October 2017
10YEARS 2007 2017 20072017 Chair Head Bursar Registrar Staffroom School Office ...the professional journal for Management & Staff TRADE IN AND TRADE UP TO A NEW SCHOOL MINIBUS
TRADE UP TO
• Brand New Fully Type Approved 9 - 17 Seat School Minibus • All The Leading Manufacturers Including Peugeot and Ford • D1 and B Licence Driver Options • New Euro Six Engines for Increased Visit redkite-minibuses.com Efficiency, Reduced CO2, Low for our best trade in price today Emission Zone (LEZ) Compliance • Finance Option To Suit all Budgets 01202 827678 • Nationwide Service and Support [email protected]
Choose with confidence, our knowledge and support make the FORD PEUGEOT VAUXHALL APPROVED SUPPLIERS difference, call today! Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Our front page pictures In this issue... Just How Independent are Independent Schools? ~ paradoxes explored 05 Creativity at the Heart of Education ~ what happens in a Creative Learning Centre 07 Teacher Involvement with Exam Papers: Call for Evidence Clouds of colour ~ time to have your say after ‘cheating’ scandal 10 The late September sun was greatly appreciated at Cobham Hall School, Kent, when the girls staged the School’s first ever Colour Run. Social Media Dangers & the FOMO Problem Having been postponed several times due to rain, the bright blue skies were a welcome relief ~ head’s concern about pre-teens 11 and the perfect backdrop to what many Year 7s described as ‘the best school event ever!” Profile Cobham Hall’s Student Leadership Team is ~ in conversation with Deborah Newman 20 ~ 21 encouraged to reflect on events staged by their predecessors, but to make their own stamp on the school calendar. This year’s Team were New Chartered Teacher Programme determined to start the new school year with ~ all the details & how to apply 27 a Colour Run; an event chosen to encourage laughter and happiness. Head Girl Lillie Dunn said, “We feel this event was a great way to Increasing Digital & Political Literacy start off the new academic year, with a bit of colour! It will also be a great opportunity to get ~ helping pupils stay active, informed, & tolerant 36 ~ 37 to know new students.” Using a shortened version of the School’s cross-country course, participants congregated Plus outside the front of the school after lessons on Five heads make it a special occasion 06 Friday, many of them choosing to wear white Professional recognition scheme for boarding staff 08 clothing to show off as much colour as possible. On Lillie’s whistle, the runners streamed down Focus on DofE initiatives 09 Lime Avenue, clouds of colour billowing around Another school chooses ‘diamond model’ 12 them as they shook the coloured powder from their packets Scholarships for ‘drive & personality’ 15 Music, Drama, & Dance Focus Feature 22 ~ 25 Whale of a time Re-branded school going go-ed 26 Lewes Old Grammar School, Sussex, students Sports & Sportswear Focus Feature 28 ~ 33 were enlisted to help four cetacean researchers at the port of Sanremo, Italy, where they School Buildings Focus Feature 34 ~ 35 helped to collect valuable data about whales and dolphins in the Mediterranean region while living on a 72-foot research sailing boat. The Digest; Heads Hunted; Editorial Advisory Board; Key Personnel; Contact Us pages 38 & 39 Story and picture ~ page 14 Is Your School Mentioned? A~Z on page 39 Scholars meet ‘their’ steam loco Young people from Foremarke Hall school, Derbyshire, after the school, which opened in 1947. For most travel behind steam locomotive ‘Foremarke Hall’ on of its life it was based at Old Oak Common near the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Steam Railway. Paddington in London, handling a variety of train services from the capital to the Midlands, South The engine is one of 330 members of the ‘Hall’ class, Wales and the West Country. designed by the Great Western Railway and built at In another curious quirk of steam locomotive Swindon. Only a handful of the class survive. survival, a locomotive named after Repton College The engine was completed in 1949, just after also survives and operates on the North Yorkshire nationalisation of Britain’s railways and named Moors railway.
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 3 Renewed drive for accessibility King Edward’s School, Birmingham has launched its renewed drive for accessibility in a bid to secure permanent need-blind admission to the school. Last year, the school completed a £10m campaign for Assisted Places, which is currently funding 100 boys through the school. At events held in London and Birmingham in September 2017, the school shared its new ambition to maintain the current levels of assistance whilst also building a £30m endowment fund to secure the provision of Assisted Places for generations to come. Dr Mark Fenton, Chief Master of King Edward’s School, said: “An endowment of £30m is an ambitious target, and one which will take many years to secure, Up, up and away but it is fundamental if we are Pupils from Heathfield School, Once back on terra firma, the girls science lessons at Heathfield and to ensure the prosperity of this Berkshire took part in a science conducted further experiments see for themselves the school’s great school and the boys who experiment with a difference in a fun day of science involving innovative, purpose-built STEM come here. when they experienced the marshmallows and water rockets. building, opened by Sir Robert “If we achieve our aim, then principles of flying – propulsion, They were joined by 32 Year 5 Winston, which provides a hub we will have reached a point of thrust, lift and drag – for pupils from Godstowe Preparatory to drive forward the study of key need-blind admission, where themselves by rising 20ft above School in High Wycombe who rigorous academic subjects, science, all boys of academic talent will the ground in a hot air balloon. were keen to get a taste of technology, engineering and maths. be able to take up a place at the school, regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances. Head of Art’s commissions This will not only benefit the Pocklington School, Yorkshire, Both parties are interested in the Warhol Month. Selected artists school and the boys themselves, Head of Art Dan Cimmermann has transformative power of street art were invited to create a piece of but will also have a positive fulfilled artistic commissions in in deprived or neglected urban work inspired by Warhol and these impact on social mobility and, in London, York and Beirut. environments. works were enlarged and exhibited turn, the wider region. on the streets of Croydon with The project in Beirut was Artists from the UK and worldwide “The remarkable generosity of 60 organised tours of the work organised by Rise Gallery, London were invited to take part alongside over 1,600 alumni and other happening during September. in collaboration with a Lebanese Lebanese artists to paint a bridge in supporters has already changed Dan’s painting was inspired by charitable organisation, Ahla Fawda. Aley, in the hills above Beirut and the lives of 100 boys, and I hope Warhol’s series of images of the collaborate on projects organised Stone’s frontman after a trip to that they will continue to support around an arts festival hosted by England in the 1970’s. us as we seek to change the lives Ahla Fawda. The bridge was on the of generations more.” main road from Beirut to Damascus. Prior to his trip to Beirut, Dan also painted a mural of Captain Cook The school launched the next Dan painted three pieces at the at The Lighthorseman pub, York, phase of its fundraising with bridge, a piece of work in a organised by Art Of Protest Gallery, two events hosted by alumni Lebanese prison and his largest ever a new contemporary art space in ambassadors. The first was hosted mural to date, a seven metre tall wall York on Little Stonegate. by the Rt Hon. Lord Willetts at the piece overlooking the city below. Back at Pocklington School, Dan Serpentine Pavilion on Monday, Street artists such as Ben Eine and and his team have started the new 11 September, and the second by Dotmasters were among the list of term teaching in Phase One of the the inaugural Mayor of the West artists involved, infamous for their School’s new £2.5 million Art and Midlands, Andy Street, at King street art in the UK and worldwide. Design Technology Centre. Work Edward’s School on Friday, 22 Also commissioned by Rise Gallery continues on Phase Two, which is September. An additional event for was Dan’s portrait of Mick Jagger, expected to open to students in North American alumni, hosted by which formed part of the Gallery’s the Autumn. Lee Child in New York, takes place Pictured: Dan Cimmermann in Beirut with his seven metre high wall piece. this month (October). Mark Peel – author of The New Meritocracy. A History of UK Independent Schools 1979-2015, Elliott and Thompson, 2015
4 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk How independent is the independent sector? ‘It is surely one of education’s great paradoxes that recent proposals by the Blair and Cameron governments to make the state sector more independent should come just at a time when the independent sector has become less autonomous’, suggests Mark Peel...
Historically, schools enjoyed During his final year at Rugby, the have found the excess of paperwork ammunition for those who would great autonomy which enabled headmaster Patrick Derham, now to be debilitating, but pastoral care like even stricter quotas to be incompetent teachers to survive headmaster of Westminster, was has now been elevated to a matter applied to university admissions. unchecked, for various abuses to observing one of his new English of supreme importance. The resignation of Cameron saw fester and for pupils’ potential to go teachers and impressed by the The growing gap between state no let-up in the Conservative unfulfilled. stimulating classroom discussion and independent education, as government’s desire to enhance This began to change during about gender stereotypes, asked measured by league tables and social mobility. In September 2016 the 1980s when education, like him why he ended his discussion university admissions, prompted the first policy announcement prematurely. When the teacher other public services, was coming some fresh thinking by Andrew of Theresa May’s government, responded that he needed to stick to under increasing public scrutiny. Adonis, Tony Blair’s education ‘Working for Everyone’, proposed his lesson plan, Derham assured him Determined to raise academic adviser, when surveying those that independent schools should that he was now in a school which standards, the Thatcher and Major comprehensives that suffered from either offer a certain proportion of could afford to take risks. According governments stripped state schools the dead hand of local councillors places as fully-funded bursaries or to Rod MacKinnon, headmaster of much of their autonomy by and central bureaucracies. State set up an academy or a free school of Bristol Grammar School, the imposing a national curriculum, education was a poor substitute on pain of losing charitable status, secret of independent schools, a beefed-up national inspectorate if any substitute at all, for good a threat that the Blair and Brown as he discovered first-hand from and compulsory publication of teaching, good leadership and governments had held over them, being on both sides of the fence, exam results. These reforms, good governance school by unless they passed a public benefit ‘is the freedom we have to focus while much less applicable to the school, he opined. Inventing the test. The sector responded by on what really matters in a child’s independent sector, nevertheless concept of independent state pointing to the substantial increase development at school. We thrive had repercussions it felt it couldn’t schools, Adonis later wrote that in bursaries and the closer links it precisely because we do not have ignore. The dislike of league tables ‘Everything about academies is in had forged with state schools and to respond to the latest educational has been a familiar complaint over the DNA of the successful private local communities, but political whim from a centralised education the years, chiefly because they school: independence, excellence, pressure has also pushed it down bureaucracy; well-meant initiatives penalise schools with a selective innovation and social mission’. the road of social outreach, and perhaps, but all too often the future governments may well end intake and stifle creativity by product of muddled thinking.’ As part of his mission to build teaching to the test, but they have charitable status regardless. Inspection has also been critical a more cohesive society and undoubtedly forced schools to make in the field of welfare provision, a help the independent sector In conclusion the growing emphasis academic attainment a much higher much-needed innovation given the rediscover its charitable roots, on public accountability has priority. culture of abuse that had prevailed Adonis looked to those schools to affected the independent sector, Equally far-reaching has been in some schools. The Children Act sponsor an academy by assuming so that while this intervention has the onset of inspection. With the 1989 compelled local authority complete or partial responsibility been time-consuming, expensive establishment of the Office of social service departments to for its governance. Although and bureaucratic it has brought Standards in Education [Ofsted], implement annual checks on pupils’ few responded to the Labour improvements in food, warmth, the HMC, sensing the way that welfare in independent schools and government’s invitation the question facilities, security and pastoral care, the wind was blowing, set up the laid down appropriate standards of of academies caught on with the along with greater responsibilities Independent Schools Inspectorate, a accommodation, privacy, discipline new Conservative-Liberal Democrat for all. It is also the case that, government-approved agency, under and complaints procedures, while coalition government. The prime compared to the state sector, the the leadership of a former inspector the Care Standards Act 2000 minister David Cameron invited a independent sector still enjoys and overseen by Ofsted, which removed from local and health delegation of independent school greater independence and has used inspected schools every six years and authorities the powers of registration headmasters to Downing Street that freedom to pioneer alternative made its reports public. Although and inspection and gave them to a in 2011 and appealed to them for exams and expand the range of this greater public scrutiny and the new public authority, the National help, but many of them thought sports and activities on offer. Yet introduction of teacher appraisal Care Standards Commission, which it too great a diversion of time this is no time for complacency. has inhibited gifted mavericks oversaw far stricter standards in and resources, an approach that Governments of all hues are prone from roaming over broad acres of boarding schools. With schools now affronted Sir Michael Wilshaw, chief to interference and responsible education, independent schools still compelled to provide a lengthy inspector of schools. He warned independence in education as give enterprising teachers greater document of self-evaluation each the HMC in 2013 that haughty we know it, is a concept worth freedom to teach in their own style. year regarding child protection they detachment would only provide preserving. Mark Peel – author of The New Meritocracy. A History of UK Independent Schools 1979-2015, Elliott and Thompson, 2015
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 5 Teacher’s Ironman Wales challenge A teacher at King’s Ely, Cambridgeshire, successfully completed one of the toughest Ironman Triathlon endurance events in the world. Nadia Baker, who teaches Mathematics at King’s Ely Senior, took on the Ironman Wales last month (September). The gruelling challenge saw around 2,000 athletes battling it out in the seaside town of Tenby to conquer the ultimate physical challenge – a 2.4 mile sea swim, a 112 mile hilly cycle ride and a 26.2 mile hilly marathon run – all in under 17 hours. A ‘Charm’ of five heads Nadia, who lives in Sutton with her The Kingsley School, Warwickshire, provided a treat for pupils and Headteacher Ms Heather Owens, beloved Golden Retriever Milo, came 85th out of the 201 women who celebrated its 133rd birthday last staff across the whole school. The and Chair of Governors, Mrs Julia entered the challenge, after finishing month (September). The event, Head Girls also presented a special Burns. The group shared stories in 14 hours, 53 minutes and 57 known as Founder’s Day, pays assembly detailing the school’s of their time at the school and seconds. tribute to the school’s founder history and the legacy of previous decided that the correct collective Rose Kingsley, daughter of headteachers. Nadia, who trains with local Victorian author Charles Kingsley. noun for a group of headmistresses triathlon group, Ely Tri Club, said: The school were delighted to The opening of the school in 1884 should be ‘a charm’. “The day was truly epic and I welcome back Miss Nesta Jones, was ‘a dream realised’, providing enjoyed every second. There were Headmistress from 1961–1977, Pictured (l to r): Miss Cynthia Fairhurst, crowds like I’ve never seen before educational provision for young who had recently celebrated Headmistress 1977–1988, Miss Christine throughout the entire course women in Royal Leamington Spa Mannion-Watson, Headmistress her 100th birthday. Miss Jones shouting my name and encouraging and its environs. 1997–2010, Miss Catherine Robbins, attended an honorary afternoon Acting Headmistress 2010, Ms Heather me every step of the way. Running The school celebrated with a visit tea alongside three other Owens, Headteacher and Miss Nesta Jones, along the red carpet through the from an ice cream van, which previous headmistresses, current Headmistress 1961–1977. finishing chute to hear the words “Nadia Baker You Are An Ironman” amongst the roaring crowds was a moment I’ll never forget.” Changing Faces... Nadia not only took part to put her stamina to the test but to also raise funds for Beat, the UK’s leading Changing Places... charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders. To sponsor her, Akeley Wood School, Buckinghamshire, has a new Head please visit www.justgiving.com/ – Georgina Masefield. fundraising/nadia-baker. Teaching since the 1990’s, Georgina has assumed New head various roles including advisory and consultancy, school inspections and managing head teachers. She joins from Northbridge House in Hampstead, London. at your
Mrs Susan Hayes is the relatively new Principal of school? Riddlesworth Hall School in Norfolk. Please let us have a brief biog Mrs Hayes has had a long and varied career, working and image for inclusion in a most recently as a trouble–shooting Associate Head for future issue. There is no charge. Minerva Education. We’ll add them to our Firmly settled at Riddlesworth Hall where her son has been press-ganged into service as a Gap Student, Mrs Hayes has been tasked with restoring complimentary-copy Princess Diana’s former prep-School to its former glory. mailing list too. The School plans to take pupils up to age 16.
6 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Creativity at the heart of education The tall, elegant Creative Learning Centre (CLC) at Brighton College, Sussex, with its southern wall of windows offering cobalt flashes of the English Channel, is designed by world-renowned architects Hopkins. But it’s not the glamorous, modernistic exterior that the school is so excited about – it’s what is going to happen inside it. Head of Creative Learning Thomas Godber reports...
“The top floor may offer some clue The chairs are flexible because focus much better as the lesson is be unobtrusive) is the sound and to the onlooker – it’s a vast, airy educational research has shown that automatically divided into sections lighting equipment that has been double-height penthouse classroom, gentle rocking aids concentration of ‘work’ punctuated with changes installed into the classroom. The with skylights and high windows and lessens a child’s desire to fidget of position which help them to reset main purpose of this is to enhance that flood light through the rounded in class. They are on wheels because their concentration. The teacher can the school’s innovative Presentation gable roof. Inside two Microsoft this allows pupils to quickly move very easily get access to every pupil Skills classes, which are mandatory. around the classroom, perhaps hubs sit at each end of the room, as an individual, there is no ‘back The lessons, led by a former actor, transferring from all-class teaching on one the face of an MP frozen row’ effect and I have found pupils are part of a scheme of work created to smaller, peer group learning. on the screen. There are small, naturally take up the position of a by the school to help pupils grow constellation-style circles of chairs Deputy headmistress Jo-Anne Riley, gentle horseshoe so they can see the confidence in public speaking, on wheels, each with a built in desk, who was one of the first teachers to maximum amount.” enable them to take talking to a dotted around the space. On the use the space, explains: “The pupils The Microsoft hub in the room crowd or future colleagues in their have quickly got used to the new walls hang brackets in which small, allows pupils and teachers to write stride and help them deliver their flexibility and openness created by pupil tablets have been placed. on it, like a traditional whiteboard, message convincingly. Mr Cairns the innovative furniture. They can was inspired to introduce this idea This is the setting for Brighton’s but also allows real-time interaction work in teams, pairs or alone and after listening to pupils in chapel experimental learning sessions and with subject experts (perhaps an quickly switch between formats each morning and noticing how economist explaining interest rates the culmination of years of research by simply turning their body or many were shy to address their or an MEP live from Brussels). It can by the headmaster Richard Cairns desk. As the teacher moves around peers. During lessons, pupils are also host any number of software and various members of the school’s the room, pupils can easily track filmed so that they can watch their programmes as well as simply acting senior management team who have them and turn their attention to progress through the course. They as a giant interface with the web. travelled around the globe to look a pupil or group giving feedback. can compare how their confidence at how other countries educate their The ability to always be able to What perhaps is less obvious (and and performance has developed as children. move as a teacher means pupils this is done on purpose so as to they view the first recording and the final one. The sound and lighting equipment serves a dual purpose in that experienced teachers can review lessons from younger members of staff and provide helpful input and advice to help teachers improve professionally. I am very proud to say that I have been appointed head of creative learning and it will be my job to continue researching new and effective methods and settings in which children are able to learn best. I’m excited that we have thrown out some of the older, traditional notions that children have to sit in straight lines and listen for hours on end and that I have been given the scope to explore what education will look like going forward. Watch this space!”
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 7 Recognition scheme for boarding staff The world’s first professional recognition scheme for staff who work in boarding schools has been launched by the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA).
The BSA’s Accredited Boarding experience can apply to be role in demonstrating and raising Practitioner scheme will allow recognised at the highest level. standards across the whole the 5,000-plus staff who work in “The Accredited Boarding boarding sector and supporting the UK’s 480 boarding schools Practitioner scheme means safe recruitment.” and 60+ schools around the that for the first time the army Staff who work at independent world to apply to be recognised of extremely hard-working boarding schools across the UK, as boarding professionals. professionals who endeavour to and England’s 36 state boarding deliver outstanding pastoral care The scheme has four levels schools, will be able to apply linked to experience working to young people in boarding to become accredited boarding in boarding and evidence of schools can have their skills and practitioners. professional development experience officially recognised,” undertaken. Boarding staff need said BSA Head of Safeguarding And they will be able to retain to have worked in boarding for and Standards Dale Wilkins. their accredited status if they at least one year before they can “This is obviously a significant move on to more senior positions apply to be considered, while development for individual staff, in boarding at other schools in Dale Wilkins those with over seven years’ but it will also play an important the UK or overseas.
Q. What is Accredited Boarding There are four levels: their own setting, for example • Level 4 – £200 (inc. VAT) Practitioner scheme? • LEVEL 1 – A boarding member as a course tutor or similar. There is an annual membership fee BSA Accredited Boarding of staff who has completed Q. How do I apply? of £15. Practitioner status is an at least one year in boarding, Please follow the links below to Q. How long does it last? individual recognition of undertaken key training and met download: those boarding staff who are the key commitments Once granted, status is permanent, making a personal, professional • Information pack unless moving up to the next • LEVEL 2 – Someone who has commitment to best boarding level, but recipients will be invited worked in boarding for at • Application form practice. To be considered, to update their portfolio of least three years, met the key • Professional endorsement form. all applicants are expected information annually. commitments and completed to meet the following core Applications may be submitted by the BSA Certificate Course or Q. What are the benefits? commitments: email or by post. equivalent In addition to the appropriate • Safeguarding and promoting the The application form will ask for • LEVEL 3 – A person managing professional designation as an welfare of children details of boarding experience, boarding, or an aspect of Accredited Boarding Practitioner • Achieving the best boarding training, key safeguarding boarding, within their own the scheme has the following practice and the best outcomes information and a brief personal school, has served for a total benefits: for boarders of seven years in boarding, statement. In addition, all • Certificate and pin/lapel badge • Reflecting on practice and consistently met the key applicants at practitioner and undertaking regular training commitments, and has professional status will require • Termly dedicated newsletter an endorsement by the person • Working collaboratively with completed the BSA Diploma • ‘Boarding Practitioner’ for Level other boarding colleagues. Course or equivalent responsible for boarding within the 1 and 2 practitioners school. Managers and leaders will • LEVEL 4 – Someone who has • ‘Boarding Manager’ for Level 3 Q. Who can apply? require an equivalent professional been a boarding practitioner and 4 practitioners Any member of staff who works endorsement. for 12 years or more, has in boarding can apply once • Dedicated online peer support consistently met the key Q. What is the cost? the minimum criteria for the forum commitments, has completed different Accredited Practitioner • Level 1 – £50 (inc. VAT) the BSA Diploma or equivalent, • 20% discount on BSA levels are met. and has made a significant • Level 2 – £100 (inc. VAT) publications Q. What are the levels? contribution to boarding beyond • Level 3 – £150 (inc. VAT) • Offers from selected partners.
8 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Focus on DofE initiatives Sea kayak option Exeter School, Devon, pupils “Sea kayaking is adventurous and Recognition scheme are now able to carry out their the only way you can access some Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award of the wild areas of the UK and expedition by sea kayak. reach places you cannot by foot. Duke of Edinburgh Manager Mark There will be no footpaths to Schramm said sea kayaking would follow so pupils will be camping for boarding staff provide an alternative to the wild on beaches.” usual walking expeditions. One of the largest direct licence “This will involve canoe and centres in the South West, there kayak training at Haven Banks, are currently 150 pupils signed a practice expedition on the up to participate in the Bronze, Devon or Cornwall coast and a Silver and Gold schemes at Exeter qualifying expedition in the Isle School. In the last year, 44 awards of Skye area,” he said. were made - 24 Bronze, 14 Silver and 6 Gold. School. Pupils volunteer, carry pupils within Exeter School’s “As part of the training, the out a practice and actual Combined Cadet Force participants will be working The Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, learn a new skill Contingent, helping at a towards the British Canoeing 2 Scheme is an optional activity run and undertake a physical local charity shop or being star Kayak and Canoeing Award. on Friday afternoons at Exeter activity in order to pass the a friendly face to talk to in awards. Expedition locations a nursing home. However ranged from Woodbury the opportunities for volunteering are numerous Assessments with Common and Haldon Forest and all pupils find something for the Bronze Award to which suits their own skillset. Exmoor for the Silver and the zero emissions! Other examples include Brecon Beacons for the Gold. helping at the local library Typical volunteering work and conservation work on includes instructing younger Dartmoor.
FEEDING In the summer, Oundle School, Scheme, whilst themselves avoiding INDEPENDENT Northamptonshire, staff succeeded creating any air pollution or adding in assessing a number of the any carbon to the atmosphere. School’s Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Philip Pitcher, who organises the Award expeditions with zero School’s annual Climate Week said, emissions. “Since we constantly ask the pupils MINDS Three teaching staff, who are to be more aware of their carbon holroydhowe.com all qualified Duke of Edinburgh footprint, it seems sensible that we 01189 356707 Assessors, used a mixture of foot try to do the same.” (walking and running), bike, electric car (largely recharged from green Alex Brighton, who recently ran energy sources) and even an electric the London Marathon said, “The boat to assess the expeditions of pupils look at me like I’m a bit over 150 Bronze candidates and six mad when I turn up in running kit, Gold sailors. They covered hundreds but considering that we already FOODSERVICE CATERER CATEYS 2016 of miles checking that the various know the route and aren’t carrying groups being assessed met the big packs, we’ve got it easy in twenty conditions of the DofE comparison.”
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 9 Call for evidence Teachers’ involvement in developing exam papers
Disclosure of confidential pupils, teachers and other interested information about the content parties to inform our review of of an exam before it is taken is a the balance of the benefits and form of malpractice that damages risks of current practice, whereby public confidence and, if not found some question writers and exam and dealt with, can be unfair for paper reviewers are also teachers; students. and whether the current safeguards Distinguished lecturer OFQUAL rules require awarding associated with this practice are organisations to take all reasonable sufficient or could be strengthened. inspires Classics students steps to prevent such disclosure OFQUAL invites contributions to and secure the confidentiality of their review from anyone who has Godolphin School, Wiltshire, He first chaired a sixth form exam papers and other confidential relevant insights or experiences teaches both Latin and Ancient seminar on ‘Ovid and the assessment materials. to share. They particularly wish Greek from age 11 through to Bible’ where he proposed to hear from people who have A-level, in the belief that through An awarding organisation must that Ovid’s Metamorphoses investigate any suspected or alleged been involved in developing exam studying these subjects, girls could be regarded as a parallel breach of confidentiality and take materials or who have taught learn transferable skills such as religious text in terms of appropriate action against those alongside colleagues who had perception, analysis, reasoning access to confidential assessment responsible. It must also take all and assimilation which are valued revealing human nature and reasonable steps to prevent such materials before the exams were by a range of professions such development from creation to incidents recurring. taken or who were taught by as Law, Journalism, Politics and apocalypse. This was followed OFQUAL says: “While we expect teachers who knew, or said they Business. by his main talk on the Aeneid. any conflicts of interest to be knew, what was going to be included in specific exams. well managed, our rules do not Classics students had a rare Speaking afterwards, Primrose prohibit awarding organisations All information submitted in treat last month (September), Campbell, Head of Classics said: engaging active teachers from response to this call for evidence with the visit of Dr Ingo ‘Dr Gildenhard inspired us all writing and reviewing individual will be used only to inform the Gildenhard from King’s College, with his passion and enthusiasm exam questions or whole papers. review, and not to investigate any Cambridge. Dr Gildenhard is We are now inviting evidence from specific complaints or allegations. a distinguished lecturer and for all things classical and we writer on such topics as Tacitus, feel very privileged to have Heritage Open Day Ovid and Virgil. hosted his visit” Barrow Hills School, Surrey, opened one of the finest large houses the gardens have since been said, “The Heritage Open Days at its doors to the public for guided produced by the Birmingham substantially altered. Barrow Hills are a celebration of tours of the historic building and movement’ – costing a grand architecture and culture, offering Members of the public were grounds last month (September) total of £25,000! visitors free access to the historic for the third consecutive year, as given guided tours by Paul School building and gardens and After being inhabited by two part of the celebrations associated Crisell, Deputy Head and former to hear interesting stories about with the national Heritage Open families, the house was taken on pupil, who took great pride in the origins of the School and its Days initiative, England’s biggest by the Josephite Fathers as an showing his School and grounds architectural secrets that bring festival of history and culture. all boys’ boarding preparatory to the attending visitors. He local history and culture to life.” school, which later evolved into Visitors to Barrow Hills were able the current co-educational day to explore the principal School school, now run by the Bridewell building – Great Roke – which Royal Hospital charity. was built in 1909 by partner architects, Buckland and Hayward, In addition to the display of one of the leading Arts and Crafts stunning architecture within architect firms of the Birmingham Great Roke, the tour provided movement. Built in the Arts and an opportunity to view the 33- Crafts style, the former country acre estate grounds and witness house has been hailed as ‘the some of the handiwork by the most ambitious house undertaken esteemed landscape garden by the partners and is arguably designer Gertrude Jekyll, although
10 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Staff spending ‘many hours investigating and dealing with unpleasant and inappropriate use’ Social Media dangers & the ‘Fomo’ problem David Lloyd, headmaster of Solihull School, West Midlands, is concerned about the rising number of pre-teens using social media. Here, he discusses what schools can do to ensure pupils have a healthier relationship with technology...
Social media is undergoing a period relief. We can already see more their phones in the Sixth Form of rapid growth and I see no signs face-to-face interaction as they get Centre. This gives them more of this abating in the future – in used to spending less time on their independence, but is granted on fact, quite the opposite. phones during the school day. They the understanding that they need also feel less peer pressure to have There are many benefits of to be role models outside of that the latest phone. networking in this way and the building. vast majority of users do so Having the support of parents is We hope that by making these appropriately and responsibly. a key part of this change, as they positive changes across all age However, I am deeply concerned help promote appropriate and groups, we can start to see a about the increasing number of responsible uses when pupils are change in attitudes to social media pre-teens having their own social away from the classroom. in the school and a reduction in media accounts. We offer parent seminars on the some of the issues it can cause, as Not only does this place the young use of social media and online well as tackling the psychological person at risk, but it also creates behaviour, and we have significant dependency on technology we and fuels avoidable problems for approval from the staff and increasingly observe. parents and schools. parental body who were frustrated My colleagues and I spend many with the intrusive distraction and The minimum age to open an hours investigating and dealing over-reliance on technology. account on social media platforms with unpleasant and inappropriate such as Facebook, Instagram, In the classroom, we are taking use of social media in the younger year groups – particularly Year 7 musical.ly and Snapchat is 13. steps to make changes in both the Solihull School headteacher Bearing in mind that the platforms short and long term. and Year 8, and much of this takes David EJJ Lloyd are working on the assumption a place outside of school. Inevitably, Our pupils already have age- detrimental to wellbeing, with child is over 13, the possible risks many parents and children get appropriate instruction in their young people failing to appreciate for pre-teens accessing the sites are caught up in these investigations personal, social, health and the joy of the present and very real. and a lot of avoidable upset occurs. economic education (PSHEE) It often becomes clear that many catastrophising about the future. At Solihull School, we have taken programme, ensuring they are parents are uncomfortable with a number of steps to ensure all our equipped with the tools to fully My advice to parents, based on my their young child’s engagement experience, is to trust their instincts. pupils engage with social media understand the impact social media with social media and several There are many very good reasons and technology appropriately, can have on their education and felt they had to say ‘yes’ to their why pre-teens should not have through our dialogue with pupils, wellbeing. children having accounts because social media platforms designed for parents, colleagues and alumni. Our stance on this issue is part ‘everyone else has them’. teenagers and adults before they For some time now, we have of our new character education It seems pupils are increasingly are emotionally mature enough to restricted access to social media on programme, which will form a suffering from the social media deal with the exposure it brings and school computers and school Wi- more formal part of the curriculum condition, FOMO (fear of missing the consequences thereafter. Fi, and for the first time we have from September 2018. This will out). Understandably, this fear Whilst we at Solihull School will recently restricted the use of phones be informed by our current is shared by many parents even during the school day. Given that ‘Curriculum 2020’ project, which though they are worried about continue to do our very best we are a town centre site with aims to plug the skills gap so what their child might encounter to safeguard children and alert many pupils using public transport often discussed by universities and when joining in. parents when we are made aware of and that technology education is employers. inappropriate behaviour on social FOMO has arguably replaced important, mobile phones are not media, a considerable amount of We make it clear to our pupils ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ banned but must be switched off time and upset would be saved if, that they are part of a supportive and is the anxiety created by the and out of sight. collectively, the parent body joined community within the school, but thought of missing out on an forces with schools in protecting Far from this making us appear like in return they realise they too have activity or event. It is a modern our younger pupils. luddites or killjoys, we’re delighted a responsibility to themselves and syndrome driven by technology and to report that the change has been others. This is an important part of instant communication and affects From my vantage point, a lot more embraced by all parties. our ethos. many pupils, as well as parents harm than good comes from having Importantly, pupils have embraced With this in mind, we still allow on behalf of their children. The too much, too soon when it comes the change, in many cases with our Sixth Form students to use angst is very real and is extremely to social media.
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 11 Moving to co-ed ‘diamond’ model Leweston School, Dorset, has announce the introduction of co-educational ‘diamond model’ as part of a move which will welcome boys into all year groups by 2021. In taking this step Leweston impact of a co-educational single-sex education and we accommodate boys, including will be only one of a handful of environment and it is clear appreciate many families choose changing rooms and boarding schools in the country, and the that parents are increasingly Leweston because of those accommodation. A Housemaster only one in the local area, offering seeking a family school that strengths. We understand the will join the boarding team. All a structure which combines the can serve both their sons and importance of our individual classrooms, teaching facilities academic benefits of single-sex their daughters. Indeed, many approach to teaching and and supplies will be reviewed to education with the all-round current and prospective parents learning and to support this we ensure that they cater as well advantages of co-education. have been telling us they wish have taken the decision to adopt for boys as they do for girls The School’s move to co- their sons could stay or join. a diamond model for Years 9 to and all of the new facilities in education will be phased in over As a result, the Governing 11 in STEM subjects and some the school development plan a four-year period. Boys will Body strongly believes that we sports. This means that girls and are being considered with both initially be welcomed into Sixth should be offering a Leweston boys will be taught separately in genders in mind. Form from September 2018 with education to boys and girls, Maths and Science, areas where a mixed intake for Year 9 from providing a school that serves there are well-documented Almost all of the teaching staff 2019. the local community and advantages to single-sex at Leweston have co-educational The Head, Mrs Kate Reynolds modern family life”. education.” experience and many already said ‘The pupils in our Prep are “Our experience, however, has Work has already started on teach co-educational classes in already enjoying the positive taught us the strengths of converting existing facilities to the Prep School. Junior girls’ engineering conference A conference promoting careers Activities included ‘The Energy in engineering to girls was held in Transition’, where students found Aberdeen last month (September) out about the energy technologies with over 40 pupils from across being used to allow society to move Aberdeen taking part. The annual away from fossil fuel power sources event was created in 2016, as a while considering the underlying partnership between St Margaret’s themes of sustainability, energy School for Girls and the University efficiency and materials. They also of Aberdeen. constructed a roller-coaster ramp using everyday materials. Former The inaugural ‘Girls in Engineering’ pupil, Abbie Thompson, who is conference took place in October currently studying Engineering at last year to huge success and was Aberdeen University, also delivered the biggest event of its type to take a talk to the pupils. Dr Euan Bain, place in Scotland, with some 90 Dr Israel Osofero, James Power and secondary school pupils from across Head of the School of Engineering, Aberdeen city and shire, and as far Professor Guz, were in attendance, afield as Glasgow and Edinburgh offering support and advice to the taking part. pupils. Last month’s event was aimed at Miss Anna Tomlinson, Head of St primary age pupils and also saw P7 Margaret’s School for Girls, said, pupils from Ferryhill Primary and St “Following last year’s successful Joseph’s Primary in attendance. inaugural ‘Girls in Engineering’ The event included presentations conference, we are once again and practical workshops designed excited to collaborate with the to challenge and inspire the girls. university in this way.” Picture courtesy Sarah Christie - The University of Aberdeen
12 Independent Schools Magazine Moving to co-ed Password Winter Conference Following an extensive consultation with our school partners, we will be launching the revised and extended Password Maths test at our ‘diamond’ model winter conference. The conference will take place at the London Mathematical Society where there will also be an opportunity for those unfamiliar with Password testing to find out more about our English tests, and how our testing services are used by our partner schools. The new Password Maths test has eight different modules set at increasing levels of difficulty. A number of these modules (typically four) are selected by each school to meet their requirements for assessing applicants to secondary education, GCSE courses, and A level and IB programmes.
Date: Tuesday 5th December, 2017 from 2pm to 4.30pm Place: London Mathematical Society, Central London
Cream tea will be served during the afternoon.
RSVP to [email protected]
Gold Standard TestingTesting for Independent SchoolsSchools
About Password Since their launch in 2008, Password tests have been Password Pupil has given King’s Ely a single-platform used by for accurate and reliable “gold standard” “ testing management system for years 6-13 for all our English language and maths assessment. The tests, international applicants. The content is rigorous, valid designed by experts and aligned to international and randomly generated and managing the system standards, are used overseas to facilitate student has proved simple with excellent customer support recruitment and admission, and in the UK for from the Password ELT Team. From an academic screening on arrival. point of view the system offers a cohesive way to compare results to the CEFR and general English Secure test delivery, results and certificates are all levels while the online writing tasks are varied and simply managed online eliminating the need for sending appropriate for Academic school-level English. Within papers and scripts backwards and forwards, marking, the school we have become far more efficient as and subsequent data input. Password’s accurate Password means all of us in admissions and results can be relied upon for admission to secondary management can access results directly, reducing education, GCSE, A level and IB programmes. emails and phone calls on a day-to-day basis. Password tests are delivered by our partner schools’ Password has given us a bespoke, professional and own staff and trusted representatives, or by the British effective product that exceeded our expectations and Council, wherever and whenever required. meets our international admissions needs completely.” Matthew Norbury, Academic Director of International [email protected] Programmes, King’s Ely, Cambridgeshire www.englishlanguagetesting.co.uk
Independent Schools Magazine 13
Ind Schools conf A4 Ad Oct 2017.indd 1 04/10/2017 15:52 Innovation across the globe Whale of a time on Mediterranean adventure Lewes Old Grammar School, “Best of all though, was when we Sussex, students stepped out of the came across another sperm whale. classroom and onto a boat as they We soon realised he’d never been sailed across the Mediterranean Sea seen before and had the unique in search of marine life. privilege of naming him Lewis, in honour of the school.” Year 9 pupils were enlisted to help four cetacean researchers at the Students were also put through port of Sanremo, Italy, where they their paces as amateur sailors on helped to collect valuable data the expedition, and tasked with about whales and dolphins in the cooking, cleaning and maintenance duties, while also spending one Mediterranean region while living hour shifts working with a marine on a 72-foot research sailing boat. biologist on the sighting platform Over the course of the trip, students every day. saw more than one hundred striped In a rare turn of events, the dolphins, a loggerhead sea turtle, captain steered the group out from two sperm whales, and two fin Sanremo and into French waters, whales. They also spotted bottle- where they anchored overnight nosed dolphins, only the fourth between two islands in the Cote sighting of the pod for the entire d’Azur (French Riviera). Pupils had season. the chance to jump from the boat LOGS teacher Abigail Nagamootoo into the water to swim and snorkel said, however, that the most in the middle of the ocean. incredible discovery came later: “We “This trip was really about offering saw one sperm whale called Erico students something completely Also see cover background picture twice in the course of the week – different. After we went to Costa which was incredible considering Rica last year, we wanted to give gave them an insight into marine classroom,” Abigail added: “It was he hadn’t been seen by researchers Year 9 students a similar chance life which they could never quite literally a chance to expand in the entire Mediterranean Sea for to do conservation work in an have experienced had they just their horizons by sailing into the more than a decade! inspiring setting. The expedition been studying within a Sussex vast expanse of the sea”. Showcasing medical invention Young inventors from device, which monitors heart rate detected, the vest sends a text Daljit Kaur, Head of STEM Loughborough Grammar School variability and body temperature message to the wearer’s phone, Innovation at Loughborough have become the first to represent to predict a fit up to eight and that of a Carer, to warn them Grammar School, praised the the UK at a prestigious science minutes in advance. If one is that help is needed. boys’ hard work, adding that and technology event in China. their success was a testament They flew out to Hangzhou to to the school’s commitment go head-to-head with students to STEM (Science, Technology, from around the world at the Engineering and Maths) subjects. China Adolescent Science and Technology Contest. “By drawing on their own real- world experience, they have The pair, both 16-years-old, created a device that could secured their place after winning the Big Bang Competition in eventually prove life-saving for March, when they fought off epilepsy sufferers,” she said. competition from more than As well as competing in China, 21,000 students to take the E1 was also showcased at the UK Young Engineer of the Year European Union Contest for 2017 title. Young Scientists, held in the Their invention, called E1, is Estonian capital Tallinn last a pioneering wearable vest month (September). They have designed to alert epilepsy also been invited to present to sufferers that they are at risk of medical professionals at the a fit. After witnessing someone having a seizure, Sankha teamed Daljit Kaur with students Sankha Kahagala-Gamage and David Bernstein Royal Society of Medicine. up with David to develop the
14 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Scholarships for those with ‘drive and personality’ to thrive Wynstones School, Gloucestershire, is launching a programme of sixth form scholarships to encourage the next generation of creative and critical thinkers to fulfil their potential. The school is inviting of intelligence, and prepares case-by-case basis in relation results and we will be awarding the applications for the Bennell- students for the challenges of to the amount of funding new Bennell-Nokes Scholarships to Nokes Scholarships and is keen the modern world as rounded they receive. In addition, the young people who have the drive to identify young people who and resilient individuals and Scholarship can be combined with and personality to thrive in our Sixth show a passion and curiosity independent thinkers. other Wynstones bursaries and Form.” for learning. The new awards The school will offer scholarships awards. As a first step, candidates in Year mark the 80th anniversary of to pupils who are passionate Marianne Law Lindberg, Chair 11 must complete the application Wynstones, which promotes a about becoming creative, critical of College (pictured above) said: form reflecting on their education Steiner Waldorf education, and to and independent thinkers who “The scholarships are a superb to date, summarising their celebrate the educational legacy value both deep knowledge and opportunity for pupils to cultivate experiences at secondary school of the school’s founders, Margaret will embrace the extensive Steiner their love of learning and inquisitive and their suitability for a Steiner Bennell and Cora Nokes. curriculum. thinking. In particular, they are education. Successful applicants Successful candidates will Unlike some scholarship aimed at students who seek both will then be invited to create benefit from the school’s broad programmes, there is an deep subject learning and the broad, a 10-minute presentation on curriculum and ethos, which unrestricted number of rich curriculum of a Steiner school a chosen topic as outlined in stresses the importance of both scholarships available and each like Wynstones. We do not believe the application pack which is academic and emotional aspects applicant will be judged on a in judging students purely on GCSE available on our website. Celebrities open all-weather pitch Wellington School, Somerset, held The original All Weather pitch was via the Corner Capital Fund. The gold and double bronze Olympic an opening ceremony of its newly opened in 1999 and a new surface Friends continued their support medallist and our own GB Hockey resurfaced All Weather Pitch with was long overdue. The old surface by serving refreshments and my player Tom Carson whose name is special guests Alex Danson and and the rubber underlay were sincere thanks go to the Estates and synonymous with Wellington and Tom Carson. removed and a new rubber shock Grounds Departments who have Hockey. It was a privilege to have pad was laid. The new surface is a worked so hard to ensure it was two such inspirational figures to Alex Danson is a double Olympic sand dressed synthetic grass carpet completed on schedule.” open the All-Weather pitch and start medallist, winning gold in Rio 2016 manufactured by Lano Sports NV in “We were fortunate to welcome the term on such a positive note,” as part of the GB Field Hockey team. Belgium. The fencing has also been hockey legends Alex Danson MBE, concluded Henry Price. She was just 16 when she made her renewed and new team dugouts international debut in 2001 and has have been built. The total cost of won over 240 international caps the work was £280,000.00.
Tom Carson is an Old Old Wellingtonians, parents, pupils Wellingtonian and plays hockey guests and the Mayor of Wellington for Great Britain and England. turned out in force to watch some He made his debut in Belgium in celebrity coaching session with June 2013. He has won a number Tom and Alex, an official opening of medals, the latest a gold and ribbon cutting followed by a medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah celebrity match with pupils, past tournament. After graduating pupils and staff. Exeter University with a degree Headmaster Henry Price in Management with Marketing, commented, “I would like to thank he’s also been featured on all the Parents, OWs and Friends Dragons’ Den for his clothing of the School (both formal and From left Wellington Mayor Gary James; Head Henry Price; Tom Carson and Alex Danson company YoungOnes. informal) who have donated to this
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 15 International School to open in Penang Stonyhurst Government’s vision to develop local students. proud Jesuit heritage and College, Penang as an Education Hub. The Chief Minister of Penang, culture. I am honoured and Lancashire, The school, which will Mr Lim Guan Eng, witnessed the moved to be part of a new is to develop chapter in its history, by signing accommodate up to 1,200 signing of the key agreements Stonyhurst this agreement with Chief local and international pupils on this landmark collaboration Penang Minister Lim Guan Eng. The aged 3 to 18, will be operated involving the Penang State International School in Seri by Stonyhurst College upon opening of the Stonyhurst Government, LAPIS, and Tanjung Pinang, Tanjong completion in 2019. The College in Malaysia is an historic Stonyhurst. Tokong, Penang, Malaysia. school will offer both a British milestone for the school and It will attract both international curriculum to prepare students Head Teacher of Stonyhurst, one which I sincerely hope will and Malaysian students from for entry into the best UK and Mr John Browne, pictured, benefit both the community the region to study in Malaysia, international universities and said, “Stonyhurst College was of the school and the wider in line with the Penang State some Malaysian subjects for founded in 1593 and has a community around it.”
Chaplains College hosts installed Any Questions? The Venerable Jonathan Smith, the Lancing College, Sussex, hosted Archdeacon of St Albans, licensed BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions? The Revd Jos Perris as School in the College Chapel last month Chaplain at Aldenham School, (September). Hertfordshire, and The Revd Philip Green as Assistant School Chaplain. Chairman Jonathan Dimbleby They are pictured here with head welcomed the audience of over 350 James Fowler. to hear debate between panellists Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott MP; Minister of State for 140th anniversary celebration Disabled People, Health and Work Students from Ashville College’s Current pupils are being asked Other activities over the coming Penny Mordaunt MP; columnist Prep School, Senior School and to design a 140th Anniversary months include a dinner for and author Charles Moore; Sixth Form in Yorkshire, were the tie for Old Ashvillians to wear at former pupils and staff in and political commentator and stars of an aerial photograph that receptions, lunches and dinners, London, a Christmas drinks broadcaster Steve Richards. saw them forming the number and for former pupils to share reunion and the publishing of Guests for Friday’s broadcast 140, with the iconic clock tower their memories and photos on a specially commissioned book gathered from across the local as the backdrop. social media. featuring “140 Ashvillians”. community, including students from Worthing College, Sir Robert Woodard Academy, Steyning Grammar School and Shoreham Academy. Unsurprisingly, Brexit dominated much of the discussion. The panel, featuring both supporters and opponents of Britain’s exit from the European Union, fiercely debated what the Prime Minister’s speech meant for the future of the country. As the night progressed, other current issues were addressed, including the verbal dispute between US President Donald Trump and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un, the Uber licence and the charitable status of independent schools. Lancing Chapel is open to the public daily and is a regular feature on tours of the Sussex coast. It welcomes over 4,000 people every year.
16 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Advertorial Feature Improving Academic Work by Dr Elizabeth Nichols Having taught first year students at a top ten university for four years I have formed the opinion that the dropout rate in the UK higher education system is linked to students not being prepared for academic study at university.
The dropout rate from UK quickly […] You need to make sure to learn to juggle their lectures, without having been given institutions has increased for the if you are offering lower grades, seminars, weekly readings, a foundation of study skills first time in four years, according you need to [support students] to assignments, taking part in on which they can build. One to data from the Higher Education make that transition’. and running societies, as well solution is to teach the skills Statistics Agency. An average as potential part time work, Here lies the issue, that although they will need before going of six per cent of first degree internships and work placements. universities do offer study skills to university. Skills such as entrants under twenty-one did not Getting a degree is no longer the services and courses they are often analysis and essay writing are continue their studies beyond the sole criteria as employers look for not built into the curriculum. transferrable and will improve first year, and at some universities evidence that students pushed As such it is the responsibility of students’ current school work the dropout rate goes up to themselves further than their the student to be actively aware as well as giving them a firm eighteen percent. The report goes peers whilst attending university. grounding for their future on to say that though retention that the help is there and to then take steps to attend the classes. Given the pressure that independent learning. rates have not gone down since students already encounter it 2010 they remain stubborn, and Therefore, those students that do www.thinkuniversity.wordpress.com is unreasonable to expect them [email protected] very few institutions have made not do this, or are never made to pursue independent learning @universitythink significant improvements. aware of the support network in the first place, are left to muddle Contributing to a Times Higher through independent learning Education article John Howson, as best they can. Many of the a visiting professor of education students I have taught were Think at Oxford Brookes University, conscientious in asking for a said that there is a danger of feedback meeting to help them to universities enticing students University improve their marks. Those that through lower grade offers. The did not do this often saw their danger being that the universities marks fall throughout the year are not going to provide ongoing as they hoped that trial and error support for the students once they IMPROVING ACADEMIC WORK would see them through to the begin their courses: ‘if you are second year. • Think University believes in providing going to lower the grades then you pupils with the skills they need to improve need to monitor whether those University life is less focused on their academic work are the people who will drop out socialising and students have • We understand the importance of pupils being given the necessary building blocks required for Higher Education • Our courses focus on skills such as analysis and essay writing • The aim of our courses is to enhance discussion, debating and social skills as well as study skills • Our courses have already received positive feedback from KS4 pupils: ‘I think the course was very helpful, I have already used these skills in my history essays and my mark went up!’; ‘Now when I am writing as part of my school work I apply what I’ve learnt from the course’ • Think University is happy to discuss the benefits and support their courses offer. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for further information.
www.thinkuniversity.wordpress.com @universitythink [email protected]
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 17 Tycoon masterclass Digby, Lord Jones of Birmingham Kt. was the distinguished speaker at a Guest Masterclass at Bromsgrove School. Old Bromsgrovian and Head Boy, Lord Jones attended Bromsgrove School from 1966–1974 From Manchester High pupil to BBC ‘dragon’; Jenny Campbell (right) and went on to read Law at with Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress (left) and students University College, London. wealth creation and fighting for Lord Jones has spent a hugely business and reform of public Latest dragon returns to school successful career in Business, services. He champions the UK’s serving as the Director General of role in the world as a home of Jenny Campbell, the latest investor daughter. She commented, “There the CBI and Minister of State for global competitiveness. to join the panel of hit show, was a point where, as a country, Trade and Investment. Dragons’ Den, was back in the we went too far in pushing all our The Headmaster, Peter Clague North West last month (September) young people to university. I’m proof In 2011, Lord Jones published (pictured with Digby, Lord as she returned to speak at her that it can work out just as well, if his first book Fixing Britain: Jones), said “Lord Jones gave a former school, Manchester High not better, if you do your own thing. The Business of Reshaping Our barnstorming address that was School for Girls. Nation which was shortlisted witty and insightful. It was a “Granted there was once a time tour de force, deftly explaining The business entrepreneur had for the 2012 CMI Management in the corporate world where if the political and social upheavals a frank message for the girls as Book of the Year. In 2017 Fixing you didn’t have a degree you’d be of the complex world that our she told of her rise from humble Business: Making Profitable treated as a second class citizen, pupils are inheriting. He also bank cashier to multimillionaire, Business Work for the Good of but the global recession changed spoke eloquently of the power “You have to make it happen for All, was published. all that and the tide has turned. of education to transform lives, yourself.” Employers and investors, like myself, Lord Jones is an active a message made more powerful Jenny took the opportunity of are looking for people with the right public speaker at events and by the fact that he attributes his speaking with parents to remind attitude and aptitude in spades. We engagements all over the UK own stellar career to his good them that university isn’t necessarily can train and teach you the rest on and overseas, fulfilling his vision fortune at being a Foundation the only route to success for their the job.” of promoting socially inclusive Scholar at Bromsgrove School.” Legal Briefing Is suspension really a neutral act? The High Court in the case of conducted fairly. However, there should not be the default position Tribunals have stated that Agoreyo v London Borough of was nothing to explain why this and should only be used when employers who are governed by a Lambeth has recently handed required her to not be present in there is no reasonable alternative. regulatory body will be held to a down the judgment on an appeal the school. Further, the teacher The courts have long taken a higher standard of reasonableness from a teacher who was suspended had expressed her concerns over stance that suspension is not the given that the employee in following an incident involving the children in question and neutral act that employers claim it question may not only lose their physical force towards 2 children had told management she was to be. Suspension can be extremely job but also their ability to pursue at the school she worked at. The struggling to deal with their demoralising and isolating for the their chosen career path. This teacher resigned the same day behaviour. A plan had been put in individual. Removing them from undoubtedly includes avoiding and brought a claim for breach place to help her but had not yet their work casts doubt over their suspension where possible. of contract. The county court been fully implemented when she competence and brings attention dismissed this claim on the basis was suspended. to an investigation which might that the school was not only This case confirmed what the ultimately find that the employee entitled to but bound to suspend courts have been saying for years; is not guilty of misconduct. her on the basis of the allegations that suspension should not be a Suspension must therefore only made by colleagues. Further, the knee-jerk reaction. Even in the be used in cases where there is no friendly tone of her resignation presence of evidence supporting an alternative and where the presence letter was used to evidence the fact investigation, employers should be of the employee could put others, there has been no breach of trust careful not to automatically place the business or the investigation and confidence in her relationship members of staff on suspension at at risk. with the school. the risk of breaching their duty of This case also highlighted that The High Court took a different trust and confidence. This supports appropriate action to help the view, allowing the appeal. The the Statutory Guidance provided by teacher deal with the two pupils letter advising the teacher of her the Secretary of State in 2012 for should have been taken before suspension stated that it was to schools and head teachers which suspension or disciplinary action ensure the investigation could be clearly states that suspension was considered. Employment Donald MacKinnon, Director of Legal Services Email [email protected] or call 0141 271 5555
18 Legal & Business Swot. It takes years of recurring rounds of head-down study, examinations and qualifications to become experts in employment law, health & safety and HR. That expertise extends to the education sector. So why not put us to the test? Because like most swots, we’re confident of passing with flying colours. lawatwork.co.uk
Employment Law | Human Resources | Health & Safety
To find out how we are disrupting the market with expert, value for money advice, email [email protected] or call 0141 271 5555 to arrange an appointment.
Artwork Client: LAW Doc: 1-00102392.003 LAW Swot Indep.SchoolsMag (297x210) AW Project: Press Size: (297)mm x (210)mm A/C: Alice AW: RB C M Y K Date: 04.10.17 Version: 2 ProfileIn conversation with Deborah Newman
Born: 1962 Fulneck School was created in 1994 pupils, staff and parents was a real advantage; through a merger of boys’ and girls’ they already knew me well and trusted me to do Married: to David (now semi Qschools, both of which had been founded the job. The main disadvantage of any internal -retired) We have 4 grown up in the 1700’s by the Moravian Church, one of the appointment is you cannot ‘bluff’; everyone knows children: Emma 31, James 29, oldest Protestant movements. The Moravians – your strengths and weaknesses and you also Rosie 29 and Tom 28 who are represented on your Board of Trustees cannot buy time because you already know the and also maintain Ockbrook School in Derbyshire, school. Staff had an expectation on me to make Schools and University - are perhaps best known for creating the changes because they knew that I could see what Attended: The Bar Convent Christmas ‘Christingle’ tradition. In what ways needed to be done. Grammar School, York from does the Moravian heritage impact upon the 1973 – 1980 followed by school today? From early in your teaching career you have taken a particular interest in pastoral Bachelor of Education Degree The Moravian heritage is very important care. Whilst most schools have promoted at Bedford College of Physical to our school, even more so today when Q this aspect of their service to young people for only a minority of children are exposed to Education A many years, there has been a recent upsurge in religious credence within the family setting. Today First job: Linton Village College Fulneck is a multicultural school with children the inclusion of ‘mindfulness’ sessions, although the claimed benefits of this are by no means - a rural co-educational 11-16 from diverse backgrounds. We are, therefore, keen universally accepted. What is your view? school in Cambridge to promote traditional Christian values through our curriculum, rather than any specific religious I am a believer in listening to the views First management job: beliefs. These values permeate our curriculum and of our young people and I know that Head of Pastoral Care at our daily routines. Our school motto, ‘In essentials ‘mindfulness’ is something that many Unity, in non-essentials Liberty, and in all things A Foremarke Hall (Prep School to young people want to understand and participate Repton) in Derbyshire Charity’, replicates the values and attitudes of the in. It is always good to offer sessions like this as Moravian Church which are as relevant today as an optional extra for children who feel they might First job in education: as above they have ever been. benefit from them. I am sceptical about curriculum lessons on mindfulness for the simple reason that Appointed to current job: We still hold our traditional Christingle service in December and ask our whole school community once something is imposed on teenagers, they joined Fulneck in September to attend the service. Our boarders attend Church often reject the idea out of hand. However, drop in 2008 as Vice-Principal and services every Sunday in our beautiful Church or extra-curricular sessions are non-threatening was appointed to the role of on the Fulneck Settlement with members of the and the students feel they have made their own Principal in 2012 local community, and our annual Heritage Day decision to attend. reminds us all about our Moravian traditions and Favourite piece of music: background. There has been much talk in the media Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison) and elsewhere about the increasing You were appointed Principal after Qincidence of eating disorders, some Favourite food: I have many four years as deputy. Were there any seriously life-threatening, particularly amongst but nothing beats a good steak! Qparticular issues you faced through teenage girls. Do you feel that being at a co-ed school alongside boys makes girls less susceptible Favourite drink: a chilled glass being an internal appointee? With the wisdom of hindsight, would you have prepared differently to such problems? What systems do you have in of champagne for the transition? place to identify and help young people who may be on the way to developing an eating disorder? Favourite holiday destination: No amount of training or preparation Fuerteventura can adequately prepare a person to The mental health of young people has become a Head teacher or Principal of a to be a priority for all schools today. Favourite leisure pastime: A Incidences of stress, anxiety, eating school. It is like no other job in the world but it is A spending time with my lively the most rewarding and privileged role and I am disorders, and even suicide are on the increase and family and long walks in the grateful every day for the opportunity to make a we all have a responsibility to raise awareness of countryside with Gary (my positive difference to the lives of young people. these issues through our curriculum and extra- mother’s dog) Being an internal appointee had advantages and curricular programmes. At Fulneck we have an disadvantages – the obvious advantage being that outstanding school nurse, ‘Nurse Sheila’, who not Favourite TV or radio I knew the school and understood the challenges only looks after the health of our children but also programme/series: Poldark we faced; I knew what I wanted to do to improve raises staff awareness of these important issues certain systems and procedures. My predecessor and keeps us all on our toes in terms of up to date Suggested epitaph: ‘There are was a great support to me and nurtured me information. Having just inspected a girls’ school, I no limits – follow your dreams’ during my last year as Vice-Principal. Knowing the am reassured that a co-educational environment
20 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Deborah Newman has been Principal of Fulneck School, Yorkshire, since 2012. She was a Housemistress of a girls’ boarding house of 75 13-18 year old girls at Repton School, Derbyshire, before moving to Fulneck as Vice-Principal in 2008.
is a healthy setting for teenagers, and, whilst Headlines such as ‘Cheating Scandal not motivated at this stage in their lives to there is no room for complacency, the support Hits Top Public Schools’ have damaged pass an academic test; they were sent down a network in place at Fulneck means that we can Qthe credibility of all concerned. Is it practical route because they did not pass tests spot the patterns early and support children now imperative that all schools follow the best at eleven. Today, parents have more choice for (girls and boys) who might be causing us practice of some in not allowing their staff to their children and there is certainly a place for concern. In a previous role, as a Housemistress help set papers for exam boards where their Grammar Schools if this is the best fit for an of a girls’ boarding house, one of the most own students sit those same exams from the individual child. difficult situations I ever had to deal with same boards? concerned a lovely girl who developed anorexia. Fulneck educates around 400 pupils from Her demise affected every member of the The whole examination system is a 3 to 18, around 80 of whom board. Do community and it was very difficult to watch minefield for schools. The goalposts Qyou anticipate that boarding will become her health and mental wellbeing deteriorate Ahave changed frequently over the more or less popular as the years roll by? so rapidly. It had a significant impact on those past few years and are still changing today. around her. Neither school leaders, teachers, nor the young I am a great believer in boarding people themselves know what changes might and I would hate to think that the Technology pervades almost every aspect be imposed next and there is much confusion. Apopularity of boarding might diminish of young peoples’ lives, both in and I really feel for parents who are striving to keep in the future. Boarding offers young people the Qout of the classroom, bringing with it a abreast of the examination process so that they opportunity to develop themselves within a safe and structured environment, whilst affording reduction of one-to-one, face-to-face, inter- can support and advise their children. them some independence. My experience, personal communication. Does this concern having spent much of my career in schools with you? Could young people of the future find In terms of schools being involved in boarding, is that it can be the making of young difficulty interacting with each another socially? malpractice, I don’t believe there is ever any excuse for this. We all want our students to people. Many students who join boarding for the Sixth Form tell me that they wish they had Now you have really hit a nerve with achieve their full potential or beyond but not by foul means. Where there is evidence of cheating done it earlier. They enjoy spending time with me as this issue is probably the one their friends and having a range of activities on that most concerns me as a Head in the or malpractice, the adults involved should not A be allowed to examine as they have abused their offer to opt in or out of. With the availability of 21st century. Whilst I feel that we must all keep Skype and Facetime, even the youngest boarders abreast with technology in this fast-changing position and put the grades of their students at risk. The whole system is undermined if can keep regular and positive contact with world, I am concerned that our young people the professionals in positions of trust and their parents and families. It is the structure of are becoming dependent on their technology, responsibility lack integrity. boarding that seems to work for teenagers and almost as an addiction. It concerns all of us young people. We all know that young people in education that many young people are You attended a Grammar School in need boundaries and will respond positively absolutely bereft without their mobile phones York. Should there be more Grammars? if these are clear and consistent. It is perhaps and parents are increasingly under pressure Q easier to impose boundaries in a boarding from their children to relent at a young age school environment than in the family home. and allow their children this ‘privilege’. In my There is a place for Grammar Schools six years as Principal of Fulneck, I have become and it is fair to say I benefited from this If a new Head asked you for a few increasingly concerned that young people system. I was pushed hard at school words of advice in their first day in the prefer to communicate through a third party in job, what would you say? toA achieve my potential and I was intrinsically Q the form of a small screen. This will inevitably motivated. I had set my sights on becoming affect their ability to communicate verbally, to a teacher at an early age and I knew what I ‘Love your staff’. confidently look people in the eye and converse. needed to do to achieve my goal. However, It was advice I received from an This is obviously not the case for all young academic achievement is not the be all and A experienced Headteacher before I people but, for those who have a tendency to end all and there were children in my Grammar took up my post as Principal. Through the many social awkwardness or shyness, it exacerbates School who would have benefited from a less challenges I have faced in school leadership, these traits. If children feel excluded from any academic curriculum with some practical it is the piece of advice that I remind myself of situation with their peers, there is a tendency to or vocational subjects on offer. My concern daily. The staff in any school are the biggest isolate themselves further by communicating about Grammar Schools is when children are asset and deserve to be nurtured, developed and through social media with invisible and ‘written off’ at the age of 11 or even younger. supported. In our daily dealings we can often anonymous ‘friends’. Schools have a role to play Young people develop at very different rates forget how intense and pressured the teaching in giving young people as many opportunities and intellectual capacity continues to develop profession really is, despite the obvious rewards for social interaction as possible, whilst ensuring well into puberty. I had friends who were so staff need to feel valued. My staff at Fulneck they keep abreast of technological trends so rejected from my Grammar School who were are a fantastic team who, without fail, go the that we can support and understand them. highly intelligent individuals but who were extra mile to support our pupils.
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 21 Music and emotional well being Eighteen months ago, Leicester Preparatory School decided to formulate a curriculum which, in addition to a well-established primary curriculum, valued music and musical education as a catalyst for developing and improving each pupil’s wellbeing at the school. Head Paul Hitchcock tells the story...
It’s a windy morning in the A policy decision was made remarkable ability to be still and playground as parents and children that every child in years three to listen to tunes ranging from nursery enter ready to start another school six would learn an instrument. rhymes to Mozart. day. Samraaj has just joined Currently, we are able to offer violin, Koolgigs, offers something in Leicester Preparatory School and, cello, guitar, piano and recorder addition, that is both rare and quite reference point which is both as usual, bitterly complains about and, either through individual or wonderful. Here the music of a objective – I am listening to having to leave Mum so that she group lessons, the pupils make violin quartet or piano quintet is the music – and subjective – I can get to work. With great sobs steady improvement. This was not carefully deconstructed, discussed am experiencing an emotion and heartache, Mum passes me an easy step as the commitment and and themes are drawn which can and can link it to my life. This his hand and quickly makes her stamina required within a family to then be the focus of workshops is not – ‘how would you feel if escape whilst Samraaj is led into ensure practice, purchase lessons in for the children. As an example, ‘– but –‘how do you feel’, with the school. Almost miraculously, the hope of a future skill is too easily we recently discussed and had an awareness that this feeling is as we enter the doorway together, thwarted. However, with the ‘no evidenced through the playing of common both to the players and the tears disappear, the smile grows exceptions’ rule and an unflinching the violin, viola, cello and piano, the listeners. Children expressed the and by the time we have ascended conviction we have weathered the effects of the minor and major key. feelings of excitement, happiness, the stairs to his classroom he is a initial concerns and now many of The shared emotions aroused by the gracefulness, miserableness and happy, talkative boy ready to start the younger pupils are partaking in music were clearly identified and sadness and, through a show of his day. Such is the emotional lessons both during school time and related to the day to day experiences hands, could communally identify canvas of a five year old and such is at the Saturday morning Stoneygate of childhood. Later the children when transitions in that experience the experience of many teachers on Music Academy. joined together to practice and later took place at the behest of the early morning duty. At this time, the school, through its perform their own ensemble pieces music. Emotions were expressed and Eighteen months ago, we decided Musical Director Tamaki Dickenson, led by a member of the professional validated. consort. In one workshop for years 1 to formulate a curriculum which, lead violinist of the Villiers Quartet, Time will tell. Emotions can be and 2, children were asked to guess in addition to a well-established also made a connection with pianist both fleeting, as with Samraaj, or how the violinist felt as she played a primary curriculum, valued music Eleanor Hodgkinson who runs the can become fixed and troubling. range of pieces. Of course, it was the and musical education as a catalyst highly successful BabyGigs and Perhaps, through the intervention music not the musician, but all the for developing and improving each KoolGigs concerts for ‘Mothers and and appreciation of music, our children used a variety of terms to pupil’s wellbeing at the school. We Toddlers’ and ‘Junior Children’. children will learn to evaluate the consolidate and validate their shared were aware of the difficulties that Every four weeks, in term time, our broad range of the emotional world, experience. To end the morning we children appear to face to establish hall is filled with young mothers, from the shining light of calmness all gathered together to listen to attentive listening, to work together their pre-school children and our to the turbulence of the emotional their ensemble performances and towards a common aim, to value the own Reception children who enjoy states, all through the framework of finally listen to the Schumann piano efforts of others in a group etc. and the company of a professional attentive listening, with the added Quintet. believed that the practice of learning musician. We have had youngsters practice of full engagement and an instrument and engaging in dancing to the harp, blowing This approach allows the children then objective disengagement that ensemble performance would be bubbles to a bassoon, having fun to directly connect with latent can only strengthen their emotional beneficial. with a flautist and also showing a emotions and gain an inner character. Boys embrace the harp The soothing sound of the harp young players, all of whom showed can be heard in the corridors of enthusiasm and great potential as Abingdon School, Oxfordshire, harpists.” for the first time this term. With Reggie Lambert, aged 11, who the help of local harp teacher Jenny Hill the boys have been has signed up for further lessons enthusiastically taking the commented, “I really enjoyed first steps toward playing this playing and I think it’s great that challenging instrument. the school offers the lessons.” Jenny was invited to give the The Director of Music at Abingdon youngest boys at the school a School, Michael Stinton, hopes demonstration and this inspired that interest in playing this versatile four of them to try an introductory instrument will grow and boys will lesson. She said, “I was delighted be able to contribute to school and to meet this group of promising youth orchestral work. Reggie Lambert and harp teacher Jenny Hill
22 Music, Drama & Dance The beat goes on Rendcomb College, Gloucestershire, welcomed more than 160 Year 6 children from eight Primary and Prep schools to their new Griffin Theatre to take part in a ‘Body Percussion Workshop’ held by the Beat Goes On.
The children, from schools across Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, were welcomed to the school before being shown the state-of-the-art performance venue, the Griffin Theatre, in which the workshop and performance to parents would take place. Schools included; Southrop, North Cerney, Hatherop and Stratton Primaries and St Margaret’s Calne, Hopelands and Berkhampstead Prep schools. Rendcomb College Junior School pupils also took part in the workshop.
The Beat Goes On was created by Ollie Tunmer, a former cast member of hit West End show, STOMP. His workshops encourage children to get active while also developing musical skills and using music as a way to promote wellbeing for both the individual and the school community.
Gavin Roberts, Head of Rendcomb Junior School, said: “Welcoming over 160 children and their families to our new theatre was so exciting. The whole day was full of energy, rousing beats and great fun! Having such training from a West End star has been a highlight of the term so far.”
Director of Music, Dr Tom Edwards said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome Ollie for the Beat goes On and wonderful to see so many children learning new skills and developing new ideas about music and how it can be produced. At the end of the day there were many happy, smiling faces thanking Ollie for his enthusiastic and brilliant workshop.”
The workshop began with a warm-up in which Ollie took the students through some basic percussion beats using only their hands, feet and mouths. These warm-ups led into the development of a routine, or composition, which would be performed to the parents later on in the day.
The routine used basic rhythms taught by Ollie with the students giving their own ideas which were added to the sequence.
The day was split into sections with activities held by Rendcomb College’s Head of Key Stage 3, Mrs Rachel Fielding, in which all schools competed in a ‘crossword treasure hunt’ solving riddles that were set out among the school’s grounds. The winners of the crossword hunt were Hatherop Primary with Southrop Primary coming in a close second.
The children spent their final hour fine-tuning their performance and practicing before taking to the stage in front of an audience of visiting parents and families.
Music, Drama & Dance 23 Staff musicians learn new instruments in eight weeks
Talent follows Dominic’s dramatic lead
The curtain is rising on a whole flying colours, with distinctions for new generation of theatrical talent several pupils. at Sheffield’s Westbourne School. “We have always taken great One of the school’s most famous pride in encouraging our pupil’s former pupils is Dominic West, creativity,” said Drama teacher star of hit TV cop show ‘The Wire’ Sallianne Foster-Major. “Both and Oscar winning movie musical through our annual staged favourite ‘Chicago’. performances at Sheffield’s Five St Mary’s School, The two months’ practice Montgomery Theatre and in And now there’s a new wealth of Cambridgeshire, staff members culminated last month (September acting talent waiting in the wings classes in our own drama studio, participated in the Oxford and 2017) when all challenge after the school put in a starring we are preparing all our children to Cambridge Note Race 2017 over participants took the Grade 1 performance with their London use drama as a way of expressing the summer break, taking up examination in their chosen Academy of Music and Dramatic themselves. We are sure that the challenge to learn a new instrument (all of the St Mary’s Art (LAMDA) exams. Dominic - who remains a keen instrument from scratch in just School, Cambridge participants The children’s talents were tested supporter of Westbourne activities two months with only one formal passed) before performing in group lesson, to raise funds in diverse ways, including a two - will be delighted to see that so the Grade-1-athon concert. For for local charities Home-Start actor script, group acting and many young people are finding Cambridge-based participants the Cambridgeshire, the Alf Dubs musical theatre. And every entrant him an inspiration and are wanting concert was held at West Road Children’s Fund, and Blue Smile. passed the tough challenge with to follow in his footsteps. Concert Hall for members of the Junior School Music Co-ordinator local community; at the same Miss Elise Hickey and Year 5 time Oxford-based participants teacher Miss Agata Wygnanska performed in their own concert in joined Senior School Assistant Oxford. Head and teacher of Music Mrs Sonia Gears, visiting flute and The age-old rivalry between the clarinet teacher Mrs Anne Bury, two cities continues, and on this and singing teacher Mrs Alison occasion the Cambridge team Daniels in taking on the challenge. was crowned the winner having Between them they learnt the achieved not only the highest flute, trumpet, bassoon, cornet average mark in the Grade 1 and harp respectively, and raised a examinations but also raising the For all your combined total of £1,690. most money. music education Pictured (l to r): Miss Hickey, Mrs Bury, Mrs Daniels, Miss Wygnanska and Mrs Gears & performance equipment Pupils’ voices well
Music Stands, and truly heard FREEPHONE Lights & Accessories Music Folders Three hundred children were able Peckham. The programme included 0800 072 7799 Music Chairs & to sing to their heart’s content at warm ups and rehearsals in King’s Accessories King’s Ely’s annual Choral Day. Ely’s Hayward Theatre, a workshop to join the Instrument & Sheet Music Storage for teachers in the school’s Recital education discount Conductor’s The musical extravaganza celebrated programme and Equipment its 10th anniversary this year Hall, tours of Ely Cathedral, save money on Staging & Risers with pupils from around a dozen rehearsals in the cathedral Nave and Theatre Products different local preparatory and a performance by the Ely Cathedral your purchases! Acoustic Products primary schools coming together to Girl Choristers. sing at King’s Ely and Ely Cathedral. The highlight of the day was A record-breaking number of pupils when all pupils came together in attended the action-packed event the cathedral to perform to their www.blackcatmusic.co.uk on September 19th, which was led parents, families, teachers and by renowned conductor, Dominic friends.
24 Music, Drama & Dance independent schools mag Ad 90x135mm MAY11.indd 1 6/5/11 13:08:41 ExpErts in pErformancE floors for
middlEsEx uniVErsitY mEdia cEntrE BlocK B and c architect: BPR Architects Education Building constructor: Interserve product specified: Harlequin Activity sprung floor panels and Cascade vinyl in grey
arlequin Floors are world renowned manufactures and Our products are easy to specify Hinstallers of sprung dance floors and vinyls, ballet barres and from the NBS product selector mirrors for all dance studios and performance spaces. on RIBA or via the architects page on our website. With over 40 years experience, Harlequin has an enviable reputation having worked with some of the world’s most prestigious dance and performing art schools, leading architects and building contractors within the education industry.
Contact us now for our free Guide for Architects and for free samples Freephone: 0800 28 99 32 • [email protected]
/harlequinfloors @HarlequinFloors www.harlequinfloors.com
114483-EDUCATION DPS v2.indd 1 26/06/2017 14:06 Re-branded girls’ school going co-ed Boys are to be admitted to a previously all-girls school, in a break with tradition stretching back more than a hundred years. Matthew Burke
St Martha’s Catholic School for House School – a reference to Following an amalgamation day school for this academic year, Girls was founded by the Sisters the original historic house which between the founding Sisters of St but from September 2018, boys of St Martha, in Hadley Wood, stands on the site – the school Martha and the Sisters of Charity will be admitted to the First Form of St Jeanne Antide two years (Year 7) and the Sixth Form. North London, in 1903. Now has announced it will be taking in ago, it was agreed the combined renamed and rebranded as Mount boys from September 2018. This phased entry means all years charity could no longer retain the will be fully co-educational by Headmaster Matthew Burke said: trusteeship of the School. 2022. “We have always considered Mount House were chosen in a ourselves to be a family school – More than £250,000 has been competitive tender process and invested in Mount House in the yet the sons of our families have purchased the school in June. The past two months, including new not been allowed to come here! new school opened its doors to music, drama and IT facilities, “The decision is part of our pupils for the first time last month refurbished classrooms and the longer-term proposals to make the (September). creation of a new café, which will school much more inclusive and The school will continue to be open to parents as well as to Mount House School accessible to all.” operate as an independent girls’ sixth formers.
Mount House School has formed a partnership with best-selling Ingenuity and strategic thinking business author and lecturer Chantell Ilbury, to teach its sixth formers the kind of ingenuity and strategic thinking normally employed by high-flying entrepreneurs in the City. The brainchild of strategic intelligence company mindofafox, of which Ilbury is a founding partner, ‘Growing Foxes’ combines individual and group exercises and app-based learning. Headmaster Matthew Burke said: “It’s simply not enough these days to send students out into the workplace or university with a string of A-levels – however good the grades might be. They need to have ‘thinking’ and decision- making skills and the ability to think about life and the future – both for themselves and for those with whom they come into contact. “Our ‘Growing Foxes’ course is a very exciting opportunity and something we believe will give our She is excited to be piloting complete the Extended Project The school has also decided to students a real advantage when the course with Mount House Qualification at the end of the first bring in a ‘Skills for the Future’ they enter the big, wide world of School and said: “Mount House year of the 6th form and will use programme that will be delivered further education and work.” the skills that they have learned is a perfect fit for our approach across all the year groups from Ilbury, from South Africa, (pictured on the Growing Foxes course to to strategic thinking. We are years 7 to 13. The course has with students), works throughout enhance their performance. They impressed by the school’s focus been devised to ensure that all the world, guiding companies will also have their work assessed on innovation and individual and other organisations through by mindofafox and receive a pupils get access to the skills that their strategic thinking and future attention to learner skills.” certificate to show that they have are in demand from universities planning. Mount House students all successfully completed the course. and employers.
26 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Applications for pilot programme now open New Chartered Teacher programme ~ the details The development of a programme to allow teachers to achieve Chartered Teacher status has been a central focus of the Chartered College of Teaching since its launch earlier this year. Details of the programme have now been announced and applications to join the How to apply 150 teachers will be accepted pilot cohort must be made by the end of this month (October). on to the pilot programme, which will start in January Chartered Teacher status will knowledge and skills against the During the course of the 2018 and will take 14 months recognise the knowledge, skills and areas set out in the Chartered programme, participants will to complete. Participants in behaviours of excellent teachers, College’s Professional Principles. attend four face-to-face training the pilot programme will pay highlighting the importance of These principles highlight the and assessment days. Applicants a reduced fee of £450; the full their expertise in supporting importance of deep subject will also be expected to participate cost of the programme will the learning of children and knowledge, understanding of in a range of online activities, with be £850, with the cost spread young people. This represents pedagogy and assessment, each element designed not just across the programme. the first step in the development excellent classroom practice, to test a teacher’s knowledge and Application Forms – which of a career pathway focused as well as critical evaluation, skills, but also to provide them must be completed by the end on effective classroom practice, engagement with research with development opportunities of October – are available at: not leadership. It will also bring evidence and a desire to contribute and equip them with behaviours teaching in line with other to the profession. and approaches to evaluation https://chartered.college/ chartered-teacher/chartered- professions, where recognition Assessments in the pilot and personal development, to teacher-how-to-apply of expertise and expectation of programme will include rigorous ensure they continue to develop career-long professional learning written and oral assignments, their practice. Participants on the are well-established. completion of a professional programme will be supported input from the Chartered College’s In order to complete the development plan, participation by an experienced mentor Professional Pathways Advisory programme and achieve Chartered in debate activities, a small-scale throughout. Group and from surveys, focus Teacher status, participants will research or improvement project, The pilot programme and the set groups and individual interviews undertake a range of different and submission of a portfolio of of Professional Principles against with teachers, school leaders, assessments. These assessments videos of practice, work samples which the pilot cohort will be teacher educators, sector experts will allow them to showcase their and reflections. assessed have been developed with and the wider teaching profession. Geography Quality Mark Westholme School, Lancashire, curriculum development and impressed by the manner in which vision, sharing good practice and has been awarded the Secondary learning and teaching in schools. all are continuing to embrace resources and that the students Geography Quality Mark. This All the award winners undergo new and innovative approaches to at Westholme receive an excellent award recognises quality and a rigorous moderation process, teaching geography. experience of geography. progress in geography leadership, and the team of assessors were The SGQM recognises student Westholme has an innovative attainment, progress and department which uses imaginative achievement in geographical and creative ways of teaching and knowledge, understanding, values engaging teaching strategies. The and skills, and sets expectations department offers a good range about the quality of teaching of fieldwork and makes the most in geography. It promotes of the local area providing a range effective subject leadership and of opportunities for students to management, helping subject debate and question, and engage leaders raise the standards of in critical thinking. The school also geography in their schools. benefits from having good links There was some excellent feedback with external agencies, and visiting from the assessors, who felt lecturers offer challenging and that the geography department stimulating opportunities for the work well as a team, with a clear students.
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 27 Advertorial Feature Triathlon triumphs Sibford School, Oxfordshire, pupils present and past scored victories at the Triathlon World Championships in Rotterdam last month (September). Sixteen-year-old Sixth Form student Reuben Trotter – pictured Forward Planning for – took Silver in the U20s Age Group Sprint race (750m swim; and Rosie. Sibford is becoming 20km bike; 5km run). your Sports Courts increasingly known for its triathlon He also had the second fastest time successes. In the past year alone we of all 1,500 competitors across all have held several triathlon events You may think that as the seasons Sports Courts UK Ltd are specialists the age groups making him the and an increasing number of pupils change and colder weather draws in the design, construction and fastest British competitor in the have shown interest in this up and ever nearer that it is about time maintenance of outdoor sports Sprint Distance on the day. coming sport. We hold regular to abandon your courts for the courts and multi-use games areas. early morning and after school Meanwhile, Rosie Weston, who left Working with a wide variety of swimming sessions to offer high next 8 months until summer Sibford School in 2016 and is now level coaching and are investing comes around again. But before clients, no project is too large or at Loughborough University, took in four Wattbikes to further assist you forget all about them for the small. From initial enquiry right the Bronze medal in the female those pupils interested in developing winter, you should remember that through project completion and Under 20 category in the Standard their skills in this area of the sport. beyond to maintenance and Distance race (1,500m swim: 40km autumn is the perfect time to get In addition, we regularly host elite support, they ensure that you get bike; 10km run). organised for your sports courts’ training camps for the South Central the most from your sports surface cleaning and maintenance. Forward Sibford Head Toby Spence said: “We Academy of the British Triathlon for as long as possible. planning is no bad thing, especially are extremely proud of both Reuben Federation.” when the best sports teams need Booking in your annual service the best courts. may seem costly, but it is minimal in comparison to paying for new Double national win Due to budgets, timescales and courts. If courts are well cared Felsted School, Essex, U15 girls’ comments: “The Felsted U15 girls manufacturers, the delivery of for and maintained, they have a cricket team finished their successful have had a fantastic season and I projects can vary massively. The significantly longer lifespan, so season with a second National win am very proud of what they have right company however needs to the best value for money option after beating Kent College and achieved. Not many teams can say do more than meet your budget is to get your court professionally Millfield in the National U15 Girls’ they are double National Champions, and timescale, they need to be the cared for.. You already plan for your T20 Championship. both indoors and outdoors. Both best in the business at meeting the yearly budget and major projects, their cricketing skills and knowledge Earlier on in the season they were have come a long way this year and needs of your sports court. so add in your sports courts too. also crowned U15 Lady Taverners I look forward to seeing what we Sports Courts UK Ltd These things require planning Indoor Cricket Champions after can achieve next season.” because schools term times vary, beating Shrewsbury School, Old was founded in 2000 by Cricket has been a core sport for can you have works on site during Buckenham High School and St girls for a number of years, alongside Managing Director Chris term time, or are you restricted to Aidan’s High School in the National tennis, and is a popular option. Rolph. Chris has over 26 holiday periods? If you are okay Final at the famous Lord’s Cricket Felsted is currently nominated as with works on site any time of year, Ground. years experience in the an Inspirational School for girls’ leisure industry, with the consideration ought to be paid to The Felsted girls were given a cricket by Essex CCC and became majority in tennis court minimising the impact on ability chance to celebrate their double a MCCF (Marylebone Cricket Club to use your sports courts – you construction. National Win with World Cup Foundation) hub for girls’ cricket in wouldn’t want to interrupt your Winners, Sarah Taylor and Laura November 2015. future champions practice! Marsh at Essex County Cricket Club, With a dedicated team of in house Pictured: Felsted U15 Indoor where the England Women’s Team professionals, all with considerable When picking your supplier, you and Outdoor Cricket Champions, were playing a pre-season game in experience in the industry, want the best in the business alongside the full senior Felsted preparation for their Ashes tour later and the safest option for having squad and coaches, pictured at this year. on your site. Sports Courts are a Essex County Cricket Ground with member of SAPCA (The Sports and Super League Cricketer and Felsted World Cup Winners, Sarah Taylor Play Construction Association) and Girls’ Cricket coach, Carla Rudd and Laura Marsh. all their staff are in house and DBS checked. Sports Courts UK Ltd offer a professional friendly service with a free site survey no matter how small the job You can see more of our work at www.sportscourts.co.uk
28 Sport Royal Appointment for water polo boys Players and staff from Bolton School were thrilled to represent water polo and demonstrate their expertise to Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, during his royal visit to Hope for Grenfell Tower Merseyside.
Visiting Guinea Gap Leisure Centre survivors and helpers in Wallasey, the Duke of Cambridge, The staff at Moulsford Prep School, in a positive way, promoting a who is the Patron of English Oxfordshire, hosted the newly- healthy lifestyle and offering an Schools’ Swimming, met members formed Grenfell Athletic Football opportunity for players to socialise of the British Sub Aqua Club, Swim Club last month (September), for and have a change of scene from England and Wallasey Swimming their first warm up friendly match the local area for Away matches. before starting in the leagues. A Club before being introduced to Coach Hayden Howard, who is Moulsford was delighted to provide memorable match was played, with former Bolton School Water Polo now President of English Schools’ that first Away match venue, and plans afoot to make it an annual Swimming Association (ESSA) and to welcome all the players to its fixture at Moulsford. Andy McGinty, current Head of Thames-side pitches. Grenfell AFC has been formed with Water Polo at Bolton School. For this inaugural match at the help of The Rugby Portobello Moulsford, each team had around Three Bolton School pupils also Trust (RPT), which is a charity 14 players, to allow for substitutions chatted to the Prince on the side of whose offices are based near the the pool – captain Harrison Barker- foot of the Grenfell Tower, which and to try out different formations. Smith and top training attendees, was so tragically engulfed by flames There was a good turn out from Andy Mattison and Tom Yates. on 14th June 2017. The team’s the Moulsford staff, including The Prince then dropped the ball formation is a long-term project for Headmaster Ben Beardmore-Gray into the water and watched Bolton this West London community, using who took up the referee’s whistle. School squad players, comprising the facilities and resources of the Grenfell went away deserved Y9-Y13 boys, play an exhibition RPT. Its aim is to support survivors winners, with the match finishing 5 match. from Grenfell as well as RPT helpers goals to 2.
Successfully serving the sports industry for over 16 years
Court Construction Court Renovation
MUGAs Netball Tennis Mini Tennis Court Resurfacing Pressure Washing Painting & Remarking Binding MUGA (Multi Use Games Area)
280 Watford Road, St Albans, Herts AL2 3DN www.sportscourts.co.uk t: 01727 730707 e: [email protected]
Sport 29 Pioneering new trends in sport Time to shine Individual sports such as triathlon, cycling, climbing, golf, judo and gymnastics are attracting more and more teenagers – a trend noticed by Giggleswick School, Yorkshire.
Mark Turnbull with pupils
Headteacher Mark Turnbull traditional sports is much more comes down to the enthusiasm Mark explained: “When you live said: “Against a background of feasible within the extended of a member of staff and their in such a stunning place you increasing participation in sport day of a boarding school. In the ability to engage and properly often attract staff who want to in general there is a national lower years the curriculum can instruct the pupils. So often you work in this environment because trend for more and more people provide the balance between see a school flying high in a they want to enjoy the landscape to take up individual sports.” commitments to team sports, particular sport or activity and in their time off. This means they which clearly need a critical mass invariably this is down to the Certainly this would seem to be are often already keen climbers or of participation to make them energy and persistence of an backed up by Sport England’s cyclists or riders. It has also meant work, alongside opportunities to individual who manages to light a that we have not had to buy in Active People Survey. Figures try newer sports. flame across the staff and pupils. much extra expertise. released in December 2016 suggest almost 230,000 more “As pupils move through the Fitting such a range of activities “That said, we always recruit the people play sport weekly in 2016 school they then have more into the curriculum is difficult best teachers first, so occasionally, than 2015. opportunity to make their own but it is possible. Giggleswick’s when a member of staff has choices about where they are solution is to recognise that a moved on, we have not been Said Mark: “At Giggleswick we going to commit their time and whole year group or division able to find the fit of classroom are actively encouraging interest energies. The reality is that it is (key stage) does not have to be subject and activity skill which in cycling, running, climbing, difficult to do everything that doing the same thing at once. has meant buying in extra golf, triathlon and cyclocross is on offer across the whole The school uses prep times to expertise. I am not convinced and are lucky to have the natural curriculum and choices will have run some activities with a careful this always works quite as well. surroundings which are perfect to made, but we want these to watch being taken by tutors to A visiting instructor doesn’t for these sports. Every child has be positive decisions based upon ensure academic work is still have the benefit of seeing the the opportunity to try a wide the priority of one activity over being given the right priority. children in the rest of the day and range of sports, including the another.” “It makes for a very busy day gauging their response or feeding ‘newer’ individual ones and the Many of the newer sports require but one from which a great deal their enthusiasm. more traditional team games specialist skills and training of enjoyment and variety can be “Ultimately, sport is all about like rugby, cricket and hockey, and resourcing is a factor. gained,” added Mark. participation and personal in which we have always been Increasingly this has to be Giggleswick’s move towards a development and, in particular, strong.” considered in recruitment while greater variety of sports began as the character we encourage in Facilitating individual sports at the same time looking at the a gradual shift based upon the pupils to give them the best has brought its own managerial cost effectiveness of offering any skill base of existing staff. To this opportunities beyond school – challenges. activity. was added the pupil voice and such as resilience, passion and Mark explained: “Finding time to Mark said: “In my experience the demands from them for particular a proactive, assured outlook on run individual sports as well as success of any particular activity sports. life.”
30 Sport Advertorial Feature Onwards and upwards: Merchant Taylors’ School expands artificial cricket nets When space is at a premium, it pays to ensure that every inch is in full use. This seems especially true at independent schools – historic sites were not originally planned with modern sports needs in mind, yet providing state-of-the-art facilities is key in attracting and retaining students. Over the years, total-play has helped numerous turf practice nets, and an upgrade to the adjacent constructed to avoid contamination from the leading schools transform anything from under- natural turf practice area with the installation of surrounding area a non-mow maintenance strip used facilities to overflow car parks and areas of retractable netting. was installed to perimeter using concrete slabs waste ground into high-use facilities. General and kerbs. Works commenced early in 2017 with the and cricket-based MUGAs are popular uses challenge of inclement weather not fazing Richard Ayling, Grounds Manager at Merchant of such space, as are synthetic track and field the groundwork team. The installation of a Taylors’ School, says of the new system: “It has facilities that can be built on surprisingly little hardstanding haulage route to site ensured been a great success along with the six lanes space. The company’s flagship ECB-approved minimal disruption despite wind, rain and snow that total-play constructed the previous year. The non-turf cricket facilities are also regularly built weather was challenging during construction on out-dated facilities or waste ground, with with total-play carrying out work at every stage, including the demolition and removal of and patience was needed by all to make sure it design and construction tailored to the unique was completed in a good and timely manner. the existing non-turf facility. demands of the site. The finish of the nets coincided as planned with This was the case at Merchant Taylors’ School The new, four-lane facility was designed to Middlesex CCC having the marquee on the grass in Middlesex where, following the construction mirror the specification of the original total- nets. They used the artificial nets for warm ups of a six lane, ECB-approved non-turf cricket play installation at the school. Bespoke features and, as with the previous block of nets, they practice system in 2016, the school re-appointed included a deeper sub base to account for clay found them very consistent in the way that they total-play to construct a smaller facility on the within the onsite soil structure, extended run-ups played. The two blocks of nets have given the opposite side of the ground. The new project saw to create a 40m long facility, fully carpeted with school the facilities needed to progress and build the construction of a new four-lane facility based two-tone carpets to the lanes and single-tone in on the success of the past year, notably our U17 on its tp365 system design on the site of old non- the run-up area. A synthetic changing area was side becoming national champions.” For information on how total-play can help you transform an outdated facility or under-used space, head to www.total-play.co.uk
Surfaces that ‘make the grade’ Design - Construction - Maintenance - Refurbishment
From cricket to cricket-based MUGAs, track & fi eld to winter sports: Synthetic & fi ne turf sports surfaces that ‘make the grade’
T: +44(0) 1604 864 575 E: [email protected] W: www.total-play.co.uk
Sport 31 Advertorial Feature Keeping sixth form girls active: is a stylish fitness kit the answer?
It’s a disappointing conclusion: women are much less likely to take part in sport than men. According to Sport England, two million fewer women play sport regularly than men aged 14 to 40, and yet 75% of them would like to be more active.
With girls dropping out of sports only incorporate school uniform them truly versatile and multi- at twice the rate of boys before standards, but also are in keeping purpose. The highly technical adulthood, it is increasingly with the school brand. Better still, product features a moisture apparent that something needs to Fitness Kit garments are suitable wicking inside layer, and a smooth be done to encourage girls back for several different sports - friction-minimising upper surface. into sports and exercise. With self- saving our customers money in The result is a product which consciousness and low self-esteem the long run. will keep girls warm, dry and comfortable so that they can being two of several factors which Responding to the increasing perform at their best – without can negatively influence girls’ number of schools which are ‘activewear as fashion’ trend compromising on style. participation in sports, it is more introducing gym and fitness into shows no sign of declining in important than ever to develop the sports curriculum, the range Too often, functional garments popularity, Squadkit’s design quality, comfortable sportswear, includes an innovative, flattering look uninspiring in appearance, team looks forward to continuing that girls feel good in. T shirt made from breathable while design led garments may to work in conjunction with In the past, women’s and girls’ fabrics, and new running shorts fall short of the physical and Schoolblazer and international activewear was often based featuring a dual fabric design. But technical requirements. With athletes, using its expertise in on men’s sports apparel, just perhaps the favourite garment the Fitness Legging exceeding sourcing cutting edge fabrics in smaller sizes; inevitably, the from the range is the Fitness standards on all fronts, we which deliver high performance fit could be unflattering and Legging. Taking inspiration from hope to inspire girls to get back products: leading the way in uninspiring. Thankfully, things the movement of wearing yoga outside and active again. As the school sports. have changed; as the ‘athleisure’ pants both in and out of the gym, trend has taken hold in recent the Squadkit design team has years, we are seeing fashion worked to create a multi-purpose influence activewear to create garment ideal for any form of technical, high performance training. products tailored to women. Now, Tailoring designed to fit this trend is making its way into adolescent girls, a deep school sportswear. waistband, and high-performance Squadkit has listened to what fabrics form a flattering garment girls want to create the Fitness that makes girls look the part. The 01832 280011 [email protected] Kit: a range of fashionable, high leggings are warm enough to wear www.schoolblazer.com performance products that not outside as well as indoors, making
32 Sport Quality. Style. Innovation. Changing the face of modern schoolwear.
Schoolblazer is the UK leader in providing stylish, modern Bespoke, premium uniforms exclusive to your school schoolwear to top independent schools. What makes us so different? An unconventional and innovative approach to Smart, stylish contemporary designs fabrics, quality, design, style, sizing and delivery. Simple online selection & intelligent sizing Our designs are fresh, contemporary and smart, using bespoke colours, patterns and styles. And our revolutionary website allows Individualised nametapes - sewn in free of charge simple online fitting, sizing, choice and secure continuity of supply that’s both convenient and stress-free.
Call 01832 280011 [email protected] www.schoolblazer.com
5740 Schoolblazer Adverts Spring 2016(FINAL).indd 1 02/02/2016 09:25 Duke of Gloucester opens Lower School
Pupils and staff at Epsom College, in the John Piper building which Surrey, were delighted to welcome is named after one of the College’s His Royal Highness, The Duke of celebrated former pupils. Gloucester, to mark the official The visit concluded with The Duke opening of the state-of-the-art Royal visit unveiling the plaque, and being Lower School. His Royal Highness, The Earl young people need to flourish in the presented with gifts by two Year 8 of Wessex, unveiled a plaque fast-changing, competitive world in The £3million red brick building has pupils – Sophie Norman and Arthur to commemorate the start of which they are growing up. created a modern and progressive van Grondelle. The Duke said: “Any Trent College’s 150th anniversary Mr Chris Rawles is Trent College’s space for Year 7 and 8 pupils to time that a building is developed celebrations as he visited the Long Co-ordinator of the Duke of study. It was highly commended it is a sign of success and growth. Eaton school and met students and Edinburgh’s Award and Expeditions. in the 2016 Education Business This new Lower School building staff, past and present last month He said: “Many desirable life Awards for the most technically is a sure sign of Epsom College’s (September). skills, such as team work, problem advanced building constructed for continued success – it reflects the Opened in 1868, Trent College, solving, resilience, determination, the purpose of teaching current College’s outstanding reputation.” Nottinghamshire, formally marks its communication, leadership and and future pupils. Speaking at the event, Headmaster, 150th year this academic year, and confidence, are embedded through Jay Piggot, said “It is a great Prince Edward was met by the Lord taking part in the DofE activities. His Royal Highness was pleasure to welcome His Royal Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William There is a lot of research on the accompanied by the Royal party Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Tucker, before being escorted on a positive outcomes of outdoor of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, and to invite him officially to open tour of the school’s campus by Trent education on wellbeing. Confidence Mr Michael More-Molyneux; College Head, Mr Bill Penty. is a key factor in positive mental Chairman of Surrey County Council, our new Lower School by an act of unveiling the plaque. A long-time Duke of Edinburgh’s health in young people, while the Peter Martin; Mayor of Epsom & Award Trustee and himself a Gold feel-good factor from learning new Ewell, Councillor Liz Frost; Rt Hon “One year on, and the Lower Award holder, Prince Edward things, achieving and making a Chris Grayling MP; Police & Crime School is having an enormous observed students taking part positive difference can be significant Commissioner, David Munro; and impact upon the College: enquiries in a number of DofE and team too. This is why DofE Awards are Epsom College’s Chair of Board of and registrations have trebled over building activities, before officially still so relevant.” Governors, Dr Alastair Wells, and the past year and we are poised opening the school’s new Food and Trent College first opened its doors Headmaster, Jay Piggot. to receive record numbers for the Nutrition Suite. in April 1868, with just 53 male During his visit, Prince Richard, entrance tests next January. This year no fewer than 135 Trent students. Since then the school has grandchild of King George V and “This building has helped us to grown to become one of the top co- College students are expected to Queen Mary, was given a tour of address the balance of girls and educational independent schools in complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s the Lower School building, and boys at Epsom; for the first time the region and home to more than Awards across the three levels of observed a range of lessons which in the history of the College, we Bronze, Silver and Gold. DofE is an 1,300 students. Prince Edward’s demonstrated the breadth of have two year groups in the Lower integral part of Trent College school visit was the first of a number of opportunities available to pupils. School that contain slightly more life for its role in promoting the celebration events planned over the girls than boys. life skills and character strengths next 12 months. Guests took part in a Mandarin lesson, observed a rehearsal of the “Most importantly of all, this Lower School choir; and listened building is helping to shape an New era in as pupils debated the impact educational experience for our A merger with Ashdell Preparatory was a significant moment in the of social media on young people’s pupils that is happy, engaging and School has allowed Sheffield High school’s history. Our merger with mental health and wellbeing. aspirational.” School for Girls to expand into the the last remaining girls’ preparatory The Duke also observed one of Epsom College’s Lower School former girls only prep school site school in Sheffield, means we are the College’s STEM lessons – welcomed its first cohort of pupils on Fulwood Road and operate a the only choice for all through which introduce pupils to the in September 2016 and is now at dedicated pre-school and infant girls’ education in South Yorkshire. interdisciplinary potential of capacity at 132 pupils across Years school for the first time ever. We are now operating across three science, technology, engineering 7 and 8. The Lower School is fully The merger means that Sheffield closely located sites and have and maths – before visiting co-educational, with an equal Girls’ can now provide specialist some amazing new facilities for Epsom’s art department, housed number of girl and boy pupils. teaching spaces for younger pupils academic studies, sport, music and in science, art, music and modern performing arts. foreign languages for its increased Chris Hald, who became Head of 2017-18 intake of over 950 girls. Sheffield Girls’ Infant and Junior The additional facilities, plus the School in September 2016, and forthcoming launch of a new will lead the merged school said: £2.5million investment in a new “We provide an all round education gymnasium, mean the school, a for girls. Alongside developing member of the Girls Day School academic performance, we have Trust, will set the new school off on a clear focus on pastoral care and its 140th year. aim to equip all our girls with life Valerie Dunsford, Headmistress said: skills to enable them to become “The start of the 2017/18 term confident and resilient.”
34 School Buildings Advertorial Feature St Benedict’s new Junior School building is an eco-friendly landmark for London St Benedict’s Headmaster, Andrew retaining their independent use, the Johnson, said: “The opening building’s footprint is minimised and of our new Junior School is has enabled the creation of a new another very exciting landmark garden courtyard for the Sixth Form. in St Benedict’s history. The new The recently completed second classroom spaces are inspiring building, the New Ark for the Junior places for our youngest pupils to School, has been specially designed learn, providing the best possible with nursery and pre-prep children start to their education here”. in mind. Classrooms can be opened The youngest pupils at Benedict’s up to provide larger spaces for team- School, Ealing have moved into their teaching and shared learning. There brand new Junior School building are also plenty of small, cosy spaces this term. Designed by award- for quiet activities and one-to-one winning practice van Heyningen and teaching, a home economics room, Haward Architects, this beautifully and direct access to landscaped The two new buildings complement the use of the School site, and to light and spacious facility is being outdoor learning and play areas. All each other; both use the same brick best support the School’s long term hailed as an eco-friendly landmark classrooms are south facing for good natural light and have fantastic but with different pointing creating ambitions. for London. a textural distinction, and sit views across to Ealing Abbey. vHH Partner Meryl Townley said: comfortably within the established It is also extremely eco-friendly, ‘We are excited to see the new palette of the School’s existing having been built to a set of energy buildings. However both are distinct school being utilised and enjoyed requirements known as ‘Passivhaus.’ in form, with each responding by the students. The new classroom This is a sustainable construction specifically and sensitively to its spaces will be inspiring places method devised in Germany which immediate context within the for the pupils to learn, in a super maximises energy-efficiency. There conservation area. Both buildings sustainable building with minimal are currently only a handful of are carefully positioned to optimise running costs.’ schools in the UK built to this standard, making the St Benedict’s Junior School an innovative educational building. Solid cross- laminated timber panels were chosen for the building’s structure as these could be assembled very quickly and quietly on site, minimising disruption to the School, as well as bringing excellent sustainability Free Consultation benefits in comparison to traditional Email [email protected] Oundle School Oundle construction. quoting INDP17 In 2013 vHH were appointed to Passivhaus buildings are extremely design two new buildings as part airtight, super-insulated and of the school’s masterplan. The can be up to 96% more energy first new building completed in efficient than older school November 2015 and combines buildings. Air quality and the ADT department with a new temperature are maintained by Sixth Form centre, enhancing the using heat recovery ventilation facilities of the Senior School. By which improves the air quality challenging the original brief and inside, maintaining good oxygen combining these functions, whilst levels to help everyone stay alert.
Delivering Inspiring Education Buildings
Helping you to achieve your aspirations through expert design experience
www.vhh.co.uk 020 3362 4488
School Buildings 35 ‘Only by reviewing how we educate can we ensure our students receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for an ever changing world’ Increasing Political and Digital Literacy
We live in interesting times and consequently young people are re-engaging with mainstream politics. In June 2017, YouGov conducted one of the largest post-election surveys ever in the UK and found a quantifiable increase in young people voting in the recent General Election. However, those aged between 18-24 years are still less likely to vote than any other demographic. Stamford Endowed Schools are actively seeking to encourage all students to acquire the knowledge and skills which will enable them to become active, informed and tolerant citizens. Report by Kendal Mills (Head of Pastoral Care) and David Tuck (Head of Politics and Citizenship)...
We are restructuring our socialism, feminism and ecologism to place any of their preconceived also show the students that their curriculum to: via key political thinkers such as: conceptions within a political voice matters and their ideas and i) Increase understanding of Edmund Burke, Ayn Rand, Karl tradition. Introducing new ideas concerns will be heard and acted political institutions and ideas. Marx, Betty Frieden and Murray facilitates discussion and debate upon wherever possible. Bookchin. As with Key Stage 3 and students will discuss, perhaps ii) Encourage a respect for we are utilising citizenship and for the first time, how state, Encourage a respect for different viewpoints. personal development curriculum society and economy should be mutual viewpoints iii) Recognise the trustfulness of time to achieve this and it will organised. The national union of students news sources. be taught by History and Politics Outside the classroom we are also currently has a policy of ‘no platforming’ whereby certain Increase understanding teachers. From our initial determined to raise the profile groundwork we have found that of political engagement. In the individuals, whose views are of political institutions interactive technology is a useful last academic year, we held two deemed offensive are banned and ideas gateway to provoke the politically ‘Question Times’, with a student from speaking, so as not to At Key Stage 3 we aim to teach apathetic student. The website chairman, a mixed student/staff disturb the ‘safe space’ of the all students about Parliament and isidewith.com allows a student to panel and a Sixth Form audience. university. Prominent figures the sovereignty issues relating fill in an online questionnaire on Stamford School Headmaster, such as Germaine Greer, Peter to the UK’s membership of the a range of topics, thus providing Nick Gallop, is also piloting an Tatchell, Julie Bindel and Katie EU. Historically, only students a personalised breakdown of ‘Ask the Headmaster’ session Hopkins have all been, to taking A-level Politics have been each students’ baseline politics. where he is grilled by the students differing degrees, victims of this policy. Richard Dawkins has guaranteed a visit to Parliament Conveniently, this can be done on how he runs the school. This, argued that universities are not but as part of our restructuring using a smartphone. With we hope, will not only foster a safe spaces and that freedom of we aim to take every student a working understanding of spirit of openness in terms of how speech underpins a free society. to Parliament and the Supreme political ideas students can begin the school is managed, but will If we are to increase students’ Court before the end of Year political literacy students must 9. To stand in the House of be familiar with contemporary Commons makes the abstract issues in political discourse world of politics suddenly real and be encouraged to respect and we believe that every student mutual viewpoints. As part of should experience being at the the promotion of this, every centre of their democracy. Links Head of Department and pastoral with our local MP are very strong leader contributes annually to and he is a frequent visitor to our a working document with the schools. (somewhat ponderous) title At Key Stage 4 and 5 we are British Values, Tolerance and introducing political ideas such Anti-Radicalisation in Action as liberalism: conservatism, at Stamford Endowed Schools,
Kendal Mills tweets as: @SESPastoral and David Tuck tweets as: @MrTuck2013 David Tuck’s article on ‘Parliamentary Privilege’ will be published in the November edition of Politics Review and his book ‘Political Ideas’, co-authored with Neil McNaughton, will be published in February 2018
36 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk ‘Only by reviewing how we educate can we ensure our students receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for an ever changing world’ Increasing Political and Digital Literacy Public speaking winners Three Farnborough Hill School, year at intermediate and senior Hampshire, students were winners levels. The team was composed of of the National Final in the 2017 Chairman, Year 11 student Roisin Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Royle, and Lower Sixth students This high-profile contest Speaker, Catriona Flesher, and Vote endeavours to encourage effective of Thanks, Imogen Usherwood. communication skills in young They gave a polished and poised people and sees teams from performance on the topic: ‘There’s hundreds of schools enter each nothing social about social media’. Bringing learning alive The boys and girls of St. Helen’s College, Middlesex, started the academic year with two days of special immersive learning: St. Helen’s Day and STEAM Day. On St. Helen’s Day, prep school which explains how respect for of news. Our own experience examined its history through ‘A Day the views of others and tolerance shows us that an increasingly In The Life of 1924’. Children and of dissenting voices is fostered large number of our students staff arrived at school dressed as through being embedded rarely, if ever, watch television they would have been in the 1920s, in the academic curriculum. in the conventional sense of and lessons investigating the past Furthermore, a significant part of the word, and we feel that as a were delivered. our PSHE programme is devoted school we must explicitly address The school’s STEAM Day saw pupils on experiences. From designing a to teaching students how to one of the consequences of this engage in a diverse programme of water delivery system with Affinity engage healthily with social phenomenon: inaccurate/false exciting activities to investigate Water, to designing and testing Science, Technology, Engineering, media and to realise how quickly news. We are basing our teaching wind tunnels; from building bridges the Arts and Maths. Visiting an ill-chosen comment/expletive model on material from the companies, staff and parents and rafts to making cheese and can escalate and alienate friends, International Federation of Library provided workshops to help children honeycomb, pupils (and staff) families - and even future Associations and Institutions learn through memorable hands- enjoyed challenging themselves. employers. External agencies which gives a clear 8 pronged like CEOP and ChildNet visit the checklist for students to follow Images for science schools regularly to update pupils, and is available in poster form. Following on from last year’s staff and parents on e-safety, Improving political literacy exhibition, the Royal Photographic appropriate use of electronic enriches students learning. Society chose to return to Hymers devices and digital footprints, Teaching political ideas helps College, Yorkshire, with their and we have recently become students frame and build International Images for Science a ‘digital school’ which allows their own ideas for how state, Exhibition 2017. key members of staff to educate society and economy should parents and other school leaders Founded in 1853, the Royal be organised. Explicitly on the subject. Photographic Society is the world’s addressing the trustfulness of oldest photography organisation Develop the skill digital media and social media with the intention to ‘promote the to recognise the etiquette increases students’ art and science of photography’. cultural capital and demonstrates With 100 images, the display appealing pictures that tell a trustfulness of news our vigilance in addressing showcased the 5 winning science story. Submissions were contemporary challenges. Only sources photographs from each category received from students, amateur Research by Reuters and YouGov by reviewing how we educate can alongside 95 of those that were photographers, professional and across twenty six countries we ensure our students receive shortlisted. The aim of the medical photographers from demonstrates that social media a well-rounded education that display was to present visually around the world. has now overtaken television as will prepare them for an ever Pictured: ‘Ferrofluid Glowing Multicolour’ by Ella Main 18-24 year olds main sources changing world. Image courtesy Royal Photographic Society
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 37 SPECIAL OFFE Discrete, targeted candidate research campaigns for: RECRUITMENT SPECIAL R OFFER SLT / Middle Management / Head of Department Exclusively for the The Key Replacement Service • • • UK independent sector & Te l: 020 8343 2943 Email: [email protected] Difficult to fill appointments international schools overseas • • • • • • Confidential succession 25yrs+ consultancy experience planning The KEYS FROM JUST £1 Order your keys NOW quoting BTS17 t: 01494 771644 e: [email protected] w: veriselect.com Digest www.keysplease.co.uk
SCHOOLRUMB UNIFORMLE’ SUPPLIERS
Allows Schools to cost-effectively create their own unique sports kit 1ST FOR QUALITY & GREAT VALUE and stand out from the crowd. SCHOOL UNIFORM & SPORTSWEAR Tel: 020 8902 1393 ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE www.rumblesuniform.com BOYS & GIRLS • ALL YEAR ROUND 598 High Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA0 2AF (near HSBC Bank) For more information, visit our website or call our sales team GET SOCIAL WITH US gforcesportswear.co.uk 0116 255 6326 [email protected] GFORCEsportswear GFORCEsport Lanyards & ID Badge Holders Pre-printed Lanyards for a school Governors, Students, Visitors and more. ID Badge Holders from 0.14p • Free Uk Shipping • Express Shipping • Bulk Discounts Discount code MEGA10 for 10% off at checkout. Tel: 01462 682020 www.lanyardstomorrow.co.uk
To advertise in this space call 01235 838560
38 Independent Schools Magazine Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Heads Hunted Among the upcoming head and principal appointments: Derby High School Derbyshire Leehurst Swan School Wiltshire Merchiston Castle School Edinburgh St. Mary’s School Buckinghamshire Sherborne Girls Dorset Warwick School Warwickshire
If you would like mention made of your upcoming head or principal appointment for which applications are sought please let us know – there is no charge for a listing. Westbourne House School Pre-Prep, Sussex, continued its series of Family Fun Days with activities as diverse as canoeing, campfire cooking, archery and a blindfold nature trail laid on across the school’s 100 acre grounds. News items, contributions, comments and A morning of outdoor pursuits attracted a large number of participants from both the local suggestions are always welcomed by the editor. community and much further afield. Lured by the promise of water-based pastimes such as Please email to: canoeing and hook-a-duck plus woodland adventures involving toasting marshmallows, the [email protected] crowds made the most of the extensive opportunities to enjoy learning new skills. Schools featured in this issue include: Abingdon School Foremarke Hall School Leweston School Solihull School Akeley Wood School Fulneck School Loughborough Grammar School St. Benedict’s School Aldenham School Giggleswick School Manchester High School for Girls St. Helen’s College Ashville College Godolphin School Merchant Taylors’ School St. Margaret’s School for Girls Barrow Hills School Heathfield School Moulsford Preparatory School St. Mary’s School Bolton School Stamford Endowed Schools Hymers College Mount House School Brighton College Stonyhurst College Kingsley School Oundle School Bromsgrove School Trent College Cobham Hall School King Edward’s School Pocklington School Wellington School Epsom College King’s Ely Rendcomb College Westbourne House School Exeter School Lancing College Riddlesworth Hall School Westbourne School Farnborough Hill School Leicester Preparatory School Sheffield High School for Girls Westholme School Felsted School Lewes Old Grammar School Sibford School Wynstones School
The Independent Schools Magazine is read by decision-makers – Governors, Heads, Bursars, Departmental Managers – and reflects news, ideas, influences, and opinions in the independent education sector. A personal copy is mailed to heads and other key personnel in fee-paying independent schools plus opinion formers in governments, political parties and educational Vires per Verum – Strength through Truth associations. It is also available on the internet. Editorial Advisory Board The publishers are grateful for the interest, advice and support of a distinguished Editorial Advisory Board whose members currently include: Richard Brown: Head, Handcross Park School, Sussex Alex Beynon: Former Head of Press Relations, Independent Schools Council (ISC) Tory Gillingham: Managing Director of AMDIS – the Association of Marketing Kevin Fear: Head, Nottingham High School and Development in Independent Schools Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE: Advisor to Lord Nash on Cross Sector Elisabeth Lewis-Jones: a governor of Bloxham School, Oxfordshire; 2008 partnerships, Director of DLB Leadership Associates Ltd., former head of President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and Director of Liquid Babington House School, Kent Public Relations, a consultancy with expertise within the education sector Tim Wilbur: Director of Schools Consultancy at Gabbitas Educational Henry Briggs: Senior Partner, HW, Chartered Accountants Birmingham and a Consultants; former head of Rossall School, Lancashire, and of Wanganui former school Governor Collegiate School, New Zealand Georgina Belcher: Communications Officer, Independent Schools Council Helen Davies: Bursar, Tormead School, Surrey
Subscriptions: £3 per issue, or £20 per Key Partners: All rights reserved. Any form of reproduction of this magazine in part or whole is prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. annum (ten issues) payable in advance by Commercial – Jeff Rice Any views expressed by advertisers or contributors may not be those cheque to Bull Nelson Ltd (please remember Editorial – Kimble Earl of the publisher. Unsolicited artwork, manuscripts and images are Production – Andrew Wicks accepted by the publisher on the understanding that the publisher to include your name and full address) to: cannot be held responsible for loss or damage however caused. All Direct Lines & email addresses: material, copy, and artwork supplied is assumed to be copyright free The Independent Schools Magazine unless otherwise advised in writing. Advertisement bookings are Editorial, Accounts, Distribution: 01491 671998 accepted subject tonormal terms and conditions – see website. PO Box 4136 [email protected] Upper Basildon Independent Schools Magazine is Advertisement Sales: 01235 838560 Reading published by Bull Nelson Limited. [email protected] Reg in England No 2876999. Berkshire RG8 6BS Production: Andrew Wicks Copyright Bull Nelson Ltd. Printed by Manson Group. www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Email: [email protected]
Register for your own free e-copy www.independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 39 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.
8510 School Ad 2.indd 1 02/12/2016 10:21