2 Education 2003 INSIDE EDUCATION

Page 3: Get to grips with pre-school care; PAGE 13: Toddlers in control; Poetry in A nursery where children blossom. motion; Pedestrian training scheme.

PAGE 4: Many happy returns to the Little PAGE 14: Lifelong Learning; Learners; Asquith School Ltd built on quality; Appeals procedure. Join in the fun and games at The House of Eden; Family values at William House. PAGE 15: A rewarding Army career.

PAGE 5: Top-quality nursery education in PAGE 16: The most important choice for your Darlington. child; Welcome to Durham School.

PAGE 6: Abbey’s mark of quality; Butterfield PAGE 17: Happy birthday to Yarm School; pre-school has big plans; Answers to vital Exciting times at questions. Coundon Primary; A personal choice. PAGE 18: Head start for Thirsk School; PAGE 7: Circus skills at Making the most of early St Mary’s RC; learning years; Quality, not time, is the What about the cost? key to homework. PAGE 19: Teesside High PAGE 8: Safe and sound – putting girls first; at The Safe Play Club; Options open for senior From the horse’s mouth; school entry. Time your school application to perfection. PAGE 20: All-round excellence at Queen PAGE 9: Excellence for all at Staindrop; Margaret’s; Choosing a secondary school. Co-education at Red House School.

PAGE 10: Parkside proud of caring reputation; PAGE 21: Small is beautiful at Raventhorpe; School uniform. Home study course helps students.

PAGE 11: Community spirit at St John’s; Page 22: Preparing pupils for life at Polam Feet on the street. Hall; Hurworth House uncovers boys’ talents.

PAGE 12: Bishop Barrington School; Page 23: Home-from-home for Sedbergh Route to safety. School boarders. Education 2003 3

Learning is fun: While Sunflowers’ younger children enjoy the many and varied facilities of the special baby unit A nursery (right), some of the nursery’s older children hone their computer skills in preparation for starting school (below) where children blossom UNFLOWERS SUNFLOWERS DAY NURSERY Day Nursery at SMount View, Northallerton, only been born yet!” opened it’s doors in It’s not just the nursery’s baby unit September, but it that has been well already has a waiting thought out. list of more than a year Children from the age for some age groups. of two move up into a The 60-place nursery bright and spacious unit takes children from where they benefit from three months up to four separate rooms pre-school age and also that provide a whole runs an out-of-school range of learning and Get to grips with pre-school care club with a pick-up and playing environments. drop-off service at local Pre-school children aged schools. three and above, who ITH so many mums These are inexpensive and companies or individuals, managed by or on behalf of an Purpose-designed and qualify for free now working there has perform a useful role, not only community groups or employer for the children of his built from the ground childcare places at Wbeen a huge growth in in giving hard-pressed mums a employers. Children can attend employees or a facility attached up as a nursery, Sunflowers, have their the number of pre-school break, but also in introducing either part-time or to a shopping centre, shop or Sunflowers own separate room nurseries, although many children to the sort of social full-time depending on their leisure centre where children has a total of nine where they can spend a people would say there are and group play situations they and their parents’ needs. are left by their parents for dedicated childcare little more time still not enough. will certainly encounter in PLAYGROUPS provide short spells of time. rooms to help ensure brushing up on some of Certainly, anyone who thinks schools. sessional care for children aged PRIVATE DAY NURSERIES the very particular the skills they’ll need they can simply pop down to a Most local authorities also offer between three and five, though vary considerably in character needs of young children for school. nursery and start their child nursery school places, in many some may take children at two- but all offer educational and are met. Its baby unit, Joanna Smith, who there immediately could be in cases attached to existing and-a-half. They aim to provide day-care facilities. for example, has a manages the nursery, for a nasty shock. Most have primary schools, which again learning experiences through MAINTAINED NURSERY messy play and eating commented: “Having waiting lists so you should get introduce the children to school structured play opportunities in SCHOOLS AND CLASSES are area, a large playroom the perfect nursery your child’s name down as soon routine. groups. establishments with their own for older babies, a building is only a part of as possible. The most important thing for a Most playgroups are run on a identity. Nursery classes or smaller play room for our success. What really One of the boom areas in recent parent is to find out as much as self-help basis by groups of units are integral parts of non-mobile babies and a makes Sunflowers a years has been the growth of possible about a nursery or play parents with one or two paid primary schools. Both kinds of sleeping room – not to special place to bring private nursery schools group before making a decision. staff, but a few are run by local provision are open during the mention its own outside your child is the warm catering for parents who are Speak to other parents about authorities. Some are called normal school day, but the play space. and friendly outlook of willing to pay for the extra the services on offer and opportunity groups and cater great majority of children Bruce Warnes, who runs my team of staff. flexibility they may offer. don’t be afraid to drop in specifically for children with attend part-time – usually five the company behind “We work for a company These are often used by unexpectedly on the staff and special needs. Playgroup mornings or five afternoons Sunflowers, explained: that repects us as working mums who find their children – in most instances sessions last for no longer a week. “Purpose building our childcare professionals fees worth paying to maintain a you should be made welcome. than four hours. RECEPTION CLASSES IN nursery has given us the and, in turn, we respect wage. Here are some of the types of EXTENDED PLAYGROUPS PRIMARY SCHOOLS – A large perfect opportunity to and value every child Pre-school providers vary day care services and facilities provide care for children for number of primary schools get things right and the and their parents or enormously, both in the available for children. more than four hours a day. admit children to reception positive response from carers who come facilities they offer and the cost DAY NURSERIES look after Many will be used by working classes before they are five. local parents has been through our doors.” to the parent. under-fives for the length of the parents on the same basis as a Most are four-year-olds overwhelming. Further information The most widespread are play adult working day. These may day nursery. admitted at the start of the “Demand for baby about Sunflowers Day groups which may take the be run by social services CRECHE is a term commonly school year or term in which places has been so high Nursery, including children for so many mornings departments, voluntary used to describe two different they reach five. The great that we are even taking details of free places, is or afternoons per week. organisations, private facilities: a day nursery majority attend full-time. bookings from people available on (01609) whose children haven’t 781755 or 781756 Looking for great quality Asquith Court childcare? Nurseries Providing excellence in early Our sixty place, purpose built years learning and childcare children’s day nursery is open at Mount View, Northallerton Open Sunflowers Day Nursery provides an exceptional Day standard of early years care and education, delivered by the highest calibre staff in an Saturday 10th environment designed, fitted out and equipped to May the best possible standards. 10am - 2pm We are taking registrations for children from 3 Asquith Court months to 5 years and for our Out of School Club. Nursery For a parent’s information pack, contact us on Teesside c/o David Lloyd Leisure Tees Barrage Way, Navigation Way, 01609 781755 Tees Barrage, Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 6QA or visit our website at www.sunflowersdaynursery.com Telephone 01642 670676 www.asquithcourt.co.uk 4 Education 2003

Asquith Many happy returns built on to the Little Learners HE Little Learners Nursery LITTLE LEARNERS NURSERY CENTRE quality Centre is the first purpose- Tbuilt day nursery in the Rich- mondshire area and celebrates its the year, from 7.30am-6pm, cater- ASQUITH SCHOOL LTD fifth birthday this summer. ing for children from six weeks up to 14 years of age. The centre, in Stags Way, Scor- The Krazy Kids Klub has a before SQUITH School ton, near Richmond, currently and after-school delivery and col- Ltd has a has a few limited places left in its lection service, as well as full day- nationwide A self-sufficient, spacious baby unit care during all school holidays. reputation for for any babies aged between six Little Learners is registered to delivering the highest weeks and 12 months. receive the three and four-year- standard of child The baby unit is one of five units old funding, as well as the care. catering for individual age working families tax credit, The Teesside nursery groups, each containing play and which can give great savings on is an outstanding educational equipment to let childcare fees. example of this. each child explore and develop to Little Learners aims to provide First-time visitors are reach the next stage of develop- children with the best possible impressed by the ment. start in life within a happy, safe bright and welcoming Alongside each unit are other ex- and stimulating environment, al- atmosphere, wide cellent facilties, including a large lowing them to flourish during range of play indoor play area, soft-play centre, the vital early years of discovery. equipment and messy playroom, safe outdoor For details on the limited baby teaching facilities play area and several IT systems unit places or information about and the friendly and for daily access. any other part of the nursery, Hapy times: From l-r Andrew Miller, Holly Tyler, Eleanoir Shannon and Ethan Madronal playing safely professional please telephone 01748 812559. at the Little Learners Nursery Centre approach of the The nursery is open 51 weeks of dedicated staff. Asquith School employs a team of Join in fun and games at qualified nursery nurses who all work to the guidelines laid Future out within Asquith’s firefighters: welcoming House Of Eden unique curriculum document, which Children OUSE of Eden is an Ofsted-registered HOUSE OF EDEN covers detailed from House pre-school nursery, out-of-school club aspects of childcare Of Eden Hand holiday club. development and education. Each age group from three months to learn all Jan Hopper, the nursery manager, has over at the nursery has separate rooms. five years. about the A separate after-school club and holiday club Asquith Nursery is 20 years experience in childcare and open Monday to Fire Service manages a team of NNEB-qualified nursery have been added with the help of TARKA, an Friday, 8am to 6pm. staff and a qualified cook. organisation developing and supporting Full and part-time Jan and her team provide a warm, happy and services for school-aged children. sessions are safe environment for all pre-school children For a brochure or to arrange a visit to House available. in their care and a broad balance of of Eden children’s nursery, please call Jan on activities that enhance children’s knowledge, (01388) 722152. Family values count for everyone at William House

ILLIAM House private day ADVERTISING FEATURE recommendation and word of awareness and citizenship life. Children aged three-four years nursery, situated on the out- mouth, maintaining a high standard education. receive nursery funding towards Wskirts of Darlington, has town, rural and urban community. of childcare and education. At the request of parents, The their nursery education. Parents or been established since August 1990. William House recognises the William House Nursery first opened Comic Club (before, after-school and guardians may also apply for family The nursery is set in the old demands of modern life and on the ground floor for children holiday club) evolved for children up tax credits. Annual inspections presbytery and offers a high encourages the nursery team to help aged two to five years then a to the age of eight. show that William House Nursery standard of childcare and education and support the family, providing a purpose-designed baby unit was William House recognises the offers its children very high for 84 children, aged birth to eight stimulating, warm and safe built for children aged from birth to importance of promoting good self- standards. The team has also years, with three to five-year-olds environment. This offers peace of two years. image and self-esteem, using the worked very hard towards the receiving funding for the foundation mind for parents and guardians. The first floor was then opened for foundation stage curriculum, with Darlington Quality Assurance Kite stage. The nursery aims to promote good children aged two to five years, Stepping Stones working towards Mark and Investors In Children. Under the guidance of Mary family values and respects followed by a further purpose-built six desirable learning goals. Any parent or guardian wanting to Boulton, who has over 30 years individual beliefs and special needs, unit, The Hall, offering dance, The nursery has many extra forward plan for childcare and experience in all aspects of through working with the Equal drama, music and movement, activities to offer in and out of class education, please contact the school childcare and education for the Opportunity Policy. The nursery has musical instruments and small and and the children are encouraged to direct for a prospectus, or arrange a under-eights, the nursery serves the developed over the last 13 years by large apparatus, promoting spacial take part in all aspects of nursery look around, on 01325 489997. WI I M O S LITTLE LEARNERS NURSERY CENTRE LL A H U E Scorton, nr Richmond CHILDRENS DAY NURSERY House of Eden VIDEO INTERCOM Fully Qualified Staff with Nursery Nurses FRIENDLY SECURITY Children’s Nursery and Teachers ATMOSPHERE SYSTEM 1 The Cottages, Rushyford, Open Monday - Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm Co Durham DL17 0LN Ofsted Registered Full and part-time places SELF SPACIOUS & CONTAINED BOOK NOW FOR MODERN Pre-School Nursery, Ages from birth to 8 years BABY UNIT Out of School Club Enclosed walled garden AGE 6WKS - 12 MTHS and Holiday Club FU D After school/holiday club E LLY IFIE Ring now for a brochure and to book PURPOSE QUIP UAL EXCELLENT PED Q TAFF FACILITIES your child’s FREE morning or Tax Credits are also available BUILT S afternoon visit, including lunch or tea The Old Presbytery, Barton Street Contact: Jan Hooper, Nursery Te l. 01325 489997 7.30am START01748 812559 6pm FINISH Manager Tel: 01388 722152 Education 2003 5 Top-quality nursery education

THERE are a number of council-run Eastbourne Nursery School nurseries in Darlington, providing what Situated near the railway the council believes is the very best in station in the Eastbourne nursery education. area, this school is adjacent These nurseries are: to a park. The nursery has a large Borough Road Nursery School outside area, with soft Situated in the centre of Darlington, surfaces and a grassy bank, Borough Road Nursery School occupies a which offers opportunities for spacious Victorian school building that adventurous play. has been transformed into a wonderful Eastbourne Nursery follows a early-years education environment. foundation state curriculum The nursery school admits 130 children for children aged three to five from all over the town on a part-time basis years. from the age of three until they go to A recent Ofsted report praised primary school. the high quality of teaching and learning The school has an impressively large in the school. garden that has been developed by parents Parents are welcome at all times to help or and the community for the benefit of the just pay the school a visit. For further children. information ring Mrs Beavis on (01325) The school is in partnership with Kids and 380825. Co day care facility which provides full day care on the premises for children Heathfield Nursery School Discovering attending the school. Situated in the Eastbourne area of a whole new All parents are welcome to visit Borough Darlington, this school offers 104 part-time world: Children Road Nursery School and look around the places in a happy environment. It has a school for admission purposes. Names can large enclosed outside play area with at Albert Hill be put on a waiting list from the time safety surface. Nursery children are two years old. The children complete the first year of the discover how Foundation Stage at the nursery school, much fun it Albert Hill Nursery School receiving a broad and balanced curriculum This school provides a friendly atmosphere and learning through their play. can be to use of security and happiness within a Heathfield also hosts a variety of family a computer stimulating environment where all learning events and welcomes parental (above), while children can develop their full potential. involvement. It has close links with the youngsters at Albert Hill Nursery School has provision local mother and toddler group and George Dent for 104 part-time places. A successful and receiving primary schools. well-organised carer/toddler group is held Nursery (left) twice a week within term-time for young George Dent Nursery School get back to children and babies. Established in 1917, George dent is nature as they The school has extensive play facilities officially the second oldest nursery school watch the and opportunities to support early in Britain. activities of learning and progression through the It is situated in a large Victorian house early learning goals. with extensive grounds which include a some This incorporates an exciting soft play wildlife garden and bird hide. ducklings area and ball pool, which also provides The nursery is located in Elms Road, near extra-sensory experiences. the Darlington Memorial Hospital, and has The outside nursery environment includes 186 children attending part-time. three diverse secure garden areas which George Dent Nursery School has a thriving each promote a different aspect of your story library and offers high-quality early- child’s learning. years education.

Darlington EASTBOURNE NURSERY SCHOOL Belgrave Street, Darlington DL1 4AP Local Authority (01325) 380825 Nursery Schools Headteacher Mrs L. Beavis

BOROUGH ROAD NURSERY SCHOOL All nursery schools offer: HEATHFIELD NURSERY SCHOOL Borough Road, Darlington DL1 1SG •Highly qualified, committed and professional staff who work together to give the best possible start to The Broadway, Darlington DL1 1EJ (01325) 380785 your child’s education (01325) 380827 Headteacher Mrs L. Millar •Carefully planned provision with high quality learning Childcare facilities on premises resources Headteacher Mrs S. Horner •Purposeful play in a caring, safe and exciting environment that builds on learning resources ALBERT HILL NURSERY SCHOOL GEORGE DENT NURSERY SCHOOL •A smooth transition from home to school Prescott Street, Darlington DL1 2ND Elms Road, Darlington DL3 7PY (01325) 380818 •Identification of individual learning needs and progression towards the Early learning Goals Headteacher Mrs C. D. Billington (01325) 380802 Carer/Parent & Toddler Group on premises, 2 sessions a week •Quality ensured by inspection to the rigorous Headteacher Mrs P. Pennington standards set by Ofsted 6 Education 2003 Small Abbey’s mark of quality school

BBEY Junior School caters for pupils from the with Aage of seven to 11. At present it has 366 pupils on its roll. The school covers the full range big of national curriculum subjects. This year Abbey Junior School has worked successfully on a plans number of initiatives, namely Active Mark for Sport, T PRESENT Artsmark, Basic Skills Butterfield Pre Quality Mark for literacy and ASchool is located numeracy and Darlington’s within Junction Farm Inclusive School Award. School in Eaglescliffe, The school has a strong musical but in September it background and is home to both will move into its own recorder and string clubs. premises within Abbey Junior School has a Junction Farm School grounds. purpose-built ICT suite housing This informal and 30 computers and hosts an after- fun place to learn has school club for adult learning. been established now There are literacy and for over three years. numeracy sessions for more Butterfield Pre School able children in all year groups. is Ofsted registered This has been extended to and has places for involve links with industry in both sessional and the form of thinking skills and full day care for two activities for more able pupils. to five-year-olds. Annual events at Abbey Junior As you would expect, School include a school garden Butterfield takes great care of its chil- party, Christmas and summer dren. With each ses- concerts and a residential Mark of quality: Pupils at Abbey Junior School celebrate the Quality Mark award to their school. Alan Wells, left, from the Basic Skills sion averaging around weekend in the Lake District Agency, presented the award to headteacher George Ford 18 children, the for Y6 pupils. friendly, qualified staff have ample opportunity to bring out the best in your child. Exciting times ahead A personal choice Once the school’s move into its new premises has become HERE are exciting times ahead Also soon to be launched are NE OF the most important learn a particular subject or subjects, reality, staff intend to for children and parents at activities which will support literacy things to think about when is the school strong in those areas? implement plans for TCoundon Primary School. skills. Ochoosing a school is your On the other hand, does it have weak expansion of the The school’s headteacher, Ed Sporting opportunities at Coundon child’s needs and personality. areas that worry you? services provided. Mitchell, has only held the post since Primary School are on the increase Ask yourself which school she What do other parents say about These will include a September but he has big ideas for with the school now running four or he will like best and which school their experience of local schools and welcome addition in developing the quality and range of football coaching sessions a week for will be best for him or her? These are how well did their children do at the the form of the experiences for children and others in children between the ages of eight not necessarily the same thing. schools? Remember, though, that Lunch Time Club. the community. and 11. When you’re making your decision schools can change quite quickly With new and exciting Coundon Primary School is a UK The future will see a wider range of bear in mind the following factors: and that past experience isn’t ventures just around Online Centre where local people can sports being developed by staff at the Your child’s preferred school, if always a good guide to the future. the corner, Butterfield develop their ICT skills. school. These will be supported by any, and the reasons for it; Also, other children may not be like Pre School is a The school already runs courses experienced coaches. Where your child’s friends are yours and may have completely progressive, caring which get adults involved in their Central to the school’s approach is going. Is it best to stay with those different needs. environment. child’s learning and has more planned opportunity for all. friends or make new ones? How will your child get to school? At Butterfield Pre for the future. Coundon Primary School has revised If your child is particularly Having to make a long trip to and School you are Due for launch after Easter is the its aims with contributions from bright, or needs special help or from school can be tiring for your assured that you school’s Breakfast Club which will staff, governors, parents and children attention, which schools will child – and it may be difficult to have placed your initially provide up to 50 children and all are working towards making handle that best? arrange. Check out whether or not child in the right with a healthy, nutritious breakfast. it a happy place to work and play. If your child has particular the school takes part in a “safer hands. interests or you want him or her to routes to school” scheme. ABBEY JUNIOR SCHOOL Coundon Primary School Victoria Lane, Coundon Headteacher: Mrs J Sarsfield Abbey Road, Darlington, 01388 603588 Co. Durham DL3 8NN •Girls and boys aged 3-11 Te l. (01325) 380748 We are here to give your Butterfield Pre-School •Broad and full curriculum Fax (01325) 363082 Group child the best Vid.Con: 01325 462139 •Excellent sporting results / Located within Junction Farm Care facilities email: [email protected] Primary School, Eaglescliffe Provision •Before and after school club OFSTED REGISTERED ~ Support Sessional or full day care •Private day care 0-3 as from ABBEY for 2-8 year olds Our vision is to be the most September 2003 INFANT Call Nikki or Veronica on improved Primary School in Brochure and further details available the country! SCHOOL 07814 582693 or 07957 687456 Come and see what we can Cleveland Terrace, Darlington do for you and your child West Cornforth Primary School DL3 9JA Tailored Childcare to suit your High Street, West Cornforth, Te l. (01325) 380803 working needs! Co. Durham DL17 9HP Headteacher: Mr E. Mitchell ~Te lephone (01740) 654315 Education 2003 7 Circus skills top extra activities

T MARY’S RC aided ST MARY’S RC primary school at SNewton Aycliffe is a small, friendly, single-age- Parental involvement is high range school which has and valued, with an active and achieved the Basic Skills successful PTA. Agency Quality Mark in Several parents assist in recognition of its promotion of classes throughout the school. literacy and numeracy This partnership is a strong throughout the age groups. feature of St Mary’s and is High standards of attainment essential to the children’s and behaviour are achieved in educational experience and a Christian, caring atmosphere development. with dedicated staff and The welcoming environment enthusiastic pupils. promotes positive attitudes, A variety of out-of-school with pupils demonstrating activities encourage children responsibility for their own to develop skills in areas such learning and awareness of as sport, ICT and even circus what they need to achieve to skills. attain their potential. Sunny days: St Mary’s RC promotes positive attitudes, with pupils demonstrating responsibility for their own learning Quality, not time, is the key to homework T IS more important that homework helps They will be very pleased that you are inter- Schools are expected to consider carefully the your child to learn than whether it takes a GOVERNMENT HOMEWORK ested and will want to help you get the bal- needs of individual children and think about Icertain amount of time. GUIDELINES ance right. how they can best work with parents and car- The Government’s guidelines (see panel) en- Primary school – Years 1 and 2: 1 hour per Doing homework somewhere other than at ers to support their learning, including their courage schools to plan homework carefully week; Years 3 and 4: 1.5 hours per week; Years home personal and social development. alongside the work children do at school, and 5 and 6: 30 minutes per day. Over the next few years, many schools will be Teachers are asked to be careful to ensure to make sure that all activities are appropriate Secondary school – Years 7 and 8: 45-90 given funding so that they can provide oppor- that children with special needs in main- for individual children. minutes per day; Year 9: 1-2 hours per day; tunities for older children to do homework ei- stream schools are given good-quality home- The guidelines for schools, entitled Home- Years 10 and 11: 1.5 - 2.5 hours per day. ther at school or somewhere else where there work tasks, rather than just finishing off class work: Guidelines for Primary and Secondary is supervision. work. They should also work with school’s Schools, can be read in full on the DfES Stan- ondary school, homework may include read- For example, a study support centre, such as special educational needs co-ordinator dards website. There are a number of key ing, preparing a presentation to the class, find- at a library, or in some places a football club. (SENCO) to make sure the level is right points for parents to note. ing out information, making something, try- Some schools already offer this opportunity; As a parent, you have tremendous power to How much homework? ing out a simple scientific experiment and contact your child’s school for information. strengthen your child’s confidence – and confi- Children should not be expected to spend sig- cooking. Feedback on your child’s homework dence is vital to learning. nificantly longer on homework than the guide Should parents help with homework? Schools are expected to make sure that chil- To help your child learn outside (and at) times set out in the panel. Generally, schools are very keen for parents to dren are given feedback on their homework. school, improve confidence by giving lots of Activities may not take as long as the guide support and help children with their home- It should be given in a way that lets your child praise and encouragement. times: that does not matter at all so long as work. know how well they have done and how they Specific praise focusing on a particular aspect they are useful. But there may be times when schools will could do better. of their work (“I like the way you have…”) is Schools and teachers are expected to organise want to see what your children can do on their This may not always be through written com- more effective than bland, blanket praise. homework carefully so that children are not own. ments from the teacher. Sometimes, work will Read to, and with, your child as much as possi- expected to do too much on any one day. It is also important, particularly as they get be discussed in lessons, or teachers may give ble. What sort of activities should children be older, for your children to become increasing- written comments on just one or two aspects Encourage children to observe and talk about doing? ly independent in their learning. of a piece of work. their surroundings. All homework activities should be related to However, schools generally take the view that If you are concerned about the feedback given Even young children can be helped to read no- work children are doing at school. children are likely to get more out of an activi- to your child, you should discuss this with the tices and signs, for example, and understand However, homework should not always be ty if parents get involved – as long as they do school. what they mean. written work. For young children it will large- not take over too much. Children with special needs Make use of your local library and look out for ly be reading with parents or carers and infor- If you are unsure about what your role should The Government’s guidelines include broad special events and services for children. mal games to practice mathematical skills. be you should discuss it with your child’s recommendations on homework for children Visit museums and places you think your For older children, including those at sec- school. with special needs. child might find interesting.

Dene Valley At Dene Valley Primary School we try to: semi-rural Central Avenue, Newton Aycliffe location Primary School •to create consistently high standards Co. Durham DL5 5NP of learning experiences for all children TELEPHONE: 01325 300339 small •to develop the whole child class HEADTEACHER: Mrs A. Dockray •to create a caring, secure sizes environment so that all in school feel NOR: 168 a sense of worth •to create a lively and stimulating Education for pupils aged 4 - 11 learning environment breakfast club Committed to excellence and • to create a partnership with parents, governors, and the wider community continued improvement •to develop a care for the physical ST. MARY’S A most civilised and welcoming environment positive community with good relationships ethos and well implemented aims - Ofsted ROMAN CATHOLIC 1999 VOLUNTARY AIDED High standards of behaviour …committed Gurney Valley, Bishop Auckland, large play County Durham DL14 8RP area PRIMARY SCHOOL Active and successful P.T.A. to raising Tel/Fax: 01388 603947 morning Visits to school welcomed by and Headteacher: Mr R. J. Hill appointment with the Headteacher standards afternoon Email: [email protected] nursery 8 Education 2003 From the Kids are safe and sound in a Horse’s mouth! quality learning environment GIFT HORSE CATALOGUE HE Safe Play Club began THE SAFE PLAY CLUB operating at Mowden Infant HEN the Gift TSchool in January 1997, after Horse Catalogue Valerie Moss discovered there was their children are being cared for in Wfirst appeared in no childcare available for her son in a safe, stimulating and caring 1992 it was an instant the Mowden/Hummersknott area of environment. success with pony-mad Darlington and decided to do All staff have a child-care children and adults something about it. qualification and are fully police alike. This was the first school-based out- and health checked, while The catalogue is a great of-hours kids’ club in Darlington, references are undertaken prior to source of horsey gifts, and was followed in June 1999 by a their employment within the kids’ with ideas for birthdays club at Heighington Primary clubs. Most also hold first aid, food presents and goody bags School, another at Alderman Leach hygiene and health and safety as well as prizes for Infant School in September 1999 certificates. gymkhanas and shows. and a fourth at All Saints Children learn through play with With over 200 items to Millennium Centre in November educational toys and games in a choose from, each clearly 2000. secure home-from-home and competitively priced, The Safe Play Club aims to provide atmosphere, providing the current catalogue regular and reliable before and opportunities for creative, includes an instructional after-school care for children aged challenging and worthwhile manual on horse care four to 14 years of age and holiday learning, all supervised by qualified and riding, educational care for children aged four to 16. staff. and entertaining videos, It offers high-quality, affordable The Safe Play Club works in novels, stationery and and secure child care at Mowden partnership with the Education items for school, and Heighington both before and Department and is registered with including notebooks, after school term time. OFSTED and the Kids’ Clubs pencil cases, pencils and At Alderman Leach, only after- Network. It was awarded a Kids’ rubbers, book-ends, school care is offered at present, Club Network Quality Assurance puzzles and puzzle while after-school and full day-care Award for its high standards in books, colouring books, during the school holidays are April 1998. jigsaw puzzles, toys, available at All Saints Millennium For further information on The things to do and make, Centre in Blackwell, thus enabling Safe Play Club, call in at any of the chinaware, clothing and Picnic time: Children keeping busy at The Safe Play Club parents to maintain employment, clubs or contact Valerie Moss on hat covers – all based on return to work or training knowing 01325 288911 or 07710 487730. a horsey theme. A discount is given to riding schools and clubs who order in bulk and a Time your school application to perfection personal service is always assured. At the Gift Horse OU will usually need to apply for stating your preferred school. see if there have been more expected to provide any extra Catalogue we are always a primary school place well If you do not fill in a local authority applications than places in previous information to support your open to suggestions as to Ybefore your child reaches five – admissions form, your child may not years. application. what our customers many schools admit children at four. be allocated a school place until all A school’s “admission authority” will Sometimes, if you are applying to a would like to see in the You will usually need to apply for a those who did state a preference have deal with your application for a school voluntary-aided church school, you catalogue, and if there is secondary place before Christmas in been offered a place, and it is then place for your child. may need a letter from your parish an item which you are the year before your child is due to possible that your local school may be The admission authority will be priest or minister. particularly looking for start at secondary school. too full to take your child. either the governing body of the Denominational schools and boarding and it isn’t in the Admissions are handled in one of two Never assume that your child will get school for foundation and voluntary schools are also permitted to catalogue, we will do our ways, either by the local authority or a place at a new school without you aided schools or the LEA for other interview, but only to assess best to find it. by the school itself. having to apply. state schools. religious/denominational You can obtain a free If the school you choose for your child Even if your child is at a nursery The admission authority will give you commitment or suitability for a copy of the Gift Horse deals with its own admissions which is linked to an infant school, or the information you need and make boarding place. Catalogue by phoning (01963) 371371 and (sometimes it will be described as at an infant school which is linked to sure you receive an application form. If you are applying to a school which leaving your name and being “its own admission authority”) a junior school, you still need to make In some areas, all the state schools are is not a comprehensive school, your address clearly on the 24- you may have to apply directly to the an application to move them on to the included on the same form, or work to child may have to sit an entrance test. hour answering service, school. next stage. a common applications timetable. It is important to read the admission or by writing to The Gift If you want your child to go to a Even then, if a school is very popular Most admission authorities set a authority’s instructions very Horse Trading Company, school for which the LEA has there is no guarantee that your child deadline for receiving applications, so carefully, to make sure that you are PO Box 3046, Wincanton, responsibility – even if it is your will get a place. make sure you send your form back to doing everything you can to try to get BA8 0TR. second-choice school – you must fill in Look in the booklet produced by the the right address in good time. the school place that you want for a local authority admissions form, LEA, or in the school prospectus, to Also, find out whether you are your child.

Aycliffe Village The Safe EQUINE ENTERTAINMENT with Primary School Play Club The Gift Horse Catalogue Newton Aycliffe Providing High Quality, Specially for pony-mad youngsters and adults alike ... Affordable and Secure Full of entertaining and educational books and videos, Child Care in Darlington stationery, items for school, stickers and badges, pocket money toys, gift ideas, ideas for prizes and party goody bags, and lots Full Day Care During School Holidays more - all on a horey theme! at All Saints Millennium Centre, Blackwell, Darlington For your free copy, telephone CALLING ALL 4-14 YEAR OLDS We aspire, believe and 01963 371371 Choose your closest location term time from or write to: PO Box 3046 Wincanton BA8 9TR succeed together Alderman Leach, Cockerton C of E, Heighington Primary, Mowden Infants Visits to our school are always welcome. Please bring your child so they can have a and All Saints Millennium Centre look too! After School and Creche Facilities Available Head Teacher: Miss J.L. Clarke B.A. (Hons.), P. G . C . E ., M.A. Call: Valerie Moss on: 01325 288911 Tel/Fax: (01325) 300 227 or 07710 487730 (Mobile) Registered with Ofsted, Kids Clubs Network and Childcare Link Education 2003 9 Excellence for all at Staindrop

TAINDROP STAINDROP COMPREHENSIVE Comprehensive School is Ssituated on the outskirts The pupils enjoyed great of Staindrop village, success last year in overlooking rolling fields and examinations, with every Year farms. 11 pupil leaving with four or This small, award-winning more GCSE certificates. school provides a caring and At key stage three, the school safe environment where pupils was in the top three Durham are treated as individuals. schools for its mathematics and Staindrop is a popular school science results. and has been over-subscribed The school is equally proud of for the last two years. its sporting and dramatic A recent survey of parents achievements. identified that ‘school This year the students’ lively discipline, the community spirit performance of Guys and Dolls and developing confidence in played to packed houses of Guiding the way: Pupils from pupils’ were some of the factors pupils, parents, friends and Staindrop School who have which ensured the school members of the local created a CD on a guide to the performed very well. community. The success of Staindrop The school is also proud of its area l-r: Sam Kibbler, Sam Comprehensive School has also Young Enterprise team who Moore, Mark Thompson, Switched on to success: been recognised with two represented the whole of the James Alderson, Martyn Jones Steph Parry, left, and national awards. North-East in the national and Martin Scott Deborah Shackleton from The school has received the finals. Staindrop School team ArtsMark Award for the A remark from an inspector in the Ofsted report states: with the innovative light development of pupils’ creativity and the Schools “Staindrop Comprehensive switch covers with which Curriculum Award for its work School supports pupils and the school has won a with the community and the prepares them well for life after series of awards range of activities offered. they leave.” Rules to follow when choosing a secondary school BEFORE you decide where to apply, you everyone is serious about learning? Would it how popular the school is with parents and Department for Education and Skills (DfES) should collect as much information as you suit your child? where to get more information publishes performance tables for primary can about the schools in which you are Many schools hold open days and evenings and secondary schools. interested. where you can meet the staff and see 3 The school brochure (prospectus) The secondary school tables tell you: There are many different places to get this children’s work. Or you could make an Every school publishes a brochure (called a key facts about each school; information information, including school brochures and appointment to visit the school at another prospectus) each year. This will tell you a lot about GCSEs, GNVQs and other exam results government performance tables. Perhaps the time, and ask to talk to the headteacher. more about a school than the local authority and the pupils’ absence record most important one of all is the school itself. Many schools have Parent Teacher booklet can, so get one for each of the Separate tables for 16-18 year-olds cover all Associations (PTAs). They may be able to schools you might be interested in. schools with sixth forms and colleges of 1 Visit the school give you extra information about the school Prospectuses have a lot of useful further education. These tell you the key It is very helpful to get first-hand and offer advice on the admissions process. information and will help you to understand facts about schools and colleges and also information. You can learn a lot from Ask at the school for more details. what different schools are like. A prospectus supply details of exam results touring the school and seeing the children, will also explain the school’s admissions 5 Government inspectors’ reports the teachers and the way they work together. 2 Local authority booklets policy in detail. You can get a copy from the You may also want to ask about reports Check out the school’s resources and the Your local authority produces a booklet school. produced by the Government’s school children’s work listing all the schools in your area. 4 Performance tables inspectors (Ofsted). A report is available for Ask how the school involves parents – The booklet will tell you how many pupils You will probably want to know about a every school in the country. You can get does it seem to be a happy school where are admitted, their admission arrangements, schools’ performance. Every year the these from the Ofsted website. Staindrop Comprehensive School

Situated on the outskirts of Staindrop village, the school overlooks rolling fields and farms. This small award winning school provides a caring and safe environment, where pupils are treated as individuals. Staindrop is a popular school and has been oversubscribed for the last two years. A recent survey of parents identified ‘School discipline, the community spirit and developing confidence in pupils’ as some of the factors which the school does very well. Enquiries are welcomed from parents looking for: Excellence For All Cleatlam Lane | Staindrop | Darlington | DL2 3JU Telephone (01833) 660285 Fax (01833) 660833 10 Education 2003 Parkside proud of caring reputation

T may be one of the most well-equipped PARKSIDE COMPREHENSIVE schools in County Durham, but the emphasis Iat Parkside Comprehensive is not on bricks citizenship course and PE. and mortar but on the 900 pupils who make up the Around 15 per cent of each year group follow a school community. modified work-related curriculum which is made The Willington school has some of the most up of a limited number of GCSEs but enriched modern facilities in the county – including some with GNVQ work, a link course with Bishop superb sports infrastructure – and is set in Auckland College and work experience. extensive grounds on the side of the Wear Valley. Pupils with learning difficulties are integrated But staff and pupils are at the top of the agenda into the full life of the school and the full range of at Parkside, as the school’s most recent Ofsted subjects, with support in normal lessons by report concluded: “Parkside Comprehensive specialist staff. School is a good school which is continuing to There is also a wide range of extra-curricular, improve the quality of education and the musical and sporting activities which are well- standards reached by all its pupils. supported. Staff are firmly convinced of the value “It is a happy school with good relationships and importance of such work and of the stimulus Cooking up a treat: Melissa Carr and Megan Hutchinson, from Parkside School, WIllington, between pupils and staff.” which they give to classroom learning. who were in the final of the Grab 5 menu challenge in November Proud of its reputation as a caring school, At Parkside, there is a particular emphasis on Parkside may be too big for any single teacher to sporting and athletic opportunities and over the know every child well, but has organised its care years the school has built up a formidable to ensure every pupil gets individual attention. reputation and a full trophy cabinet. Sporting spirit: Each year group is divided into seven tutor All pupils are encouraged to use the school’s Parkside places a groups of mixed ability with each looked after by spacious playing fields including soccer, rugby special emphasis an experienced teacher in the hope that each will and hockey pitches, an athletics track, a full on sporting and develop into a close family unit. Tutors mark cross-country course and an all-weather hockey athletic attendance and punctuality, monitor progress and pitch alongside outdoor basketball and netball opportunities consider the well-being of each pupil. facilities. and over the Academically, the school offers a broad and The school is particularly proud of its state-of-the- years the school balanced curriculum at key stage three which art sports hall with indoor cricket nets, has built up a delivers the National Curriculum core subjects. badminton, basketball, netball, tennis and five-a- formidable In years ten and 11, pupils follow GCSE in English side football courts. reputation and a language, English literature, maths and two The hall, which has tiered seating for 280 people, full trophy sciences plus a choice of four others from an also has a lighting and sound system for cabinet extensive list of options. theatrical performances. The schools also boasts a All pupils also follow a personal skills and fully-equipped gymnasium with climbing wall. Addressing the subject of school uniform SCHOOL governing bodies are their families feeling socially as effective, to have a policy that PHYSICAL EDUCATION NON-COMPLIANCE WITH A responsible for deciding whether excluded. This applies both to incorporates items that are readily School uniform often includes SCHOOL’S UNIFORM POLICY their school should have a uniform existing and prospective pupils. available ‘off the peg’ from a clothing required for physical Headteachers can discipline pupils policy, and if so, what it should It is not acceptable for parents of number of retail outlets. When education. Schools should adopt a for breach of uniform policy. consist of. prospective pupils to be deterred setting a uniform policy the sensitive, flexible approach to this However, the Department does not The headteacher’s role is to ensure from applying to the school of Department expects school issue. There is some evidence to consider exclusion to be an pupils comply with the uniform their choice because they are governing bodies to behave suggest that participation and appropriate response to breaches of policy agreed by the governing unable to meet the cost of its reasonably, considering the impact enjoyment of sport is enhanced school uniform policy, except body. Parents should raise any school uniform. of their policies on parents and where pupils feel comfortable where it is part of a pattern of complaints about school This situation cuts across the pupils. Governing bodies should about their PE uniform. This is defiant behaviour generally. uniform/dress codes with the Government’s aims of supporting consult parents for their views and particularly true for girls. Schools Schools should be considerate and governing body of their school. parental preference and preventing concerns before deciding on the should choose a PE uniform, which discreetly try to establish why a COST OF SCHOOL UNIFORM social exclusion. introduction of a new uniform is practical, comfortable and pupil is not adhering to their In deciding the format of their Existing school uniform policies policy/dress code, or amending an appropriate to the activity uniform policy. school uniform, the Government may require families to purchase existing one. involved. Sex and race If it is because parents are in Department expects school ‘designer’ items, particularly high The Department particularly discrimination issues must also be financial difficulties, schools governing bodies to give high cost garments such as blazers that expects governors to be receptive to considered. The cost of clothing for should be sensitive to the needs of priority to cost considerations. No are only available from one parents’ complaints, and handle physical education activities can the pupil and give their parents school uniform should be so supplier. them respectfully, considering prove expensive and schools should time to purchase the required expensive as to leave pupils or It is much better practice, and just fully the issues they raise. be mindful of this in setting policy. items.

Welcome to PARKSIDE SCHOOL a successful, caring and hardworking school Please contact us to We want all students arrange a visit or • to achieve examination success come to our Open • to develop a wide range of skills and talents Evening on • to develop high standards of self discipline Wednesday, 8th • to respect others October, 2003 • enjoy their education between 6.00pm Hall Lane, Willington, and 8.00pm Crook, So, we will provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere with highly Co. Durham professional and well qualified staff, supported by excellent facilities. We are a DfES ICT Test Bed School telephone 01388 746396 ‘Nothing But The Best’ fax 01388 746782 www.parkside-wearvalley.durham.sch.uk email: [email protected] Education 2003 11 Community spirit at St John’s

SECONDARY school will open ST JOHN’S RC COMPREHENSIVE its doors to the whole Acommunity after a multi-million pound revamp to bring it into the 21st community which includes local century. residents and families from St John’s RC Comprehensive School, Spennymoor, Crook and Barnard in Bishop Auckland, is celebrating a Castle. As a Roman Catholic school we windfall of £4.1m from the have pupils from outside the town. “Our concept is for ‘whole life Department for Education and Skills. learning’, making each suite of The cash will pay for improvements classrooms as good as possible, with to the 1960s building in a vision to 24-7 learning available for the school develop ‘whole life learning’ for the and wider community through our school and surrounding community. Open Learning Centre.” The project will see some major A new science block will be built, improvements to the fabric of the which will provide space inside the school and the creation of an Open school for a state of the art technology Learning Centre which can be suite and expressive arts base. accessed by pupils and the wider A Sixth Form Centre will also be community. developed to boost the existing post-16 It is hoped that work on site will education department, with art study start at the end of this year and be facilities, a cyber café, study rooms completed between September and and video conferencing and Christmas, 2004. conference rooms. Headteacher Gerard Moran said: “It All the developments will provide is a very exciting time. Teachers and disabled access to all areas of the pupils are the main influences on curriculum. learning but the right environment is Fred Wilson, chairman of the essential. school’s governors, said: “We, and the “We will be able to provide the best Friends of St John’s, were delighted to possible resources, ICT facilities that support the application and thrilled it can be used for learning and make has come to fruition. pupils more employable and an “It will benefit St John’s, other Jumping for joy: Left to right Matthew Barnish, Emma Hare, Kate Pounder, Rebecca Collinson, Michael Condron, environment that is stimulating and schools in the area and the vibrant. community which we feel is part of headteacher Gerard Moran, Niamh Redmond, Andrew Shields and David Howe celebrate the cash windfall for St “We also have a strong, extended the school’s role.” John’s School Ten reasons ‘Feet on the street’ why it’s cool to walk your child ARENTS and chil- a healthier lifestyle and dren across Stockton mums and dads can enjoy to school PBorough are being the exercise along with 1 It’s fun! encouraged to get their their children. feet on the street and walk Research also proves that 2 It’s healthy to school. today’s children have spent 3 It’s friendly and a chance to The borough is leading the so long as passengers in meet other parents way in pioneering the in- cars that road sense is less 4 It’s a chance to teach road troduction of walking advanced than their par- skills buses – parents organising ents’ generation, leaving 5 It’s a reminder to the powers themselves into a rota to the UK with the highest walk to school on a regular childhood road casualty that be that streets could be route, collecting children rates in Northern Europe. safer as they go. Any responsible parent 6 It’s environmentally friendly The first walking bus in the roads in general and, these days has to worry 7 It’s less stressful than rush- the area was launched at perhaps more importantly about pollution and the ef- hour driving. Yarm Primary School in for parents worried about fect of greenhouse gases as 8 It’s considerate – one less January 2000 and more their cars stand idling in a their child’s safety, outside car on the roads means its than three years later it is the school gates. rush-hour traffic jam. still going strong. But walking to school has For more information on safer for other children. Research shows that one a variety of other benefits, setting up a walking bus 9 Its educational – children in five cars on the road in both in the short and long scheme – or other advice see and learn more on the way the minutes leading up to term. on walking to school – ring to school the start of the school day Growing problems of Stockton’s roads pro- 10 It’s economical – add up Safety first: Middlesbrough Football Club mascot Rory The Lion discusses are taking children to class childhood obesity and gramme officers on (01642) how much you save each week road safety with pupils at St Therese School in Stockton – leading to congestion on asthma can be reduced by 387712 or (01642) 397713. St. John’s Sixth Form Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, County Durham. DL14 6JT. t: 01388 603246 f: 01388 609988

We offer: S a wide range of academic and vocational courses S experienced and approachable subject teachers S individual guidance on post-16 courses ‘a learning S laptop lease scheme S excellent ICT facilities community S personal tutors for advice and support guided by S an excellent record for university placements Gospel values’ 12 Education 2003 Route to safety

HE car is becoming used more Sporting and more on the school run, success: Twith estimates that at peak Members of the hours it contributes to Bishop approximately 25 per cent of all Barrington traffic on the roads at this time. School Year 7 To address this problem, the government is encouraging football squad schools to work in partnership were just one with their local authority to of last season’s develop travel plans and Safer sporting Routes to School projects. winners Safer Routes is a practical project aimed at improving safety for all concerned on the journey to and from school by reducing the dependency on the car in favour of safer and healthier forms of travel, such as cycling and walking. Traffic-calming measures and road safety education training will be implemented to make walking, cycling and using public transport safer and more attractive for parents and pupils. All schools in Hartlepool will be targeted over the next three years A flourishing future generation with physical engineering measures and education HILDREN are our future. They which she or he is capable; BISHOP BARRINGTON SCHOOL school in the county, and one of the initiatives. In addition, those flourish when they know they G Reach the best standards of per- first in the country, to be awarded schools that are developing travel Care safe, cared for and wanted. sonal and social behaviour; variety of ways. the prestigious Investor In People plans will have the added incentive At Bishop Barrington School, G Experience trust, respect and The school believes in, and plans to status in recognition of its commit- of additional cycle storage/lockers Bishop Auckland, we work constant- responsibility, leading to self- keep, small classes to allow for as ment to the training and develop- and cycle-training schemes. ly with families to ensure that a real reliance and discipline; much individual attention as possi- ment of its staff. As road-safety education is partnership exists to look after the G Be a caring member of the com- ble. All schools have lessons but we The school is organised to ensure developed and linked to the interests of every child, because munity. provide a great deal more. Other that each child is happy and suc- national curriculum, car trips are every child is special. The school meets the needs of the activities the school arranges for its cessful. expected to be reduced and Bishop Barrington School is well most recent National Curriculum students are almost too many to There is a simple, but very impor- walking and cycling to school will organised to care for and value each orders. These are viewed, however, mention – we aim to be a centre of tant, philosophy which is the foun- become the norm. student individually. The school as a mechanism to ensure a mini- excellence in all that we do. dation for the work of the school. The success of these projects aims to provide each student with mum entitlement for all students. The school is justifiably proud of its We expect the highest standards of depends on the whole school being the opportunity to: Bishop Barrington School offers many local, regional and national discipline, academic endeavour and involved and taking ownership of G appreciate learning and to reach much more than a national mini- successes. examination success for all the chil- any schemes. her or his full academic potential; mum. Our children need and Students have won many cups, tro- dren entrusted into our care. For more information on road G gain the highest level of accredi- deserve more. Every opportunity is phies, awards and prizes. Bishop We expect our children to be proud safety issues please contact Paul tation/examination success of taken to enrich the curriculum in a Barrington School was the first to be part of our school. Watson on 01429 523590. all schools have lessons, but we provide a great deal more… At Bishop Barrington School your child will be encouraged to consider that learning is something we do all our lives. We can offer a future for your children, that will be bright, challenging and successful. The School is in the Community and is for the Community. We engage the School at all levels to ensure that it continually looks forward and relishes the challenges of the future. Our School takes on a new life at the end of formal lessons, we are always looking to provide quality experiences for all in the Community. We are all particularly proud of the fact that we were recently commended to Parliament, by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Schools, as one of the most improved schools in the country. This praise does not mean that we are in any way complacent. In all respects this is just the start of what will be an incredible journey. The selection of the right school is an important decision. We are confident that Bishop Barrington can provide an excellent education for your childs future.

Headteacher: Keith B. Cotgrave M.Sc. Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 6LA Telephone 01388 603307 Fax 01388 609990 Education 2003 13 Toddlers in control Practical experience HEN it comes to road the innovative campaigns safety, they believe in introduced by the authority to WENTY primary schools in Wstarting them young in keep youngsters safe. Middlesborough are now taking Redcar and Cleveland. The council employs Safer Tpart in an exciting new Child The borough received national Journeys To School Co-ordinator Pedestrian Training Scheme. media attention last year when it Janet Easley to work in After twice successfully bidding for became home to the world’s first partnership with schools in the government funding, Middlesborough council has appointed two Child police-approved driving school for borough and encourage them to Pedestrian Training Scheme Co- toddlers. produce School Travel plans. Ordinators, who work with five and Potential boy-racers aged just four The aims of the plans can be six-year-old children, taking them out and five-years-old were put individually tailored to suit the of school for practical roadside through their paces in toy cars. needs of each school, but all will training sessions. Police and safety officers have themes centred around They are helped at each school by introduced the one-hour driving reducing the number of car specially-trained parent volunteers. lessons because of the journeys to and from school, The training is based on the proliferation of model cars – which encouraging the use of sustainable Driving lessons: Robby Allday and Johnny Whiteside at the world’s first ‘Kerbcraft’ model designed by a team can cost up to £500 – and reports transport, such as walking or police-approved driving school for toddlers of psychologists at the University of they were being taken out on the cycling, and educating pupils to produced School Travel Plans. pedestrian training – a week’s Strathclyde and first trialed in roads by daredevil youngsters. recognise and use their safest Janet has also worked on two playground-based course on basic Drumchapel, an area of Glasgow with Redcar and Cleveland Borough route to school. major Safer Routes to School cycling skills, culminating in a some of the highest child-pedestrian Council mascot Spike the Wilton Primary in Lazenby, Park projects at Ravensworth Junior test which carries a certificate and casualty figures in Europe. Hedgehog joined police and Lane Infants in Guisborough, St School and Bankfields Primary badge if successful. The trial lasted two years and council road safety officers to get Mary’s RC Primary in South Bank, School. For more information on road produced a significant reduction in the message across. Skelton Juniors in Skelton and The authority also provides cycle- safety, contact Mike Hall or Ron those figures. The children are The driving lessons are only one of Coatham Primary in Redcar have training courses, including Gomer on (01642) 444753. taught, over 12 weeks, how to find somewhere safe to cross and how to cross both between parked cars and at junctions when they have to. Five Middlesborough primary schools Learning is poetry in motion have already completed the training with approximately 200 children receiving certificates. Ten further ARLINGTON’S school Scouter, parent) help get messages Chantelle Harrison and Janine road, schools are currently participating in children over the past two across to young children in their Crawford wrote the following poem And just missed a heavy load. the scheme. Dyears have been actively care. during a poetry day held in Dodmire Use your brains, use your brains. The training does not mean that the writing poetry, watching plays, Road safety shouldn’t be just the School after hearing the poet On Wednesday morning I said ta-ra children are safe to cross the road by themselves and they should still be performing in workshops and annual reminder from the Tufty or Bernard Young read his poems to And just missed a speeding car. designing posters, leaflets, (even Green Cross Code Man. For road them. accompanied by an adult when they On Thursday I was hit by a lorry, parking tickets!) all in an effort to safety to have a lasting, living When you get out of bed, Always use cross, however it is hoped that Then I was really, really sorry. ‘Kerbcraft’ training will provide the learn the rules of the road. impression, it needs to be done your head. children with the necessary skills to Road safety can be integrated in all every day, if possible in a fun or Use your brains, use your brains. Use your brain, use your brain. On Friday I learned my lesson, become safe pedestrians in the aspects of the curriculum and a interesting way. On Monday morning I went to future. For more information on the special resources centre has been Most children ‘learn what they live’. school, In future I won’t be messin’. ‘Kerbcraft’ scheme please contact set up to help any grown up Most learn by imitating grown-ups. I also acted like a fool. Stop Look. Listen Live. Middlesborough Council Road Safety (teacher, childminder, Guider, What will your child learn today? On Tuesday morning I crossed the That’s the rule. Yeah! Yeah! Section on 01642 728284 or 728232. calling all young

poets The competition runs from September 22 until October 31, 2003. Poems can be submitted in a Winner of last years under 18’s competition, Mohammad Niknafs, age 10, from Gosforth number of ways. Online via the Orange Writing who is your hero? Middle School website www.OrangeWriting.com or at [email protected] or by post to Nick SCHOOL pupils across the region impression on their life or who has Morrison at are being asked to put pen to paper influenced them in some way. But, The Northern Echo, PO Box 14, Priestgate, for the purposes of the competition, to celebrate their own North-East Darlington DL1 1NF. Hero – and win a prize for their the hero does have to come from school. the North-East.” and find this easier to try than other It’s all part of this year’s Great Last year’s competition drew a forms of writing.” North Poetry Competition now in its fantastic response from the region’s Some fantastic prizes are up for second year and supported by the youngsters and this year it promises grabs for the winner and their Orange Writing initiative, Poetry to be better than ever. school. Local published poets Emotion and The Northern Echo. The project is being supported by Pauline Hughes and Valerie Laws, Orange Writing, an initiative that Part of the competition is who also teach at the University of aims to increase awareness of, and dedicated to young poets and Northumbria, have agreed to judge participation in, all forms of popular Rules of Entry for Under 18 Category celebrates the depth of talent the competition. literature and creative writing. among young would-be poets. They will hold poetry workshop Your poem must be about a North-East Hero “The North-East has a strong sessions for the winner’s school. Poems may be a maximum of 20 lines long This year’s theme is North-East identity rich in culture and heritage,” The winner will also receive £100 Poems must be typed Heroes, people who have made a explained Maureen Dixon, Regional worth of book vouchers. Poems must be the original work of the entrant lasting impression on the writer. PR Manager at Orange. “A strong All entries will be posted on the Poems must be unpublished work “We wanted to keep a regional part of this is its people, famous and Orange Writing, Poetry Emotion and Judging will be carried out by poets Pauline Hughes and focus on the subject for the poems,” not so famous, who have made the Northern Echo websites. Valerie Laws explained Ian Brown of Poetry North-East the great place it is. In addition, the winning poems, Written manuscripts cannot be returned Emotion. “However, a hero doesn’t “Often it can be daunting if you’re plus a selection of some of the best Correspondence cannot be entered into concerning the have to be someone famous, it can asked to write a short story or a entries, will also be published in The decisions of the judges be someone known to the writer novel. However, many more people Northern Echo. Closing date is Friday October 31, 2003 who has made a lasting positive are prepared to try writing a poem 14 Education 2003 What to do if you are turned down by your first-choice school

OST children are offered a to admit your child to the school. place at their parents’ Different rules apply if your Mpreferred school – unless admission application has been the school is so popular that more refused because the school has people apply than there are places. reached its legal limit of 30 in a class. Parents who are not offered their In this type of appeal the panel are first preference school will usually only allowed to look at two things – be offered their second preference whether the admission authority or, sometimes, another school. stuck to its own rules (published in If you do not get your first choice of its admission arrangements) and school and are unhappy with the whether it acted unreasonably. school place allocated to your child, If the admission authority broke its you have a right to appeal to an own rules, either deliberately or by independent appeal panel. mistake, then your appeal can If you receive a letter telling you succeed – but only if your child that you have not been offered a would have got in if the rules had place at your preferred school, it will also tell you about your right been applied properly. to appeal and give information For the decision to be ‘unreasonable’ about what you should do next. it must be completely illogical or The result of your appeal will not based on the facts of the case. depend on the strength of your case. These include the published In most admission appeals the admission arrangements, the panel goes through two stages. number of applicants, the number First it hears the case put by the of classrooms at the school and admission authority, explaining other factors to do with the school why it did not offer you a place at or the admission authority. They do your preferred school, and will not include facts particular to your Winning team: Just two years ago the staff of Lifelong Learning numbered two. Today it has 13 members of staff who decide if there was a good reason child or any special reason you undertake a comprehensive programme of adult learning events and courses for turning down your application. might have for wanting your The phrase sometimes used is: child to go to that school (the ‘whether the admission would be convenience of the journey from prejudicial to efficient education or your home to school, for example). efficient use of resources’. An You are free to talk about personal example might be where the school factors at the appeal hearing if you has very small classrooms and want to, but in this type of appeal Lifelong Learning a couldn’t fit your child in without the panel cannot take them into making the space too cramped for account unless they are relevant to good teaching and learning. one or other of the two things they If the panel does decide there was a are allowed to look at. good reason for turning down your If your appeal succeeds, the application, it will hear your case admission authority must offer runaway success! and find out why you are appealing your child a place at the school. If against the decision. your appeal does not succeed, you You can mention all the reasons can ask the school to put your child IFELONG Learning is made up LIFELONG LEARNING is to increase adult participation in why that school would be the best on their waiting list (if the school of two teams – Adult and education. for your child and what special has one), as places sometimes LCommunity Learning two members of staff and This is done by working closely factors justify your child getting in. become free after the start of the (including school governor with local communities, listening The panel will then make a now has 13. school year. If you are unhappy training) and Family Learning. This rise in staffing reflects the to their needs and setting up ‘balancing judgement’ and decide It is a fairly new provider of adult learning programmes. whether the benefits to your child about the way the appeal hearing success of the service in increasing was carried out, you could education, having been established the number of adult learners and The group also supports local of going to the school you are in April 2001 when funding for voluntary and community groups appealing for instead of the school complain to the Local Government drawing in additional funding Ombudsman, who might adult education became the through a variety of sources. through its Community Learning you have been offered outweigh the recommend a new appeal. responsibility of the Learning and The group has set up adult Chest. bad effects on the school and the Skills Council. education classes at Haughton The team at Lifelong Learning is other children of having one more If you want to know more about Lifelong Learning has recently Community School, Longfield involved in a number of publicity pupil in the class. appeals, contact the admission joined forces with the library to School and Hurworth events. Its next event will be held in If the appeal panel decides that authority for the school, or contact become one service and is now Comprehensive School and is May at the Library when it will be your case is the stronger, it will the School Admissions Teams in based at Darlington’s Crown running Family Learning celebrating Adult Learners’ Week uphold your appeal and the the Department for Education and Street Library. programmes in 14 schools. and the achievements of its adult admission authority will then have Skills. Lifelong Learning started with just The main aim of Lifelong Learning learners.

Adults Learners Week 10-16 May 2003 is the UK’s TUESDAY 13th MAY biggest festival of learning. It could be your chance to Adult Learners Week Learn for Life An event for older learners. explore your potential! 10.30am - 3.00pm Central Hall, 10th - 16th May Dolphin Centre. Free conference, guest speaker. Taster sessions - watercolour painting, musical Come and join in the fun!!! keyboard and much more SATURDAY 10th MAY WEDNESDAY 14th MAY Cultural Diversity Day A range of activities throughout International Day of A day full of family fun and Darlington Families games at Crown Street Library between 9.30 until 4.00pm. Book MONDAY12th MAY a tour to discover the international Science Day Come along to Crown Street Adult Learners’ Week is an opportunity to celebrate, history of Darlington Civic Theatre Library between 9.30am until promote and advance all form of adult learning and is co- THURSDAY 15th MAY 4pm and find out about model ordinated by NIACE, the national Institute of Adult Learning at Work Day Join in and gain new skills at aeroplanes. The BBC Learning Continuing Education. your workplace Bus will be in the Market FRIDAY 16th MAY Square. Board the bus and try Silver Surfers Day FREE IT/Internet facilities out some new technology. Eat a available - Darlington Library Rainbow – healthly living and Queen Elizabeth 6th Form, food technology at Crown Street Darlington College of Please telephone 01325 388864 Technology and other locations for further details Education 2003 15

Outdoor life: If you yearn for an active career the Army can offer the best equipment, training and opportunities to enable you to reach your full potential in a wide range of jobs and professions

A rewarding Army career

OULD you like the your career by other chance to travel employers, you will also Wabroad to countries receive first-class training. such as Poland, Canada, Ja- This will enable you to maica or Cyprus in the first continue to gain great year of your new job? rewards while doing an How about the chance to earn exciting and worthwhile job an excellent starting salary where you will need to think and receive six-weeks paid and act quickly to make a holiday every year, all while difference. training in a trade, profession The Army currently has or skill? around 15,000 opportunities The career options available available to those with GCSEs in the Army are countless. and others aged 16 –24 years. With over 140 different trades To find out more about the 140 and professions open to career options available with recruits – including vehicle excellent training, good rates mechanics, drivers, of pay, generous paid holiday technicians, mechanical allowance and worldwide engineers, doctors, dentists, travel opportunities, contact nurses, joiners, carpenters, your local Armed Forces plumbers and accountants – Careers Offices in there is something to suit Middlesbrough 01642 243413, everyone. Bishop Auckland 01388 604110, As well as earning a great Catterick 01748 872093, starting wage, which is often Darlington 01325464530 and well in advance of that Durham 0191 3847682 or visit offered to you at this stage of www.army.mod.uk “Travel, action, adventure. I joined the 16 to 27 club.” Earn £213 per week (at 17+). Get 6 weeks paid holiday, gain valuable qualifications like City & Guilds, Foundation Modern Apprenticeships and BTECs and have a great time doing it. We’re recruiting locally now. Call in at your local Army Careers Office. Middlesbrough 01642 243413 Bishop Auckland 01388 604110 Catterick 01748 872093 Darlington 01325 464530 Durham 0191 384 7682 The Army is committed to Equal Opportunities

www.armyjobs.co.uk 16 Education 2003 The most important choice for your

BY DON HUTTON REGIONAL DIRECTOR ISIS NORTH child Learning curve: At Durham School your son or daughter is assured of the best-quality education delivered by expert staff ne of the hardest things that parents new to independent education have to face up to is Othe great variety of schools that are on offer Welcome to Durham in most parts of the country. This diversity empowers parents to choose the right DURHAM SCHOOL school for their child – not to be sent to an establish- ment purely on the basis of a geographical location. F you are still wondering where to Parents however, need to be helped to find the right send your son or daughter to educational home for their child and this is where Ischool next September or are just the Independent Schools Information Service (ISIS) planning ahead for future years, you really ought to pay a visit to Durham can help. School on May 10 – or, if you have a This service represents those schools that have younger son, to Bow School on May 17. been accredited to The Independent Schools Coun- At Durham School your son or daugh- cil (ISC). All independent schools in the UK are reg- ter is assured of the best-quality edu- cation delivered by expert and com- istered with the appropriate government depart- mitted staff. ment, but that simply means that the school has The school’s single-sex house system met basic legal requirements, such as the suitabili- enables pastoral care of the highest quality in a friendly and supportive ty of its buildings and staff. atmosphere. Accreditation by ISC indicates the quality of a If, like many parents these days, you school, not just its basic provision, and this is as- are very busy, you might like to con- sessed and confirmed by rigorous inspection. sider weekly boarding – great fun for For many parents the first step is to look at the ISIS Impressive: the boys and girls and, from Septem- Durham School ber 2003, much cheaper than full (North) handbook or visit the ‘handbook on line’ at enjoys a boarding. Furthermore, from September there www.isis-north.co.uk beautiful This gives information on all the accredited schools will be no more compulsory Saturday setting in one lessons. in the North. of the country’s Durham is noted for its all-round edu- Remember that in ISIS terms, the North of England most charming cation, with particular excellence in stretches from Berwick to Carlisle to North Wales cities, making sport and music. to Hull, and does not include Birmingham or it the perfect And what better start could you give place to study your boy than to send him to Leicester despite what people south of Watford may Durham’s own preparatory school, and live think! Bow, until he is old enough to move to Durham! DURHAM SCHOOL BOW SCHOOL An Independent Co-educational An Independent Day School Day & Boarding School 11-18 for boys aged 3-13 Confidence for Life… …Where every boy matters OPEN MORNINGS

Durham School 0191 386 4783 Saturday 10 May 2003 Bow School Saturday 17 May 2003 10.15am - 12.30pm 0191 384 8233 10.00am - 12.00 noon Education 2003 17 Seek the right answers to vital questions HEN you have decided which Hard work pays schools may be suitable to your off: Yarm Wparticular requirements on students (from grounds of type, age range, locality, etc, left) Parlssa you should contact the headmaster or Rezan, Paul headmistress for prospectuses and for Peeling, Jess information about vacancies. When your shortlist is reduced to two or Stanley and three schools you are strongly advised to Jonathan telephone or write for an appointment to Lonsdale were visit the schools and talk to the Head. among the You will find that schools are happy to school’s star arrange a visit and will do everything performers in last possible to assist. summer’s A-level Many parents are nervous about visits and fail to ask the important questions. examinations It may well be helpful to write down the questions to which you want answers. You need to be sure that you know about what the fees include and what are the typical extras. Ask about rules and the means of enforcing them. Examination results are not the only way of judging a school and it is important to remember that the academic quality of pupils entering schools may vary greatly. Schools may be justly proud of successes gained through hard work by both staff and pupils with children of modest ability. Parents sometimes over-estimate the Happy birthday to Yarm ability of their children and a school prepared to encourage the less bright HEN the original Yarm Grammar YARM SCHOOL lead the way in quality educational provision in may be better for your child than a School closed and moved to become the area. school which achieves strings of A WConyers Comprehensive, nobody knew dustry and hospitals. But for now the school is concentrating its ef- grades at A-level. what was going to become of its vacated build- The school is proud of its roots and does a forts on celebrating its silver anniversary with Find out about the school’s policy on ings. tremendous amount for the local community. It a diverse and exciting list of special events, In 1978 a group of about 60 parents got together from hosting BBC radio 4’s Any Questions?, a entries for examinations. Some schools has a strong relationship with Yarm Parish and acquired the site from the council with the special lecture by famous cricketer Ian Botham, enter pupils even if they do not have a Church, Teesside Hospice and several local old intention of opening and running their own and a huge science fair. good chance of passing, while others people’s homes. grammar school. Yarm School was born. No- The beginning of April saw a packed commem- enter only pupils who are expected to All pupils are encouraged, through their school body could have imagined then that it was des- oration service led by the Bishop of Durham pass. houses, to engage in fund-raising and last year tined to become the region’s biggest and most and a 25th-anniversary concert featuring for- In general it will be most helpful to you over £20,000 was raised for local charities. successful private school. Lots of original ideas emerge every year for mer and present pupils and staff in a choral to ask specific questions: ‘What The 2002/2003 academic year is Yarm School’s performance. happened to last year’s leavers?’ is a charity events which vary from concerts to 25th year of existence. In its short history the paintballing, from sponsored events to discos. “Men of God” consists of four poems specially better question than ‘What happens to school has come a long way. written for the occasion by Head of English, your leavers?’ One house has invited a local group of pension- It now has about 900 pupils – boys and girls – ers to a Christmas meal and party for 20 years Ewan Craig, and set to music by Director of Always remember that you are a between the ages of four and 18 and has earned now and the occasion has become a firm Music, Ben Wilson. potential customer, that your decision a national reputation. favourite – for pupils and pensioners! The poems commemorating the lives of four about the right school for your child is a The school is renowned both for its academic Over its 25 years the school has developed su- northern saints – Aidan, Bede, Cuthbert and very important one. Schools will be as excellence and outstanding sporting achieve- perb facilities. Every year there are new build- Oswald – were commissioned as text to set spe- anxious as you are that you know fully ments. GCSE and A-level results are way above ings and improvements, such as a new all- cially for the Jubilee. about them, but only you know what is the national average and last year 15 per cent of weather sports pitch, a new computer suite in Te Deum, by Ben Wilson, was written for the really important to you. Year 13 were offered places at the prestigious both prep and senior schools, new library and concert and designed to be learned easily from When you have seen the schools and have Oxford and Cambridge universities. quiet play area in the prep school and a newly- scratch. made up your mind, the Head will tell In recent years, sports teams have reached na- refurbished sixth-form centre. Yarm School has achieved a great deal in its you how to apply for a place. tional finals in hockey, rugby, tennis, rowing The school has just announced its intention to first 25 years but remains keenly ambitious for Many schools have a considerable and even croquet! These successes have helped open a nursery for three-year-olds. It has also the future. demand for places and so the earlier your to put Yarm on the map. unveiled exciting plans to relocate to a new, It is dedicated to providing the highest possible application is made the less likely you Yarm School is now one of the biggest employ- purpose-built school about a mile away from its quality of education and being at the forefront are to be disappointed. ers in the area and assists greatly with the relo- current site. of educational provision in the North-East. cation into Teesside of many key workers in in- The new school will be state-of-the-art and will Happy 25th birthday, Yarm School!

We aim to bring out the best in each pupil. By setting high standards, caring for the individual and encouraging their involvement in a wide variety of activities, each child can develop their full potential

“•ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE •WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES •FAMILY ENVIRONMENT • FIRST RATE FACILITIES ” •STRENGTH IN ALL MAIN SPORTS • SMALL CLASS SIZES

Open Morning Saturday 11th October 2003 10.30am - 2.00pm

1093434 www.yarmschool.org 18 Education 2003 Head What about the cost? start OOD schools cost a lot of money to run and can never be cheap but it Gis not true to say that independent for education is the preserve of the wealthy. Many parents with average incomes make great sacrifices to afford such an education for their children. With expert Thirsk advice, moreover, much can be done to ease the burden. Insurance: There are a number of ways of making provision for school fees by school the intelligent use of life assurance and capital. QUEEN MARY’S, THIRSK Naturally, the earlier a plan can be started, the greater the benefit. The plan, ne of the region’s or plans, can provide cover for fees leading independent Ogirls’ schools is outstanding in the event of the parents’ entering a new era with a death. new Head at the helm. When choosing a school-fees plan it is Robert McKenzie-Johnston vital to choose one that suits your takes up the role at Queen individual circumstances and Mary’s, near Thirsk, in requirements. September and is committed You should remember that some to building on the school’s financial advisers, being independent, reputation for success. He and his wife, Kate, are are able to give financial advice on all coming to Queen Mary’s products available and may, therefore, be from a similar school in better able to find plans appropriate to Dorset, where they are joint you. principals. They are looking Little learners: Boarder Amy Yuen, 11, from Hong Kong, visits an infant class at Polam Hall School in Darlington to prepare Others are not independent and are able forward to meeting parents a Chinese dish to give advice on and make at an open evening at the arrangements for investment products school on May 9. provided by themselves or by other Queen Mary’s provides education for boys and girls companies for which they are “tied from three to seven, and for agents”. You should, therefore, establish girls, day and boarding, up Making the most of the status of the adviser with whom you to 16 years. As well as are dealing and whether he or she is paid providing an excellent by commission or charges a fee. academic education, Queen Help with fees: Many parents will know Mary’s is a school where that the Labour Government has ended each pupil is known and the Assisted Places Scheme. valued. early learning years Schools who were in the scheme are It has a happy, busy environment where music, anxious to ensure that pupils who wish sport, art and drama are HERE is a wide variety of inde- able to read and write with reasonable With their small classes and wide cur- to join them should be able to do so, also important elements. pendent preparatory and junior fluency and to have mastered some ricula, they offer a large measure of whatever their parents’ income. Each year scholarships for Tschools for children up to the simple arithmetic. individual attention both in and out of It is unlikely that many schools will be particularly talented ages of 11 to 13, either as day or board- There may be an entrance test, which school hours. able to be as generous in their awards as children are awarded, while an Assisted Places Scheme, but parents ing pupils. is designed to make sure the child has The intelligent use of leisure, the de- key dates on the school who would have applied for an assisted Some are the junior departments of the ability to benefit from the cur- velopment, from an early age, of a real calendar include the open place should approach schools in exactly morning held each senior schools, while many are unat- riculum of the school and to help in sense of self-respect and of responsi- the same way as they would have done in September and the entrance tached. planning his or her work. bility for others, the acceptance of For the age range three to eight there Some schools have facilities for spe- the past. examinations in January. challenging situations on the games If you would like more are several day-schools, usually called cial remedial tuition for children who Parents who want information about the field and elsewhere, and an enthusi- details please do not pre-preparatory, kindergarten or need it. level of help available should contact hesitate to contact the nursery schools, and mostly linked to Children may be accepted at a later astic approach to music and the cre- individual schools. school administrator, a junior school or to a joint junior/sec- age (though usually not much beyond ative arts, are all important parts of Schools may offer SCHOLARSHIPS for Margaret Atkinson, on 01845 ondary school. 11) particularly at schools which have the tradition of these schools. outstanding merit in some field – these 575000 who would be At the entry age of eight/nine there is children up to 13, provided there is a On the boarding side, great impor- awards are made irrespective of parents’ delighted to speak to you tance is attached to the creation of a and arrange a visit. a wide choice of preparatory and ju- vacancy available. income. The school web site address nior schools, either day or boarding, The main aim of these schools is to friendly, family atmosphere. They may also offer BURSARIES – where is www.queenmarys.org.uk for both boys and girls. help each child reach the highest stan- An increasing number of schools offer the amount offered by the school will At this age a child is expected to be dard of which he or she is capable. before and after-school care. depend upon parents’ income. Education 2003 19 Teesside High – putting girls first

TEESSIDE PREPARATORY & HIGH SCHOOL

EESSIDE Preparatory & High School is an independent day Tschool offering a caring yet chal- lenging environment for girls age three to 18. With an impressive record of provid- ing excellent education, the school specialises in fostering the talents of each girl entrusted to its care and will help her to achieve her full potential. Our success is evident in the region- al league tables for GCSE and A-levels which we consistently top. In 2002, 98 per cent of GCSE stu- dents gained five or more A*to C grades, with over half at A* or A. Our A-level candidates attained a 100 per cent pass rate, with 65 per cent of the grades at A or B. The standard of facilities through- out the school is excellent. Learning in style: Bright, modern and colourful classrooms are a hallmark of Teesside Preparatory and High School Each student has access to state-of- the-art IT facilities in one of three ded- icated ICT suites. Bright, modern and colourful class- Options open for entry to senior school rooms are complemented by purpose- built art and music departments and a NDEPENDENT senior and secondary Most senior schools, particularly the boys’ devote much care to pupils of very differing sports hall. schools come in several guises - some are boarding schools, also admit pupils at 13, either ability. It is common to find teachers with good As well as academic, sports and mu- Isingle-sex schools, others totally co- by the Common Entrance Examination from honours degrees teaching regularly in the lower sical excellence, the school offers an educational and some partly so, perhaps preparatory schools, or by their own test. forms. incredible choice of extra-curricular admitting girls or boys at sixth form level. Transfers from the state sector can also be made Independent schools have taken advantage of activities, ranging from cake decorat- Parental choice is, therefore, extensive - between at this age. Details can be obtained direct from the their freedom by being alert to new types of boarding and day, single-sex and co-educational. schools. teaching and new areas of study. ing to yoga. Many of these schools admit pupils at 11-years- It is often possible to transfer to an independent They have been in the vanguard of the Nuffield The school programme is backed by old. secondary school direct into the sixth form after science projects, the schools mathematics project, our naturally supportive pastoral In nearly all the senior day schools (many of taking GCSEs elsewhere. the Cambridge Latin course, and the use of audio- ethos which ensures the development which were previously direct-grant grammar Once started in the senior schools, pupils follow a visual methods in the teaching of modern of positive attitudes and warm person- schools) and in co-ed schools this is the normal broad curriculum leading to GCSE. Thereafter languages. alities. age of entry. pupils choose the subjects which they wish to Full attention is paid to the development of Beautiful grounds on the banks of Some boys’ boarding schools have an entry from study to A-level. pupils’ leisure interests. Music, drama and art the River Tees are an ideal setting for maintained schools or from overseas at 11. Sixth form teaching, with its emphasis on flourish and there are facilities for various crafts a school where girls do not just have In girls’ boarding schools, entry at 11 is usual, preparation for university entrance, is a and hobbies. equal opportunities – they have every either by the Common Entrance Examination for particular feature of independent schools. Games of all kinds are played, with opportunities opportunity. Girls’ Schools (which can also be taken at 12 or 13) Time is also made available for general and for individual pursuits such as riding, fencing, We would be delighted to show you technical studies and independent schools are in judo, as well as organised team games. or by the school’s own test. and your daughter/s around the In general, entry at 11 is by means of a written the forefront of the movement to link school and There may be scouts, guides, cadet forces and a school. examination combined with an interview. Details industry. variety of clubs and societies catering for special may be obtained direct from schools. Teaching staff are well-qualified, with the time to interests. Please call 01642 782095 at any time to arrange an appointment. ‘Who would have dreamed that one day our little girl could be reporting the news on national television’

GCSE pass rate A level pass rate it all starts here... 10 0% 10 0% 5 Grades A* to C Grades A to E Summer 2002 Summer 2002

uccess Scholarships and bursaries available from age 7 TEESSIDE PREPARATORY & HIGH SCHOOL The Avenue, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees. TS16 9AT Tel: 01642 782095 Shiulie Ghosh, Home Affairs Editor ITN News desk. www.teessidehigh.co.uk 20 Education 2003

Courting success: Queen Margaret’s offers pupils the use of numerous sporting facilities – including 17 tennis courts

All-round excellence is the aim at Queen Margaret’s

QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL attractive purpose-built buildings. academic values has earned the separate ultra-modern theatre, built sports hall, an artificial hockey Girls live in year groups with school a first-class reputation with a to celebrate the school’s centenary pitch, a large riding school and a UEEN Margaret’s is a resident housemistresses. Over 90 high academic rating. Most girls in 2001. nine-hole golf course. thoroughly modern per cent of the girls are full proceed to the sixth form and enter Physical education is an integral The school is run in close independent boarding higher education. Q boarders and enjoy a superb range part of the curriculum and Queen partnership with parents who school for girls. of extra-curricular activities, Margaret’s excels at lacrosse, Qualified staff provide the caring make great personal and financial It is unique in the North of England particularly at weekends. and friendly atmosphere which hockey and tennis. sacrifices for their daughter’s for its high percentage of boarders Queen Margaret’s encourages develops breadth as well as depth The Duke of Edinburgh Awards and a high staff-pupil ration of 1:7. excellence in as many areas as of education. Scheme (bronze and gold) is future. Situated in 60 acres of parkland six possible and while academic The school has excellent facilities popular among pupils. Any parent who is looking for the miles south of York, Queen standards are high, attention is for drama, music, computing and Queen Margaret’s has 17 tennis best all-round education for their Margaret’s occupies a gracious paid to all levels of ability. science and a magnificient new courts, two squash courts, indoor daughter should take a serious look country house surrounded by A commitment to Christian and complex comprising chapel and and outdoor swimming pools, a at independent boarding.

RED HOUSE SCHOOL range of students from a well-behaved and positive in are encouraged to take part in variety of backgrounds. their conduct. sports and a wide range of fun High-quality ED House School is one The school is, and always has The school also has a very high extra-curricular activities, of the North’s top been, co-educational, treating level of parental support with which are both enjoyable and Rindependent girls and boys equally. the School Council, comprising instrumental in sealing co-educational day schools. At Red House students with entirely of elected parents, friendships for life. Based in Norton, near the ability to tackle a full providing committed Red House offers a high- education at Stockton, the school was range of GCSEs are given the leadership and effective quality education, both in established in 1929 and has opportunity to fulfill their management of the school. academic subjects and life gained a reputation for potential. Red House students understand skills. If this is the kind of academic excellence. Classroom teaching at Red that lessons and homework are education you would like for Red House Red House offers a high- House is of a consistently high an important part of everyday your child, contact the quality education to a wide standard and our students are school life. However, students headmaster. Queen Margaret’s School

(Girls 11 - 18 Boarding and Day) York Academic, Music And Art Scholarship Available At All Levels The Alison Small Scholarship - open to girls from Primary School at 11+

For details of Entrance Examinations, Scholarships or for an opportunity to visit, please contact The Admissions Secretary on: 01904 728261 email: [email protected] website: www.queenmargaretsschool.co.uk Education 2003 21 Small is beautiful at Raventhorpe RAVENTHORPE

AVENTHORPE is an independent preparatory Rschool in the west end of Darlington for boys and girls aged three-and-a-half to 11 years. With approximately 110 children on its roll, the school’s small classes ensure a great deal of individual attention from caring and experienced staff. Splash of Raventhorpe is linked with success: Darlington Early Years Development Champion and Childcare Partnership so that swimmers from grants for all three and four-year-olds Raventhorpe are available in the nursery and Preparatory School transition. in Darlington show Recently an award has been granted off their winning by the New Opportunities Fund to benefit further nursery sessions and trophies and after-school care. medals Raventhorpe’s traditional high academic standards were recognised by the HMI in May 2002 and these culminated in the awards of seven scholarships being offered by various senior independent schools in the area for the school’s Y6 children. Raventhorpe welcomes parents to visit during the term to experience the working environment. Home study course helps Learning is fun: Maths and English are the pupils achieve full potential foundations of a good education and The Student ATHS and English are the THE STUDENT SUPPORT CENTRE their own home, free from the building blocks of a good pressures of the classroom, giving Support Centre Meducation and any them a new confidence when they ensures children difficulties in these core subjects children’s abilities, however well are back in school. enjoy their Home will stand in the way of your child they may be doing at school. The course comes with a Family Study Course reaching his full potential. They are never out of their depth Guide with the answers provided Youngsters will The Student Support Centre’s and never waiting for others to for parents. also have fun Home Study Course has been catch up. A freephone tutor service is on learning with developed to help children to do The course is structured yet hand to give professional, the Literacy as well as they possibly can in flexible, allowing children to qualified and friendly advice these two key subjects and, as progress at a pace which suits whenever it is needed and parents Word Bank for such, lay the foundations for their their own particular needs. can call as often as they like – it’s key stage one future success. To keep youngsters interested and all part of the service. and two pupils, Designed for both primary and enthusiastic each topic is broken The course does not replace right, launched secondary school children, the up into easy-to-follow short schooling – rather it consolidates by Franklin Home Study Course draws on a lessons which they can rewind, it. Electronic well balanced mix of audio-visual replay and revise as many times Call 0800 132277 for a free, no- Publishers lessons, workbooks and learning as they wish. obligation assessment. aids to explain every aspect of the Each lesson can then be practised The assessment is necessary for National Curriculum topics in a in the workbook until it is the support team to identify how clear and interesting way. understood completely. best the course can be tailored to The real benefit of the course is This allows children to get to meet your child’s individual that it is specially tailored to your grips with topics in the comfort of needs.

The Student Support Centre Boys and Girls from 31/2-11 years. Small classes ensure individual attention. Friendly, homely atmosphere. Maths and English Made Easy

Traditional values upheld with modern T Help your child achieve their full potential in class teaching techniques. T Excellent results achieved with our Home Study Programme In partnership with Darlington Early T Years Schemes. Suitable for school aged children aged from primary to GCSE T Local service from a national company Raventhorpe After school care until 5.15pm T Over 80,000 students currently enrolled ~Preparatory For prospectus and details telephone: School Mrs Doreen Procter For an initial assessment without obligation Carmel Road North FREEPHONE 0800 132277 Darlington (01325) 463373 Check our website: www.student-support.co.uk Company Reg No. 3804133 Reg Charity No. 1077388 ~ ~ ~ 22 Education 2003 Preparing pupils for life itself

OLAM Hall School, POLAM HALL SCHOOL established in 1854, has a Pstrong tradition in caring for girls from a variety helping each girl to achieve of backgrounds and provides her own excellent academic not only an excellent academic results. From joining us in our education but also the nursery, Early Steps, from age opportunity to undertake a two-and-a-half, to leaving for wide variety of extra- university after completion of curricular activities. A-levels at 18, the girls can Over the years, Polam Hall enjoy learning to the full, both School has built an excellent in and out of the classroom. reputation for both academic We offer a wide range of excellence and the scholarships from age seven to development of the individual. 16, covering academia, music By experiencing and enjoying and sports. Our external drama, art, sport and music academic scholarship at 11+ is alongside their academic now know as The Simon Bailes subjects, the girls are prepared Scholarship. not just for exams but for life Parents and their daughters itself. are welcome to visit the school This ethos is applied to meet staff and pupils. throughout the school from If you would like further the early years to the sixth information, or you would like form. to visit the school, please Polam Hall prides itself on contact Jane Craggs on 01325 opening its doors to girls from 463383. a wide variety of backgrounds We look forward to receiving and with varying ability, your call. All stars: Polam Hall School pupils in rehearsal for their performance of the Snow Queen Discovering boys’ full range of talents

URWORTH House HURWORTH HOUSE good manners. This can School, near only be achieved by a firm HDarlington, is an skills. We believe it is vital set of guidelines that all independent, non-selective to offer positive children are expected to day school for boys aged reinforcement at all times adhere to. three to 18 and girls aged and in all circumstances. However, every pupil is three to five. The school is committed to encouraged to develop as an Founded in 1946, the school the principle of single-sex individual, with his own currently has 180 pupils in education in the junior and unique personality. junior and senior senior schools, believing Within our small departments, with a further that it offers the best community, we have an 40 in the nursery school. environment for the extremely wide range of There are no particular children in our care. children. We welcome and skills or talents which are We aim to boost not only the celebrate all of these valued above others at boys’ chances of different types of children Hurworth House. While examination success, but and sincerely believe we academic results are their self-confidence as well. genuinely aim to help each obviously important, they Most schools, of course, of them to a full realisation are seen as only part of the claim that they aim to of their true potential. process of education. create a fully-rounded For a copy of Hurworth Hurworth House aims to individual. At Hurworth House’s current prospectus provide an environment in House, that aim is reality. or for details of scholarship which the pupils can In line with our founder’s examinations, which are explore their potential, original objectives, the held annually in February, learn about their strengths school continues to place an please contact the and weaknesses and equal emphasis on high headmaster’s secretary on Hop it: Sport is an important part of everyday life at Hurworth House School develop good interpersonal academic achievement and 01325 720645.

1 • Early Steps Nursery for boys and girls from age 2 ⁄2 • For girls aged 4 to 18, boarding from age 8 HURWORTH • Excellent academic achievements • Friendly, family atmosphere HOUSE SCHOOL

• Attention given to the individual music Offers opportunities for boys aged • Wide range of extra curricular activities 4-18 years to learn and develop in a warm family environment. • Before and after school care available We cater for a wide range of interests including all major • FunZone - registered holiday club for sports, and our record of GCSE results shows consistently high 3-14 year olds standards of achievement. Contact the school for more information or an appointment to visit Premium quality pre-school education is provided by our nursery department for both boys and girls from age 3. education POLAM HALL SCHOOL Why not come and see what Hurworth House can offer your Telephone 01325 463383 child by calling our school secretary for an appointment. Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5PA (01325) 720645 The Green, Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington, Co. Durham DL2 2AD sport (Registered Charity Number 527367) Education 2003 23 Home from home for boarders

EDBERGH School is first SEDBERGH SCHOOL West Indies and hockey to and foremost a boarding Spain. Sschool, although it has a Sedbergh has its own junior small number of day pupils. take an active part in the school at Low Bentham, North It is one of the few remaining creative arts and drama and Yorkshire, approximately 30 public schools to retain a true music are prominent areas of minutes’ drive from the senior house system whereby all school life, with regular school. pupils eat, study and sleep performances and productions The junior school has in their houses. at Ripon Cathedral, Carlisle impressive facilities, is fully co- All houses have a resident Cathedral and the Edinburgh educational for children aged housemaster or mistress, Fringe. three to 13 and offers day, academic and pastoral tutors The CCF Band & weekly, flexi and full and matron. Typically, a house Corps of Drums is DIARY DATE boarding. will number 55 pupils. In 2003 internationally Sedbergh Junior Awards are available the Good Schools Guide recognised and tours School is holding to boys and girls observed: “This is a very happy widely, most recently an open day on who show academic, school where willingness to to the Bahamas. May 3 from 10am artistic, musical or help others, loyalty and There is a huge to 2pm sporting excellence compassion are values range of sports on at 11+, 13+ and 16+. universally to the fore”. offer at the school, with the Set in the spectacular Sedbergh is fully co-educational, major sports encouraged in Y9. countryside of the Yorkshire with a very broad and flexible Sedbergh has a formidable Dales National Park, Sedbergh sixth form. reputation on the games field, offers an educational Ten per cent of its pupils enter with teams touring regularly: environment away from the Oxbridge. rugby to New Zealand, tennis pressures and temptations of All pupils are encouraged to to South Africa, cricket to the urban life.

Tranquil setting: Sedbergh School is set in the magnificent surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park (above), offering pupils the calm of a more rural lifestyle and giving them the opportunity to get involved in a huge range of sports

Co-Educational 13-18

For further details please contact: Amanda Bird, Headmaster’s Secretary Sedbergh School, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5HG, UK Te l: +44 (0)15396 20535 Fax: +44 (0)15396 21301 Web: www.sedbergh.sch.uk E-mail: [email protected] Sedbergh School is a Registered Charity No. 1080672 TTeesees ValleyValley RoadRoad SafetySafety InIn PartnershipPartnership

The Tees Valley Road Safety Officers are committed to reducing casualties, increasing safety and improving the quality of life of all road users.

Through education, training and publicity, casualties in the area are falling as road risk is being reduced.

Your local Road Safety Unit is involved in a number of initiatives to maintain the casualty reduction gains made over the past few years. They include:

T Safer Routes to School

T School Travel Plans

T School Crossing Patrol provision

T Practical Pedestrian Training

T Practical Cycle Training

T Child Seat Advice and Fitting

T Driver Improvement

T Motorcycle Training

If you would like further information on any of the above schemes or would like to speak to a Road Safety Officer, please contact your council on the number below.

Darlington Middlesbrough Hartlepool Stockton Redcar 01325 388717 01642 728178 01429 523590 01642 397713 01287 612368