take the person needs to be able to speak training may be needed. ‘peace time’ heat out of it. with authority and ideally is Ensure that not only reality How would you respond to People often forget to listen. media trained. and perception are aligned allegations of inappropriate Could you have spotted the signs Always have a budget holder as but that you learn, amend and behaviour by a teacher or pupils? earlier? Have you given enough part of your team – so sign off importantly, test. Elisabeth Lewis-Jones is a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; CEO of Liquid, a public relations consultancy with expertise in the education sector; a board member of the Public Relations and Communications Association; and a member of ISM’s Editorial Advisory Panel. Tel: 0121 285 3760 Email: [email protected]

Independent Schools Magazine 5 New maths Designs on Boarding revision book Barbara Langford, Director of St Leonards School, Fife, and the school’s interior Studies at Westbourne House sixth former and art scholar designer, Amy Schellenberg, School, Sussex, has launched Charlotte Baillie has played a showcased them by producing ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’, a transformational role in the a cream Toile de Jouy-style new maths revision workbook for refurbishment of her boarding fabric featuring the drawings pupils aged 13+ and Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), commissioned by house. in four different colourways – red, green, blue and charcoal John Catt educational publishers. Before the £3m renovation of grey. Each colour is used on a Designed to help children practice 19th-century Bishopshall, the different floor of the boarding everyday maths-based problem- co-educational day and boarding house, from Garden Level up. solving, the book uses colourful school held a competition graphics of the Jones family and Charlotte said: “It was so among the students for a St their counterparts, the Carlisles. Leonards-inspired theme to be exciting because I was able to Both families are faced with used on fabrics and upholstery work with the interior designer situations requiring calculations, throughout. and follow the whole process of such as converting currency, transforming my sketches from working out quantities for recipes Charlotte’s first entry was a crayon to curtain and cushion. and fuel consumption. While drawing of two old-fashioned featuring Charlotte’s pencil I saw my ideas evolve from the Joneses are helped along lacrosse sticks; St Leonards drawings, as well as Christmas paper to print-maker, textile- their mathematical journey with is known as ‘the cradle of manufacturer and seamstress, cards, which were sensitively useful ‘hints and tips’, the Carlisle lacrosse,’ having been the first and to final installation and adapted to include sprigs of family’s similar experiences provide to introduce the game to girls use. Now when I plump up holly. the opportunity to work through worldwide in 1890. Charlotte the drawing room cushions in Bishopshall, St Leonards largest the problems unaided. Answers also sketched the largest oak Bishopshall, when I close the boarding house, was closed for and intermediate workings are tree in the school grounds. curtains of my room at night an academic year to enable a included at the back of the book! and when I open them in the complete refurbishment. The The launch took the form of a morning I feel proud that I ground floor has areas designed chat show interview with Mrs created the design and that I to be shared with day students. Langford giving insights into the writing and illustration of have contributed to the stylish It includes a seminar room, the book with details of who she refurbishment of my boarding two quiet study rooms and a wrote it for, in answer to questions house.” state-of-the-art kitchen and posed by Richard Tyrrell, a drama Charlotte’s Housemistress common room to provide a and English teacher at Westbourne Aileen Rees said: “This has choice of social spaces. The House School. Signing volumes been a wonderful way to design brief was to modernise of the new book, Mrs Langford harness Charlotte’s talent. She the boarding house in a ‘country commented: “It’s really good to Then she submitted other is the third and youngest girl house’ style. For example, the see so many parents keen to help drawings, including of the school’s in her family to board at St communal areas have Axminster their children understand how Victorian clock tower, the hinged Leonards. When she completes carpet in a subtle ancient tartan maths works in real situations and wooden door of the Headmaster’s the IB Diploma Programme in design using hand dyed yarn. revise for exams at the same time.” walled garden, a gate known the summer and leaves school The original furniture has been as The Moon Gate and a stone Charlotte’s legacy will live on in restored and re-upholstered sundial commemorating a former Bishopshall - the house she and where possible, and the original headmistress. Some of the her sisters have called a home- pinewood lockers have been sketches took her a few minutes from-home for the last 15 years. retained and used on the ground to complete, while others involved Since the Bishopshall renovation floor. The original window hours of observation and study. and the manufacture of shutters, entrance floor tiles and Charlotte’s sketches were the fabrics, St Leonards has the stained glass in the drawing selected by the judging panel produced a colouring book room were retained. Tackling the world’s greatest problems Cyber crime, election fraud and child refugees Jack Dromey MP, Shadow Business, Energy and were just some of the issues being tackled by the Industrial Strategy Minister. best teenage minds in the country as pupils from She said: “It is great to be back in Manchester to Manchester High School for Girls, were joined by over 300 others from across the country to host the speak to students taking part in Model United Model United Nations (MUNHigh2017) conference. Nations. MUN has clearly gone from strength to Lily Lewis, from Manchester High’s Class of 2011, strength at Manchester High, and it is brilliant to opened the conference with students from 23 see so many young people learning important skills schools in attendance. Lily is Senior Researcher such as public speaking and leadership, as well as The Conference Organising Committee with Lily Lewis. and Policy Adviser at the House of Commons for building their knowledge of international affairs”.

6 Independent Schools Magazine Head predicts rush to independent schools as state school governors issue strike threat over funding Burgess Hill Girls’ head Kathryn faced with rising costs. But in the Spending watchdog the National Bell says an increasing number of independent sector we are very Audit Office has also warned that families are ‘dipping their toes’ in fortunate to have the freedom to schools face £3bn in spending She said that many local families independent education. Parents allocate funds where they make cuts by 2020. who have assumed in the past who have traditionally educated most difference to the quality of that an independent school Mrs Bell said the warnings were their children in the state sector the education we offer to local education was out of their reach having an impact on parents’ are opting for independent families. And that is invariably in are changing their minds. ‘Of perceptions of local education schools as the funding crisis in the quality – and quantity – of course school fees can put a and that a growing number strain on family finances, but state schools deepens. teaching staff. of Burgess Hill Girls’ parents we find that many parents are State school governors in her ‘Our big advantage is that we’re were ‘dipping their toe’ in the pleasantly surprised when they county of West Sussex are writing not reliant on “big brother” in independent school sector. find out what an independent to MPs to warn them they will the shape of the Department of ‘We are a school with many first- day school actually costs. Many refuse to sign off budgets or Education to tell us what we can of the sums bandied about in the time “buyers”,’ she said. ‘We are carry out their supervisory work. spend – or how we can spend it.’ media are the fees for boarding, getting enquiries from local parents Mrs Bell says she has enormous not day, pupils.’ West Sussex schools have been who have until now educated sympathy for the predicament in the vanguard of a national their children in the state sector She added that when the soaring in which local schools find campaign protesting against – and who attended state schools costs of child care, particularly themselves. funding cuts in state schools. themselves – but are very concerned for young children, were factored ‘We are all part of the same local Heads have warned that they will about the impact of cuts and the in, an independent education education economy, and of course have to cut teaching staff, merge proposed new funding formula on could represent excellent value for independent schools are also classes or cut school hours. the quality of education.’ money.

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Independent Schools Magazine 7 Community Action & Partner School Mentoring Schemes Independent schools across the country have found many ways to interact with their local state-school neighbours, not least through pupil mentoring schemes where young people from both sectors provide support and experience for each other. In this special feature ~ staff directly involved at the sharp end take a look at some of the inspiring initiatives which have developed over the years, plus a report on a cross- sector conference for teachers... Maths & reading scheme Gordon Montgomery is a the responsibility for delivering maths teacher at Oundle their learning during this time and School, Northamptonshire, many enjoy the opportunity to place themselves in the position the teacher in charge of the teacher. Mathematics of Community Action activities are aimed at the most mentoring scheme, and a able pupils, extending their Governor at nearby Oundle experience of the subject through Church of England Primary problem solving and considering School. He reports on a topics which will not form part of the core curriculum. Reading popular initiative involving mentors support those in need of both schools: support with this vital aspect of their education and seek to build Our pupils often mention their confidence, clarity and fluency in readiness to take on greater The primary pupils enjoy the Feedback from the primary school their young readers. responsibility and one of the intellectual stimulation of pupils has been overwhelmingly challenges for schools is to find Emma Calveley (16), one of challenging subject matter enthusiastic and they look genuine opportunities where the Mathematics mentors, says provided by their mentor. “Our forward to the arrival of their they can truly take the lead and “I really enjoy my Wednesday mentor Rebecca teaches us so mentors each week. The ability shoulder responsibility outside afternoons at the local primary much about Maths. She always of mentors to inspire younger seems to know the fastest and of their normal environment. school. I volunteer to help learners is a key attribute in In response to this, through some of the children while they most efficient way to solve Maths the success of this activity and the School’s Community Action challenge themselves with more problems. We wish the sessions relationships that they build programme, Oundle pupils have complex Maths. It is a very were longer and on every day! are excellent, with both parties been given the chance to act as fulfilling experience, especially We really liked learning about disappointed to have to say mentors for younger pupils in being able to encourage them probability when we tried to find farewell at the end of the year. Mathematics and reading at a to explore more about a subject out how many heads we could get partner school. The scheme has I feel so passionate about. I from tossing four coins by finding The positive response of the proven extremely popular among hope the children enjoy doing out all the different ways that it pupils and the intrinsic rewards our senior pupils and been fully something different and more can happen.” (Charlie and Daniel, for mentors have made this subscribed in its first two years. A difficult.” Year 4). initiative one which enriches the healthy mix of male and female For the Mathematics mentors, Reading mentors help pupils experience of all involved. mentors has also been useful the activity challenges their own struggling in this area. Sophie Head of Oundle CE Primary so that the younger pupils see understanding of the subject in Lee (15) comments “To have an School, Janet McMurdo that both boys and girls can a different way. Having to put influence on the learning and commented, “At Oundle CE be interested in reading and themselves in their teachers’ shoes growing of local primary school Primary School we are pleased Mathematics. encourages them to consider the children is a privilege and they never at this development of our Mentors work with pairs of sequencing of methods and to cease to amaze me. Their whirring partnership with Oundle School pupils at a time and see three consider key questions through minds and impressive ability always which seems to be of mutual groups in an afternoon at Oundle the various stages of problem go hand in hand with a positive benefit. Our pupils are typically Church of England Primary solving. Mentors are also regularly attitude and desire to improve, and enthusiastic about much of their School. Collectively this reaches impressed by the capability of to see this energy towards learning over seventy pupils each week in some of their young charges, their flow in such abundance is truly learning but the influence of older sessions that last thirty minutes, speed of thought and ability to inspiring. I thoroughly enjoy my pupils as positive role models for which primary pupils are handle some demanding problems. Wednesday afternoons - meeting gives this a different dimension withdrawn from their usual Learning is very clearly on a two- with the children is always fun, lively and our pupils have responded lesson. Mentors therefore carry way street. and productive.” very positively.”

8 Independent Schools Magazine Community Action & Partner School Mentoring Schemes Sharing good practice Christina Astin is Head of chance. In my work for the Institute • King’s is invited to use the why we are partnering and how it Partnerships, The King’s of Physics I had been regularly Spires sports pitches when not benefits both schools, helped by School, Canterbury, and supporting their science department. in use, easing pressure on our the fact that the initial offer came I got chatting to deputy head Ali own heavily-used facilities. from the Academy. A commitment Chair of the Schools one day about a King’s colleague from both Heads to making it • Both schools invite the other Together Group. Here - with who’d recently completed a work, even if it means starting to events such as debating thanks to Nicki Mattin, placement at Spires and how much small and requires overcoming and equestrian competitions Principal of Spires Academy he’d benefited from teaching in a practical challenges such as and a recent joint trip to the - she describes how a different environment. Would we transport. And a shared belief that Varsity rugby match certainly partnership was forged and like him and other new teachers to widening horizons for pupils is an join their (highly acclaimed) CPD strengthened the collaboration excellent end in itself. what has been achieved... programme? That led to a cascade at pupil level… Colleagues are welcome to get in of other initiatives: Instigating a partnership with What’s made the relationship work touch to find out more about the another school can be as daunting • Spires students visit King’s since the tentative ‘first date’? Schools Together Group, email: as asking someone out on a date. weekly for a maths booster. Openness on both sides about [email protected] Maybe they’re too busy? What Cohorts so far have included if they don’t like me or think I’m C/D borderliners and A/A* suggesting they need help? These aspirants, always with a teacher are concerns which were aired at accompanying to observe the first discussion meeting of the • In conjunction with Canterbury Schools Together Group, which we Cathedral our staff and students set up to help those responsible for host Year 7 pupils from Spires coordinating school partnerships to in a term-long hands-on share good practice. enrichment programme, using Collaboration between the King’s the Cathedral as a source of School Canterbury and Spires inspiration to learn about history, Academy came about slightly by architecture and conservation. How a maths tuition scheme evolved For several years now, in their learning by Sixth Form some of the most deprived children Schools discussed fundraising to Bolton School has been Further Maths mentors. This not in Bolton is much appreciated.” raise enough money for a minibus. only made the experience much In the last set of SATs results, all running extra Maths classes It was also felt that for pupils more personal for the primary pupils from St Peter’s who attended to make the most progress, they for talented and ambitious school children but also allowed the sessions were graded as working would benefit from working in local Y6 state primary students from Bolton School to above the expected standard. small groups. This year there are school children who want learn valuable skills, beneficial for Fundraising and enough sixth form volunteers to their UCAS applications. to improve their capabilities volunteering keep group sizes to a maximum of 4-5 pupils. and SATs results. Bolton’s Successes It was clear early on that if the John Newbold reports: In its first year, 12 out of the 23 programme expanded to allow Despite the change in SATs levels, pupils involved (52%) achieved a other clusters to take advantage the aim of the programme has The initial focus of the Level 6 in their Mathematics SATs of the opportunity, the sessions always been to offer specialist programme was on trying to examination. In addition, the vast would need to take place at Bolton School mathematics ensure bright pupils reached a majority did exceptionally well on Bolton School. This came Level 6 in their SATs but, since tuition to support state schools the Level 3-5 paper, scoring in the with its own problems namely the overhaul of the National pupils to reach their full potential. high 90s. transport to the school, and Curriculum and the SATs system, Bolton School encourages its It is clear that schools, pupils and other commitments at weekends. the aim now is that pupils reach a own pupils to give something parents appreciate the extra support However, sessions were well level above the expected average given by Bolton School in helping attended, with an average of back through community action attainment. to raise attainment in a key area of around 40 pupils at each session. programmes locally, nationally Over the years, the programme the national curriculum and there The main issue of weekend and abroad. This is a central has evolved with Bolton School is always a high demand for places. sessions was staffing the event, part of the School’s mission, and teachers going out to local schools Mrs Lynn Williams, headteacher rather than pupil attendance. This follows the ethos that ‘much will and then local Y6 pupils visiting at St Peter’s school in Farnworth, academic year, sessions are being be required of those to whom Bolton School to be assisted stated: “Your support in helping held on Monday afternoons. much is given’. Continued >

Independent Schools Magazine 9 Community Action & Partner School Mentoring Schemes (continued)

Suporting those with special needs Ed Venables, Housemaster students are year 13 and 14 at Wellington College, students. This age difference tends to work well. Berkshire, reports on At Wellington, the activities vary a scheme which he each week and are devised by summarises as ‘two the students themselves. Tasks schools working as have ranged from ice-breaker equals and enjoying the games like sardines to sports sessions and finally (and critically) interaction between the production of a significant pupils and staff’...a accomplishment such as a sentiment echoed by pantomime, a music video and, many involved with this year, a dance. At Carwarden, the students complete gardening Community Action and cooking activities together programmes across the and produce food and craft items country. for the Carwarden Christmas fair. The emphasis, however, is never Wellington College has been on aiming to complete too much committed to meaningful each week. The atmosphere is partnership with state schools distinctly relaxed and we deem at numerous levels for almost a success to be watching the decade. One very special project, students simply interacting and however, is our partnership learning about one another’s spoke of ‘fear’ beforehand and Autistica have been to Wellington with Carwarden House, a local personalities in a natural and ‘not knowing how to talk to to educate us about autism too. special school for children with unforced way. Fascinatingly, each other’. They ended the The next stage of the dream is statements of special educational students with similar personalities project with real empathy, fully to get other schools replicating needs such as autism or Downs’s (quiet or extrovert, for example) appreciating their skills and – in a close or a loose way – this syndrome. The vision at the start have gravitated towards each having made genuine friends. project but choosing to pursue the was for students in Stanley House other, as in any school. This will last for life. They will same brief goal. This year the goal to engage personally with a local The impact on Carwarden walk towards people in future is a video of a dance. The results community project that really students has been profound (and hopefully employ them) will not be remotely professional meant something to them and with an opportunity to increase rather than ignore them – we are but that is not the point! Autistica was ‘authentic’, an activity which independence and confidence, convinced of this. can judge them and award the generated self-sustaining intrinsic a critical step as they prepare This isn’t one school helping Autistica Cup with the hope being motivation to make their service to enter mainstream Sixth Form another; it is two schools that participating schools will also to others real, a project that College or the workplace. Given working as equals and enjoying raise some money for Autistica was new, emotionally involving, the huge rates of unemployment the interaction between pupils and can share experiences with and constant throughout the among autistic adults this is and staff. I would probably say one another. academic year. highly relevant to the broader that Carwarden provides far more This project requires little more The structure of the project has economy. The impact on in that their staff visit Wellington than finding a special school near been deliberately kept very simple Wellingtonians has been once a term or so to speak to your school (to aid transport each so as to require minimal resources significant too. They regard this the pupils in the houses about week) and a willing member of or, indeed, staff input. Weekly service project as ‘having a point’ learning difficulties – we have staff on each side. We are more hour-long visits to both schools and they clamour to join. This learnt so much. This year we than willing to discuss our project take place throughout the year, inclusion of a girls’ House has went on a joint trip on Tall Ship and would be really keen to hear half a term at Wellington and added to the natural nature of for a day. from schools willing to join in the half a term at Carwarden House. the interactions. All social intra- Autistica Cup. The emphasis is simply to allow Wellington pressures are forgotten Part two of the service project for the students to socialise with and, while they are together, there the Stanley pupils has been to Autism is a condition that touches each other and have fun. The is a total calm focus on the other fundraise for the autism research many people in this country; majority of the students involved teenagers. charity Autistica; they receive according to Autistica 700,000 are Wellington year 11 boys (and What makes the project so sponsorship for walking the 14 people are autistic but 6.5 million since last year girls) and each special is that children with peaks in Snowdonia after their are touched by autism. It is in the year a few year 12 and 13 former anything more than mild learning GCSEs. This is wonderful because very early stages of research (girls participants continue as student difficulties are not a section of they can understand the cause for instance tend to get diagnosed leaders. It is their passion that society that most Wellingtonians they are raising money for well much later than boys) and so is a helps drive the enthusiasm of the (or even mainstream students) and so can speak passionately very valid area on which to focus year 11 students. The Carwarden ever encounter. The students about it to potential sponsors. attention.

10 Independent Schools Magazine Flourishing cross-sector collaboration Harry Chapman is group of seven state-funded Maths, Latin and Chinese. While prepares primary school pupils Director of Partnerships secondary schools. This includes King’s College School has helped in Year 6 for 11+ entry tests governorships (the head of one to raise GCSE results at its state- to selective senior schools, and Outreach at of the state-funded secondaries funded partner schools through science courses for more able is a governor of King’s), teacher its course of weekly after- King’s College School students in Year 8 and an annual and management training school revision classes in the Wimbledon: community production involving courses, an annual course of spring term, for example, it also pupils at four secondaries, two Among the country’s more GCSE revision classes for partner benefits from the opportunities special schools and a primary. established partnership school pupils, a three-year the partnership affords for schemes is the Wimbledon project for students who will be teaching practice placements for The Wimbledon ISSP is a good Partnership (ISSP), run by King’s first-generation scholars, and its NQTs and work experience for example of a flourishing cross- College School Wimbledon weekly mentoring and joint its sixth-formers. The programme sector collaboration based on the in collaboration with a projects in subjects such as also includes a project which principle of reciprocal benefit.

Inaugural joint teaching and learning conference

Teaching staff from Canford School, a leading expert on the role of been extremely valuable and need inspirational teachers. We Dorset, and The Bourne Academy neuroscience in educational practice useful for teaching staff across value the support and links with came together for their first joint and the adolescent brain. both schools.” Canford extremely highly and this Teaching and Learning Conference conference has been a fantastic The afternoon was devoted to Mark Avoth echoed these held at Canford last year. The two group sessions led by staff with way to bring the skillsets of a thoughts: “Our aim for all Bourne schools are closely linked as Canford particular areas of expertise from wide range of teachers together. Academy pupils is to aspire to has acted as the main sponsor for both schools, ranging from general I am very excited for the future achieve and aim high, and in The Bourne Academy since it was set topics such as ‘Visible Learning’ and development of this shared up in 2010. ‘Cultivating a Mindful Classroom’ order for them to do this we initiative.” Titled ‘Improving Outcomes’, the through to specific practical support aim of the conference was for on making the best use of software teachers from both schools to share and digital resources. knowledge and experiences and to Ben Vessey commented: “We are develop their understanding of best extremely proud to be one of only practice and techniques to develop a handful of independent schools pupil learning. in the country to fully sponsor An introduction from Canford an academy school. The success Headmaster Ben Vessey and Mark of our link with The Bourne Avoth, Principal of The Bourne Academy is evident not only Academy focused on ‘What joins us through impressive attendance together?’ with presentations from records and examination results, both schools about their ethos and but also in the joint engagement FEEDING aims. The diverse range of what is between staff and pupils from offered in terms of learning and both schools within and beyond INDEPENDENT the curriculum and the nature the classroom. There was a real of ongoing joint activities was buzz in the air today and we hope outlined. This was followed by that this conference will become combined department sessions and a regular event. The ideas which then a very inspiring presentation have been shared over the course MINDS by Professor Paul Howard-Jones, of the day will, I am sure, have holroydhowe.com 01189 356707 Thanks to members of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Expert Group on Community Action for providing the case studies in this feature. The group has been in existence for over 40 years and consists of teachers representing the Association’s schools with responsibility for developing programmes of community action, partnerships and volunteering in independent schools. They aim to foster links between schools within and outside the independent sector, in the UK and overseas, and to support schools which are beginning or seeking to expand their programmes. Members meet termly and host a national conference every few years. The group regularly advises on Government and DfE consultations and policy-making. Members FOODSERVICE CATERER of the group represent nearly 30 independent schools around the UK. Programmes are CATEYS 2016 rich and varied including global partnerships, weekly timetabled social action, service learning within the curriculum and one-off events. For more information please contact: Ben Attenborough ([email protected])

Independent Schools Magazine 11 Mental toughness research will help schools to target and boost pupil wellbeing

New research involving over 9,000 pupils in 58 independent schools has gathered data and intelligence which will be of assistance to staff who focus on the mental health and well-being of young people. Mark Mortimer, Headmaster of Warminster School, a day and boarding co-educational school in Wiltshire, which took part in the study, said: “I strongly believe that what happens outside the classroom is as important as what happens inside. Of course, exam results matter, but not as much as the qualities that allow pupils to leave school able to thrive, both professionally and personally, in the fluid, ever-changing and let-go world of the 21st century. Emotional intelligence, reaction to failure, leadership, perseverance, resilience and the ability to improvise and adapt on one’s feet are increasingly important.” Research methodology & results summary The independently moderated study conducted sought to develop broader life skills or what are well evidenced and it is generally recognised for the Independent Schools Council (ISC) often called soft skills. as embracing most of the models which today examined to what extent pupils in Independent The study employed the 4 Cs Mental Toughness are used to develop “character and resilience” Schools possessed a flexible mindset (i.e. Model and framework and the associated valid in young people. The framework serves to were likely to possess soft skills). Few schools and reliable psychometric measure MTQ48. specifically targeted a specific model or standardise what individual schools do and framework for mindset or aspects of mindset in Moreover, the 4 Cs framework (Control, enables useful and meaningful comparisons to their work with their pupils although most or all Commitment, Challenge, Confidence) is very be made.

Mental Toughness Scale What this means… what does MTQ48 assess CONTROL Life Control – I really believe I can do it. I believe that I am in control of much of what determines my ability to do things. Emotional Control – I can manage my emotions and the emotions of others COMMITMENT Goal Setting – I promise to do it – I like working to goals and will set goals for myself Achieving – I’ll do what it takes to keep my promises and achieve my goals CHALLENGE Risk Taking – I will stretch myself and welcome new situations – I am not frightened of new things Learning from Experience – even setbacks are opportunities for learning and I will try again if I have not succeeded the first time CONFIDENCE In Abilities – I believe I have the ability to do it – or can acquire the ability. I have less need for validation from others. Interpersonal Confidence – I can influence and engage with others – I can stand my ground if needed – I will ask questions of others

Understanding Mental Toughness is considered important because it is closely correlated with attainment, wellbeing, behaviour and transition change. The data shows a significant difference between overall Mental Toughness scores for males and females with male scores being significantly higher.

Peter Clough, Professor of Applied Psychology at Manchester Males Females Difference M>F Metropolitan University, who moderated the process and analysis Overall Mental Toughness 4.56 4.00 + 0.56 of the research, said: “This is, I believe, an important piece of work. Control 4.49 3.90 + 0.59 Participating schools are to be congratulated for contributing to a large Life Control 4.17 3.87 + 0.30 scale study embracing almost 10,000 pupils which seeks to assess and evidence what is happening with the development of what are now Emotional Control 4.88 4.15 + 0.73 recognised as important life skills in schools. Commitment 4.41 4.30 + 0.11 “The results are both interesting and valuable. Using the 4Cs mental Challenge 4.40 4.02 + 0.38 toughness model, we gain useful insights as well as signposting where Confidence 4.82 4.19 + 0.63 attention could be usefully directed. Importantly the data is of use to all who are involved.” Confidence in Abilities 4.66 4.11 + 0.55 Julie Robinson, General Secretary of ISC, said: “A year Interpersonal Confidence 4.87 4.37 + 0.50 after research showed independent schools add significant academic value, it is encouraging to see this is also the case Studies indicate that staff Mental Toughness is a factor in pupils’ with soft skills and mental toughness. Mental Toughness. Mental Toughness is an important life skill “Whilst the study does not seek to answer exactly why this is that is learned through experimentation and observation of the so, it does provide useful and meaningful comparisons. Many behaviour and emotions of the people closest to them. It has also independent schools will feel that it is the breadth of curriculum, wide- been shown that teachers may have a causal effect on other factors ranging activities outside the classroom and excellent pastoral care which such as student absences and grade progression. help create resilient and worldly young men and women who are ready for further study and work in adult life.”

Full report is available via the Independent Schools Council website https://www.isc.co.uk/media/3856/isc_soft_skills_mental_toughness_report.pdf

12 Independent Schools Magazine Mental toughness research will help schools to target and boost pupil wellbeing Quotes from participating schools Dr Karen McNerney, Head sought to gain an insight into the to commit to life’s challenges. As development of mental toughness of Merchant Taylors’ Prep, development of our pupils in the 4Cs part of our Connected Teaching and to deal with setbacks and to learn Hertfordshire: “We place a huge to enhance their school experience. Learning programme, we have been from all experiences. Initiatives both emphasis on ‘soft skills’ at our We have found the results from the promoting soft skills throughout inside and outside the classroom school, not just as an addition to the study both positive and informative. all areas of school life with the are designed to promote this ethos academic curriculum, but an integral It was encouraging to discover the result that it came as no surprise consistently and our participation in part of what we do. We want to emotional and social growth of that the girls saw themselves in the mental toughness programme give our pupils the tools to succeed our pupils during their school years control of their own destinies. Our gave us another perspective on this in their learning and be active and here. The study has also enabled us small class sizes and outstanding aspect of our pupils’ development. independent in the process. We to recognise the relevance of this pastoral care mean that the girls We will be working now to ensure believe that development of these data in day-to-day teaching and are well known by staff and there that the confidence, resilience and skills is vital to the future learning learning, and its value in improving were few scores not in line with our persistence demonstrated by the of our pupils, not just at school, pupil outcomes. The independent knowledge of individual girls. The younger children are enabled by but in their life beyond education. school sector is highly competitive additional responsibilities given to adults (both teachers and parents) Evaluation of this work is essential, and through our use of this data the Sixth Form will no doubt have as children grow older and more and the ISC soft skills and mental we can demonstrate to parents augmented the natural resurgence aware of ‘expectations’ and of toughness project offered us a not only our ambition to develop of their confidence shown by all their peers. At The Abbey we have chance to quantify our work, which a pupil academically, but also their pupils taking part in the study. We been explicitly focussing on the was why we were keen to take part. character, resilience and ‘soft skills’, continually review our curriculum importance of balance, an initiative We are very pleased with the results all of which broaden their education both in and out of the classroom to that has been driven from the and can see that our school overall outside the classroom.” make sure it is the best possible for top and reinforced both within has pupils with higher than average Chris Stevens, Headmaster of our girls; the results of this survey and beyond the classroom. We scores in confidence, control, Bradfield College, Berkshire: and subsequent ones, will help aim to consciously counter the challenge and commitment, and we “Bradfield was delighted to take shape future decisions.” relentlessness of a 24/7 society see this as evidence that our work part in a survey which promised to Sue Hincks, Headmistress of and to ensure that all our pupils on soft skills is making a difference. identify the impact of our all-round Bolton School Girls’ Division, a recognise that things of real value Our next plan is to track some of education on the crucial soft skills girls’ day school, part of Bolton cannot always be measured. In the cohorts for a few years with the that pupils need to thrive in their School: “At Bolton School, we this way we hope to engender the aim of targeting and measuring personal and professional lives. It aim to provide a well-rounded and resilience, or mental toughness, that particular pupils and particular is exciting to see this evidence of comprehensive education for all our pupils can rely on as they build aspects of mental toughness. We are soft value added alongside existing our pupils so that we develop their their lives.” delighted to have found this way to statistics demonstrating academic confidence, creativity and mental Greg Anker, Deputy Head of evaluate our work and its impact on added value. As well as proving courage alongside their academic Berkhamsted Boys, Hertfordshire: the pupils.” the success of the independent achievements. We believe that “We grasped the opportunity to Jenny Dwyer, Headmistress of sector as a whole in helping it is strength of character which participate in the ISC’s research Sherborne Girls, Dorset: “At develop soft skills, the research plays the key role in determining into the ‘soft skills’ of confidence, Sherborne Girls we were very allows comparisons with national their ultimate success in life after control, challenge and commitment pleased to take part in the recent and international statistics, as school. We took part in this survey because it offered a means to ISC research into ‘soft skills’. As a well as participating independent because we wanted to demonstrate quantify the intangible outcomes full boarding school we focus on schools, for benchmarking purposes. how our positive and aspirational of a Berkhamsted education. educating our girls in our core Bradfield is currently targeting the school ethos has such a profound The questionnaire measured the values, encouraging them to be development of soft skills more impact on the girls. We also place attitudes and dispositions that compassionate, curious, courageous explicitly both in and out of the a huge value on kindness, loyalty had been developed through our and adaptable. The ideas within classroom to offer the best possible and respect for others in the Girls’ strong pastoral provision, based mental toughness resonated for preparation for a fast-changing Division- but I’ve yet to find a survey upon a house system, and our us, and it was very useful to gain world. Therefore, assessing pupils’ that can ‘prove’ children (or adults) vibrant, extensive co-curricular feedback, particularly for our Year confidence, control, challenge have such qualities!” programme. In June, we surveyed 9 students. This has given us many and commitment has been highly Nicola Dick-Cleland and Jan all of the pupils in Years 7 and 10 new ideas about how we can help informative. The results of this Cresswell, heads of school at The so that we could evaluate the extent them to approach the demands of research are very encouraging in Abbey School, Berkshire: “We to which these pupils have been senior school and beyond.” terms of our current performance, believe that embracing challenge able to develop better soft skills Jesse Elzinga, Headmaster of but they also offer clear strands for is an essential part of personal and mental toughness. We were Reading Blue Coat School: “We the ongoing development of an development (not just related to delighted to discover that both year pride ourselves on the quality of ‘education for life’.” academic learning and attainment), groups recorded strong scores within pastoral care we deliver with the Dr Felicia Kirk, Headmistress of and see growth as a life-long process their cohort - both nationally and aim to nurture and develop every St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire: “St rather than a ‘target’ to be achieved. in respect of independent schools. pupil as a well-rounded individual. Mary’s Calne has always prided itself Our pupils’ confidence is built in an The data generated by this research Alongside our commitment to on educating the whole person by environment where getting involved would seem to provide strong academic excellence we endeavour providing an all-round education. is second nature and where there support for our view that the wider to provide our pupils and It was extremely encouraging is the breadth of opportunity to experiences our pupils enjoy would parents with the full value of an to see that the wide variety of enable learning through discovery. also seem to help them rise to the independent education. Through opportunities provided to the girls Critically also, where the right challenge of pursuing success in participating in the soft value added resulted in scores showing them to kind of support is provided at every area of life, both at school and research delivered by the ISC, we be confident young women ready the right time, we encourage the thereafter.”

Independent Schools Magazine 13 Investing in the future

2017 sees the start of an exciting experience, ensuring that the boys new phase of development for get the most from their time in Glenalmond College, Perthshire, Cairnies before moving onto their meeting higher demand for places. chosen senior house.” Two new boarding houses will Goodacre’s, the new girls’ house open in September, providing also opens in September 2017, specific provision for junior boys’ and will be home to pupils aged and creating increased places for 12 to 18. This house is in the girls within an additional house. very heart of school life in Front Cairnies, Glenalmond’s new Quad and will enable Glenalmond Junior House, will provide to expand its girls’ boarding and transition to senior school, day provision to meet increasing giving boarding and day boys demand. Housemistress Andrea aged 12 to 14 the space to grow, Goodall (pictured) said, “I feel learn and play, with a level of very privileged to be Goodacre’s pastoral support specifically first housemistress. My central suited to younger pupils. Close philosophy is that the girls should to the outdoor classroom, woods, be nurtured, and encouraged in all Cheltenham College Preparatory make it a better place in which to playing fields and the school’s that they do. School, Gloucestershire, officially live. How exciting is that!” own golf course, Cairnies will Glenalmond College’s Warden opened their new Technology The dedicated D&T suite will provide an excellent base for (headteacher), Elaine Logan, said, Centre last month (January). be for the use of pupils in Years energetic junior year groups. “Together, these developments Co-founder of the international 5-8, and the facility includes The Housemaster, Peter Golden, mark an important new stage in clothing brand SuperDry, Mr new state-of-the-art equipment, said, “All Cairnies boys will be the life of Glenalmond College, Julian Dunkerton, opened the including a laser cutter, 3D printer, encouraged to try out as many heralding a period of growth new Centre, alongside Deputy brand new sewing machines, CAD new sports, activities and pursuits for the school. The academic Chief Executive of the Design software and more. as possible, making the most of direction, as part of our all- and Technology Association, Mr Headmaster of Cheltenham the opportunities available and round educational ethos, and our discovering their strengths. We dedication to maintaining 24/7 Andy Mitchell, who spoke about Prep, Mr Jonathan Whybrow, will help each boy to develop boarding and a full day provision, the importance of teaching and said: “This fantastic new facility a programme of learning and will shape the character of the learning Design and Technology brings our pupils in touch with activities to ensure a breadth of school going forward.” (D&T) in the modern world. state-of-the-art designing and “It is essential that schools making techniques which are are encouraged to invest in being used in industry. The fabric the teaching of Design and of our everyday lives is becoming Technology just as Cheltenham increasingly dependent on simple, College has”. Addressing the reliable and innovative design, so pupils he said, “Embarking on a it is a pleasure to see Cheltenham career in engineering, or one of Prep pupils becoming hands-on, the many design disciplines, will and honing the design skills of the provide you with a wide range of future. I offer my thanks to the opportunities to travel, design and myriad of staff and contractors build wonderful things and work who worked to bring this creative with people all over the world to space to life.” Pictured: (from left to right) Head of Design and Tech, Mr George Boyd, CEO of DATA Mr Andy Mitchell, co-founder of SuperDry Mr Julian Dunkerton, Headmaster of Cheltenham Prep, Mr Jonathan Whybrow

Pupils from Stonyhurst St Mary’s then aged 9, and her little sister Holocaust survivor welcomed Hall, Lancashire, listened in (aged 3 and a half), not only the amazement as Lady Milena Grenfell- train journey, but also their life in Baines, one of the 669 children Britain after their arrival. The family who escaped from Czechoslovakia was extremely lucky to be reunited aboard a Winton train, shared her – their father had escaped earlier childhood stories and life growing (he had been warned to do so) and up in Britain. their mother escaped after them via Norway. Lady Grenfell-Baines She was one of the 669 children told the children about Nicholas who escaped from Czechoslovakia Winton and his extraordinary efforts before the outbreak of World War to rescue the children. The children II on one of the so-called Winton heard the sobering story of the Trains (organised by Nicholas last train which was due to leave Winton). with 250 children: the outbreak of The Upper Elements children were war prevented it from leaving and, fascinated to hear the first-hand of those 250 children, only two experiences of Lady Grenfell-Baines, survived the war.

14 Independent Schools Magazine D&T teacher loses stress case When performance, misconduct relying on stress (and his long- mental impairment and what is and other workplace disputes standing dyslexia) to establish simply a reaction to life events. occur it is common for the a disability. An employment It indicated that this case fell employees involved to be tribunal determined he was into the latter category and that signed off with stress, writes not disabled and the teacher while his reaction to events at Employment Lawyer David Clay appealed. work had become entrenched (pictured right). The EAT upheld the tribunal’s this did not amount to a mental These employees will qualify as decision. Focusing on stress, it impairment. disabled and be protected from echoed the tribunal’s findings Schools will welcome this discrimination if they can show that the stress was largely a decision, which confirms that they have a mental impairment result of unhappiness about the burden rests with staff to which has a substantial and what he perceived to have show that their work-related long-term adverse effect on been unfair treatment and that stress has a substantive and their ability to carry out normal he had provided little or no long-term adverse impact on day-to-day activities. A recent evidence that his stress had any their day-to-day activities. The case in the Employment Appeal effect on his ability to carry out decision also suggests that Tribunal (EAT) offers guidance day-to-day activities. It held without appropriate supporting on when stress might amount to that the teacher had failed to evidence, a doctor’s note a disability. establish that he was disabled referring to ‘stress’ will not on as he did not establish a mental The case concerned a design its own be sufficient to establish and obtaining a medical report impairment nor the requisite and technology teacher, who a disability. However, employers will help employers assess the substantial long-term adverse was on long-term sick leave should still be proactive when an practical impact of an employee’s effect. due to workplace stress. He employee is on long-term sick stress and whether or not it may brought claims alleging disability The EAT explained that there is leave due to stress. Maintaining be sufficiently serious to qualify discrimination by his employer, a distinction between a clinical an appropriate level of contact as a disability.

David Clay is an employment lawyer with solicitors Field Seymour Parkes, and may be contacted at [email protected] or on 0118 951 6290

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Password Ind Schools Mag Ad.indd 1 Independent Schools Magazine14/06/2016 16:17 15 EPQ ~ an enriching Nirvana. experience for sixth formers Between the realm A Head of Sixth Form outlines the value of the Extended Project Qualification, plus examples of imaginative projects undertaken... of traditional law firms The EPQ is the ideal preparation develop the skills which set them them to complete their research the only AS Level which is marked for university and the work place; up for life. and produce a successful artefact. up to Grade A*. Many universities it gives the students complete Unlike traditional qualifications, For the final part of this process, support the EPQ and some will autonomy over a piece of work, with their piles of money students cannot play a passive the students must present their make a lower offer to those writes Alison Binns, head of sixth role. They have to be involved findings to a non-specialised completing the Project. form at Farlington School, Sussex. in, and document, their journey. audience and be able to field The Extended Project Qualification They have to manage their time, They are not told which books to questions. One of our students is a true enrichment opportunity their research – deciding on read, which websites to visit, who generating paperwork presented her vision for a 21st for any Sixth Form student. It what to include and whether the to contact or what happens when century chapel at the Association allows them to really show their research is valid, the project title things go wrong. The qualification of Art Historians’ ‘Ways of Seeing’ interest and commitment to a and the outcome – whether they is assessed on the student’s ability conference to 200 students and write an academic paper (5000 to make decisions, and self-reflect subject they are hoping to study and the republic of fixed teachers – a fairly daunting words), produce a piece of drama, throughout the process, reporting at university and gives them the audience, but she did so with music or art, or launch an event. the reasons for what they are independent study skills which The Extended Project Qualification doing and why. They have to be confidence and passion. will enable them to make a allows the student to play to their self-motivated and be able to stick The EPQ also adds UCAS points successful transition from A Level fee providers peddling strengths and interests and to to a time-line which will enable to the student’s portfolio and is to undergraduate work. one-size-fits-all advice, lies a small but perfect space. As agents of change, it’s a space we

A fashion and beauty gala evening took place at Saint Martin’s School, West Midlands, to The Farlington School, Sussex, Eventers Challenge show was held last autumn after raise money for Edward’s Trust. The event was organised by Eleanor Bray from the Upper sixth former Ella Heron undertook the task of organising and running the event as Sixth as part of an Extended Project Qualification to help build her business experience her EPQ (extended project qualification). Ella is also the Farlington Riding Captain. thrive in. And thriving is and skills and support her university applications, and attracted a great deal of support The day was a major success, with just over 250 competitors from a wide area in the from across the Solihull region with John Lewis, Waitrose, Hogarth’s Hotel, local beauty South; placings were highly contested, as it was a qualifier for the NSEA (National therapists and gift companies all pledging their support to raise money for the charity. Schools Equestrian Association) Hickstead Eventers Challenge Championship, to be Edward’s Trust has the aim of raising money to help families affected by either child or held in 2017. parent bereavement. what we’ve got planned Bishop’s Stortford College Upper Sixth Formers recently presented their This year, the students’ topics included cryptography, animation, Jane Extended Project Qualification work to an audience of their peers, Austen and game theory. There were presentations given on the effects College staff, parents and Governors. of Addison’s Disease, interstellar space travel and one project posed for your business. the question, ‘Are psychopaths created through nature or nurture?’. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an AS qualification that Students presented their projects on 20th January at the College, allows students free rein to follow their passions and produce a piece each giving a mini lecture and then answering questions from their of research on a subject of their choice. During their research, students audience. Linda Dickinson said, “It was quite remarkable to see both have to demonstrate complete independence from their supervisors, the knowledge and confidence with which the students handled the lawatwork.co.uk developing their own skills in investigation, IT, presentation and afternoon. My sincere congratulations to all the students who were not evaluation. Head of Sixth Form Linda Dickinson commented, “These only so professional in their delivery but also very impressive in their skills are vital for success at university and will also equip these young knowledge and passion for their subjects.” To find out how we are disrupting the market with expert, value for money advice, men and women for life beyond the classroom.” Students take the optional EPQ alongside their A level subjects email [email protected] or call 0141 271 5555 to arrange an appointment.

16 Independent Schools Magazine

Artwork Client: LAW Doc: 1-00102305.002 LAW Nirvana HR Networking Mag (297x210) AW Project: Brand Campaign Size: (297)mm x (210)mm A/C: Julie AW: RB C M Y K Date: 14.10.16 Version: 1 Nirvana. Between the realm of traditional law firms with their piles of money generating paperwork and the republic of fixed fee providers peddling one-size-fits-all advice, lies a small but perfect space. As agents of change, it’s a space we thrive in. And thriving is what we’ve got planned for your business. lawatwork.co.uk

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Independent Schools Magazine 17

Artwork Client: LAW Doc: 1-00102305.002 LAW Nirvana HR Networking Mag (297x210) AW Project: Brand Campaign Size: (297)mm x (210)mm A/C: Julie AW: RB C M Y K Date: 14.10.16 Version: 1 Classroom Air Quality Alert “Exposure to air pollution may affect mental and physical development in children.” The impact of indoor air quality on the comfort and wellbeing of pupils is gaining increased attention. Dr Hywel Davies, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Technical Director, summarises some recent research on the subject and describes the latest guidance on new schools design...

The need to maintain air giving to maintaining good cognitive performance in According to Transport for quality in schools is a hot topic indoor air quality in schools. educational buildings. London, there are 2270 schools - literally. The Government is within 400m of roads in London, One reason for the increased The study found that scheduled to publish a revised so the number of primary focus on air quality was the temperatures in Saudi classrooms version of Building Bulletin schools likely to be affected is publication of the Royal College are typically 20°C, with a high 101: Guidelines on ventilation, significant, as are the economic of Physicians’ report Every Breath ventilation rate of 15 litres thermal comfort and air quality we take: the life long impact of per second per person. These benefits of reducing NO2 levels, in schools. The document exposure to air pollution. This conditions were taken as the for example through road provides guidance on the design highlights the dangerous impact baseline for the study. Cognitive closures during school hours. and construction of school air pollution and poor indoor tests were then undertaken buildings in order to provide CIBSE has published TM57: air quality is having on our at classroom temperatures good indoor air quality and Integrated school design nation’s health and in particular of 20°C, 23°C and 25° and thermal conditions to create to provide guidance on the how exposure to air pollution with CO2 concentrations of effective conditions for teaching environmental design of schools. may affect mental and physical 600 parts per million (ppm), and learning. Whilst primarily The document is suitable for development in children. The 1000ppm and 1800ppm. When for the maintained sector, the building services engineers and report explains that children classroom conditions were at principles also apply in the other members of the design living in highly polluted areas their most extreme, with a CO2 independent sector. team including: architects, are four times more likely to concentration of 1800ppm and contractors, client bodies and A draft of the proposed have reduced lung function in a temperature of 25°C, students users, who have an influence on amendments has already been adulthood, but improving air took 72% longer to complete the the design outcomes, available published. They call for the quality has been shown to halt cognitive tests and made 32% from http://www.cibse.org/ designers of schools in areas and reverse the effect. more errors. This demonstrates Knowledge/knowledge-items/ of poor air quality or in low Improving indoor air quality in the importance of designing emission zones to give careful schools was a topic at the recent classrooms that can be kept at In producing this Technical thought to keep internal CIBSE Building Performance optimum temperature for learning Memorandum CIBSE’s aim has pollution within acceptable Conference. Speaking at the throughout the school year. been to provide simple and clear levels. One way of achieving guidance to help steer both conference, Prof Dejan Mumovic Mumovic also referenced a this is to design a building to the design team and school Deputy Director of the Institute study by the London School of be airtight and then use an staff towards creating places for Environmental Design and Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. appropriate air infiltration system where teachers and children can Engineering at University College This used environmental and to help remove the harmful become inspired. A checklist London, made reference to two health data collected in primary particulates such as from diesel of criteria on its own will not recent research papers – one on schools to assess the potential vehicles, from the air supply. For the impact of carbon dioxide economic benefit of reducing constitute successful design - filtration to be effective, without (and temperature) on student’s indoor exposure to nitrogen school designers must also make consuming excessive amounts cognitive performance and the dioxide (NO2) in children in the effort to visit existing school of energy, the filters can be other on the economic benefit London. Nitrogen dioxide is a buildings and to study exemplar incorporated into a mechanical of the impact of reducing indoor gas produced by road traffic and cases to fully experience the ventilation system with heat exposure to nitrogen dioxide in other fossil fuel combustion. The results of the design process, recovery although is it also children attending primary schools. study estimates that 82 asthma both good and bad. The design important that they are readily Mumovic referenced a study exacerbations per school could of school buildings is an area accessible for cleaning and undertaken in Saudi Arabia be averted annually by reducing where engineering input from changing. on classrooms with all female outdoor NO2 concentrations. experienced building services The publication supersedes students aged 18-21. The The study estimates that the engineers can prove invaluable, the 2006 edition of BB101: research set out to understand monetary benefits of reducing and have a long lasting and Ventilation of School Buildings. the impact of indoor ambient children’s indoor NO2 exposure significant impact on pupil The addition of the term “air temperature and carbon while at school could be as health and performance. Time quality” to the title reflects the dioxide (CO2) concentration as much as £60k per school from spent in design can certainly increased importance government an indicator of the effect of a parents’ perspective using a deliver a long term dividend that and other organisations are now ventilation rates on student’s willingness-to-pay approach. makes it a good investment.

18 Independent Schools Magazine “Exposure to air pollution may affect mental Inspiring pupils in art and physical development in children.” In recent months, STEM subjects have received a huge focus, both across the education press and behind closed doors within independent schools themselves. For Loughborough High School, part of Loughborough Endowed Schools, the Headmistress Gwen Byrom realised that arts subjects deserve equal attention. As such, the School made the unusual move of employing a full-time artist in residence for 12 months, stationed within the school to work alongside students and staff....

The current artist in residence Having an artist in residence also have got to where you are in your is Cisca Collins, a highly skilled allows students to interact and learn life, it opens up discussions about ceramic potter. Cisca organises from a skilled, creative individual an entirely different career path pottery classes, and assists in who is also a successful business that they may not have previously timetabled art classes, but her role person, a positive role model considered. is also a legacy for the school, contradicting certain rhetoric that “This is demonstrated perfectly in a as she will work to increase the STEM subjects are ‘safer’ choices to recent Christmas project, whereby knowledge and expertise in guarantee a career path. Both Cisca the students and I created a festive ceramics across the art department and her predecessor Emily also work tree that was suspended from the so that it can be continued long on a self-employed basis, accepting ceiling of a local church. Embellished after her residency. commissions, and showing work in with the students’ own ceramic galleries and art fairs. Cisca is the second artist in residence projects, the response was so positive Cisca explains: “I’m enthused from both teachers and pupils – a that Loughborough High School has about being a positive role model sense of pride and inspiration I hope hosted, and follows Emily Notman, for working within the creative continues long after the decorations a mixed media artist who specialised industry and an ambassador for have been taken down.” in delicate textiles pieces inspired by following your dreams and believing the natural world. The hope is that This commitment to the arts in yourself. What I am passionate in years to come, the School will demonstrated by Loughborough about is the importance of creativity employ an artist from a different High School is refreshing. No one at for all, and therefore especially the School denies the importance made. Developing the confidence to discipline each year to continually within schools and education. Being of STEM subjects, but Gwen Byrom, do this and stand by your creation is bring in fresh ideas, perspectives and able to express oneself creatively Headmistress at Loughborough a strong life lesson for our students. skill sets to pupils and staff. has benefits that reach far wider High School, acknowledges the “Investing in a full-time artist For teachers, an artist in residence than some would first expect; from significance of creative subjects in residence is, financially, not gives another level of creative the therapeutic and health benefits should not be underestimated. possible for all independent schools. support and guidance. Teachers for the individual right through “Creative subjects provide students However, there are other alternatives, are regularly encouraged to discuss to building stronger communities, with a unique set of skills that are such as working alongside local their ideas with the artist in benefiting employers and positively imperative for all aspects of life and artists to forge a partnership to residence in order to get inspiration, affecting the whole economy. for personal development. “The arts benefit students and the community. feedback and a new perspective on “When young people at influence understanding on a whole The arrangements could be as what they are planning as part of Loughborough High School hear range of different subjects too, creative as the partnership itself. the curriculum. about what you do, and how you whether that’s the work of poets and authors, to the cultural context “If our aim as educators is to help needed to appreciate and learn from shape well-rounded, confident scientific discoveries. and grounded young people, arts “Secondly, displaying something subjects play an invaluable role in you have created for all to see is an the future of the students, helping incredibly brave act of performance, them to think outside of the box, and one that can require you to and be proud of what they have justify or defend what you have achieved.”

Pictured: (Top) Head Gwen Byrom; (left) Cisca with students; plus ceramic works

Independent Schools Magazine 19 ProfileIn conversation with Sarah Dunn

Born: 1963 The Maynard School was founded point of view. With staff leading the way by by the English lawyer and politician openly demonstrating respect for both colleagues Schools and University Q Sir John Maynard in 1658, who and students, our girls will witness a ‘just hand’ decreed that it must fulfil ‘godly purposes and in action and therefore learn the crucial skills of Attended: charitable uses’. How do you ensure that it still listening, negotiation and open mindedness. I St Andrews International achieves both? would prefer to extend our motto to “a just, kind School Bahamas, Churston and compassionate hand is a healing balm” I recently had the opportunity reflecting our deeply rooted values regarding Grammar School, Exeter to host a visit by the South West caring and nurturing. But “manus justa benigna University, Oxford University A Regional Schools Commissioner, et clemens nardus est” might be a touch too long which afforded Senior Leaders from Independent on the school badge! First job: Schools the chance to have an open and frank discussion regarding Charitable Status provision. The Maynard School, previously known 1986 Torquay Boys There has long been a misunderstanding from as Blue Maid’s Hospital and then Exeter Grammar School (TBGS) both sides and this was a good opportunity to Q High School for Girls, is the second explain just how much the Independent Sector oldest girls’ school in the country, and has a good First management job: give back to the national education scene as reputation for getting girls into top universities. 1990 Head of Pastoral Care at a whole and The Maynard is no exception. We Do you offer parallel advice and provision partner with local primary and secondary schools, alongside UCAS for girls who may prefer to go TBGS offering them support with minibus requirements down the apprenticeship route? Should there be a and master classes for their gifted and talented UCAS-equivalent for apprenticeships? First job in education: pupils. We are also sensitive to the fact that they I am all in favour of improving choice 1986 TBGS have equally superb teachers so we share good and options at the post 18 stage and practice and CPD provision, feeding off each to date this has been quite restrictive other with exciting pedagogy and whole school Appointed to current job: A for the brightest and most able. There are many Sept 2016 initiatives. Beyond this, we give a great deal in ways to develop an exciting and fulfilling career terms of scholarships and free places through our and a well-designed, challenging and highly Favourite piece of music: Maynard Awards Scheme because we genuinely regarded apprenticeship scheme that fast want to give any talented girls in the area the tracks a young person into a top job without Pachelbels Canon in D opportunity to gain an excellent education here. If accruing enormous debts could be a very good I could wave a magic wand, I would see the return way forward. Such a route may also develop Favourite food: of a Government partnership, possibly through those much needed employability skills more Indian a voucher scheme, to truly open up access again quickly. For the new Degree Apprenticeships to for the benefit of all. As for Godly purposes, stir grow and be a successful alternative and gain Favourite drink: into this pot a large dose of solid Christian values enough traction, it will need a robust three-way Red wine such as kindness, honesty, integrity and respect collaboration between the universities, industry through assemblies, PSHE, staff role modelling and Government. I shall be interested to see how Favourite holiday destination: and RS lessons, and I think Sir John Maynard they co-design a good set of entry criteria and would be proud! standards. Once I feel confident that Degree Exuma Cays Bahamas Apprenticeships are a robust enough career path The school motto is Manus Justa for our talented girls, I will certainly be offering Favourite leisure pastime: Nardus (A just hand is a healing balm). parallel advice. Who knows, perhaps they could Rowing on the River Dart Q If you were choosing a motto today, eventually become an integral part of the UCAS would you change it? If so, to what and why? application process! Favourite TV or radio It’s quite an unusual motto but I assume it stems from the concept of providing the girls of the city Your current job has brought you back programme/series: of Exeter a just opportunity of a good education to the City where you read Biology at David Attenborough Planet to give them a brighter future. Q University, via employment at two other Devon schools including Torquay Boys’ Grammar Earth A ‘just hand’ can be interpreted in the School where, amongst other duties in the early broadest sense and I read it as being 1990’s, you were Pastoral Leader. There has been Suggested epitaph: A virtuous and fair towards others’ mounting concern of late about the deteriorating I have always laughed at beliefs, values and actions. In today’s world of mental health of an increasing number of pupils; Spike Milligan’s one: “I told you ongoing conflict, mainly based around beliefs, it is have you noticed any such trend over the last vitally important in a school setting that we take 15 years, and, if so, are you able to suggest any I was ill!” the time to seek to understand a young person’s reasons for it?

20 Independent Schools Magazine Sarah Dunn has been head of The Maynard School, Devon, since September last year. She was previously Deputy Head at Plymouth College.

Our education system is very intense Sport has always been important in ensembles and musical productions all have an and the new elusive grade 9 at GCSE your life; you have participated in important part to play in encouraging a love A and more robust, linear A-levels Q a wide variety including yachting, of music. Opportunities must not be elitist and will only add to the strain. But my view is squash, hockey, water ski-ing, cycling, should include lots of celebration of effort and there is one main culprit. and that is the Social mountaineering, and sub-aqua, not to mention achievement but, most of all, it must be fun! Media frenzy that has taken a firm grip on our your World Coastal Rowing Gold Medal won in I am bringing back singing into assembly but society and our habits. It has brought about 2009 and becoming Veterans’ National Hockey above all, the girls get the opportunity to choose a much heightened sensitivity towards body Champion a few years previously! Some young the music. It can feel a bit like karaoke at times, image and personal achievements, become an people will not share your enthusiasm for but the smiles at the start of their day say it all addictive hobby and can be very damaging to physical activity and the outdoor life. What do for me. you feel are they missing? self-esteem . Add to this the ease of access apps Your girls are encouraged to such as Snapchat and Whatsapp leading to A great deal! From an early age, I feel possess a ‘can do’ attitude and have cyberbullying and ‘relational aggression’ and we strongly that our students should the confidence to embrace new understand the importance of a life- Q have a very worrying scene. Children these days A challenges. How do you ensure that they are long investment into their health and wellbeing. just never get a break! Schools have the golden prepared for the particular challenge of being Sensible nutrition, regular exercise, a good work opportunity to offer a social media free zone comfortable with boys when they leave your all- life balance and mental wellness are far more and allow our children to have a calm, healthy girl school for mixed-sex pastures new? environment in which to relax, be themselves, important than exam results. We don’t need to chat face to face with friends, take part in be obsessive, just careful, aware and sensible. Single sex day schools can be the Physical activity is a winner all round giving perfect blend. Here girls relax, are activities (which are great distracters) and focus great health benefits alongside social inclusion, truly themselves, feel uninhibited on their future careers. I do not envy the position A friendship building, a sense of belonging and and less worried about perceptions and image. of parents who are also trying to enforce such a a lot of fun. That is why good schools place so They forget about make-up, they really don’t zone at home! much emphasis on wide ranging extra curricular mind getting hot and sweaty on the netball provision to encourage participation and court and want to get their hand up first in the What is your view on the current educate the students on the benefits. Sowing physics lab. They have the right ambiance to debate over marking standards in the seeds at an early age and ensuring that allow their intellectual and social confidence Q A-level and GCSE examinations? every experience is truly enjoyable, at all levels, to flourish. As the new DfE statistics showed, Difficulties with exam marking is an is absolutely key. An awe and wonder of nature single sex schools do seem to offer a good age-old debate. It is vitally important is also a chief consideration of mine. We live in platform for progress, particularly in the STEM that schools can begin to feel more a beautiful country, especially here in Devon. subjects where stereotyping can be most A I want children to look up from their mobile pronounced. But at 5pm they return to a world confident in the process of marking and grading and Ofqual claim to be trying hard to make the gadgets and see the beauty around them and of brothers, friends with brothers, mixed hockey system more fair and transparent. We all have enjoy the charm of the sea, moorland, rivers and clubs and orchestras allowing a complete woodlands. If I can persuade them to do this serious concerns that poor rates of pay, tight immersion into a mixed environment. The by trekking, paddling, sailing or cycling, all the perfect combination. We must also remember deadlines, variation between the five Boards better! that even in a mixed school, girls will choose to and the ability range of the examiners are all ‘hang out’ with girls and sport is still segregated! contributing factors to the inconsistency of You are also keen on choral singing marking. In the 2016 cycle, 371,600 papers were and learning the classical guitar. The In a media-dominated world where reviewed with 9,700 grade changes! I think that Q Maynard’s Senior Choir shot to fame vulgarity, rudeness, and self- says it all! Another interesting discrepancy is in 2015 when they performed at the Rugby Q centredness seem so prevalent, how that an examiner gets around £4 per script, but World Cup opening ceremonies after a selection do you go about teaching your girls the value of a re-mark can cost £40. Would it not be more process involving over 100 schools. How traditional courtesy and consideration for others sensible to pump more funds into two markers can teachers instil a lasting interest in music without appearing out-of-touch with reality? per script at the start to improve moderation? amongst Junior-age children, so many of whom The trick is to keep revisiting values I encourage my teachers to become examiners drop the hobby after the basic recorder stage. with real life examples that resonate as it is very good CPD, but I also see the strain Again, it’s all about enjoyment. My with young people. It is also vital it puts them under while still in term time. A A students often have a good grin at that the adults around them are perfect role proper reform will require more funding for my expense as I regularly talk about models. Just preaching to a youngster is a recipe double marking, more realistic deadlines, more A releasing endorphins and making their days for disaster. We must provide the opportunities rigorous checks on examiners’ abilities, better at school a very positive experience. Music is a for our students to have deep and meaningful training and more accountability for the Boards. great way to feel good, bond with a group and discussion and allow the exploration of ideas and A big ask. genuinely lift your spirits. Choirs, orchestras, the chance to unpick the ‘why?’. Continued >

Independent Schools Magazine 21 ProfileIn conversation with Sarah Dunn (continued)

Privileged children can possess a propensity pupil places, another reporting possible cover- to give, the vast amount of real cash that our towards self centredness but can equally ups relating to inappropriate behavour by sector pumps into scholarships and bursaries show great empathy if guided well. Tutor time, staff. Parents know that this coverage does not to offer places to those with less wealth clearly assemblies and PSHE sessions need to be well represent the standards at the vast majority demonstrates that we do not want to be elitist. designed and relevant to encourage teenagers of independent schools, and can never be We simply care deeply about educating young to discover for themselves what is upsetting condoned, but it comes after many years of ill- people to the highest standards possible or inappropriate for others and have a better informed comment seeking to perpetuate the while offering them a safe and encouraging appreciation for cultures, genders, age and myth that independent schools serve only an environment. Our own students believe in the feelings. Of course if values and role modelling elite, privileged, often spoilt, minority. How can value of volunteering, charitable work and the is at the heart of your ethos, students will school leaders respond to the adverse images giving of their time to those in need because pick up on it even without realising and it portrayed without giving them credence we instil that in them. The perpetuated and will simply become engrained as the normal beyond their doubtful worth? often damaging myths mean that we will expectation in life. always be under scrutiny and therefore Most Independent Schools take Independent Schools have to show strong The independent school sector has their safeguarding, charitable values and total integrity at all times. Sadly, been the subject of negative national A status and staff code of conduct one or two let us down but, on the whole, we Q newspaper stories of late, one extremely seriously and strive for distinction. can hold our heads very high knowing that we alleging corrupt payments sought in return for Although we each have different capacities are the beacons of excellence. Winning week... Epsom College, Surrey, had a winning week last month (January) when it won the Digital School of the Year award plus all three categories in the Boscombe Down Balloon Challenge.

The College was named as joint team, £250 in Amazon vouchers duration (endurance); and the winner of the prestigious Parent towards school technology, plus highest altitude (height). Each Zone Digital School of the Year an opportunity for 30 pupils category carried a prize of £1000 Award 2017, which recognises to visit the Sky Academy Skills for the winning school. commitment to online safety and Studios in Isleworth to meet While some of the competing digital resilience. media presenters and to make schools bought in telemetry units, The College was selected for the their own programme on digital which can make each launch cost award following work in this safety. more than £200, all the software area, spearheaded by Director of Further celebrations came and hardware for the tracker on the Welfare, Helen Keevil (pictured when it was announced that the College’s balloon were designed right). Helen said, “Lessons College’s STEM Club had won all and built by Sixth Form members and whole school Internet three categories in the Boscombe of the STEM Club under the safety awareness days to help Down Balloon Challenge, which guidance of Head of Chemistry, keep pupils safe online are an took place during November and Jamie Styles, and Head of Physics, important part of the academic December 2016. Chris Telfer, with some extra help In total, the College team year. In PSD (Personal and The Challenge is a STEM outreach from OE Julian Nott, who has set launched six balloon flights from Social Development) lessons, event which was organised by several balloon records. for example, PowerPoint Epsom Downs between 22nd the Boscombe Down Branch of By designing the circuit boards, presentations from the Parent November and the deadline on Zone site are delivered to pupils the Royal Aeronautical Society writing the software, and using 31st December. Flight plans in Years 7-13 and junior pupils to celebrate the society’s 150th “Pic Chips” that cost less than were posted on habhub.org, all complete a four-week digital Anniversary. £1 each, the College team could which allowed observers from safety passport course. Online Teams from 12 schools around launch their balloon at a small around the country and in the behavioural experts visit the the UK took part in the fraction of this cost. At the Netherlands to help track the College regularly to work with competition, which sought to same time, it allowed students balloons. The first flight won L6th pupils to tidy their digital challenge students in a field to turn their hand to electronics both the range category, with a footprint ahead of starting that is not normally available to engineering, software coding distance from launch of 120.8 UCAS applications and work them. The main objectives were and PCB design as well as several nautical miles, and the endurance placements. Embedding the the selection of a high-pressure other engineering challenges. category, with a total flight time digital world in a traditional well- foil balloon of less than 2m in “Being able to launch multiple times of 3 hours, 11 minutes, and 17 established teaching and learning diameter and the development gave us some excellent feedback seconds. The final flight won the environment has been fun and of a telemetry unit to try and loops where we could apply what we height category with an altitude highly rewarding”. achieve any, or all, of three had learnt to the next launch and of 78,510 feet, which is almost The prize includes a session with goals: The furthest distance from improve our design, and software,” twice the cruising altitude of the Parent Zone online safety launch (range); the longest flight said Jamie Styles. commercial jets!

22 Independent Schools Magazine Much Ado About Nothing Spooky performance This year’s Framlingham College, romping home with Shakespeare’s Suffolk, production of ‘Much Ado language whilst confidently and About Nothing’ produced a fresh deliciously conveying the physical interpretation that entertained and comedy of the play. provoked its audiences over three This production whets the appetite nights in the Headmaster Porter for enjoying a third outing for Theatre. Watching Putin dance Fram Drama at the Edinburgh with Prince Charles at a party to Robbie William’s ‘Party Like a Fringe Festival in August. Russian’ on top of a stadium-style Framlingham College performance of tuxedoed men Headmaster, Paul Taylor, said, preening and posing in the style of “I so enjoyed this play. It was a the Overtones gives an indication really brave production that was of the mischief and fun the cast performed with real conviction, A 40-strong cast, from Years 10 music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, presented in this performance great timing (particularly comic) to 13, brought the The Addams the two act musical features the directed by Dorothy Englert. and, at times with real intimacy. Family to life in spectacular characters of Charles Addams, Putting this performance on a It was also very funny (when it fashion at Barnard Castle School, originally produced on Broadway traverse the length of a tennis was meant to be!) – and that is County Durham. and popularised on television in court with stages at both ends, no mean feat to pull off with GCSE drama and A Level theatre the 1960s. it was impressive to see students school Shakespeare productions.” studies students harnessed their Director Scott Edwards said: considerable stage skills for a “The whole cast and crew have four-night showstopper before worked incredibly hard since packed houses. September and the quality of the The musical comedy, which traces performances was testament to the antics of the sinister Addams their dedication and talent. They and normal Beineke families, was have worked six days a week, the culmination of months of every lunchtime and up to seven rehearsals. hours on a Sunday and their Based on the book by Marshall efforts were clearly appreciated by Brickman and Rick Elice, with the audiences.”

Cathedral recital Derby High School’s Chapel Choir have sung Evensong at Oxford performed a lunchtime recital in and Cambridge but this year I was the magnificent surroundings of looking for a new venue that was Worcester Cathedral. particularly suited to their current programme of sacred music. The choir performed a programme For all your including Mozart’s ‘Ave Verum’ “I asked if we could perform a and Wesley’s ‘Lead Me Lord’, lunchtime recital at Worcester music education with accompanists Paul Marshall Cathedral as it has particularly fine and Jeremy Hampton. They were acoustics for singers. & performance equipment directed by Ed Temple, Director of “The girls quickly adapted to the Music at Derby High School. acoustics of the building during the rehearsal. We were all delighted Mr Temple said the 16 girls Music Stands, to sing to such an appreciative Lights & Accessories performed beautifully and it was a FREEPHONE and large audience which included Music Folders great experience for them. 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & some retired teachers from Derby Accessories He said: “In recent years the choir High School which was lovely. to join the Instrument & Sheet Music Storage education discount Conductor’s programme and Equipment save money on Staging & Risers Theatre Products your purchases! Acoustic Products

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Music & Drama 23 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Bringing fantasy to life Pupils from Solihull School brought performed at the National Theatre fantasy to life with a series of in 2003. sell-out performances of His Dark James Hammond, head of drama Materials Part 2. at Solihull School, said: “His Based on the trilogy of fantasy Dark Materials is an extremely novels by Phillip Pullman, and a complex play which requires so follow-up to last year’s Part 1, the many different elements to bring performances took place in the it to life. As well as the amazing school’s purpose-built Bushell Hall performances delivered by our and saw more than 50 students pupils, twenty original puppets and take on the Olivier Award winning numerous bear and wolf masks were Watery tale adaptation – which was first created for the production.” A group of twenty pupils from the fourth form up to the sixth form at Dauntsey’s School, Wiltshire, has performed a striking production of Polly Teale’s ‘Mermaid’, an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘Little Mermaid’. The plot explores the character of ‘Blue’ who writes a modern fairy-tale as an escape from a life filled with insecurities. Elise Chambers, Teacher of Drama, Dauntsey’s said; “The pupils did a brilliant job of transporting the audience to the mermaid world, the experience being further enhanced by wonderful lighting, sound, set and costume design. “We were immersed in a watery world where the young actors cleverly conveyed a clear divide between the troubles on land versus the peace 600 primary children Sing Up! under the water.’’ After the huge success of last year’s encouraged the young singers to Sing Up! Suffolk choral workshop, listen to one another and learn to the Royal Hospital School invited understand the many aspects of Twelfth Night 600 Year 5 and 6 primary school ensemble singing and, following Bromsgrove Preparatory School making use of its exceptional pupils for another energy-filled, a morning of intense but fun took on the challenge of Twelfth acoustic qualities. Adjacent, a new fun-packed vocal day directed by coaching and rehearsing, everything Night by William Shakespeare. Music School will house a suite charismatic National Youth Choir of came to together for a fantastic The Year 7 & 8 pupils told the of specialist classrooms, recording Great Britain conductor – Dominic performance at the end of the story well, capturing the humour studios and instrumental practice Peckham. afternoon attended by lots of and fast-paced rhythm of the rooms, as well as a reception foyer parents – an incredible experience Director of Music, William Saunders play. Twelfth Night was staged and box office. said, “Dominic’s workshop for all involved”. in Bromsgrove’s Drama Studio as The Performing Arts Avenue a traverse production, with the will then lead to an equivalent audience sat on either side of the Into a magic kingdom home for Drama, built where the fast moving action. The audience Audiences at Oundle School, Theatre Director, Naomi Jones old Cobham Hall once stood in left with a feeling that they had Northamptonshire, Stahl Theatre commented, “This small and able the Preparatory School. Flexible witnessed something special and were transported to the magical cast demonstrated a genuine seating and a hydraulic thrust kingdom of Narnia (via a that wouldn’t have been possible ensemble with impressive stage will allow for a wide wardrobe!), where they were met without all the hard work of storytelling prowess. Alongside range of dramatic and dance by the enormous lion, Aslan, everyone involved. puppet design, Paul Laughton performances. From intimate plays brilliantly brought to life by an was also responsible for the Mr Charles Woollhead, Head of to large scale productions, the new amazing puppet creation. exceptionally striking, multi-layered, Prep School Drama said “I think facility will provide fully equipped Wardrobe Designer, Jo Henderson’s revolving winter wonderland on that we managed to capture technical galleries and safe costumes often shine in Stahl which the piece played out. But Shakespeare in a modern setting access to all lighting and flying productions but on this occasion no production comes together and make it feel relevant even facilities, encouraging students they really dazzled, with the without the hard work, vision 400 years after the text had been into technical aspects of theatre diminutive witch, made to look and dedication of its director and written. It is so wonderful to see as well as performance. The like a giant, partly by virtue of for bringing together all of these such talented performers rise facility will also boast a 90-seat her virtuoso performance but elements into one enchanting to the challenge and still walk Performance Studio, with large also strongly supported by skilful whole, Drama teacher, Matt away inspired and wanting to get scenic workshops, props stores and involved in the next production”. costume and make up design. Burlington deserves much praise.” modern dressing rooms available Construction of Bromsgrove for both lessons and productions. School’s new Performing Arts complex is now firmly underway. Two distinct 300+ seat theatres are being created, linked by an avenue which also connects the Preparatory and Senior Schools. Historic Routh Hall on the Senior campus will be transformed into a concert hall, tuned exclusively for musical performances and

24 Music & Drama Chapel choir opens Festival of Light Lockers Park Preparatory School, masterminded by Lockers Park’s Hertfordshire, Chapel Choir opened Director of Music, Vincent Shaw. Berkhamsted’s ever-popular Headmaster Christopher Wilson Festival of Light held in the run up commented: “Helping open the to Christmas. Berkhamsted Festival of Light was The 20-strong choir had been a real honour for our pupils. The practising hard in the run-up to Chapel Choir executed their set the event and dazzled audiences brilliantly and set the tone for with their festive-themed set, all what was a wonderful local event.”

Photo by Adam Hollier Retiring after 39 Years After 39 years of service to “I would like to publicly thank Chester-based school Abbey Gate him personally for all that he College, Mr Stewart Smith, Director has done for the pupils and the of Music, will be retiring at the Music department at Abbey Gate end of this academic year. College.” Mr Smith will leave behind a legacy Mr Smith said: “It has been of a well-run and successful Music a joy and privilege to build department; the spectacular Chapel up and run a thriving Music Choir and a myriad of different Department at Abbey Gate musical ensembles which he has College since 1978. During that helped and inspired to create. period, numerous talented young Pupils past and present at the musicians have furthered their independent, co-educational music studies at University and school have benefitted from Music Conservatoires. The Chapel his leadership, enthusiasm, and Choir has undoubtedly been my passion for all things musical. strongest passion. Headmistress Mrs Pollard said: “I “I am looking forward to my believe that music is the ‘beating heart’ of any school and it is clear, final choir tour this summer to even in my very short tenure to Lincoln Cathedral in July. Prior date, that Mr Smith has played the to this, we will be holding a Gala most important part in establishing Concert which will welcome back this, something which the College several former pupils to perform. will endeavour to continue with This promises to be a musical the appointment of his successor. spectacular!”

Music & Drama 25 Assessing the real benefits to pupils of a popular & high-profile initiative Is complacency creeping into Outdoor Learning? Outdoor Learning has been popular with most schools across the country as an opportunity to enhance the curriculum with exciting, practical and hands-on learning outside the classroom. Outdoor learning extends and challenges pupils allowing them to observe nature, watch the seasons change, get their hands dirty and above all, learn by seeing and doing. Children who don’t necessarily thrive in the traditional classroom setting can sometimes come alive with the opportunities presented by outdoor learning, whether that means being more independent, enjoying collaborative group work, taking greater responsibility and also relishing in the freedom to explore and devise their own experimental learning. But Head of Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire, Ben Evans is starting to question whether or not schools are beginning to rest on their laurels and become a little complacent about the future of outdoor learning and how this should evolve. Is outdoor learning just another tick in the box for many schools? It is hard to find a school these Reaching full potential pupil progress and achievement. Parents also need to experience days that doesn’t boast of its Teachers must also ask themselves the benefits for themselves It must become fully embedded Forest or Woodland School how this can be evidenced. through workshops provided by within each school’s ethos and with glossy pictures of children the school. How many of your philosophy, with wholehearted happily playing in the summer Radical changes to parents have been into the woods, support from all staff and sun. It is obviously good to see attitudes are needed sat in the log circle, participated parents to ensure its full benefits that schools are going beyond in the activities and got muddy?! otherwise we are not using it to Outdoor learning does not need traditional classroom teaching This has to happen before schools its fullest potential. We need to change radically though. and are being brave enough to can really embed outdoor learning to take outdoor learning more What does need to change is provide opportunities for outdoor as part of their culture and for seriously and not become tunnel- parents’ attitudes to the benefits adventure in spite of the pressures parents to embrace its value and visioned as to the possibilities of of it and the time given to it on of parental expectations and importance. where we could take it. the whole school curriculum. It 11+ preparation. However, for isn’t just something nice for the many, it can be simply a tick box Is there more to it than simply Early Years departments or Key Pushing the boundaries exercise in a bid to attract parents running lessons outdoors too? Stage 1; it needs to be seen as We must push the boundaries without any clear aims as to how Outdoor learning once meant a provision for all ages. As a of outdoor learning and link the provision will dovetail with little more than taking your way of delivering a skills based all aspects of it to the school’s the curriculum and add value to normal lesson outside on a curriculum in an exciting and teaching and learning philosophy. the school’s teaching and learning warm summer’s day, reading to engaging way, something that Ensure the school’s values and as well as pupil achievement. your class under a tree or some can be harder to achieve in guiding principles are explicit in sketching of the school grounds. traditional subjects. all aspects of outdoor learning My one question would be: how Thankfully, teaching and learning and that the provision supports do you assess pupil progress We should be looking at this has moved on and the possibilities and builds on what happens through outdoor learning? form of learning as a way of incorporating outdoor leaning across the curriculum rather than Far too often schools can’t to demonstrate progress in as a regular part of the curriculum being a fun add-on. answer this beyond a vague the acquisition of resilience, has become well recognised and description of how their children confidence, curiosity and At Edge Grove we intend to established. are becoming more resilient, independence. How do pupils move forward by extending the independent and curious. It But rather than slotting in progress with these skills from age range exposure to outdoor simply isn’t enough anymore to episodes of outdoor learning into year to year? Outdoor learning learning as well as the physical only provide the Forest School the unit plans, teachers must start can allow teachers to demonstrate resources by including larger areas facilities and just superficially to plan a way to embed this from this progress whilst also show to facilitate different activities and scratch the surface of outdoor scratch, ensuring that it involves greater academic attainment in no longer confine learning to the learning – it has to be about continuity and progression and science, geography, English and ‘woods.’ Incorporating gardening more than this. has real benefit to continuous maths, to name a few subjects. and science and instilling a greater

26 Independent Schools Magazine Assessing the real benefits to pupils of a popular & high-profile initiative

academic focus to the learning is progress against our guiding children are displaying ‘baby skills’ to developing the provision also on the agenda. principles, which underpin how for much longer periods and not and inspiring others (pupils, we learn and live as a community. developing physically as they staff, parents, and governors) We aim to ensure parents should. Schools must address this to embrace the benefits and understand fully how their Other ideas are to develop a by using outdoor learning and opportunities is a positive and children learn through being nature/fitness/heritage trail Forest School provisions to get necessary step forward. outdoors and can see how they around the school grounds as children outside, moving around, are progressing academically and part of a science project involving Schools need to ensure that climbing trees, tying knots and socially. Pupil wellbeing comes the whole school and providing a budget is sufficient to allow generally being more active. into this too and is a very topical long lasting focus and benefit. adequate resourcing including and important aspect of any Sadly there are many poor proper health and safety measures. There are of course lots of aspects school’s work. Edge Grove will examples of outdoor learning Leading by example is what we do we haven’t considered about this deliver mindfulness though Forest in schools too. With some as head teachers and we need to way of learning especially on School and outdoor learning being unplanned and under be the school’s main proponent for public exam achievement at 16+ too by using the outdoors and resourced and which purely outdoor learning and shout about and 18+ apart from the well- a different environment to ticks a box. Simply taking it from the roof tops. known benefits of the Duke of allow pupils to relax, enjoy the classroom learning outside Edinburgh Award Scheme. How present and think clearly. The Not just for summer will skill based outdoor learning without properly considering possibilities and opportunities are Ensuring that the benefits are affect pupil attainment and how it will positively improve very exciting. publicised and embedded in the confidence, ensuring that they learning outcomes and pupil core values of the school and are well prepared for the future; a achievement has no real benefit. Ideas for the future teaching and learning is vital. future that is uncertain and ever- Schools must not confuse We are also looking at developing, measuring the playground or We should never stop reflecting through the delivery of the Edge changing? and looking to improve the looking for different shapes or Grove Baccalaureate in years 7 provision. How can it enhance Positively improving materials around the school and 8, a collaboration with the pupils’ learning, progress and with purposeful and productive Chiltern Open Air Museum to learning outcomes development? It is also a outdoor learning. provide opportunities for pupils Schools need to be constantly good idea to elect a number of to work with them on their assessing and reflecting on their Heads have a responsibility to outdoor learning champions who sensory trail, push themselves outdoor learning and how it is guide outdoor learning in their will enthuse others (including outside their comfort zones and actually improving teaching and schools and to give proper the inevitable naysayers and explore the idea of heritage and learning and pupil outcomes. importance to it across all phases. detractors) and drive forward learning. In this way, building It is becoming increasingly Appointing an outdoor learning the initiative – after all, outdoor their resilience and confidence recognised that due to inactivity co-ordinator with the time, learning isn’t just for the summer and being able to ensure their and sedentary lifestyles young training and passion to devote term…

Independent Schools Magazine 27 Emma Croker visit Pupils at Old Buckenham Hall School, Suffolk, were inspired by Emma Croker when she visited the school recently to talk about her life experiences and lead some training sessions. Years 7 and 8 listened intently to Emma as she spoke about her incredible journey from first picking up a rugby ball at university at the age of 19, being selected to represent England just From Elizabeth to Elizabeth – 3 years later and then lifting the World Cup in 2014. Rugby School is 450 Years Old Emma has always enjoyed her sport. She was part of the National Gymnastics Squad and represented Rugby School is celebrating its Christian faith, charitable ethos by Simon Johnson, organist of her county at Netball during her 450th anniversary this year with and global reach. St Paul’s Cathedral. school career. Starting a new sport an extensive calendar of events Highlights from the 450th • A thanksgiving celebration at at 19 and making such incredible from a global rugby ball pass, calendar include: Coventry Cathedral. progress through the ranks Olympic Torch style, to a street highlighted to the children that • A lasting tribute to the Peter Green, Head Master of Rugby festival in London. they should not be afraid to try anniversary year, a newly School, said: ‘Some independent new things. In 1567, the same year Mary commissioned Rugby School schools in England are certainly Queen of Scots was imprisoned history book ‘From Elizabeth older than Rugby but few have Emma has had to juggle in Lochleven Castle, the School’s to Elizabeth’ - an illustration had such a lasting influence on motherhood and a full time job as founder, Lawrence Sheriff, grocer of how Rugby’s history fits the principles of an all-round a PE teacher with playing rugby. To and purveyor of spices to Queen into the jigsaw of 450 exciting, education. The 450th will maintain her fitness, Emma would Elizabeth I, left a legacy not only bloodthirsty, commercial, encompass all the elements which get up at 3.30am to fit in an hour’s to found a school, but one that revolutionary years. have helped this School develop training session before work and was to have a lasting influence • From this book, an exhibition into the modern, challenging, then attend team training in the on the principles of a British that will be open through 2017 co-educational establishment it is evenings. She has battled back to education. to the public. today, where the whole person is fitness from injuries, including a In his will, Sheriff left instructions • The Global Pass – inspired by the the whole point.” broken cheek bone and a broken journey of the Olympic Torch, neck. Her drive to overcome all the and funding to establish a ‘free Peter Berners-Price, Chairman of two Rugbeians plan to pass a obstacles she has encountered and grammar school for local boys’ the 450th anniversary Committee DHL-tracked rugby ball across the passion she had for her team in his home town of Rugby. In a and Rugbeian, added: “This is an the Globe, 450 times. and her sport sent a very strong codicil he also added eight acres opportunity for all those in the • An exciting, international schools message to the children. of pastureland in Conduit Close wide Rugbeian community not just rugby sevens tournament in – now one of London’s most to look back and celebrate 450 The girls were then treated to an March with teams from across cosmopolitan shopping hubs and years of education excellence, but introduction to Rugby from Emma. the UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, part of the London estate. look forward to the way the whole They thoroughly enjoyed taking New Zealand and South Africa. 450 years later, Rugby is a vibrant story continues into the future. part in the training drills and games • A street festival in London’s co-educational day and boarding At our events in 2017, Rugbeians, and were thrilled to be taught by Bloomsbury in April to celebrate school for 800 pupils, many of parents, staff and friends, as well as one of the world’s finest female Lawrence Sheriff’s bequest, whom benefit from Foundation visitors to the School from Rugby rugby players. involving Rugbeians and Awards and Scholarships funded Town and further afield, will enjoy retailers in the fashionable from the London estate income. celebrating together and learn how shopping hub of Lambs Conduit Rugby continues to inspire and With plenty to celebrate, from and Rugby Streets. influence the next generation.” the educational values of Dr • The première of a new Thomas Arnold, England’s most documentary film along with The official launch took place famous Victorian Head Master, to the first performances of the earlier this month (January) at the invention of rugby football ‘450th Overture’ composed by Rugby School when the exhibition - the 450th year calendar is jam Rugbeian Nathan Williamson was formally opened and the first packed with events linked to featuring ‘The Rugby Trumpets’, global passes will be made on the the School’s key characteristics and ending with the ‘450th historic Close before the ball heads including our sporting heritage, Anniversary Anthem’ composed off on its international journey. Picture: Jonny Wilkinson signs Rugby School’s Global Pass ball at the recent launch of the Hall of Fame where he was named as one of the 12 new inductees

28 Schoolwear and Sport Aspiring Olympian goes the distance A Year 8 student from Lewes and praised the strength of her Old Grammar School, Sussex, application, which was supported (LOGS) has been awarded a sports by a letter from Robyn Stone, scholarship in recognition of her Head of Gifted and Talented at remarkable javelin success. LOGS. Anouska Fairhurst, 12, was granted Robyn said: “When Squadkit one of only four scholarships asked for applications, Anouska by Squadkit, who manufacture immediately came to mind. She sportswear exclusively for LOGS’s is an exceptional sportswoman uniform supplier, Schoolblazer. who has represented the school in a myriad of sports. We are all Despite only taking up the javelin so happy for her and I’m sure £3m development 18 months ago, Anouska is now Olympic medals will follow in her A £3m project to transform the “The sports centre has been a number one in the UK and fourth future!” in the world for her age group. sports centre at Yorkshire’s Ashville central feature of the campus for Chosen by Olympic Hockey players Last year, she competed in 20 College has begun. more than half a century, but Chloe Rogers and Hollie Webb, competitions nationwide and the decades of constant use by as well as former Scottish Rugby The scheme – which is scheduled boasts a personal best of 37.37 pupils, club members and outside player Jason White, Anouska will to be completed by the start of metres. organisations, have taken their toll. receive support with kit, funding the new school year in September Judges said they were impressed to enter international events, – will see the popular facility at “Once completed, which all being that Anouska had achieved so and mentoring from the former Ashville College undergoing a well should be late August, we much in a short amount of time athletes. major facelift and redevelopment. will have one of the most modern sports centres in the region. The main phase of the building work to the Yew Tree Lane “To lessen disruption – and to building, parts of which date reduce the construction timescale – back more than 50 years - will a large part of the new-look sports commence in April. centre is being made off-site. Once completed, the sports centre “During the Easter holidays will boast a significantly enlarged these units will be transported gymnasium, a new studio, nine to Harrogate and simply lowered into place. This allows Ashville’s new changing facilities, new games programme to run without reception and café area, and new disruption throughout the year. staff offices. In addition to this latest The swimming pool will also be investment, the independent redecorated and receive much school has, over the last 5 years, needed maintenance. Lloyds Bank spent a further £1.6m on a new are supporting Ashville with the all-weather surface pitch, making project. its swimming pool more energy Ashville College Headmaster efficient, improving drainage to Mark Lauder said: “At £3m, this its 1st XV rugby pitch, significant Coaching the Pros is the single biggest investment investment in equipment for the Wellington School, Somerset, has quite remarkable and a rare undertaken at Ashville College gym, and state-of-the-art new welcomed back Director of Sport opportunity indeed. so far. lighting in both Sports Halls. and Wellbeing, Steffan Jones “I use the same coaching skills from his 5 week coaching role with all athletes from international “Down Under!” professionals, to Year 7 and Steffan was coaching in the T20 8 boys and girls during their Cricket Big Bash League (the only fundamental movement lesson,” British coach to be doing so). commented Steffan Jones. He was the specialist bowling “Having recently restructured the coach for the Hobart Hurricanes, Sports Performance and Wellbeing developing the skills of some Department, we have created an of the strongest bowlers in the innovative and thriving programme world, such as Stuart Broad which is overseen by professional and Shaun Tait, who described full-time specialist coaches. This Steffan as one of the best is a unique aspect of Wellington coaches they have ever worked School and one which is reaping with. For our pupils to have rewards across all sporting the opportunity to be coached disciplines and creating healthier, Pictured: Ashville’s Chairman of Governors, Peter Whitely, (left) by someone of his quality is more rounded athletes.” and Headmaster Mark Lauder begin demolishing the sports centre

Schoolwear and Sport 29 Advertorial Feature New Brand: New Uniform and Sportswear

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Burgess Hill Girls approached Girls wanted a unique and mills to develop a fabric which Schoolblazer in early 2015 distinctive style that built on the fully reflected the style and following the appointment of heritage of the school but that colours. Finally we worked Kathryn Bell as the new Head. was modern and fashionable. The together to develop some Kathryn had a very clear vision school’s blue colour scheme was high impact sportswear under for the school, a school for important, but the desire was to the Squadkit brand. Squadkit “Only Motivated Girls” or OMG’s. move away from a “plain blue” has been developed with the However the previous uniform jacket. world’s leading sportswear fabric suppliers to bring new levels of was drab and undistinctive and The sportswear should be breathability and performance to failed to reflect the modern ethos distinctive with real stand-out. the school market. of the school and nurturing Sport is a critical part of the nature of the surroundings. school’s life and identify, however The result is a unique uniform that uses the new distinctive ‘B’ Schoolblazer worked with the local schools are all in a dominant branding, sometimes in quite design agency Kilvington, who navy based colour scheme, and subtle ways like in the jacquard specialise in school branding the School wanted a unique look. lining of the blazers. The whole and who had been tasked to Our designers then got to work. look has been modernised by develop a new brand identity and We presented a series of concept the introduction of fitted girl’s conducted detailed focus groups and mood boards showcasing jackets, blouses and tailoring. with pupils. The results of these shapes and ideas and worked The Squadkit sportswear delivers were clear: with the UK’s leading textile a bold look using strong and vibrant colours in the latest performance fabrics. Too often new uniform or sportswear introductions are let down by poor logistics. At Schoolblazer we know that parental satisfaction is key, and pride ourselves on our logistical excellence. We applied our unique buying algorithms to ensure that we delivered 100% availability throughout the launch season and worked with our factories to ensure that all stock was ready for launch. Our online service offers intelligent sizing to ensure fit, free name-tape application and ultra-fast order turn-around. The results have been amazing: over 95% of parents expressed themselves as fully satisfied with our service and over 90% of parents were satisfied with the appearance and quality. More importantly the school are delighted with the new product. Kathryn Bell said, “Schoolblazer have played a vital part in our redesign and development. I’m 01832 280011 [email protected] delighted with the result”. www.schoolblazer.com

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5785 A4 Advert - The Abbey.indd 1 04/04/2016 12:55 Thinking of others... Promoting forces charity A Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, she was born. The charity now a selection of mentors to ensure pupil features alongside author, helps to fund Emily’s place at the that they have an abundance of adventurer and TV presenter school. The film demonstrates appropriate advice, experiences Levison Wood in a new short film every person’s need for a support and opportunities to take them promoting the work of charity network and highlights why it is successfully into their adult Children of Heroes. Emily Guy, important for children and young lives. The children of those who who is in Year 9, was asked to people to have consistency in their have made the ultimate sacrifice take part in the film by the charity education. deserve this”. courage to stand in front of the to help it promote its work to camera and be your authentic self, Emily’s mother, Helen Guy, who Co – founded by Zain Naqi and potential donors. Emily’s story in bearing all to an unseen audience. lives in Skipton with Emily and Will Mauder-Taylor, the charity has the video was produced and filmed I hope Emily’s father would rest her brother Henry, said of Emily’s a discreet approach to charitable on location at the school. safe in the knowledge that his connection to the charity: fundraising in order to protect the The charity helps educate and son and daughter will flourish in “Children of Heroes enables Emily families with whom they work. mentor the children of fallen such an environment before in to attend Giggleswick School and There are no paid employees servicemen and women. Levison time deciding where to wander without their help this would not and all funds raised go to the Wood is one of the charity’s their own paths in life. It is also be possible. The charity recognises charitable cause. patrons having served as an my hope that the film encourages that the children of our fallen The school has other strong links Army Officer in the British more people to engage with servicemen and women sadly miss to the military. Its own Combined Parachute Regiment, fighting Children of Heroes and the discreet out, significantly, in many ways Cadet Force includes one of only against Taliban insurgents in work we do to give those who due to the lack of that parent in 18 Royal Marine detachments in Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul have suffered such a bereavement, their lives. Both myself and the the UK. in 2008. He has since gone on Trustees of Children of Heroes as a result of a parent’s sacrifice, a to become a successful author Will Mauder-Taylor said of his believe that one of the ways we simple leg-up in life”. and TV presenter working with time spent making the film at can compensate those children The film can be viewed on the School’s the National Geographic, Animal Giggleswick School: for their loss is to provide them website and social media account as Planet, Channel 4 and the BBC. well as on Children of Heroes’ Vimeo with a first class, outstanding “It has been a pleasure working account https://vimeo.com/169549132. Emily lost her father, who was education. In addition the with Emily and meeting staff To donate online to the charity visit serving in Iraq, just days before charity provides teenagers with and pupils here. It takes a lot of www.childrenofheroescharity.com Pictured above: Emily Guy with her friend Alice, who also takes part in the film, at their school Leonard Cheshire’s 100th Birthday Year Launched Leonard Cheshire Disability former Dragon pupil. To launch launched its founder’s 100th the commemorations, recently birthday year appeal at the appointed chief executive of Dragon School, Oxford last the charity, Neil Heslop OBE, month (January). Children from gave a talk to pupils aged eight the school presented a cheque to thirteen at Dragon School’s for £3,240, raised through a weekly Spectrum Event. He focused on the values, life sponsored ‘swim the channel’ and achievements of Leonard relay event. Cheshire, and spoke about the Throughout this Centenary ongoing work of the charity year, the charity will celebrate around the world. He emphasised the life and work of Leonard how the School’s core values of Cheshire, WWII pilot, Victoria courage, kindness and respect Day of Magic and Wizardry! Cross Winner, benefactor and had shaped Leonard’s life in Grace Dieu Manor School, Leicestershire, was transformed into a the war and in helping disabled School of Magic and Wizardry in aid of the children’s charity LUMOS, people through his charitable the JK Rowling charity which works hard to ensure that no child is foundation. denied a family life because of poverty, disability or ethnic minority. Dragon Deputy Head, Ed Phelps Lumos supports 8 Million children and works hard to put an end to the said: “We were delighted to institutionalisation of children. welcome Leonard Cheshire The day was devoted to cross curricular learning, themed with magic Disability back to the School. and wizardry. Leonard Cheshire, who left the School in 1931, epitomised the ‘Professor Perch’ (Tony Smith) visited the School with his Harris Hawks values of the Dragon. Those fittingly called Luna and Bellatrix and performed a flying display. The values of courage, kindness and majestic birds prompted many questions from the children who found respect still form the foundation them fascinating. The Chef provided a great lunchtime feast for pupils and of the School’s ethos today.” staff as well as Witch’s trolleys full of sweets!

32 Independent Schools Magazine Hats off to young fundraisers The Great North Children’s The Year 8 form at Dame Allan’s Hospital has said ‘hats off’ to Schools arranged the day, which children who raised over £1000 everyone from Nursery to Year 13, following a fundraiser with a including staff, took part in to difference to support their friend. support Dylan who was undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pupils and staff from Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle In December 2015 Dylan, then presented the Great North 12 years old, was diagnosed Children’s Hospital with a cheque with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, after for £1,135.77 following a Wear a being admitted to the Children’s Hospital with difficulty breathing. Tasty DofE projects Hat Day in support of their Year Dylan underwent a tough 8 pupil Dylan Williams. A gingerbread model of the Abbey style. But where is the challenge in chemotherapy and radiotherapy School, Berkshire, has been created that I thought? So I decided to try Dame Allan’s Junior School and regime to treat the cancer, by Jo Greaves, PA to the Head and recreate a small section of the Nursery, the Senior Schools and resulting in him losing his hair of Finances and Resources at Abbey Senior School in gingerbread Sixth Form raised the money which was thick and curly. Dylan the school as her Diamond DofE incorporating sugar windows and which will go to the Children’s wore a hat at school to cover challenge. interior lighting. Anyone who has Cancer Fund at the Great North his hair loss, however he felt Said Jo:.“Some months ago I, seen the Great British Bake Off Children’s Hospital, part of the conspicuous, so his Form Tutor along with around 14,000 others, knows how badly things can turn Royal Victoria Infirmary, which Dr Leese and his friends arranged signed up to the Diamond DoE out if your structure is not right. is a specialist patient-centred a day for boys, girls and staff to Challenge. I love to bake and so it Anyway two complete models were hospital for children. wear a hat and raise money. seemed fitting for this challenge made in cardboard, many types that I try to master a new skill, of gingerbread recipes tested and one which I have never attempted many walls baked several times.” before - the art of gingerbread making. Now of course I could The model was displayed in the have started small and made a school reception throughout last traditional house Hansel & Gretel month (January). Rising to the challenge A team of 4 teachers from Surrey’s “We are a small school and decided Kingswood House School got into to do this to both raise the profile the spirit by taking on the DofE of our new Senior Years and the Diamond Challenge – a one-off launch of the DofE programme initiative organised by The Duke for the Senior boys at our school. of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) in We kept a video diary throughout celebration of their Diamond the day which we uploaded onto Anniversary. the school Facebook page and had thousands of views. I have since Tireless efforts Their challenge was to be produced a short video of our blindfolded and taken to an Wellington Prep School, disco. Their tireless efforts raised Challenge for the website. We have Somerset, pupils and staff have £2,000 for NRAS – the National unknown location in the Surrey raised over £1000 so far.” Hills (a destination chosen by the raised a substantial amount of Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive Headmaster) with only a map and money for charity. This initiative was driven by Year of the DofE Charity said: “Our compass. The 4 teachers then Pupils held a variety of events 7 pupil Papatya Kaya, whose DofE Diamond Challengers are just had to find their way back to the over the past year, including mother Tracey Kaya is a teacher amazing; extraordinary people who a whole school Swimathon, at the School and suffers from school in Epsom. The walk took 5 are pushing themselves outside cake sales, a French Café and a Rheumatoid Arthritis. hours and covered 13.4 miles over of their comfort zones to support the hills. our Charity, I can’t thank them The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award enough. Our Diamond Anniversary (DofE) celebrated its Diamond is a great marker to plan for the Anniversary throughout 2016, future and we want to enable two having supported millions of young million more young people to start people in the UK and across the their DofE by 2020, 400,000 from globe to achieve DofE Awards since disadvantaged backgrounds. The it was founded in 1956. DofE Diamond Challenge is a great way to get involved and help us Speaking about their DofE reach this target.” Diamond Challenge, and the To support the Kingswood House School excitement of being part of the team donations can be made at https:// Anniversary celebrations, Mr Jon www.justgiving.com/fundraising/https- www-justgiving-com-fundraising-edit- Pictured: Wellington Prep School Deputy Head Martin Stepney with pupil Papatya Marler, Head of Year 9, said: Honey-I-lost-the-teachers Kaya presenting a cheque for £2,000 to Janet Wagstaff and Lizzie Spence from NRAS

Independent Schools Magazine 33 Hepburn’s national win As winners of the national IMI yet 60% of the buyers are in fact (Institute of the Motor Industry) women. The judges praised team Business Studies Competition, a Hepburn’s strategy and ideas, group of five Year 11 pupils (and and commented that their own some parents) from Claires Court marketing teams were bowled Senior Girls, Berkshire, enjoyed a over and thoroughly inspired winner’s day at Mercedes-Benz by the girls’ new and novel but World, Brooklands, Weybridge. achievable concepts. For the competition the girls had One of the judges, Paul Hudspith to research, design and create a was so impressed with the girls marketing strategy and plan for a he personally congratulated campaign to launch a new vehicle them and offered them work to their chosen target market. experience with Sytner, one of of being driven straight at walls prestigious national prize. It is Having beaten 270 other teams the event’s main sponsors. at high speed, before the driver wonderful to see young women with their campaign for a new As part of their prize the girls braked efficiently with mere confidently engaging in the luxury car called, “The Hepburn”, had a driving experience around milliseconds to spare before world of work and taking on the team were praised for having the Brooklands race track as challenges, identifying issues impact. identified a gap in marketing passengers in premium AMG cars. and coming up with solutions campaigns for car sales. They They reached speeds of up to Paul Bevis, Headteacher for an industry that is not identified that most promotion 100mph, were taken for a spin said, “We are delighted traditionally considered by for new cars is aimed at men - on the skid pad and had the thrill that the girls have won this women.”

Pictured: Senior Girls with their award, with (left) Adam Jordan (Divisional Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz) and (right) Paul Hudspith (Group Recruitment Manager, Syther) Cyber-Attacks Highlight Importance of Being Ready For the GDPR It seems that rarely a day goes period of exit negotiations implement the required changes. also introduces mandatory by without a cyber-attack on means that the GDPR will, at When preparing for the GDPR, notification to affected a major company, government least temporarily, become law you should: individuals where the breach is department, or educational in the UK. With the expanded • Know how it will impact your likely to result in a high risk to establishment making the territorial scope of the GDPR, school: The broad territorial those individuals. headlines. Recent publicity UK companies offering goods reach means GDPR will also It may seem as though there is surrounding cyber-attacks, or services (even for free) to impact organisations located plenty of time before the GDPR including data breaches at EU citizens or monitoring the outside the EU. comes into force, but the new rules TalkTalk and Tesco, highlights behaviour of EU citizens, will • Be aware of the increased include obligations that may require the vulnerability of schools also continue to be subject to fines: Do you know how much your company to make operational and colleges to cyber security the GDPR, regardless of the UK’s breaches and the potential your school could be fined if it and IT changes, which take time departure from the EU. consequences that can follow. experiences a data breach? and require budget investment. With the likelihood of experiencing When the deadline arrives for How Will It Affect You? • Know what personal data your a cyber hack increasing and the companies to comply with the For individuals, the GDPR school holds and the lawful European Union General Data introduces enhanced rights basis on which you rely when potential for steep fines if personal Protection Regulation (GDPR), and protections concerning using and storing it. Keep data you hold is compromised, the fines schools could face as the use of their data. For in mind the more stringent the risks associated with delaying a result of such breaches are companies, it introduces new consent requirements. preparations are too great to ignore. breach notification rules and significant. • Have plans in place to respond significantly higher fines of 4% To keep up-to-date with The GDPR will come into force to data breaches: Companies of global turnover or EUR20 the latest trends in risk in all EU member states from 25 are required to notify the million (whichever is greater) in management for independent May 2018, and businesses will be relevant supervisory authority the event of a data breach. schools join the Marsh UK required to be compliant by that of most data breaches within Education Forum on LinkedIn or date. Although the UK has voted Your business should assess the 72 hours of becoming aware visit uk.marsh.com/education. to leave the EU, the lengthy implications of the GDPR and of the breach. The GDPR

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34 Finance, Business & Insurance Education Insurance Specialists

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EDU Adcepts SC00085 #1 Head.indd 1 31/10/2016 09:00:23 Pupils benefit from staff mental health first aid training

Pastoral care staff at Pocklington son and now devotes his time to values, in the belief that a positive School, Yorkshire, have received raising awareness of mental health and supportive environment Mr Moore offered mental health first aid training issues among young people. provides the best setting for the following advice: as part of the School’s focus on young people to thrive. Pupils He spoke to staff about how Tell your pupils to: pupil wellbeing. to spot signs of mental health are encouraged to talk about any Laugh and smile As young people’s mental health problems in young people and anxieties, knowing staff will be Eat well made headlines after Prime assess their wellbeing under a sympathetic and helpful. Sleep well Minister Theresa May put it at triage system, then determine The School keeps a close eye on the centre of her “shared society,” whether external help is required. the latest advice on best practice Take exercise and fresh air mental health campaigner Dick Mr Moore also offered advice on to ensure pupils benefit, and has Don’t expect to be perfect Moore was delivering mental ways of reassuring and calming a wellbeing programme for pupils We fail, just get used to it health first aid training at an anxious child, how to listen and staff led by two clinical Do not believe that A*s are the Pocklington School. non-judgmentally, and how to psychologists. They act as an panacea for happiness Mr Moore qualified as a Mental suggest self-help strategies. advice point for teachers, as well Accept your emotions Health First Aid Instructor after Pocklington School places good as providing confidential advice Talk Talk Talk the suicide of his 21-year-old pastoral care at the centre of its and support to pupils. Be kind to others Clare Swann, Head of Pupil Be kind to yourself Welfare at Pocklington School, Count your blessings said: “We place the utmost importance on pupil wellbeing Parents should: and Dick’s advice was very well Avoid judging received by our pastoral team. Avoid imposing your own aspirations on your child “Dick speaks with passion on Seek to build resilience the subject of adolescent mental whenever you can health, drawing from his personal Encourage the discussion experience, and is a very effective of emotions communicator. Staff now have the Be aware how negative remarks tools to assess the mental health have three times the impact as needs of their charges, and are positive remarks, and finally… all the better equipped to take Don’t insist on the last word! appropriate action where needed.” Chef of the year Long tradition of service David Hussey from Sodexo The Whitgift Foundation has The charity also provides Education won the grand finale of released a new animation to care for over 100 residents in the Sodexo Chef of the Year 2017 at raise awareness of its 420-year its three care homes; offers the Great Hospitality Show in NEC history in Surrey. support to the borough’s Birmingham last month (January). The story begins more than four estimated 35,000 carers The Eton College, Berkshire, centuries ago with founder, through the Carers’ Information executive head chef was crowned Archbishop John Whitgift, in Service as well as producing the after a competitive 90-minute cook Croydon and takes viewers Croydon Heritage Festival. off against the seven other top chefs through to today where over The Whitgift Foundation from across Sodexo UK & Ireland’s 3,000 students are educated currently supports business for the accolade. David and his commis chef James across its schools, nearly half of approximately 44% of current David Mulcahy, craft development Bourn prepared a starter of those pupils receiving financial pupils in its schools through director for Sodexo, presented duck breast with Brussels sprout, assistance. The three schools financial assistance in the form David with his gold medal alongside pomegranate, garam masala and are Old Palace of John Whitgift of bursaries and scholarships. the first prize, which includes a tamarind, duck heart ‘popcorn’; a (co-ed nursery and girls 4-18), This equates to just over culinary trip to Norway courtesy of main of trout, fennel, cauliflower Trinity School (boys 10-16 with £5million a year to enable the Norwegian Seafood Council. with lentil dhal, pickled fennel a co-educational sixth form) talented young people to David is responsible for a team salad and finger lime; and a white and Whitgift School (boys 10- benefit from the outstanding of fifteen, eleven of those being chocolate, ginger and cardamom tart 18 with boarding provision for education provided by the chefs providing the hospitality for with caramelised white chocolate ice boys 13-16). schools. all students and fine dining for cream, orange compote and poppy Eton College. seed tuile.

36 Independent Schools Magazine Pupils benefit from staff mental Ann Haydon has Vicky been appointed Bingham Head of Harrow is the new health first aid training International Headmistress School, Hong of South Making Kong. She will Hampstead take up this High School, post in September 2017 and will London. She was previously mealtimes become the first female Head of a Academic Deputy Head at Harrow School. Ann joined Surbiton Guildford High School, and easier High School, Surrey, as head in before that Head of Classics at Leafield Environmental, has and table and is stackable. It January 2008. St Catherine’s, Bramley. designed the ‘Caterer’, a new table also features four banner fixing moulded serving top for primary- holes for schools to promote key Emma Management from Clare College, age schools in the UK, that do not messages and menu choices on the Neville will University of Cambridge, and have enough space to store large front of the table. succeed David bespoke serving tables. combines academic expertise with The existing design fits six ½ Westcombe as of experience from her previous The serving top is made from gastronomes (325x265mm) Head of Rose senior roles at Caterham and UV stabilised polyethylene with and can be easily removed by a Hill School, optional anti-microbial additive lifting recess. New gastronome Kent from April. Bishop’s Stortford College. to fight bacteria and has a 1mm configurations coming soon. Ms Neville is currently Deputy In her spare time she can be high surface pattern to reduce Available in a choice of Head at Caterham Prep School. found gallery hopping, growing the effects of surface scratching. standard colours to match the She has a MEd. in Leadership and vegetables and is a keen apiarist. Easily placed on top of a standard folding table (1830 x 760mm), establishments’ identity. New head at your school? features rubber feet to prevent Also suitable for events, leisure and Please let us have a brief biog and image for inclusion movement between table top hospitality facilities. in a future issue. There is no charge. Tel: 01225 816541 We’ll add them to our complimentary-copy mailing list too. www.leafieldrecycle.com CANOPIES UK BROADENS EDUCATION OFFERING Give your site a touch of Italia! Canopies UK, leading manufacturer canopies in numerous educational of high quality canopies, has settings, we wanted to introduce launched a new canopy designed a canopy that doesn’t just deliver to help schools, and other in the functionality stakes, but educational settings get more from makes a real visual impact too,” their outdoor space - with added says Jason Eastwood, Managing wow factor. Director of Canopies UK. The Italia range’s aluminium Unlike many other canopy structure and silver shine finish manufacturers, Canopies combine to create a striking UK designs each product in appearance, with a choice of accordance with a set of site- curved or flat and angular roof specific calculations. These shapes to complement the style calculations are made during a full of building and the surrounding site survey, conducted by a highly architecture. experienced technical surveyor, and Available in a variety of sizes use postcode records to measure Jason Eastwood added: processes – enabling us to create and projections, the Italia range the foundation requirements “The Canopies UK name is a completely bespoke canopy comprises five different models, in accordance with local wind synonymous with quality each and every time.” including the curved Monza and speed and snowfall factors. This throughout the education sector. Alongside the Italia range, Canopies the flat Sienna system, which are information enables Canopies UK We achieve this quality not just UK offers a choice of other canopy all CE certified and backed by a to design, manufacture and install by applying the very latest in and shelter options specifically five-year guarantee. each Italia modular system to meet manufacturing best practice, designed for the education sector, “Having worked with the the exact requirements of any but by applying our site-specific from entrance canopies and education sector for the last 25 school, academy, nursery or further calculations to the individual playground sails, to outdoor eating years and installed thousands of education facility. design and manufacturing canopies. Tel: 01254 777002 www.canopiesuk.co.uk/education/entrance-canopies/italia-canopy

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38 Independent Schools Magazine

Heads Hunted Be the first to read the best Among the upcoming head and principal appointments: November~December 2015 Ackworth School (Coram) Yorkshire Bedford Modern School Bedfordshire Charterhouse Surrey Christ College Powys Denstone College Staffordshire Halliford School Surrey Immanuel College Hertfordshire

School Office Manor Prep School Oxfordshire Staffroom Registrar Bursar Head Chair Oxford High School for Girls Oxfordshire ...the professional journal for Management & Staff Prebendal School Sussex Silcoates School Yorkshire Independent Schools Magazine has been at the forefront of independent If you would like mention made of your education since 2007, with a printed copy delivered by Royal Mail to heads and upcoming head or principal appointment for which applications are sought please let us know bursars throughout the UK. It is the leading professional journal for the sector. – there is no charge for a listing. Now you can enjoy a free personal e-copy, sent to News items, contributions, comments and you a few days before printed copies are available. suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Simply register your email address at: Please email to: www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk [email protected] Your email addresses will never be sold or otherwise made available to third parties, and you can cancel at any time. Schools featured in this issue include: Abbey Gate College Claires Court School Grace Dieu Manor School Maynard School St. Leonard’s School Abbey School Dame Allen’s School Highfield Preparatory School Merchant Taylor’s School St. Mary’s Calne Ashville College Dauntsey’s School Kelvinside Academy Old Buckenham Hall School St. Mary’s School Barnard Castle School Derby High School King’s College Oundle School Stonyhurst St. Marys Hall Berkhamsted Boys Dragon School King’s School Pocklington School Bishop’s Stortford College Towers School Edge Grove School Kingswood House School Reading Blue Coat School Bolton School Trinity School Epsom College Kingswood School Rose Hill School Bradfield College Warminster School Bromsgrove School Eton College Lewes Old Grammar School Royal Hospital School Wellington College Burgess Hill Girls Farlington School Lockers Park Preparatory School Rugby School Canford School Framlingham College Loughborough High School Saint Martin’s School Wellington School Cheltenham College Giggleswick School Manchester High School Sherborne Girls Westbourne House School Preparatory School Glenalmond College for Girls Solihull School Whitgift School

The Independent Schools Magazine is read by decision-makers – Governors, Heads, Bursars, Departmental Managers – and reflects news, ideas, influences, and opinions in the independent education sector. A personal copy is mailed to heads and other key personnel in fee-paying independent schools plus opinion formers in governments, political parties and educational Vires per Verum – Strength through Truth associations. It is also available on the internet. Editorial Advisory Board The publishers are grateful for the interest, advice and support of a distinguished Editorial Advisory Board whose members currently include: Richard Brown: Head, Handcross Park School, Sussex Henry Briggs: Senior Partner, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Deborah Leek-Bailey, OBE: 2008 Chair of the Independent Schools former school Governor Association (ISA), Independent School representative with the National Tory Gillingham: General Secretary of AMDIS – the Association of Marketing and College for School Leadership and former Head teacher of Babington House Development in Independent Schools School, Kent Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 President Ed Holmes: Head of Media and Communications, Independent Schools Council (ISC) of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Public Relations, Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) a consultancy with expertise within the education sector Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School Ian Hunt: MD and CEO of Gabbitas Education and a former HMC head

Subscriptions: £3 per issue, or £20 per Key Partners: All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of this magazine in part or whole is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. annum (ten issues) payable in advance by Commercial – Jeff Rice 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 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 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 Editorial, Accounts, Distribution: 01491 671998 accepted subject tonormal terms and conditions – see website. PO Box 4136 [email protected] Upper Basildon Independent Schools Magazine is Advertisement Sales: 01235 838560 Reading published by Bull Nelson Limited. [email protected] Reg in England No 2876999. Berkshire RG8 6BS Production: Andrew Wicks Copyright Bull Nelson Ltd. Printed by Manson Group. www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Independent Schools Magazine 39 UNIFORM & SERVICE THAT STANDS OUT

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8510 School Ad 5.indd 1 02/12/2016 10:37