April 2021

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[email protected] In this issue... 04 Laptop Recycling Scheme inspirational idea assists less-fortunate pupils 05 Leadership in a Crisis lessons to be learnt & taken forward 06 Sector ‘Awash With Consolidation’ top tips for successful mergers ‘Young Musician of the 12 Testing Times Year’ for the second time reflections on last term’s return to school 13-year-old Christian Aldridge from Worksop College, Nottinghamshire, has been crowned 14 Innovation & Life Beyond Covid the Independent Schools Association’s ‘Musician of the Year’ for his age group. future landscape for education The competition is open to over 110,000 pupils from over 600 schools across the country, and 20 Profile just three musicians made the top spot. in conversation with Jesse Elzinga And it is not the first national win for Christian – just 8 months ago he won the Woodard Schools’ Musician of the Year competition – 23 Talking Point open to the 30,000 pupils across Woodard’s 39 Are GCSEs and A-levels past their sell-by date? academies, independent and state-maintained schools. A talented musician, Christian has been 38 Adapting to the Era of e-Learning studying at the Northern College of Music since key stages to follow September 2020 – managing his studies at Worksop College alongside attendance at the prestigious music school on a Saturday. Plus Christian’s winning performance was conducted 09 Review into sexual abuse in schools live over Zoom, and his piece on the Marimba (a large percussion instrument with notes made 10 Payment for ‘sleep-in’ shifts - latest legal ruling of wood) impressed the panel of judges enough 11 Entries invited for piano competition to score him top marks. 16 On-line learning - reaping a summer-term harvest Dad Phil is also a musician and accompanied 18 Pioneering mental health award Christian on the piano as he played a piece by 26 Sporting Excellence Focus Feature Italian composer Vittorio Monti called ‘Csárdás’ 30 Listening to the ‘pupil voice’ – a Hungarian folk dance. 34 Changing Faces...Changing Places Christian, who started at Ranby House School 37 ‘World-first’ curriculum in year 5 and moved up to Senior School, 39 Contact Us; Editorial Advisory Board Worksop College in 2017, has always been musical, playing the drums since he was three years old. Also a proficient piano player, it was Is Your School Mentioned? at Ranby that he found his love of percussion. Schools featured in this issue include: Cover background Ashford Prep. School; Avon House Preparatory School; Bedford Modern School; Bromsgrove Prep School; Burgess Hill Girls; Bury Grammar School; Cobham Hall Merger loom School; Exeter School; Farlington School; Felsted School; Homefield Prep School; Royal Grammar School Guildford, Surrey, ICS London; Lanesborough Prep. School; Leicester Prep. School; Lomond School; whose Tudor ‘Old Building’ is featured as Magdalen College School; Malvern St. James Girls’ School; Mill Hill School; our cover background this issue, and nearby Morrison’s Academy; Myddelton College; New School; Nottingham High School; Lanesborough Prep School, have announced Oratory School; Queen’s College Junior School; Queen’s College School; Reigate that they will merge in September this year. Grammar School; RGS Worcester; Rossall School; Royal Grammar School; Royal Prep School; Royal School; Scarborough College; Sevenoaks School; Sherborne This is one of a number of consolidations and Preparatory School; Sherborne School; Solihull School; St. Andrew’s Prep School; re-organisations throughout the independent St. John’s College School; St. Margaret’s School; St. Peter’s School; Stonar School; school sector – a trend discussed and analysed West Buckland School; Worksop College on pages 6-8. [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 3 Teacher’s initiative helps overcome tech shortages Laptop Recycling Scheme Göran Lennartsson, who teaches maths at the Oratory School, Oxfordshire, has been fixing broken machines and donating them to schools where children do not otherwise have them. The laptops are being donated by families as they are broken or no longer wanted and Mr Lennartsson, who has IT experience, carries out repairs such as mending broken keys and replacing vital components. Once the computers are working again, he securely wipes Reactions from recipient schools the hard drives so confidential data can never be recovered. St Anne’s Catholic School, Caversham: He also installs CloudReady, an operating system like Goran handed over 25 laptops. Windows but based on Google’s Chrome technology. This Headteacher, Sarah Bernto said the laptops have helped means applications like Microsoft Office can be accessed revitalise students’ love of learning, “It’s had a huge impact through the internet and don’t have to be installed. on our kids and has helped them get online. We have a lot of Even though lockdown is over and pupils are back in vulnerable people so many were previously trying to access classrooms, there is still a need for laptops, either to be used their online work from their parents’ mobile phones.” with vulnerable pupils in school, or older students who need The John Henry Newman Academy: a laptop for their studies outside school. Jayde Hopkins, ICT Coordinator said: “We’d like to thank Göran In this exclusive Q&A, Goran discusses his initiative, and for his time and efforts with supplying devices to our school. offers advice to other schools who may feel it worthwhile to These devices will make a huge difference in our children’s day assist schools in their own areas... whilst at school and home learning. The laptops have opened up so many opportunities for some of our children here at Q What gave you the idea initially? processor power and Ram to run. the John Henry Newman Academy. Göran has been absolutely A In September 2019 I got a The only limitation is that since last amazing and we cannot thank him enough for his time, group of pupils together and year, CloudReady is only available communication, efficiency and skills”. joined the international Eco- as a 64-bit version. The main bulk of laptops that I have restored have Schools programme. During the posted on our school news page and contacting us and asking for help. been ones with Windows 7 originally first lockdown I was considering on our own and local social media All together around 130 laptops installed. the next step, I have repaired and sites and groups. When the need for have been reconditioned and upgraded laptops for friends and The free version of CloudReady laptops was highlighted in national distributed to 2 secondary schools family and repaired a few iPhones. is basically the Chrome Web media, we continued to use social and 9 primary schools. So I thought this could become browser. Logged in applications media but also got local press and Q Have you any general advice for something useful. I was sure that like Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft radio to highlight the scheme. other schools who might want to there were unwanted, unused and Teams, Zoom and Google software, Q How did you select/approach follow your example? broken laptops, mobiles and tablets etc, can easily be accessed. No need local maintained schools to offer in people’s homes, all needing to install any software. A If you want to start a similar the laptops, and how was your recycling in an environmentally scheme, a few pieces of advice: To have a good software to wipe approach received? friendly way. There are precious data of the hard drives is crucial. • Make it clear if it is a recycling metals such as gold, silver, platinum, A I initially contacted Simon Lane, scheme and that you are happy This is nearly always highlighted by the IT technician at Langtree School, copper, cadmium and nickel that to receive any laptop if the focus donors. I have used DBAN, a free nearby in Woodcote. They needed could be reused. The laptops, if is to restore laptops to pupils in product, to wipe or more correctly laptops for some pupils and he they were good enough, could be need. overwrite all the data on the hard thought that making the restored repaired, restored, and reused by drive. I use the quick version which is laptops into simplified Chromebooks • Decide what operating system pupils who do not own a laptop, good enough for the purpose. When was a good idea. (OS) you are going to install. and possibly a few mobiles also. this is done, I install CloudReady and CloudReady is very safe and The first three devices were delivered The school leadership and IT clean the laptops using alcohol and simple but a few models in November. Langtree then department supported the idea. The a lens cleaner. won’t run CloudReady. See the became a hub, receiving laptops first letter about the scheme was Neverware website. Basic skills needed: How to access to be restored and distributing sent out to all teachers and parents • Budget (I had a budget, but I the Bios, setting boot order, the restored ones to pupils. Mary of pupils at the school. The start was haven’t had to use it. I raised my changing the boot mode, etc. You Taylor Lane, the Headmaster’s PA slow, only some devices handed in own funds). need to be happy to open up a at Langtree became the liaison and were good enough to be repaired/ laptop, clean the fan, replace a did a fantastic job. This partnership • Have a go at reconditioning a reconditioned. hard drive, a keyboard or missing became the model for all schools I laptop yourself before you start Q What resources/skills are keys, etc. eBay, YouTube and other have gone on to help. I provide the asking for donations. needed to bring the old laptops websites have been essential for school with laptops and the school is • Get a person to help you with back to life? my success. then responsible for the distribution publicity. You won’t have the A CloudReady is a very useful Q How did you go about getting of them. time. operating system, and it is free hold of the old laptops from the Word-of-mouth, social media • The School set up a separate for individuals to use. It is a public? and articles in the local papers email address, eco.recycling@ simplified version of the OS used A We initially sent out requests in got the ball rolling. Laptops were oratory.co.uk. This was very in Chromebooks. It needs very little our weekly newsletter to parents, being handed in and schools were useful.

4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Leadership in crisis: lessons from the past, the present and for the future There have been few crises as serious or disabling for education as the Covid-19 pandemic. Educational leaders have had to balance the obvious preference for children of all ages to be in school with the over-riding need to minimise the risks associated with transmission for children, staff, and families at home. Many staff needed support as remote learning developed into the most comprehensive offering possible in lockdown. Even now, with children back at school from last month (March) many challenges remain. It is hard to imagine a time when Heads have had to face up to such significant and simultaneous challenges. Headmaster of RGS Worcester, John Pitt, reflects on a turbulent twelve months and the positives to take forward... In times of national crisis, leadership cannot. People actually respond been achieved when most staff in the online world. But is there is tested to the limit. And perhaps to humility in time of crisis. One were working from home, not anything better as a Head than to the last time education was so of my letters to parents during the catching up by the coffee machine. see teachers asking how they can disrupted was in wartime. As a first lockdown promised that we, The innovation of the staff was keep improving and providing the History student and now teacher as a school, would do our best but unprecedented – from lessons with children with more opportunities? studying the World Wars, I learned that we “would not get everything augmented reality in the classroom, And don’t ignore your Support an interesting paradox about right”. I appealed to our parents’ to ‘Manic Monday’ training sessions team either. They can be just as leadership. ‘Command economies’ better nature to support rather than in sport, online concerts and drama innovative and flexible in approach such as those run by Kaiser Wilhelm condemn if things were not perfect. performances, and international II, Adolf Hitler or Josef Stalin were In a letter about delaying any fee Debating competitions. The reality – whether it is in school keeping the far less effective at responding to rebate until we knew about the is that almost anything is possible if place going, or assisting teachers or the demands of fighting a war financial impact of Covid-19, we you harness the power of your staff. planning for the future. explained that some parents would than democratic societies. This How will this play out? I don’t So, what has this pandemic taught not agree with our decision and we appears counter-intuitive. Surely a know what the future holds post- school leaders? I hope it has totalitarian regime, demonstrating accepted that, but we outlined our pandemic for our schools. Here at taught us humility and the need military strength and able to reasons openly and honestly. RGS Worcester, we were already on for open, honest communication. command its people would be However, the greatest lesson from the technology trail with a Digital I think it has reminded us of the able to create and sustain a war the past in responding to a crisis is Learning Programme introduced power of education, how fragile it machine quickly and effectively? to harness the power of people. The 7 years’ ago and so the switch to is - and that children really do love By comparison, surely an ambling leaders of democracies in wartime remote lessons, online assessment, democracy where consent would be were able to appeal to people to remote Parents’ Evenings and learning; they like being challenged needed for every decision would be work together for the greater good. Co-curricular activities from home and they genuinely enjoy being slow and ineffective? It is hard to The result was a surge in innovation was instant last March for the in school. Above all it has taught imagine the Kaiser, Hitler or Stalin and increased production. School first Lockdown. This has been me that freeing up your teachers having to justify their decisions at leaders should release staff to refined and developed as staff and trusting them to deliver – every turn to a parliament and a achieve what they are capable of confidence has grown in the use encouraging them in whatever way free press. And yet, democracies delivering. The best lesson for me of technology.The willingness to you can, and removing obstacles, responded with incredible flexibility, from this pandemic is to appreciate experiment, to push the boundaries is the best way forward. They will developing their economies and the power of a Common Room of and to encourage the pupils to be innovate and drive learning in your driving innovation forward. What 80+ Teachers and 50+ Support staff creative saw extraordinary learning school. lessons then can we learn from at our school and what they can outcomes. What I do know is we are history about leadership in crisis achieve by working collaboratively. not going back. So, whether you are a dictator that we might use in our schools? Here lies another paradox: I have learned that if you combine or a democratic leader, whether As school leaders, we have an remote learning created more the abilities of your staff and release you work collaboratively or in an obligation to support our pupils, cross-curricular discussion and them to be creative and innovative authoritarian way, whether you but we also must encourage and collaboration by staff than ever then you will see the full power of micro or macro manage as Head, support our staff and consider our before. Teachers engaged with education. Yes, you will need to if there is one lesson for all school wider community including parents, one another, sometimes across the support them – online teaching leaders from this pandemic, it is governors and alumni. During this four schools we have in our group, was tough and balancing their own don’t underestimate your staff. pandemic, school leaders can appeal to discuss how they might help family needs and the emotional Bill Gates said that leaders of to the entire school community to one another in developing their engagement required in teaching the future “will be those who support the effort of the school to ideas. Simple queries about using provided plenty of challenges for empower others”. In this crisis, you provide continuity of education for technology developed into broader staff. They also needed ongoing must demonstrate leadership to the children. Clear communication discussion about teaching and training since, once they get the is crucial in this situation, as is learning. The extraordinary levels ‘tech bug’, the best teachers just your school community, but like being open and honest. This is of pastoral care being offered to want more. They devour CPD as democracies in wartime, release the the first lesson: that democracies the pupils came about by greater they learn ever more effective power of your staff to innovate and can admit to mistakes and learn communication between staff methods of delivering content, inspire, and then watch what your from them when dictatorships than ever before – and this has testing pupils and engaging them pupils can achieve.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 5 Sector ‘awash with consolidation’ ‘Consider the strategic benefits of mergers...’ Mill Hill Foundation CEO Antony Spencer reflects on how a ‘discreet’ introduction led to a successful merger...

Our sector is trustees about the ethos and the ancestral home of the Earl the PR and communications awash with purpose of the schools, because of Darnley, including his original plan is essential. We worked on consolidation, there are so many stakeholders carriage, which is on display in the it for months before the public with the who will need to positively school library and is maintained by announcement, time well spent. pandemic adding support the merger. Mergers come English Heritage. The final, crucial, The benefits of an effective impetus to a in all sorts of shapes and sizes, area of legal work was managing merger are considerable. Expertise long-term trend towards larger and the Foundation’s merger with the TUPE process for staff. For us can be shared between schools school groupings. At The Mill Hill Cobham Hall certainly presented this was relatively straightforward, as we learn from each other, School Foundation we’ve been some novel challenges. as we weren’t planning any improving teaching and learning. changes to terms and conditions, carefully considering strategic Early last year my Chair and I had There are a number of incidental and the staff meetings were very opportunities and at the beginning approached a member organisation cost savings, from insurance to amicable. Having a great legal of March announced our charity to ask for discreet introductions software licences. Our important team is essential, and we were very merger with Cobham Hall School. to schools that may be looking commercial operations can well supported by our lawyers, This isn’t the first charity merger to become part of a larger school be more effectively operated Farrer & Co. at the Foundation, as in 2015 grouping. We set our criteria across multiple sites with more we merged with a local girls’ around ethos, type, location What advice can I give? First of specialist teams. There are school, which became our thriving etc. When Cobham Hall was all, do your research! Most of significant marketing economies international school; we now introduced to us, I immediately us aren’t M&A specialists, so the of scale, especially when it comprise five separate schools. recognised it as a small school novelty of “taking over” another comes to international boarding Charity mergers between schools with huge potential, the type of school can be exciting, but you recruitment. Larger and more offer a number of advantages school that would thrive within a need to be absolutely sure of diverse groups spread risk. The list to all parties. They aren’t a larger grouping whilst retaining its the underlying educational and goes on... “purchase” and thus the parent uniqueness. The main building is commercial viability; there’s a Overall, as we emerge from the charity effectively acquires the a Listed Tudor mansion, and the reason some schools close every trenches of Covid, and begin assets (and importantly the grounds extend to 150 acres in year. Secondly, think carefully to deal with the normal daily liabilities) of the other charity an Area of Outstanding Natural about governance. We use a link challenges of budgets and without payment. There’s often Beauty. Herein lies those novel Governor model, and one of the affordability, I would encourage no requirement for Charity challenges: the extensive legal Cobham Hall governors joined the readers to consider the strategic Commission approval, but they due diligence introduced me to Foundation board. There is no benefits of suitable mergers. Yes, do require the DfE to approve hitherto unknown concepts like blueprint for effective governance it involves a lot of management the change of proprietor. It is Chancel Liability! Cobham Hall in a multi-site school group, but and governor time, but that’s an essential that there’s a meeting also continues to store and display good governance is essential investment that really can pay off of minds between both sets of a number of artefacts from being so it needs considering. Finally, in the future. Pictured: Mill Hill Foundation CEO Antony Spencer Merger boom Accountant Henry Briggs examines the reasons for the recent increase in school mergers The independent Many organisations have used time was it? The reply was ‘Let’s call it a competing schools with falling schools sector in the last year for some serious merge over’. pupil numbers. seems to self-examination; and education The fact is that a true merger is In private schools any economies be awash has been high on the list of those a very rare thing; there is nearly of scale through mergers will be with merger threatened. always a dominant culture in one confined to underutilised facilities, announcements. There are good and bad reasons of the parties. In commerce it will senior staff and back office Although this follows the trend over for schools seeking to combine involve consideration changing administration. Unless pupil to recent decades, the numbers appear with others. The word merger is hands, but in charity- registered teacher ratios are exceptionally to be increasing and it will be only really used by schools and schools that is hardly ever the case. good and can be squeezed, then interesting to see if this affects the solicitors. I was once told a story by Schools will seek to combine for all parents will not accept dramatic 2021 ISC census in terms of school a business magazine editor of a call sorts of reasons. Good ones might changes in these and so costs can numbers. But why is it increasing he put in to the corporate finance be strategic vertical integration to rarely be cut in this area. Often now? partner at a firm of solicitors that ensure supply from feeder schools, ‘synergies’ talked of through It is often the case that existing had made such an announcement. or a mutual combining of strengths combining entities turn out to be trends will be magnified and He told the lawyer that he had seen in different complimentary areas, simply redundancies and a thinning speeded up when an external their move described in the same such as finance, facilities or of the service on offer. That can threat to a sector produces paper on different pages as both curriculum offering. A bad reason result in a fall off of demand and strategic thought and action. a merger and a takeover. Which would be the joining of two income.

6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] CEO of the Mill Hill Foundation discusses their merger with Cobham Hall School. Accountant Henry Briggs analyses the current trend for consolidation. And we feature three mergers – in Surrey, Devon, and Dorset.

Surrey merger Lanesborough Prep School, Surrey, and the Royal Grammar School, Guildford have announced that they will merge from 1 September 2021. The schools will be brought together as the Royal Grammar School (the RGS) and the Royal Grammar Preparatory School (RGS Prep) creating a boys’ school offering on their respective sites for pupils aged 3 to 18. Lanesborough and the RGS have been part of the same charitable trust for 42 years and share the same governance structure. The ethos and vision, the values and approach of the schools are Announcing the merger, Dr Jon rigour of assessment for both are already aligned from a already closely aligned and across Cox, Headmaster of the RGS schools, across all entry points, cultural, academic and governance both schools, staff are committed said: “Our schools enjoy an will be unchanged. We remain perspective, and this new to bringing out the very best in enviable reputation in the local firmly committed to offering the partnership is a natural progression the students. The schools have area and beyond. This union majority of our Year 7 and Year of our existing relationship. As strong reputations for teaching will result in an ever-stronger 9 places to boys who join from RGS Prep we will retain our unique and learning that focus on institution which will be of state primary schools and other sense of community and values. stretching and challenging each benefit to students, parents, and prep schools. This will not change “Continuity of education is, student to achieve their potential staff. Bringing Lanesborough quite rightly, important for many as a result of the establishment of at every stage. and the RGS together will families. Through this merger, a single school.” Alongside these high academic strengthen our relationship and we are better placed to meet this standards, there are extensive standing as boys only schools Mr Toby Freeman-Day, Head of demand. RGS Prep will, however, co-curricular programmes which and enable us to offer boys in Lanesborough, added: “We are continue to provide pupils with enable boys to broaden their the local area a pathway from delighted to be strengthening our the very best preparation for senior experiences at every stage of their age 3 to 18. Our schools have relationship with RGS Guildford school, regardless of their chosen school life. high academic standards and the through this merger. Our schools destination.”

Pictured: Lanesborough School. (RGS Old Building featured as the front cover background on this issue of ISM)

Once good reasons have been to similar levels of confidentiality. to one will cause big problems to and reasonably, in their children’s established for approaching or Non- disclosure agreements are the combined entity, so it is very best interests. Open meetings talking to other school(s), then useful but by no means watertight. important to get under the skin of in year groups explaining the the target school’s systems and risk the process needs to be very In a commercial environment, rationale and detail of what is assessments, as well as establishing carefully handled, as there are detailed due diligence would proposed, over a short period, is ownership or restrictions on assets plenty of pitfalls that can do normally follow an initial ‘heads of needed. The same will be true of and staff and awareness of any immense damage before getting agreement’ when the parties have staff, who will also be nervous of potential or contingent liabilities. any agreement over the line. established what their red lines are what the changes may mean for The early formation of a small and what the broad structure is to When all these points have been their future. steering group or working party be, after the early discussions with passed, there then remains the Outcomes, as in all things, vary. of experienced governors, along the steering group. With schools, whole issue of communication. with one or two members of the whole area of due diligence is Once a decision has been made, Many school mergers work the senior management team, is often taken far more lightly than it parents (present and future) and extremely well and the schools go recommended. Confidentiality is should be, perhaps because money their reactions will be fundamental on to achieve far more than they paramount, as is an agreed line is not changing hands between to the success of any big change. would as single entities. As with for dealing with any rumours. It the parties. It is every bit as Some will be vociferous and their pupils, schools must play to is every bit as important that the important with schools and often resistant to it. They need to feel their strengths and overcome their target of any discussions is bound less tangible. Reputational damage they are being dealt with openly weaknesses. Henry Briggs is a consultant at chartered accountants Haines Watts and a former school governor with expertise in advising and supporting both independent and state schools

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 7 Sector ‘awash with consolidation’ (continued) Devon merger Exeter School, Devon, and The New School, Exminster have joined forces to create an independent, co-educational pre- prep, junior and senior school. For many families Exeter Junior School has been the natural progression for their children following their pre-prep years in Exminster, and the two schools are very pleased that these formative years will now be part of the Exeter School family. This means that children can now enjoy a full 3-18 experience of an Exeter School education, from the early years through to the sixth form. Exeter School will continue to welcome applicants from the gradual, supporting the children The New School and I shall miss to provide a truly exceptional same wide range of schools as and their teachers and enhancing them enormously. I take great educational offering from the usual. their educational journey as comfort in knowing their future early years right through to the the relationship grows and will be secure and I shall continue sixth form, enabling our young Initially, there will be very few strengthens. to observe their progress from people to grow into independent, changes that are evident in the afar.” confident, and versatile Exonians. day to day running of the school, Michelle Taylor, former proprietor This exciting development is a and the high quality of early of The New School, said: “It has Louise Simpson, head of Exeter wonderful opportunity for Exeter years education will be the same been my privilege to work with School, said: “The New School School to build on its centuries- for all New School children and so many talented and delightful has flourished under Michelle’s long educational history and their families. Changes will be children during my fifteen years at proprietorship, and we are looking forward to welcoming pupils provide a truly well-rounded education for girls and boys that MOTIVATIONAL, ASPIRATIONAL, ENCOURAGING and their families into the Exeter School community. Our aim is is fit for the future.” Pictured: Exeter School Head Louise Simpson, centre, with Exeter Junior School Head FREE Saskia Van Schalkwyk (right) and Liz Brown, Head of The New School HONOURS UPDATES FOR 2 YEARS With Each Board Ordered BOARDS QUOTE: 1SM231 Dorset merger WHEN ENQUIRING Sherborne School and Sherborne Dr Dominic Luckett, Headmaster Preparatory School have merged. of Sherborne School and Chief Executive of Sherborne School Sherborne Prep will retain its Group, said: “We are delighted existing name and identity and to be working even more closely will continue to have its own with Sherborne Prep. We are dedicated Head, Senior Leadership looking forward to exploiting the Team and staff. Although each many wonderful opportunities School will maintain its distinctive that this progressive new character, the merger will make partnership offers our pupils as it much easier to collaborate we embark on this exciting new and share resources and will also chapter in our history.” enable both Schools to operate Sherborne School will continue more effectively and efficiently. to recruit boys from a wide range Pupils will benefit from increased of feeder schools and its selection sharing of performance spaces, processes will remain the same for sports facilities and other all applicants. specialist resources such as the Equally, Sherborne Prep will Goldtree Bespoke, beautiful Sherborne School 9 Huffwood Manor Trading Estate, continue to prepare boys and Partridge Green, West Sussex, RH13 8AU Chapel. Teachers at both Schools girls to enter a broad range will be able to share ideas, of coeducational and single For further info and your questions answered: ANY SIZE, experience and skills more easily, Tel: 0345 260 2350 or 01403 711553 SHAPE, STYLE, sex senior schools, including Email: [email protected] OR COLOUR! encouraging innovative thinking Sherborne Girls with whom both and enriching academic, co- Schools already enjoy close and www.goldtreebespoke.co.uk curricular and pastoral provision. enduring partnerships.

8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Review into sexual Prayer recital winner Christopher Lu (12) who attends abuse in schools Magdalen College The government has asked Ofsted to undertake where safeguarding arrangements and processes School in Oxford is an immediate review of safeguarding policies in are good and have worked well and where the Junior winner state and independent schools. The review will improvements are needed. of this year’s look at the extent and the severity of the issue national final of A new helpline to support potential victims and ensure schools have appropriate processes the Prayer Book of sexual harassment and abuse in education in place to allow pupils to report concerns Society’s annual settings is now in operation. freely, knowing these will be taken seriously and Cranmer Awards dealt with swiftly and appropriately. The dedicated NSPCC helpline number is 0800 Competition. He It will make sure there is sufficient guidance on 136 663, which went live earlier this month had competed with how schools should deal with sexual harassment (April) to provide both children and adults who hundreds of entrants taking part in regional heats and violence allegations, and whether the are victims of sexual abuse in schools with the across the country. appropriate support and advice. This includes current inspection regimes in both state and This year 21 finalists spoke from memory private schools are strong enough to address how to contact the police and report crimes if passages from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer concerns and promote the welfare of children. they wish. The helpline will also provide support to parents and professionals too. which is closely based on the original version Ofsted will work with representatives from social compiled by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of care, police, victim support groups, school and Both the helpline and review come after Canterbury during the Reformation, and still at college leaders and the Independent Schools numerous anonymous testimonials of sexual the heart of the Church of England’s worship. Council. The review will conclude by end of harassment and abuse were submitted to the next month (May) and will seek to establish website Everyone’s Invited. Christopher opted for the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent. A portfolio of futures in your hands, what is next leader? Closure. Reinvention. Redundancies. Rebranding... the world, but even in our high tech world it all Impact investments – are you What is the one word you would use to answer comes back down to one word – human. reaching out to increase value? this question right now? What is your 3am An impact investment is just what it says. Where wake up call from your daily world? Shifting The challenge is knowing where to start in your new investment journey and to map the future are you and your community having impact? realities require a new investment strategy for the Remember impacts can be positive, negative or starting where you are. So, get a pen leader- it independent sector to move forwards towards hidden. What stories are being created by and is time to show how portfolio planning can success as the pandemic continues. with your community to move forward? Outside happen one quadrant at a time. Let us look It is time to think differently. As a leader in your school, how are you investing in the futures at three investment themes to move forwards- education, at any level, you are an investment of others in partnerships or events? What could impact, factors and alternatives. To analyse manager of a portfolio of talents, dreams and you start and stop to increase value both inside your current performance, join me in drawing futures from first steps to retirement. Think about and outside your organisation? Who can help? a quadrant to record what is happening on the it, a member of your community is taking a risk Factor investments – what do on joining your school and is looking for a return ground for you. on their investment to build a better future. By you need to focus on? Looks like today Where we are investing investment, it does not just mean fees – it can What are the risk and return areas in your school also be time, academic results , wellbeing or community? It could be the size of a year group, career advancement. the quality of the boarding, continuity of staffing or extra curricular experience. Pick a factor, look At a time when the sector has continued to do START STOP into your world today. Moving forwards, how can more with less for years, you have seen that the you innovate to make this the X factor? No, not risks continue to be high with school closures and singing the school song – the factor that makes now the recruitment pipeline of both students you stand out. and staff to your community. With the perception of how the UK has handled COVID 19, markets Different investments lead to a set of returns Alternative investments – it is time to that may have been good for your school may that can be connected within your community. fish in a blue ocean of opportunity? have disappeared overnight. With currency You can have specific areas for investment How can you stand out in a busy independent fluctuations and immigration changes, this is not or can look at the whole portfolio to build school world? You have shown that you can pivot the first time the sector has to deal with risk – but returns in community value for years to come. fast and successfully by moving into a virtual add in the pandemic and the current economy To get you started, reflect on each type of world. Now turn this around to creating a legacy this crisis is accelerated. investment and complete the grid by yourself for the people in your care to move forward to or with your team. A great way to broker invest in alumni that are comfortable in their own As you have seen, the pandemic has fast tracked shoes. Think creatively, use your human resources change in schools due to the pivot from face to all the knowledge of your community is to and deliver projects that count. face to a digital world. But is this enough to keep co create this information by completing it your school portfolio strong? To move forwards, together by inviting different areas of school. What it all comes down to is long term investing, as a sector we need to look at investment themes Choose the 2 actions that you need to start it is time to put the ‘i’ into education and the in a human dimension to help us all recover, and stop to increase returns and lower risk. So, u into human. But remember the golden rule, reinvent and review the future that is in our from one knowledge broker to another, it is always remember to invest in yourself leader so hands. You can have the best capital facilities in time to start planning. the rest follows. From one educator to another, thank you for all that you do. I hope that these ideas help you in these interesting times. Written by Tracy Shand at Simply Boarding

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 9 Payments for sleep-in shifts Last month, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Mencap in a case that looked at the payment of sleep-in shifts for support workers. Here, Joanna Lada-Walicki, independent schools lawyer at Moore Barlow, explores what this means for the leaders of independent schools.

The Supreme Court has dismissed National Minimum Wage for periods Without any direct public funding, appeals to pay support workers when a worker was asleep. many schools in the sector are in a hourly for sleep-in shifts, a decision How employees are paid for these precarious situation as most schools that many independent school shifts will depend on how their rely primarily on the payment of leaders will welcome. contract is structured, which for school fees in order to avoid going into the red. A sleep-in is a night shift where some may be a flat rate rather staff, for example caretakers, than stipulating the number of As a result of the pandemic some sleep on-site and are required to hours for which they must be schools have also delayed their There needs to be clarity be available to support pupils or available to work. consultations with teaching staff regarding an employee’s duties otherwise respond, in case of an Had the court ruled the other way, regarding a proposed withdrawal and responsibilities and how their emergency. independent schools across the from the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, pay is structured, including any thus continuing to absorb the overtime. Schools should ensure The ruling in the Royal Mencap country could potentially have faced 43 per cent increase in employer that their offer letters are clear Society v Tomlinson-Blake case a raft of backdated claims for years of under-payments. contributions introduced in and that the terms set out in an found that workers who are required September 2019 – which some offer letter do not contradict the to sleep overnight at their place of Why the ruling is schools simply cannot afford. provisions within the employee’s work will only be entitled to the contract of employment. good for schools: This judgment’s removal of National Minimum Wage while they The financial implications could are performing duties, if at all, not the threat of further costs will On the face of it, the Royal Mencap have been very serious for many Society v Tomlinson Blake ruling for the entire period that they are therefore have come as a huge schools, boarding schools in is good for independent schools. sleeping while on site. relief to many schools. particular, with many already But it should also serve as a timely The Supreme Court held that struggling to balance their books. What is the key take reminder that schools need to the National Minimum Wage The past year has seen shortfalls away for schools? have their ducks in a row when it Regulations drew a clear distinction in school income as a result of the Regardless of the ruling, schools comes to employment contracts between “working”, which required switch to online learning while need to understand that the onus and how they communicate with being awake in order to perform schools have been closed. This has is on them to ensure that their staff. This will ensure they avoid duties, and merely being “available led to consequential pressure to staff are paid fairly and correctly misunderstandings that could lead to work”, which could be the case reduce fees, and in addition there depending on the duties that are to costly and time-consuming whilst asleep. Accordingly, there has been a drop in the number of expected of them, particularly if disputes and help to maintain could be no entitlement to the overseas boarders. their status changes. positive relationships with their staff. Pictured: Joanna Lada-Walicki www.moorebarlow.com 023 8071 8000 Welcome your students back to netball with the Sport Experiences Junior Netball Festival at Disneyland® Paris October 2021 & Easter each day to delivering quality Young players will have the 3 Day Hopper Pass to 2022 On Sale Now umpires and coaches, England opportunity of enjoying coaching Disneyland® Parks Netball are with us throughout This is the perfect tour package through technically accurate Your day will be split between the whole festival, which means to reunite your netball team for demonstrations from elite players coaching, matches and free time you and your players will get the coaching, matches and most of and experienced coaches. at the Disneyland® Parks. This very best professional support all fun. offers your players the perfect throughout your stay. Meet a Role Model balance of sport and downtime. Our partnership with England During the festival your netballers Highlights of the 5 day After having long stretches apart Netball means that the festival will have the opportunity to festival include: over the past year, daily visits offers your young netball players meet an England Netball or to the Parks will give them the a unique insight into life as a Coaching Clinics with Vitality Super League player. Our perfect opportunity to put their professional netballer and will England Netball special guest will join you on the phones down, have fun, smile inspire them to enjoy their sport The aims of the clinics and coaching day to deliver skills and and just be together again. even more. From running the masterclasses are to combine both tips to your players and we will Something that we all no longer famously fun warm up sessions individual and team development, also make time for Q&A sessions. take for granted.

For more information on the Junior Netball Festival visit our website www.sportexperiences.co.uk or contact us at [email protected] to ask for a brochure.

10 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] International Piano Competition Rossall School, to enter without having the show off their very best playing. success in a competition marks a Lancashire is to expense of travelling and we are It gives them a goal, the incentive significant moment in the career host their first looking forward to seeing how to learn and play a repertoire, and of a young artist.” International this competition develops over Piano Competition forthcoming years.” Rossall School has launched an the impact of music within our and invites The competition will comprise International Piano Academy, a school community will continue submissions. three categories: age 12 and unique and innovative programme to flourish.” for outstanding young pianists The inaugural event will take under, age 15 and under and age Becoming a member of Rossall’s aged 11-18. place this Spring, providing an 17 and under, and the deadline International Piano Academy excellent performance platform for submission of entries is Friday In addition, in early Summer provides students with a balance for young pianists from schools 28th May 2021. Rossall is to take delivery of 12 between academic studies and and colleges from across the All entries will be adjudicated pianos from the renowned piano music education. A bespoke world, as well as for their own by Rossall’s Director of Music, maker Steinway & Sons, including programme of piano tuition and students. Mr Adam Dobson and Professor a new Steinway Concert Grand. study is designed in collaboration This year the competition is being of Piano, Miss Hazel Nguyen. Adding these instruments to their with the students to ensure held online though in future years Students who advance through to existing Steinway & Sons fleet that culturally and intellectually, the competition final will be held the final round (ten per category) will secure the internationally the school provides excellent at Rossall School. will be adjudicated by one of the recognised accreditation ‘All- preparation for those wishing UK’s best loved classical pianists Steinway School’. to study music at colleges and Director of Music, Adam Dobson universities around the globe. and Rossall’s Associate Professor, Director of Music, Adam Dobson commented: “We are really Mr Martin Roscoe. (pictured) commented: “The Teaching and coaching are excited to launch the piano opportunity to regularly play delivered through weekly competition and by adapting to Prizes range from £750 to on the world’s finest pianos is a individual lessons and workshops the circumstances of 2021, we £100, and there is a best hugely exciting and motivating with their distinguished faculty. are creating a virtual platform overall competitor prize of your prospect for all pianists. Students Students also benefit from for young pianists to showcase own recital at Steinway Hall, will receive all their lessons and regular exposure to world-class their exceptional talent for the Marylebone, London. give performances exclusively on performers such as Martin betterment of their future careers. Headmaster Jeremy Quartermain Steinway & Sons grand pianos. Roscoe (Associate Professor), in “Though of course a concert said: “Establishing a piano With Steinway designed pianos their masterclass and Signature performance is preferable, this competition provides young situated throughout the campus, concert series. format will allow more pianists musicians with the opportunity to To find out more about the International Piano Competition visit: www.rossall.org.uk/school-life/international-piano-competition

International Junior Netball Festival At Disneyland® Paris

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 11 Testing Times David EJJ Lloyd, Headmaster of Solihull School, was surprised by the Government’s decision to send all pupils back on 8 March. He was expecting GCSE and A Level examination year groups, and given the complexity of distance learning, maybe the youngest pupils too. Here he reflects on how things transpired... The return of pupils had a ‘start of all entries were incredibly heart- testing too, but we felt compelled to term’ feeling about it and it was warming. insist that masks are worn for most of the school day. Of course, this wonderful to see so many happy However, and understandably, there is not ideal, nor is pupils wearing pupils back on our Prep and Senior are pupils and colleagues who masks during mock examinations, School campuses. For the first remained anxious about being back but we have sought to safely couple of days, I stood shivering in large numbers, and it is important provide appropriate respite wherever at the front gate, largely to remind that we sought to normalise this possible. parents of our COVID protocols. anxiety, making all reasonable Thankfully, the vast majority ‘got it’, adjustments to our campuses and Turning to testing, given the spent on the telephone, often in but sadly some still subscribed to beefing up pastoral care and welfare considerable time away from school, queues, is time that could have the ‘overreaction theory’. provision. we chose not to interrupt distance been spent supporting staff and learning or face to face learning by On Day 1, pupils could not contain Equally important is acknowledging colleagues through this difficult testing all 1,100 seniors over the their excitement at being reunited how marvellous pupils, staff and time. That said, the support we weekend of 6 and 7 March. We with friends, whilst on Day 2 many parents have been over the course have received from Public Health moved our previous test facilities declared exhaustion after only of the last year. I have continually Solihull (our local team) has been from the Chapel to the Sports Hall one full day back! That said, I asked the Solihull community invaluable and always friendly and to cater for the increased task, am delighted to report that masks for kindness and teamwork and solution focussed. and worked tirelessly to source universally failed to hide the smiles the response has been humbling. equipment, train volunteers and I do not underestimate the Furthermore, the way in which of staff and pupils alike. We establish COVID-safe protocols. It monumental job facing our everyone has got to grips with recently ran a ‘smile with your is at times like this that you really Government, its departments and technology, as well as those practical eyes’ photography competition and appreciate how brilliant staff Ofqual, but if I may offer a little subjects which do not naturally are at stepping forward, putting amateurish advice, it is to talk to lend themselves as well to remote themselves in harm’s way for the each other more, offer consistent provision, has been remarkable. children and doing it all with care (and clearer) guidance and give us In my first ‘Wellbeing and Personal and a smile. Things were fraught more notice. Without all of this Development’ lesson of the week, behind the scenes, particularly given we are misappropriating scarce and I asked my Year 10 pupils for the frailties of the NHS upload valuable time and resources. their thoughts on lessons learnt facility, but pupils were in, tested It was so lovely to see the campus by society and individuals during and out in six minutes each, and we the pandemic, and their answers got through the task as planned. alive with learning and laughter reassured me that the future will again, and I hope it will not be In the days following, and in the be brighter. Their comments on too long before we can resume run up to home testing, I was the environment, family life and assemblies, chapel services, sports disappointed to share that we consumerism strongly suggest that fixtures, music and drama and much have been scouring the Borough, a welcome recalibration will be more in the normal way. begging, borrowing and bending permanent. ears at the Department for Never again will we take simple Returning to masks for a moment, Education and Public Health in pleasures such as dining together the Government unhelpfully stopped order to secure sufficient kits. for granted, and I look forward to short of making them compulsory Whilst our efforts have been confining bubbling and isolation to in lessons, as it did with lateral flow rewarded, it is clear to us that time the history books. Easter Passion Play on Zoom Every year the ‘Passion Play’ is explained, “The Passion Play has performed by Year 8 pupils at St been performed in this school John’s College School, Cambridge, every year for over forty years and at the end of the Lent Term. This we didn’t want the children to important milestone for children miss out on such an important who are midway through their final opportunity. At the start it did feel year before leaving for their senior like a mountain to climb. All of the schools, is not only a retelling of children had to get on top of the the Easter story itself, but also a technological demands of using Zoom and virtual backgrounds and significant step in their development with the practical challenges of as communicators, learning to acting in front of a camera. All this engage with serious subject matter happened alongside an extensive in a thoughtful and sensitive way. remote learning programme set up A trailer of the film can be watched here: Head of Drama, Tim Clarke, by the school.” https://www.facebook.com/stjohnscollegeschool/videos/201227278032134/

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Rivervale_Minibus_A4 single page ad_05.indd 1 26/01/2021 14:13 ‘There has never been a more demanding yet rewarding time to be a school leader’ Leadership, innovation and life beyond COVID Devin Cassidy, Headmaster of Bury Grammar School, Lancashire, takes a step back to consider the future landscape for education and the next generation of teachers...

As we emerged from lockdown, undergone deforestation which barrier to innovative approaches who love their subject, have welcomed our pupils back and had resulted in decimated habitats such as flipped learning and excellent subject knowledge, enjoy now bounce in and out of regional for so many of the island’s unique incorporating technology fully in the company of youngsters and restrictions and bubbles, being creatures. There is clearly a link learning. have remarkably high expectations required to self-isolate from time between deforestation and the of all pupils. Secondly creativity. There needs to time, the question which seems emergence of new diseases as to be a shift away from our pupils In conclusion, an education to present itself is what does viruses seek new hosts, but David being simply good at exams, good which values individuals, allows the future hold and how can we Attenborough explains this much at answering exam questions, them to explore their own unique best plan for what may be on more eloquently than I ever could. getting good grades securing talents and interests, facilitates the horizon? Of course, although So, school leaders now need to places in higher education. They collaboration, teamwork and many are willing to put forward take the opportunity to take a need to be good problem finders their personal hypothesis to discovery and is supported by the step back, to be reflective and to and problem solvers. And teachers explain the approach they would judicious use of technology is the consider what has been learnt. need to facilitate this problem take if they were in Government, innovation we should be seeking Speaking personally, I feel that finding which comes back to my the reality is that we just do not post covid and teachers are key parents value what we stand for first point about teacher mindset. know what the next 18-24 months to making this happen. Attracting in the independent sector and Careful planning in how the holds. bright and able graduates who can have, by and large, stuck with us. curriculum is presented to pupils make a difference is the challenge, is required. Surely allowing the It is in times of uncertainty that They have prioritised education but the additional challenge is at a time when they will almost pupils to go off on tangents leaders need to be at their best retaining them. By recruiting the and this means continuing to certainly have been experiencing makes for far more interesting best in the first place and then think strategically whilst ensuring financial and emotional strains. lessons albeit one must get concentrating our support into the operational is well cared for. Furthermore staff have been much through the syllabus within a the early years of their careers We are already hearing calls from more adaptable to change than given timeframe. An example that through NQT (Newly Qualified some, that education in the future we might ever have expected I have been involved in at school is Teacher) and RQT (Recently needs to be radically different before the pandemic. Our staff, setting up small teams of aspiring Qualified Teacher) programmes we whilst others are presenting the across the sector, have quickly Sixth Form medics to collaborate are much more likely to look after more cautious approach of let’s upskilled, adapted and got on on mini research projects and and retain those who are early into wait and see. with educating. The outcome, present their findings facilitated their careers. In the past couple quite remarkably, is that the gap through Microsoft Teams. This Education in the future does not of years taking this personal in attainment of the students approach is providing them need to be wildly different, after approach to the newest and least seems to be much narrower than with a taste of university style all, as school leaders we probably experienced teachers in my school expected to the point where there collaborative teaching which they received a fairly traditional is plenty of evidence of substantial might expect on a course whilst has, I feel, enabled them to feel education, low on pastoral care progress being made during enhancing their scientific problem that they are supported and the and mindfulness but with an lockdown. I could go on, but I finding and solving skills. school cares about them and emphasis on academic results simply pay tribute to teachers who their development. Innovative and participation in sport and Finally, we need to embrace but all too often fail to receive the teaching needs to be supported we seemed to navigate our way not replace! Embrace the modern credit they deserve. by good CPD and support at all through the pandemic, which has technology and ensure we develop levels but especially with our least been arguably the biggest crisis When stepping back and reflecting our understanding of how it experienced colleagues to enable we need to consider the future can assist with education by since the second world war, with them to flourish. reasonable success. But there is a landscape for education. For me facilitating greater collaboration job of work to be done if we are to there are three key factors. Firstly and team working. But it should There has never been a more reverse the great harm which has mindset, as teachers we need to be never replace the face to face demanding yet rewarding time to been done to our planet. Leading prepared to evolve our approach contact which is so crucial to our be a school leader and given the a school trip in Madagascar in to teaching. Those of us who have basic human needs and those of correct mindset, creative thinking 2012, I could not help but to regarded ourselves as ‘in control’ our pupils. Let us never forget and determination to embrace be profoundly sad at the way in and traditional in our approach that teachers have the single technology, the future is indeed which this beautiful island had need to ensure that this is not a largest impact on pupils, teachers exciting.

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Find out more: www.coventry.ac.uk/teacher-training or call 01327 850320 Online Learning - The Summer Term Harvest When the world first locked down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, little did we know that we were on the brink of a technological tidal wave that would crash down 874 miles and on all of us. It is, however, a tidal wave that has washed many positives up from the depths of the internet into our day-to-day lives; from the infamous Zoom quizzes to counting! endless new series on Netflix. The common theme? Technology. It is technology that has Avon House Preparatory School, Essex did not let lockdown stop them from made all this possible. Of course, the advancements in this area didn’t just stop in our marching ahead with their termly living rooms but came flooding into schools and workplaces up and down the country. fundraiser. They decided to take on the epic challenge of travelling the A report by Sam Chislett, Key Stage Lead at Queen’s College Junior School, Somerset... 874-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats virtually during the last Over the last year schools have assemblies, used our collaborative not possible with more traditional half term break. worked tirelessly to provide a documents to organise staff verbal feedback. This tool could The fundraiser required the children, sense of normality to thousands of meetings, and moved many of not be forgotten upon return parents and staff to send over their our files onto cloud based servers. to school, and so when Year 6 children who were working from daily distance walked – this was home; using a combination of live However, it is the tools that the finished typing their stories in one then updated onto their very own lessons, online learning platforms children have got used to that, of the first lessons back, feedback Google map. The progress generated and a variety of education, and most crucially, we do not forget. was delivered via Mote, rather than considerable excitement, interest and a written down in their books. non-education based apps. Now, One such tool is a Chrome sense of competition. as we move away from the remote extension called ‘Mote’. Whilst this may seem only a minor The school runs several fundraisers learning period, there is a sense Throughout lockdown, this simple change to practice, it is a product throughout the year supporting of normality starting to appear in tool allowed teachers to record of the remote learning period. local and national charities in the schools. We find ourselves with verbal feedback and give this to There are hundreds of other UK. This term they decided to raise children once again back in our their students through, in our case, ‘products’ like Mote that schools money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). classrooms, not on video calls and Google Classroom. These voice have discovered and mastered over opening lessons with a simple notes were played by children lockdown, that need to be brought Motor Neurone Disease is a life ‘Hello’, not ‘We’ll just hold on for as young as 6, who benefitted into classrooms and not forgotten. shortening, currently incurable disease another couple of minutes’! At massively from the detail that can It is our hope at Queen’s that and affects up to 5000 adults in the UK. The disease affects the messages this inevitably busy time, it would be squeezed into a 30 second by doing this, we will be able to from the motor neurones in the brain voice clip. Moreover, they could give children the skills required to be very easy to pack away all of and gradually stops them reaching the what we have learnt as teachers replay these clips whenever they succeed not just in today’s world, muscles. and leaders over the last year into pleased, something that is simply but tomorrow’s as well. In total, the Avon House family one big box marked ‘only open if covered over 1000 miles passing schools are shut’. (virtually) through some of the most It is however, vital that this does stunning and remote countryside in not happen. Instead, we should the British Isles. look to harvest the benefits that As a Unicef Rights Respecting school, have come from the increased this momentous effort by all students, use of technology throughout staff and pupils linked well with the lockdowns, and begin to Articles 29 and 31 as the many miles walked by all those in the Avon House incorporate these into our day- community demonstrated how we are to-day practice. At Queen’s we all working together to live peacefully are starting to do this, and will and exercise in a way that promotes continue to utilise the wide range play and a great deal of fun. of skills learnt during lockdown in A JustGiving page was set up and lesson time. We have, like many parents were asked to sponsor each other schools, continued to use mile their child walked. At the time of video calls as a way of delivering writing the total sum stands at £2,929 exclusive of Gift Aid.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 17 Get in touch with our school transport specialist [email protected] 07793 067 664 zeelo.co/schools Pioneering mental health award Malvern St James Girls’ School, Form, Wellbeing Champion and to engage in healthy, happy Pastoral Prefect produce a book Worcestershire has achieved Wellbeing Ambassador peer friendships as well as how to for young people to learn about the School Mental Health Gold support structures for staff and manage the ways in which Mental Health issues as part of Award which is delivered by the pupils, mindfulness, mental these inevitably change over their EPQ. Carnegie Centre of Excellence health and wellbeing lessons time. Once developed, these Malvern St James Girls’ School’s for Mental Health in Schools. taught through PSHEEC and relationship skills will have Headmistress, Olivera Raraty using social media platforms lifelong relevance. A focal point The school provides a wide said: “I am extremely proud to signpost support and of the school’s mental health range of activities to boost the and delighted that MSJ’s information via @msjbuzz on and wellbeing provision is to wellbeing of pupils and staff, outstanding pastoral provision Instagram and Twitter. ensure that every girl feels including offering Youth Mental known and valued at Malvern in support of positive mental Health First Aid training to a Using the Girls on Board St James. The school recognises health has been recognised cross section of staff and Sixth Scheme, pupils are taught how that young people who feel in this way. Mental health a secure sense of belonging programmes have come such a are in a position to get the long way in schools in recent very best out of their learning years and we are delighted to be experience and so everything the at the forefront of this change school does is underpinned by working with the Carnegie wellbeing. Centre of Excellence. This award also recognises the excellent way The school also ran a Virtual that staff and pupils support Festival of Wellbeing, hosting each other day in, day out, to talks from speakers such as promote wellbeing.” Steve Backshall, Helen Glover and Natasha Devon MBE. They The award was established in have further initiated the Three 2017 by the Carnegie Centre of Counties Wellbeing Collective in Excellence for Mental Health in order to share best practice with Schools – part of Leeds Beckett pastoral leads from local schools University – and social enterprise and were proud to have their Minds Ahead. Pictured: L-R Mrs Olivera Raraty, Headmistress and Mrs Zinnia Wilkinson, Director of Pastoral Care Here come the girls The St Peter’s School, Yorkshire, Adams), Nicky Goodwin (née community celebrated Jesper) and Zoe Jones (née International Women’s Day last Jackson), the first five girls who month (March) with an online joined St Peter’s for the Sixth conversation with the first five Form in 1976 (all pictured then). girls to be educated at St Peter’s They spoke about their first day School. at St Peter’s, the warm welcome The event was broadcast live on they received from other pupils, Zoom, and was hosted by Head society’s changing expectations, Master Jeremy Walker and Old their subsequent careers, and Peterite Victoria Inness, who left their happy memories of St St Peter’s School in 1990 and was Peter’s School. the first female Head of School. The women also answered Exclusive interview with author Jeremy and Victoria were joined questions from the audience, In the week that author Jacqueline childhood memories and revealed virtually by Sue Miller (née including why they wanted to Wilson launched her new book her favourite characters from Elston), Louise Denison (née come to St Peter’s School, what The Runaway Girls, two pupils her books are Hetty Feather and Stansfield), Louise Morales (née surprised them the most, how from Burgess Hill Girls were invited Tracy Beaker. She also confessed they think they will to visit her Sussex home for an a fondness for hazelnut ice cream be remembered, what exclusive interview. with whipped cream on top. advice they would give their 17-year- To win the chance to interview Burgess Hill Girls Head of Prep old selves, and what the author, pupils were asked to Heather Cavanagh was thrilled for message would submit a short review of their the students to have such a unique they give pupils favourite Jacqueline Wilson book. opportunity: “Jacqueline Wilson’s on International The winners were Amber Holness books are immensely popular at Women’s Day. and Sankavi Rajarajan with their Burgess Hill Girls, so this was a reviews of ‘Dancing the Charleston’ once in a lifetime opportunity for Louise said: “Enjoy and ‘Little Darlings.’ Amber and Sankavi. It was so kind school, seize every of Jacqueline to invite the girls opportunity, and if To conduct the interview the girls into her home and make them it takes you outside were invited to visit Jacqueline’s feel so welcome. I am sure it is of your comfort zone home in East Sussex. During the an experience that they will never just go for it!” interview, Jacqueline shared early forget.”

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allmanhall.co.ukallmanhall.co.uk ProfileIn conversation with Jesse Elzinga

Born: 1979 You are the son of Michigan apple extra to park in the church in the hope that it was farmers, the US state where the surname a safer place to leave the car during the game. Married: Elaina (works at the QElzinga is most widespread, though still Wellcome Trust). Three daughters, 6, rare. The name has a Dutch feel about it. What is I am grateful that my upbringing involved plenty 4 & 1. your family history? of outdoor space at the orchard and a secure Schools and University Attended: job whenever I wanted to go and work for my Bedford High School in Temperance, My surname, Elzinga, is Dutch. It father on the orchard. It was hard work and quite originates from Friesland in The demanding, physical labour. That said, it is now Michigan. Harvard University Netherlands. Like many people that grew for undergraduate and Oxford A well established that outdoors, fresh air, sunshine up in the United States, I was the descendant of and exercise are all good for one’s wellbeing, and I University for my Masters. immigrants. I am a quarter Dutch and a quarter continue to look for these opportunities in my life. First job: English. My grandmother’s family got on a boat Whitgift School, Croydon in 2002 from Liverpool and emigrated to the States early You attended a local High School before in the 20th Century. The other half of my family earning a Bursary place at Harvard where First management job: comes from California which is a real melting Head of Religious Studies, St Qyou obtained a degree in Comparative pot. So, my upbringing felt a bit English at times, Edward’s School, Oxford in 2006 Religion and Philosophy. What prompted you to when my Grandmother would do traditional tea, choose the subject? Was yours a religious family or Dutch, when my uncles would have marinated First job in education: background? In the summer of 2000 – teacher at herring with their Heineken. The second part a summer school in St Paul’s School, of my life has been spent entirely in the UK and Maths was actually my strongest subject Concord, New Hampshire. now I am a dual citizen with both a British and in school and, in my Harvard interview, I American passport, as are my three daughters was told my essay writing skills needed Appointed to current job: who live in Sevenoaks. A work. I think this gave me a chip on my shoulder Appointed June 2019 and began in and although the programme at Harvard was September 2020. Nearby Detroit was the cradle of the automotive giants like Ford, General very much a liberal arts education, eventually Favourite piece of music: Luck Be QMotors, Packard and home of the one had to choose a discipline. I initially thought A Lady by the Rat Pack Motown sound (think Supremes, Martha and the that I might do history and literature, a combined Favourite food: Pasta – take me to Vandellas!). It has been a town of mixed fortunes honours programme, but I was so intrigued by Tuscany any time! since. Living in a more rural area, how were you learning about different world religions and I had impacted by the ups and downs of urban life? never been exposed to philosophy before; I found Favourite drink: Freshly squeezed Young people living in the countryside now are reading philosophy thought provoking. In the lemon or lime either in sparking surely less isolated than you were; how has this end, the focus of most of my academic research water or in a gin and tonic. impacted on their wellbeing? was around ethics and morality, more specifically Favourite holiday destination: how do we know when something is right or Detroit certainly had mixed fortunes wrong and how do we justify our views. It is quite Remote lake in Maine with no in the 20th Century from the heights easy for people with a religious background to wi-fi or internet connection of being the world headquarters of the where I got engaged to my wife A defend their values and explain why something automobile industry to the depths of the race and we were also married there. riots in the 1960s. At one point in my lifetime, it is right or wrong. In the absence of a religious I won’t reveal the name as it is was the only bankrupt city in the world. Whilst background, it is more of an intellectual challenge very isolated and we don’t want Detroit has some sad elements of its history, there to justify your beliefs and this intellectual exercise anyone else to find it! is also a robustness and resilience there. People continues to fascinate me. Ethics has always been one of my favourite things to study and Favourite leisure pastime: Going wear t-shirts that say ‘Detroit Hustles Harder’ teach. for a run or a bike ride. and there is genuine affection and loyalty for the city – a respect for the ‘comeback kid’ and there is Favourite TV or radio programme/ something endearing about being the underdog. After reading for a postgraduate degree series: I watch very little TV and for My first job was selling apples from my father’s in Ethical Philosophy at Oxford, you much of my life I didn’t own a TV, so orchard, in the farmers market in Detroit, on Qtaught Theology and Philosophy at I’m not much help there. Radio 4 in Saturday mornings. As a young boy, even at the Whitgift School, Surrey. Cynicism and Stoicism the morning is a staple nowadays! age of five, I used to stand on an apple crate and are ethical philosophies which stress emotional sell our apples for $1 a bag to people who often detachment from the world and emphasize Suggested epitaph: To whom paid with food stamps. We were very aware of the development of independent character; did much is given, much is expected. the difficulties in town; when we went to baseball they impact in any way on your approach to Carpe diem! games at Tiger Stadium, my father usually paid teaching?

20 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Jesse Elzinga has been Headmaster of Sevenoaks School, Kent, since last year. He was previously Headmaster at Reading Blue Coat School in Berkshire.

Cynicism and Stoicism are not bursary programme? Has your own personal You expanded Blue Coat’s outreach particularly attractive philosophies for experience affected your approach to this? programme during your four years me! Nor do I think they are of much Qthere. Looking back, what project gave A One of the primary aims of my value in education. Cynicism is far too negative, you the greatest satisfaction? Will you repeat it and stoicism is much too unrealistic, especially headship will be to build up a school at Sevenoaks? How do you assess the impact of for young people. In today’s world, we Aendowment which will allow us to community involvement on your own students encourage students to express their emotions offer opportunities for more students to study in terms of leadership, responsibility, service? and find constructive ways to express their at Sevenoaks regardless of their family’s ability Being the Headmaster of Reading feelings. I do believe in character education, to pay. This is true to the intentions of our Blue Coat was a great privilege and I and probably the most influential mode of founder, William Sevenoke, who himself was will always remember fondly the four thought that I return to often is Aristotle’s an orphan found on the streets of Sevenoaks. A years that I spent in Sonning. Starting the concept of eudaimonia. This can roughly be He experienced incredible social mobility, Aldworth Partnership, which was the service and translated as flourishing. The basic concept ending up as Lord Mayor of London and then partnership arm of the school, was certainly a is, whatever your role in life is, you should do an MP. He set-up Sevenoaks School in 1432 to great project and it was inspiring to see students it to the best of your ability and then you will be a centre for education and social mobility engage with the opportunity to get involved find fulfilment. Students should be the best in the town that had looked after him. Beside in the local and wider community. I was also students they can be, teachers should be the being true to the intentions of our founder, proud to set up the first development office best teachers they can be, parents should be the widening access is also personal for me. I in the school’s history, which started to raise attended Harvard on a means tested bursary; best parents they can be. When any one of us is money for bursaries and widening access at my father joked that he never grew enough doing our role well, it is deeply fulfilling and we Reading Blue Coat. Here at Sevenoaks, service apples in his entire career to pay for a year’s flourish in a Aristotelian sense. and partnership is already well established in fees. I know that a good education opens many ways through our partnership with Knole Sevenoaks School is the second oldest doors and can be transformative, and whilst Academy, the Kent Academies Network and non-denominational school in the we already have a number of students at primary school partnerships including a range QUnited Kingdom, dating back to 1432, Sevenoaks School on means tested bursaries, I of other links in the local community. We take and now serving 1,200 day pupils and boarders, hope that we can increase these opportunities our charitable objectives at Sevenoaks very ranging in age from 11 to 18 years, and hailing in the years ahead. from 40 or more countries. Does this long and seriously and I am delighted that the students, distinguished heritage impact on how you lead Sevenoaks was an early participant in staff, parents and Governors are all involved in so the school, compared, say, to heading a school the Sixth Form IB programme. Part of many good causes. Many schools, like ours, offer great opportunities for students in sport, art, founded a decade ago? Qits appeal was the international nature of a globally standardised qualification outside music, drama, CCF, DofE and other co-curricular Whilst Sevenoaks is one of the oldest government control. Things are different this activities. I am delighted that service and charity schools in the country, we are widely year, with students in some countries being work is very much part of the curriculum here known for our liberal, progressive assessed on coursework while others must sit and that all students have an opportunity to A engage meaningfully. and forward-thinking ethos. We went co- exams. Is this fair? educational almost 50 years ago, something You have taken care to keep yourself The Covid 19 pandemic has affected all that some other independent schools are physically fit – three-time national of our lives in different ways, and it has only just considering now. We introduced the champion rower at Harvard and certainly been disruptive to education. Q IB Diploma over 40 years ago, and we also A Oxford; competitive cyclist, twice racing I know there are a number of conscientious introduced service and charitable work into our against Sir Bradley Wiggins (though beaten curriculum, as early as the 1960s. Opportunities colleagues in Ofqual, the Department of on both occasions!); Ironman triathlete and to be involved in service and charitable work Education and in the Government more widely, marathon runner. How do you maintain your remain a principal part of our curriculum. There trying to find the best way forward. In the mental fitness? is something quite dignified about being one absence of examinations, clearly there were of the oldest foundations in the country, but some difficulties in 2020 and there will be Like many active people, I would I think that those of us at Sevenoaks now are difficulties again in 2021. quickly make the point that my much more excited about a progressive, forward physical fitness is linked to mental It can be hard to know what fair looks like in A thinking ethos with a global outlook. fitness. I know that in a stressful time, one of such a context, but I know school leaders like me the best things I can do for my mental health Given that the day termly fee starts at and many others across the country are doing and to regain a sense of perspective is to go over £8,000, Sevenoaks School is by their very best to ensure students are awarded for a run, get some fresh air, enjoy the natural Qany measure an expensive education the grades that they deserve, and they would adrenaline rush and come back to the desk affordable to few. Are you considering have achieved in the absence of the pandemic. or unresolved issues with a fresh sense of widening access over and above the existing Obviously, this is still very much in process. perspective. Continued >

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 21 ProfileIn conversation with Jesse Elzinga (continued)

These days this is normally a California Berkeley Sleep Centre Young people are the highest levels of ability. Of morning run, but for others it says, ‘sleep is our superpower’; incredibly insightful, course, a school like ours has high might be a walk, music, painting, we should all get as much of it as Aparticularly my students standards and we don’t need gardening or any other healthy we possibly can. in Sevenoaks who are bright, any sort of performance related habit that is good for one’s mature and sophisticated. They or pupil-assessment. A strong wellbeing. One thing that I How do you keep track can tell you very quickly what teacher is immediately recognised emphasise with all students of what really goes on in makes a great teacher and, whilst and builds a strong reputation now is the importance of Q the classroom without there are many different styles very quickly. sleep. I think it is particularly setting parental alarm bells and approaches to the classroom, You enjoy opera. How unhealthy that sleep deprivation ringing – in other words how do a great teacher is one who loves about Motown? can be seen as cool or a symbol you find out where standards their subject, communicates it well are lower than you would like Q of strength, when really it is to the students and inspires them damaging for one’s physical before it becomes a results- in their learning. Our teaching Of course, I love Motown! and mental fitness. As Matthew issue? Are you a fan of pupil- staff at Sevenoaks are world-class Detroit is certainly my Walker from the University of assessment of teachers? and our students here achieve at Ahometown and my parents would probably disown me if I said anything otherwise. A particular favourite is the song ‘My Girl’ by the Temptations. I remember my parents singing this as a household favourite Experienced growing up and now it resonates particularly as I have three school nurses daughters and a fabulous wife. I can happily sing along to the song available now of ‘My Girl’ and dedicate it to any one of those four women in my Thornbury Nursing Services is a immediate family. leading supplier of school nurses throughout the UK. We support Who, or what, inspired you schools, colleges and universities to get into teaching as a often at very short notice and Qcareer? Do you still teach? for as long as they need us. It is my fifth year as a Our school nurses have experience Headmaster and, yes, I still teach. I have working in a variety of educational A continued to teach every year settings, from primary schools since becoming a Head. That through to boarding schools and regular, weekly connection universities. We also have specialist with students is grounding and school nurses experienced reminds me what this profession in working with children and is all about at the end of the adolescents who have complex day: doing the very best that I health needs, mental health can for the students. As much needs and learning disabilities. as this might sound a cliché, I was probably first inspired by teaching when watching Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society as We’re available 24 hours a day, a teenager. The way he jumped 7 days a week. Contact us today on his desk in his classroom with to discuss your requirements: such enthusiasm and challenged his students to ‘carpe diem – seize 0345 120 5300 the day!’. The worse thing that [email protected] a teacher can be is boring and the best thing a teacher can be is inspirational and engaging with the students. I am grateful for the All school nurses go through thorough opportunities I have had to teach vetting checks and referencing before so many delightful young people they are placed. in my career. There is always so much hope and optimism in a room full of children.

22 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] The occasional series where heads and senior staff are invited to TALKING POINT comment on a topic or hypothesis relevant to education in the UK. Are GCSEs and A-levels past their sell-by date? GCSEs and A-levels should be scrapped and replaced with a French-style system that pupils enter at 14 and complete at 19, according to the National Association of Head Teachers. Students would study a mix of five or six academic and vocational subjects - or a mixture of the arts, humanities, maths, languages and the sciences - and then be examined on all of them. Are GCSEs and A-levels past their sell-by date? If they are, what should replace them? Kevin Fear, Head, Nottingham High School: Inevitably in the of the content in each paper. should remain in place. Forcing just one retake of any paper. wake of two year’s They remain important though every child to study Maths or Regular assessment and revision of disruption to in allowing children to see where a language as most alternative is the best way to learn material public exams there their talents lie, in giving them systems require has its attractions and thus this should be built into is a great deal motivation to work during the but simply many children find the system. of discussion as to whether we difficult mid-teenage years and in these areas of the curriculum It would be wrong to have no should return to the ‘old normal’ creating a foundation for A Level very challenging and with the assessment at age 16 because of GCSEs and A Levels. My study. There should definitely A Level system allowing more I believe that students in Years view is that whilst some reform be room in any new system for choice it enables pupils to start to 10 and 11 benefit from having is needed it would be wrong to further teacher assessment rather specialise prior to the important exams to focus on. They learn sweep away a system that has than a focus on terminal exams university decisions. Education much about themselves and also served us well for so many years. but GCSE continues to play an is at its best when people are about how best to plan their time, important role in assessing which GCSE helps to punctuate the focusing on those areas that balance their lives and how to students are capable of taking on long run through to A Levels but interest them most. Again here focus. So many important life the demands of A Level work. needs some modification. Chief though some reform would help. skills are developed during these amongst the changes should be Similarly, A Levels have long Personally I would revert to the years and many of them ‘grow up’ a reduction in the overall number been the gold standard of AS system which served students through the process of doing some of papers and some reduction British education and these too well for many years but allowing high-stakes testing at this age. Shaun Fenton, Head of Reigate Grammar School, Surrey: Everyone recognises holistic, broad, purposeful education the applicant’s contribution to look for technical excellence and tensions within – not simply the pursuit of grades. collaborative learning, understand qualifications, but they are crying the current model. The proposal above would merely their motivation, and so on. Let’s out for far more. However, before produce a different set of grades. understand a student’s suitability we focus on a new and aptitude for future academic I like any proposal challenging model we need to understand Structural change is not enough. progress and attainment, and value assumptions, but not merely what we are trying to achieve. We We must change the culture and the personal learner qualities that replacing them with different ones! won’t get a consensus around the look at how exam grades are used support success for them and those Structural tweaks aren’t enough. purpose of education but we can by universities and employers. Exam they work with. If we can agree We need assessment and we must agree that we want our young grades measure the wrong thing. that we are looking for more than evolve to a more agile, personalised people to be well educated, not Most universities do not have the simply test performance, we would approach that reflects the nuanced, just well qualified. Therefore the resources to interview applicants, develop an exam system fit for that complex private and public spheres assessment system should promote talk to their school, evaluate new and better purpose. Employers of life in the 21st century. Simon Winchester, Head of Academic at St Margaret’s School, Hertfordshire: In 2020 and 2021, worst of all, the awful practice of assessment. The Education Act Teachers have, for the last two 16 year-olds across children learning how to ‘do 16 places the responsibility on the years, been trusted to grade England had, markers’ rather than actually learn exams regulator to ensure that their students. The scene is set and will have a about real material. “regulated qualifications give a for a broader portfolio-based summer, unlike their reliable indication of knowledge, The NAHT’s proposal for a approach to assessment overseen predecessors – a summer without skills and understanding.” French-style system offering five by teachers, taking into account exams. England is the last country or six subjects, both academic We have repeatedly heard a far broader range of assessment in Europe to retain high stakes and vocational, offers an exciting throughout the pandemic that opportunities and considering the testing at 16, at a time when pupils blend of both depth and breadth, exams offer the most reliable and skills and characteristics, which have a further two years of study, fair method of assessing students, something currently offered only by will make students successful training or apprenticeship before yet every school knows that the the two opposing camps of GCSEs future employees, rather than them. The number of exams taken normal examinations system, and A-levels. the narrow confines of current by pupils in England is staggering algorithms aside, regularly fails to and the consequences of our exam Yet the real question, which deliver reliable or fair results: plenty GCSE assessment criteria. If we obsession is stark: exam-related dogs the examination system in of recent studies have highlighted have trusted teachers during the anxiety, mental health issues, a this country, is not this question the frequent inaccuracies in pandemic, why not trust them in narrowing of the curriculum and, of depth or breadth, but of examiner grading. the post-covid world too?

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As all too and we wanted to ensure school catering teams will know everyone was on board across our – there have been challenges trustees, proprietors, an external school meals. in guaranteeing consistency of consultant who was also on board, ingredients and meeting any special and importantly, our pupils and needs over this extraordinary year, their parents. where prices and supply issues have seen some significant fluctuations. “The first step in making change was to present our proposed change According to Head, Claudette and meals to our proprietors and Salmon, the school is enormously consultants. apetito hosted a “Our next step was to ensure that place. We were suddenly also left proud of its diversity framework, second tasting for our stakeholders parents and pupils were on board. without a chef which added to with 60 pupils from many different which captured their imagination Not an easy feat with Covid playing the urgency of mobilising our new cultures aged 3-11. The school only – they loved the food and service its role in lockdown which meant service at speed. serves Halal meals as part of this proposition which meant we were we could not invite parents and “However, it all came together and make-up. She says: “We undertook a no longer reliant on fluctuating pupils to come and try our meals review of our catering as we wanted from day one has been seamless elements that were out of our directly to discuss the new service to take back control and ensure we and has worked well. The cost control. In fact, this second tasting and give their views. However, we were offering the right quality meals saving is an unexpected, but very was so successful that these key did find a solution... to meet our pupils needs, and at the stakeholders wanted to make the welcome, benefit. “Alongside the School’s own team, right cost to the school. change immediately!”. we sent out menu’s on Microsoft The school is now entering it’s “apetito was a name on our list Ross Waite of apetito’s forms to all parents and invited second month of installation of and we reached out to the team Independent Schools Division picks them to be part of the decision its new service and reports all is to establish the benefits of a up the story: “An important part making process.. We then used the running smoothly: “apetito has been partnership, how they could help of the decision making process school’s own kitchens to cook a an enormous support in elements and also look at the quality of their was the cost implication of making range of meals, and then ‘hot- such as menu planning. Ross and meals first-hand. change. Would there be an impact boxed’ these to families at their his team have designed menus for “This led to a live tasting (socially around cost to move services – home address. It was amazing, and our Spring and Summer menu cycle, distanced of course) and both would it be more expensive to we had such great feedback and tailored directly to our needs – our Karen Robertson, our head bursar, move to a reliable, consistent appreciation of the service from new Summer menu will be ready and I were enormously impressed meals provision of high quality. In parents and children alike”. for pupils to enjoy when they return with the quality of the meals. Until the event, everyone was delighted on April 13th after the Easter break. this tasting, I have to confess to a to find that the opposite prevailed. Claudette confirmed that the service Within the fabric of our pupils, we slight concern around the fact that There was an all-round saving has gone live with effect from early do have a small number who are meals were delivered frozen, but this to be made of between 12-15% March – not easy under Covid. dairy and egg intolerant, so we concern was completely dispelled. on the previous service – a not “There were some challenges along always make sure we have meals Get your free no obligation quote by The meals are delicious, and you insignificant sum. the way in terms of the logistics that are right for them. We do that of making change under Covid. by offering all pupils a choice of two Not least, we needed to invest in a scanning the QR code and see how much freezer (to store our meals) and a meals – one of which is free-from new oven in order to ensure meals those allergens. It couldn’t be easier. money we could save your school. could be served and cooked in the “Feedback has been entirely positive. Scan me! right way. 100% terrific. We had a quote which “Getting the equipment in a matter summed up the change from one of days was potentially always going pupil who mentioned completely to be difficult but apetito worked ‘off the cuff’: “I thought I would closely with the oven supplier, who miss the meat meals and need a Proud to be partnered with: went way over the extra mile to packed lunch; however, the meat- ensure we could get everything in free options taste great!” Get in touch to see how much your school could save with apetito! www.apetito.co.uk/schools

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Proud to be partnered with: Sporting Excellence FC Signing Year 11 Bedford Modern School Head Girl named Mavericks Captain (BMS) student and talented Poppy Tydeman, Head Girl and footballer Jake Burger has been Captain of Netball at Felsted offered a two-year contract School, Essex, has been selected as deal with Luton Town FC which captain for the U19 Superleague commences in June 2021. During Saracens Mavericks Team 2021. the next two seasons he will play in the U18 Youth Alliance League, Poppy has been playing netball South East Conference as well as since she started at Felsted Prep compete in the Youth Alliance School in 2009 and was selected Cup and the FA Youth Cup for the Felsted 1st team whilst tournaments. only in Year 9. During this time, Poppy has been on tour to The contract will offer Jake the Barbados and competed at the opportunity to play against some 2020 National School Finals. of the best players in the country at his level and at some of the best stadiums in the region. He will be paid a wage of around £130 County calls each week initially but hopes to be Jake Lintott – Head of Cricket at offered a full professional contract Queen’s College, Taunton – has at the end of the two years. agreed a three-year contract with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, covering all forms of the game. England Hockey success The deal also allows the slow left-arm unorthodox bowler to continue working with the young cricketers at the independent school off Trull Road. Lintott, a former Queen’s student, recognised for the talent we have starred for Birmingham Bears in seen for so many years. He is a last season’s T20 Vitality Blast true role model for our students, tournament, including two man- demonstrating that with hard work of-the-match performances. and perseverance you really can fulfil your dreams.” Four pupils from Scarborough skill base necessary to earn an invite Queen’s Head Teacher, Dr Lorraine College, Yorkshire, have earnt U15 to The Performance Centre trials. Director of Sport, Mr Tom Walter, Earps, said: “I am absolutely England Hockey Performance added: “We are so pleased that, Following Eve Naylor’s (Driffield delighted that Jake has realised his as he continues his cricketing Centre squad places following HC) successful involvement sporting ambitions. journey, Jake will still be able successful trials in Doncaster. in The Performance Centre “At Queen’s, we never lost to continue to work with our Consistent performances over program over the past two years, our belief that Jake would be fantastic students.” recent months for Scarborough she has earned a prestigious College, Clubs and North Yorkshire place into The Diploma of has seen Beth Hiley (Leeds HC), Sporting Excellence (DiSE) Service with Team GB Isabella Holdsworth (Leeds HC), programme which is delivered Lucy Barker and Kate Barker (York between England Hockey and a smile apprentice HC) demonstrate the high calibre Loughborough College. Myddelton College in Denbigh Top cyclist Amy Pullen, who is in has been awarded the prestigious Year 11 at West Buckland School, Tennis Wales Education Award Devon, has been selected as a guest Top-notch swim meet for reintroducing the game to apprentice for Team GB cycling. the school through a top class coaching programme. Normally, the Great British Cycling Team takes on fifteen girls to the It has been led by the award- programme, but due to Covid-19, winning John Whitehall, of First Amy’s selection is even more Advantage Tennis, a former commendable as they have had to Wales tennis player and UK halve the number to seven guest Development Coach of the Year. apprentices. The guest apprentice position will hopefully lead to an apprentice role in the near future, Marc Spackman fifth from left; Matt Richards fourth from left once racing resumes. Acceptance The Royal School Wolverhampton’s with the team. onto the guest apprentice Swim Club Head Coach, Marc programme carries huge credibility The racing filled the hole of no Spackman, and Royal School in the field of cycling, which means swimming competitions this year Amy will be invited to educational pupil Matthew Richards recently and gave swimming fans, and workshops and cycling race camps took part in the second season the world’s top swimmers and all over the UK, once sport restarts. of the International Swimming coaches from across the globe, an Coaches have commented that Amy League (ISL) in Budapest, Hungary. has the potential to ride at a world opportunity to feel excited again class level in the future, so this Spackman was called up to coach in a tough year for everyone, selection has been a great boost to the New York Breakers while particularly swimmers with pools her prospects. Richards was invited to compete being closed.

26 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature AMS Provides Cost-Effective Pitch Improvement with Industry Leading Technology Since AMS Contracting was founded operator tickets to ensure the safety ensures that money isn’t wasted on quick response to rainfall and often by brothers Myles and Ashley of themselves and everyone on-site seed that fails to germinate due to reduces postponements or other turf Strange, the aim has always been during projects. weather conditions or wildlife. areas being unusable. to give customers the most cost- These machines cover every aspect During the winter months, the The TopDrain® allows any existing effective solutions to improve their of turf maintenance from primary priority for school pitches and fields primary drainage to be linked back surfaces without sacrificing quality. and secondary drainage, renovations, is being ready for use regardless to the surface and helps water flow To do this, the West Sussex based overseeding and top dressing to of the weather. These areas play a through the profile. This method company use large scale industry- mobile sports turf irrigation. much more significant role than just trenches, removes spoil and injects leading machinery that is proven to Many schools will opt to renovate being an area for matches to take sand before re-compacting the work everywhere from local parks to their pitches during the summer place, and for a lot of pupils are surface in one pass. Its operation Twickenham and Wembley Stadium. months in preparation for the new classrooms in their own right. The reduces material costs and labour season. AMS offers partial and leading cause of unusable pitches is with faster processing and less Operating this machinery requires full renovations using the Koro® waterlogging due to drainage issues. surface contamination than specialist knowledge and training, FIELDTOPMAKER® which is the AMS offers multiple solutions for conventional methods. and all AMS employees hold CSCS this problem, all of which can be sports turf industry’s go-to option AMS also offers a full primary Health and Safety cards and relevant tailored to the project’s requirements for high-quality renovations. The drainage service, including Trimble and budget. machine removes thatch and other drainage mapping software that organic matter up to a depth of Secondary drainage is a relatively builds a 3D model to optimise the 50mm, leaving a surface that will quick and affordable solution that placement of drains and provide an promote new growth. can be implemented with minimal accurate quotation. Following this practice, pitches can disruption to a surface. Because AMS fulfil drainage, construction and be top dressed and then overseeded the Koro® TopDrain® 1000 creates maintenance projects all over the United using the Vredo Compact. This open channels up to 260mm in Kingdom and use a process that always provides cost-effective results. For machine places the seed directly depth at spacings of 0.5m or 1m 135x190_AMS_School_Ad_ARTWORK.pdf 1 26/03/2021 07:54 more information on AMS’ services or into the ground, with a proven to the primary drainage, it is a vital to receive a quote on your project, visit germination rate of over 95% and tool for pitches. Using it offers a www.amscontracting.co.uk.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 27 Sporting Excellence

Advertorial Feature Finborough school makes its mark Line marking is one of the most when transitioning from winter to important tasks when preparing summer sports and back again. for almost any sport played on A standout example of this is turf, but it is also one of the most the 400m running track that time-consuming. A majority of would usually take two to three Based on his experience of other a massive time saver, and it allows schools will have a selection of days to mark but using the Turf GPS line marking products he has me to do more work around the winter and summer sports, with Tank significantly reduces that trialled, Rory had reservations about almost all of them requiring hours’ site, so the time I get back is really time down to just three hours. worth of line marking before the the Turf Tank’s ability to find signal invaluable. The base station works with deep in the Suffolk countryside, but action can begin. “I can also see it saving us a lot RTK connectivity delivering a after seeing it in action, all of his of time when we transition back Rory Ferguson, Head Groundsman consistent GPS connection which worries have been put to one side. at Finborough School in Suffolk, means the marker can be used to winter sports. We play rugby, has one full-size football pitch, anywhere with unprecedented “Before the demo, I was sceptical hockey and football in the winter, two half-size hockey pitches, five reliability and accuracy, without about how it would perform and some of our pitches have more because I’ve had other line markers 7-a-side football pitches and a an expensive annual subscription than one sport marked within them that used similar technology full-size rugby pitch to maintain to a cellular system. and being able to initially mark a by himself. In the summer, a 400m struggle in this setting because of After arriving on-site, a quick pitch from scratch in just over 20 running track and multiple rounders the signal quality we have here,” decision is made about where the minutes is another huge time saver. pitches are needed with marking track should go, and the location is he said. “Having now had the out taking days’ worth of time plotted on the tablet. system explained to me and how it “During the demo, Alex Robinson uses the base station to eliminate from Turf Tank talked me through Once the Turf Tank One begins, it any dead spots, I felt more how to change the templates, and I only needs to stop for the paint confident in its capability, and think with a bit of practice, it would to be refilled – otherwise, it will during the demonstration, there be something that you could easily mark continuously until the job is were no issues at all. complete. While it is marking, the do yourself. The beauty of it is once operator is free to complete other “Usually, we would spend around the measurements are in, they are tasks with any alerts showing on two and a half days plotting out saved on the device, so with a push the tablet if the robot does need and marking our running track, but of a button, you overmark on the assistance. to be able to do it in three hours is exact same lines again.”

For more information on the Turf Tank One or to have a demonstration contact [email protected] (southern UK) or [email protected] (northern UK).

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Alex Robinson – Regional Manager South 07766 220 190 [email protected]

Matt Murray – Regional Manager North BOOK A DEMO ON YOUR FIELDS! 07712 647 962 www.turftank.com [email protected]

28 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature Let’s Talk Safeguarding – A Q&A with Martin Baker QPM One Team Logic, the company behind the Queen’s Award-winning safeguarding software MyConcern, are more than a software company, they offer a wealth of safeguarding experience and the company values revolve around their central vision – to safeguard people around the world from abuse, harm and neglect. Two of the three founding directors, Martin Baker QPM and Mike Glanville are former chief police officers who have had significant personal responsibility for both child and adult safeguarding in a variety of settings.

What led you to create designed an integrated approach policing, health and social care. Clarity, our multi-establishment MyConcern? to safeguarding in education which This means we are able to provide data dashboard which is used Mike and I are experienced school led us to identify the need for a customers with the safeguarding by international school groups, governors and it was in that role safeguarding case management advice and support that they need. multi-academy trusts and local that we first looked at safeguarding system – MyConcern. Our software development team authorities to analyse and report are continually implementing on de-personalised data from processes in schools. The first thing How does your background in refinements and new features to multiple instances of MyConcern. that we noticed was that many child protection and policing develop MyConcern and to ensure Our Safeguarding Services team schools were reliant on archaic, influence MyConcern? paper-based systems to undertake that the latest safeguarding trends provide CPD-certified training for one of their most fundamental Mike and I have over 20 years and legislation are reflected in the safeguarding leads, wider school duties – to safeguard their pupils. combined experience in schools’ system. staff and governors. governance; Mike is currently This really worried us because Do you offer any other solutions Do you offer any free resources the safeguarding challenges have a Chair of a primary school to help schools manage their or support? never been more complex nor governing body and I am a safeguarding responsibilities? Yes, our safeguarding training team the expectations on staff and director on the board of a Multi- also create downloadable resources schools more stringent. Manual Academy Trust, so we know how Absolutely, we believe that and regularly participate in and host processes really are no longer safeguarding works in education. effective safeguarding starts with a wide range of webinars on various suitable for managing what can be We also have deep operational safer recruitment, so our Single aspects of safeguarding. Recent extremely challenging and time- experience of safeguarding and Central Record product, Sentry, webinars have focused on student consuming issues that may result our full-time safeguarding team is designed to support the safer wellbeing, and we’ve previously in legal proceedings years later. We have backgrounds in education, recruitment process. We also have welcomed experts in tackling Peer-on-peer Abuse and Online Gambling. All of these and many others can be watched on-demand at myconcern.co.uk/webinars. What safeguarding challenges do you see on the horizon for schools? Safeguarding and pastoral leaders had a difficult job before the pandemic; we have had a lot of contact with safeguarding leads over the course of the lockdowns and there is no doubt that now they are stretched to the limit. Even when schools resume some kind of normality, Covid-19 will have a very long tail in terms of the impact it has had on children and on school staff. We will continue to support schools in their efforts to nurture and protect their pupils even as new L to R: Martin Baker QPM, CEO, Darryl Morton, Chief Technology Officer and Mike Glanville, Chief Safeguarding Officer challenges arise. For more information about One Team Logic, and our suite of safeguarding solutions, contact us on 0330 660 0757 or visit www.myconcern.co.uk

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 29 Game changer during remote learning and beyond Power of ‘Pupil Voice’ For the past year now, our You Tuber. For most educators to was we were not alone, we were educational landscape has varied maintain engagement and interest lucky we have each other, linked for each and every pupil and of pupils over a prolonged period through our live lessons and our teachers alike. It is fair to say that was going to be a challenge. school community thanks to our it has not been a level playing How were we to compete with strong communication through our field educationally for all. Yet we the likes of Disney Plus, You Tube social media platforms. We connected across our have bonded over our common and the many gaming platforms curriculum significantly through challenges, pupils, their families The desire from our teachers to to maintain the attention of our shared experiences. Together and teachers have connected and acknowledge the pupil voice was young learners? There are only we would celebrate our daily shared more than ever before. an influential factor for our pupils’ so many ways to jazz up a power achievements in school, new births, We pride ourselves as being a progress. Our children were not family fun and accomplishments point presentation. How could happy community at Homefield passive but active learners. There during our live lesson interaction, we secure the attention of our Preparatory School, inclusive and was the mutual responsibility assembly time, social media and young learners so they do not supportive of all our families and of each teacher and pupil to any opportunity to communicate metaphorically or literally ‘switch neighbours and local community. participate and contribute to our joy and positivity. off’? The power of the pupil voice has the lessons. Delivery from the The important part was that never been stronger. To my joy (as often is the case), teacher was only half the deal – our pupils felt listened to and authenticity, sincerity and simplicity Whilst remote teaching, I, like many pupil response was key to form a appreciated. The more we listened have been my key to success in the of my team of teachers had to connection not just to show and to their opinions, ideas, shared choppy waters of remote teaching. adapt our curriculum lessons for share knowledge and understanding knowledge and experience about the silver screen. It is true to say I figured we were in this situation but to add value, recognition, praise both their curriculum activities that I am not a television presenter, together and together we would and enlightenment. All this whilst and their home lives. Form time I did not attend acting school and collaboratively face the challenges developing the children’s speaking quite often rolled over as the pupils I am no Blue Peter presenter or of being remote and alone. The fact and listening skills. enjoyed talking. Social, Moral,

Keeping staff and students Advertorial Feature safe during Covid The Covid-19 pandemic has caused important to keep them there until with Covid-19 testing throughout ”We’ve been really happy with much disruption to the education the school year ends. the pandemic, helping to mitigate the support Thornbury Nursing risk and to keep educational Services has given us over several sector but with many children At Thornbury Nursing Services, establishments open. months, to provide us with a now back at school, college or we have been supporting many personalised Covid testing service. university, it’s never been more schools, colleges and universities How will it work? Our initial testing service can be Not only have I had great feedback delivered in person either at your from students and staff about the school or virtually via Zoom or care and professionalism they have Skype, where a registered nurse experienced in our testing centre will guide your staff or students but the flexibility of support as on how to complete our point of the regulations and requirements care test and interpret results. We changed was very reassuring.” will then record these results for Andrew Young, COO, you and feedback information on London School of Economics and employees or students who may Political Science need to self-isolate. In addition, If you would like more information if someone tests positive for the about how we can help to keep your virus, we can deploy a team of staff safe in work and your students nurses to your school, within safe to continue learning, please 24-hours, to roll out mandatory contact us on 0370 350 0999 or email testing for all staff and pupils. [email protected] You can also read more about our Covid-19 testing services here: www.thornbury-nursing.com/covid-19-testing

30 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Working in a multi-cultural diverse school community Rachel Burgess feels privileged to observe first-hand how pupils and families from Year 1 to Year 8 navigate themselves across the shifting sands of the educational environment in the current climate, and reflects on the importance of ‘listening to the pupil voice’....

Spiritual and Cultural development and understanding is incredibly curriculum. We all need time to be full of a caring and nurturing shone brightly throughout important and equal to that for our reflect but with this we need to yet stimulating atmosphere. lockdown at Homefield. wellbeing. To share our feelings, be able to move forward positively Teachers work even harder to experiences and having the chance towards our coming experiences create this through their lesson Pupil Voice as always played a to listen and to be heard and bond. with confidence. The need to share, delivery and classroom displays. role in our learning setting. Self discuss and celebrate together We teachers will need to model and peer assessment learning It is not easy to share our opinions again is so important. Assemblies resilience, we will pick ourselves up, opportunities , presentations, and answers through a computer have never been more valuable. dust ourselves down, reflect what collaborative activities and screen and for some this was a has taken place and look forward Resilience is a strong element projects, displays, assemblies so challenge in itself but the important to the future all the while talking, many different and varied ways to thing was –they were asked, they of achieving wellbeing and the listening and sharing our feelings, show our pupils involvement and were considered and not forgotten. transition back into school is opinions and thoughts. engagement in their learning. Even if they declined to share they personal and so will vary from were still involved and had a voice pupil to pupil. Many teachers I will be looking for more Now, more than ever, it has an even albeit chose to be a silent voice. and professionals will, like my opportunities for my pupils to greater important role. Remote express their opinions, more ways colleagues and I will be at this very situations can lead to a sense of Now, as we all welcome the return for them to express their self- moment be thinking of ways to loss, loneliness and isolation but to the physical classroom in our assessment and that for each other. help our pupils navigate their way when we feel valued and listened schools we reflect our period Just as in our remote setting, through this period of change to to, a connection and bond between of remote learning but most each voice needs to be heard settle once more . pupils and their peers and teachers importantly – we need to move and acknowledged. In this ever strengthens. The power of the pupil forward. Resilience is a key factor This is a time to embrace yet again changing landscape, a land yet voice has never been stronger in in our wellbeing and the pupil a new educational environment, travelled can be explored as long as my opinion. For educators, our voice needs to continue to be an albeit familiar setting, in schools we keep listening and talking we pupils able to share knowledge important consideration across the and classrooms. Our classrooms will will succeed.

Rachel Burgess is the Head of Year 3 and Year 4, Designated Safe Guarding Lead and Co-ordinator for Theology, Philosophy and Religion at Homefield Prep School in Surrey.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 31 Advertorial Feature Is it time to consider in-house catering? Hayden Hibbert, Director of Client Relations at allmanhall, the independently owned food procurement expert, looks at the pros and cons of outsource catering versus managing in-house.

The late Paul Prudhomme observed, “You don’t need a silver fork to eat good food”. This may be true, but it is likely that you do need a good catering team to produce good food! Then comes the question of whether to outsource catering or to manage in-house… Whilst approximately half of the independent schools outsource made, these should be passed on compliance, with visibility and the chain management, combined with their catering, an increasing to the school. The caterer charges control of costs. The transition to hands-on catering and nutrition number are now exploring the the management fee, typically an in-house operation will also in-house model. A key reason advice. Working in a partnership between 3% & 5% of the total support a culture of inclusion, as for this is cost. In this climate of with its clients, allmanhall’s cost of catering: food + labour + the catering team are employed unprecedented financial pressures, purpose is to deliver the best food, sundries, plus VAT. directly by the school. schools need to be agile, lean and the best cost savings, and the best to deliver the best food offer they Whilst increased competition has There are ways to surround an in- support. can, ensuring they are receiving seen a steady reduction in these house team, more cost-effectively, As procurement experts, allmanhall value for money – a challenge management fees, the majority with support services that would when these significant costs are of the contractor’s earnings are otherwise be provided by a provides full management of nebulous. derived from food purchasing contractor. For example, expert the foodservice and catering- paid for by the school. High food procurement, delivering related supply chain. Clients enjoy The reasons for appointing a levels of opaque rebates are both cost savings and insight, essential food cost savings as a contractor are varied, such as incorporated by the contractor from a specialist company who result of allmanhall’s supplier outsourcing the administrative into the food prices on the also provide a catering controls negotiations. In addition to burden of managing the HR invoices from their suppliers. platform to track and manage procurement support, allmanhall function for the team or if their As a result, benchmarking of every penny of spend, stock provides exceptional foodservice current in-house food offer is not various contractors’ food prices audits and wastage. A catering- delivering the standard of quality consistently identifies them as related procurement expert, like consultancy, including nutrition required. being an expensive option. allmanhall, will manage suppliers and dietetics support, headed and deliver dietetic advice and up by allmanhall’s Registered Contractors provide a multi- To put this into perspective, if regulatory compliance updates, Dietitian. faceted head office support a school’s total annual cost of as well as everything from menu function and investment in catering is £1m, half of which Working across a range of design and food innovation to refurbished facilities may be is food cost, the impact of the sectors, allmanhall is particularly offered by them to schools, staff training and audits. management fee and inflated food well established in independent as an incentive. However, the prices could result in an excess Great food service does not always education. allmanhall employs repayments will, most likely, favour spend as high as £200,000… food require a costly silver fork. A thirty-five people and manages the contractor. What seems an for thought? competent team and a dedicated over two hundred suppliers, easy, low risk option may come at support partner will ensure the If this appears unpalatable or a significant cost. in-house journey is a success and working with clients across indeed financially unfeasible, enables you to achieve significant England and Wales. Utilising the Contractors employ a variety then let us consider the in-house - and perhaps necessary - cost latest industry-leading technology, of earning models. A common option. A skilled and experienced savings. procurement expertise and a focus model is ‘Cost Plus’, based on Catering Manager will be critical. A an estimated budget – the cost competent, professional team will Established in 2006, allmanhall is on relationships, both with clients of catering, plus a management ensure all the required deliverables an independent, family owned and and suppliers, allmanhall has fee. If this budget is exceeded the will follow, from food quality and managed business providing expert positioned itself as a market leader school pays more; if savings are innovation to food safety and food procurement and supply in the foodservice industry. www.allmanhall.co.uk Hayden Hibbert. Prior to joining allmanhall 7 years ago, Hayden was Head of Catering for a group of international schools. Before working in independent education, his background was in hotels and restaurants – a truly experienced caterer with over 20 years experience.

32 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature Disputes over school fees: Mediation as an outcome- focused approach The economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak has triggered a rise in disputes between fee-paying schools and parents. Selina Roberts, head of the commercial arm at Wandsworth Mediation Service, offers advice on how to deal with these conflicts effectively to avoid lengthy and expensive court proceedings. Pursuing parents for school fee feel their child has not been Early intervention Preserving relations debts is a fact of life for many adequately supported. It is crucial One of the advantages of According to Salesforce, 6 out bursars. The COVID-19 pandemic that each party has an opportunity mediation is the ability to resolve of 10 customers will share bad has only exacerbated the problem. to express themselves without issues quickly. Most mediation Whilst most schools have staggered being confronted. This is where experiences with others - which, providers aim to organise the initial complaints procedures to ensure an experienced mediator can help, with the proliferation of social meeting within three weeks of the desirable outcomes are achieved offering parties impartial support media, can cause irreparable referral. Early intervention through amicably, many disputes still end and guiding them into making a reputational damage. Mediation mutually acceptable settlement mediation enhances the potential up in court or in the hands of debt offers the chance to control that agreement. The mediation process of a quick settlement. It is advisable collectors. risk. With 90% cases settling on the is confidential, highly effective, to incorporate a mediation clause Communication is key keeps parties in control of the in the school’s standard terms day or shortly after, it can achieve Often fee disputes reflect outcome, and is much cheaper to ‘nip in the bud’ potentially outcomes that preserve the parties’ underlying issues where parents than court proceedings. protracted and costly disputes. relationships and reputations.

MEDIATION IN SCHOOLS Wandsworth Mediation Service is a not-for-profit mediation provider offering a range of services to schools nationwide, in person or via zoom: • mediation between parents and staff • mediation of disputes over school fees • workplace mediation between staff members Wandsworth • conflict management courses and Mediation workshops for pupils and staff. Service

 020 7223 7744  [email protected]

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 33 The chance for pupils to Shine with their media and communication skills Now pupils can tell their winning lockdown stories Schools may have faced a year of Chair of Shine Alison Strachan said: “The Best audio lockdowns but pupils are being given the extraordinary circumstances of the last year and Editor of the year chance to show off their resilience and its enforced culture of isolation have particularly Best marketing strategy using social media creativity. challenged school students, separating them Best sustainable initiative leading to a greener Entries are now being accepted for the annual from their peers and school communities. Our future Shine School Media Awards for the most aim is to encourage children to get involved in Best piece on designated topic inspirational school print and digital media the community of a publication, where they can Best overall content platforms produced by secondary school pupils. hone their creative skills, work as a team and Best newspaper front page effectively reach out to a specific audience. The Judges are expecting creative ideas showing Best magazine front cover benefits of such projects are wide-ranging and how pupils used their ingenuity to keep Best homepage last a lifetime, and we hope all schools will offer communicating despite many having to work Best Newspaper this opportunity to their pupils.” from home. Covid themes may dominate, but Best Magazine surprises are expected. The Shine Awards are part of the support Best online New categories include those on sustainability, provided to the media industry and young The Harrison Cup for ‘that something special’ people by the Worshipful Company of Stationers marketing and best audio as well as the Individual awards: and Newspaper Makers, one of the UK’s historic regular high-profile awards for best magazine, Most inspirational teacher newspaper, digital edition, podcast and top livery companies. The Shine Scholar: Most outstanding pupil writing. The full list of categories: It is the 10th year of the high-profile awards Best illustration & artwork Closing date is Friday 8 May. The winners will be which are sponsored by a vast range of Best print & design announced in June and a special awards lunch companies including national publishers. Best cartoon will be held in the City of London in September. Previous winners have gone on to enter design Best photograph Entry forms are available to download at: and media jobs. Writer of the year www.shine-schoolawards.org

Changing FACES... Changing Places... Mrs Natalie Bone Parent at Millfield Preparatory Farlington School, worked for PWC in The City, will be Head of School. Natalie has a degree in Sussex, has before being drawn to the world Sherborne Prep, Economics from the University appointed James of teaching and achieving a PGCE Dorset, from of Reading and before entering Passam, as head from the University of Oxford. He September. teaching was a professional dressage from the start of also holds an MBA from Henley competitor and trainer as well as She is currently the Autumn Term. Business School. having a City career in investment Head of Junior School at Sidcot management. James is currently Deputy Head at James will succeed current School, having previously been Seaford College where he has been Headmistress Louise Higson, who a Houseparent and teacher of Natalie Bone replaces Nick Folland, for the past eight years. Prior to has been Head at Farlington for Mathematics at Millfield School and current Head who is retiring at the this, he was Head of English and nine years, and was previously Head of Mathematics and a House end of the academic year. Boarding Housemaster at St John’s Deputy Head from 2005. School, Surrey. Previously, James James will be joined at Farlington Tom Gregory has the City of London working in taught at Truro School in Cornwall. by his wife Zoë and their two been appointed Investment Banking. After ten years After achieving his degree at the daughters, all of whom will live on as the new he followed his heart and moved University of Manchester, James the school estate. Headmaster of St into teaching, immediately finding Andrew’s Prep, his vocation. He has held senior roles in various schools over the last Morrison’s Andrew will join Morrison’s Sussex. Mr Gregory thirteen years, including Deputy Academy, Perthshire, Academy from Jersey College for succeeds Gareth Jones and will take Head at Vinehall and his current has appointed Mr Girls where he is presently the up his post from September 2021. Andrew McGarva, Assistant Headteacher. During position as the Deputy Head at to the post of his teaching career he has taught Mr Gregory started his career in Ashfold School. Principal. He will both in the UK and internationally. be Morrison’s Academy’s 13th Andrew has held leadership roles Mr Mike Marie September 2021. Mike, who is Principal since the school opened in including Deputy Head of Prep is to be the currently Pastoral Deputy Head, 1860. Andrew will join the school in School and Director of Music at new Head of has held that role at Bromsgrove, August 2021, succeeding Mr Gareth Kilgraston School, Head of Music at Bromsgrove since 2016. Mike succeeds Mrs Warren, who was recently appointed the British School in Tokyo as well Preparatory and Jacqui Deval Reed who retires Rector at George Heriot’s School in as Director of Music at Wellington Pre-Preparatory after ten years as Head at the Edinburgh. School. School with effect from Prep and Pre-Preparatory School.

34 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Tech tool makes sense of remote learning During the lockdown, virtual communities of teachers, students and parents started to use the tech tool, Wakelet to organise their learning together online. Its use is continuing as schools return. Among the enthusiasts for this really simple and clear storage British innovation is Amesbury system for staff creating multiple School, Surrey, which teaches 2-13 Wakes. It provides a simple, clean year-olds. work layout”. platforms like Flipgrid allows for shared through one Wakelet link, Head of Digital Learning, Martin The platform’s ‘seamless learning teaching videos to be easily added, instead of many,” she says. Gibb, says Wakelet allows children experience’ has enabled its use which can then be paused and to “give a big hug to all the to spread rapidly throughout the Wakelet is sufficiently flexible rewinded at any child’s own pace.” content on the internet and school. It is easy for children to to allow students to learn organise it in one place”. follow and work independently. Patricia Risley, Head of Computing independently or in teams away “If Pinterest is compared to a static Amesbury teachers have been at Amesbury complimented from school yet still fit in with art gallery, Wakelet is best compared using Wakelet’s bookmarks to Wakelet by saying, “It looks great. individual family schedules. to a 3-Dimensional moving art create “guideposts” to assist It’s simple for users and consumers Teachers also praised the Gallery. It’s much more powerful, remote learning. – pupils, staff and parents”. bringing together all forms of online platforms’ ability to make their media, PDFs, Youtube links, you Students can then link Wakelet to “It’s a very powerful way to lesson planning easier, provide name it, in one place.” any online media type they find and view ‘stuff,’ a range of resources organisation and structure to share it with teachers and parents. Mr. Gibb praises Wakelet’s which can be put in to Wakelet, workload. Wakelet’s support staff integration with other platforms. Jake Whitby, third year tutor, including Flipgrid shorts, PDFs, are on hand to solve problems and “The use of Spaces provides a said: “Integration of Wakelet with and MS Forms. All subjects can be provide guidance. Project1_Layout 1 16/07/2014 13:20 Page 1 Thanks to Amesbury School & Wakelet for their assistance in developing this article. For more information visit www.wakelet.com

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 35 MARTY THE ROBOT V2 90x60_AMS_School_Ad_ARTWORK.pdfThe Digest 1 26/03/2021 16:06 Robotical unveils latest model of its characterful STEM robot The friendly little robot that has latest model to include USB and C helped bring STEM learning to Bluetooth connectivity; obstacle,

M life for thousands of children noise and colour sensors, a built-in has been given a comprehensive speaker, position and force sensing Y upgrade by its makers, Robotical. motors and screen-free coding. CM At £314 ex VAT, Marty the Robot is A STEM class-in-a-box solution,

MY the most sophisticated humanoid Marty comes with teaching robot for its price point, able to resources for the planning and CY walk, kick, sidestep, turn, balance delivery of STEM activities that CMY and compatible with both Scratch follow the National Curriculum and Python. Marty V2 is not only and Curriculum for Excellence and K made of tougher stuff thanks to meet benchmarks for learning. metal-geared motors and robust Robotical also offers free online moulded plastic parts, Robotical support to help teachers get the has also upped the spec on its most out of the materials.

robotical.io | 0131 564 0922 | [email protected] Jangro introduces new deep cleaning resources Independent janitorial and cleaning distributor launches a ‘Deep Cleaning Product Guide for Education’ and adds a ‘Deep Cleaning Task Card’ to its innovative training platform. Two new resources are now available to help ensure shared spaces, such as education and common germ hotspots within catering establishments, are cleaned educational facilities. effectively. Jangro, the UK & Ireland’s This handy guide also includes largest network of independent antiviral disinfectants and surface janitorial and cleaning distributors, cleaners, disposable wipes, and floor has launched a ‘Deep Clean Product care products as well as solutions Guide for Education’ and extended and procedures required to clean a its range of training Task Cards, to include one exclusively focussed on potential virus outbreak. There are ‘Deep Cleaning’. also instructions on how to clean and disinfect a fogging machine. The ISM Digest The ‘Deep Clean Product Guide Cost-effective way to keep your business details for Education’ contains useful Jangro has also extended its information to help nurseries, award-winning e-learning platform in front of decision-makers in the independent schools, and colleges, select the best (the Jangro Learning Management school sector month after month. products to prevent the spread of Solution), with the addition of a infection, such as the Jangronauts training Task Card dedicated to Deep Attractive series rates. hand soap and dispensers, a fun Cleaning. Task Cards are brief, highly range designed especially for visual documents, which contain children. As well as advising on step-by-step instructions for product Please contact best hand washing and sanitising usage and safety information, so Sean McKeon 01242 259249 techniques, it also helps to identify staff can refer to them ‘on the go’. The ‘Deep Clean Product Guide for Education’ can be downloaded for free at [email protected] www.jangro.net and the Deep Cleaning Task Card is available at www.jangrolms.net

36 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] ‘World first’ bespoke curriculum Lomond School, Argyll & Bute, and Advanced Highers. Current work placements throughout. has been given authorisation S4 pupils will be the first to It provides a flexible pathway to deliver two International embark on the new curriculum which both challenges the most Baccalaureate (IB) programmes with around two thirds already able and supports those who in addition to an HNC in opting and enrolled for IB. may not be naturally aligned to Business alongside its existing a purely academic route. The IB Career-related SQA provision, making it the Programme with an HNC in The school is working in first school in the world to offer Business will be unique to partnership with the Scottish this combination of curriculum Qualification Authority (SQA) to choice. Scotland, offering a course for pupils who are planning deliver an HNC in Business as This means that the school part of the Careers Programme, further education and/or a are synonymous with putting is now the only school in the career in Business and will providing pupils with extra the child firmly at the centre world authorised to deliver: offer flexibility for those exposure to economics and of education. The process of SQA National 5, Higher and young people who may not business-related studies to help becoming an IB World School is Advanced Higher, an HNC in wish to pursue five Higher with employment and/or further Business and the IB Diploma education. not an easy one. We set out to examinations. The programme and Career-related programmes. become an authorised IB school comprises a mix of academic Johanna Urquhart, Principal The school can offer the courses courses from the IB Diploma of Lomond School, said: in January 2020, and I am to its S5 and S6 pupils from Programme alongside a career “The IB is globally renowned extremely proud that we have August 2021, alongside the related study, with real-world for delivering exceptional managed to achieve this amidst current model of SQA Highers approaches to learning and education programmes that a global pandemic”. Who were the New Sales Director Schoolblazer, the supplier of uniform and performance Masked Readers? sportswear to independent schools, have announced that they have Royal Prep School, Surrey, Head story being read by a teacher in appointed Chris Marshall as Sales of English, Mrs Clare Mee, had a disguise! Director. Chris has joined in time for creative idea to make World Book Head of Prep School, Mrs Kerrie the summer term to drive the next Day (which the school extended phase of Schoolblazer’s continuing into World Book Week) particularly Daunter, said, “The Masked Reader development. fun during Lockdown last month show was a big hit with the pupils (March). and it was most amusing listening Chris joins from Kukri where he was Sales Director of the UK and Inspired by the recent Saturday to the children trying to work out Europe. He is a keen sportsman night entertainment show, The who was behind the ‘mask’. The and attended RGS Newcastle and developing the Kukri brand initially true identities were revealed at the Masked Singer, children were Loughborough University before in the Middle East. invited to tune in to listen to a end of week!” Heads Hunted Among the upcoming head and principal appointments: Danes Hill Prep School Surrey

Hannah Enticknap, Prep 1 teacher 1 Prep Enticknap, Hannah Fulneck School Yorkshire Ladies College Guernsey

Su Mattingly, Prep 4 Teacher 4 Prep Mattingly, Su If you would like mention made of your upcoming head or principal appointment for which applications are sought please let us know – there is no charge for a listing.

News items, contributions, comments and suggestions are always welcomed by the editor.

Please email to:

Kerrie Daunter, Head of Prep School Prep of Head Daunter, Kerrie Liz Brinsden, Drama Teacher Drama Brinsden, Liz [email protected]

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 37 Adapting to the era of e-learning

This graphic THE STAGES OF eLEARNING by Dr Jennifer Chang Wathall The Firefighting Stage! SURVIVE Everything is asynchronous presents a Provide information to school community e.g. teachers, parents, description of students Teacher Adoption! the practical and emotional What digitals tools do we use? How do the digital tools STRIVE What LMS do we use? 1. SURVIVE 2. STRIVE work? What instructional videos Release instructional videos on how to use different digital tools stages of learning, suggests do teachers/students One way meetings- webinar style need? Setting up digital citizenship Oanh Crouch, director of What PD do teachers Protocols/ Netiquette need? Enhancing Learning through THRIVE education of the Globeducate Pedagogy Teaching Professional Development group of schools which sessions on Pedagogy Incorporate synchronous learning and meetings includes Stonar and ICS 4. ARRIVE 3. THRIVE How do we design an entire How to use the digitals Total Transformation of Pedagogy

tools in a meaningful way ARRIVE London in the UK. Here unit for a blended learning Combine both asynchronous and approach which involves the to enhance learning? synchronous learning which has all she reflects on how online best pedagogical practices? three elements: • social presence, • cognitive presence learning developed in the • teaching presence (from Community of Inquiry) pandemic and provides her top tips on lessons to be Stages of eLearning by Jennifer Chang Wathall Creative Commons attribution 4.0 NonCommercial NoDerivs. In short you can copy, distribute and transmit but you must attribute the work and taken forward... cannot change or edit. The work is not for commercial purposes.

As we have all needed to adapt to and parents. Answering the who, Thrive was all about being able to the uptake and participation levels e-learning and the reality of what what, where, when, why and how take a breath and have a moment of students engaged in the online that entails in our school contexts, questions was paramount. Individual to reflect on the impact thus far. learning model and the quality of words such as “strive”, “survive”, roles as a learner, parent and teacher Monitoring levels of effectiveness the teaching and also the learning “arrive” and “thrive” resonate had now been dramatically altered. from a 360 degree perspective that was taking place. with the journey we have been The technological readiness required and making the changes to ensure Sadly the stages are not linear in on, moving from being almost for this at all levels provided an improved provision. This provides nature. And it would be extremely passengers and observers to drivers opportunity for a steep learning an opportunity for educators to be fair and accurate to surmise that and active participants. curve for everyone to take part in. creative and take some risks with within a space of a day, it was felt the teaching which they may not What e-learning looks like, sounds Strive stage was the finding out we had “regressed” to trying to have had the opportunity to in a like and feels like during each of of how these technological tools survive as we were confronted with face-to-face, bricks and mortar these stages is very different and actually work? How can they further challenges. school setting. unique to the stage that schools, be used and adapted to suit the Now that schools have returned teachers, learners and parents are at. current reality we are in? Who can Arrive was all about feeling like to learning in a bricks and mortar For me survive stage was all about support me so that I feel confident we had managed to reach a point setting, we revert back to the logistics, communication and and secure in making learning where most of us – leaders, teachers, original graphic and to the stage of monitoring the well-being of our happen for my students. How do students and parents – were survival. What do we need to put learning community - leaders, the tech tools actually work in a comfortable and happy with the in place in order to survive this new teachers, support staff, students “real” online classroom? online learning provision on offer, challenge?

What has worked well... what has not... some general guidelines come to mind so that if we were to ever undergo this process once more... my top tips if you like. 1. Less is more. Quality over quantity. Adapt the school day, condense 5. Monitor student and teacher connections carefully. Where students are the timetable and include blended learning of synchronous and less engaged, we phone home and make alternative arrangements asynchronous learning. Flexibility for students to be able to 6. Important to make good use of Teaching Assistants where available complete tasks in their own time (asynchronous) as well as having – they are a precious resource! some live sessions in which they interact with the teacher and their peers (synchronous). 7. Important to provide meaningful feedback to students on their work. Give flexibility to students on how they upload their work 2. Balance time on screen. Initial input mid-lesson check point and end of lesson plenary are live, however students continue with the learning 8. It is possible to continue with such events as whole school assemblies, off-line. Teachers are available for queries and clarification throughout special events online, fitness and well-being activities that promote the day using chat functions on the digital platform used. team spirit, positivity to ensure a sense of belonging for students, parents and teachers. 3. Vary class interactions. Lessons as a whole class, in small groups or 1:1. Allow time for students to engage in collaborative groups and 9. It is not just “academic” learning that is the focus. Social interaction build that into a weekly and daily schedule. and learning is important as well as we continue to communicate what fun learning is and what that looks like – whether it is in the 4. Personalisation and connectivity is key. This is an opportunity to real or online environment. build on the student-teacher as well as parent-teacher rapport and relationship. Understanding each family´s context of reality is 10. Events on the school calendar continue to be celebrated. WWF important to providing empathy and flexibility so all students and summits, World Book Day, Field Trips – all still take place – just families access the learning. adapted to an online platform.

38 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Membership of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate Ashford Prep School, Kent, is Baccalaureate at the end of a now a member of the Pre-Senior pupil’s time at the School will help Baccalaureate (PSB), a charity celebrate and recognise the pursuit which provides a framework of becoming a true all-rounder,” that celebrates the development he commented. of values, skills, attitudes and Joining PSB will allow Ashford Prep behaviours required for children to teachers and pupils to significantly succeed and flourish. benefit from the wider network of Head of Ashford Prep, Mr Nick schools within the group, including Tiley-Nunn (pictured) believes that Downe House, New College Oxford education is about more than just and Edgeborough, and can thereby passing exams. “True academic access resources, guidance, training rigour lies in ensuring learning and opportunities that are shared has both depth and breadth at with the fellow PSB member its heart,” he said. Ashford Prep schools. has a strong commitment to Ashford Prep School is excited to allows for adaptation to ensure PSB strives to develop lifelong adventurous learning and is in begin the process over the next that whilst PSB schools may learners and believes that children a strong position to embrace academic year of making the PSB share certain principles, each is who develop a love of learning will the PSB framework. “The work in a bespoke manner that unique in the way that it delivers benefit as they progress into our ability to award the Pre-Senior suits the School. The framework the PSB. ever-changing world.

October 2019 Mr Tiley-Nunn recently met Mr James Barnes, General Secretary of the PSB, to discuss what becoming a member really means and how Ashford Prep School will benefit from the 21st Century educational framework provided. Watch February 2020 their conversation here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrH-cDjdOUw online This magazine, and back issues, are available 24/7 to read or download, visit: Chair Head Bursar Registrar Staffroom School Office ...the professional journal for Management & Staff Chair Head Bursar Registrar Staffroom School Office www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk/view-issues.html ...the professional journal for Management & Staff You can receive notification of future issues immediately they are published – simply register your email address here: www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk (Your email address will never be sold on or otherwise made available to third parties and you can cancel at any time)

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: Consultant, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Tory Gillingham: Managing Director of AMCIS – Association for Admissions, former school Governor Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE: Director of DLB Leadership Associates Ltd., Public Relations, a consultancy with expertise within the education sector former head of Babington House School, Kent Emily Roberts: Communications Officer, Independent Schools Council Helen Davies: Bursar, Tormead School, Surrey

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