January 2019

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VEHICLE CERTIFICATION AGENCY NATIONWIDE SUPPLIERS OF PEUGEOT FORD & VAUXHALL In this issue... 05 Hopes for Education in 2019 thoughts from two independent heads 06 Festive Cheer to the Lonely how one school developed a seasonal initiative 07 ‘Beware the Double Whammy!’ cost impact of pay & pensions 08 ‘Parent Power’ League Tables ‘Need Reform’ why head refuses to participate in current system Great Hall topping out 10 Mobile Phone Ban Last month (December) three Kent College, how has it gone in its first term? Canterbury, staff climbed the scaffolding tower at the centre of the Great Hall building site for 14 Cyberbullying the Topping Out Ceremony. schools ‘have a duty of care’ Headmaster, Dr David Lamper, was joined on the rooftop by the Bursar – Angela Hencher, the 16 Sixth Form Retention school Chaplain – Dr Paul Glass and two members facing up to parental conundrum of the building company, W W Martin. At the top of the building Dr Paul Glass blessed the building 24 Profile and the lights of a 10ft Christmas tree, which was secured at the top, were turned on. in conversation with Nicholas Hewlett The purpose engineered space draws on the 30 Music & Mindfulness latest in architectural design having the ability new scheme benefits staff wellbeing to expand or contract its foyer, reducing the seating from 600 to 389 for smaller 38 Realities of Charitable Status performances and create space for exhibitions, galleries or entertaining. complications all the way Kent College is a key sponsor of the Canterbury 42 Trends & Developments in e-Learning Festival who will also use the Great Hall as part classroom technology of the annual events programme in October each year. Plus 09 Stars of spoken English 11 Investing in the future Arts Editor opens 12 ISA Award winners Beech Court 13 Film-making in schools - some do’s and don’t’s Will Gompertz, Arts Editor at the BBC, and 17 New approach at Gabbitas former Abingdon School Headmaster Eric 18 Leading the way in mental health staff training Anderson and his wife Poppy and daughter 22 With the NEU in conference Kate, were the guests of honour at the official 27 Music, Dance & Drama Focus Feature opening of Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, new 34 GSA Conference report Beech Court, which houses the new sixth form 41 Sporting excellence centre, library and art department. 44 Changing Faces, Changing Places; Heads Hunted The new facility was lit up in Abingdon pink 46 Sector’s economc impact ~ regional analysis with two giant griffens illuminating the walls. 47 Editorial Advisory Board; Free e-mag Subscriptions; Contact Us LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A SCHOOL OR NURSERY National SchoolTransfer For a Professional – Confidential Service www.nationalschooltransfer.com Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1980 621251

Independent Schools Magazine 3 Close shave for charity Exeter School, Devon, Chaplain Revd Revd Tom said: “I didn’t think Tom Carson succeeded in raising we’d quite get to the target until a over £5,000 for St Petrock’s and in very generous donation was made return had his head shaved by the one afternoon by someone who Head of History Giles Trelawny in wishes to remain anonymous. My front of a crowd of pupils and staff. head feels a little bit weird, and it’s So far £5,143 (not including gift aid) has been raised for St. Petrock’s rather chilly, but I’m pleased that and donations can still be made at we’ve raised a lot for this excellent www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ cause. I had a few woolly hats for shaverevtom. Christmas!”

Long service award A teacher at Derby High School Gold we did which was five or six travelled to St James’s Palace years ago and it was in the Lake to receive a long service award District. Most of our girls do the Pictured: Revd Tom Carson, Giles Trelawny and Headmaster Bob Griffin from the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award and I just think awards scheme. the scheme is fantastic and when they complete it there is a real Carole Riley has been involved sense of achievement.” Ex-England player to with the DofE scheme at Derby High School, in Hillsway, Miss Riley travelled to St James’s Littleover, since 1997. Palace in London to receive her award. lead girls cricket She was nominated for the award by Sue Peake, DofE co- She said: “It was Gold award An ex-England player will join the develop and grow girls cricket from ordinator at Derby High, and presentation day and one of our successful girls cricket development March onwards. Headteacher Amy Chapman. ex students was collecting her Gold. I had a tour of the palace programme at Ellesmere College, It will be led by Lydia Greenway Miss Riley is currently a DofE and met the Earl of Wessex and Shropshire, for the summer term. herself, who appeared for England trainer and works with students was presented with my award by in seven Tests and 32 ODI’s during The ‘Cricket for Girls Lydia who are completing the Bronze an explorer called Jake Meyer. I Greenway’ Cricket Initiative will her 13 year career. and Silver awards. had a lovely time.” be based at Ellesmere College to The middle-order batter scored She said: “I work with the pupils Mrs Peake paid tribute to Miss 4,108 runs in international cricket throughout the year and on the Riley. She said: “Carole is an and is regarded as one of the best Bronze award it’s to do with inspirational member of the fielders in the game, taking 121 camping skills and on the Silver DofE team, she demonstrates a catches. She continues to play for award it’s route planning. I love strong commitment to the values Southern Vipers and her home the outdoors anyway so that’s and ethos of the DofE awards county of Kent. why I got involved in the first programme. As well as delivering place. the training sessions she is Gareth Owen, Director of the always willing to help students “I was also involved in Derby Cricket Academy at Ellesmere with advice and support as they High School becoming a directly College, said “Being recognised as move through the award levels licensed centre by the DofE a hub for cricket - and specifically and can often be heard providing too which means we can do motivational chats with students girls cricket – is a tremendous everything in house now. honour and recognises the hard during the expedition sections “I think my proudest moment when the going gets tough! work of coaches and pupils to was when we were able to deliver We could not deliver such a develop the sport in the school as the Gold award in house and my successful programme without well as providing a pathway into favourite expedition was the first her input and support.” the professional game.

4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Hopes for education in 2019 ‘Headteachers need to be able to concentrate on what is going on in the classrooms’ It appears that with all the focus on Brexit, education has taken rather a back seat with politicians in recent months and in many senses that is to be welcomed. Allowing educationalists a period of time to embed previous enforced changes and to reflect on what actually works well would be high on the wish list for 2019. Unfortunately, this lull is not likely to last long, writes Kevin Fear as he considers his top 5 wishes for education in 2019... 1. That the government rethink the country. Sometimes such by all schools. Increasingly and we must never forget that the recently announced rise decisions are made on the basis teachers can work anywhere in this is the prime purpose of all in the employers’ contribution of resources, sometimes on the the world and so we have to education. Inspiration cannot to teachers’ pensions. Quite subject content and sometimes make teaching in our schools be measured, probably can’t be simply, both for maintained on the style of assessment but as attractive as we possibly can measured but I bet that every schools and for independent at all times it is the pupil’s and shout loud to explain what adult reading this piece will schools this will suck money interests that are paramount. a rewarding career it is. There remember someone in their out of the important job of Extending such a choice to all are far too many doom-mongers education who inspired them. schools would make good sense. educating children and in effect in education explaining how 2019 will see much uncertainty is a tax on all parents and all 3. That teachers continue to heavy the work load is, how in our world but if we can find children. Whilst state schools offer activities beyond the badly behaved children are and inspiring teachers, prepared will be protected for a year there classroom. Many of my own there are not enough evangelists to innovate and inspire then is no clarity for them beyond most rewarding moments in shouting from the roof-tops just children have the best possible that and it will impact on the teaching came whilst running what a wonderful career it can chance of learning and thriving. independent sector immediately. sports teams or when involved be, how it can be so rewarding Headteachers need to be able to This is likely to mean the closure in organising trips but I fear and that the benefits that come concentrate on what is going on of some schools and further that there is a new generation with it such as the long holidays in the classrooms in their schools mergers in the sector. The fact of teachers who do not share and pension are well worth rather than spending so much that there has been so little time the passion for extending having! time working out how to balance to prepare for this unexpected pupils beyond the walls of the 5. That pupils are inspired in our the books and how to ensure that bill makes it all so much worse. classroom. For those who work classrooms. Education should their schools remain sustainable. 2. That the knocking of IGCSE in the independent sector this have the inspiration of the In an uncertain world we will rely exams will cease. Many is very short-sighted as the young at its heart and it can on those in our schools now to be independent schools chose significant fees can only really be easy for teaching to become the future that we are preparing these because at the time they be justified if there is a wide formulaic because of the them for and thus they will need were more rigorous than GCSE provision beyond the standard demands of inspectors or even the skills developed through and yet now they are being teaching and so the jobs of all Senior management teams. I activities and trips to develop pilloried in the press for doing staff depend on these activities hope that every child finds staff their skills of communication, so. The advantage of our being delivered if schools are that inspire them, open their empathy and teamwork. We independence is that we can going to remain full. minds to new possibilities and must never allow schools just to choose the qualifications that 4. That more is done to promote who instil a love of learning. I become exam factories as we all best suit our pupils and this teaching as a career. There am only doing what I love now know when employing people that surely is a principle that should is a looming crisis in teacher because of my History teachers qualifications are only a small part be extended to every school in recruitment which will be felt at school who did inspire me of the overall picture. Pictured: Kevin Fear Head Nottingham High School Confidence vital in rapidly changing world The new Sue Hincks took over the one-year judgement and love of learning are bombarded with a phenomenal president of the position of GSA president this that will help them navigate the amount of information via media Girls’ Schools month (January). She is headmistress 21st century.” She said that clarity of all kinds and, sadly, not all Association of Bolton School Girls’ Division. of vision has never been more of it is correct and some of it is important and public figures must (‘GSA’) says that “Schools have a complex job to do deliberately misleading. We need to it’s vital we help remember that young people are help young people to think clearly, these days because of the rapidly watching them. ‘’The theme for young people to have confidence, to exercise their critical judgement changing and highly visible world in my presidency will be 20/20 vision critical judgement and a love of and to make decisions based on which we now live” she said. “More because, as we reach the end of the learning if they are to navigate the than ever, we all – schools, parents second decade of the 21st century, fact father than fake news. But we rapidly changing environment of the and the wider community - need to it seems to me that clarity of vision cannot do this alone. Public figures 21st century. She is also calling for work together to provide children and understanding has never been too – whether they like it or not – public figures and those in positions with the skills and appropriate role more important. There are all sorts have a responsibility to remember of leadership to remember that they models to enable them to grow of people and influences which seek that young people are watching are role models to children. up with the confidence, critical to cloud our judgement. Children everything they do”. Pictured: Sue Hincks headmistress of Bolton School Girls’ Division

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 5 Real spirit of Christmas – and how your school could get involved in 2019 Festive cheer to the lonely Oakwood School, Sussex, opened its doors on Christmas Day to people in its local community – young or old – who would otherwise have spent the day alone. In this special feature, head Clare Bradbury (pictured right) describes what was involved and encourages others to take similar initiatives this year...

The festive initiative saw the school fundraising and had also set up a team up with the organisers of JustGiving page for anyone wishing the nearby Emsworth Community to donate. Money raised was Christmas, which has grown spent on transport, fresh produce, significantly over the last three years. Christmas decorations and gifts for Oakwood were delighted to be able the guests. Families, friends and to offer another venue to allow the local businesses also gave gifts of local event to expand to include food, toiletries and treats for the Funtington Community Christmas as event. well. The school encouraged people Clare Bradbury, Headteacher, to come forward during the months said, “At the heart of our ethos beforehand by getting in touch at Oakwood is instilling an with local churches, setting up a understanding that our children are Facebook page to generate interest, a part of a larger community that placing articles in the local press and they should actively seek to be a creating road signs. part of and what better day than In the run-up to the Christmas Day Christmas Day to open our doors event, the Oakwood team were busy and share our beautiful school with

people in our community. Many of guests who required lifts to and our staff, families and friends were from the event. involved in the preparation and Clare Bradbury offers these tips for running of the day, helping to make any schools interested in getting Christmas Day a day to remember – involved in a similar initiative: even watching the Queen’s Speech “Engage with your local community. together! We are delighted that our Our relationship with our wider guests had a wonderful day but the community has been of such benefit added bonus has been the pleasure to Oakwood. We are involved in that the event has brought our staff many events year round throughout and families with the wonderful the area and have built close links conversations we’ve had and the with children at other schools and relationships we have started.”

Sci-Tec Foyer, Oundle School Oundle Foyer, Sci-Tec care homes for the elderly. Our The day started at 10.30am when youngest children love their regular FREE consultation nearly 60 guests and volunteers opportunities to make visits to local Email us at were welcomed with canapés and care homes, which culminates in [email protected] festive drink, before enjoying a quoting: INDP19 performing carols and Christmas delicious traditional Christmas lunch music in December. The school with all the trimmings. There was also holds a community picnic much joy and laughter, as everyone and hosts a summer tea party for enjoyed festive fun, carol singing, elderly people in the area, including music, presents and conversation grandparents and neighbours of with new friends before the day Oakwood pupils and residents of drew to a close at 4pm. Every guest care homes. went home with a box of gifts put together by Oakwood children and “I would encourage other Prep Delivering Inspiring Education Buildings handed out by Santa. The presents Schools to offer a warm welcome were all donated by Oakwood to their schools. For some, a trip Helping you to achieve your aspirations families, wrapped by volunteers with up a Prep School drive might feel through expert design experience handmade gift tags and Christmas intimidating but we love to make cards from pupils at Oakwood. everyone feel welcome and use our Transport was available for any space well.”

6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Teachers’ pay & pensions represent ‘significant cost rises’ Beware the Double Whammy! The effects of the latest teachers’ pay awards and the likely impact on private schools of the Government announcement of hikes in employers’ contributions to the teachers’ pension scheme are matters of considerable concern, suggests accountant Henry Briggs...

It was announced last July that Apart from this hike in direct Private schools do, however, have teachers on the main pay range costs, many fee-paying schools some means to adapt to such in the state sector would receive are trying hard to grant or build challenges. These are limited, pay awards of 3.5%, with slightly up sums to fund increased though, to fee rises (in recent lower rises for those in the upper bursaries. Recently, the exemption years, already well ahead of rises pay bands and school leaders. for schools from VAT and in living standards); cutting back In cash terms, this is being business rates look to be back on on capex; substituting retiring or effects of this double increase partially funded by the DfE for the agenda also. leaving ‘high scale’ teachers with fully on board, and allow for the state sector. The total effect of the ‘double less experienced and expensive these significant cost rises in their recruits; or increasing class sizes. In November it was announced whammy’ of salary rises and budgets and forecasts ahead of that the employers’ contributions the increase in employer’s There are few other costs that their full impact. The nature of to the teachers’ pension fund contributions to the teachers’ can be cut that would have much containing rising staff costs in would increase from September pension scheme runs out at a rise impact on rises of this size. All of schools is that there is a time lag 2019 from 16.4% to 23.6%. in staff costs for schools overall of them are unlikely to go down well involved. This has sometimes been an estimated 10%. As staff costs with parents, governors or staff. For independent schools, whose compared to the time it takes to represent typically about 70% of teachers’ pay awards both need What is important is that finance turn a tanker. It might be time to a school’s costs, this means that to and tend to follow rises of at managers in schools take the start turning the tankers now. these rises represent an increase least what is being offered in the of 7% of a school’s total costs. state sector – in order to retain the best staff – this represents a Many independent schools very real rise in their costs. work on a target operating surplus needed to fund capital In addition to this, other expenditure (‘capex’) of 5%, pressures are increasing. The rise aiming for an overall surplus in teachers’ pay represents the biggest increase for school staff of 10%. So, schools now at the since the introduction of public top end of this bracket, will find sector pay restraint in the wake that their surpluses will reduce of the financial crash a decade as a result to a level below that ago. But those teachers receiving needed to fund capex. Schools the increase may feel ‘very let with already tight margins may find they are tipped into deficits. FEEDING down’ according to the National Association of Head teachers, as Within the state funded sector, they are getting a ‘real terms pay we are finding that academies, INDEPENDENT cut’. So the pay rise is unlikely to in their latest round of year end reduce pressure on teachers’ pay accounts to 31st August 2018, in the future. are already showing a reversal As for the teachers’ pension of thin surpluses to universal scheme, their latest accounts deficits. On the grounds that the MINDS (to 31st March 2018) show that ASCL Head teachers Union have holroydhowe.com 01189 356707 proposed rises in contributions already commented that the latest of this order will take a very long pay increases are ‘only partially time to close the deficit. The funded’ and that any such net liabilities of the scheme had unfunded pay increase could be increased in the year by £14.4 ‘catastrophic’ to already stretched billion or 4%, totalling close to school budgets, this is a clear a staggering £360 billion. We warning to the fee-paying sector can’t expect a reversal of these of further financial pressures contributions any time soon. ahead. Henry Briggs, senior partner at the Birmingham office of chartered accountants Haines Watts, is 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 Why ‘Parent Power’ league tables need reform Richard Backhouse - Principal of Berkhamsted Schools Group - explains why he refuses to participate in ‘The Times’ League Tables...

I was delighted how could I guarantee this if I provide accountability? We hold James Heckman, Professor of to see that lent credence to the idea that a a 45-minute panel interview with Economics at MIT, has spent a Berkhamsted national newspaper provides our every Head of Department and great deal of his recent career doesn’t appear KPIs for us? How can a School every Head of House (cutting investigating the effect of these in The Times’ pursue accountability for a the data both by academic and wider skills. His findings are that department’s – or a teacher’s – Parent Power pastoral structures provides the ‘cognitive skills’ (which are League Tables results, if the measure of those interesting results) the focus of not explicitly measured by exams) – not because our results aren’t results is a crude league table which is what went well and what are less important in long term good enough, but because we just aggregate? can we do better. success than the ‘non-cognitive won’t give them the data. The challenge is to explain to We believe this follow up skills’, or character. Of course, parents how a School forensically It’s not that I don’t think that is important to counter the one can learn character playing drills down into results to find parents should be able to choose accusation that Schools focussed netball in horizontal sleet or in a good school based on good patterns – on the basis of gender, on a rounded education are softer completing a difficult history quality information – there’s age-of-entry, SEND, area of on exam performance. We aren’t. prep., but character isn’t measured nothing about our results I extra-curricular interest, class size, A rounded education is one in in anyone’s league tables. am trying to hide – but rather house, and (un)conditional UCAS which some students learn to because I see the league tables as offer. (And, yes, our Head of Data Whilst schools have a sense of and Research does analyse all apply the determination they being at odds with our values. delivering academic – or cognitive our public exam results against can find in themselves in the last – added value and we also Teachers – and their managers all these indicators, with some 15 minutes of a team game to know that we deliver character and leaders – need to be able sometimes-surprising results). a French translation or applying to talk to parents and pupils education, Heckman’s challenge to Berkhamsted pupils who held the perseverance that twenty about the best strategy for young us is to work out whether, to what an unconditional offer in the simultaneous equations require people’s development without extent and how, we add character summer of 2018 got higher to their oboe practice. It’s the the need for a student or parent value-added to the work being value added than the school- transferability of these skills, to have to work out whether the average, but we had implemented habits, dispositions between done by parents. That’s a challenge advice is given in the student’s an intervention strategy to different areas of school activity the fulfilment of which will see best interest or the School’s. make this the case. How does which makes the English British independent schools stay I encourage our staff to ‘speak the School’s management and independent school model the at the forefront of excellent the truth kindly’ to parents – leadership then use the data to envy of the world. education on a global scale. School’s dog becomes pupil whisperer A head teacher’s pet has taken on successful. Over the summer, he life can be very difficult. need to trust someone who won’t a new role as ‘the pupil whisperer’ attended five lessons at a centre “Selkie has always been heavily pass judgement. after extending his paw and acting that introduced dogs to those with involved in the school community, “Research has shown that stroking as a therapist for students at a cynophobia. This allowed him to and having her present is proving animals has a positive effect on school in Bromley. begin interacting with pooches invaluable for those who have a mood, and can help relax and on a basic level, but the greatest Selkie, a 4 ½ year old Labrador, has fear to overcome or those that just soothe people.” challenge remained – returning to become an honorary member of school to test out on Selkie the the teaching staff at Bickley Park strategies he had been taught. School, Kent, and is now helping those who suffer with cynophobia Alex was very nervous on his first (the fear of dogs), as well as acting day back, but by day two he went as a talking therapy provider for to the head teacher’s office to see those who need extra support in Selkie, and with a gulp he managed difficult times. to stroke her. Alex exclaimed that it was ‘mission accomplished’ and For Alex, pictured, it was apparent that he felt ‘proud of himself’. that he needed help when he came to the school to sit for an Patrick Wenham, head teacher at assessment and first met Selkie. Bickley Park School, said: “Dogs His phobia was at its peak and a are often referred to as man’s best course he had previously attended friend but for those who have a to overcome this hadn’t been genuine fear of encountering them,

8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Stars of spoken English In recognition of her role as Liverpool’s waterfront hotel, the Christine Faithfull, a Speech and Christine Faithfull said: “I was a student, teacher, examiner, Crown Plaza. Drama Teacher at Abbey Gate thrilled to receive this award and International Director, Trustee, and College, Cheshire, was selected to meet in person the trustees Tina described Merriel’s impact as Honorary Vice-President, Merriel as the 2018 English Speaking and staff with whom I have “unique and immeasurable”. Halsall-Williams was presented Board (ESB) Burniston Bell Award contact during our annual exam with the Richard Ellis Award for Merriel’s enduring relationship Winner. ESB is a national awarding preparations. As pupils perfect their ESB work I love to see them promoting the English Speaking with the English Speaking Board organisation offering qualifications become confident and articulate Board’s values. in speech and language. began in 1953, when as a fifteen with well-projected, expressive The award was presented by ESB year old school girl she met ESB’s Named in honour of the Founder, voices and it gives me great Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw, at founder Christabel Burniston. Christabel Burniston and the satisfaction to know that this will From that moment on Merriel has Honorary President, Jocelyn Bell, help them develop important skills spent her lifetime championing this prestigious award is presented for their future.” the transformative power of the to a teacher who has shown spoken word. outstanding commitment to ESB in their school. Over the course of many years as Nominated by a team of assessors, Head of Spoken English at Moreton Christine was praised for her Hall, Shropshire, she has nurtured supportive nature, excellent hundreds of students, enabling them knowledge of the syllabus and to stand up and talk with aplomb! dedication to ESB assessments. Indeed, Saturday’s presentation also Christine received her award at showcased Young Speakers of the the annual ‘Young Speaker of Year. Fourteen students from across the Year Showcase’ which took the country were selected from over place in Liverpool. The event also thirteen thousand to perform. It was celebrated the highest achieving little wonder that for the fourth year learners taking ESB speech running one of these students was assessments over the academic Merriel’s. year 2017-18.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Schools half page Ad Oct 2018.indd 1 Independent Schools 08/10/2018Magazine 11:24 9 Mobile phone ban – one term in… Kilgraston School, Perthshire, head Dorothy MacGinty reflects on how her no-phone policy has worked out in practice...

Dorothy MacGinty I was truly moved recently while Alongside obesity, it is possibly opportunity to use mobile phones originally in favour of the listening to a radio piece about the greatest challenge facing entirely and only allow iPads in mobile phone ban, 62% rated it the plight of the teenage boy not only the NHS, but society at the subjects where pupils and as having a positive impact on who had developed anorexia due large. And where is the solution? teachers use them as an essential the school and almost 50% as to his obsession around his body How are we to combat this tool in learning and teaching, having a positive impact on them image (BBC R4, Today). growing crisis that is consuming namely, Mathematics, Sciences, individually. our young people? Learning Support and Languages. He told his tragic story of These are encouraging statistics. endlessly pursuing the “perfect At Kilgraston School, I took the We were not becoming Much as any Head Teacher would selfie”; the ‘must-have’ image decision at the beginning of the Luddites, we simply wanted to like to feel that the policies that teenagers feel compelled to Autumn 2018 term to ban mobile use technology to the fullest introduced to their school will take and post on social media. phones during the school day and benefit, enhancing learning, not meet with the majority’s approval, He was taking hundreds of selfies restrict usage for our boarders distracting from it. the battle against social media every day, but was never satisfied. in the evening. This followed a It is fair to say that I was and dependency on electronic Social media platforms and apps period of consultation with staff expecting a strong backlash devices has become ‘tough love’. didn’t offer sufficient affirmation; and parents and the pupils knew from pupils, but, apart from I joined some friends for dinner subsequently his body image that a new policy was afoot. some grumbling for a couple recently, some of whom are became an addiction. The information that brought of weeks, the policy was fully teachers in senior schools, who The obsession to sculpt his body us to the point of policy review accepted. Parents were certainly told me that the most frequent into a form that he thought was my concern about the girls on board and reported that, after disciplinary problem they face in others would deem “perfect” becoming so dependent on their just a few weeks, they noticed a the classroom is the use of mobile grew into anorexia. Thankfully, mobile devices that the constant difference at home too, with less phones. One (very experienced) this youngster is now recovering anticipation of the ‘ping’, and ‘screen time’ demanded. Teachers teacher even told us that when but how many other teenagers the compulsion to respond, was commented on the “happy buzz she refused a teenage boy of chatter in the corridors and are caught in the trap of needing hampering their concentration permission to charge his mobile approval from thousands of the common rooms.” in lessons, their social phone in the classroom, he others, most of whom they will communication development Reports from pupils indicated became so stressed that he threw never know, suffering anxiety as and the amount of time they increased conversations with a chair at her. a result? were spending ‘on screen’, all to peers and – a big bonus – We need to ask ourselves where, Tragically, daily news is the detriment of face-to-face enhanced communication as a society, are we going with bombarded with accounts of interaction. between different year groups. this? What are we doing to teenage mental health problems We pride ourselves on developing, So, one term in, is the policy curtail and educate our young and staggering statistics. “One in within our pupils, excellent successful? In December, we people to the dangers and three teenagers has considered communication skills, the ability conducted an anonymous survey benefits of on-line living? Whose self-harming” (Mail Online, 27 to work as a member of a team, of all of our senior pupils to responsibility is it to manage November); “Young people who good public speaking and gauge what they thought were what is becoming a platform spend seven hours or more a day personal confidence in conversing the benefits and drawbacks of the for electronic addiction that is on their phones are more than with all. I saw dependency on new system. damaging the health of our youth twice as likely to be diagnosed electronic communication as and their prospects? with depression and anxiety Giving teenagers the opportunity being a threat to this skill-set. than those who use screens for to rate “Were you in favour of The responsibility to educate I mulled over carefully where an hour a day” (Preventative the mobile phone ban” and “how our young people has stretched restriction might be of benefit Medicine Report: Time Magazine, do you rate the reduced access to far beyond the imparting of and how and when to use iPads 29 October); “Nearly one in four social media”, one would expect knowledge and developing (which all our pupils have) young women has a mental a negative response, and that is understanding. It is now about effectively. illness, with emotional problems exactly what we got. fully preparing them to be well such as depression and anxiety The conclusion I came to, if we However, it was not on the adjusted individuals today and in the most common” (BBC News, were to best serve our pupils scale that I anticipated. While the future society in which they 22 November). and staff, was to remove the only 22% said that they were operate.

10 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Investing in the future

A £1.2million project will see a existing property on the school’s 83 brand new sixth form centre built at acres of grounds. Cheadle Hulme School, Cheshire. Nick Axon, head of sixth form at The development will mark the first Cheadle Hulme School, said: “Sixth time in the School’s 163 year history form is all about preparing our that sixth formers will have their students for university and the world own dedicated building. It is due to of work. Our new building will Image courtesy Tim Crocker open in September. provide them with the space they Holmewood House School, brick theatre, choosing brick as the With works commencing this month need to develop their independent Kent, occupying a listed 19th prominent material has been key to (January), the scheme will involve working skills, as well as facilitating century Decimus Burton mansion, successfully stitching new buildings a complete transformation of an collaborative and project work”. now has new teaching spaces, into the historical site. including classrooms, ICT facilities, a large multi-purpose Designed by Studio Partington, and learning hub and to rationalise inspired by traditional collegiate circulation throughout the site; a brick detailing, the new entrance new main pupil entrance. and brick cloister has become a Positioned between the original play space for the children to use at sandstone ashlar mansion, a break time, a meeting and assembly recently built classroom block in a area, and the primary circulation uniform buff brick, and a dark red route between school functions.

St Faith’s School, Cambridgeshire, focused education for 4-13 Professor of Civil Engineering at has officially opened its new year olds. Cambridge University. The Hub £2m STEM facility, named ‘The The Hub was officially opened is already being put to excellent Hub’, Designed to link all aspects by Professor Lord Robert Mair use for the greater community. St of STEM education (Science, Faith’s organised and hosted the Maths, Computing, Engineering, CBE FREng FRS and Old Fidelian. Art and Design) in one large Professor Mair has most recently first national training course for multi-functional space The Hub been the President of the senior managers and teachers to is a clear demonstration of the Institution of Civil Engineers and learn how to introduce and teach Mr Nigel Helliwell, Headmaster school’s commitment to a future- before that was the Sir Kirby Laing Engineering to the 7-13 age group. and Professor Lord Robert Mair

Sevenoaks School, Kent, has opened a new Science and Technology Centre that will unify science and technology learning, and a new Global Study Centre, an inspirational environment for IB success. Opened by Sir William Castell, LVO, FMedSci, and former The new space is also hosting a chairman of the Wellcome Trust, wide range of local educational the new buildings put Science activities and outreach initiatives and Technology at the heart of with primary schools, including a Sevenoaks School in an open and robotics day and a Primary School transparent space designed for the Conference. It will be central to next generation of scientists. As sharing Sevenoaks School’s global an all IB school, all 1090+ 11-18 expertise and scientific resources year olds study at least one science with the local community in an Rosehill have been supplying quality for the whole of their secondary open learning environment that contract furniture for over three decades. education, making Sevenoaks aims to encourage people to look, We have products to fit all areas of your school including: students highly unusual in the UK. think and experiment. · Durable poly classroom chairs in adult & junior sizes · Classroom tables & exam desks · Lab stools and swivel base chairs · Staff room and common room furniture · Breakout area tables and chairs · Lockers and changing room benches · Cafeteria furniture · Office furniture and filing cabinets

To discuss your requirements or for advice and quotations please contact Rosehill on 0161 485 1717 or view www.rosehill.co.uk

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 11 Annual Awards - winners announced The Independent Schools Association (ISA) Annual Awards Winners were: national competition for Members concluded with a • The ISA Early Years Award for • ISA Award for Excellence in the glittering gala towards the end of last term where the Excellence and Innovation in Fine Arts Provision Bredon School winners were announced. Holme Grange School • ISA Award for Excellence in the Entries to the Awards opened in March 2018, and members were invited to • ISA Award for Outstanding Performing Arts celebrate their achievements in a range of categories – from Innovation in Contribution for International Duke of Kent School STEM, to Excellence in the Arts, to Outstanding Engagement with Parents. Understanding • Award for Excellence and Innovation ISA received over 150 entries this year. Hull Collegiate School in Pupils’ Mental Health and • ISA Junior and Prep School Award Wellbeing for Academic Excellence and Our Lady of Sion School Innovation Woodlands School, Hutton Manor • ISA Award for Excellence and Innovation in Partnerships • ISA Senior School Award for St Petroc’s School Academic Excellence and Innovation Alderley Edge School for Girls • ISA Award for Excellence in Extra- • ISA Award for Outstanding Sport Curricular Activities (Small School) St David’s College Appleford School • ISA Award for Outstanding Provision • ISA Award for Outstanding Sport in Learning Support (Large school) Torwood House School Alleyn Court Preparatory School • ISA Award for Outstanding

Pictured: Left – Matthew Adshead (ISA National Chair); centre – Danny Crates (Awards Host • ISA Award for Innovation in STEM Engagement with Parents and Paralympic Gold Medallist); right – Neil Roskilly (ISA CEO) Heywood Preparatory School St James Senior Boys’ School Car draw for charity A school’s fundraising efforts appearances for the Scotland year our students strive to help recent festival of sport at the school have been given new drive after a national team. Fifteen months charitable causes – last year they which attracted more than 1,000 motor dealer sourced a car for a ago he was diagnosed with MND, raised £14,000 for a variety of people from around the country charity draw. a muscle-wasting disease caused organisations and presented the to see scores of rugby and hockey Barnard Castle School students sold by the failure of neurons in the Alzheimer’s Society with £5,000. matches. tickets for a Ford Ka supplied by body to fire correctly. Currently Giving something back to the It continued on with a sports dinner Kirkby Stephen Ford dealer Andrew incurable, it results in all the community is at the heart of the which included special guests Johnstone, whose son Harry is in muscles shutting down. school’s ethos and our students Falcons back Alex Tait and Rob are already coming up with some sixth form while his brother George Barnard Castle School has a long Andrew, a former player, Falcons and fantastic ideas to raise as much left last year. tradition of producing successful England Rugby director and current money as possible.” The £15,000 proceeds will rugby players including 42 chief executive of Sussex County swell the coffers of the school’s internationals since 1998 and, The fundraising kicked off at a Cricket Club. chosen charity, the My Name’5 before that, celebrated players such Doddie Foundation, launched by as Rob Andrew and the Underwood the former Scottish and British brothers. ‘Extraordinary’ gift Lion rugby union player George Headmaster Tony Jackson said: A former pupil has left a lasting It is likely this bequest will pay ‘Doddie’ Weir, who has been “When our charities committee legacy to Solihull School in for two sixth form places in diagnosed with motor neurone heard about the plight of Doddie gratitude for the education he perpetuity at the school. disease. and the lack of investment in received more than 50 years ago. Headmaster David EJJ Lloyd Doddie, now 47, played lock MND research they felt compelled Robert Greenwood, known as has hailed the “extraordinary and made 61 international to do something to help. Every Bob, was given a free place generosity” of Mr Greenwood. at Solihull in 1946, and fully He said: “While we were entered into school life as an saddened to hear of his death, it enthusiastic member of both the was deeply moving to discover drama society and naval cadets, Bob had left his entire estate to as well as being house captain for The Silhillian Fund for bursaries. athletics. “It is clear the friends Bob Bob died this summer, aged 83, made and the time he spent at leaving his entire estate to the Solihull School were of profound Silhillian Fund, which provides importance to him throughout full bursaries for hard-working his life, as he has also left behind and talented pupils who would a remarkable archive of his time be unable to attend for financial here. His old school reports were Pictured: Barnard Castle Prep School head boy Benjamin French takes the keys to a Ka from reasons. even found in his bedside table.” Ford dealer Andrew Johnstone for a charity draw in aid of motor neurone disease research

12 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Film-making In Schools - Do’s and Don’ts Increasingly, schools are using editing programs to create short curriculum-based films as a way to encourage learning and stimulate creativity, writes Ed Boase.

It’s a great way to get young would doze off during the actual 8. Film pointing at a people to share knowledge; after DO… filming! Make sure you draw up window all, pupils are quite unlikely to 1. Restrict films to 3 a shot list in advance, and – for Most cameras have automatic show off an essay to their peers, minutes (or less) more complex sequences – a simple but they might just pass round a storyboard (like a comic strip). exposure, meaning that if you short film about Photosynthesis Think about the last time you film into sunlight everything in they’ve made using stop-motion watched a video on Youtube… 5. Set Rules the foreground becomes very animation. Or about World War three minutes can feel like a long We find rules are a great way to dark. Always point the camera One, using free archival foot- time to be staring at a computer stimulate creativity. With limitless away from a window to get best age. Or a reduced King Lear, in 3 screen. Also, brevity is a great possibilities it’s difficult for young results. minutes! skill for young people to learn. As (or older!) minds to focus. Make 9. Hold the camera Churchill said, ‘I didn’t have time up some simple rules, for example The big challenge in schools isn’t to write a short letter…’ ‘you can only use ten shots’, or vertically access to filmmaking equipment. ’you have 1 hour to shoot your …or you’ll have horrible black bars Most modern phones and tab- 2. Be sparing with how film’. either side of the image. If using lets are a mini film studio in much you film an iPad/tablet camera, always themselves, with in-built HD The biggest complaint we hear hold the tablet sideways so the camera, edit software and upload DON’T… from teachers is that pupils image is the same rectangular ability. film hours of footage and lose 6. Move the camera shape as you would see in any The challenge is persuading interest during the edit process. Major feature films have the film/TV programme. busy teachers to become instant By keeping footage to a minimum luxury of ‘grip’ equipment 10. Let projects drag on film-makers and the (perceived) (we suggest a ratio of 2:1), you (dollies, cranes etc) to achieve myriad technical obstacles. Also, limit choices, resulting in a swift, smooth movement. For pupils too long the assumption exists that phone- painless edit. in schools it’s best to keep the We would recommend not wielding young people are tech- camera absolutely still and taking longer than 5-8 hours savvy and know it all anyway. 3. Record good sound compose the action within a for a 3-minute film: 1-2 hour’s You can watch a poor-quality static frame. Wobbly footage In our experience at Young Film planning, 1-2 hours to film, 3-4 picture provided it has good looks amateurish, and isn’t great Academy, pupils often overlook hours editing. sound, however bad sound to watch. the basics which can lead to Best of luck with your film- renders any footage unwatchable. disappointing results, usually from making projects! Do let us know Most phone/tablet microphones 7. Use the zoom a tech perspective - e.g. poor sound if you’d like any further help or are decent up to a couple of feet, As soon as you zoom in on or headache-inducing camerawork. advice. so only ever record sound in a something the image becomes In fact, a handful of simple steps close-up (e.g. head & shoulders) grainy and wobbly; any tiny At Young Film Academy we can yield great results, boost and try to find somewhere quiet. movement will be greatly enable 7500+ young people to confidence and smash perceived magnified, especially on the big make their first films each year, barriers to using film technology 4. Plan, plan (…plan) screen. To achieve tighter shots and work in 100+ of the UK’s in the classroom. Here are some In film-making, preparation is (unless filming a dangerous top independent schools with Do’s and Don’ts to help get you everything. Alfred Hitchcock animal…!) simply move the our popular One Day Film School started… planned so fastidiously that he camera closer to the subject. workshop.

Ed Boase, Director, Young Film Academy [email protected]

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 13 Cyber Bullying – Schools have a Duty of Care Cyber bullying continues to evolve as a major potential issue for young children today and schools across the country must do all they can to educate pupils on the impact it can have in the ‘real world’ today, says Ian Kay, Head of Technology at Edge Grove School, Hertfordshire. Schools play an enormous part where it will be stored. Asking systems allow the ongoing in the lives of children and as the question ‘How might this monitoring of content. You will a community they have a duty affect my online reputation if I never catch everything of course, of care and a responsibility to published it for all to see?’ should as many pupils will use their own educate and also intervene if be something that we encourage personal devices running social they believe bullying online is children to consider. media applications outside of happening. Despite the evolution school. Cyber bullying manifests Children use technology and the Embedding e-safety into of the Internet, there is still a itself in the same way as other Internet in many lessons today, huge disconnect in terms of the forms of bulling, but it can also the heart of the school so open conversation is key. The perception of online life versus show up in reluctance from a Education is becoming more Internet is a human invention the real world. Some children child to use technology in the important as technology evolves and is thus subject to the traits and their parents too, still believe classroom – which may signal and as soon as a child starts using of human nature. Children need that what goes on online, and the alarm bells. internet-enabled technology, they to feel at ease about discussing consequences of their actions, is need to be taught about online the implications of posting things Building digital resilience different to that of the real world safety and responsibility. Edge about themselves and others and having a robust support and this is where many of the Grove has e-safety education and online. A good comparison is network for children in school problems lie. child safeguarding at the heart to liken this activity to having is crucial. We make use of a of its policies and procedures. Schools must put e-safety, child a large billboard on the side of digital ‘worry box’, where issues E-safety is embedded in the protection and safeguarding the school with their posts on it can be raised and sent to the curriculum and referenced in every pupils online at the heart of their for everyone to view, or having it designated safeguarding lead. lesson where technology is used. anti-bullying policies and regard appear on a TV advert in front of This encourages children to raise PHSEE sessions on e-safety, anti- this in equal measure to what their entire family. How would concerns in a safe and private bullying and social responsibility happens in the playground day they feel about it? way. Pupils need to recognise to day. Wherever the Internet that as with any safeguarding are scheduled in the curriculum is used, regardless of subject, Another issue for schools is issue, their issue will absolutely to ensure a regular dialogue with there needs to be a mindfulness keeping up with the pace of be taken seriously and dealt with pupils on related issues. Pupils are of the ramifications of using technology because things in an appropriate manner. There also aware of the ‘Circle of Care’ in that technology. Importantly, are changing all of the time must be strategies and policies in school – a group of contacts both technology should not be feared, so keeping one step ahead is place to deal with acceptable use, inside and outside school that nor should we be instilling fear a must. Keeping up to date disclosures and bullying. they can turn to if they experience with technological evolution is an issue or become aware of one into children about using it – but When it comes to the future, always going to be a concern around them. it should be treated with respect wearable technology (smart for teachers. People need to and understanding this from a watches) already allow for covert Publishing information which have the skills to deal with the young age is vital. use of technology in classrooms, affects the school community online world by building digital even more so, a smart phone held directly in school newsletters, can Raising the issue of resilience, understanding what under a table or in a bag can also be useful too. Parent engagement to do when things go wrong and online reputation be used easily today by children is always a problem for schools who they can turn to. The future For schools, a key focus of without a teacher being aware. dealing with e-safety so online of technology will include more e-safety is about ‘protecting Technological advances mean that education needs to go a step Artificial Intelligence content, yourself’. Internet use for interaction with technology can further and that means schools where conceivably, things can children should always be guided be via voice or gesture, making adopting measures to support be published online by a simple with suggested websites. The detection more difficult. Pupils parents too. The truth is, when discussion related to the legality gesture or voice command. need to be able to understand it comes to technology, we are all of using the information should Building digital the functions of the devices they learning every day and hosting also be had, with regards to use. Many families have already e-safety workshops for parents copyright and also the reliability resilience embraced voice activated devices regularly can really help to open of the information obtained Spotting potential issues in their own homes and ‘the the discussion and ensure both the online. Children need to be associated with cyber bullying internet of things’ – web enabled school and parents are working aware of what they are publishing can also be tricky to detect for devices around the home is on the together to support safe and online, what the topic is linked schools. Managed systems in rise so children are getting more respectful online activity that is in to, who might see it and also school, such as cloud-based used to this way of life. the best interests of the children.

14 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] An Evolution, Not a Revolution Richard Smith, Creative Director at Picador Design, reveals how they refreshed the branding and literature for The Royal High School Bath.

The Royal High School The aim was to strengthen the captured the girls’ journey received a new set of brand Bath (RHSB) is a renowned brand by refreshing their logo throughout the school from 3 guidelines which will stand them independent day and boarding typography and colour palette… to 18 years... and beyond! This in good stead for the future. school for girls in the historic city more evolution than revolution. was reflected in the photography we carried out over a two-day of Bath and was formed by the Picador Design was appointed “We recently worked closely period at the school, plus copy with Picador to create our new merger of Bath High School and following a three-way pitch to theming in preparation for the prospectus and refresh our the Royal School almost twenty undertake a complete review of artwork production. The iconic branding. Their guidance was years ago. The school is also part their current marketing material photograph selected for the invaluable in helping us to make of the Girls’ Day School Trust, and implement a new set of junior prospectus front cover was decisions during the process. I (GDST) a network of independent style guidelines which would act also picked as the focal image for was particularly pleased with the girls’ schools throughout the UK as a template for their future a local bus advertising campaign. images captured which have been whose ethos is ‘where girls can,’ literature. As branding specialists In tandem with working on the used throughout the prospectus empowering girls to reach their in this field we were able to prospectus, our designers were and subsequently formed an full potential. demonstrate the importance of kept busy compiling the new engaging advertising campaign. The school was running out of strong branding and presented brand guidelines encompassing Picador’s approach was highly prospectuses and faced with examples carried out for other the logo, stationery, press supportive and professional; either opting for a reprint or schools and universities including, advertising, signage and minibus they delivered on time and on commissioning a redesign and Monkton, Clayesmore, Stonar and livery. budget and I have no hesitation New College of the Humanities. in recommending them to all that it entails. RHSB decided Picador worked very closely As part of the selection process any school looking for design that in addition to producing with the school’s marketing we also had to agree to work services.” a new prospectus which would department throughout the within a set budget determined by Jo Duncan, Head of The last for another four years it was exercise and managed to the school so there could be no Royal High School Bath the right time to evaluate their complete everything on time risk of overspending. current brand and look at the and, more importantly, on W: picadordesign.co.uk ‘bigger picture’ and not just the The chosen concept put forward budget. Apart from having a T: 0117 244 0089 prospectus in isolation. by our agency celebrated and new prospectus, RHSB has now E: [email protected]

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 15 The Sixth Form Conundrum For independent schools providing sixth form education, there are a number of challenges to consider as the New Year begins and high volumes of parents decide whether to ‘jump ship’ this year or continue privately educating their child at this stage in their young adult lives. Probably the biggest pressure on independent schools is retention. There are lots of excellent choices in the state sector, which makes this a tricky decision for parents. For schools, there is pressure to make what you do offer an attractive proposition. But when you are dealing in a consumer-led market with varying opinions and requirements, it can be challenging. Charlotte Harrison, Director of Sixth Form at St Margaret’s School, Hertfordshire, discusses... Some parents want single sex does offer something comparable to excellent co-curricular and higher to feed into the relevant A-Level schools, others veer towards a but the message hasn’t got education initiatives (which are often courses. Every pupil is different, but mixed environment at this age. through, in which case there is an free to state school students) as there is a possibility that this could Then there are parents who are opportunity to educate the parent well as the greater range of A-Levels adversely affect students were they focused on the statistics and are and take on board a lesson learnt and mix of qualifications offered, to move schools at this point in Year looking for a clear and proven track which can be fed back to staff and can be a tough act to follow. Some 11, for others this won’t be an issue. record and consistently excellent the marketing team. parents will cite fees as the reason for removing their child and there Focus on the results. For some, proximity to Sometimes parents will ask whether is also the illusion of ‘freedom’ and home comes into play and likewise, their child will get the opportunity differentiators a college-based atmosphere that others may be looking for schools to mix with the opposite sex in Leaving independent school at appeals to many young people that offer all post 18 pathways, sixth form – this can be a trick sixth form level could also impact at this point in their lives – this such as the opportunity to study question because some will want some students socially, as the is probably the hardest aspect to for apprenticeships as equal and the answer to be yes, but the transition may prove problematic, compete with. viable choices. reverse is true for others. Of course, or indeed it may take valuable time As a head teacher, choosing the most schools will acknowledge that Getting to the for the student to settle in a new right post-16 curriculum that meets mixing genders in an academic environment. There will also be lack both the needs of your current or co-curricular context is a good bottom of it of immediate resources and access students and the future aspirations thing, if you are a single sex school One of the biggest frustrations to staff. you can also draw on evidence that for independent schools providing for your school, has to be at the Those pupils most likely to thrive at shows pupils do thrive in single-sex sixth form education is getting to heart of the decision. Having an independent sixth form are those classrooms, but justifying single sex the bottom of the real reasons a credible staff with subject-specific who haven’t plateaued at GCSE and education in the 21st century can parent has taken the decision to knowledge to take students well have developed a tenacious work be a thorny issue. The truth is there move their child. At this point, it is beyond the curriculum both in and ethic, are emotionally resilient and are pros and cons to co-ed and important to offer them the same out of the classroom are a must at show natural curiosity etc. Equally single sex schools so it often comes advice and access to information as this point. Having attractive, new those who have formed a strong down to personal preference, it’s everyone else and that the people facilities are also a draw for parents relationship with the teachers and but sixth forms are expensive to run not a one size fits all decision. managing that process remain neutral and supportive. Schools school will find it easier to continue so you have to consider the area of to work within the codes of a larger the school and where you see the Competitive barriers should meet with the parents and If as a school you still take the AS school. most immediate return or evidence student together to encourage an externally assessed qualification, of grades. open dialogue. If you don’t speak The best way for independent it is common to be questioned by frankly, you won’t really understand schools to grow their sixth form Prepare for the questions parents on why that is the case. the real issue or obtain the all- intake is to market themselves When it comes to preparing for Focusing on why this is right for important feedback. well internally and externally and your school and students is a good the questions – and there will be Providing a sixth form education communicate with parents on a place to start when responding. questions from parents, you really may be challenging for independent consistent basis, not just at the point Students may be coming from a need to focus on your schools’ schools and it may be true that you decisions are made. Independent more modularised approach at selling points and draw attention to can’t win every battle. If a parent schools need to continue to focus GCSE so AS-Levels give a formal where you lead and your immediate is dead set on moving their child on offering something special that opportunity and ‘end point’ to the competitors don’t. The most at this point, there may be little no other school or college in the Y12 syllabus, for instance. University common question tends to be – you can do to change their mind, surrounding area provides. Schools admissions tutors really value the why should my child stay on at but there are also many positive also need to face the music and look AS external qualification as a recent your sixth form when there are so messages associated with ‘staying at the real reasons why students marker of ability and potential so it many other choices elsewhere? But on’ too. The smaller class sizes leave and then make some tough is worth drawing on these factors. this could prompt another question for one; this has always been a decisions about changing their own from the school – what is attractive Of course there are more barriers pull for independent schools and provision if necessary. Get this right about the other schools you are that independent schools find is something that state schools and schools will be able to make looking at? It’s important to get difficult to compete with at sixth and colleges cannot compete with, the A-Level achievement, results feedback at this stage because it form stage, funding based on along with specifically selected and university destinations non- could be the case that your school numbers is just one aspect. Access GCSE syllabuses that were intended negotiable and excellent.

16 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Gabbitas is Changing Vanessa Miner, Managing Director A fresh new approach which acknowledges the Plans for new company’s strong heritage and its view of the future. Senior School As you will see into our role in improving With entrance exams, 11+ and Crosfields School, Berkshire, has from our new educational opportunities and GCSE mocks on the horizon announced plans to open a new logo below we standards internationally. The families looking to provide some Senior School on its site. are changing as visual changes underpin an extra support can access our The co-educational day school, a company and important, structural change excellent team of tutors be it for currently for children aged 3-13, have rebranded in creating a customer-centred a specific subject or more general welcomed over 70 prospective to be known as ‘Gabbitas’. We had operation. We are now one team help in preparing for these all parents to the launch where the a discussion as to why we needed dedicated to looking after our important exams. headmaster unveiled their plans for to be called ‘Gabbitas Educational clients and all their needs. a brand new Senior School which Consultants’ when everyone We have prepared our Summer will accommodate new pupils up to We have a new account always refers to us as ‘Gabbitas’! School schedule and will be happy Year 11. We have been in the education management system for clients to advise and take bookings for so whether you are looking for The development has been business for close to 150 years the 2019 break – many schools advice on school places, tutoring under consideration a while with and the new name is succinct and get full very quickly so the earlier or guardianship it’s one phone Governors deciding the time is right to the point. the better! call and one person who will help to bring this project to fruition. Nick Having sharpened the name you navigate to what you need. The international student Habgood, Chairman of the Board and reaffirmed Gabbitas’s community with whom we work of Governors said: “The decision We offer a highly-personalised international dimension we is growing and our bespoke to extend Crosfields to 16 is very wanted to create a logo which service for every child as we guardianship and homestay exciting and demonstrates the gives the feeling of heritage, of believe that there is never a programme for overseas students school’s ambition and willingness history. Our new emblem says: we ‘one size fits all’ approach. We to embrace change. We will focus is world class. If you have a child are in education, we have been have unrivalled experience in on the benefits older pupils in the at boarding school we can help, for a very long time. We looked at finding the right educational school can have on the younger even for last minute emergencies. various options of a logo, realised path from nursery to university, children, as well as being extremely that Red was the colour everyone and as educational experts we If you would like to consider sensitive to the needs of both.” liked, particularly in China where understand the independent hosting an international student Craig Watson, Headmaster, Red symbolises good fortune schools’ sector, inside out. Many in your home, our students (pictured), said: “We are an and joy. The new Gabbitas Logo families remain with us for the require varying levels of support independent school designed depicts what looks like a crimson lifetime of their child’s education, so we can offer great flexibility to meet the needs of modern crown, but at closer inspection is whilst others appreciate our to our host families from full hardworking parents who have a family, whose embracing hands sensitivity in helping their child time hosting to one weekend a chosen Crosfields for its all-round form a letter G. Sharp and simple, with a fresh start. We have great term or emergency cover. education, where children are not it speaks volumes. Developing longstanding relationships with only well supported and happy, they the new branding was centred schools across the UK. We provide gain a strong academic grounding around how we look forward as clear and dispassionate advice in their formative years. Our track a business, and how we unite as supported by our unique UKiset record of girls and boys gaining one Gabbitas to drive our vision. assessment, plus interviews with places at their first choice of school, The important thing for me was parents and children so our advice including to some of the most to take the heritage of Gabbitas always has the interests of the academically rigorous schools in and our dedication to excellence child at the heart. the country, has highlighted the We can be contacted on 020 7734 0161 or [email protected] or via our new website www.gabbitas.com opportunity to extend to 16 and allow our success to grow.” College joins charity to clean up canal More than 20 pupils from litter, cut back vegetation, and our Fourth Form pupils. It also Cheltenham College, spruced up the steps of the bridge. presented a wonderful opportunity Gloucestershire, have worked Dr Adam Dunning, Director of to make a positive contribution to alongside the Canal & River Community & Partnerships, said: “At the immediate canal environment. Trust to clean up a stretch of the Cheltenham College we take pride On the day the pupils rose to their Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. in our pupils’ active involvement in various tasks, with dedication and The Fourth Form (Year 10) pupils a wide range of local community a strong team spirit. Even though spent a morning on the towpath at initiatives, through our Community tackling the undergrowth and High Orchard Bridge, a short walk Action Programme. The opportunity cleaning the steps at High Orchard from Gloucester Docks, helping the to take part in cleaning up towpath was particularly challenging, their charity as part of their community areas for the Canal & River Trust sense of purpose and achievement action programme. They collected was met with great enthusiasm by proved highly motivating.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 17 Memorial Leading the way in staff complete

Gresham’s School, Norfolk, has raised mental health training £8,000 for a new WWI memorial to feature names of 15 students and staff discovered during a four year St Joseph’s College, Berkshire, is now a ‘Hub School’ centenary project. In 1918 Gresham’s headmaster acting as a local venue for the regular delivery of MHFA George Howson announced that (Mental Health First Aid) courses for local schools, the newly built school Chapel would be furnished with a memorial colleges and other ‘wellbeing-aware’ organisations. to the students and staff who died fighting in WWI: a stained glass All staff at St Joseph’s have some Designated Safeguarding Lead Independent School Awards, who window designed by Reginald Otto level of mental health training attended a two day course on have shortlisted the College for Bell; and the names of the fallen (inset days and online training Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) their Wellbeing Initiative of the carved and gilded into a six-panel with certification). Twenty-two for Children and Young People, Year. memorial board. 100 years later, of them have been trained as led by Jane Nathan from Andrew Colpus, Headmaster, Gresham’s has raised £8,000 for either Mental Health First Aiders Healthcare on Demand, who now said: “We are delighted to be a new memorial stone, which (two day course) or Mental runs the ‘Hub School’ events at shortlisted once again for these includes the names of 15 students Health Champions (one day St Joseph’s for staff and wider prestigious awards. The wellbeing and staff who were omitted from course) for Children and Young audience. of our pupils is of paramount the original memorial. People. Those taking part in the The College promotes links importance at St Joseph’s Simon Kinder, Gresham’s Head of training have included those in between teachers, parents and College and we are very pleased roles such as the Headmaster of pupils to form a partnership History who has been involved in to be recognised as a leader the College, the Head of the Prep that prioritises the wellbeing of the project, explains: “The names School, the Headmaster’s PA and each child. The College ethos amongst independent schools in were omitted either as a result of the Bursar. encourages everyone to develop this category.” having only been discovered more recently, thanks to further research, The new approach began in responsibility and to care for The winners will be revealed 2016 when the then Deputy those around them. at a gala awards evening at or as a result of the students and Head Pastoral (now Head of the St Joseph’s commitment the Grosvenor House Hotel, staff members having moved away Prep School) Mark Bushby, the to wellbeing has recently Park Lane, London on Friday 1 to other schools and institutions Head of Sixth Form and Deputy been recognised by the Tes February 2019. and therefore being included on memorials elsewhere”. Teacher goes ‘Back in Time’ for TV! Dr Kristy Turner usually teaches Reflecting on the experience, she the historian Polly Russell who were This is not Dr Turner’s first foray chemistry at Bolton School and said: “Each day we would arrive both lovely to work with.” into TV work, she has previously on set and do our hair and make at the University of Manchester. There are some themes running done science pieces for Countryfile. up - if we were allowed make up However, over the May and through all the eras including the in that era - we would then give The series began on Thursday 3 October half terms and most of the use of technology in education, our belongings including phones summer holidays she time-travelled food, vocational learning and January and runs for 8 weeks on to production and begin living in through different eras of history BBC2 at 8pm. the era we were filming in. All the physical education. experiencing school life from 1895 food we ate, even off camera was to 1999 as she took part in filming from the era we were filming, so for a new 8 part BBC tv series were our reading materials and the called Back in Time for School. pastimes we had in our staffroom. We experienced all aspects of school in the eras we filmed from lessons to school dinners and leisure pursuits. It was an amazing project to be involved with, gruelling at times, the hours in TV can be quite long, but definitely unforgettable. It was interesting to experience as an adult but also to see how the pupils we were working with (14-15 year olds from the Birmingham area) reacted to the experiences they faced. We worked alongside Bolton born presenter Sara Cox and

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20 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] A LOT HAS CHANGED How long has it been since you updated your minibus management, training and policies? 70% of schools* surveyed did not understand their obligations under a Section 19 Permit

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 21 Union’s independent schools Conference NEU’s annual Independent Schools Conference was held towards the end of last term in London and was attended by over 100 NEU independent school reps and active members. John Richardson, National Official for the independent schools sector, reports...

Proceedings opened by double over 30,000 NEU members working well – they listened and were Independent Schools Council presidential address from the in the independent sector. She reflective, while another singled out General Secretary. Drawing on will current NEU ATL President Kim went on to highlight some of the the content, interesting learning on the findings of the ISC Census Knappett and Robin Bevan, NEU significant results that reps present about practice in other schools’. 2018, Julie gave an insightful Vice-President. Kim expounded her had achieved in their schools. Sarah Lyons, NEU Health & Safety overview of the main issues facing presidential themes of Time, Talk Members commended Mary’s lead, facilitated discussion on the sector, mostly challenging! and Trust, while Robin shared the informative and excellent speech. Accidents, asbestos and other Attendees commended both the story of one of his first teaching lurking dangers. Amongst other Developing the theme of the place content of Julie’s speech and jobs in a boarding school and the things, Sarah shared the shocking of independent sector members in her delivery, ‘Passionate, witty, effect of a school closing down. findings of the 2018 NEU the new union, Deborah Parren, informative’, was one comment. NEU Joint General Secretary Mary independent sector survey that chair of NEU’s elected Independent In a lively question and answer Bousted gave the morning keynote revealed that 60% of members & Private Sector Advisory Group, session that followed, members speech. Reflecting on the steady don’t know whether their school gave an overview of the activity of discussed a range of topical growth in the union’s membership contains asbestos. And of those members and the opportunities. issues such as strengthening in the independent sector over the who said that they did know, only Amongst other things, she exhorted staff voice through trade union years, Mary paid tribute to the role 26% said that they had seen the members to vote in the on-going recognition and the alarm caused of many leading members present, school’s asbestos management plan in their workplaces and branches. national executive elections! -to which a member commented by the government’s proposal to significantly increase the employer In particular, she singled out the Members praised Deborah’s ‘Chilling!’ contribution to the Teachers’ work of the lead independent enthusiastic presentation, with one But there were positives, as another Pension Scheme. sector members, IPSAG, and commenting, …’would like a video commented, …‘lots of worries and especially the chair, Deborah Parren. to show colleagues back in school’. ideas shared’. Our credo for the day was for attendees to enjoy themselves; to She did so by recalling the words of As always, members appreciated Has your pay increased by 3.5%? take something for themselves; and Rod Marsden, who has been ever the opportunity to network with was the largely rhetorical question something for the collective good present since IPSAG was first set-up colleagues from other independent posed by me. In discussion, when they got back to work. in 2006. At the inaugural meeting schools in the breaks and the open members shared strategies and Rod said, with refreshing Lancastrian discussion in the seminar groups. tips as to how they will collectively Lastly, what did the attendees bluntness, that he gave it three Leading the session, How can seek to improve the annual cost of say was the most useful aspect of meetings and if it was just a talking we promote good employment living increase for September 2019. the conference? As usual, group shop, then he wouldn’t be coming practice? were IPSAG members, Member feedback included, “Really discussion, sharing ideas, promoting back! Twelve years and 48 meetings John Lambert, St. Leonards School, informative and helpful advice.” good practice, featured consistently. later, Rod was still coming back! St Andrews, Fife and Dave Watton, and “Some food for thought about However, the final word goes to Mary commented that now formerly of Pocklington School, organising.” the member who was inspired by members are in a stronger position Yorkshire. One attendee praised the The afternoon keynote speech meeting people who have made a than they have ever been, with delivery, …’the double act worked was given by Julie Robinson, difference in their schools! Head joins sleepout to raise £18k More than £18,000 has been raised Headmaster Richard Marshall so far during Harrogate’s first said: “This was a truly humbling ever “CEO Sleepout”, held in the experience. It has certainly made grounds of Ashville College. me appreciate what some people go through, not just once, but every The overnight event - which began single night of the week. at 8pm and finished at 6am the “It was a stark reminder as to how following morning - saw a total incredibly fortunate we all are to of 22 local businessmen and have a warm, dry and safe home businesswomen, including the to go to. I hope that the money School’s Headmaster - take part we have raised will go some way to in the charity endeavour to raise making the lives of homeless men support for the town’s homeless. and women a little bit better.”

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 23 ProfileIn conversation with Nicholas Hewlett

Born: St. Dunstan’s College’s long-established described him as ‘a great polymath who guides 1979 motto - albam exorna - translates as your educational narrative’. Can you explain more? ‘Adorn the White’, and refers to the plain Q St Dunstan was an extraordinary man. Civil Partner: white shield that makes up three quarters of the He was a polymath in the true sense of school’s crest. Can you elaborate on how this Mr Alberic Elsom the word and, particularly inspiring for unusual heraldic feature inspires your vision of A our time, was his ability to marry the creative education today? Schools and University arts with technical and scientific thinking. He attended: I feel very fortunate to be the custodian was both the silversmith and writer; musician Whitgift School; of such an inspiring and relevant motto. and metalworker. I have long been disappointed Kings College, London AThe white shield that is metaphorically that schools have allowed themselves to typecast presented to all pupils when they join St children and it seems to me a great shame that First job: Dunstan’s, symbolises the as yet incomplete story children from such a young age are encouraged Dulwich College, 2002. of each individual’s life and its formation – its to specialise in either one activity or another, or ups and downs, its successes and its failures - a are pushed into one particular way of thinking or Teacher of Geography unique, individual shield that does not have a being. Cliques in schools form as a consequence of an institutional culture that believes in pre- First management job: pre-determined sense of what a young person should be or become. In a world where we seem determined outcomes for young people and has Magdalen College School, increasingly governed by how we ought to be, predefined expectations of success. Such cultures Oxford, 2005. what we ought to say and do, and what we are, in my view, utterly wrong and potentially very ought to look like, I feel strongly that allowing damaging. At St Dunstan’s, one of my greatest Head of Geography; Housemaster; young people the liberty of a blank canvas on pleasures is seeing pupils both play competitive Contingent Commander of CCF; which to carve out their own journey, is essential. sport and also performing in the school musical; Director of Arts Festival A platform for development without ceilings, those for whom being a CCF cadet and singing pre-dispositions or restrictions, that encourages in the chapel choir is a healthy complement of First job in education: individual pathways and limitless choices for interests. I also fear for our curriculum. Allowing Dulwich College, 2002 young people, is a fundamental philosophy young people to take options aged 16 such that that must surely underpin any truly exceptional they never really have to write an essay again Appointed to current job: and relevant education in the 21st Century. For is, in my mind, utterly shameful, and one of the reasons I introduced the St Dunstan’s Diploma, 2014 too long we have allowed our schools to carve deep furrows of repetitious, inward looking to ensure that the breadth of academic exposure Favourite piece of music: routine and pre-defined outcomes. Educational and opportunity continues throughout the school years, whilst not forsaking the importance of Bach’s Motets conveyor belts, if you like, where Headmasters and Headmistresses proudly tout that if you give depth of understanding, subject rigour and the Favourite food: them your child, they will ensure they become beginnings of specialism. Indonesian like every other great alumnus of theirs – ‘you can always spot an old boy of mine on the street’ St Dunstan’s – the charity that provides Favourite drink: - tired, old fashioned and irrelevant rhetoric that support, rehabilitation, and respite care to Gin and Tonic stifles independence and suffocates creativity Qblind ex-service personnel of the British and individualism. Well I hope you will never Armed Forces – is named after him. Does the Favourite holiday destinations: be able to spot an old boy or girl of mine on the College have any connection with that charitable street, as I am proud of each and every one of enterprise or otherwise support the services? Is Rural Britain; South-East Asia them, whatever their chosen pathway in life and your CCF still thriving? whatever they have become, that being a direct Favourite leisure pastimes: Whilst we do not have a direct link with consequence of our motto and the culture that Walking my dog; the St Dunstan’s charity for the blind, the permeates from it at St Dunstan’s. going to the opera Aconcept of service is extremely strong at St Dunstan’s. Whether this stems from the Favourite TV or radio Dunstan lived in the tenth century, and diverse make-up of our school community or was successively Abbot of Glastonbury the slightly smaller size of our pupil body, I am programme/series: QAbbey, Bishop of Worcester, Bishop of not sure, but there is without doubt a pervasive Strictly Come Dancing London, and Archbishop of Canterbury. You have sense of community that underpins our school

24 Independent Schools Magazine Nicholas Hewlett has been Head of St Dunstan’s College, London, since 2014. He has previously worked at Dulwich College, Magdalen College School, and North London Collegiate School Jeju (South Korea).

culture. Yes, our CCF is absolutely still thriving. Festival has a stated aim of ensuring that your Your College is based in South London Indeed, they played a leading part this year pupils ‘involve and engage with the broader which must be one of the most as we remembered the extraordinary losses community by promoting access to events of Qculturally, socially and economically suffered by our school across the two Wars (in cultural significance’. What other initiatives does diverse urban areas in the country, and so very fact, it was amongst the largest percentage the College promote to fulfil this goal? different from schools in vast rural grounds. Is it losses suffered by any school in the country). a challenge to fit into such a mixed community? Likewise, our community service is an essential I am a huge, unashamed champion of Have you forged any partnerships with local creativity in schools and it concerns me part of our Forder Programme – the name given schools? Have you met resistance to any such hugely that it is being so downgraded in to our vast co-curricular offering and reflecting A approaches you may have made? the pioneering work undertaken by one of our our country. We know from research in America early Headmasters. It is not enough for us that and elsewhere that our young people across the You are correct. I see our diversity as an giving to the community is optional - we ask that globe are becoming less creative. How shameful! absolute privilege. Accessibility is always all pupils in the school undertake at least one It was Plato who said ‘I would teach young Agoing to be a challenge and so our activity across the year that is associated with people physics, philosophy and Music, but above renewed emphasis on fundraising and bursary selflessness and giving to others. all else Music, for the rubric and structures of provision is an essential part of our strategy Music form the foundations of all good learning’. going forwards. We have many productive The College no longer offers the IB as And the same could be said of so many of our partnerships across Lewisham and beyond it. I a sixth form option. What led to this more creative subjects. The humanist educators have found our work with the London Academy Qdecision? of 15th Century Europe celebrated art, literature of Excellence, Tottenham, utterly inspiring, and and architecture, embedding them as central to likewise our close relationships with local state It might seem somewhat paradoxical schools have been a real pleasure. I am pleased to that I decided to end the IB as a their teaching in order to best prepare well- say that I have not really met with any resistance. Sixth Form option given my previous rounded, liberally educated people. 500 years I think independent schools can suffer from A ago, Erasmus was advising educators to teach, comments about the importance of curriculum intellectual snobbery that is deeply off-putting, breadth. Although I do wrestle with elements amongst other things, mythology, poetry and both to potential partners and those who might of the IB philosophy, I am also a huge believer ethics, as he saw this as the route to achieving in it. My previous school in South Korea was an the best possible understanding of the world and well consider applying for a bursary to one of our schools. Whether this is born out of insecurity, IB School and I witnessed first-hand the great the people that inhabit it. How wonderful! Sadly, ignorance or complete cultural isolation, I don’t benefits that it can bestow on young people. My our world has settled on a very narrow definition know, but I have long maintained that it is reasons for ending it at St Dunstan’s were more of success. And that is despite very clear evidence perfectly possible for a school to be academically practical than they were philosophical. For a from studies into leadership and business that and intellectually ambitious, robust and exciting, small school to offer two Sixth Form courses is show unequivocally the importance of creativity without being intellectually snobbish. This is simply impractical and actually quite divisive for in forging progress and achievement. ‘Creativity a community otherwise known for its inclusivity. where I see St Dunstan’s - an academically takes courage’ said Matisse, and this, it would However, it was thanks to the IB that we used exciting school for a diverse community seem, could not be any more relevant than it is my decision as an opportunity to create our of individuals, making their mark through today. And so at St Dunstan’s we are absolute own Sixth Form curriculum – the St Dunstan’s understated but assured and persistent values of proponents of creativity in all its forms. Our Diploma. The Diploma provides one set of open-minded, agile and principled thinking. parameters and one common philosophy for all community Festival is a triumphant and overtly our Sixth Formers, forging together the academic creative end to our academic year but it runs Prior to joining St. Dunstan’s you were rigour and depth of A Level study with critical deeper than this. We are a school where so many one of the team who set up the North thinking, subject breadth, flexibility of pathways elements of the curricular and co-curricular London Collegiate School’s flagship and an essential life-skills additional curriculum. offering are underpinned by creative thinking. Q operation in South Korea, heading up the Boys’ For me, this remains the best of both worlds and I Pupils are encouraged to take initiatives and am hugely proud of what our Sixth Formers gain run with them. Our Black History week, this year, School with considerable success. This must from our diploma programme. came entirely from a group of Sixth Formers have given you a real insight into the affairs of that peninsula. What have you made of the determined to have a go at a school wide event recent thawing of relations between North The St. Dunstan’s College Annual Arts – the same can be said of our Equality Society, and South, heralded as a personal triumph by Festival is a fortnight of varied activities Amnesty awareness, and Charity committee. The President Donald Trump? Qinside and outside the school which list goes on. Creativity in thinking is essential in attracts visitors from throughout the region. The schools and it must be supported. Continued >

Independent Schools Magazine 25 ProfileIn conversation with Nicholas Hewlett (continued)

I am not sure Donald Trump can take formative but they need to be carefully get more fulfilment from leading schools and credit for anything much! I also think considered and the staff need careful training so far I have not been disappointed. I am not Athat China must take credit for an and guidance. It is the purpose of such trips that sure anything beats seeing a school culture awful lot when it comes to the behaviour of is all too often overlooked. If an international come alive as a consequence of decisions you North Korea! In all seriousness, history teaches trip is genuinely about making a difference have made. us that isolated States rarely continue for (which is very hard to do), it could absolutely long. It is how that isolation is eroded that is be better to stay at home and raise funds for a You were educated at the all-boys so important to manage correctly. When you third-party charity. But of course the primary Whitgift School, a few miles down have lived in South Korea you can see just how purpose of such trips is really what they can Qthe road from St. Dunstan’s. You say painful the situation is for Koreans and how do to enhance the character and values of the in your website Headmaster’s Welcome: “We much will there is for reunification of some young people who go on them. The long-term know co-education to be the right platform for sort. I do believe that it will eventually come but monetary or environmental impact of this is, of developing the interpersonal skills necessary that political collaboration between all the key course, very difficult to quantify. On the various to succeed in the modern world”. Is it the only stakeholders in the region is what is needed; in trips I have run I have always stated that the ‘right platform’? Or will single-sex schools like a world where isolationism seems to be all the primary purpose is to challenge the thinking of your old one still be able to thrive? more in vogue, I fear that we are a long way off those students in receipt of the experience. And that happening. this is where I believe my subject, Geography, Up until my move overseas I had is so important. Seeing and understanding the spent my whole childhood and career in single-sex schools. I think You are widely travelled, and differences in the natural world and how that A they have a place but I also think they need encourage your students to share that relates to people, their governance, politics and to be careful not to become out of date. I do passion through adventure trips and economics, can have a deep and transformative Q strongly believe in the value of boys and girls so on. An article in the national press a few impact on young people. Correctly managed, socialising and playing with one another; months back disputed the value of sending such trips open up different ways of seeing the in fact, I think it is essential, and that if not children from the UK half way round the globe world for young people and consequently the creatively managed, single-sex schools to ‘spend a couple of days building walls in way they see themselves and their role in it. This can become quite socially unhealthy. In my remote third-world schools’. The author’s point is the real power of international travel. career, I have had the privilege of seeing a was that such schemes are ridiculous because school move from all boys to co-ed in the it’s usually money not labour which is short Singing has always been an important Sixth Form, and the impact the girls had on in developing countries; girls and boys have part of your life - indeed you the behaviour, values and outlook of those likely never done any building work before; considered a career as a professional Q boys was shockingly positive. I suppose the financial and environmental costs of such singer before turning to teaching. Who, or my real fear is that single-sex schools risk trips simply don’t stack up when compared to what, inspired you to change your mind? reinforcing the gender sterotypes that have supporting embedded charity workers. Did he I maintained professional singing blighted our country for so long. I maintain make valid points? throughout my 20s and reached that I can still go into a bar in the City and Yes, he does. Sadly, many independent Aa point where I needed to decide tell you pretty quickly which group of men schools have slipped into a tacit between moving into a career in educational are from independent boys’ schools. On a Aendorsement of poverty tourism. leadership or a career as a professional tenor good day, I might even be able to tell you International trips for students can be hugely soloist. Ultimately I felt as though I would which school!

Flying high for Lord Mayor Towards the end of last term, King carriages, all proclaiming the new Edward’s Witley proudly reaffirmed Lord Mayor’s theme for his year in its deep-rooted links with the City office: “Shaping tomorrow’s city of London by participating in the today” and championing the digital Lord Mayor’s Show, to celebrate innovation that is shaping our the appointment of Alderman Peter future, our cities and our lives. The School’s float took 9th spot out of Estlin - Governor and former King a total of 149 in the procession, Edward’s Witley pupil and Head Boy behind the Royal Marines, Royal - as the newly elected Lord Mayor of Navy and Sea Cadets, and was the the City of London. first full-size float to process past 28 girls and boys from King the new Lord Mayor at Mansion Edward’s and 4 children from House in glorious sunshine. its partner school Barrow Hills, Broadcast live on the BBC and accompanied by their teachers, made witnessed by some 400,000 people the train journey from Witley Station on the day, the crowd was thrilled with the School’s ingenious float, to Waterloo and then to the City. which featured a giant paper plane There they joined in the pageantry measuring 8 metres by 3 metres and drama associated with the with the strapline “Tomorrow’s 3-mile long procession of military, leaders take off from King Edward’s marching bands, floats and Witley”.

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 27 Music, Drama, & Dance Boys ‘don’t do dance’…or do they? Rebecca Curtis, Head of Dance at Ipswich High School, Suffolk, discusses the stigma surrounding boys’ dance. This follows the first Boys’ Day of Dance at the school.... Rebecca Curtis. Picture by Anthony Cullen Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake is currently touring It is clear that the world we are living in now strong legs but don’t want muscular bulk that the UK. When it premiered in 1996, the piece requires us to become more resilient to change, could hinder their performance.” broke with the tradition of what a classical to have creative skills, the ability to problem solve • Balance – “Ballet also requires good balance, as corps-de-ballet looked and felt like; with Bourne and work as a team. We also need to future- many of the techniques used in ballet involve replacing all of the female dancers to create a proof ourselves against losing jobs to robots, by jumps, turns and poses that would put a person “menacing male ensemble… turn[ing] tradition continuing to push creativity. A dance lesson upside down and [taking] the dance world by gives you all of these skills from the minute without training off balance. Having good storm.” you walk through the door. You are expected balance allows you to move more efficiently to process information and produce a physical and support your body weight effectively whilst It got me thinking about why, just over 20 outcome, almost instantaneously. Lateral and moving”. years since that premiere and with the likes of: logical thinking skills are so important for many Diversity, Flawless, Lucas McFarlane, the stars and • Mental Focus – “Ballet requires a lot of focus, subjects and careers, and I think it is fantastic that professional dancers in Strictly Come Dancing and since most movements in ballet must be made dance can develop those skills from a very young even little Prince George making headlines and age in a fun, safe environment. A recent study by with precision while appearing graceful and featuring on national stage and television, that BACC For The Future also identifies a real shortfall effortless. This focus is also a major [benefit there still seems to be a perception that dance in hands on practical skills and adaptability in for any competitive sport. Ballet training can isn’t appropriate or valuable for boys. trainee surgeons. It would seem that the medical also reduce the effects of performance anxiety, Some of the world’s most famous choreographers profession is placing a greater value on arts-based allowing [competitors to do] their best even if are male and very few dance companies nowadays subjects, to indicate that students can better they get nervous in front of crowds.” are single-sex, so where is the stereotyping cope with the pressures of surgery and have the • Endurance – “Ballet and other forms of coming from? dexterity to carry out intricate and detailed work. dance are considered to be aerobic because As a dance educator, I am vehement in the notion What do the New Zealand Rugby Team, the muscles used during dance sessions and Premiership Football teams and GB Divers all that dance is for all and allows us to develop skills training require a large amount of oxygen in have in common? Aside from the fact they are all we simply do not use elsewhere. Dance is not order to perform; this results in an increased competing in their respective sports at the highest just about learning routines; it’s about exploring workload for the lungs and heart as they movement and using it to understand other level, they all have dance form part of their attempt to provide this oxygen. Aerobic exercise concepts, subjects and emotions. Boys and girls training regime. strengthens the heart and circulatory system, benefit from exploring movement from an early So, what makes dancers fantastic athletes? GB making it easier for the body to deliver oxygen age to help develop confidence, creativity and Diver Craig Turbyfied makes a case for how Ballet and nutrients to the muscles during periods of the ability to problem-solve. Dance is a discipline. has improved his training. Let’s take a look at the intense muscular work.” It requires a lot of concentration, physical benefits he lists: strength and the determination to keep working www.barreworks.co.uk/2018/03/1105/ • Flexibility – “Having a wide range of motion at something – not until you get it right, rather in your joints is beneficial not only to help It’s important to realise that boys and dance is until you can’t get it wrong. Dancing increases prevent injuries, but to also enhance your body more than just being the next Billy Elliot – as neural pathways in the brain, allowing us to think, control, balance and rhythm. Tom Daley’s great and valid as that is – it’s also about finding reason, recall and understand more efficiently. coach openly credits his graceful performance ways of using the body to its fullest potential Gone are the days of images of pink, fluffy tutus. in competitions in part to flexibility that he physically and enhancing skills that can be Dance can be gritty, raw and is up there when it learned from ballet training. She believes this transferred not just to sports, but many other comes to the levels of fitness of any high profile training has helped him achieve a higher level areas of interest. sport. Dance is human, it allows us to share our in his performance”. innermost thoughts, communicate with others We recently held our first Boys’ Day of Dance at • Speed and Agility – “Ballet strengthens the both physically and intellectually. Are these types Ipswich High School and invited Shaun Dillon – a legs, knees and ankles and makes use of rapid of skills and attributes ones that should only be practitioner who runs the Boys United Company leg movements, all of which promote power afforded to girls, or that we can all benefit from? at DanceEast – to work with our male students. and speed in running. The sheer variety of turns and other complex movements in ballet Shaun put the boys through their paces with a practice trains agility and the body’s ability to physical warm-up and introduced them to some recover speed quickly.” combinations of movement before getting them to help him choreograph a dance phrase based • Strength – “Picture a ballet dancer and you on their favourite sports. It was great to see the might not immediately think of strength and power, but ballet actually requires significant teamwork ethos being developed between the strength, stamina and power output. Ballet different year groups, as well as the confidence also creates muscular strength without adding of all the participants grow as the day progressed. significant amounts of bulk to the body; this We hope to run this event again in the future is especially important for [those] who need along with other big dance projects.

28 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Drama, & Dance Classic production

Thirty pupils from Year 7 to U6 at production, allowing both the Abbey Gate College, Cheshire, were cast and the audience to be fully Goodnight Mister Tom transported to an uninhabited immersed in island life. Felsted School, Essex, took an of the Second World War, giving an island for three dynamic educational look back at the excellent opportunity for Felsted’s The piece also used moments of performances of William Golding’s Second World War, as young Felsted younger drama students to take visceral physical theatre to both classic novel, Lord of the Flies. thespians treated family, friends and an important role alongside some shock and excite the audience. The cast had been rehearsing the local community to a production regular faces who have acted in exceptionally hard for the play Director and Head of Drama, of Goodnight Mister Tom. every production during their time which sees a group of school Charlotte House said: “Lord of the The play was double cast and at the school. One of the lead children unexpectedly marooned Flies is such a challenging story performed to a sell-out audience roles of ‘Mister Tom’ was played on a desert island following a and our pupils really rose to the over four consecutive nights, by Upper Sixth pupil, Thomas plane crash. Chaos, savagery and occasion. There were some truly with warmth, humour and some Newland, who was selected for murder quickly become the norm. professional performances and challenging topics addressed in the National Youth Music Theatre The whole stage was covered with all of the cast really enjoyed their equal amounts. earlier this year, showing a great over two tonnes of sand to add time as ‘savages’. I’m really proud Goodnight Mister Tom focuses example to the younger cast of an extra level of realism to the of what we created.” largely on the evacuation of where their acting talents could London’s children before the start take them. Grease is real treat

For all your Cobham Theatre at Bromsgrove scenic effects – not just the arrival School was well and truly of a fully functioning car on music education transformed into Rydell High for stage but the 14 foot high juke the production of Grease. box, which opened hilariously & performance equipment for the Teen Angel to appear as Greeted by fellow students a heavenly guide for Frenchy, complete with long hair, kaftans complete with illuminating Music Stands, and dodgy moustaches in the Lights & Accessories staircase, which he descended to FREEPHONE 1979 foyer, the audience knew Music Folders reach stage level. 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & they were in for a treat. After Accessories Director Tim Norton commented hearing the Rydell High song and to join the Instrument & Sheet Music Storage listening to poor Eugene Florczyk on how proud he was to have education discount worked with such a dedicated and Conductor’s drone on about the happy times programme and Equipment hard-working team, “It has been of his school days twenty years save money on Staging & Risers a huge challenge for everybody. Theatre Products previously, it was magical, as the The eight week rehearsal period your purchases! Acoustic Products front curtain dissolved away to was very intense but always filled reveal the greasers sprawled across with much laughter, especially the front steps of the school in every time the Greasers appeared. 1959. I know that all involved will have As well as a large cast and live great memories to cherish for the www.blackcatmusic.co.uk band, there were some wonderful rest of their lives.”

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 29 independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 Music, Drama, & Dance Music lesson scheme for staff Rachel Milestone, Director of Music at Leweston School in Dorset reports on her new Music and Mindfulness initiative... At this present time, the music in your life every day can Consort to Jazz Band. promotion of good mental be good for reducing stress and The next step, of course, is for anxiety. Research and experience health in schools is a hot topic. the staff music pupils to perform has shown that calming music Numerous PSHE lessons, staff in public. Every summer term can provide stress relief for meetings, Insets and Continuing Leweston Music Department children and adults’ (Sarker, TES, Professional Development (CPD) holds a Peripatetic Music Staff courses focus on the growing 5/2/2018). Concert, where the excellent mental health issues in pupils, Armed with the above evidence, professional musicians that teach and the need for mental health I approached the Senior the instrumental and singing education to build resilience Management Team at Leweston lessons in the school, perform for when coping with the increasing School with the outline of my the pupils, their parents, and the demands of academic life. proposed scheme. The overall wider public. This academic year However, is it only the resilience vision was to offer music lessons that concert will feature our new of pupils that we need to be to staff – both academic and staff musicians. Although, of building? With headlines such support - as a way of promoting course, not compulsory, the idea as ‘More than half of teachers wellbeing, mindfulness and has been greeted with a certain have been diagnosed with mental CPD. My emphasis was primarily amount of muted consent at this health issues’ (Independent, pastoral, focusing on the mental stage. 23/1/2018) and the NASUWT health care of the staff body. As Director of Music in a school Rachel Milestone in full voice... Teachers’ Union describing the My hope was that it would also that places great emphasis on the neglect of teachers’ mental and promote social relationships has allowed them an insight into quality of teaching and learning, physical health as a ‘national within the school and improve how difficult it is to learn a new pupil outcomes must always be scandal’ (4/7/2018), surely we staff output and engagement skill and has therefore given them a central focus. Consequently, need to focus as much on the and therefore, ultimately, more empathy with struggling one must consider whether the well-being of the staff in schools pupil outcomes. The senior students. In terms of well-being, principle behind the Staff Music as the pupils? management were immediately many of the staff on the scheme Lesson Scheme can be applied With this at the forefront of my supportive and a plan was devised refer to it as valuable ‘me time’, to the pupils in order to enhance mind, I set about establishing whereby staff would be offered as their ‘therapy’. Others talk their CPD and good mental Leweston School’s Staff Music five free instrumental/singing about rediscovering the joy of health. To a certain extent, the Lesson Scheme. The link between lessons, funded through a CPD learning and the positive effects pupil scheme already exists. Each music and good mental health budget, with the option to then their lessons have on their term pupils in Leweston Prep has long been identified. Plato, sign up for regular lessons on a morale, confidence and ability School, for example, are given for example, said of music: long-term basis at a reduced rate. to relax. At the end of the first the opportunity to have free or ‘Education in music…is most The scheme was met with great term, 80% of the staff that heavily subsidised taster lessons important…because rhythm and enthusiasm by the staff body. signed up for taster lessons have on a particular instrument, with harmony permeate the inner part Almost immediately aspiring chosen to continue with paid many of them subsequently of the soul more than anything oboists, singers, flautists, lessons on a weekly or fortnightly committing to weekly lessons. In else, affecting it most strongly saxophonists, recordists, guitarists, basis, indicating that the initial the Senior School, everybody has and bringing it grace’ (Republic harpists, clarinettists, violinists, enthusiasm for the scheme the opportunity to make music III 401d-e). William Congreve’s pianists and double bassists, endures. It seems that, as adult - as a Music Scholar or member oft quoted ‘music hath charms filled the available twenty free learners, the staff see this scheme of one of the more specialist to sooth a savage breast, to places. The staff music ‘pupils’ as a ‘second chance’ at a musical ensembles, or as part of the extra- soften rocks, or bend a knotted were apprehensive, excited, but education, and therefore continue curricular activities programme. oak’ (The Mourning Bride, 1697) ultimately full of joy at the to be enthused and motivated in Although not involved in the also seems particularly pertinent prospect of their first lesson, their learning. department in a formal way, even here. More recently, there have with one of them stating ‘I need From my personal perspective as the non-specialist music-makers been a number of articles in to do this before I die’! They Director of Music, to see such speak of music giving them a educational and psychological now attend their lessons during excitement and joy on the faces ‘sense of belonging’, and express journals advocating music as an their free periods, lunchtimes or of my colleagues as they leave a desire to ‘carry music through invaluable resource when it comes before and after school, with the their music lessons is incredibly my life’. to good mental health. In one of peripatetic teachers working the heart-warming, and brings me them, Dr Robert Myers, Assistant staff lessons into their normal Such sentiments are also reflected hope that the Staff Music Lesson Professor of Psychiatry and pupil timetable. Staff are also in the feedback I have received Scheme may indeed have soothed Human Behaviour at the Irvine welcome to join any of the from our staff music pupils. From any ‘savage breasts’ or bent any School of Medicine is quoted as numerous ensembles that are run a CPD perspective, many on the ‘knotted oaks’ that were brave stating: ‘Having a little bit of in the department, from Recorder scheme have indicated how it enough to sign up for it.

30 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Music, Drama, & Dance Song and dance A Dream, at the Grand A Scheme Rossall School, Lancashire, pupils Raines, the pupils sang their way hit all the right notes when they through a variety of popular songs, The Royal Senior School, Surrey, took to the stage of Blackpool’s complete with their own dance Drama department recently put Grand Theatre for their house routines and a few theatrical on their Winter Production of A singing competition. flourishes! Dream, A Scheme and All that lies in between. The annual event, which has Lewis, a member of the Kings Mr Taylor Gooby, Head of Drama, become one of the highlights of of Popera and one of the most said, “After the glitz and glamour the school year, sees pupils from successful X Factor acts of all time, of last year’s production of Grease, each of the Rossall’s eight houses G4, kindly agreed to squeeze the this year I wanted to return to a compete to be named the School’s judging of the House competition play rather than a musical and best performers. into his very busy schedule. where better than the Bard? Under the watchful eye of judge The girls from Wren House emerged and former student, Lewis Matthew As always, I wanted to celebrate the triumphant with their rendition of enthusiasm and commitment of as Abba’s ‘Mamma Mia’, with second many of our pupils as possible, so I place going to Dolphin House for decided to stage not one play, not The performance was made up of their energetic performance of two, but a range of Shakespeare’s three parts: A Dream - an abridged ‘You’re The One That I Want’ from work. The show featured pupils version of A Midsummer Night’s the hit musical Grease. Dragon from Year 7 to Lower Sixth in both Dream; A Scheme - an abridged House was placed third after their casts, who had worked on lines version of Macbeth and All that lies bone-chilling version of Michael and characters since the summer, in between - a medley of some of Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ – complete with to host the programme of stripped the most famous scenes, speeches a moonwalk across the stage. back Shakespeare works. and sonnets.” To the delight of the pupils and staff the event closed with Lewis (pictured left) leading the School Sweeney in The Carmen, Rossall Schools Anthem since 1868. charms The dark world of Sweeney Todd - the demon barber of Fleet Street - Amazing Sister Act 2 hit the stage at Giggleswick School, Yorkshire, playing to capacity Towers School, Sussex, staged its position, as the school’s Business audiences. Manager, to forward his own career. most ambitious production to date; The four-night run at the He tries to sell off the building ‘Sister Act 2’. The cast and staff school’s Richard Whiteley Theatre for financial gain regardless of adapted the movie for the stage, was a sell-out for most of the using the original story line whilst the effect on the school and the performances. community. However, the staff and changing the location and using pupils win through by becoming The 70 young actors and singers lots of character improvisation. a winning choir in a national plus those behind the scenes, all The play tells the story of how competition and ultimately saving in years seven to 13, were guided the manipulative Mr Crisp uses his the school. through the challenging show by producer/director head of drama, Gareth Warburton. Wind in the Willows

Junior pupils at Lockers Park The story tells the tale of Mr Toad Preparatory School, Hertfordshire, who falls uncontrollably in love with have dazzled audiences with motoring, but keeps crashing his their performance of ‘Wind in the car. Meanwhile Toad Hall is taken Willows’, an adaptation based on over by scheming creatures and is Kenneth Grahame’s much-loved reclaimed by Toad, Ratty, Badger classic. and Mole in an exciting climax.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 31 BuckleyGrayYeoman completes Performing Arts Centre for Channing School Architecture practice production as much a part of the conservation area, we’ve been sunken floor area for different BuckleyGrayYeoman has educational programme as the able to create over 25,000 sq ft of performance types or staging, completed an 8,500 sq action on stage. high quality specialised facilities giving the students and staff a ft Performing Arts Centre that enable Channing to provide highly flexible space for a variety The opening of the Performing for Channing School – an unique education experiences of arts practices. The theatre can Arts Centre marks the completion independent girls’ school that enhance the core curriculum be operated as a “black box” of BuckleyGrayYeoman’s six-year in Highgate, London. The and encourage practical environment or naturally-lit by spatial masterplan for Channing professional-standard facility has and collaborative learning three-storey-high windows that School, which has enabled the been designed to provide facilities experiences that build life skills flood the space with natural light school to provide high quality for teaching of both the dramatic to complement the school’s high when the curtains are drawn. new sports facilities and sixth arts and technical theatre skills, academic standards.” form accommodation on a tightly High quality materials were with rigging and lighting that constrained site in the Highgate The Performing Arts Centre chosen throughout the project. can be configured and operated Conservation area. will be used both for rehearsal The predominant use of red brick by school-age children, making and performance and can be and lime mortar was selected the technical aspects of theatre Paul White, Director of configured as either a 250 seat in response to the existing BuckleyGrayYeoman, said: theatre, or a 950 sq ft performance architecture within and around “The completion of the space overlooked by two tiers the site. The handmade bricks Performing Arts Centre also marks of gallery seating. A traditional have a visually pleasing natural the completion of a six-year proscenium stage sits at the end variegation of colour and texture masterplanning project that has of an auditorium flanked by two and BuckleyGrayYeoman created achieved a minor revolution on storeys of gallery seating. Movable a number of special brick shapes Channing’s Highgate campus. banked seating facing the stage to complete key building details, Working within the constraints in the centre of the room can resulting in a crafted, sculptural of a densely used site within a be retracted in order to create a finish.

Channing School Performing Arts Building Channing School Sports Hall & Sixth Form Centre Forest School The Martin Centre for Innovation

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32 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature Mathsteasers: A welcome challenge for advanced learners Mathsteasers are a series of booklets that encourage deep thinking and productive struggle in advanced learners. Created for Years 4–8, Mathsteasers questions follow the 2014 English national curriculum, so they easily fit into your practice as extension material. Identifying struggling learners and supporting them is an important part of managing your classroom. But what about advanced learners? Just like struggling learners, it’s essential to give advanced learners the support they need. Embracing Struggle Celebrate Failure Tools for Success In most classrooms, children who Maths — No Problem! developed An essential part of this is letting Perseverance can make or break a excel at maths are praised and the Mathsteasers series as a pupils know that it’s okay to fail. pupil’s self confidence and even bumped ahead in the curriculum. classroom resource to address Children should see failing as a advanced learners need to hone This is a way of providing this problem. These booklets positive opportunity and learn this essential skill. By continuing them with a greater challenge of challenging problems make that the real failure is giving up, to challenge pupils you give and keeping them interested. it easier to focus on a pupil’s or not trying at all. Mathsteasers them the tools to succeed. It may However, these well-intentioned effort and on the process they are designed to be extra seem counterintuitive, but letting classroom strategies can cause advanced learners struggle and engage in rather than their challenging. They’re about giving trouble in the future. praising them for their tenacity ability to achieve. pupils new walls to hit so that The Problem with Praise their attitudes toward struggle rather than their achievement will By taking the emphasis away and failure become positive. ensure they go beyond even their When we tell advanced learners from simply getting the right own expectations. Seeing struggle in a positive things like “you’re so talented”, and answer, Mathsteasers help pupils light encourages children to “you did that so quickly” we may embrace struggle and develop go as far as they can with a actually be doing more harm than what Stanford psychologist Carol maths problem, and explain good. Advanced learners who’ve Dweck calls a ‘growth mindset’. never had to struggle to overcome their thinking. It shows them According to Dweck, children mathematical challenges and are that failing isn’t the end of the accustomed to praise, start to who have a growth mindset see world, because they have the believe that not struggling at maths themselves as being able to grow opportunity to try again, and go is a fundamental part of who they and develop through learning, further next time. are. So, when they inevitably run rather than running up against Mathsteasers are full of into trouble further down the road, their natural limitations. They’ve challenging questions and it can be a devastating blow to learned that intelligence isn’t are designed to make learners their self-image. fixed. It’s built through hard struggle. work, deep focus and — most This isn’t to say praise is out of the But solving the problem is importantly — resilience. Children assessment picture, but we need only a small, less important who embrace a growth mindset to praise wisely by placing value part of it. Teaching with see talent as only a starting on effort and perseverance rather Mathsteasers helps pupils learn point, and aren’t afraid to push than “smarts” or success. Praising to persevere and stretches their themselves further than they tenacity and resilience goes a long conceptual abilities so they can think they’re capable of. way. When pupils are praised on grow as learners. They learn their hard work, they gain a sense When pupils shift their attitudes that struggling is all part of of optimism and an awareness that towards learning, they gain more the process, it’s a productive they can learn and grow as they confidence, start to take risks and exercise they can build on lesson meet new challenges. reap bigger educational rewards. after lesson. Ready to take your advanced learners further? Find out more at: www.mathsnoproblem.com/independent-schools

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 33 With the Girls’ Schools Association in Conference Inspire...guide...re-energise ‘On taking up my headship I was advised of the importance of having time out of school’, writes Jo MacKenzie. ‘Time to explore the educational horizon, time to be inspired by current educationalists and time to meet Heads of other schools to be energised by what they were doing and share common problems. This time out of school enabled you to be refreshed, to re-calibrate your vision and ensure that the education you were providing in your schools was meeting the future needs of your pupils. This is why I look forward, every year, to the GSA Heads’ Conference. It inspires, it motivates, it re-calibrates. The 2018 Conference was no different. So what did I take away?’ Jo MacKenzie is head of Bedford Girls School

also about a process of restoration Certainly our President set the scene graduates stand out, and as a landscape in the next decade would as we try to re-engage in the world reminding us of the crucial role result, major employers were now be dramatic. holding onto the relationship we play in affecting the future life becoming degree blind, preferring But perhaps the talk that resonated without that person. their own recruitment methods to chances of the girls we teach. Our the most with me, was Julia find the best students. Finally mention has to be made of role is not to fill empty pails but to Samuel’s, a psychotherapist who Dany Cotton, London’s first female light fires, inspiring and empowering This point was also picked up specialises in paediatric counselling, fire commissioner, who talked to us young women. by Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice on how a school can help the about her experience of leading the Increasingly as Heads we are aware Chancellor of Buckingham bereaved child. Grief is a difficult London Fire Brigade. She spoke to that the current examination system University, who argued that topic. She reminded us that 70% of us the day after presenting to the is not preparing the girls for their we were in the throes of the GSA schools, at any one time, will Grenfell Tower Enquiry about the future. The compartmentalisation of biggest revolution in tertiary have a bereaved child or adult in role she played in leading her team knowledge is not enabling them to education in 60 years. Since the their community, yet it is something on that night. As Heads we have make connections across subjects. unprecedented expansion of we find difficult to talk about. had some experience of dealing UK’s current scientific controversies universities at the turn of the Samuel highlighted the fundamental with challenging incidents but none 21st century, students are now role schools play in supporting of human cloning, global warming, of us could imagine the difficulty starting to question their value. children and young adults through embryonic stem cells, all cut across she was faced with that night. The Rising fees and increasing student disciplines; focused specialisation is their bereavement. A school’s critical decisions she had to make, not needed, creativity and scientific debt, poor pastoral care, sporadic support is integral to helping them the harrowing scenes she and her literacy are and Professor Lord lectures of variable quality, cope with their loss. We, therefore, team witnessed, dealing with the Winston’s lecture on Science literacy irrelevant material for the 21st must not sweep it under the carpet aftermath of the trauma for the highlighted this. Using excerpts from century are some of the criticisms or shy away from talking about it residents and her firefighting team, Beethoven’s C sharp minor quartet levelled at universities in recent for fear of upsetting the individual and then nearly a year later having to illustrate his point, he talked years compared with increasingly who is grieving. We need to be to justify her actions and face a about the extraordinary expansion valued apprenticeships which honest, we need to listen and not deluge of vicious criticism through of the human mind and explained allow students direct entry into tell them how they should feel. We social media, many simply because that if we wanted to progress we respected employment, debt free. need to recognise that grief is a she was a woman. Her courage needed to ask questions linking the Seldon argued that universities normal and healthy response to loss but most of all her optimism and humanities and science. had a responsibility to teach data and we as teachers can not fix it. love of her job stood out. She was This idea was reiterated in a series and technological literacy, to For me what resonated the most proud that firefighting had become of presentations on the changing teach critical thinking and the from Julia Samuels’s lecture was an accepted profession for women. landscape beyond school. Ed discernment of truth, to focus more that grief is about mourning the When she joined there were only 30 Fidoe spoke about society’s need on entrepreneurship and holistic loss of the relationship we had with women firefighters in London, this for the brightest minds to tackle thinking rather than separate that person. The black hole that year there were over 700 women society’s problems, students who subject specialisms. The growing people use to describe their feelings applying to be firefighters. She could connect knowledge and criticisms of universities, he felt, is the emptiness of their life without loved her job, she loved challenging again reiterated the point that the will force them to change their that relationship. Whilst we grow the stereotypes and loved inspiring current system of teaching, in silos offer; there will be more two year to accept that we will not see that others to follow her. of knowledge, was not allowing degrees, bilateral degrees, nano- person again, grieving is about It was a salutary reminder to all students to make these connections. degrees. Universities will have to recognising that the relationship we us Heads, that leadership is not Too many graduates had specialist diversify and with that UCAS days had still shapes us and is still part easy, making a difference is not degrees. With 67,000 graduates are numbered. Seldon ended his of us. We want markers in our life easy, but that is our role and as studying History, 420,000 studying illuminating lecture with an urgency to celebrate it and we want to talk the conference drew to a close, it medicine and aligned biological for us as Heads to inform our staff, about that person, to remember and had done what it set out to do. To sciences, he argued that specialist our students and parents that the celebrate that relationship. So whilst inspire, guide and re-energise us all degrees no longer made young changes coming to the tertiary grief is about mourning the loss it is in our roles.

34 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Advertorial Feature ‘Bowled over’ with Gerflor! The Manchester Grammar School (MGS) was founded in 1515 by Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter, to provide ‘godliness and good learning’ to the poor boys of Manchester. The school proceeded to build a reputation as one of the country’s leading educational establishments, a position it still holds today. Sport is at the beating heart of highlight the products’ enormous with their staff being trained to this prestigious educational centre comfort and safety qualities. After highest standards. a visit by Gerflor’s UK Technical of excellence with their new Shaun Davies, Managing Director, Manager, Nicholas Egan the die sports hall providing a facility Premier Flooring Solutions Ltd was cast. second to none. The previous said, “We were originally sent sports hall was damaged during Taraflex® Comfort would be the the tender from Walter Carefoot severe weather in 2014 and in its preferred flooring solution as and Sons, Builders and as it was place a new two-storey facility it also provided a flooring that a sports flooring project this has been built. The solution would not need an extra matting was a perfect fit for us”. Shaun supplied by international flooring layer, enabling cricket to be Davies went on to further add, and interiors specialist Gerflor played directly on the Taraflex® “Gerflor products were chosen for the students and users. In for this new sports area would surface. as the project required a high- be pivotal in furnishing a high- fact, it provides three times the The fitting of this top-end quality sports floor which Gerflor standard abrasion resistance quality sports solution that could performing sports flooring would are renowned for. We have used required. It also meets the EN provide comfort, safety and a fall to Premier Flooring Solutions Gerflor products on numerous high degree of performance. Ltd. Established in January 2008 occasions and found them to 14904 Standard for indoor sports Stockport- based Architects Premier Flooring Solutions Ltd are be really easy to fit and lay”. surfaces and is ECB compliant. Taraflex® from Gerflor has been WAJW, after many meetings an independent company based Taraflex® is recognised for with the school, specified some used in many international and in Swinton, Greater Manchester. providing durability, safety and 1250m2 of Gerflor’s Taraflex® local sporting events and is Since trading they have gained comfort without impairing Comfort and Performance in relationships with a number of available in 17 colours and two performance. The range offers Lagoon and Oak colours for the clients primarily in the retail wood-effect designs. greater than 45% force reduction, main hall and upstairs junior hall shop-fitting refurbishment sector The Comfort product supplied areas. The process of selection and the construction industry. to Manchester Grammar is in the making it unrivalled in the would entail a number of They take great pride in the P2/P3 category meaning fewer marketplace in terms of offering Taraflex® samples being laid to quality of their workmanship bumps, bruises and friction burns comfort for users.

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01926 622600 Visit: www.gerflor.co.uk

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 35 Dyslexia champion delighted with award wins The headmaster of Ellesmere The awards, in their third year, College, Shropshire, has said he is were presented to Shannon Davies, delighted after being recognised former Ellesmere College student for the support offered to dyslexic now studying physiotherapy at students. York University, who won the Speaking after two College Shining Star Student of the Year representatives were winners at the Award. Her classmate Fred Wild, Shropshire Dyslexia Awards and two now studying at Royal Agricultural others were finalists - Headmaster College, was a finalist. Brendan Wignall said the landscape Meanwhile Learning Support for dyslexic students is changing all Assistant Amy Hughes took the the time. honours winning the Learning Mr Wignall, who also chairs the Support of the Year Award and Council for the Registration of head of Support for Learning Jo School’s Teaching Dyslexic Pupils Manion was a finalist for Special Rugby star returns to (CReSTeD), attended the ‘Made By Educational Needs Co-ordinator of Dyslexia’ global summit in London the Year. open new playground and then saw staff and former Nominating them, parents said students recognised at the glittering Former pupil and England Rugby who benefit from the specialist PE the Support for Learning team Shropshire Dyslexia Awards at International, Henry Slade, visited teaching they receive at the school had ‘changed the life chances’ of Enginuity, Telford. Plymouth College Preparatory where Henry started out on his their children with their ‘forward School, Devon, to open the newly- rugby career. Mr Wignall said: “As Headmaster of thinking, supportive and open approach’ and that they go ‘way built playground. He enjoyed The playground is equipped with Ellesmere College I want to ensure over and above anything that reminiscing about his time at the exciting features for the children to there is the correct and sufficient school and catching up with his enjoy, such as a sandpit, obstacle provision for dyslexic pupils here - would be expected’ to understand former teachers. Henry also chatted course and hopscotch and has and with the help of an excellent their children’s individual and to the pupils, many of whom are been part-funded by the Parents’ team we are doing just that. specific needs. keen rugby players themselves, and Association. “Dyslexia is not a ‘one size fits all’ They particularly noted Mrs issue - there are different needs for Manion’s ‘kindness, understanding, different individuals and schools patience and complete dedication’ and colleges need to be able to to her role. offer a wide range of support Mr Wignall, whose role at CReSTeD so the students are getting the ensures he has access to the most guidance that works for them. up to date support methods and “Each child should be given the checks on what is available at individual support and care they other schools across the country, need to ensure they reach their very added: “It’s important to recognise best potential and it is something that dyslexia is a serious condition we are very proud of here at that affects a lot of people, many Registration of Schools Ellesmere College. of whom don’t even know about it because they’ve never been “We are constantly reviewing our diagnosed.” Teaching Dyslexic Pupils support on offer and treating each Gives parents choice. student as an individual - I am “I would urge anyone out there delighted that our hard work has who thinks they may need Every School on the CReSTeD Register been recognised with the awards additional support to speak to their has been assessed for SpLD (Dyslexia) provision. our dedicated staff and former tutors sooner rather than later. students have received.” Don’t suffer in silence,” he added. Schools are revisited every 3 years to ensure standards are being maintained. We offer: For your school: a visit by an SpLD Expert to assess your provision. For parents: a free Register of Schools accredited for their Learning Support Provision...

Contact CReSTeD via email: [email protected] www.crested.org.uk Registered charity no. 1052103 Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils Pictured L to R: Jo Manion, Shannon Davies, Fred Wild, Amy Hughes

36 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Leaders in all aspects of independent education

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www.gabbitas.com China School [email protected] Dubai Assessment +44 (0) 207 734 0161 United Kingdom Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 37 Charitable status & independent schools Charitable status for independent schools is a benefit, and one which should be earned – such is the mantra pervading the corridors of power in Whitehall. Combine that with mutterings from the opposition about targeting the sector as a taxation cash-cow and you could be left thinking that independent schools with charitable status currently have a gilded existence. The reality is significantly more complicated, writes Alyson Howard....

Running an independent school is ramifications across education and, into a trading subsidiary company in existence to provide education, certainly no licence to print money. as reported in ISM last month, the adds complexity to running the sometimes since as far back as the It is a highly competitive and hard- current government has no plans to business. The Charities 2015 SORP sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, nosed business sector and balancing do so. has been significantly overhauled, have much less flexibility in their investment to remain attractive to the new Charity governance code That said, it might be possible to structure, since they are subject parents and the necessarily high is in place, and the weighty tome specifically insist that independent to an original charter or other fees to cover costs is no mean feat. that is now the annual return to the schools charge VAT as part of the governing documents. Profitability on top of that is, in Charity Commission can collectively Brexit fall-out. The consequence many cases, hoping for miracles! seem overwhelming. Juxtapose The picture shows that rather than would add up to 20% to fees (as these overheads with the rules for a jumping on any kind of gilded Charitable status does indeed school have so few costs on which bandwagon, many independent bring benefits, but not to the level ‘for-profit’ company, which may well they could then recover input VAT) schools are charitable organisations which appears to be misconstrued not even need an annual audit, and and almost certainly give rise to for historical reasons that are by policy makers. A significant relinquishing charitable status could some financial failure in the sector beyond their control and others are saving opportunity is on business be starting to look attractive. The as many parents would be unlikely progressively loaded with rules and rates as charities are eligible for an misconceptions of gilded existence to be able to absorb such an reporting which far outweigh any 80% discount. Given that there are are rubbing off. increase. The resulting pressure of perceived or real benefits. However, very few actual services that result such failure and pupils flooding the In the mix are many independent given the potential catastrophic from payment of the business rate, state system would likely not only be schools which benefit from original structural impact on the sector being able to mitigate such a tax is untenable but also incur costs that endowments that are centuries of changing charitable status for valuable. A second opportunity is would far outweigh any tax revenue old and provide much more than schools, something which appears in donations from parents and the generated. But that may not get in just private education in their anathema to common sense, both general public (other than payment the way of political dogma. communities. That they exist for services delivered) which can for public benefit can be readily from educational and economic be gift aided so that tax can be Strategic costs and administrative shown through the provisions of viewpoints, those in the independent reclaimed. And continuing the pressures are also rising. With bursary-funded places and access to sector with charitable status appear theme, corporation tax, where any teachers’ pay increases in the facilities provided to other schools to have little option other than to surplus arising from the delivery system and increases of 7.12% and the community at large. This continue working their way through of education and other services in on teachers’ pensions payable public benefit is an inherent value the maze of compliance and pursuit of the primary charitable from 1 September 2019, the need for many and for larger, longer- regulations. objects of the organisation are to inflate fees to cover costs, let established schools has been, and Ultimately independent schools exempt. However, the benefit is only alone generate a surplus whether remains, standard practice. However, need to decide where their ethical felt should there be a surplus in the for profit or to reinvest, is by no the tenet of public benefit is foundations reside. Where ancient first place. means a forgone conclusion. progressively becoming more of an Compliance in the charitable philanthropic ethics drive the As far as VAT is concerned, unaffordable “nice-to-do” activity sector is also becoming more charitable status, changing these can government policy is that delivery for smaller schools as a result of demanding. After the safeguarding be a challenge. Limited financial of education is exempt under VAT increased financial pressure, and and fundraising scandals of recent upsides of charitable status do not, legislation. Independent schools effectively acts to the detriment of years, trustees’ reporting obligations in themselves, solve the relentless with charitable status are currently the school, its state-run neighbours are progressively more onerous and challenge of needing to fund both registered as independent schools and the community in which it time-hungry. ever better facilities and excellent with the Department for Education, sits. A bit of cutting off noses to academic results, particularly when so qualify for the exemption as For some, the administration spite faces from the structural and there is a progressively smaller group do for-profit independent schools. involved in retaining charitable national education perspective. of parents who can afford the fees. Most state sector education is also status is becoming too much. The Add to that the fact that many exempt. The opposition mutterings on-going need for charities to schools’ hands are tied when it Perhaps using the new charity to remove the exemption across ensure that any trading or other comes to change. Those that are governance code might trigger an the board would have huge for-profit activities are carved out run through trusts that have been operational overhaul. We shall see. Alyson Howard FCCA DChA CF is Partner Education and Not-for-Profit at chartered accountants MHA MacIntyre Hudson. She can be contacted at [email protected] or on 03330 100 220.

38 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] What independent schools with charitable status need to keep abreast of: • Public benefit – there must be some broader community activity and a conscious effort to assist and support children from poorer families whether through bursary places or school to school support • Audit and accounts – charities with income of over £1m must have their accounts audited: the limit for commercial companies is over £10m. The accounts must be prepared in line with the Charity SORP, which has been updated recently requiring greater disclosure in the trustees’ report and accounts. • Trading subsidiaries – if the charity has commercial operations, these need to be ring fenced in a trading subsidiary to both protect the charity from risk and to enable corporation tax liability to be sheltered by gifting the profit up as a donation. To comply with the charities SORP there must be a legal obligation in the subsidiary to gift the profits up for an accrual to be allowed in the subsidiary’s accounts. This can either be via a deed of covenant or in the governing articles of association. It is also now felt to be best practice that there are some directors of the subsidiary independent of the charity so that the ethical position of the charity is not compromised by its commercial activities. • The Charities Annual Return – this asks for much more disclosure Authors share special story time to particularly identify things like executive pay, and funds which leave the UK for another jurisdiction or come from overseas, Pupils at Sibford Junior School, The youngsters sat spellbound fundraising practices, etc. Oxfordshire, enjoyed a very special as the couple told stories about story telling session when they George’s amazing adventures in • The Charity Governance Code – this new code is well set out and ‘Jellybeans for Giants’ and then were joined by husband and wife a clear and effective tool for boards to review their governance took a look inside Molly’s magic authors, Adam and Charlotte structures to ensure they are up to date and fit for purpose. You can wardrobe in ‘Search for the Fairy access the code here: Guillain, who visited the school Star’ … revealing that the characters www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/front-page together with their puppets George had been inspired by their own son and Trixie. and daughter.

Paper V People? Wellbeing needs to become REAL in your school

Wellbeing for all needs to become number one on the agenda in It is time for Accessibility education. Until wellbeing has pride of place on a leaders agenda How accessible is the information your staff need to be well? Are they things will not change. Today, it is time to get REAL! expected to fend for themselves without support? If you asked your staff this It is time to be Responsive question, what would the response be? When things go wrong, the first step How responsive is your organisation in managing the wellbeing of your solution needs to be near and simple. How can you make that happen? staff? Take time to have a look at your policies and procedures for the It is time for it to be Lasting management of your staff wellbeing? Is it paper or people? Choose one day Your staff have two contracts in your organisation – a written one and and do an honesty check of your organisation. an emotional one. How they feel determines how long they stay. As John It is time for Early Intervention Maxwell says, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know Yes, I know that you do not have a crystal ball but you know the life events how much you care.’ For L you could also have learning. What does your that will affect staff. It could be a bereavement, an ill relative or situations organisation need to learn to put wellbeing at the front of the agenda? to do with staff children. Take time to look at your systems to act early when staff need it. It is time for you to take real action now! Where will you start?

For more information contact: [email protected]

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 39 Five ways to reduce catering’s carbon footprint The last year has seen many key environmental issues in the media spotlight, several of which are directly linked to the catering industry. So how can schools tackle these issues proactively to develop a more sustainable catering service? Kayte Sexton, Principal Consultant, Panache North, provides some answers... 1. Offer More cheese or tomato flan was enough generate more plate waste and Meat-free Options to impress them! then tweak or remove the dish. Read more at: www.tuco.ac.uk/ Recent data has shown that 2. Reducing Waste Food images/TUCO_Footprint_Issue.pdf 70% of the world’s population is National food and hospitality sectors packaging is compostable and reducing its meat consumption generate almost a million tonnes of 3. Serving Ethically- non-plastic, but it’s tough to and since 2010 the number of food waste every year. How this can sourced Ingredients find, it’s not beautiful and it’s new vegan products has increased be practically reduced was addressed incredibly expensive.” YouGov survey data shows a by over 250%! Partly fuelled by by TUCO (The Universities Catering dramatic increase in people of To begin to reduce the carbon the success of campaigns such as Organisation) in their project entitled all ages changing their diet for footprint of their packaging, #meatfreemonday, launched by ‘Fighting Food Waste One Step at a ethical reasons, and this is likely many caterers have signed up Paul, Mary and Stella McCartney Time’ which describes steps which to continue. According to Ethical to the UK Plastics Pact. Their in 2009, it is a trend which seems can be taken by many catering Consumer, Fairtrade returned to practical guide to reducing plastic unstoppable. departments. Effective ideas include: growth in 2017 after two years of waste is available at; www.wrap. Catering departments particularly • Offering a variety of portion decline, showing more awareness org.uk/content/the-uk-plastics- need to ensure that their menus sizes to reduce pupils’ over- in today’s society. measure up as UK students are six pact-roadmap-2025 selecting It is therefore vital that school times more likely to go vegetarian caterers make maximum use of 5. Providing Increased or vegan than their parents! • Pupils scraping their own plates ingredients which are ethically Success is only achieved through into a food-only bin – possibly Recycling Facilities accredited, such as through the imaginative choices however. even a transparent one! A staggering 700,000 plastic following schemes. These are Gone are the days when macaroni • Monitor closely dishes that bottles are disposed of every a great way of promoting the ethical and social awareness of day in the UK. In a bid to your school and can be linked reverse this, the Government has to PHSE. recently announced all drinks 4. Offering Greener containers in England will be covered by a deposit return Packaging scheme (DRS). Similar schemes This isn’t always easy. Eleanor operate in 38 countries, where Mills, who exploded into the fees vary depending on the size limelight in 2012 with her of the bottle or can and many natural, plant-based recipe blog use ‘reverse vending machines’ Deliciously Ella, was asked by to automate the return. In The Caterer in February; ‘What Germany, where one began in is something you want to see happen in the next five years 2003, an incredible 99% of plastic in the industry?’ She stated “A bottles are now recycled! https:// bigger focus on sustainability. zerowasteeurope.eu/2010/09/ Almost all of our take-away beverage-packaging-and-zero-waste.

About Panache Panache are catering consultancy and facilities management specialists; for over 22 years, they have been providing unique advice, assistance and aftercare as one of the UK’s leading independent hospitality consultancy companies. Panache specialises in working with the education sector through a broad range of clients including independent schools such as Ruthin School and Rougemont School, alongside Universities and Colleges such as Churchill College Cambridge and St John’s College Oxford. Contact 0330 133 1238 www.panacheconsultancy.co.uk

40 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Sporting excellence

Five ways to reduce ACS Egham reigned victorious in The tournament, played in Bancroft’s School, Essex, year 8 the International School Sports a round-robin style, saw the pupil Yusuf Sheikh has secured Association (ISSA) boys’ volleyball Egham team comfortably cruise top spot at the Boys’ U13 British championship, with the team through to the final, losing Junior Squash Championship. catering’s carbon footprint triumphing over seven other only one match to the Lycée The Essex player says, “It was a international schools from across dream come true for me to be Europe. Francais Charles De Gaulle team from London. ACS Egham the new British Junior Squash The three-day competition hosted champion.” faced Lycée Francais again in by St. Dominic’s International School in Lisbon, involved schools the final, coming from two sets The tournament, which took place from Spain, Portugal, London down to take the victory and the at Nottingham University’s David and Scotland. championship. Ross Sports Village, is a Gold Level Sanctioned Event which is aimed at the best players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Yusuf, currently ranked No. 1 in England Boys U13 and No. 4 Boys U15, started playing squash at Chingford’s Connaught Club; where he still trains. He has recently been awarded the RTF scholarship and free membership at London’s prestigious Queens Club in Hammersmith and this Leweston Prep School pupil, great, great grandfather on his year will be playing for the club Jack Davis who plays rugby for mother’s paternal side was Lancelot in their senior team. Blandford RFC was the official Slocock, who played and captained RFU Mascot at the England vs All the England Rugby team in 1908. Black’s game at Twickenham over Sadly, he was then killed in 1916 Team spirit, captured forever at the Somme. The Rugby Football Remembrance Weekend. Union (RFU) have commemorated Both of Jack’s Great Great him and the other Rugby players Grandfathers fought in WW1. His who died over the past few years.

National Team Photographers specialises in photographing school teams and groups of all sizes, across the UK. From sports teams, choir tours and theatre casts to D of E or CCF, their photographers capture the images that tell the story of each school term. How do they work? First they arrange a time that suits your school’s Jack meets Prince Harry and below with the England team schedule. Then their friendly, skilled photographers (with 20 years’ experience of crowd control) set up the team and group photos. For larger house groups, they can provide staging for up to 120 pupils. The final product, featuring the school’s name and crest along with the pupils’ names, can be purchased by parents online, in various sizes and finishes. Schools are neither charged nor involved in any administration for this service. Even better is that National Team Photographers offers complimentary use of the photographs (with parental permission, naturally) for school websites or magazines. We recommend getting in touch to find out more. Tel: 0208 947 2260 Mob: 07957 581612 www.nationalteamphotographers.com

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 41 Trends and developments in e-learning Stephen Wiles, head of e-learning at Sheffield High School for Girls looks at how technology is being adopted in the classroom for the benefit of teachers, students and parents. Technology incorporates everything, access it – students, parents and sides of the topic and there simply one time - you access it when you it crosses all borders. In this day teachers. If we want, we can share has not been enough research need it, whereas we would rather and age, everyone gets to use it, pages from my own digital exercise done yet to make quantifiable our students have access to a core regardless of their skill level. book with other students to help decisions on this matter, but my set of tools which they feel familiar “At Sheffield Girls’, technology is them collaborate on work – whether belief is that the technology will with and can tap into as and when that is a piece of homework, a group used in many different ways. We adapt over time to suit all learning needed. Our staff also feel confident task or even to assist a student on have moved on from the obvious abilities. with these tools. Cloud based the other side of the world. I view it computers in rooms and in many Online interactive platforms like learning means that you don’t have as an ‘exercise book plus’. of the year groups, we now Firefly are a great asset and Sheffield to have access to an iPad, which have students using one-to-one One scheme that has proved popular Girls’ is an example of best practice. many people don’t have at home. Chromebook devices provided by is the Digital Leaders Project which We now set all homework for With regards to usage, the school’s the school for years four to eight. allows teachers at the school to dial students from years five to 13 using current policy for our Chromebooks From 2019 this will increase to years up eight chosen pupils to help solve Firefly. The advantages are many - is that the Infant and Junior school three to nine, and we are looking to online problems in the classroom. students, parents and teachers can pupils hand them in at the start of expand it at both ends of the school The pupils, aged 12-18, are on call all interact with homework, making the day and they collect them at the over the coming years. to support teachers with technology it a less isolated task. end of the day. That’s very simple. In my opinion, a Chromebook is issues, after successfully applying for At the moment we have a In the senior school it is a little the perfect device to access internet the digital leaders jobs and passing photography competition taking bit different. The pupils can bring tools because it uses cloud based interviews to find the keenest place. The students are encouraged their smartphones in, but they storage. If it is available on the web, candidates. to take a photograph based on a have them on silent. They can use you can access it via a Chrome- And the project has been such a theme and upload it to Firefly – we them during the day, but not in book. They are (fairly) cheap and success the school is now looking can then easily display a gallery of a lesson. For the year groups that light, so we are giving students at providing workshops for parents all the students’ work which can be don’t have a Chromebook, at the not just a computer, but a fully and expanding the scheme into the viewed by whoever we choose to teacher’s discretion, they can take interactive online resource. junior school with digital champions give access to. their phones out and connect These devices cover a multitude of from the age of seven. Once students get to grips with to the school’s WIFI and access the internet. By connecting to research tasks online, whether they This is a progressive school and technology and the intuitive the school’s WIFI, they are then act as a dictionary for English as an we are always looking at ways to nature of smartphones, we must following our web filtering system Additional Language students who enhance the learning process both remember that almost everyone haven’t quite grasped the subtleties ways. has a smartphone in their pocket and we can track and trace exactly nowadays, computer-aided tasks what they are doing. of the English language, as a device Key pupils are dotted around the become very simple. With our photo to create a stop-motion animation school and if a teacher is struggling Of course they could choose not to competition, it’s simply a case of for Science or even used as data with technology or they need help do that but they would easily eat up two clicks and a photo is submitted storage – like an electronic exercise with graphics for a lesson, or writing their data and can put themselves as an entry. book. Some subjects are getting a blog, they can ask. at risk. Online safety is high on our rid of the traditional exercise book So, in summary, our approach agenda. Teachers often demonstrate If a teacher needs help they send and there are subjects which marry is all about getting them to use tips for online safety in class, also out an alert for one of the digital the technology with the traditional technology which is, in most through our PSHE lessons. We also leaders to come to their lesson exercise book. respects, already integrated into their have campaigns throughout the or they can approach them at lives. This is not simply an exercise terms. As with other schools, we We live in a mixed economy of lunchtime. technology and traditional methods in pushing technology into the would rather pupils made mistakes Pupils are learning by teaching at the moment, and because exams classroom for academic purposes, in a safe environment now and get others and teachers feel empowered. at the end of year 11 and year but expanding the uses of existing something wrong in a supportive We were keen to sign up those 13 are still paper based, we are technology. environment where we can help pupils who were really enthusiastic them. avoiding becoming fully technology Even if we have got students using about technology, not necessarily reliant - that would be a hasty the Google suite of tools – they In order to allow more pupils to those who had outstanding digital move. For my subject, music, it will all use these tools at varying access online tools, the school is knowledge. Every digital leader has would be relatively easy to replace levels of competence depending on turning some of its older laptops different strengths. exercise books because most of it is what line of work they go into, so into Chromebooks. We’re making practical anyway. For a subject like The research being done about we have got to get them familiar a good ecological impact by not English, it is not so straight-forward whether technology aids those with it. throwing old machines out, we are students less capable than others is making use of old kit and freeing up because they have to write and the At Sheffield Girls’, which is currently interesting. technology for hand-written script shortlisted in the Tes Independent more resources for sixth formers. We isn’t really there yet. Interestingly, within our Special School Awards 2019 for the Best are thinking creatively trying to find The great thing about digital Educational Needs department, one use of technology award, we have out ways of getting more resources exercise books is that material can of the most common things we do moved very specifically away from to them. be worked on collaboratively and is to give a student a device and app-based learning. Many other The positives of using technology from different locations, so unlike make it the one single place where schools have iPads, and we are in this way are many. Parents can a text-book which can only be in they can access all the information. proudly diversifying away from that. feel that they are part of their one place at one time, with a digital That definitely helps some students. The disadvantage with an app is child’s learning. They now know exercise book all parties can still There is mixed evidence on both that it often does just one thing at more about what’s going on and

42 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Old uniforms put to good use Following the implementation of Mrs Karan Hopkinson, Dr Donna a new style uniform, St Wystan’s Reid, (parent at St Wystan’s), School, Derbsyhire, have donated asked other parents to donate their old uniform to LightForce their child’s old uniform. Dr Reid they have a choice to be engaged to some extent it is, and it is only International, a British Registered collected all the donations and because they can see what has been going to get bigger, more intuitive, Charity based at the Christian personally delivered it to Lightforce happening in lessons and what more adaptive and students want Centre in Milton Keynes, England. International, Milton Keynes. they have got to do for homework. to use it and want to integrate it Purely from an engagement to their learning. One thing we The Charity is committed to The school was delighted to hear perspective parents are fully buying need to push and increase in this taking good news to the poor and that donations of St Wystan’s into this approach. country is methods to get more girls practical help to people in need. uniform had been boxed ready The work of LightForce began in From the students’ point of view, to engage with technology, so we to send to Uganda. A school Poland in 1980, during the Cold they have got access to resources, want our students to be tested and tracksuit was sent to a youth War years, and touched Czech and not just to the internet and the put slightly outside of their comfort football team in Kampala for the zone. I think our approach is a and Slovak Republics, Romania, fantastic tools on there. A simple coach of the team. Thanks to brilliant way to achieve this. Estonia, Ukraine, Hungary, Bosnia- example would be when I create the tracksuit (according to them) Hercegovina, Kosova, & Croatia in music theory videos – I put them One of the biggest challenges with they won the game 3-0! This was the following 20 years. online and they can revise what I adoption of technology is getting their first smart tracksuit they have taught them at home. people out of the mindset of not With the support of Headteacher, had ever owned. being good at it. That also expands The point is if they didn’t to staff and parents. We’ve all had understand it in the lesson -they the situation where we hear our New benchmark in school can watch the video and go back parents say they’re not good at through what I have said. They something, maths for example, so & performance sport can also access thousands of other we adopt that notion from our Bryanston School, Dorset, has completely redeveloped as part videos, including those available parents and say that we’re not completed of the first phase of the school’s drive to provide through YouTube. good at maths either! We still have of a pioneering programme to a contemporary and progressive They are also understanding what parents who say they’re no good maximise engagement and personal environment for delivering physical is good quality content, and what at technology, so their daughters achievement for young men and education and sport for youngsters is not, and that is a good skill to say that as well and collaboratively, women in all areas of sport and of all abilities. A dedicated learn if you are researching – you we are eroding those notions and physical exercise. Performance Development Suite must know how to define what is an helping families to build confidence. has also been created to provide In addition to pupils and staff at authoritative resource to use. ground-breaking monitoring, There is also no getting away from the school, many other visitors are insight and bespoke training to I’d also argue that they can make this concept that iPads are good and already taking advantage of the support the growth, conditioning decisions on what tools they find everything else is bad, or vice versa. new state-of-the-art facilities – and development of young most useful to use. It promotes What we are trying to do is to get including talented and aspiring girls sportsmen and women who excel independent thought. Potentially people to work in the cloud where and boys from local schools as well in their chosen sport. This new it does offer too much choice and it is exceptionally safe and not to as professionals from the sporting facility will also significantly other distractions, but our job is to approach technology with such a world and athletes from Bath improve the physical development guide them through the process proprietary view. University. and not force unnecessary, excessive and education of all pupils at the Ongoing costs and training are also options on them. Bryanston’s gymnasium and six school, through its distinct focus on challenges. IT is constantly evolving lane swimming pool have been the maturing adolescent. We do recommend that students use and trying to keep ahead of the computers in an open access space curve is quite hard, but we have to at home and this also helps with innovate. monitoring screen time. Trying to get people to understand One of the other benefits is that that technology is not a gimmick teachers can now collaborate with is also hard. I don’t think teachers other like-minded staff and gain use it as a gimmick, but it is not a CPD credits. Many staff use Twitter replacement for something that’s and we have been working with more appropriately done on paper. other schools to share information Technology should be enhancing and ideas on best practice. the learning and teaching I think technology just sparks experience, not stalling it in any something in people’s imagination. way. They are big challenges, but Students think the web is this I think we tackle them really well Mr Fermor-Duncan, Director of Sport with Head of Performance Sport Alex Chapman endless tool of creativity, which head on.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 43 Changing FACES... Changing Places... Changing FACES... Dr Fiona Miles has been Honours in English Literature King Edward’s the planning for full co-education, appointed as the new Head of from Fitzwilliam College, School, and she also taught at King Birmingham, has Edward’s School, Birmingham and Loughborough High School. Cambridge. Fiona was appointed announced the Latymer Upper School. Fiona is the current Senior as an English teacher at appointment of Deputy Head at Haberdashers’ Dr Ricks was educated at Camden Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Dr Katy Ricks as School for Girls and Balliol College, Aske’s School for Girls and will Girls in North London, where she Chief Master. Oxford, where she studied English, take up her appointment at the gained her teaching qualification Dr Ricks will succeed Acting Chief graduating with first class honours. start of the Summer Term. and remained until her love Master Keith Phillips in the 2019- After three years at Balliol as a The appointment follows the of science took her back to 20 academic year to become the postgraduate she then joined the planned departure of Gwen university to study medicine at 33rd headteacher of the all-boys staff of St Paul’s Girls’ School. She Byrom, who left at Christmas King’s College London, qualifying school and the first female Chief completed her DPhil in 2013. She to take up the role of Founding MBBS (Medicine) with Distinction Master in its 466-year history. has been a Governor of the British Principal at the North London in 2008. She then made the Dr Ricks has been Head of School of Milan (formerly the Sir Collegiate School International, decision to return to teaching, Sevenoaks School since September James Henderson School), The Bangkok. going back to Haberdashers’ 2002. Before moving to Sevenoaks Perse School, Cambridge and also Dr Ricks was Deputy Head the International Baccalaureate Fiona is an alumnus of where she has progressed through (Academic) at Highgate School. Board. She is married to David a number of increasingly senior Nottingham Girls’ High School Her previous posts included Head Ricks, Professor of Modern Greek and graduated in 1997 with roles leading to her current post. of English at St Edward’s School, & Comparative Literature at King’s Oxford, where she was involved in College London.

A new Head of move to full co-education status Yarm School, at University College London the Preparatory in September 2019, which will Teeside, has before completing a PhD in early allow both girls and boys to carry School at announced the embryonic patterning at Gonville on their studies at the School from Loughborough appointment of and Caius College, Cambridge Reception through to A Levels. Amherst School Dr Huw Williams and the Wellcome Trust Gurdon has been Prior to joining Loughborough as the school’s Institute. Following this, he announced. Schools Foundation, Elizabeth third Headmaster. Dr Williams, completed post-doctoral research Elizabeth Winton joins worked at the Sacred Heart School 41, joins Yarm from Tonbridge in the Wellcome Trust Sanger School in Kent, where he is Second Loughborough Amherst School, in Loughborough, where she Institute and became a Research Master (Deputy Head). He will be Fellow at St Edmund’s College part of the Loughborough Schools progressed to become Deputy taking over from David Dunn who in Cambridge. Huw’s teaching Foundation, with more than Head after starting her teaching career there in 2006. As well announced in September that he career started at Westminster 12 years of experience working as being a qualified Special would be retiring after 20 years in School in London where he in state schools. She will work Educational Needs Coordinator, charge of the independent school. taught Biology, becoming an alongside the School’s Headmaster, Elizabeth is a Senior Leader in Assistant Housemaster and then Julian Murphy. Dr Williams grew up in south Education for the use of data and Wales, attending Welsh-speaking the Housemaster of a Day and Amherst joined Loughborough assessment and also works as a schools, until his family moved Boarding House Schools Foundation in September Foundation Director (or trustee) to Cambridgeshire when he Huw moves to Yarm with his wife 2015 and is undergoing a school- for the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic was 15. He studied Anatomy Laura, a lawyer, and their three wide refurbishment. It will also Multi Academy Trust. and Developmental Biology young children.

Student work selected for annual exhibition Farlington School, Sussex, is Hamp whose work has been selected delighted to have a student’s work in previous years. selected to exhibit at the Royal Amber, who is a full boarder at Society of British Artists (RBA) Rising Farlington, will have the title Stars Exhibition in London. The ‘RBA Rising Star’ next to her work landscape painting, ‘The River’, by and will be invited to attend a Sixth Former Amber Li, 17, has been private viewing at the Rising Stars selected for this exhibition. Exhibition next year. The RBA annual exhibition shows the best of contemporary Farlington’s Head of Art, Rosalyn representational painting, sculpture, Sprey, who teaches Amber A Level printmaking and drawing. The Art Art, commented: “Amber is an Society works in partnership with the exceptionally talented student RBA to find the most outstanding with incredible focus and creative work by A Level students from awareness. It has been a joy to teach around the country. Amber follows her and see her develop to such a in the footsteps of former students high standard, and we are thrilled Jacqueline Zhang, Eleanor Bell, that this is being recognised with Emma Christopherson and Georgie such a prestigious award.”

44 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Changing FACES... Changing Places... Changing FACES... Heads Hunted Moreton Hall, on partnerships with local schools Shropshire, has and outreach. In 2010, George Among the upcoming head announced that moved to Sir William Perkins’ George Budd has School as Head of Geography and and principal appointments: been appointed then Head of Sixth Form before as the new joining Godolphin School as Hymers College Yorkshire Principal. George will take up his Deputy Head Academic in 2016. Micklefield School Surrey post in September 2019 on the A keen sportsman, George has retirement of Jonathan Forster spent around 20 years involved Shebbear College Devon after 27 years. with competitive mountain bike George is currently Deputy Head racing and is hoping to explore the If you would like mention made of your of Godolphin School,Wiltshire. hills around Moreton in between upcoming head or principal appointment for Following an education at musical performances, plays, Hampton School and Durham sports matches and other events which applications are sought please let us know University, George began his at the School. He will be joined at – there is no charge for a listing. teaching career in the state Moreton Hall by his wife, Nicky, sector before moving to Lady who is currently Director of Sport Eleanor Holles School in 2007 as at Lady Eleanor Holles School and News items, contributions, comments and a Geography Teacher and later Head Coach for the U19 England suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. Assistant Senior Teacher, working Lacrosse team. Please email to: Wellington of London. He is currently studying [email protected] School, Somerset, for his MBA in Educational has announced Leadership (International), which he the appointment will complete next summer. Eugene Rick Clarke has living in the UK as a 10 year old. been appointed of Eugene Du began his teaching career at King Rick has worked in a wide as the next Head Toit as its next Edward VII School in Johannesburg range of schools in both South Head, replacing Henry Price who of Frensham before moving to England and Africa and England. His passion will move to Oakham School Heights School, taking up a position at St Paul’s for English drove him to lead in September after five years of Surrey, starting School, London as a teacher of English departments at Brighton service. this month (January). Economics and Mathematics, College and St John’s College in Eugene has been Senior Deputy Undermaster (Assistant Head), and Raised and educated in Johannesburg. Prior to becoming Head at Trinity School of John Head of House. Johannesburg, South Africa, with senior Deputy Head at Warminster Whitgift, Croydon since 2014. He Eugene is a keen sportsman having an English teacher father and an School, Rick was a boarding is married to Angela and they have played representative rugby and educational psychologist mother, Housemaster at Wellington College two young daughters. has coached rugby, water polo Rick was destined to follow them in Berkshire. In his current role Eugene is a graduate of the and athletics. He has also travelled into education. A double major in at Warminster School, Rick is University of the Witwatersrand, extensively, been a governor at two English and Psychology, English responsible for much of the life Johannesburg and has an MA in Prep Schools and swum the length Honours and a PGCE led Rick of the school, from pastoral care Educational Leadership from the of Lake Windermere, as well as a to pursue his career in the UK, a and boarding to marketing and Institute of Education, University relay Channel swim! dream of his since he spent a year promoting the school. Student work selected for annual exhibition Outstanding Young Person A Wellington School, Somerset, air-lifted him to Frenchay Hospital, pupil has won a fabulous national where his journey to recovery began. award. Despite being told he would not Ali Layard in Year 11 has won the walk unaided again, Ali’s personal ‘Outstanding Young Person Award’ resilience and hard work has led at the National Air Ambulance to him becoming an outstanding Awards and was presented with his cricketer. He plays for Wellington trophy by celebrity Richard Madeley. School 1st team and is part of the The Great Western Air Ambulance elite cricket programme, as well as nominated Ali after his heroic playing for the Boys U15’s Somerset fundraising efforts on their behalf. Cricket Squad. In addition, he is Ali sustained life changing injuries a proud member of the England when his legs were caught in the Physical Disability Lions squad. propeller of a narrowboat. Ali’s Ali ran the Bristol 10K to raise legs were terribly injured, requiring awareness and funds for the Air hospitalisation for four months and Ambulance, alongside his father numerous complicated operations. Andrew, and Peter Sadler, the He was rescued by the Great paramedic who was at his side Western Air Ambulance Charity who during the rescue.

Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 45 The impact of independent schools on the UK economy

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) report of value of goods and services produced in an region. The next highest direct GVA impact resides ‘The Impact of Independent Schools on the area, industry or sector of an economy). in London with a total £1,089 million per annum. UK Economy’, prepared by Oxford Economics The 397 ISC schools situated in the South East This is followed by £723 million per annum in the estimated that ISC schools directly contribute have a direct GVA impact of £1,919 million per East of England and £613 million per annum in £6.05 billion to UK GDP. annum. Yards ahead of every other country and the South West. The 1,317 schools in ISC membership during 2017 supported 147,000 jobs and generated £1.59 As a share of total regional economic output, billion in tax revenues. In fact, £3.52 billion is the ISC schools’ value added is highest in the South minimum amount that independent schools save East at 0.79% and above the national average British taxpayers each year. This is equivalent to (0.37%) in the East of England and South West, £129 per UK household. at 0.50% apiece. In the capital, this share is below theknowledgeacademy.com has now analysed the the national average, at 0.29%. This is due to the report in detail to discover the direct economic impact* of independent schools by country and significant contribution to total economic activity region. made by financial and professional services in that The highest concentration of ISC schools can be region. found in the South East (397), London (236), The 16 ISC schools situated in the North East East of England (164) and the South West, have a direct GVA impact of £59 million per where there are 140 independent schools that are members of ISC associations. Comparably, the annum. The lowest direct GVA impact total. The fewest concentration of ISC schools can be found next lowest direct GVA impact resides in Northern in Northern Ireland (10), the North East (16) and Ireland with a total £64 million per annum. This is in Wales, with 20 independent schools that are followed by £87 million per annum in Wales. members of ISC associations. As a share of total regional economic output, ISC Unsurprisingly, says theknowlegeacademy.com, schools’ value added is lowest in the North East at the concentration of ISC schools reflects the numeric value of the direct GVA impact of each 0.12%, followed by Wales and Northern Ireland, region. (Gross value added (GVA) is the measure at 0.15% and 0.17% respectively. Designed by theknowledgeacademy.com

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46 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] October 2018 online September 2018

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Schools featured in this issue include: Abbey Gate College Cheadle Hulme School Kilgraston School Sheffield High School for Girls Abingdon School Cheltenham College King Edward’s School Sibford Junior School ACS Egham Crosfields School King Edward’s Witley Solihull School Alderley Edge School for Girls Derby High School Leweston School St. David’s College Alleyn Court Preparatory School Duke of Kent School Lockers Park School St. Dunstan’s College Amherst School Edge Grove School Loughborough High School St. Faith’s School Appleford School Ellesmere College Manchester Grammar School St. James School Ashville College Exeter School Moreton Hall St. Joseph’s College Bancroft’s School Farlington School Nottingham High School St. Leonard’s School Barnard Castle School Felsted School Oakwood School St. Margaret’s School Bedford Girls School Frensham Heights School Berkhamsted School Giggleswick School Our Lady of Sion School St. Petroc’s School Bickley Park School Gresham’s School Plymouth College Preparatory School St. Wystan’s School Bolton School Heywood Preparatory School Pocklington School Torwood House School Bredon School Holmewood House School Rossall School Towers School Bromsgrove School Hull Collegiate School Royal High School Wellington School Bryanston School Ipswich High School Royal School Woodlands School Channing School Kent College Sevenoaks School Yarm School

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Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249 [email protected] Independent Schools Magazine 47 UNIFORM & SERVICE THAT STANDS OUT Experts in creating distinctive designs using quality fabrics for the UK’s leading schools. Tailored sales channels for a first class customer service experience.

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