Absolutely
EDUCATION
The right direction Absolutely talks to David Wellesley Wesley about inspiration, imagination and The Independent Schools Show So, tell us, what exactly made you launch the ISS? It was actually the result of chance encounter with my old school in 2006. That, and an obvious lack of information for parents when choosing the right school for their child. League tables had far too much influence and prospectuses all seemed to say the same thing. I wanted to do something which would change this. How does the ISS help potential parents make their decision? Firstly, ‘The Theatre’ provides lessons in education – we create talks which are of maximum value to parents themselves. Secondly, there’s the ‘Wise Heads’ area, which provides free, independent and impartial advice on all pedagogical matters. Finally, and probably best of all, representatives from each of the 170 exhibiting schools are there for parents to talk with face-to-face. It’s especially good for busy parents, as all your questions can
be answered under one roof in as little as a couple of hours. What was your personal experience of schooling? I started off at The Mall School in Twickenham, before moving to Ashdown House at the age of eight, and The Kings School, Canterbury at thirteen. I loved them all. Personally, I don’t think London is the best place for teenagers, so I’m a firm believer in weekly boarding at that stage. Not only does it let you fit in vast amounts to a school day, but you’re also surrounded by all of your best friends. It’s a great way to nurture a child’s interests, confidence and imagination. How has the show developed in recent years? New for 2013 is the London Schools Pavilion, a selection of leading local nursery schools and pre-preps. In fact, each year we attract a finer selection of school options. For instance, this year Winchester and Eton are coming for the first time.
What will be the next big education trend? ‘Teaching in the round’ – that is to say, teaching in smaller groups with far more student-teacher interaction. I’m also expecting to see a reduction in final exam assessments and an increase in continuous assessment, much like the GPA system in the US. And finally, what do you hope parents will take away from a day at ISS? I would hope that they’d find attractive solutions to London’s crazily competitive places. There’s a vast amount of schools on offer, each with a different curriculum and ethos. Consider alternative options – a different route isn’t necessarily a bad one. For example, two siblings may well attend completely different schools and then converge at university level. It’s worth having an open mind. David Wellesley Wesley is founder of The Independent Schools Show; schoolsshow.com
A Lesson in Education
Education is the greatest gift, but it’s also a massive responsibility. The Independent Schools Show is here to help. With over 170 schools exhibiting, it’s a great way to consider your options and get your questions answered. Meet the head teachers, learn from leading teachers at the Education Theatre or join the debate in the interactive zone. Come along on 9-10 November 2013 and start planning your child’s future at the world’s largest school assembly.
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