Independent School Parent Prep Spring 2013

PREP EDITION SPRING 2013  www.independentschoolparent.com

INSIDE...

P 69

Nutrition Fine food for little brains

P 82

Charley Boorman My school days

Anthony Seldon: How to raise a winner

FINANCE

Simple ways to save on school fees COMPETITION

Win a luxury holiday with Mr & Mrs Smith

MORE ON...   

Bedtime stories Parents’ evenings Little chefs

Orient

success Celebrating the Schroder Asian Alpha Plus Fund’s fifth anniversary

The Schroder Asian Alpha Plus Fund is celebrating five years of offering access to the Asian success story.

The fund is managed by Matthew Dobbs, who has over 30 years of experience investing in the region.

Discrete yearly performance (%)

Q4 2011- Q4 2010- Q4 2009- Q4 2008- Q4 2007Q4 2012 Q4 2011 Q4 2010 Q4 2009 Q4 2008

Schroder Asian Alpha Plus Fund

22.4

-10.8

32.8

77.0

-36.6

MSCI AC Far East ex Japan Net TR

16.7

-14.1

23.2

50.4

-31.6

Relative performance

+5.7

+3.3

+9.6

+26.6

-5.0

Source: FE Analytics, bid to bid with net income reinvested in GBP, 31/12/0731/12/12, net of fees. Launch date 30/11/07. Past performance is not a guide to future performance and may not be repeated. The value of investments and the income from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Emerging equity markets may be more volatile than markets of well established economies. Foreign currencies entail exchange risks.

The fund is not tied to replicating a benchmark and holdings can therefore vary from those in the index quoted. For this reason the comparison index should be used for reference only.

Visit www.schroders.co.uk/asia to hear five reasons why Matthew believes now could be the time to invest in Asia. To celebrate the fund’s fifth anniversary you’ll also get an opportunity to get a taste of what the region has to offer first hand, with the chance to win a fascinating trip for two from Bangkok to Singapore on the Orient Express.

Speak to your financial adviser today www.schroders.co.uk/asia This prize draw is free and no investment into a Schroders fund is necessary to enter. The data contained in this document has been sourced by Schroders and should be independently verified before further publication or use. Schroders has expressed its own views and these may change. Issued in January 2013 by Schroder Investments Limited, 31 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QA. Registered No: 2015527 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. UK04354

Contents

CONTENTS Issue 3 Spring 2013 independentschoolparent.com

WIN!

Just as the snow is beginning to melt,

weekend A luxury ak from family bre Smith Mr & Mrs p.75

and we can enjoy a respite from the biting temperatures, our tiny island, in traditional fashion, prepares to be battered by yet more extreme weather. But all is not lost! Our brilliant reader offer, (p.80) with The Wild Weather Book will give you and your child hours of creative fun outdoors, come gale force winds, torrential rain, or both!

The school trip (left and p.31) is certainly more than just a jolly these days, and our prep schools are going above and beyond the call of duty, with a range of educational activities and excursions on offer. Television presenter and adventurer, Charley Boorman takes us on a wistful journey through his time at Sibford School, in Oxfordshire in our school memories feature, (p.82).

We all need a hero, and there are lots of them in our independent schools, which is why we are launching our School Heroes campaign (p.59). Nominate your very own school hero, telling us what makes them special and they could be featured shining brightly in our next issue! Email your nominations to: editor@independentschoolparent.com

Health 67 Empty nest syndrome Glynis Kozma asks: how do you cope when your children start boarding?

69 Brain food Dr Nina Bailey, writes on the importance of good food for little brains 72 Allergies and asthma Allergies are on the rise but schools are at the ready, writes Thea Jourdan

Finance 60 Pick and mix Nicola Woolcock looks at how parents are striving to make school fees affordable

Claudia Dudman, Editor Education

In Focus

4 News Our round-up of hot topics 10 Pre-prep literacy Natalie Milner investigates the power of narrative for the under sevens 18 Prep school boarding Boarding just gets better and better, says Charlotte Phillips 25 Little chefs Thalia Thompson takes a look at prep school cookery classes 31 School trips Alice Barlow writes on the new exciting options for prep school trips 44 Sport rules Cricket rules for mums and rounders rules for dads 52 Tuition Anna Tyzack gives the lowdown on tutoring 59 Meet the... Art Master Simon Mellor has an infectious enthusiasm for all things creative

37 Bursaries and Scholarships Tracy Cook looks at simple ways to save on the school fees 47 Moving on up Charlotte Phillips on how to prepare for senior school 49 Prepped for big school Headmaster, Phillip Evitt, gives sage advice to parents whose children are making the move 51 Best foot forward Will Charley writes on starting senior school

For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register

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42 Bright young things What our school leavers and graduates did next

Life 65 Book club Bedtime reading for your little ones 76 Property Our pick of the best family homes near independent boarding schools 79 Ask the expert Our panel of experts have the answers 80 Wild weather book Have fun, whatever the weather 81 What’s on Things to do in the Easter holidays 82 School Memories Charley Boorman, TV presenter and adventurer, on his time at Sibford School

Comment 17 Head viewpoint Anthony Seldon writes on how to raise a successful child 23 Are parents’ evenings a thing of the past?

Toby Belfield looks at the online option 29 Quiz Test your knowledge 35 Simon Hitchings on the power of modern languages 41 Hilary French on creativity EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Art Editor Puishun Li Editorial & Publishing Assistant Natalie Milner Publishing Executive Josephine Price

CNP Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com

School’s out

Cover: Holmwood House, Essex Above: Hill House International School, London

PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Publisher Simon Temlett Editor in Chief Sue Herdman Consultant Publisher David Moncrieff Subscriptions Manager Will Delmont 020 7349 3710, will.delmont@ chelseamagazines.com Marketing Chatty Dobson Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by Wyndeham Heron, Essex

Follow us... Like @ISParent us on...

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

ADVERTISING Senior Sales Executive Andy Mabbitt Sales Executive Tom McMahon EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School Dr Anthony Seldon, Wellington College Elaine Stallard, Elaine Stallard Consulting Glynis Kozma, Educational Journalist James Durant, UCAS Julie Pitcher, Independent Schools Council Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Sheila Thompson, Boarding Schools’ Association Tor Down, Parent Tory Gillingham, AMDIS Zoe MacDougall, Teacher

DISTRIBUTION Independent School Parent magazine is for parents of children educated in prep and senior independent schools across the UK. The prep and senior issues are published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent.com/register Independent School Parent also publishes A First Eleven Guide to Independent Schools biannually. © CNP Ltd 2013. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Independent School Parent magazine has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded. All pictures by Thinkstock unless otherwise credited.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 3

News

Our pick of the top parenting and education news

Drinks reception Old Buckenham Hall, Suffolk, invites parents looking for a rural prep boarding school, to an informal drinks reception in London at the Cavalry & Guards Club on Tuesday 19th February. Invite only event with a chance to talk to the Head and staff. Please contact Jo Riddleston on: 01449 740252 or admissions@obh.co.uk

Michaela strachan’s really Wild Adventures tour television presenter, best known for The Really Wild Show and Springwatch is touring the country this spring in her really Wild Adventures tour. showcased at the Bath and cheltenham literary festivals in 2012, the interactive show will take families on a delightful journey through an alphabet jungle of animal rhymes with puppetry, music and lots of fascinating wildlife facts. Michaela’s new book, of the same name, is out in paperback on 14th February (Franklin Watts)..

“textisms” boost writing skills. A study by the Department for Education revealed that exposure to abbreviations such as “lol”, “gr8” and “b4” can improve writing skills. A positive relationship was found between so-called “textisms” and pupils’ ability to write essays and word reading ability in 10 to 12-year-olds.

TEaCHEr SwaP

clayesmore prep school, Dorset, have been forging links with the Maitri international school in Bangladesh through the Global school partnership programme, funded by the Department for international Development (DFiD). Last year the prep school received two Maitri school teachers to work with Year 4 and last term three clayesmore teachers went to teach in Bangladesh. clayesmore help supply basics, such as pencil cases and coloured pencils while the partnership addresses the greater concerns such as school dropout rates.

Maggot Moon wins the Costa Children’s Book award

sally Gardner’s unusual tale of a 15-year-old dyslexic boy tackling a brutal and oppressive environment has won the costa children’s Book Award. Maggot Moon has been hailed as a “dystopian classic”. the novel speaks of Hector and standish, friends who live together in Zone seven where the Motherland can keep them under surveillance.

Gardner is dyslexic herself and is an avid spokesperson for dyslexia.

One third of dads are never seen reading. New research from The National Literacy Trust’s annual survey of 21,000 children and young people across the UK shows that dads spend much less time encouraging their children to read than mums.

4 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

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baillie gifford children’s savings Plan

Your little ones will go through clothes before theY have time to go out of fashion. but with baillie gifford, You could give them something that lasts.

Something that lasts.

Designed for families wanting to invest for their children, the Baillie Gifford Children’s Savings Plan offers a range of Baillie Gifford managed investment trusts including our flagship fund - Scottish Mortgage. Highly accessible with minimum investments from just £25 a month and lump sums from £100, it could become a wonderful gift from parents, grandparents and godparents alike. At Baillie Gifford we like to take a long-term view of investment, seeking out suitable companies from the world’s stock markets which we believe will grow long into the future.

With the Baillie Gifford Children’s Savings Plan, childhood fun may turn into memories but they could be thanking you for making them feel magical when they’re starting to build on their dreams in years to come.

Please remember, your investment can be affected by changing stock market conditions and by currency exchange rates. The value of your investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the amount invested.

For more information call us on 0800 027 2928 or visit www.bgchildsavings.com baillie gifford – long-term investment partners Your call may be recorded for training or monitoring purposes. Baillie Gifford Savings Management Limited (BGSM) is the manager of the Baillie Gifford Children’s Savings Plan and is wholly owned by Baillie Gifford & Co, which is the manager and secretary of the investment trusts offered within the Plan. Your personal data is held and used

by BGSM in accordance with data protection legislation. We may use your information to send you information about Baillie Gifford products, funds or special offers and to contact you for business research purposes. We will only disclose your information to other companies within the Baillie Gifford group and to agents appointed by us for these purposes. You can withdraw your consent to receiving further marketing communications from us and to being contacted for business research purposes at any time. You also have the right to review and amend your data at any time.

ISP/CSP/0213

NEWS

Guinness World record breaker!

Howell’s school, cardiff, has entered the record books by taking part in the world’s biggest practical science lesson in multiple venues. last term, 74 girls from Howell’s took part in the world record attempt by conducting two science experiments to measure the value of acceleration due to gravity. it involved 2,215 girls aged ten to 15 yearsold at 26 schools and academies across the country!

iPads for all

Moira House pupil stars in the Les Misérables film

Tom Hooper’s January film Les Misérables was the screen debut of young British schoolgirl Isabelle Allen. Isabelle, a pupil at Moira House School, East Sussex, was spotted by Jeremy Taylor, Head of the National Youth Theatre, while performing in a school production of Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Thousands of young girls auditioned for Isabelle’s part of young Colette, whose older version is played by Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!), in the big budget cinema release. The 10-year-old schoolgirl is pictured with co-star Hugh Jackman above.

MISTEr TuCk SHOP

Parents can order supplies online to keep their little boarder’s tuck boxes stocked up with goodies including savoury and dried fruit snacks, drinks, crisps, sweets, pick’n’mix, biscuits, toiletries and stationery. Products can be delivered at a pre-arranged time and is free among many parts of the South East. A percentage of all sales go towards schools’ charitable funds or pupils’ fundraising projects, mistertuckshop.com

6 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

laxton Junior school, northants, has recently introduced iPads for children from reception to Year 6 pupils embarking on their senior school. Headmaster Mark Potter says, “To see our reception children creating their own videos, uploading them to the ‘cloud’ and then being able to view them on any device anywhere in the school is quite a sight to behold.”

Caitlin Moran

Book awards 2013 shortlist announced Michael Rosen’s biography of Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake and Hero on a Bicycle by Shirley Hughes are just two of the shortlist for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2013. Judges include writer Caitlin Moran, librarian Jake Hope and Blue Peter Editor Tim Levell. The winners will be announced on Blue Peter on 7th March to coincide with World Book Day. The shortlist is: Best Story The Boy who Swam With Piranhas

by David Almond, (Walker Books).

Hero on a Bicycle

by Shirley Hughes (Walker Books).

Tom Gates – Genius Ideas

by Liz Pichon (Scholastic).

Best Book with Facts Horrible Science: House of Horrors

by Nick Arnold & Tony De Saulles (Scholastic).

Walter Tull’s Scrapbook

by Michaela Morgan (Frances Lincoln).

Fantastic Mr Dahl

by Michael Rosen (Puffin).

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IMAgES: uNIvERSAL PICTuRES, HANNAH gEoRgE.

Isabelle Allen with co-star Hugh Jackman

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come and mess around on the river at the runnymede-on-thames You can hire one of our brilliant little boats… feed the ducks… tuck into a picnic… go swimming in our spa… feast on fab food at our family friendly ‘ducklings dinners’… swan around our glam outdoor pool and play tennis too. It’s an idyllic spot for a luxury family break, just 10 minutes away from LEGOLAND Windsor, Thorpe Park, Windsor Castle and loads more things to do and see.

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NEWS ImagINE a wOrLD wHErE yOu ruLED SCHOOL

Heads on the move

Nicola Huggett has recently taken up the headship at Blundell’s, Devon.

Edward gets down to business

If I was Head for a day...

Edward Tarling would make changing the rules on “illegal grub” his immediate priority

I would love to be Headmaster. I would have Coca-Cola machines placed around the school and change the rules on “illegal grub”, so that my pupils could bring tuck from home. I would have long lunch tables so they could sit together at meal times – rather than the smaller tables that they have now.

If we beat other schools at rugby or scored a hat trick in football, I’d treat the whole school by letting them stay up late. They would celebrate in a huge room with a massive order of Krispy Kremes. I would let my pupils watch television and they would be allowed to jump up and down on waterbeds.

I’d make sure our uniform basically stayed the same, but I’d introduce a house tie for everyone to wear – instead of the red ones that they wear now.

Top of the agenda at my assembly would be to plan how to beat Cothill’s rivals at sport. Scooters could be ridden every day: there’s a good courtyard at school and it’s a shame that we can’t use it more often.

My study would be out of bounds as would the French department as it is not my most favourite subject.

In the staff room I would have a grub shop where my staff could buy lots of yummy treats. There would also be a library where there were books on how to improve and develop learning.

Being a good Head is all about getting the balance right. My Headmaster, Mr Bailey, has got it spot on: he’s jokey and nice but strict at the same time. If I was Head, I would be the same.

Edward Tarling, 9, is a pupil at Cothill House, Oxfordshire.

Dominic West and Lord Saatchi

DIgITaL POETry

Stars from the world of theatre, film and television have been brought together on the Poetry App to breathe life into the works of great poets. The new app, created by The Josephine Hart Poetry Foundation, features Dominic West (The Hour), Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, Harold Pinter, to name but a few. Users can compile their favourites to fill a digital bookcase and it allows them to compose their own poetry. Lord Saatchi, who completed his late wife Josephine Hart’s development of The Poetry App, commented, “For years The Josephine Hart Poetry Hours were appreciated by audiences at the British Library. Her ambition was to take this joy in great poetry performed by great actors to digital platforms where it could be accessed by a wider audience.” For 3+.

Desperate housewives?

Hilary French, the new president of the Girls’ Schools Association, says that girls are still being brought up to believe that raising children is more important than their own career ambitions. Despite women’s educational achievements, they are still expected to be the homemaker.

Our congratulations go to Quentin Blake who received a Knighthood in the New Year Honours List 2013 for his contribution to children’s illustration. Sir Quentin is best known for his collaborations with world-renowned author Roald Dahl.

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 Last Autumn Jon Gray joined York House School, Hertfordshire.

Taking up the reins at the junior school of St Mary’s, Cambridgeshire, is Chris Hald.

Paul Smith retired as Head of Truro School, Cornwall, and Andrew Gordon-Brown took over the role this January.

St Hilary’s School, Surrey, welcomed new head Jane Whittingham in the Autumn.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 9

Budding book worms

The bedtime story is an age-old tradition, but how does it impact upon a child’s early learning years? Natalie Milner investigates the power of narrative for the under sevens

O

nce upon a time... we all know how it goes, snuggling further into the duvet as our storyteller begins our favourite tale for the umpteenth time.

But we love it, we relish every second.

The bedtime story, a routine weaved into our childhood, is a time to cherish. It is that special moment in the day when all can pause and a magical land of a narrative takes over.

There is a clear link between reading outside of school and a child’s literacy achievement. A 2012 study by the National Literacy Trust found that young people who read outside of the classroom every day were 13 times more likely to read above the expected level for their age. Embedding story time into a child’s routine from an early age has real effects.

Igniting a toddler’s interest in reading is easier than ever before. Textures, pop-ups, sounds and beautiful 10 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

illustrations allow children to embrace the reading experience. “Very young children explore the world through texture,” says Mairi MacKinnon, Managing Editor at Children’s Book Publisher of the Year 2012, Usborne, “While paper flaps create a sense of surprise – next time they read it they will anticipate the same thrill.” Parental involvement is key, for young readers the Usborne Very First Reading books go one step further as font size and colour allow parents and children to take it in turns to read sentences and learning to read becomes a fun, shared activity.

Life-long love

Fostering a love of reading is crucial preparation for starting to read in the classroom. Rosalynd Wilson, pre-prep teacher at Port Regis School, Dorset, says that children arrive in Reception, age four, with varying standards of literacy.

Above left to right, Queen’s College, Somerset, The Downs Malvern, Gloucestershire, Portsmouth High, Hampshire

“It helps if a child has been spoken to one-to-one, and read to, from sixmonths-old. A familiarity with letter sounds, which can be nurtured simply by playing with magnetic letters on the fridge, provides a comfortable base for them when starting school. They don’t need to know the alphabet.” All children develop at different rates, and this occurs pre-school as well as throughout.

Learning to read is not a race “There is a tendency for some parents to rush their children through the reading schemes in pre-prep, but it is important that they understand what they are reading, as well as showing an ability to read the words on the page,” maintains Rosalynd. She advises parents to look out for words that their child may stumble across and ask them what it www.independentschoolparent.com

education

above clockwise, boys at Fulham Prep School, reading independently gives a child real confidence, Portsmouth High School

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 11

24714 Entrance Exam Advert FINAL.indd 2

12 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

25/1/13 14:44:47

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EDuCATIon

TIPS fOr rEaDINg aLOuD It’s all in the timing Find a time that works for your child and keep the sessions short and sweet. If they are tired, they will find it difficult, get frustrated and give up.

Enjoy the book!

Reading scheme books are highly illustrated. Talk about the pictures, wonder out loud about characters.

Sound it out.

If your child comes across a word they cannot read help them sound it out. Not by each letter but by each sound. So “shark” would be sh-ar-k.

Don’t get bogged down in reading stages, enjoyment equally nurtures literacy standard. Clare Bolton, who works with parents as Manager of the Words for Life National Literacy Trust campaign suggests finding comics and magazines revolving around your child’s interests. “A reluctant reader can be coaxed into reading when it is a subject

Be a reading role model Read in front of your child, it implies that books hold an important place in adult life – and we know how much children like to emulate adult behaviour! “A desire to read for themselves helps children get past reading as a process of deciphering a secret code of letters and sounds,” says Liz Walker, Founder of Reading Chest, an online book rental service specialising in reading scheme books. “I think learning to ‘enjoy’ reading is more important that ‘learning to read’.”

Tuning into a narrative, its pattern and its plot, not only cultivates a joy of reading but also aids logical thinking. Sue Palmer, Child Development expert says, “Language is sequential and linear, through learning to read we are teaching our children to think logically, and about cause and effect.” And by using expression in your voice children can begin to interpret emotion. “Have a good time!” says Sue. “A story told in words inspires the imagination and children will extend the story into playtime – they will want to make dens, costumes and rockets.”

Above, Thornton College, Bucks

Don’t push it!

Your child should be reading nine out of ten words correctly. Reading schemes allow children to enjoy the book without getting frustrated.

It’s not just books...

Children will learn to read through everything around them. When you are outside talk about number plates, road signs, menus.

Do what works for your child.

For reluctant readers read together, alternate pages and sentences.

Be a reading role model.

If your child sees that you love reading then they will want to copy you!

(Tips from National Literacy Trust)

Words have the power to transgress the page. One day from the backseat of the car Mairi Kidd’s children asked, “Can you tell it without the pages?”, How Elephants Lost Their Wings, by Lesley Sims, was so engrained in their minds from repeated bedtime stories that she rose to the challenge. “You know then, that the story is a winner,” laughs Mairi.

For those 15 minutes of story time, wrapped in the duvet every night, your child receives your undivided attention.

This sense of security, and enjoyment, encourages a thirst for narrative that far exceeds the bedtime story.

JulIA DonAlDSon, author of The Gruffalo and Children’s Poet laureate gives her top tip for encouraging new readers:

❝Don’t stop reading to them. If you read them chapter one of a book you think they’ll like, chances are you’ll turn out the light and then you’ll find they’ve got a torch and they’re reading the rest under the bed clothes!❞

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SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 13

LeFT, The GRuFFaLo © JuLIa DoNaLDSoN (TexT) aND axeL SCheFFLeR (ILLuSTRaTIoNS), MaCMILLaN ChILDReN’S BookS, 1999.

Subject savvy

that they enjoy. If they have picked the book themselves at the library they will be more motivated to read it,” says Clare.

Top, NaThaN GaYDhaNI – NaThaN.oRG.uk. BoTToM, JuLIa DoNaLDSoN Spoke To BaRRINGToN SToke puBLISheRS.

means – and watch out, some children are excellent sight-readers, seemingly flowing through the text, but tending to skip longer words.

Parents and teachers correspond through the reading record book that is sent home with each child in their book bag. This vital line of communication can feed into bedtime reading.

Many schools use the Oxford Reading Tree scheme, taking children through nine stages: stage one in Reception, usually reaching stage three in Year 1 and stage nine by the start of Year 2.

Publishers develop a similar approach for home reading, for example the Usborne Reading Programme provides gradual reading progression for new readers graded in seven levels and is accompanied by fabulous illustrations.

The first level deals with folktales and has an average of two to eight words per sentence, while the top level adapts classics into an easy-to-read format with up to 30 words per sentence.

From Alice to Zahra an adventure for every girl.

What will your daughter’s story be? +44 (0)1923 725337 www.royalmasonic.herts.sch.uk The Royal Masonic School for Girls Rickmansworth Hertfordshire WD3 4HF Registered Charity No. 276784

EDUCATION

World Book Day 2013 The 15th year of World Book Day on 7th March is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (most importantly) of reading! Every school will distribute £1 book tokens, these can be swapped for one of the specially-produced WBD books below or presented for £1 off books or audio books over £2.99.

Alfie stories: Gives a Hand • An Evening at Alfies Wins a Prize • Alfie and the Big Boys phabet • Alfie’s Numbers

80-5

£1.00

The Diamond Brothers

Weird World of

in…Two of Diamonds

Wonders: Funny

By Anthony Horowitz,

Inventions

Walker, 8+

By Tony Robinson &

Tim Diamond is the

Del Thorpe,

world’s worst detective

Macmillan, 7+

and these two mysteries

Explore the most brilliant

have murder on the

things ever invented.

cards! And the Diamond Brothers could be next…

7 MARCH 2013

05

oks.co.uk

The Chocolate Box Alfie’s Shop

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It’s back! Get your little ones to sharpen their pencils and get their creative juices flowing.

The Chris Evans Breakfast Show is once again inviting children aged 13 and under to write a story of no more than 500 words. The tale can be about anything, as long as it’s an original piece of work. Judges include authors Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Malorie Blackman. There are two age categories: one for children aged nine and under and one for those aged between ten and 13. Winners will receive a tower of books, plus they’ll have their story read out on the radio by a celebrity reader in front of a live audience.

Last year they saw 74,075 story entries through their door!

To enter go to: bbc.co.uk/ radio2/500words/2013 Deadline: 22nd February 2013.

MICHAEL MORPURGO, author of War Horse, Fox Friend, Wartman and Who’s a Big Bully, Then? gives his top tips for young writers:

❝Write about what you know about, what you care about, what you dream about. Mean it when you write, don’t pretend, and give yourself time for the story to weave itself inside your head. Don’t rush it.❞

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SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 15

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HEAD VIEW

How do you raise a winner?

Successful children are those who are allowed to become who they want to be, not those who are forced to follow their parents’ dreams, writes Anthony Seldon

I

n my career in schools, I have seen almost as many parents damage their children as make them. The level of ignorance in society about how to bring up children well is astonishing. Many parents really haven’t a clue what constitutes good parenting – and resent it when they are told so.

Their behaviour as parents is largely unexamined and subconsciously dictated, guided by their own experience when they were children, with their own parents in turn heavily shaped by their own parents. Parenting is thus largely a ritual dance of unexamined behaviours, with the people who lose out being… the children.

would have liked to have been a big whizz, and failed to make it? Their child is put under unbearable pressure to succeed, and if they are not making the right steps towards this elusive position, they are made to feel, yes, you got it, a failure.

It may seem as if these examples are all plucked out of thin air. They are plucked out of life, and I see them again and again.

So what is good parenting, and what kind of child is a winner? Good parenting is really quite simple: it is allowing the child to become the unique person he or she is and wants to be. Being a winner is being that person. Parents who bludgeon their children to be a “mini me” may feel that they are doing the right

The key to being a good parent is learning how to let go and realising that you don’t ‘own’ your child ❞

❝

Let me make it abundantly clear what I think about the title I have been asked to write about, “How do you raise a winner?” It categorically does not equate being a winner to fit in with the ambition of the parents: mum and dad went to Oxbridge, or failed to go to Oxbridge, so the child has to go regardless of whether or not it is suitable for them. If they fail to get a place, and it is increasingly hard to do so, their children will feel a failure for the rest of their lives. Mum or dad was gifted at sport and derived great pleasure from playing for the school. So son or daughter has to play for the first team: and if the coaches don’t pick them, and for the right position, they are useless.

Mum or dad is a big whizz in the corporate world? Or maybe, mum or dad www.independentschoolparent.com

thing: but it is a cruel misrepresentation of what good parenting is.

The key to being a good parent is learning how to let go. It is important to realise that you don’t “own” your child, but rather that they are their own person, with their own thoughts, feelings and passions.

The good parent will spend attentive time with the child, the father as well as the mother, and help the child to think through and develop their own thoughts, feelings and opinions. They will help the child through the key decisions in their life; including choice of school, choice of subjects and choice of university, rather than subtly making the child do what the parent wants.

Good parents help their children to

Good parenting gives a child the tools to succeed in later life

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

become autonomous and independent.

Bad parenting prevents a child from becoming autonomous and fully independent, with life-long damage, not least in the way that those children will in turn bring up their own children.

Anthony Seldon is Master of Wellington College and is the author of many books.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 17

The ultimate sleepover

Charlotte Phillips looks at why boarding is an attractive option for parents

J

ust a few years ago, you’d have been hard pressed to find anyone prepared to bet on boarding schools having much of a future. Boarding was beginning to fall out of favour, in part due to the changing face of family life. Fewer parents wanted full boarding and some families where children had boarded for generations stopped automatically renewing their subscription for the “family school”.

As parents started to think twice about putting their child down at birth for their old school, boarding numbers went into a tailspin, falling by 40% over 25 years. Today, listening to Charlotte Avery, the Headmistress of St Mary’s School, Cambridge, you’d never guess it.

“We could fill our [boarding] places ten times over,” she says. Admittedly St Mary’s, as she’s quick to point out, has something of a distinctive appeal, its blend of single-sex education coupled with a strong religious ethos proving particularly popular with overseas families who put a premium on tradition.

It’s far from being the only school, however, to find that demand for places is stronger now than many might have dared hope just a short while ago.

18 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

Boarding numbers are stable at a whisker over 68,000, demonstrating that schools have withstood, “the vicissitudes of social disapproval in the last 20 years combined with whacking great recessions,” says Hilary Moriarty, national director of the Boarding Schools’ Association. “Schools have woken up to the fact that they can position themselves as a bang-up-to-date resource that couldn’t be more in tune with families’ lifestyles if they tried.”

In the process, they’ve upped their game, in part influenced by the introduction in 2002 of national minimum boarding standards, enforced by regular inspections. Accommodation is now tickety boo, while food, too, has improved out of all recognition.

At St Mary’s, there’s a boarders’ food committee that regularly meets the chef, helping to plan the menu. At Harrogate Ladies’ College, meanwhile, even Jamie Oliver might suffer a pang of envy when it comes to the sixth form boarders’ kitchen which boasts two of every appliance, allowing the pupils to cater on a grand scale.

Pastoral care, too, is unrecognisable from the old days, explains Justin Benson, director of admissions and communications at King Edward’s

School, Witley. It can be summed up as controlled freedom, coupled with exceptional supervision from housemasters, who know their pupils inside out. “It’s idyllic. It’s work hard, play hard,” he says. “You learn to be self-sufficient and responsible. There’s greater freedom, yet pupils are extremely well looked after.”

Add facilities to die for and it’s no wonder parents succumb, says Susan Hamlyn, director of the Good Schools Guide advice service. “Lots of families take one look at the playing fields most boarding schools can offer and want that for their children rather than being bussed across the city to bash a hockey ball about under some power station.”

An increasing number of those families, these days, will be first time buyers, often where both parents work, drawn to the unbeatable combination of on-site activities, a first-rate education and wraparound childcare, with the added reassurance of knowing not just that their child is in safe hands but being encouraged to cultivate a sound work ethic in the process.

Take the way homework is streamlined into the school day, says Ed Bond, a Housemaster and Assistant

Clockwise from top, Bilton Grange School, Warks, Millfield School, Somerset, Gresham’s School, Norfolk, Sunningdale School, Berkshire

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EDUCATION

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20 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

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EDuCATiON ipsum

❝ The majority of schools now come

with a range of options tailored to fit a family’s lifestyle and pockets ❞

Director of studies at Haileybury School.

“Academically, it becomes much easier to stay at school. A long boarding day is very different to a day school. A boarding day winds up at 6.30. With a day school, you finish at 4.30, go home, have supper and then start work. At that stage, the prospect of sitting down for an hour and half is unlikely to excite you.”

No wonder pupils are taking matters into their own hands and asking to board. When her sons, day pupils at Trent College in Nottingham, asked if they could become weekly boarders, Rebecca Singleton, Marketing Director at supermarket chain, Morrisons, became a convert – though not without some initial misgivings. “I was thinking I must be a bad parent because they wanted to board, and [was] concerned about how they’d be cared for. Within a matter of weeks, all those fears went away. It’s a fantastic school…they’re accessible and very caring and the boys have great fun.” It leaves her and her husband free to concentrate on their jobs during the week. “By Saturday lunchtime, [my sons] are ready to do the things normal families do.”

With so much on offer for today’s boarders, what’s not to like – with the exception, possibly, of the fees?

While they may seem steep, says Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the www.independentschoolparent.com

Independent Schools Council, it’s worth bearing in mind that schools aren’t in it for the money. “One of the striking things is how little surplus boarding schools make,” he says. ‘The thing that costs the money is…the hotel element. You’re providing three meals a day and pretty good accommodation, as well as 24-hour pastoral and medical care.” With fewer families in any case buying into what used to be the sine qua non of boarding – the week in, week out full-on experience – costs aren’t always as high as headline figures would suggest. The majority of schools now come with a range of options tailored to fit a family’s lifestyle, pockets and location.

Out goes the traditional image of a stern Victorian parent detaching a sobbing child from his legs and in comes boarding just about any way you want it – flexi, weekly or full.

“It materialised about five years ago that the weekend is a big issue for the modern parent,” says Martin Harris, Headmaster of Sandroyd School in Wiltshire. Children can spend Saturday or Sunday night at home, except on the “all-in” weekends, where every boarder does a full Friday-to-Monday session.

With special activities on offer, including film and pizza nights on Saturdays, boarders can find it hard to tear themselves away the rest of the time, too.

Clockwise from left, boarders at Beaudesert park school, Glos, millfield House boarding house at millfield, somerset, and Godolphin school, Wiltshire

“Most decide to go on Sunday and come back on Monday morning because they love the Saturday nights,” says Harris.

So are we on the cusp of a renaissance in boarding? The mood seems to be one of cautious optimism, especially given the ever increasing pressure on day school places in London. Candidates who fail to secure their first choice school sometimes face a struggle to bag an alternative. “In the past they’d have had a fall-back position [but] those avenues have been closed off by sheer competition,” says Harry Biggs-Davison, Head of St Philip’s School in Kensington.

So it’s less than surprising to hear of an intrepid group of West London parents whose children travel 20 miles each morning to Caldicott Prep School in Farnham Royal, Bucks.

Like St Mary’s, Caldicott is offering parents the education they want rather than the one some schools feel they should get. And it’s that successful reading of parental needs that will enable boarding schools to thrive in the years to come.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 21

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COMMENT

Is it the end for parents’ evenings?

Instant access to your child’s report is the way forward, says Principal Toby Belfield

A

s many parents know, attending a traditional style parents’ evening can be quite an experience, whether it’s your first time or you have several children’s worth under your belt.

After unfurling the scrunched up A4 appointment sheet from the bottom of your child’s bag, you will spend the next few hours shuffling from teacher to teacher trying to get answers to all the questions you have about your child’s progress in the ten minutes quota.

In my view, there are much better ways for parents to keep up to date with how their child is doing in school.

Parents at Ruthin School log on to our

achieved and even comments their teachers have made on submitted work.

Of course, those parents who wish to are more than welcome to call the school or come in and see their child’s teacher if they have any queries or concerns. We also publish a full report for parents online at the end of every term.

Parents have told us that the wealth of information they get from the school puts them in a much better position to support their child’s learning from home. And with a clearer understanding of how their child is doing, conversations about homework or learning targets are much more positive.

❝ Instead, parents can take time to

meet teachers in a more relaxed setting and chat over a glass of wine ❞ online parent portal, a secure area of our website, using a PC, tablet or mobile and find out what their child has been up to in school at any time they like.

with parents online in an age where so many of us are using technology to manage all aspects of our lives.

At your fingertips

Support your child’s learning from home

They have access to so much online information, including their child’s attendance, achievement and conduct throughout the academic year, that there is no need for them to attend a busy, stressful parents’ evening because they are already in the know.

Instead, parents can take time to meet teachers and other parents in a much more relaxed setting and chat over a glass of wine or a slice of cake. Our parents have been delighted with the changes we have made and I believe that more schools should be communicating

If you have made the decision to send your child to a fee-paying school, you naturally want to know that your investment is paying dividends. All children at Ruthin are assessed in each subject every two weeks and parents are often anxious to find out how their child has performed in the tests.

Parents can see their child’s grades from the moment they are tapped into the school’s computer. They can also find out other information such as punctuality in handing in homework, merits or house points they have

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Anywhere, anytime...

The parent portal allows you to see vital information about your child’s progress at the click of a button

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

Having access to more online information is particularly helpful for those parents who live overseas and are unable to regularly attend a parents’ evening. Around 60% of pupils at Ruthin have families who are based abroad.

If you are located in a different time zone to your child’s school, you can’t simply pick up the phone when you have a moment and ask their teacher how they fared in the latest English assessment or if they managed to get their history project in on time. But you could check all of this in no time if the information was available online.

Schools should bring the old tradition of parents’ evenings to an end and give parents more immediate access to their child’s education. After all, parental support is essential to ensure that children reach their full potential.

Toby Belfield is Principal of Ruthin College, North Wales.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 23

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EDUCATION

Little chefs Thalia Thompson looks at what’s cooking in our prep schools

I

f you remember school cookery lessons as being all about lumpy rock cakes and soggy quiche you might get a surprise if you could see what goes on in food technology lessons at prep schools today.

Pop into one at Cranleigh Preparatory school in Surrey and you might see a group of Year 5 pupils making sushi, at Moreton First school in Shropshire, the Year 6 pupils will be serving up Mexican tortillas with chilli con carne. At Eversfield Preparatory school in Solihull, there might be freshly made soda bread on offer which would go well

with the smoked mackerel pâté they’re making at Blundell’s Prep in Devon.

Not all prep schools teach food technology as a curriculum subject, although most will have some sort of cookery on offer, even if it’s just an after-school club. But these four schools are among those who have decided that cookery deserves a proper place on the table, or timetable that is!

Food technology is often taught as part of the craft and design technology curriculum, and of course, the schools begin with the basics. At Moreton First, the reception class start with simple

Above, pupils from Broomwood Hall, London

❝ We make homemade chicken nuggets

and then compare them with shop-bought ones in terms of salt, fat and sugar ❞ www.independentschoolparent.com

tasks. “But even the youngest children are learning lots of skills,” points out food technology teacher, Sheena Bayton.

“We talk about cutting things into halves and quarters and even spreading butter on bread helps teach dexterity.”

And from this basic start, children build a skill for life. As Debbie Cannings, Food Technology Assistant at Eversfield says, “We’re giving the children the skills they need to read a recipe and teaching them the technical terms of cookery. By the time they leave, they’ll know what ‘rub in’ means, what a soft dough consistency is, and what 250g of flour looks like.”

And of course, with current concerns about the rise in obesity levels, teaching children to cook helps encourage healthy habits from the start.

As Jackie Brown, food technology teacher at Cranleigh explains, “In Year 6, the children make brownies and SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 25

❝ Pupils are now

cooking puddings for their parents’ dinner parties – they get a huge sense of achievement from it ❞ Top right & below, Moreton First School, Shropshire.

Right, Queen’s College, Somerset.

Far right, Broomwood Hall, London.

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flapjacks. They record how much sugar goes into each and as part of the lesson we discuss which is the healthier treat.

In the same way, we make homemade chicken nuggets and then compare them with shop-bought versions in terms of salt, fat and sugar.”

As well as encouraging healthy eating, food technology makes a real contribution to other parts of the curriculum. “Lessons with a practical nature can have the most impact,” says Andy Southgate, Head of Blundell’s “and food technology definitely adds breadth to the pupils’ education.”

Following a recipe gives children direct experience of weights, measures and fractions. Food technology even links into the history curriculum: at Blundell’s, the pupils researched and made Victorian recipes. And at www.independentschoolparent.com

Cranleigh, making an apple pie involved geography and PHSE when apples sourced from ten countries (including their own orchard) led to a classroom discussion about food miles and fair trade in developing countries.

And last, but by no means least, it’s fun.

“It’s the most popular lesson of the week,” says Catherine Ford, Head of Moreton First. Children love having something tangible to take home at the end of the school day. “I know pupils who are now cooking puddings for their parents’ dinner parties and they get a huge sense of achievement from it,” says Jackie Brown.

So it’s a subject that children love; it gives them a sense of achievement; teaches them important life skills; and helps them get to grips with other areas of the curriculum. Food technology definitely gets full marks.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 27

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1) The Odyssey, 2) The Poirot detective stories, 3) Famous Five series, 4) Harry Potter series, 5) King Lear, 6) The Hobbit, 7) The Chronicles of Narnia, 8) Peter Rabbit, 9) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 10) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. www.independentschoolparent.com

f) What are the collective nouns of the following animals?

1) Bees, 2) Ants, 3) Dogs, 4) Crows, 5) Geese in flight. g) What are the Christian names of the following artists?

1) Dali, 2) Renoir, 3) Picasso, 4) Monet, 5) Constable.

i) Altocumulus is a type of what? j) If Dennis is the Menace what is Beryl?

Quiz courtesy of Ludgrove School’s magazine, Berkshire, ludgrove.net

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 29

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EDUCATION

The great outdoors Prep schools offer trips and activities that go above and beyond the call of duty, writes Alice Barlow

N

ine-year-old Jack Pearson shovels a heap of Welsh coal into the firebox as the locomotive steams through the woods and into Hoyland Down station at The Downs Malvern. His friends look on admiringly as Jack, resplendent in a smart red scarf, expertly operates the levers and dials, and pulls up at the station.

Welcome to what must be one of the most offbeat educational experiences on offer at any school – becoming a fully-qualified steam engine driver. Jack has gone into the record books as the youngest in the world and the coveted scarf is proof of his achievement.

In 1925, Geoffrey Hoyland, a trainmad headmaster of The Downs Malvern, installed a miniature gauge railway, still a major attraction. Its locomotive, a perfect scaled-down replica, can carry adult passengers as well as providing hours of fascination and lessons in www.independentschoolparent.com

everything from engineering to geology for the dozens of young aficionados who choose this as their main school club.

With growing numbers of prep schools in search of a “unique selling point” to keep up their rolls despite the tough economic climate, the range of extra-curricular experiences, facilities and overseas trips becomes ever more varied and exotic. Your geography field trip to the Amazon rainforest trumps my history tour of Pompeii.

Schools with their own facilities abroad score highly, particularly those with Alpine properties. Hill House International School in Chelsea and Abberley Hall, Worcestershire, each boast their own chalets at Glion, overlooking Lake Geneva and Hauteville Gondon near Les Arcs, respectively.

These are used by students and their families as skiing and walking centres, as well as tools to boost cultural awareness and language skills. Cothill

House, Oxfordshire, has its own château at Sauveterre near Toulouse and all its Year 7 boys spend a term there, with all the lessons in French, a boon in the run-up to Common Entrance.

Next year’s centenary of the First World War has triggered numerous trips to the battlefields of Ypres and the Somme, including groups from Arnold Lodge in Warwickshire, The Downs Malvern and the Dragon School in Oxford.

“Forty three of our Old Boys fell in the two World Wars,” says Alastair Cook, Headmaster of The Downs Malvern, who will lead a trip to the Somme later this year, “and we visit the places they fought and died. It is quite sombre and really brings home to current students the sacrifice of those young men who would once have sat in the same desks our youngsters do today.”

Overseas trips now include offbeat locations: from Sandroyd’s (Wiltshire)

Above, pupils from Queen Mary’s, North Yorkshire

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 31

SchoolS puShing the limitS... our pick from among the hundreds of schools who offer outstanding educational trips and experiences: Outward Bound and Survival: Aberlour House, Maidwell Hall, Dulwich College, Ardvreck, Sandroyd, The Dragon, Cothill House.

Overseas trips, school exchanges, historic visits and language courses: Cothill House, Millfield Prep, Hill House International School, Abberley Hall, The Dragon School, Arnold Lodge, The Downs Malvern.

www.independentschoolparent.com

EDUCATION

cricket tour to Johannesburg, followed by a trek up Mount Kenya, Arnold Lodge’s trip to Iceland, Maidwell Hall’s (Northants) cricket trip to Antigua and the Dragon’s exchange visits with schools in Versailles, New York and the prestigious Keio Yochisha School, Japan.

Abberley Hall staged a South African sports tour combined with an educational safari in Kwazulu-Natal, visiting Zulu War sites. There was an impromptu biology lesson at the Weenen Game Reserve and “A kudu [a curlyhorned species of antelope] was culled,” explains the school’s spokeswoman Gill Portsmouth. “Our students had the chance to dissect it and analyse the process of the lungs and stomach.

During these trips you can see the children maturing before your eyes.”

Outward Bound and survival courses closer to home are also popular, despite the often testing conditions. The Roaches Estate in the Staffordshire Peak District hosts groups from schools such as Maidwell Hall, as they try activities like abseiling and weaselling: climbing, sliding and scrambling to the top of the mountainous Roaches Ridge through natural rocky obstacles and tunnels.

Millfield Prep, Somerset, runs caving expeditions in the nearby Mendip Hills at picturesquely named caverns like Sidcot’s Swallet and Swildon’s Hole.

While Dulwich College, London, has its own expeditions centre, in the Brecon Beacons, where youngsters aged nine to 12 years-old learn skills including caving www.independentschoolparent.com

❝ Jack is in the record books as the youngest fully

qualified steam engine driver in the world ❞

and mountain boarding.

“We take our Year 8s for a week’s geography trip in Snowdonia to study glacial landscapes,” says Arnold Lodge Headmaster David Williams, shivering involuntarily at the recollection. “It’s blooming cold the whole time, but it’s character-building with a hint of danger!

Our youngsters love it and have a great time going gorge-jumping and getting soaked. The kids also plan our Iceland trip themselves, booking hostels, planning and cooking their meals.”

Gordonstoun’s prep school, Aberlour House, Moray, lives up to its reputation for adventurous projects, organising annual camping trips to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point in Britain.

While the Year 8s get the chance to spend a weekend on Gordonstoun’s sail training vessel, Ocean Spirit of Moray, which inspires many to continue their sailing at senior school.

Outdoorsy prep school Ardvreck, Perthshire, specialises in weekly mountain biking lessons and regular expeditions known as Barvicks, after the local Barvick Falls. These include scaling local Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet) such as Beinn Ghlas. Ardvreck and Sandroyd are also among the schools

Above, pupils at The Downs Malvern enjoy lessons on their miniature railway. Far left clockwise, Aberlour House pupils at Cape Wrath, kayaking at Giggleswick, North Yorkshire, Hill House International School pupils skiing in Switzerland, the grounds of Sauvettere, owned by The Cothill Educational Trust, Abberley Hall School, Worcestershire

that send groups of youngsters for week-long courses at the popular adventure centre on Rua Fiola, a small, privately owned island off the West coast of Scotland, near Oban. The children learn how to climb, abseil, kayak, fish from the sea and spend a night in a cave or bivouac, which they build themselves, and cook meals over an open fire.

“They spend the week building dens, being taught to trap rabbits, make campfires without matches, catch fish and then gut and cook them on the fire,” enthuses Sandroyd’s Headmaster Martin Harris. “We drop the ones who want a real challenge on a smaller island nearby for up to 36 hours and they have to survive on their own with just a bottle of water and a penknife. If they don’t catch anything they don’t eat. It’s the antithesis of the health and safety culture and every child comes back absolutely glowing.”

For many parents the benefits of these extra-curricular adventures: the added confidence, independence and responsibility they foster even among the more inexperienced and timid youngsters, make these so-called optional extras a vital part of the all-round prep school experience.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 33

Making the most of school open days

By Henrietta Lightwood, Director of Marketing and Development, Queen’s College, Taunton

M

any of the independent schools run open days aimed at families looking for a school place for their child to start the following September.

Open days are a chance for prospective parents and pupils to look around schools, speak to staff about specialist subject areas, talk to current pupils about their experiences at the school and listen to the Head to hear what he or she has to say.

The perfecT fiT

Many schools, such as my own, Queen’s College, often run open days on a Saturday giving parents who work the opportunity to come as a family. Many parents have said to me in the past that even just walking into the school felt right: it was somewhere where their child could be happy.

Schools have very distinctive personalities and finding one that has values that fit with those of

your family and somewhere you feel your child could thrive and develop their talents, is vital.

help is aT hand

Open days are very informative.

Seeing work presented in the classrooms and speaking to the teaching staff really gives you a sense of the standard of academic provision. Those who are interested in sport will want to know about sports on offer, and what facilities are available. Pupils passionate about the performing or creative arts will want to see a theatre, and whether they can study fashion, photography or music. The admissions team will be on hand to discuss entry and houseparents and junior school staff are available to talk about pastoral issues.

Think ahead...

So how can you prepare in advance? Firstly, draw up a list of

Luxury family holidays

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those schools you would like to visit and ascertain open day dates.

Who To bring?

At Queen’s College, children are always welcome and there is plenty for them to do. At senior level, take your son or daughter with you: although choosing a school is still primarily a parental decision, older pupils like to have an input too and may see things you miss.

When you arrive...

Do you find the open days friendly and well organised or improvised? Look at the pupils – they are the best ambassadors.

Lastly, trust your instincts.

Queen’s College Open Days Nursery, Pre-prep and Junior – Friday 22 February 2013, whole School – Monday 6 May 2013 www.queenscollege.org.uk

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34 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

www.independentschoolparent.com

COMMENT

Language in motion

Prep school is the perfect place to instil a passion for foreign languages, writes Simon Hitchings

A

great strength of the prep school world is the provision made for teaching modern foreign languages. In our own multicultural society, and international economic marketplace, we want our children to be globally aware, so from an early age it is good to instil the perception that other languages exist. Many prep schools start children, as St Aubyns do, with a gentle experience of a foreign language in Reception and gradually introduce the written element in later years.

Prep schools think long and hard about how to make the teaching of languages vibrant. Our aim is to spark a lifelong interest in languages. One tool is some kind of trip overseas. There are plenty of ways to organise this: an exchange with a partner school that will usually involve the children staying with a family abroad, an extended trip to a residential centre run by native speakers of the language or a day trip (or longer) organised by the school itself.

St Aubyns has a connection with a school in Paris who, each year, send a group of pupils over to England who stay in our boarding house during the week and with families over the weekends.

The presence of these French students with us exposes our children to good language opportunities and an encounter with a different culture.

At the same time, for many years, we sent a group of Year 7 and 8 children biennially to stay at a residential centre in Normandy. This had many

educational benefits: the instructors at the centre delivered sessions for the pupils, there was ample opportunity to visit places where French could be practised, and our children had fun in a well-equipped outdoor activity centre.

However, my Head of Languages, Lucy Templeton, and I felt that the emphasis of the trip was wrong: too much outdoor activity and not enough language. So last February, Lucy planned a long-weekend trip to Paris. The children were put in plenty of situations where they spoke French and had a healthy dose of French culture and history.

Then in April, St Aubyns joined the Cothill Educational Trust. CET own an estate in the south of France at Sauveterre near Toulouse. The Château is a fully-equipped school for boarders who spend a whole term there. It is run

Above, a St Aubyns pupil practises his French at a market

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

❝ Prep schools think long and hard about how

to make the teaching of languages vibrant. Our aim is to spark a lifelong interest in languages ❞ www.independentschoolparent.com

by an English Head but the teachers and domestic staff are local native French speakers. However, part of the estate is a converted farmhouse called La Chaumière, run by the lively Madame Chantal James. This caters for 15 children at a time who are visiting France for a shorter period. Like the Château, it is open to schools from outside the Trust, but it is mainly used

by CET schools at the moment.

Our first trip to La Chaumière has recently returned. This was an optional trip, but it was fully booked with children from Years 5 and 6. Although the lasting results in regard to pupils’ confidence using the language are yet to be measured, the initial enthusiasm has been tremendous.

The great benefit of La Chaumière is that it is small scale, with flexibility for the needs of each visiting group, and it's in the context of rural France. In addition to speaking French around the house, Mme James had organised an itinerary that allowed the group to practise their French with friendly locals in real-life situations such as the supermarché. In addition, there were activities at La Chaumière with the French-speaking staff: cooking, crafts and even a dance lesson.

A language trip abroad can be full of content as well as great fun! It has to have a central place in the language curriculum and the school calendar if we are to equip our children with the language skills they will need for the future.

Simon Hitchings is Headmaster of St Aubyns, East Sussex.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 35

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COME ALONG TO OUR594 NEXT OPEN EVENT Contact Jessica Ash on 01889 265 or visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Abbotsholme School Abbotsholme School Abbotsholme School Abbotsholme School SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 9.30am COME ALONG TO OUR NEXT2013 OPEN EVENT Next Open Day: Saturday 9th March, from 9.30am Next Open Day: Saturday 9th March, 2013 from Rocester, Uttoxeter, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Rocester, Uttoxeter, RECEPTION PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 9.30am NextNext Open Day: Saturday 9th March, 2013 from Open Day: Saturday 9th March, 2013 from 9.30am Abbotsholme School Abbotsholme School Information event for Year 7 entry in September: InformationRECEPTION event for Year 7AVAILABLE entry September: Staffordshire ST14in 5BS Staffordshire ST14 5BS PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER Staffordshire ST14 5BS Staffordshire ST14 5BS Rocester, Uttoxeter, Information event forAsh Year entry in594 September: Rocester, Uttoxeter, Information event for Year 701889 entry infrom September: Friday 11th January, 2013, 5.30pm Next Open Day: Saturday 9th 2013 9.30am Contact Jessica on7March, 265 Friday 11th January, 2013, 5.30pm ST14 5BS Contact Jessica on 01889 594 265 Friday 11th January, 2013,Staffordshire 5.30pm Staffordshire ST14Ash 5BS

or event visitJessica www.abbotsholme.co.uk Information Year entry Contact Ash on 018897594 265 or in visit September: www.abbotsholme.co.uk orfor visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Contact Jessica Ash on 01889 594 265 or visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk JessicaSCHOOL Ash on 01889 594 spring 265 or visit 36 Contact INDEPENDENT ParENT 2013www.abbotsholme.co.uk

Abbotsholme School School Abbotsholme Uttoxeter, Rocester,Rocester, Uttoxeter,

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Pick up from Central Milton Keynes train station.

To see if you are eligible for a scholarship please call: 01908 574740 or email: info@wis.gemsedu.co.uk The Webber Independent School Soskin Drive, Stantonbury Fields, Milton Keynes MK14 6DP www.webberindependentschool.co.uk

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

The Oak Tree Nursery is for children from the age of two and a half.

Devonshire House is a co-educational school for children from three to thirteen years of age.

Parents interested in further information or in applying for a place for a child should contact the Admissions’ Secretary.

Devonshire House School, 69 Fitzjohn’s Avenue, Hampstead, London NW3 6PD Tel: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

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in foCuS

Bursaries and Scholarships:

Simple ways to save on the fees

A bursary or scholarship can help take the sting out of the school fees – but how do you get one? Tracy Cook investigates

Y

ou want the best education for your child, but can you afford it? Paying school fees can seem daunting, if not impossible. But if you still want an independent school education for your child, there might be more help at hand than you expect.

Most schools offer scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are awarded for achievement in academic work, sport, music and the arts and are given irrespective of income – but your child will need to be outstanding. Bursaries, on the other hand, can be based on exam performance, but are dependent on financial need and are always means www.independentschoolparent.com

Above, a pupil at Prebendal School, West Sussex

tested. They range from providing a small percentage of the fees all the way up to 100% and beyond – occasionally offering help with travel, uniform, lunches and school trips.

“Our schools are sympathetic to the financial challenges facing many parents and the amount of fee assistance available has grown to reflect this,” says Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council. “ISC schools provided fee assistance to the value of almost £600 million in 2012.”

Help for parents

This means that one in three children at over 1,200 independent schools received

help with their fees last year, four fifths of them receiving it directly from their school. The question is how can you become one of them?

The good news is that, encouraged by the Charities Commission, more schools than ever are switching their resources away from scholarships and into bursaries, to help children who might not otherwise be able to go to private schools.

“Scholarships to attract talented people have been reduced in value and the money released into bursaries,” says Mike Lower, General Secretary of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association. “The 75% scholarship from the past is very rare now. Most are for SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 37

HOw TO SavE ON THE SCHOOL fEES Do your research. As well as school websites, check the Independent Schools Council, The Girls’ Schools Association, The Independent Association of Prep Schools and the Boarding Schools’ Association websites. Find out what the schools you are interested in offer. Start early. Choose your schools and approach them at least two years before you want your child to attend. Expect to be means tested.

P60s, bank, pension and mortgage statements will be scrutinised. Apply for scholarships. If your child excels in academics, music, sport, drama, dance or design, there could be a scholarship for them. Kilgraston, Perthshire, has an equestrian centre, and offers a range of sporting scholarships.

Left, rugby at St Margaret’s Prep School Calne, WIltshire.

Above, Stonyhurst College, Lancashire.

Right, Highfields School, Nottingham

Consider boarding schools.

Many offer generous bursaries. Explore all avenues. If your school can’t help, can a charitable trust? Check the Educational Trusts’ Forum. There are trusts to help the children of families in the armed forces, actors (The Actors’ Charitable Trust), the motor trade (BMTA Trust), the clothing industry (Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust) and those in the City of London (Mitchell City of London Educational Trust). The Joint Educational Trust (JET), Frank Buttle Trust and The Reedham Trust support children in traumatic or difficult circumstances. It’s not for life. The bursary could be checked every year.

Visit independentschoolparent.com for our free checklist for all you need to know on BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS.

38 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

10%. It is absolutely sensible and far better to give a means tested bursary to a bright child who needs it, than to one whose parents could pay anyway.”

The facts

There are nearly 40,000 pupils on means tested bursaries, at both prep and senior schools, with their average value being £7,200 per pupil per year. Over 40% of these pupils had more than half their fees remitted in 2012, with more than 5,000 pupils paying no fees at all.

Many schools are committed to widening access and actively canvas for pupils to apply for bursaries. In London, a group of 23 schools including St Paul’s, King’s College, Lady Eleanor Holles and Westminster, have banded together on feeassistancelondonschools.org.uk to promote the help they can offer.

Other schools, like Manchester Grammar School, are intent on building up their endowment funds so they can offer more help. “To mark our 500th anniversary in 2015, we are fundraising a substantial amount of money so we can be completely blind in terms of selection,” says Michael Strother, Director of Admissions.

The school currently has 200 boys on bursaries, the “vast majority” being full fee. They also have 40 boys on bursaries through “hardship funding”, whose parents have lost their jobs or whose circumstances have changed while they have been at the school.

Kilgraston offer more bursaries than many other schools in Scotland. “We offer different levels, from 10% to full bursaries, to spread access to our education to girls from families of different income levels,” says Principal Frank Thompson. “It creates a wider society in a small community.”

Think ahead

With school fees averaging £3,903 per term for day pupils and £8,780 for boarding school fees, you can see why parents might need help. Some assistance may be on offer to families with incomes up to around £50,000, but each school will have their own criteria.

Many schools have tables illustrating the percentage of fee assistance compared to income on their websites, but it is always worth approaching a school for further consideration.

“Parents need to start talking to the www.independentschoolparent.com

in focus ipsum

❝ There

are nearly 40,000 pupils on means tested bursaries at both prep and senior schools ❞ school the September before the school starts the academic selection,” says Lower.

The means test

Applying for a bursary is not for the faint hearted. The school will carry out a detailed examination of your personal circumstances, including all forms of income, savings and pensions. It will assess your assets and liabilities, including your mortgage, number of dependants, childcare costs and whether you already pay school fees. Most expect both parents to be working and will look at the number of foreign holidays you take, whether you are carrying out home improvements or have recently bought a new car. And it’s reassessed every year.

“It was quite intrusive,” says one mother, a single parent whose son was awarded a 50% Foundation Bursary at Reed’s School in Surrey. “It felt demeaning, www.independentschoolparent.com

but I understand why they had to be so thorough. I had to have a home visit and was interviewed about my lifestyle.”

Nor should fear of large fees put you off considering boarding school. Many have larger endowment funds than day schools and are therefore able to offer more. Eton offers 20% of pupils financial support; Rugby is renowned for bursary help through its Arnold Foundation, as is Harrow, which through the John Lyon’s Charity Bursaries, also supports boys in their last two years of prep school.

But Christ’s Hospital in Sussex is outstanding: 90% of its 850 pupils have some level of fee assistance. Of these, 83% pay less than half and 110 pupils pay no fees at all.

“We are offering bright children the opportunity to have a first class, rounded boarding education,” says Head John Franklin.

Above, Queen’s college, somerset.

Right, stowe school, Buckinghamshire

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 39

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COMMENT

Time to get creative!

Expression and exploration are vital skills in today’s world, says Hilary French

T

oday’s over-protective parents are in danger of stifling their children’s creativity. The best thing you can do for your child is to allow them to fail, give them space to express themselves and rediscover the art of conversation.

The media has recently been emphasising the fact that the new EBacc qualification won’t contain a single creative arts subject, and an Ipsos Mori poll has found that up to 27% of schools have already reduced the amount of teaching time allocated to the creative arts as a direct result.

I am a firm advocate of art, design, music and drama within a balanced education and, despite the EBacc, there are many ways to enable creativity.

It all goes back to that word “enable”.

Teachers – they call themselves

The Forest School at Central Newcastle High School, Tyne and Wear, of which Hilary French is Headmistress

❝ Try to have conversations

that revolve around questions not answers ❞

“mentors” – at the Lumiar schools in Brazil don’t believe that creativity can be taught. Instead, the children themselves decide what projects they want to work on, in discussion with their mentors.

This is not as lacking in structure as it might at first appear; their belief is that nothing sparks creativity and learning like conversation and nurtured thought.

In and beyond the classroom, both teachers and parents must find time to have conversations that are more about questions than answers. Allowing for experimentation and failure goes hand in hand with this, so let your children experience what it’s like to get the answer wrong and enjoy the process of www.independentschoolparent.com

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

discovery for themselves.

Allowing failure in the right context is hugely powerful and positive. Wrapping our children in cotton wool is not. In his latest book, parenting guru Stephen Biddulph talks about the immense pressures girls are now under. He recommends that you encourage your daughter’s interests and give her your time and attention to make her feel secure and content with who she is. He also advocates surrounding your daughter with other adults – aunts, friends, older children – for those times when she cannot talk to her parents.

Again, the message is clear. Children need your time and your conversation but not your all-consuming attention.

It’s popular to knock Michael Gove’s initiatives but it’s not quite that simple.

The answer, of course, is that an effective education is one that strikes a balance. Gove’s curriculum is knowledge heavy and skills poor and gives little space for the kind of teaching that fires

creativity and passion.

There are only so many hours in the school day so parents now, more than ever, must play their part.

You can reduce the passivity in your child’s life and encourage action and enquiry. At my school, we have Forest School where girls and teachers go out into the school grounds, build camp fires, make dens, create dream catchers and identify trees, plants and animals along the way. Allow your child to make a mess and get dirty – your home will recover! Respond to your child’s ideas with more questions like: “Why do you think that might be?” and “How do you think that happens?”. Above all, ditch the cotton wool and allow your child to explore and experience for herself.

Hilary French is the President of the Girls’ Schools Association.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 41

BRIGHT

YOUNGTHINGS Up-and-coming stars from the independent school sector, by Natalie Milner Daisy Sims-Hilditch, 21

Phil Meadows, 22

ST MaRY’S calNe, wIlTSHIRe

cHeTHaM’S ScHOOl Of MUSIc, GReaTeR MaNcHeSTeR

Daisy was one of 20 young artists to have work short listed from 18,000 entries for the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in the Sunday Telegraph Art Prize for Schools in 2011 for Paul, a painting of her grandfather (below).

Recently, in Autumn 2012, her work was on display at the Cork Street Gallery in London as part of the Consider the Lilies exhibition consisting of paintings by Old Girls of St Mary’s Calne who are currently working artists. Last October, Daisy was chosen to paint a portrait of departing Head Dr Helen Wright, which now hangs at the school. She has always enjoyed observing objects, people, and situations and is currently studying at The Charles Cecil Atelier in Florence.

Phil Meadows is a saxophonist, composer, educator and journalist

Artist,

Musician,

who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, on BBC Radio 3, BBC 4 and at Glastonbury Festival. In February 2012, Phil was also invited to perform for The Queen.

His dedication to his work has led him to become one of the youngest ever RICO artists – an endorsement from the international reed manufacturer. As an avid writer both of music and media, Phil composes for multiple ensembles. He graduated with a first class honours degree from Leeds College of Music before studying at Trinity College of Music, London on the prestigious Arches Scholarship. Phil’s competition success includes the George Murphy Prize for Saxophone 2010 and Great Northern Big Band Competition (Best Band, Best Section 2010).

Genevieve Barr, 27

Actress, HaRROGaTe ladIeS’ cOlleGe, NORTH YORkSHIRe Genevieve Barr went from a Teach first graduate scheme to the lead role in BBc drama series The Silence in 2010, a drama about a deaf girl who witnesses the murder of a policewoman. Genevieve then became involved with action on Hearing loss and Hear the world – from being a spokesperson to visiting various projects – while she ran numerous half marathons in aid of the National deaf children’s Society. acting was a love that was ignited at Harrogate ladies college: “Being deaf, I had to work on the clarity of my voice a lot and acting offered me a vehicle by which I could please my parents by improving my voice, while enjoying acting!”

rachel Morris, 27

Doctor, OSweSTRY ScHOOl, SHROpSHIRe

When she was 16-years-old Rachel Morris lived with two doctors on a school exchange to South Africa, igniting her love of medicine and the country. She went on to gain a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery plus a degree in Biomedical Sciences from The University of Nottingham in 2009. After her foundation training Rachel moved to the East London Hospital in South Africa to be a medical officer in Paediatrics. She is hoping to return to the UK this year to start her official Paediatrics training; but her interest in tropical medicine, and her diploma in HIV medicine, is likely to draw her back to Africa in the future.

42 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

www.independentschoolparent.com

School’S oUt

Steffan aquarone, 28

Producer,

Norwich high School, Norfolk The filming of Tortoise in Love (2012), of which Steffan Aquarone was Producer, was no mean feat. The entire village of Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire were rallied together to tell the tale. Young mums helped with sales, design and publicity, retired members of the community provided the drivers, props and logistics support while much of the film’s budget was raised by small local investors. Steffan, with writer and director Guy Browning, managed a team of 600 and in return the village owns a share of the film. His passion for filmmaking became apparent as Steffan edited the school fashion show in a tiny office at the top of his school. Years later his first film was first screened at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival and as a result premiered at London’s Leiceister Square with the village in tow!

Louise Jordan, 29

Singer-songwriter, godolphiN School, wiltShire credited as a writer, engineer and producer louise also sings, plays guitar, piano and cello. however, it is louise’s voice that is celebrated as her trade mark sound: captivating, powerful and evocative. Since releasing her award-winning debut album TEMPVS (2011) and second album Florilegium (2012) she remains an independent artist and has produced her albums under her own record company, Azania records. Bringing together her passion for music and education, louise set up forest liVe with her husband tim dench, an organisation committed to providing educational opportunities to local students interested in music, events, media and art through internships and workshops. through its concerts forest liVe also supports the work of the trust for overseas Aid and development (toAd), set up by tim.

www.independentschoolparent.com

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 43

Sport rules You’re on the sidelines, but the ins and outs of the game are not your forté.

Josephine Price rounds up cricket (for mums) and rounders (for dads)!

Cricket

It’s one of the quintessential English sporting traditions.

six runs, and if the ball rolls along the ground out of the boundary, four runs are scored.

Equipment & kit:

What’s an “over”?

Red hard leather ball, wooden cricket bat, stumps, bails. White kit, protective equipment (pads, helmet and gloves).

Play is divided into “overs” – six balls.

Then another player will bowl six balls from the opposite end, continuing until the batsman is out.

So who’s who?

Two teams of 11 players take it in turns to bat and field. The fielding team consists of a wicket keeper and a bowler (who stand behind opposite stumps), while the other nine players field.

Why are there two batsmen?

How do you score?

When is a batsman “out”?

The bowler bowls his ball in an attempt to hit the opposing stumps. The batsman has to try and hit or deflect the ball, protecting the stumps. Hitting the ball in the air across the boundary rope scores

If the stumps are struck with the ball.

When the batsman is standing by the stumps only the bowler can knock down the stumps. If he steps away, anyone can strike the stumps with the ball. If a

44 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

When batting, one player stands at each end, to defend the stumps with their bat.

The active player is the batsman, while his opposite is the “non-striker”.

Above left, cricket at Loretto School, Edinburgh

fielder catches a batted ball – before it hits the ground – the batsman is out.

What’s an “innings”?

Once one player is out, a new batsman takes his place, when ten batsmen are out the team has had their “innings,” and the other team bats. Play continues until an agreed-upon number of innings are completed.

Why the hand actions?

The umpire uses these to indicates all his decisions and stands behind the non-striker batsman for the best view.

The umpire announces all stages of play and calls “out”, “no-ball” and “wide”.

LBW stands for..?

Leg Before Wicket. If the umpire believes the ball would have hit the stumps had its path not been obstructed by the www.independentschoolparent.com

LIFE

batsman’s pads or body he can call LBW. He is not out if the ball hits the bat before the pad. Often the umpire has to gauge whether the ball would hit the stumps even if it’s in line, looking at spin/bounce height/where it hits the pad. It is also an LBW if the ball hits the batsman’s pad not in line with the stumps if he’s made no attempt to swing.

Rounders

A traditional field school sport that is predominantly played by girls and often grouped into the same category as softball in the USA.

Above left, rounders at Francis Holland School – Sloane Square, London

batter misses the ball but completes a full circle they gain half a rounder.

When do you run?

Bats, posts and bases, white stitched balls. Trainers, t-shirt and skirts/shorts.

Batters stood at posts should run as soon as the bowler releases the ball. The live batter should run when they have received a good ball. If a player does not swing, or misses, they must run to the first post only.

When the day’s play is coming to an end and a batsman is called “out” then all the best players are saved for the next day’s batting and a non-specialist batsman is sent in.

What’s the aim of the game?

What’s a “no ball”?

The players score points by hitting the ball and running round the bases, without running another team player out, or being caught out.

How long does it last for?

How many chances do you get to bat?

The batter stands in the batting square, which is placed a few metres in front of the bowling square, the bowler then throws the ball in the direction of the batter but it must not go below the knee or above the head of the batter – this is a “no ball”. A “wide ball” can also be called.

What is a night-watchman?

Once the batsman hits the ball, he and the non-striker may switch places. Each time the players pass each other, the batsman scores one run. One batsman can score many runs through careful play, and cricket games are notorious for being long, drawn-out events.

Did you know?

The cricket pavilion is sometimes known as the rabbit hutch. www.independentschoolparent.com

Equipment & kit:

Games are played between two teams of nine players. A rounders match consists of two innings meaning that each team gets a turn to bat and to field and bowl.

What’s the score?

If the batter hits the ball they should attempt to complete a full circle of all four posts to score one rounder. If they reach the second or third post, or the

When is a batter “out”?

If the ball they hit is a good ball and is caught by a fielder or the ball is touched on a post that they are running to before they reach it, then the batter is out.

Did you know?

Rounders celebrates its 70th anniversary this year!

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 45

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To find out more, contact our Admissions team.

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in foCuS

Senior schools

Moving on up Taking a step back when your child moves up to senior school can do them a world of good, writes Charlotte Phillips

T

hough few care to admit it, even to themselves, many parents find the rite of passage from prep to senior school more stressful than their children ever will. One day, you’re in the bosom of a cosy prep, intimately acquainted with every nuance of school life and where the children look, well, like children. The next, you are faced with a senior school of a disconcertingly super-sized scale.

Even more painful is that for the first time, the parents’ role in their child’s education is shifting from centre stage to bit part. It’s not helped by their children’s uncanny ability to ratchet up parental heartstrings to snapping point, particularly where boarding is involved.

“Little Jane will pick up the telephone and hear mummy’s voice…and she will begin to get a little bit wobbly as will mummy because she hears Jane being wobbly and the whole thing spirals. Then

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Above, girls at St Mary’s School, Essex

Jane puts down the phone, hops and skips off with her new friends and poor mummy is left devastated at the end of the phone,” says a senior teacher.

“We want to protect our children from feeling hurt or anxious or upset or exhausted,” explains psychotherapist Jane Wilson from Re…root, which specialises in family and child therapy.

The most important thing you can teach your child, she stresses, is that it isn’t the end of the world. “The feeling will pass and they will work out what to do.”

Parents are clingy, but only because they care, confirms Wendy Griffiths, Head of Tudor Hall, a girls’ boarding and day school. “Some heads say it’s because they are paying. It’s nothing to do with that. It’s wanting the best for your child.”

But as schools inundated with emails and phone calls point out, spending increasing amounts of time responding to mummy (or daddy) angst – one head

recalls being asked to track down a missing sock – can get in the way of the business of educating their offspring as well as begging the question of why they went to all the trouble of choosing that senior school in the first place.

“The most important thing is that parents have to manage their anxiety,” says Dr Helen Wright, the high profile former Headmistress at St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire. “They have to genuinely believe that they are doing the right thing for their child by sending them to this school. If you’re not certain, don’t choose the school.”

Schools, while sympathetic, urge parents to embrace the move onwards and upwards and start celebrating their child’s emerging ability to cope with the big wide world.

“The great beauty of our boarding school life is...that it does equip young people with independence,” says Mark SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 47

Semmence, Assistant Head at Rugby School, Warwickshire.

Gone are the days of sink or swim.

Now schools provide a comprehensive range of buoyancy aids, many on tap well before a child has even set foot across the school’s threshold.

Often, they will be paired with an older mentor – to act as combined sage and friend – in their last prep school term. At Heathfield School in Berkshire, each appropriately named “shadow” sticks, glue-like, to a new girl, “even taking her down to breakfast,” says Head Jo Heywood. Crucially, she says, “we encourage girls to make a link over the Summer holidays so…any anxieties can be alleviated before the child gets here.”

St Mary’s School for Girls, Essex, pairs “all Year 7 girls [with] a Year 8 buddy at our taster afternoon in June,” says Karen Margery, Head of PSHE. She follows this up with a Buddy Breakfast at the start of Autumn term when first day nerves are effectively quashed with lashings of croissants and pains au chocolat.

King’s College School, Wimbledon, offers substantial online reassurance, with blogs written by recent arrivals and alumni of assorted feeder preps.

Once in situ, it’s almost impossible for new pupils not to team up with kindred spirits, so thorough is the induction 48 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

“ We encourage girls to form links over the Summer so anxieties can be alleviated ” Thornton College, Buckinghamshire

process, spanning everything from team building sessions to the allocation of tutors who will stay with a child throughout their school career.

There are rave reviews from parents for the tutor groups at King’s College, each consisting of a small number of boys from different year groups so that from day one, the newest pupils can raise their concerns with old hands.

Rugby, meanwhile, has a cannily thought-through house system. Each small community has its own matron: “the school’s secret weapon,” according to the website and catering team, ensuring a three-times-a-day focal point when the houses eat together.

“Because they’re so close-knit, problems are spotted very quickly,” explains Mark Semmence. So successful is Rugby at bedding in new arrivals that one pupil even owns up to suffering occasional “school sickness” when he is back at home.

And if the lure of seeing your child transformed into a fully functional adult

isn’t a big enough incentive for cutting the virtual umbilical cord, consider the alternative: children who wilt when they’re exposed to the outside world.

“It crystallises for me when we take new 11 and 12-year-olds on a school trip and say, “OK, we’re in a museum, now off you go in groups of two or three.” Every year, we have girls who look at us and say, “you’re not coming with us?” says a senior teacher.

In addition schools stress that the best possible preparation for your children is to treat the Summer holidays before the big move as a life skills boot camp. Duvet changing, plate clearing, shoe polishing and a working knowledge of public transport are all practical essentials that will “help with the organisation of their minds so they take responsibility for themselves,” says Jo Heywood. After all, the whole point of senior school is to “allow these beautiful children to grow… independently. If we’re not giving them the opportunity to do that from the earliest stage, we should be.” www.independentschoolparent.com

in focus

Building blocks Prep schools are a foundation for life, writes Highfield headmaster Phillip Evitt

T

here is often much anxiety in the minds of parents before their child moves up to senior school. My simple message to parents is: don’t panic!

Not only are senior schools far more welcoming than you might imagine, but the preparation they will have had at their prep schools will be such that they really are going to hit the ground running. After all, the clue is in the name, “preparatory” school, and it is for this preparation that you have chosen and invested in your child’s prep school.

Our prep schools provide children with an extraordinary tool-kit of life skills that prepare them not only for this first significant transition, but also for so many of the challenges they are going to

face in their lives. How is this done?

Crucially, by remembering that we are just a stage on your child’s life journey and that our responsibilities – and yours – lie in providing them with the foundations upon which they will build their futures.

If a prep school has done its job properly, its pupils leave for their senior schools with a real passion and enthusiasm for life-long learning.

It is also especially important that they have been allowed to fail. If they have learnt that life is not always about seamless and continuous success, that they can learn as much from the matches they lose as from those that they win, they will bounce back stronger and wiser. What follows is an increasing

Above, pupils from Prebendal school, West sussex.

Below, children play in the grounds at Highfield Prep school, Hampshire

independence of mind, a greater self-confidence and self-knowledge.

With this comes resilience and an openness of mind and heart that learns not only to welcome challenge and the excitement of the new, but also how to adapt to and face these challenges.

This might sound too good to be true, but this is exactly what my prep school colleagues and I see year after year as our pupils move on to their senior schools.

“ Prep schools provide the tool-kit for a smooth transition ” Prep schools tap into the openness of mind that children of this age exhibit, constantly encourage it, and teach them not to lose it. It is this that is the key to proper preparation for senior school.

What prep schools give a child goes far beyond merely a good academic grounding and a route into their senior school. When you drop them off at their senior school for that first nervewracking day, what do you want to be sure of in your heart? That they will fit in, that they will make friends, that they will know how to take full advantage of all the opportunities open to them, yet also know how to be discerning and how to take care of themselves.

Be confident and believe that this will be the case because, nervous and excited though your child will be, they know they have the means and experience to master all they will face because they have been well PREPared!

Phillip Evitt is Headmaster of Highfield Prep School, Hants, highfieldschool.org.uk

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SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 49

Fast Track to the Country

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in foCus

Best foot forward From getting lost in the corridors to bigger lunch portions, 13-year-old Will Charley takes us through the excitement and nerves of his big move

T

“ We ended up laughing at the end of the wrong corridors a lot, finding our way to the classrooms! ”

www.independentschoolparent.com

he first time I ever visited Hampton on an Open Day, I was blown away by the technology labs. I was given a laser cut key ring and thought, “I want to do that.” I also had a go at the flight simulator and decided I wanted to join the CCF Air Force section at the school.

So I really wanted to go there and knew there was a lot to look forward to.

But three years later, after my Common Entrance, I started feeling really nervous about leaving my prep school. I had lots of good friends, knew the teachers well and had been at the top of the school. Now I was going back to the bottom.

We went back to Hampton for a Welcome Evening at the end of the Summer term before I was due to start in September and all I could think was that it seemed really big and scary.

Suppose I didn’t make any friends?

What if I didn’t fit in? And I would get lost trying to find my way around. It seemed like a labyrinth.

On my first day, I was really nervous.

But I quite quickly got excited when we all went into a hall. Everyone was lively and excited and it caught on.

The first few days were hilarious and we all kept getting lost finding our way to the different classrooms. We ended up laughing at the end of the wrong corridor a lot. The teachers gave us a map, but one of my friends ended up in the wrong classroom and sat through a whole lesson in a subject he wasn’t even doing! It also took ages getting to know who my teachers were. I couldn’t remember all their names until about half term.

There are lots of good things about going to senior school. In chemistry, we do experiments every week, which is

fun. I could choose new subjects, like German, which I really like and I love drama. The lessons last a bit longer, which is better and the teachers really make us think. For example, in RE at prep school we used to do lots of Bible stories. Now we’re thinking about big philosophical questions like, “Does God exist?” and I had to write a seven-page essay in history about the Somme.

There are also loads of clubs on offer, from badminton to rock climbing or film-making to volleyball. I’ve started learning the drums and I do rugby practice – I was in a match in my first week. There are lots of trips you can do too, from skiing to working in an orphanage in Malawi, so you definitely feel like there are lots of opportunities to find out what you are interested in.

When we were told that we were going to get two hours of homework a night we groaned. You have to plan and remember to bring the right books home. I got caught out in the first few weeks and had a pile up at the weekend.

The lunches are bigger portions and there’s more choice, with sandwiches and baguettes as an option every day.

Also the lockers are right in our classroom, so you can easily change books at break or lunchtime. I get the coach to and from school, which is fun and it’s a good way to meet friends who live near you.

Now, after just one term, I am really glad I go to Hampton and have settled in really well!

Will Charley is in his first year at Hampton School, Middlesex.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 51

EDUCATION

Top tutors Anna Tyzack gives the low-down on tutoring…

I

f your child doesn’t have a private tutor, they might well be in the minority among their classmates.

One-to-one tutoring has become as mainstream as piano lessons and tennis coaching – in certain prep schools more than three quarters of pupils receive some form of extra tuition, according to Will Orr-Ewing who founded Keystone Tutors in 2006. “Tutor boom”, as the movement is described in the press, has been brought about by the disparity between teaching standards at prep schools and growing competition for places in the best state-sector, private

52 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

day and boarding schools. While fee-paying parents might balk at spending even more money on their child’s education, tutor agencies claim that individual help can improve a child’s chances of a place at their chosen senior school. Indeed a recent survey by Fleet Tutors suggests that after 11 hours tutoring 81% of young people increased their grades by the minimum of one grade. “Tutoring gives children so much confidence,” says Mylene Curtis, Managing Director of Fleet Tutors. “A good tutor works out how to unlock their full potential.”

Does my child need a tutor?

With tutoring so widespread, many parents feel under pressure to join the club but according to Orr-Ewing, not every child needs one. “You’ve got to be strong-willed to say no to tutoring when all your friend’s children are having it but you are completely justified in making that call. Some children get enough out of their school work and homework,” he says. But the reality is, according to Mylene Curtis, that most children benefit from having a tutor. “No matter how www.independentschoolparent.com

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EDUCATION

good a teacher is and how small a class, when a pupil has problems understanding something one-to-one is unbeatable,” she says. “Two of my three children had tutors. It was like seeing a doctor; they were given a different perspective and they gained confidence.”

As well as helping a child struggling with a particular subject such as maths, a tutor can stretch a child who is particularly gifted, or help them prepare for 7+, 8+, 11+, 12+ or Common Entrance.

“Tutoring is pitched exactly where you need it,” says Alastair Delafield, Managing Director of Ivy Tutors. “The tutor uncovers the things a child doesn’t get, and ensures the penny drops.”

According to Kate Shand, Managing Director of Enjoy Education, one-to-one tuition can be particularly helpful if a child is not connecting with a particular teacher – a situation that most children experience at some point.

If individual tuition does not appeal, there are group tutoring alternatives, such as itutormaths.co.uk, where children can join in a live specialist maths class on their laptops. According to Alastair Tarling of itutormaths.co.uk any parent doubting the wisdom of spending money on tutoring should remember that all schools would give an extra hour of one-to-one maths each week if they could. “It’s the same for every subject,” he says. “There’s just not enough space on the timetable.”

How do I go about finding a tutor?

Whereas once tutoring was a casual, temporary job for graduates, it has become a profession for talented teachers. A reputable tutoring agency will be able to put parents in touch with a tutor whose qualifications and experience match the child’s 54 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

requirements, although parents must still do their due diligence before committing to a course of lessons as the industry is still unregulated.

Alastair Delafield, who previously worked at Thomas’s Clapham and Dulwich Prep, only hires tutors with a minimum of six years teaching experience, while all the tutors at itutormaths.co.uk have a numerical degree and three years teaching experience in schools. Even those tutors who aren’t qualified teachers but are pursuing vocations such as writing or academia, should have a relevant degree and be up to speed with relevant exam syllabuses. “Our tutors are mainly in their late twenties and are all academically strong but we’ve chosen them for their ability to communicate ideas and the fact that they are sparky and entertaining,” says Lucy Cawkwell, a Director of Osbourne Cawkwell.

What can I expect from my tutor?

Tutorials usually take place at the child’s home or boarding school. The relationship that a child has with their tutor will be different to the ones they have with their teachers. “A tutor is a mentor, a confidante and a support,” says Kate Shand. It’s therefore crucial that there is a good rapport between student and tutor; parents should inform the agency immediately if the chemistry is wrong or if the tutor is not properly prepared for lessons. “If it’s not working, we swap to a different tutor immediately,” says Shand.

Initially a tutor will assess the pupil to establish if their goals are tenable. “We have to manage children and parents’ expectations to a certain extent,” says Orr-Ewing. “It is rare that we will tell parents that they are applying to the

❝A

good tutor will encourage a child to think for themselves ❞ wrong school but we will tell them if its going to be a stretch.”

Usually children take very well to tutoring as the lessons are tailored to suit them both in length and content.

“You get a profoundly personal session which can be adapted on a minute by minute basis,” says Orr-Ewing. “It’s a delicious environment for learning.”

Tutors vs school teachers

Some schools still spit at the concept of parents hiring a tutor, but gradually teachers are coming round to tutoring and many will be happy to liaise with a child’s tutor. “We always try to work in conjunction with the school, ” says Nathaniel McCullagh from Simply Learning Tuition. “We believe that Private Tuition is a partnership that cannot run effectively without

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EDUCATION complete trust from all sides: children, parents, schools and us.” Some preps are even working directly with tutoring agencies: Knightsbridge Prep, for example, sends pupils to Ivy Tutors for extra help. “We liaise with their teachers to ensure continuity,” Delafield says.

“Super tutors” charging £1000 an hour don’t really exist in Britain, assures Orr-Williams. The average spend of parents at Keystone Tutors is £1400, he explains. Osbourne Cawkwell charges from £45 per hour, Tutor Doctor from £38, Enjoy Education from £45, Ivy Tutors from £50, Simply Learning Tuition from £58 and Bonas Macfarlne from £60. “When you consider that people spend £75 on a hair cut, a £50 tutoring session with a tutor who has prepared the lesson and turned up at your door seems relatively good value,” Delafield says. Ivy Tutors also runs tutoring courses in the holidays with group lessons costing £360 for four days, while online group tutoring by itutormaths.co.uk costs from £15.

How much tutoring will my child need?

For children working towards 11+ or 13+ tutoring agencies usually recommend a “drip feed” 12 month course comprising a one hour session per week in each subject, but some children might need more. “I usually recommend that a tutor starts working with the student in the Summer holidays in intensive blocks.

Then when the Michaelmas term starts, switching to a couple of after-school sessions per week and perhaps a weekend session,” says William Petty, Director at Bonas Macfarlane. That said, tutors are also available for cramming lessons in the weeks leading up to exams. “We will do as much as we can in three or four weeks and it can still make a difference,” says Lesley Nicol, Education Consultant at Tutor Doctor.

56 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

Can tutoring prepare a child for pre-tests?

Senior schools (and many prep schools) claim you cannot prepare for pre-tests, the literacy, numeracy and reasoning exams for children aged 11, as they are designed to test natural aptitude and intelligence. But tutoring companies do not share this view. “We’ve found we can boost a child’s skills and help them to think laterally and understand what is expected of them,” says Shand.

A tutor can work with the child to make sure that all eventualities are covered, such as reading the question properly, techniques for answering comprehension questions and good grammar. “Any pupil tackling the Harrow School English fluency test, for example, will want to be armed with excellent grammar – some prep schools are on top of this kind of thing but some aren’t,” Orr-Ewing says.

Is my child in danger of being “over-tutored”?

Schools such as St Paul’s Girls are known to frown upon pupils they believe have been “over-tutored” for their entrance exams. However according to Orr-Ewing almost every girl that gets

into the school has been tutored. “They just haven’t been over-tutored,” he says.

“Over-tutoring is when a child is encouraged to memorise quotes or stories to regurgitate in the exam and thus not show their natural ability. They deserve to be penalised.”

A good tutor, according to Kate Shand, will encourage a child to think for themselves rather than doing their work for them. “They will keep everything fresh,” she says.

It is only right, however, according to Lucy Cawkwell, for a child to receive help with grammar or maths as they should have been able to learn these skills at their prep school.

“It’s fair enough that they should have the chance to compete on a level playing field,” says Cawkwell. “A tutor should not try to make children better than they naturally are but to help them fulfill their potential.”

How can you be sure that tutoring will make a difference?

The short answer is, you don’t. It’s not a magic panacea, and it certainly won’t work for a child who does not want to improve. However, according to Mylene Curtis, a tutor is an investment that will usually have a good pay off at the end and make your child happy in the meantime. “These days parents don’t force their child to have a tutor, often the child will ask to have one,” she says.

“They see tutoring as a way of doing the best they can.”

www.independentschoolparent.com

Images: IllustratIon by hannah george.

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SCHOOL HEROES

MEET THE...

Art Master

I

had been to Malvern many times before, as a boy we played sports fixtures there – sometimes we even won a match! The magical landscape of the Malverns that inspired me as a young artist has always stayed with me.

As an art teacher I spend all my time soaking up the rich source of ideas that are ever present in life. I invest a huge amount of holiday time visiting galleries and exhibitions, but sometimes just absorbing everyday things trigger ideas: a heap of vegetables on a market stall, people walking across a crowded London square, patterns of light and shade shifting across a landscape. This way of life is what I hope will be absorbed by the young people visiting the art studio each day at school.

The layering effect created by taking on a new group of pupils year upon year is what makes teaching art to young people so special.

When pupils show that they have discovered the possibilities that lie within a topic it is hugely rewarding.

But, every now and then, a youngster or a group of individuals will go on to do some exploring of their own. They might take themselves to an art gallery, or bring a cutting in to show to me, or develop an idea for themselves. This is when a good job becomes a great job.

You know then that you have transferred some of that magic dust and that you have given that person a gift that will stay for life. My aim is that my pupils will remember this feeling and look back at their art classes with memories of personal development and a love of seeing and making.

I feel privileged to be part of a rich artistic legacy here in the Malverns. We recently visited an exhibition by Dame Laura Knight at Worcester City Art Gallery. The artist, who had a studio near to the school in Colwall, painted and drew in many local spots where we have all walked, sketched and taken photographs. This made a significant www.independentschoolparent.com

Simon Mellor has an infectious enthusiasm for all things creative

Simon Mellor (right) is Art Master of The Downs Malvern, Gloucestershire

“ Every now and then, a youngster will go on to do some creating of their own. This is when a good job becomes a great job! ”

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

connection with the children as they could see their own artworks developing in the artist’s footsteps.

A few years ago, we brought together works by Maurice Feild, who was the Art Master here from 1928-1955, in a retrospective exhibition. The pupils who were taught by him, their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren shared the experience.

I hope that the children who sit at the easels today and take home paintings and sculptures, prints and collages, will want to keep art close to their hearts and make time for seeing and making for the rest of their lives.

The Downs Malvern is hosting the SATIPS National Prep Schools’ Art Exhibition from 27th April - 8th May.

Nominate your school hero

If you have a school hero within your midst we want to hear from you!

Email us at: editor@ independentschoolparent. com telling us what makes them special.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 59

60 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

www.independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL FEES

Pick & mix Dipping in and out of independent school education is a way of making it affordable, says The Times’ Nicola Woolcock

T

he dream of most parents is to find the perfect school, secure a place for their children, and breathe a sigh of relief as an education unfolds that will set them up for life. But those whose hearts are set on an independent education may discover, in reality, a possible gap between their aspirations and their budget in the current economic climate.

Pre-prep, prep, senior or sixth form?

This financial commitment is multiplied and drawn out further if they have two or more children, putting a continuous private education within easy reach only of the super-wealthy, those with a substantial nest egg, or families who qualify for bursaries or other assistance.

Instead, some families are weighing up whether to dip in and out of the independent system and, if so, at what stage of their child’s education: pre-prep, prep, senior school or sixth form.

Is it better to give your child the best start in life and pay for prep school, then hope this early advantage carries them through their secondary education? Or does it make more sense to fight for a place at a good state primary and save the money for private education at 11 or www.independentschoolparent.com

13+? Other families focus on independent school sixth forms, to give their child the best possible shot at A levels and a place at a good university.

Parents are mixing and matching private education according to their family finances

In it for the long haul?

Figures on the cost of a private education reveal the sheer financial commitment of paying for school from toddlerhood to late teen. Fees have increased by an average of 68% in the past decade, a rate of growth more than 1.8 times faster than the retail price index increase, with families paying £11,457 a year in 2012 on average, compared with £6,820 in 2002.

Professionals in several well-paid careers struggle to pay for a private education for their children, according to the research by Lloyds TSB Private Banking. Whereas pharmacists, architects, engineers and scientists on the average wage for their occupation could afford independent school fees in 2002, these had risen beyond their budget by 2012. Fees posed the smallest financial burden, as a proportion of average annual earnings, for production managers, accountants, senior police officers and pilots.

The biggest fee rises – of almost 80% in a decade – were in Greater London and the South West. Average annual SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 61

AverAge fees per term pAid At schools in 2011 And 2012 2011

2012

% change

Sixth form:

£5,645 (£8,782 boarding)

£5,913 (£9,189 boarding)

4.7 (4.6)

Senior:

£4,683 (£8,347 boarding)

£4,886 (£8,708 boarding)

4.3 (4.3)

PreP:

£3,424 (£6,164 boarding)

£3,582 (£6,510 boarding)

4.6 (5.6)

Average fee rise for all sectors in 2012: 4.4% Average fee rise in Greater London in 2012: 5.2% Source: Independent Schools Council census 2012 and 2011 age group

fees in London are £13,359, which would leave families with a bill of £200,000 for 15 years of schooling.

Suren Thiru, an economist at Lloyds TSB Private Banking, suggested the figures showed the choices some families were having to make, adding: “All parents want to ensure their child receives the best education to help them benefit from a secure future. It is, therefore, becoming increasingly vital that parents plan their finances as early as possible if they want private schooling for their children.”

The Independent Schools Council annual census showed a change in pupil population this year that was not consistent across all age groups. It found a rise of 3.2% among nursery children from 2011, and a 1.7% increase among sixth-formers.

However, the number of prep pupils rose by just 0.1% and the senior school population decreased by 0.8%.

A growing trend Dipping in and out of private education to make it more affordable is a growing phenomenon, according to Michael Swan, Managing Director of School Fee Plan, which allows parents to pay school fees by monthly direct debit.

He said: “We’ve seen this increasing, particularly in the last two years.

Parents seem to be finding fees more difficult and are affected by the recession. Families are having to think more tactically and strategically than in the past. Finding the fees is a real struggle.

62 independent school pArent SPRING 2013

It’s getting tougher “About 90% of our parents will stay in the sector for at least five years but at least 5% dip in and out. It’s becoming tougher for people, there’s no question.

If parents want a private education for their child, 13 years is one hell of a commitment.

“If parents have a child at boarding school, that can cost more than £30,000 a year. They might send their child to a private prep school so they will pass the entry exam for a good state grammar school. Or often, parents will decide to pay for a senior school and send their child to a good state sixth form, if they have one in their area. It’s the second biggest investment they make after a mortgage but some are finding it increasingly difficult.”

Sixth form entrance

“All-through” schools, that take children from nursery to sixth-form, say they have also noticed the trend. Kingsley School in Bideford, north Devon, takes children aged from two months in its nursery, until they leave for university, and offers both day and boarding.

Andy Waters, its headmaster, said: “There is some evidence of parents wanting their child to start in the independent sector in years 5 or 6, to ease their passage into the [independent] senior school of their choice.

“Particularly over the last five years, there has been definite evidence of parents thinking that they can afford only two years of independent education. A few years ago it was more prevalent for them to concentrate on the GCSE years (10 and 11) and then send them to a good state sixth form.

“That was when there were issues in the media about whether children were being discriminated against by universities if they had been to independent schools.

“Universities have gone out of the way to demonstrate there is no basis for that.

Now people choose to pay for sixth form instead. We have quite a number of www.independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL FEES

“ It’s the second biggest investment parents make after a mortgage, and some are finding it difficult ”

pupils who join us in the sixth form – some coming in from other sectors with decent but not spectacular GCSE results, and their parents want them to have the best chance for university.

“We also have children coming from overseas for two years of A level, to acquire the language skills they need to be able to get into a British university.

Burning ambition

“Ambitious and aspirational parents are almost certainly looking for seven years of an independent school education, but that is a massive investment. It means having to spend about £100,000 of post-tax income.” www.independentschoolparent.com

Isabel Huggett, 17, joined Kingsley School this year, at the start of her second year of A levels. Her mother, Edwina, said: “She joined a state sixth-form college, but her grades declined and she wasn’t happy there.

“There were bigger class sizes and a larger cohort than used to and she felt a bit lost. She had a friend at Kingsley School, so we thought we’d take the bull by the horns and take a look. She’s the last of our four children and the other three were at state schools.”

Isabel was doing A levels in maths, physics and psychology and is continuing her studies in the same subjects at Kingsley. Her father Ian is a chartered

Seven years of an independent school education will cost parents £100,000 of post-tax income

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

accountant and Mrs Huggett is a nurse who had taken early retirement, but has gone back to work part time to help pay for the school fees.

She said: “The school offered us the option of Isabel dropping a year and starting again in lower sixth, but the cost was prohibitive. Now her grades are coming up, she’s a lot happier and is working hard. We’re really pleased we made the decision.”

Nicola Woolcock is Education Correspondent of The Times.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 63

Set in 40 acres of stunning Surrey countryside, less than 50 minutes from London

Open Morning Saturday 2nd March 2013 10am – 12 noon (last tours at 11.30 a.m.)

A Co-educational Day, Weekly/Flexi Boarding Prep School, 7-13 years Entry points at 7+ and 11+ and intervening years if places available.

For further information please contact Fiona Bundock Tel: 01483 542051 Email: fmjb@cranprep.org Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH www.cranprep.org party products, gifts & costumes for boys & 10/01/2013 girls

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BOOK CLUB

Spring reads

Bedtime reading for your little ones...

FAVOURITE BOOK

COLIN FISCHEr

By Ashley Edward Miller & Zack Stentz Paperback & ebook, Puffin, £6.99, out 7th Feb, 9+

Captiowertn in here ipsum vbnaconprae doles consequisi From the bla scriptwriters of X-Men First Class and Thor corer ayuiopmet Pis comes an entertaining and touching tale for young nonsed bnmuiexero

readers. Colin is 14-years-old and has Asperger Syndrome. He doesn’t like to be touched or the colour blue. Finding it hard to interpret people’s emotions he uses index cards to read facial expressions and avoids eye contact unless absolutely necessary. When a phone rings loudly in class, Colin can’t cope. But when a gun goes off in the school cafeteria, he isn’t frightened – he’s curious. Colin is determined to discover who fired that gun and an original detective tale ensues.

Cow Takes a Bow

By Russell Punter & Fred Blunt Paperback, Usborne

Fairy Puzzles

By Stella Maidment & Daniela Dogliani

Horrid Henry’s Annual 2013

By Francesca Simon

£4.99, out now, 3+

Paperback, QED Publishing

Hardback, Orion Children’s Books

When Brown Cow visits the circus, she puts

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SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PArENT 65

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66 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

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LIFE

Empty nest Leaving your child on their first day at boarding school can be full of mixed emotions, says Glynis Kozma

Images: ILLustratIon by hannah george.

I

t can be a hard decision to opt for full boarding for your child, especially if you have no experience of boarding.

Katy and Andrew chose boarding at Taunton Prep School, Somerset, because of Andrew’s employment as an Army Officer. Katy explains, “By the time our eldest son George was ten he had been to three schools. Although we didn’t originally plan for him to board, we knew it was the best option for him.”

Leaving your child on their first day as a boarder can be a time of mixed emotions. How much contact you should have with them and how you will adapt to a quieter home during the term are common concerns. Katy admitted, “As I drove away, I was tearful and felt an overwhelming desire to turn round and tell the school I’d made a mistake.”

However, full-time boarding is no longer a case of waving goodbye to your child for weeks with little contact. Tim Harnett, Head of Boarding at Taunton Prep, explained, “Children are allowed to use their mobile phones in the evening but we would never refuse a child in need who wants to call their parents at any time.”

Katy acknowledged, “George settled in really well, apart from a bout of homesickness on day five. This upset me terribly but I knew I had to keep strong and cheerful for his sake. During the early days there is the temptation to see them every weekend, but this can be unsettling for both parties. I did miss him – and his twin brothers when they

joined the school two years later – but they are all happy and thriving.”

Mel’s son is also a boarder at the school.

“I found the transition harder than James, as the school keeps him constantly occupied he doesn’t have time to miss us!

It was a struggle to get James to ring us at all. The house parents gently encouraged him to let us know he was alright!”

At the Leys School, Cambridge, Headmaster Mark Slater is keen to emphasise that the school wants parents to be involved. “We certainly don’t advise parents to keep away on the basis that this will be character building, although we suggest they keep contact low-key during the first two weeks. We encourage pupils to contact their parents daily in the evening.”

“Being able to visualise where your child is living helps parents hugely,” says Jane Grubb, Head of Dunhurst, the junior boarding house at Bedales School.

“We invite parents to help their daughters set up their beds with duvets and posters from home.”

On the first day, when the parents have left, we play games or do some cookery to help the girls settle.” Girls are encouraged to phone home but only have access to their phones between 7-8.30pm. “They can email their families and we are currently discussing the use of Skype.” And parents can call the school at any time. “But we do ask that parents leave out their personal anxieties and share these with other parents, not their child, because it’s not a child’s role

to comfort their parent.”

Emma’s 11-year-old daughter Harriet is in her first term at Bedales, Hampshire. “I did find the first week agony,” she revealed. “We didn’t have any experience of boarding; both our children were at London prep schools.

We looked at Bedales partly out of curiosity; Harriet loved it which made the decision easier.” How much contact does Emma have with Harriet? “She phones every evening and speaks to me and her father. In many ways, we talk more now that she boards! I also write her a letter during the week and she writes back, as well as emailing us. These letters go in my keepsake box.”

Bedales pupils over 11-years-old have Wednesday afternoons free. Many parents, including Emma, use this as an opportunity to meet their child. “I arrange my work so I can visit Harriet.

We go out for tea or a pizza, then there are only two more days before she comes home at the weekend.”

Most parents agree that keeping busy during the first few weeks when your child starts boarding is the answer. And as Katy explained, “Sometimes they are too busy to phone me and when I don’t hear from them for a few days I feel redundant, but what matters is that they are happy.”

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 67

A FAMILY SCHOOL

at Trinity, Teignmouth You want the best for your children….

Discovering and developing the talent in everyone “An outstanding and modern girls’ boarding school.”

ISI Inspection

so do we

Independent school for girls and boys

To request a prospectus, arrange a visit or for further information please contact the Admissions Office admissions@tudorhallschool.com 01295 756276

Day | Boarding| Flexi Bringing Education To Life

CHA RITY OPTIMISM CONFIDENCE

TRINITY SCHOOL

Tel: 01626 774138

www.tudorhallschool.com

enquiries@trinityschool.co.uk

www.trinityschool.co.uk

Trinity School (Teignmouth) is a company limited by guarantee (registered. in England; No.1399560) and a registered charity (No 276960). Reg Office: Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, Devon. TQ14 8LY. UK

Wykham Park, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9UR

A registered charity Reg No 1042783

KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL WITLEY 1553

A foundation for life

‘The pupils’ personal development is outstanding’ Independent Schools Inspectorate

Open Morning

for 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form entry

8 March, 27 April, 16 May Call 01428 686735 or visit www.kesw.org

An independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18 68 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

www.independentschoolparent.com

health Omega-3 fats found in fish are known to keep children alert and focused

Food for thought Nutrition Scientist Dr Nina Bailey on the importance of good food for little brains

www.independentschoolparent.com

J

ust like a car needs fuel, oil and water to run smoothly, the body needs top-quality nutrients from good, unadulterated food for top-quality performance.

The cells of the brain require a mix of essential nutrients from food sources to help maintain brain health and build neurotransmitters – these are the all important chemical messengers that help relay information.

Breakfast – warming the engine Children who eat breakfast are more likely to concentrate and perform better at school than those who do not. Eggs make an excellent protein-based breakfast and are packed with choline – which helps memory development. You can also replace sugary breakfast cereals – which hinder concentration by causing brain-draining “sugar highs” – with complex carbohydrates, by opting for porridge or (sugar-free) muesli. These will ensure slow energy release, helping your children stay alert throughout the school morning!

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 69

Open Mornings

Friday 22 February & Saturday 18 May 2013 “Rare to find such an outstanding boarding school...

Buzzes with confident, gregarious girls” Good Schools Guide Escorted train service from Salisbury to London Waterloo

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Educating girls from 2½ –18 Job 24.pdf

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St Lawrence College

Co-educational, day and boarding school for ages 3-18 years

Open

High Quality Childcare in Fulham

Weekd ays 7am-1p m Sat 9a m-12pm

Creative Arts Nursery School 3 months to 5 years Darcy Bunnie...

• Provides the best education and loving care for all aspects of your pre-school child’s development • Make great efforts to ensure that your child’s time with us is full of fun, laughter and interest • Understands putting the needs of the child first is important As well as providing sessions we also offer wrap around childcare with a Bunnie Breakfast & Lovely Lunch.

Crèche - 0 to 7 years Come for a daily 2 hour session for only £25 per month!

Senior School Open Week Monday 4th – Friday 8th March: Tours daily at 9.15am, 11.45am and 2.00pm

For more information and to book a tour tel 01843 572931 or email ah@slcuk.com St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE www.slcuk.com 70 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

s & le ip ilab h s ar va 921 ol s a 07 h Sc arie No. 3 s y t i r ar Ch Bu

You can leave your child to play and learn with us for up to 4 hours each day giving you valuable free time to; • Work on your laptop • Read the papers • Pop into the Beauty Salon; The Retreat at Fulham • Meet with friends • Relax in the coffee shop; The Nuffy Bean

If you are interested in registering for our Crèche or Nursery School please... email info@darcybunnie.co.uk or call 0207 610 0363 / 07770 989576

www.independentschoolparent.com

healTh

❝ Sugary

breakfast cereals hinder concentration by causing brain-draining sugar highs ❞

Lunch – the pit stop

For the healthy lunch box it is essential to avoid white refined bread. Choose instead unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, pitta or rye bread, which digest slowly and are essential for the production of neurotransmitters.

It’s important to include protein at lunch, as this is digested more slowly than carbohydrate, fuelling the body and brain for longer. Fresh (not processed) chicken, lean meat, cheese and eggs are ideal sources of the correct quality protein needed to top up stores of amino acids. These are the building blocks that make up vital brainpowering neurotransmitters.

Fish is also highly nutritious, particularly oily fish such as salmon which is not only rich in quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, but is an excellent source of omega-3 fats: the building blocks of brain cells, known to help keep children alert and focused.

And of course don’t forget one or two “five-a-day” ingredients such as raw vegetables or a small mixed salad, with a portion of fruit.

Fresh fruit is a sweet alternative to chocolate snacks

Topping up the oil – healthy snacks

Avoid, or limit, sugary chocolate bars, biscuits and cakes. Fresh or dried fruit are good alternatives if your child does have a sweet tooth. Vary the fruit each day or make up a small tasty fruit salad to ensure a “full house” of nutrients.

Top Tip: a selection of different fruit and

Top Tip: Don’t forget dairy foods like

veggies can be less overwhelming than

yoghurt are packed with brain-boosting

one large portion. include different

protein and B-vitamins.

coloured fruit and vegetables to ensure a wide range of nutrients!

Dinner – parking the car

Encouraging your child to help out at meal times not only exposes them to preparation and cooking methods but also allows them to develop experience with flavours and textures, and to learn how cooking affects these.

Many of the vitamins and minerals within vegetables are water-soluble and any cooking process that involves water contact will deplete levels of vital nutrients – boiling is the worst, while steaming is more nutrient friendly.

Stir-frying, with its rapid heat-sealing, helps to retain nutrient levels, and the resulting texture and colour can offer an www.independentschoolparent.com

appetising and interesting alternative to other cooking methods.

Checking the water!

Brains need to be hydrated throughout the day – dehydration an important factor in affecting pupils’ performances.

Water and milk are undoubtedly the healthiest drinks for children. While fruit juice is fine in moderation, it should ideally be watered down because of its acidity, which can, over time, affect tooth enamel.

Top Tip: Try to avoid highly-sweetened juice drinks, squashes and carbonated drinks that can interfere with absorption of calcium – a mineral required for neurotransmitter release and function.

Basic maintenance

By encouraging our children to be interested in their diet, we can influence the long-term health food choices they make, impacting on their physical and mental performance in all aspects of their lives.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 71

HEALTH

Chain reaction Allergies are on the rise, but schools are prepared with a host of preventative action plans, writes Thea Jourdan

W

hen my youngest son started pre-prep I couldn’t help smiling as he marched into school wearing his new red and blue uniform, carrying his bookbag containing his crayons, a new colouring book and his life-saving EpiPen.

Food allergies Like thousands of parents we live with his allergies. Allergy rates are increasing throughout the world and in the UK, it is estimated that up to 50% of children are diagnosed with an allergic condition of some sort. In particular, there has been a significant increase in food allergies, according to a recent report The Management of the Allergic Child at School published in Allergy in 2010.

Cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and fish are the most common foods that cause allergic reactions. Up to two thirds of schools have at least one child at risk of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction that causes the face and airways to swell.

Helping hand Up to 50% of children are diagnosed with an allergic reaction of some sort

As I walked away on Oscar’s first day, I knew that he was in good hands. As well as being a nut-free zone, all teachers at the Brookham School in Hampshire are trained in how to administer autoinjectors on adrenaline EpiPens, which can be life savers if a child has had an anaphylactic reaction.

School food At meal times, pupils with food allergies sit together with their own placemats detailing what they cannot eat with pictures of the forbidden foods.

Brookham is by no means alone in taking a proactive stance. Vicky Smit, Principal at Hurst Lodge School in Berkshire says that food allergies are a particular issue. “We provide cow’s milk, soya milk, goat’s milk and rice milk at break time depending on the child’s particular needs.” Younger children with allergies are distinguished by their red aprons at meal times.”

The vital link

“It is extremely important for parents with allergic children to liaise with the school prior to the child starting. Put together a protocol/ management plan outlining everything” says Lindsey McManus, Deputy CEO, Allergy UK. Although many schools follow good practice, there is no universal standard.

“At the present time all schools have an individual approach to children with allergy in their care,” says Lindsey McManus, Deputy CEO, Allergy UK. But change is round the corner. “The European Academy for Allergy and Clinical Immunology are planning to launch International Minimum Standards for the Allergic Child at School in 2013,” says Lindsey McManus.

For more information visit allergyuk.org SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 73

Bright

young minds

Space to think, room to grow, opportunity to excel.

Worth is a unique school where students develop their individuality in a community that inspires learning, worship and friendship.

• High academic standards • International Baccalaureate and A Levels in the Sixth Form • ‘Outstanding’ pastoral care (Ofsted, January 2011) and an extensive wider curriculum • Scholarships and bursaries available

OPEN

DAYS 2012-2013 2nd March

27th april   21st septeMber   5th OctOber  9th nOveMber

 

Please book Open Days in advance with the Registrar.

All Open Days run from 10.00 am – 12.45 pm.

www.worthschool.co.uk Worth School, Paddockhurst Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4SD

Telephone: 01342 710200 Email: admissions@worth.org.uk

Catholic Benedictine 11-18 Co-Educational Boarding and Day School

COMPETITION

WINMr & Mrs Smith family break Independent School Parent and Mr & Mrs Smith have teamed up to offer readers the chance to win a luxury weekend break for one lucky family

T

he boutique hotel experts at Mr & Mrs Smith have created a hand-picked collection of the UK and Europe’s very best child-friendly hotels and family stays.

The new offspring: Smith & Family, will be launching fully in April 2013 for parents looking for family getaways without compromising on style.

To celebrate the new launch, they have created an exclusive offer for one lucky family to win a stylish and fun-packed weekend away in Suffolk.

The winning family will spend two nights at the beautiful, feel-good and family-friendly country-estate hotel: The Ickworth. Fill days with fun in the fresh air as you explore the forest, fields and formal lawns of the 1,800-acre estate, then relax over dinner in the brasserie-style Conservatory restaurant.

Expect child-friendly luxury at its best in beautifully natural and elegant surroundings.

To find out more about the Ickworth or any of the other hotels in the collection visit www.smithandfamily.co.uk

How to enter: All you need to do is visit our website Independentschoolparent. com/win and answer this simple question: In which month will Smith & Family launch this year?

Terms & Conditions: The prize includes a two-night stay, breakfast each morning and one dinner (excluding drinks) for one family in a large double (can sleep up to two adults and two children up to the age of 16) at The Ickworth in Suffolk. Travel is not included.

Valid for stays before 23 December 2013. Black-out dates may apply. The prize is subject to availability, non-transferable, non-negotiable and non-refundable.

Closing date: 6th April 2013.

www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 75

Bed and board ISP’s pick of the best family homes near independent boarding schools

Brook Cottage £975,000

HORNINGHOLD, LEICESTERSHIRE Built in 1901 and set amid 2.18 acres of land with formal gardens in the conservation village of Horninghold. This country cottage boasts a heated outdoor swimming pool, paddock and orchard.

Two large double bedrooms, with planning permission to extend to five bedrooms. ✱ 5.5 miles – Uppingham School ✱ 11.5 miles – Oakham School ✱ 20 miles – Oundle School fineandcountry.co.uk @FineandCountry

Ettrick Road, Branksome Park £1,995,950

POOLE, DORSET Six reception rooms, seven/eight bedrooms and totalling 6,000 sq ft, this is a fine example of an early Edwardian property, with a downhill walk to the area’s Blue Flag beaches. ✱ 5 miles – Bournemouth Collegiate School ✱ 8 miles – Canford School ✱ 20 miles – Bryanston School ✱ 25 miles – Hanford School sothebysrealty.co.uk @sothebysrealty

76 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT SPRING 2013

www.independentschoolparent.com

PROPERTY Friar’s Hall £1.2 million

MELROSE, EDINBURGH A magnificent Georgian country house overlooking the Eildon Hills and the Tweed Valley. Seven bedrooms, cellars, a range of outbuildings, mature gardens and paddock. ✱ 3 miles – St Mary’s School, Melrose ✱ 34 miles – Loretto School ✱ 40 miles – Fettes College savills.co.uk @SavillsUK

Stillwater Barn £1.5-1.65 million

LAMBERHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT This Grade II 18th century beautifully converted barn overlooks a private lake.

Four double bedrooms in the main house plus separate annex with en suite accommodation. Wine store and heated swimming pool. ✱ 8.5 miles – Cranbrook School ✱ 11 miles – Benenden School ✱ 11 miles – Tonbridge School freemanforman.co.uk @johndwoodandco

Abbots Leigh Guide £1,395,000 Burwell Farmhouse £745,000

WITNEY, OXFORDSHIRE This five bedroom, Grade II listed farmhouse dates back to the 18th century: a former dairy forms one wing of the house and the former granary an outbuilding. Period features include flagstone floors, carved stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. ✱ 12 miles –Dragon School ✱ 14 miles – Headington School ✱ 20 miles – Radley College hamptons.co.uk @Hamptons_PR

www.independentschoolparent.com

GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET A distinctive Grade II listed townhouse with an Orangery and gardens bordering on Glastonbury Abbey. Five bedrooms, attic cinema room and further attic room with WC plus a separate detached cottage. ✱ 2 miles – Millfield School ✱ 7 miles – Wells Cathedral School ✱ 16 miles – Hazlegrove Prep School ✱ 21 miles – Sherborne School & Sherborne Girls knightfrank.com @knightfrank

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 77

Trade online. Free.

TOPTE I mes S 0 1Sunday Ti

Everything from musical instruments to houses.

www.schoolstrader.com Leighton Park School

Shinfield Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 7ED

T: 01189 879 600 E: admissions@leightonpark.com W: leightonpark.com Head Teacher: Nigel Williams Admissions: Rachael Bolding

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 11-18 years Total pupils: 480 Type: Boarding, Flexi-Boarding, Weekly Boarding, Day Boarding Fees: Senior – Daily £5,253 - £6,184, Weekly £7,056 - £8,290, Flexi Boarding £38.87 – £45.50/night, Full Boarding £8,024 - £9,438 Entrance procedure: Years 7-10 - Entrance tests which take place in the January preceding September entry. Sixth Form - No entrance tests, interview by the Head of Sixth Form or a senior member of staff. International students - Entrance tests at their current school, or through an agent, and interview (via Skype).

School Philosophy: For over 100 years the values of peace, integrity, equality and simplicity have guided the students and community of Leighton Park School. Our ethos promotes high academic standards, a richly diverse extra-curricular programme and an emphasis on mutual respect, individual responsibility and integrity.

Open Days: 26th February, 19th March, 14th May, 11th June.

Annual Open Morning in October.

78 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT spring 2013

Cranmore School

Epsom Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6AT

T: 01483 280340 E: admissions@cranmoreprep.co.uk W: cranmoreprep.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr Michael Connolly BSc BA MA MEd Admissions: Mrs Helen Perry

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys 2 1/2-13 years and girls, 2 1/2-4 years Total pupils: 470, boys 460, girls 10 Type: Day Fees: Nursery from £1,095 (3 mornings). Junior: £3,345 per term, Senior: £4,025 per term

School Philosophy: Cranmore, one of Surrey’s leading independent boys prep schools, offers an unrivalled academic focus plus outstanding sports and music teaching and facilities that encourage the fulfilment of individual potential.

Open Days: Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March 2013, 9.30 – 12.00 noon

www.independentschoolparent.com

LIFE Michael Wareing is a Consultant ENT Surgeon at The London Clinic

Richard Piggin is the Deputy CEO of Beatbullying

Financial Advisor, Keith Churchouse, specializes in divorce

Ask the expert Our specialists from different fields answer your questions...

My son in currently in Year 6 and will be moving up to senior school this September. I know it’s only February but I’ve already heard him saying there are “more bullies in big school”.

How can I reassure him and help make the transition easier?

I am getting divorced and it is not a civil parting between my husband and I. Although we are trying to keep our arguments

from the children – luckily they board at a terrific school – there is constant tension. I don’t want to see my husband’s new partner at parents’ nights and matches, but he insists, saying he pays the fees. The school has warned that only one of us is welcome at a time, making the situation harder. We need to set some ground rules.

Any advice as to what they should be?

Joy, Cambridgeshire richard Piggin says: many children are worried about moving from prep to senior school. It’s a hugely exciting time – with a new school, teachers and classmates – but it can also be very scary.

One of the key fears that young people have is the thought of being bullied in senior school.

In fact, research from the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (2009) found that Year 6 pupils were twice as likely to report being worried about bullying as those in Year 10.

Young people have told us that having a “peer mentoring” programme, like the one offered by BeatBullying, makes them feel safer and happier about going to senior school. In a nutshell, having a “big kid” who they can talk to and know will be on their side makes a huge difference.

If your son’s school doesn’t offer this kind programme, perhaps you know someone else with children at the senior school? You could ask them if they would mind looking out for your son in his first couple of weeks – just to help him settle in.

The new school will also have lots of other support channels for him, whether it’s class teachers, form teachers or school leaders. Make sure you and your son are aware of these; it’s important that he knows who he can go to for help.

If you suspect that your child is being bullied, take a look at BeatBullying’s Factsheet for parents, that outlines what you and your child’s school should do. To find resources visit: beatbullying.org

www.independentschoolparent.com

Jenny, Somerset

Keith Churchouse says: at the beginning of a separation it is really not unusual for there to be conflict. However, for the benefit of the children, both parties will have to work together to get through this.

Try to arrange a programme of shared responsibility for child access and care.

This may save unnecessary contact with your husband. You could create a written programme for time spent with the children, divided equally between the two of you over the next 12 months. A humble, direct approach by telephone or in person may work. An email out of the blue can be impersonal.

If communications are at a low, then a mediation meeting may help. Also, you may well both know how to wind each other up, so understanding and trying to detach from this may be important in controlling your emotions.

My 7-year-old son keeps missing time off school with tonsillitis. He keeps going to the doctor and often has antibiotics. Should I be asking about having his tonsils taken out?

usual indication for taking tonsils out is their

Joanna, Berkshire

of attacks. At a very minimum one would

size, which can affect breathing at night and may even cause obstructive sleep apnoea where the child stops breathing at night.

After 5-years-old (or so) the indication for a tonsillectomy is the frequency and severity need a history of four attacks a year for two

Michael Wareing says: Tonsillitis is a very common problem. For the majority of children who suffer, it is

To contact our experts

If you have a parenting dilemma and need our experts’ advice send your query to: info@independent schoolparent.com

years, causing time off school.

About 30,000 tonsillectomies are performed in the UK each year. The

an occasional, although inconvenient, event.

operation is usually carried out as a day case

However there are some children (and

and it is painful for about ten days

adults!) who suffer from very frequent

afterwards (lots of Paracetamol and

attacks that impact significantly upon their

Ibuprofen!). This would usually result in two

life, affecting general wellbeing and causing

weeks off school.

a lot of time off school.

The tonsils are part of the immune system

Surveys show a high satisfaction rate with the outcome of surgery in curing ill health

and are involved in fighting infections but

and it is a very effective intervention for the

sometimes they become defective and get

right indications.

infected themselves. Although inconvenient at the age of seven, as children get older this can interfere with examinations etc. In the younger age group (up to five or so) the

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 79

reader OFFer

Things to do on a rainy day How to make the most of bad weather days...

H

ave you ever enjoyed a picnic in the rain or jumped in the biggest puddle you can find? Have you tried building your own igloo or letting the wild wind push you along and steal your screams away? It may be surprising, but wild weather days can offer the most exciting adventures, even though the temptation is to stay indoors.

So don’t stay cooped up waiting for the sun to shine; get wrapped up in warm clothes and waterproofs and rush outside for some fun!

Whether the weather is wet, cold, windy or snowy, The Wild Weather Book is packed with ideas to tempt the family outside for some exciting, funny and creative natural world adventures. Here is a taste of our Wild Weather ideas!

Rain painting

Draw pictures on plain white kitchen roll using brightly coloured water soluble pens. Hang the pictures on a washing line and let the rain mix the colours Experiment with different papers, inks and paints. Let the pictures dry then press them flat if need be.

Wild wind dancing

Cut brightly coloured crêpe paper into long thin strips, the longer the better.

Staple the streamers together at one end and then attach them to a stick with double sided tape.

Go out in the wind to dance with your streamers; the challenge is to try and 80 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT SPRING 2013

avoid getting them all tangled up! Try wearing bells on your ankles to add music to your wind dancing. Can you make figures of eight or write your name with the streamers?

Take care not to hit other people when waving streamers around!

Snow games

A white wintry landscape is the perfect place to invent snowy games; here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

Snow golf – push some tin cans into the snow around a course. Stand beside the first one; can you throw a snowball from there into the second one? If successful, move on to the next one, and so on round the course.

Fox and Hounds tracking game – one person (the fox) drags a twiggy branch along behind them, leaving a trail through the snow. Everyone else (the hounds) follows the trail; can they find the fox?

Make an ice castle

Pour water in to a selection of plastic boxes, adding a few drops of food colouring if you wish. Leave the filled containers outside overnight to freeze into blocks.

The next day, place the containers in a tub of warm water until you can remove the ice blocks easily.

Use the assorted blocks to build a castle, a palace or even an ice monster’s lair. Square blocks are good for walls,

above, create your own streamers for wild wind or colourful rain paintings!

and round blocks make great turrets.

The Wild Weather Book is the sixth book in Jo Schofield’s and Fiona Danks’ Going Wild series.

Schofield and Danks seek to inspire more children, and young people, to reconnect with the natural world and have fun outdoors! See goingwild.net

rEaDEr OFFEr For more great ideas The Wild Weather Book and ISP are joining forces to offer readers a copy of the book for just £7.99 (RRP £9.99) with free UK P&P. All you need to do is call 01235 827702 and quote the code: 46WWIS. Frances Lincoln.

Out 7th March 2013.

www.independentschoolparent.com

What’s on?

LIFE

Our roundup of events to look out for this Easter...

29TH marCH-1ST aPrIL

CadbuRy & NatioNal tRust EastER Egg tRails

The National Trust is teaming up with Cadbury across the Easter weekend to provide Easter egg trails nationwide for all the family!

Bateman’s, the family home of Rudyard Kipling, in East Sussex is one of the many national treasures taking part. Enjoy face-painting and games on Sunday 31st March and egg and spoon races on Easter Monday. Explore the 17th-century Jacobean house complete with illustrations from The Jungle Book. Rudyard Kipling’s children loved to play in the garden, with its spacious lawns, boating pond and winding countryside paths to play hide and seek in . Most importantly, its family atmosphere remains.

Nationaltrust.org.uk and for trails, see eastereggtrail.com

4TH-10TH aPrIL

TImE fOr CamP!

The Bushcraft Company will be running Easter holiday camps for children aged seven to 15 this Easter at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. There will be firelighting, shelter-building, wilderness cooking, wild swimming, tree climbing and sleeping under canvas. If they have any energy left there will be a fantastic egg hunt too!

Great for first-timers or mini-adventurers. Prices start from £99 per person, 10% discount for ISP readers with this code: ISPM thebushcraftcompany.com

4TH-10TH marCH

Climate Week Challenge 2013

Last year more than 500,000 people attended thousands of events organised by businesses, charities and schools. Don’t forget to enter this year’s challenge at climateweek.com/challenge

TOp RighT: NaTiONaL TRuST iMagES / JOhN MiLLaR

29TH marCH-1ST aPrIL

yoRk ChoColatE FEstival 2013

Chocolate is on the menu this Easter and what better way to spend a day than perusing, and indulging in our cocoabased friend. Join an Easter Egg hunt or watch a demonstration by the region’s premier chocolatiers, gaze at the creations from your perch in a workshop and even take some home for later from the market. With insights into the history, technology, product development and industry that is still strong in the city today. yorkchocolatefestival.co.uk

www.independentschoolparent.com

24TH marCH

Where’s Wally?

Fun Run

Join the National Literacy Trust’s first ever Where’s Wally? fun run in Victoria Park, London.

The Trust is aiming to raise £1million to work in the poorest communities in the UK and give thousands of children help with their literacy. This year the National Literacy Trust is working with 38,000 children – the fun run will provide vital funds to help reach even more children. The race is open to anyone over eightyears-old (with adults attending).

Entry: £20 and includes a free official Where’s Wally? costume. To sign up visit: literacytrust.org.uk/whereswally.

SPRING 2013 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 81

MEMORY LANE

School memories

Adventurer and motorcycle enthusiast Charley Boorman recalls his time boarding at Sibford School, Oxfordshire if you did get in trouble you had to sit down and write a letter to your parents to describe what you had done and then your parents would write back in acknowledgement. Most kids would have preferred the cane! I had to write one or two of those – like any other kid.

What was you favourite lesson?

Geography. I just got it. It’s all about the different rocks and landscapes and as I’m riding along on my motorcycle, I do remember things from school. I had a great teacher called Doc Holliday – I can’t remember his proper name! He was lovely. He’s the only teacher left at the school from when I was there. I loved it, but I never look back and think: “God, I miss school!”.

How would you describe your school days? Early on I was home schooled as I travelled a lot. My dad, the film director, John Boorman, always took us wherever he was going - from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and because of his job, we’d spend four or five months in one place. I am dyslexic so the one-to-one tuition was great.

When did you settle in one place?

At 13 I went to board at Sibford School in Oxfordshire. For me to be in one place for a long period of time was fantastic. I loved making friends (and staying friends!) playing rugby and cricket, and getting into the usual bits of trouble.

So were you a stalwart of the detention room or a teacher’s pet?

I was a good boy. It was a Quaker school,

Charley Boorman is best known for his television series Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor but is also President of Dyslexia Action

How would your headmaster describe you? I was never an academic, I left school at 16 and I remember going up to the Headmaster and he said to me: “Charley, look, if you are thinking about coming back for sixth form you should maybe think about another school!”

Did you tread the boards at school? That’s the way I expressed myself, by being on stage. I was crippled a little bit as a child in terms of expressing myself in class. I could never learn my lines – I was comic relief most of the time!

What’s your view? Discuss on Twitter... @ISParent

Did you find making friends easy?

Everyone finds that first day at school hard. And I think if you are dyslexic you have to compensate a bit for things you aren’t good at. So I was the class clown.

There are a handful of us that are

❝ If you got into trouble you had to write a letter

to your parents – most would prefer the cane! ❞ 82 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT SPRING 2013

friends to this day. We used to hang out behind the piano block.

If you had met your fellow adventurer Ewan McGregor at school would you have got on? Yes, definitely. We have a relationship very much like great mates would have at school. We laugh a lot, mess around and have a giggle. We are good friends.

Were you big on sports? Yes, well I wasn’t that athletic – but I liked it. I had a very free upbringing; I lived in the Irish countryside on my school holidays; we had horses. In the Summer, we would pump up old car tyres and bob down the river in them and Dad would drive down to the next town to pick us up! When I was seven, I had a Monkey Bike and my Dad and I pushed this bike up and down the drive until I could ride it. That was my first experience with motorbikes.

What did you want to be when you grew up? When I was ten, I was already acting, so I was living my dream! But I do remember going to a MotoGP race when I was younger and thinking that’s what I should have done – however, I was too old to start. But c’est la vie!

What piece of advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Behave a bit better and concentrate more (maybe!); to give my teachers less of a hard time. I must say, looking back I have never regretted anything, ever. I was making a movie in Paris when I left school – I did my exams there. I had a bit of a film career going already so I was ready to move on to the next thing!

Charley Boorman’s South African Adventure is out now on DVD. Interview by Natalie Milner.

For more information visit... www.independentschoolparent.com

www.independentschoolparent.com

ADMISSIONS OPEN MORNING

SATURDAY 2 MARCH 2013 YEAR 7, YEAR 9 AND SIXTH FORM ENTRY

Christ’s Hospital is a unique and totally remarkable independent school. You’ve really got to see it to believe it.

Behind the outstanding architecture, the worldclass facilities and the electric atmosphere, you’ll find pupils from all walks of life achieving and exceeding their potential.

CHRIST’S HOSPITAL AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL RIGHT IN THE HEART OF SUSSEX.

Our Open Mornings are designed to give you a flavour of what CH is really like and to meet pupils and staff. Full details are available by visiting the School’s website or by contacting the Admissions team.

T 01403 246555 E fjd@christs-hospital.org.uk W christs-hospital.org.uk

Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ Registered Charity No. 1120090