Ifyou want to read about your school in the next edition, see page eight for contact details ISSUE 41 January 10, 2008 Helping you choose the right schools for your children We’re so well spoken Inside CHILDREN from a top Birming- ham prep school followed in the footsteps of world leaders when they spoke in the renowned debating arena of the Cambridge Union. The ten and 11-year-olds, from NEWS Hallfield School in Edgbaston, divided into two teams to speak You can on the motion – This house try before believes all computer games should be banned. you buy The judge who listened to the see page 6 arguments for and against declared the debate a draw. The visit was organised to give members of the school’s debating club the chance to practise their skills and to experience the tradi- tions and history of this famous university. Ashaq Hussain, master in charge of debating at Hallfield, is a life member of the Cambridge Union Society, which he joined as a student at Cambridge. “The girls and boys took part in NEWS a debating workshop to prepare for themotionandlater hada tour Gemma’s of Trinity College and King’s Col- day in the lege.They thoroughly enjoyed the experience,” he said. office “The skills they gainindebating, see page 7 including public speaking, pres- entation and research skills, will not only help them now, but will also be of benefit in future years.” Roland Foxcroft, president of the Cambridge Union Society, said the children were a credit to their school. “They were impressive in terms of their debating capacity and haveclearly been well trained,”he wrote in a letter to headmaster John Shackleton. Hallfield’s debating club meets SPORT at lunchtimes and is open to year five and year six pupils. Diving in The Cambridge Union, a debat- ing society established in 1815, at the has welcomed figures of national deep end and international importance to address it. SPEAK UP:Hallfield School pupils are pictured with Ashaq Hussain and year five form teacher Marietta Wilson. Photo by www.jetphotographic.com see page 8 BROMSGROVE SCHOOL Open Mornings2008 Preparatory S chool Senior School &Sixth Form Sixth Form Saturday January 12th Saturday January 19th Saturday January 26th 450pupils aged 7—13 750 pupils aged 13—18 www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk Please contact Admissions, Worcester Road,Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B617DU Telephone: 01527579679email:[email protected] FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR II ~ January 10, 2008 In the national finals LAST year, for the first time, the UKMT held a andAliceOttley team, whichconsistedofPeter senior team maths challenge, along the same Bullock, Susan Ford, Sarah Higgs and Dan lines as the junior team competition, which Scott, qualified for the final. has run for the last few years – the Royal Gram- Many congratulations to them and their mar School, Worcester, was the very first win- teachers. ner of the national final back in 2003. ● A team of four RGSAO students have won There were 19 regional finals held throughout through to the regionalfinalof theBankofEng- the country last November and the winners of land Target 2.0 competition. these went through to the national final, which James Gibson,Chris Davis (captain), Frances will be held in London in February. Shipsey and David Harries had to speak to On November 14, the Hereford and Worcester Bank of England officials for 15 minutes each regional final was held at Worcester Sixth Form on whether they should increase, or decrease, College. Twelve schools took part and the top interest rates. four were: 1, RGSAO 136; 2, Malvern St James Their arguments were so convincing that they 111; 3, Worcester SFC 108; 4, King’s Worcester won the area final against schools from Soli- 107. hull, Stratford and Birmingham.We wish them This meant that the Royal Grammar School good luck in the regional final. TOP OF THE CLASS: Jackie Hiorns,nursery manager at Dodderhill School,near Droitwich Spa, deputy manager Lisa Cannon and youngsters celebrate the report. Go straight to the FREEDOM: Bromsgrove School headmaster Chris Edwards,Llanwrtyd Wells mayor Rosemary Stevenson,former Broms- top of the class grove School pupil Rear Admiral David Haslam and Matthew Horton,chairman of the governors of Bromsgrove School. EARLY years education at an “good”, stating: “Children quality care. This is a real dren at the nursery as well independent school near enjoy being cared for in a boost for us.” behaved and said: “They are Droitwich Spa has been warm and friendly environ- The report added: “The polite and use please and A unique school honour praised by government ment which is secure and ethos and values of the nurs- thank you spontaneously inspectors who have given well maintained.” ery and school are clear, and throughout the day.” The BROMSGROVE School was given the freedom relationship between the school and the peo- the service a glowing report. The inspectors found that these are effectively shared report also said the nursery of Llanwrtyd Wells during a special civic cere- ple of Llanwrtyd Wells. Links were formed Dodderhill School, at Elm- the leadership and manage- with staff and families, so provided good teaching and mony. when Bromsgrove School was evacuated there bridge,openedits nursery in ment at the school was “out- that everyone strives a host of activities and The freedom of the town was presented to at the start of World War Two. 2004 and provides care for standing”. towards familiar goals. helped children to be the Worcester Road school during a ceremony Matthew Horton, chairman of the governors, children aged from three Nursery manager Jackie Excellent systems are in healthy and achieve well, in the mid-Wales town. It was attended by accepted the award on behalf of the school. He months upwards. Hiorns said: “We are thrilled placefor theassessment and adding; “Babies and young townspeople and dignitaries, school staff and said: “We are honoured and humbled by the Ofsted inspectors have with the report. It is all down evaluation of the provision children are developing governors, 50 school pupils and the school’s award that the people of Llanwrtyd Wells have described the early years to the hard work of staff to of nursery education.” their independence, both chapel choir. bestowed upon us and we are proud to have provision at the school as ensure we are providing Inspectors described chil- physically and emotionally.” The prestigious honour recognises the close such strong ties to the town.” AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL Giving your child the advantage. 1 OPEN DAY W i n t e r f o l d H o u s e S c h o o l FOR PUPILS AGED 3 / 2 - 16 YEARS The Priory priority. Sat 2nd Feb 10.00 - 12 noon 2113 ScholarshipsScholarships ttoo SeniorSenior SchoolsScho inols last in2 two00 6 years • Friendly caring atmosphere B OWBROOK • Promoting traditional values 96% A*-C at GCSE, 100% A*-C in Maths and English F o r B o y s & G i r l s 2 - 1 3 • Small classes Welcoming all faiths and abilities, Priory School ● Impressive academic results ● Pre and after school care and H OUSE S CHOOL is dedicated to developing the unique talents of Holiday Clubs • Providing a balanced and every child, delivering achievement for all. ● Superb opportunities for Music We offer high quality care and education for girls ● Tel: 01905 841242 exciting curriculum ● Outstanding facilities for sport and Integrated Kindergarten 2½ years plus PEOPLETON, PERSHORE WORCESTERSHIRE and boys from 6 months to 11 years. Traditionally • Rural location a girls only senior school, we began accepting creative activities ● Day Nursery open 50 weeks a year boys into Year 7 in September 2007. We offer an extensive range of scholarships Priory School ● Learning Support Unit ● Scholarships and Bursaries available offering up to 50% off school fees for pupils Where every child succeeds So much more talented in Academic Studies, Sport, the Arts T h e S c h o o l Y o u r C h i l d D e s e r v e s and high achieving children with dyslexia. Sir Harry's Road, than an education To find out more call 0121 440 4103 or visit Edgbaston, WINTERFOLD HOUSE SCHOOL www.prioryschool.net Birmingham B15 2UR CHADDESLEY CORBETT WORCESTERSHIRE DY10 4PW www.bowbrookhouseschool.co.uk TEL 01562 777234 email: [email protected] Open Day 16th January. Senior School Exam 2nd February 2008. www.winterfoldhouse.co.uk FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: HABERDASHERS’ MONMOUTH SCHOOLS Monmouth School 01600 710433 ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS 2008 Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls 01600 711104 www.habs-monmouth.org January 10, 2008 ~ III The rhythm of learning TEACHERS at the Elmfield Rudolf Stein- er School work with the unique Steiner curriculum, which is based on child development and children’s growing awareness of themselves and their envi- ronment. Subjects are brought in age-specific ways and times, thus the child can learn through doing, experiencing, observing, drawing conclusions and thinking it The best of through in an appropriate way for their age. Each child is encouraged and later chal- lenged to meet their own full potential without referral to others or testing as a push to learning; pupils are assessed on an ongoing basis and sit GCSEs over two both worlds years at 16-17. In the early years the children (aged THE family of Haberdash- renownedfor excellent aca- three to six) learn many skills for life in a ers’ Monmouth Schools demic results combined non-academic environment through offer thebest ofboth worlds with a full programme of “The schools being active in free play, domestic activ- – the advantages of single extra-curricular activities ities, crafts, songs, and stories with a sex education within a and sporting fixtures.