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Forest school Education out of the classroom

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021 AWARDS

STRIKING A CHORD The pre-school where music is a common language MY SCHOOLDAYS Entrepreneur Amber Atherton on Benenden EXPERT ADVICE What should parents expect from pastoral care in prep schools?

INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

Proud winner of the Independent Schools of the Year 2021 Special Award for

OUTSTANDING RESPONSE TO COVID-19 @gandlschool

Godolphin and Latymer Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London W6 0PG www.godolphinandlatymer.com

Prep school for boys and girls aged 2½–11

Discover the joys of learning at Redcliffe, now part of the Godolphin and Latymer family BOOK A TOUR: www.redcliffegardens.com Godolphin and Latymer Redcliffe Gardens School @redcliffeschool

47 Redcliffe Gardens, London SW10 9JH

INSIDE

WELCOME

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT • JUNIOR EDITION • AUTUMN 2021

In brief

Fresh start

A round-up of the latest school news

A reflection on lessons learned during the pandemic at Putney High School

A happier note Joan Koenig shares her revolutionary approach to music education

With respect A look at Stamford’s approaches to PSHE, RSE and discussions around consent

New foundations An outline of all the changes to the national EYFS curriculum

Starting strong The qualities, facilities and specialisms that make a great pre-prep or prep education

26 Lockers Park Preparatory School, Hertfordshire

elcome to this autumn’s prep school edition of Independent School Parent and congratulations on making it to half term! It’s been fantastic to see schools open their doors to pupils, parents, teachers and their wider communities. And with fewer restrictions (or none), many of the events that are so intrinsic to school life like leavers’ balls, PTAs, school festivals and sports training camps are back with a bang! This magazine’s awards campaign, the Independent Schools of the Year 2021 Awards, which celebrates the student experience, received an unprecedented number of nominations this year, and we feature some of the schools on these pages. You can read about Eagle House Prep’s 200 Curriculum; teachers at Francis Holland who give classics and Latin classes at a neighbouring state school – the results are astounding! And how Sompting Abbotts Prep instils ecological and ethical responsibility in its pupils. We think you’ll agree they’re all extremely impressive! We also include an extract from child psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos’ new book which shares insights and exercises on how youngsters can develop good mental health and social skills in this increasingly complicated world. There’s also a competition to enter where you can win a five-night holiday to Marrakech. Good luck and happy reading!

Dr Linda Papadopoulos shares mental health and social skills insights

Not so common entrance Eagle House Prep unveils its new Common Entrance alternative, Curriculum 200

The great outdoors

Taking action

Sompting Abbotts Prep shares its approach to nature and ecology

Sherborne’s sports department revolution

A priceless education The options for independent school financing, from bursaries to scholarships

Ask the experts

Behind the scenes

Pastoral care expectations

Lockers Park School, Hertfordshire

Carpe diem How Francis Holland School is bringing Latin and classics to the state sector

In five pictures...

Ones to watch

Derby Grammar Primary School

Independent school alumni success stories Tweet us @ISParent

72 77

CLAUDIA DUDMAN, EDITOR

Future proofed

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Visit our schools directory where you can find details of hundreds of pre-prep, prep and senior schools across the UK

INDEPENDENTSCHOOLPARENT.COM/DIRECTORY

London’s calling A luxurious half term in the capital

Calendar Fun dates to add to the family diary

Competition

School memories

Win a family holiday to Marrakech

Entrepreneur Amber Atherton on her years at Benenden, Kent

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

Thriving schools, happy children The Prep Schools Trust is a family of flourishing schools bound by shared values. Each school Is unique, delivering exceptional academic performance and pastoral care in a beautiful setting rich with potential for adventure and discovery. Our schools are devoted to the social, emotional and educational growth of the children in their care, and we set them up for happy and productive lives at senior school and beyond.

01865 390720 • enquiries@prepschoolstrust.org • prepschoolstrust.org

MOWDEN HALL SCHOOL

WHO’S WHO

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Sub Editor Laura Sutherland DESIGN Designer Mark Bradley ADVERTISING Group Account Director Catherine Chapman Advertisment Manager Harriet Cottrell Sales Executive Danielle Thirsk

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Meet the experts sharing their years of invaluable educational experience

DIGITAL Digital Product Manager Ben Iskander

ALISON FLEMING has been Headmistress at Newton Prep, Battersea since September 2013. Educated at grammar school, she began her teaching career learning her craft in state schools.

PUBLISHING Executive Chairman Paul Dobson Chief Financial Officer Vicki Gavin Managing Director James Dobson Publisher Caroline Scott Circulation Manager Daniel Webb Acting EA to Chairman Sophie Easton PR Executive Eleanor English

SIR ANTHONY SELDON is a contemporary historian and political author. He has been Vice-Chancellor of the University of Buckingham since 2015 and was the 13th Master of Wellington College in Berkshire from 2006 to 2015.

PUBLISHED BY The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel 020 7349 3700 Fax 020 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd. 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, Ec1a 9Pt | Tel: 020 7429 4000 Fax: 020 7429 4001 | Production All Points Media. Printed in England by William Gibbons DISTRIBUTION Independent School Parent is for parents of children in prep and senior independent schools. The Independent School Parent magazine in prep and senior issues is published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent. com/register

DAVID MONCRIEFF

a publisher specialising in education and heritage, he previously worked for more than 12 years as Director of Marketing Services at the British Tourist Authority.

ANDREW FLECK is Principal of Sedbergh School, Cumbria, having been Headmaster since 2002 he has relinquished this position to take up his new role which encompasses strategic oversight and operational direction.

Independent School Parent also publishes The Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right school.

IAN MASON

worked in local authority communications teams across London, before becoming the Head of Media and Communications for the Independent Schools Council in 2017.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT F R E E | P R E P E D I T I O N | AU T U M N 2 0 2 1 | i n d e p e n d e n t s c h o o l p a re n t .co m

Education out of the classroom

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR 2021 AWARDS

MY SCHOOLDAYS Entrepreneur Amber Atherton on Benenden EXPERT ADVICE What should parents expect from pastoral care in prep schools?

COVER: MOULSFORD PREP SCHOOL, OXFORDSHIRE

AILEEN KANE is the Boarding Schools’ Association’s Chief Operating Officer and oversees media, marketing, sponsorship, finance and HR facilities. Aileen is a member of BSA’s senior leadership team.

MARK STRETTON joined HMC as Communications Manager in 2017, bringing with him more than 15 years’ experience and expertise in education sector communications.

Forest school

STRIKING A CHORD The pre-school where music is a common language

PETER YOUNG is an independent school governor and Chairman of the Business Marketing Awards.

BEN VESSEY joined Canford in 2013 as Headmaster from Christ’s Hospital, where he was Senior Deputy Head. He’s currently Vice-Chair of the HMC Professional Development sub-committee.

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E V E R Y B E S T I N E D U C AT I O N

RACHEL KERR has worked with independent schools since 2000. She is currently communications manager at the Girls’ Schools Association. COLIN BELL is CEO of COBIS, which works with and supports students, teachers, leaders, support staff and governors from high quality British international schools in more than 80 countries across the world.

© The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2021. 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 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.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Moncrieff, Chairman Colin Bell, COBIS Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School, Cumbria Alison Fleming, Newton Prep, Battersea Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools’ Association Tory Gillingham, AMCIS Aileen Kane, Boarding Schools’ Association Ian Mason, Independent Schools Council Mark Stretton, HMC Helen Wright, Educational consultant Sir Anthony Seldon, Commentator and author Ben Vessey, Canford School, Dorset Sue Woodroofe, The Grammar School at Leeds Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant

HELEN WRIGHT is a former President of GSA and Vice-Chair of ISC and since 2014, she has worked in international education, and advises, recruits and coaches senior leaders in schools across the world.

SUE WOODROOFE

has been a headteacher for 12 years, first at The British School of Brussels and now at The Grammar School at Leeds.

TORY GILLINGHAM is the Managing Director at Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools (AMCIS), which now has more than 500 schools in membership. She has more than 25 years’ experience of the independent schools sector. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL NEWS

IN BRIEF

STUDENT SUCCESSES • FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES • EXTRACURRICULAR EXCELLENCE • NEW HEADS Bear Grylls spent time chatting to Ludgrove students about their studies

Open for adventure

Ludgrove School, Berkshire When it came to unveiling the school’s brand-new Exploration Centre, who better to call on than adventurer and Old Ludgrovian Bear Grylls? The TV personality returned to his alma mater to officially open the £2.5m state-of-the-art facility which houses science, coding, art, CDT and ceramics classrooms. But before Mr Grylls did the ribbon-cutting honours, the whole school gathered in the theatre to hear him speak about his journey and share the three things he believes really matter in life: “we are all explorers in life and will face difficult things,” he explained. “These three things are what really matter: have courage, be kind and have a never-give-up attitude.” The Exploration Centre marks the beginning of a new era of future-led learning for the school.

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL NEWS

BEST OF THE REST • Play ball King Edward’s School, West Midlands

The KES food bank raised more than £4,700 by playing the longest-ever indoor football match. More than 200 pupils from years seven to 13 played five-a-side indoor football for 36 hours and 30 minutes.

• Ready to enrol Highfield & Brookham Schools, Hampshire

The co-ed prep has seen a rise in admissions this term, welcoming 81 new nursery, pre-prep and prep pupils – the highest new starts figure in six years. The upward curve is a huge vote of confidence for the South Downs National Park-based school.

• New beginnings St Mary’s Cambridge

Finely tuned

Bilton Grange, West Midlands

The Rugby Group school is set to introduce an enhanced musical offering across all year groups. From September 2022, the Music Every Day initiative will include daily singing, year two pupils learning string instruments and year threes learning brass instruments, as well as its independent chorister programme for teams of boys and girls – the very first of its kind at prep level.

The girls’ school opened its doors to its new pre-school this term, with pupils as young as three enrolling for the first time in the school’s 123-year history. Pupils will enjoy exploring the outdoor area, complete with sandpit and open-air theatre.

• East meets west Reigate School, Surrey

Piste artistes

To a tee

Cottesmore School, West Sussex

Brentwood School, Essex

Rydal Penrhos, Wales

The school welcomed the nation’s favourite PE teacher, Joe Wicks as part of his school tour for his new children’s book, The Burpee Bears. Pupils enjoyed an energetic workout, followed by a story animatedly read by Joe, who then took some very creative questions from the children!

Two young ski stars made school history as not only the first pupils to compete in the National Schools Race League Finals, but also finish in the top 10. Henry Pratt, 11, and his sister, Scarlett, eight, put in determined performances in the Junior competition held in South Derbyshire.

Year 12 pupil and talented golfer Charley Simpson has won the Welsh U16 Boys and Overall Open Championship, emerging victorious by three strokes. Charley left a fine impression on the national stage, earning another call-up to the Welsh U16 team for a fixture against England.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

• Start right Sheffield High School for Girls, South Yorkshire

The school is the first in Yorkshire to join the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate. The programme will be delivered to students in years seven and eight this year, following on from the junior school’s Fusion curriculum.

Superstar coach

At an official ceremony in London last month hosted by the Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, the school established a new educational partnership with the country, which includes The International School of Vietnam in Hanoi being renamed Reigate Grammar School Vietnam.

The forward-thinking independent school creating caring, ambitious and well-educated boys and girls. •

Extensive range of co-curricular activities

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Caring and supportive community

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Strong academic results

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A range of scholarships available

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Day, Weekly and Flexi boarding places

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No academic lessons on Saturday mornings

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Dedicated to sustainability

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Outstanding creative and performing arts

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570 seat theatre – the largest in the region

“My entire family fell in love with Queen’s. The school is simply beautiful with a huge range of facilities. The staff are so helpful and friendly and are always keen to answer any questions or worries we may have.”

Contact our friendly admissions team

01823 340830

admissions@queenscollege.org.uk www.queenscollege.org.uk

N U R S E RY • P R E - P R E P • P R E P • S E N I O R • S I X T H F O R M

ADVERTORIAL

TRIPLE TREAT

With finalist spots in three Independent Schools of the Year award categories, Northwood Schools offer an exceptional education Broomwood Hall Lower School instils confidence and curiosity in its young pupils

Pupils at Northcote Lodge

Broomwood Hall Upper School has class sizes of 16 or less

roomwood Hall Lower School, Broomwood Hall Upper School and Northcote Lodge have secured finalist places in the highly prestigious and industry-leading Independent Schools of the Year 2021 Awards. The Wandsworth-based schools are part of the Northwood family, which also includes Northwood Senior, a co-ed school for pupils aged 11 to 16. For three out of four schools to be shortlisted as finalists is a testament to the group’s educational offering.

The very best start

A finalist in the Pre-Prep School of the Year category for its non-selective, family-oriented offering, Broomwood Hall Lower School provides a innovative education in a traditional setting. The co-ed pre-prep for ages four to eight aims to stimulate a child’s natural desire to learn, supporting and stretching them in equal measure, while equipping them with the skills needed for the future. Its five learning powers: confidence, curiosity, independence, resilience and communication are instilled in all that they

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

CRUCIAL SOFTER SKILLS ARE INSTILLED – teamwork, manners, compassion,

communication, creativity, independence and resilience – ACROSS THE GROUP do: from computing and coding to specialist art, music and sport. As one parent enthused: “It’s simply the best start to school life!”

tutors and senior staff work with parents to keep girls feeling loved and valued.

Girl power

Northcote Lodge is one of just five Prep School of the Year finalists. For boys aged eight to 13, the school extols traditional values. It has high academic standards: digital testing helps exam preparation, and there’s a focus on critical thinking and reading. Crucial softer skills are instilled – teamwork, manners, compassion, communication, creativity, independence and resilience – through the Northcote Way: the school’s life mantra. Teaching is tailored to boys’ learning style. In the words of one parent, “Northcote Lodge really understands boys.” For enquiries, visit northwoodschools.com

Broomwood Hall Upper School for girls aged eight to 13 is a finalist in the Student Wellbeing category. Personal meetings with tutors – spontaneous or timetabled – are an opportunity for staff to check in with girls: these one-onones are for talking about worries, triumphs, or, in fact, anything at all. Small class sizes ensure every girl gets noticed. Picking up on early signs is the best way to prevent bigger problems later on, and the school counsellor and Listening Lady are always on hand. Supporting children is a team effort and

Golden boys

SCHOOL NEWS

HEADS ON THE MOVE It’s all change for these schools

Graeme Booth is the new headteacher at Forest Prep in Timperley, Cheshire.

Gavin Taylor has taken up the helm as Head of Lockers Park School in Hertfordshire.

Making a splash Taunton Prep School, Somerset

Two students have been selected to attend the first phase of the Swim England National Development Programme. Pupils Evie Linden and Ronan Hill will now take part in a series of online and in-person training camps which will help prepare them for national-level competitions. The national programme identifies talented athletes for the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games of the future.

Heidi Pedlar is the new Head of Badminton Junior School in Bristol.

Giles Tollit is the new Head of Arnold House School in north London.

Lynne Kyle is the new Headteacher of Bolton School Girls’ Division in Manchester.

Lessons for landlubbers

Strong foundations

Forres Sandle Manor School, Surrey

Tonbridge School, Kent

Nursery and pre-prep pupils had a lot of fun on their Talk Like a Pirate day. The children made pirate hats and wanted posters, and learned about words starting with a ‘P’ sound. Pirates need to eat too, so pupils discussed healthy eating (unlike real pirates) to ensure they keep scurvy at bay. Of course, they wrapped up the day, with sea shanties before heading home.

The boys’ school has received a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award for its “brilliant” Barton Science Centre. Judges found that the cutting-edge three-storey facility – which features three libraries, a bee hive and interactive periodic table – “delivers the very best teaching spaces on every level”.

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

COMMENT

FRESH START

With the new term in full swing, SUZIE LONGSTAFF reflects on the lessons learned over the past 18 months while wholeheartedly looking forward to the return of school life as we once knew it

ith autumn in the air, I can’t help but wonder what a new school year will bring. Despite the vagueries of “pingdemic” and the ongoing need for testing and tracing, we made it successfully to the end of last term with most pupils in the classroom, enjoying time with their friends, enthusiastically taking part in the traditional summer term activities, outings and performances that are such a joyous and important part of school life. The staycations of summer 2021 have provided us with much-needed time with our families and crucially, an opportunity to reflect on a year during which staff, students and not least parents have shown resilience, spirit and positivity worthy of many a gold star. There’s no doubt that technology has been a godsend during the pandemic. Coupled with the genuine can-do attitude that has become such a Putney hallmark, we’ve learned some new and

and Cambridge to Princeton, USA and the Royal Academy of Music. I look forward to getting to know a new group of Putney pupils and I can’t wait to see where their futures lead them. The co-curricular life of the school becomes stronger and more creative every day (even in lockdown, more than 40 clubs were successfully re-invented and continued online!). I believe this is such an important part of school life. It is the clubs, societies and activities beyond the classroom where deep friendships are forged and lessons are learned, from simply ‘having a go’ to discovering a lifelong passion. There’s nothing I look forward to more than seeing students back on the sports field, performing on stage, or hotly discussing the issues of the day in the debating forum. Not only are they doing something that they love, but also polishing up the soft skills that they’ll need in their adult lives. The social issues that have arisen over the last year have shone a spotlight on the way we relate to others and on our responsibility to make a

Suzie Longstaff is Headmistress of Putney High School GDST, London

WE HAVE HAD TIME TO REGROUP AND I’m happy to say that the

mood runs high. Health and wellbeing have never been more central.

LAUGHTER, SMILES AND POSITIVITY ONCE MORE RESOUND AROUND CLASSROOMS AND CORRIDORS innovative ways of working. The convenience of online parents’ evenings, and live Q&As for prospective families have been positive takeaways that I’m sure many schools will been keen to retain. That said, even with the best educational technology in the world, one thing’s for sure – there’s simply no substitute for face-to-face learning in the classroom. We have had time to regroup and I’m happy to say that the mood runs high. Health and wellbeing have never been more central. Laughter, smiles and positivity once more resound around classrooms and corridors. There’s a feeling of togetherness, of an experience shared. Against the odds, this year’s excellent academic results bear testament to the hard work and commitment of students and teachers alike. Wellearned places have been secured at some of the finest educational establishments, from Oxford

difference. A whole generation have shown their appetite for change and it’s not just talk for them. Putney’s It Starts With Me programme is one of many that focus on making a tangible difference through shared responsibility. We look forward to working alongside partner schools and local charities in the year ahead – we have a lot to contribute and a lot to learn from one another. Optimism is high for 2021-22 (with fingers firmly crossed of course) at Putney and I know school leaders are already enjoying turning their attention away from the enforcement of face masks, bubbles and one-way systems, and going back to the pure pleasures of more mundane concerns: Is homework being done on time? Are the correct uniform pieces being worn? Is everyone on time for assembly? I look forward to a return to school life as we knew it, it truly cannot come a moment too soon. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

“Your answers are heard and you know you will succeed.”

Ours is a community that will lift up your heart. Established in 1862, Haileybury is a top co-educational boarding and day school for 11–18 year olds on a historic 500 acre campus in Hertfordshire, just 20 miles north of London. 2021 Open Events: Thursday 4 November 11+ & 13+ Open Morning (in-person), Friday 19 November Virtual Open Day. UK enquiries: uk.admissions@haileybury.com International enquiries: int.admissions@haileybury.com 01992 706 353 Haileybury.com

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Lifting Hearts

COMMENT

A HAPPIER NOTE JOAN KOENIG’s revolutionary approach to musical education draws on cutting-edge science to unlock the potential of every child

s teachers, caretakers, and parents continue to face the reality of Covid-19, we’re only beginning to understand the effects that school closures, isolation, and screen exposure will have on a child’s development. How can we help our children become happy human beings? We have a powerful ally: it’s music, and the earlier we begin, the better. At my school, we have more than 30 years of research in music and the brain, showing that music helps develop physical coordination, fine-tunes speech and reinforces memory. Most importantly, musical practice lifts us out of ourselves into an intuitive, cooperative, and satisfying relationship with others. My book The Musical Child outlines this research in an accessible manner, alongside fun-filled activities that require no professional training. How did this book come about? I moved to Paris in 1981 after graduating from The Juilliard School in New York. In 1986, I decided to create an alternative to the French music conservatories

It was a pivotal moment: I wanted to make this research available to parents, institutions, and decision-makers – to benefit all children. To understand the role of music in human evolution we need to look at musical practice across the globe, not just western classical music. This is a crucial distinction, because music is one of our sapiens universals along with language. Children all over the world learn to speak long before they learn to read. In classical music instruction, we teach children to read notes on a staff and count rhythms. This is as absurd as teaching a child to read before they can speak. Science indicates that music can accelerate all learning. What if we're overlooking the period in a child’s life before she or he can read or write? When she makes music spontaneously, singing, dancing, and making up songs and elaborate emotional soundtracks? This later turns into musical improvisation, one of the most extraordinary of human abilities. The links between rhythm, literacy, and health are compelling. Music brings children

Joan Koenig is the founder of L’Ecole Koenig Conservatory, Pre-school and Kindergarten in Paris

AT THE KOENIG SCHOOL, WE SEE children learning their letter sounds instantly by singing and dancing their phonetic ALPHABET SONG. MULTIPLICATION TABLES ARE MEMORISED IN A SINGLE MORNING WHEN THE CHILDREN RAP THEM that I found too focused on solfège and theory. The school grew steadily in size and scope. In 2008, 22 years later, I felt the need to open a new door. I'd witnessed young children’s extraordinary musical ability in weekly music classes and wanted to see what happened if children learned in music every day. So, we opened a trilingual pre-school where the children speak French, English – and music. In 2014 I was invited to the Salzburg Global seminar conference, The Neuroscience of Art. Salzburg Global organises conferences on matters of global importance – bringing together people from all over the world to reflect, learn from one another, and bring about change. The resulting collaborations with neuroscientists have deepened my understanding of the human mind and the vital place that music occupies in our human construction. I had the empirical evidence before; now, I understood the supporting science as well.

together; they love it viscerally and wholeheartedly. There are many excellent music programmes in the world today. What I'm proposing is an earlier start, and the use of music and dance to support all learning. Reading, writing, and even maths can be taught with music and movement. At the Koenig School, we see children learning their letter sounds instantly by singing and dancing their phonetic alphabet song. Multiplication tables are memorised in a single morning when the children rap them. We see the rapid acquisition of essential cognitive building blocks. More importantly, we observe children of more than 20 different nationalities joyfully singing and dancing together: learning and communicating through their common language of music. The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole by Joan Koenig (William Collins, £18.99) AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

COMMENT

WITH RESPECT Stamford’s visionary Learning for Life curriculum is leading the way in conversations around consent and relationships, writes KENDAL MILLS

he recent allegations of historic peer-on-peer sexual harassment and abuse by students at thousands of schools, colleges and universities rocked the education world, and the harrowing accounts on the Everyone’s Invited website made for difficult reading. As schools, we had to respond without any hint of defensiveness or by appearing to underplay the problem. The media-coined term ‘rape culture’, was initially applied to ‘private’ schools and tended to be linked to words like ‘elitism’ and ‘entitlement’. That was unhelpful and somewhat misleading because it generated a caricature of the issue. The thousands of allegations made by current and former students were varied – degrading language used by male students towards female students, body-shaming, indecent postings online, nonconsensual sexual touching and, in extreme cases, rape – so our response to that complex range of transgressions needed to be sure-footed enough to address them all in a variety of ways.

gaming sessions. In doing so, we draw on the work done in year seven on respectful relationships and extend that into their online lives – which they often perceive as being totally separate from ‘real life’. This continues through to year 13. Teaching boys about consent and the distinction between consensual and nonconsensual sexual activity can be daunting, and delivering such critically important messages in the right way needs clear thinking and a great deal of sensitivity. After all, we’re involving ourselves in very intimate aspects of young people’s lives, and the topic is awkward for many of them. While colleagues are happy to engage with the topic in our Learning for Life lessons, we do make use of external facilitators who possess greater expertise and whom students feel they can ask questions of that they might not wish to ask a teacher or tutor. We’re fortunate to have access to a local organisation called The Conversation (theconversationstamford.co.uk) whose practitioners run workshops on healthy

Kendal Mills is Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Stamford School, Lincolnshire

TEACHING BOYS ABOUT the distinction between consensual and nonconsensual sexual activity CAN BE DAUNTING, AND DELIVERING SUCH CRITICALLY IMPORTANT MESSAGES IN THE RIGHT WAY NEEDS CLEAR THINKING AND A GREAT DEAL OF SENSITIVITY Although it only became statutory from September 2020, Stamford School has been delivering a robust and relevant Relationships & Sex Education (RSE) curriculum for many years. We’ve always believed that part of Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) – which we now call Learning for Life – to be of central importance, as it touches on so many aspects of young people’s lives and is territory that they, by their own admission, find difficult to negotiate. In year seven – ages 11 and 12 – our focus is very firmly on respectful relationships of all kinds and incorporates a strong anti-bullying message. In year eight, we explore online behaviour because that tends to be the age when boys and girls begin to get drawn into some of the more unsavoury aspects of the online world such as the sending of indecent images of one another and writing offensive messages in group chats or during online

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

relationships, consent, e-safety (aptly dubbed ‘cyber wisdom’) and the corrosive impact of online pornography on the developing male brain. Similarly the Good Lad Initiative, a Londonbased charity, provides excellent advice designed to encourage boys and young men to tackle the root causes of gender inequality, challenge toxic masculinity, and teach them to grow up to become respectful, sensitive men who understand that consent lies at the heart of all relationships. In the months following the whistleblowing of Everyone’s Invited and other online platforms, it has become clear that boys of all ages are genuinely worried about those boundaries and are asking open and probing questions. The fact that such questions are being asked is a positive sign, and should be seen as an expression of desire for change. It’s up to schools, colleges and universities to continue to lead that change.

ADVERTORIAL looking after our mental and physical health and adapting our co-curricular programme so that it could be just as beneficial in a home environment. Another positive change brought about by the pandemic is the transition to, and embracing of, digital processes. Teachers have been creative and designed innovative solutions to provide outstanding learning, despite the constraints of remote teaching, and virtual experiences of the school site provided a new perspective for visitors. These are things that we can assess, adjust and take forward into the new academic year and beyond. Throughout the peak of the pandemic our pupils learned to “keep finding joy in small things and remember for every negative situation, if you look hard enough, you can always find a positive!”, which is a lesson we can all benefit from. It’s been said countless times but the past 18 months haven’t been easy for any of us, especially not for the children

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress of Sydenham High School GDST, outlines the positives that we can take from the pandemic experience

s we head towards what we hope is the light at the end of what has been, at times, an extremely dark tunnel and into a new world that reflects some kind of normalcy, we have to be thankful for what this time has taught us. The importance of community, values and caring for one another. The new ways in which we’ve adapted and evolved: technology is at the forefront of much of what we do, balanced with a deeper focus on mindfulness and staying active away from devices. Innovative teaching and more efficient working practices have meant that ahead of the new term in September, our school and its pupils are perhaps in a better position to thrive than ever before. As it stands, our pupils have the best chance in nearly two years of having an uninterrupted year of learning and being around their peers. Mental health has become a bigger priority across the board, as we welcome athletes role-modelling the importance of mental fitness alongside

independentschoolparent.com

physical health. This is something we’ve long heralded. Though moving towards familiar behaviours and routines at the end of last term helped to provide stability, the necessary adaptability required by the pandemic has fostered key skills of resilience and problem-solving, which will stand pupils in good stead for the future.

whose learning and childhoods have been interrupted. But now is the time to look forward. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work, building something better than what came before. The summer holidays provided a time for rest,

We have to be thankful FOR WHAT THIS TIME HAS TAUGHT US. THE IMPORTANCE OF

community, values and caring for one another If another lockdown occurs, our pupils are well-equipped to deal with, and overcome, the implications that come with that. The foundations of wellbeing at Sydenham High come from the three pillars of body, mind and soul. Interwoven into all that we strive to achieve for the wellbeing of our community, when the pandemic hit, we used these pillars to ensure that we were truly

relaxation and reflection, and enabled all facets of the school to be able to go full steam ahead come September. The new term brings with it something of a new beginning and here at Sydenham High School, we’re more than ready for it. Discover more at open events throughout the autumn. sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY

In reception, children learn well through a variety of play-based activities

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

NURSERY

New foundations Early Years Foundation Stage Lead at Bassett House School in London, KATE FELL, explains the new EYFS curriculum which is being rolled out across nurseries nationwide this term

hen your child starts school in nursery or reception, they will be following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This is the programme which must be adhered to by all childcare settings from birth to five years, so for schools this means nursery and reception. The EYFS curriculum sets out expected developmental milestones across seven areas of learning and development. These are: • Communication and language development. • Physical development. • Personal, social, and emotional development. • Literacy development. • Mathematics. • Understanding the world. • Expressive arts and design. The key focus during the EYFS is to teach children routine and to ease them into the idea of learning in a structured environment. This helps to build a strong base set of skills, as well as positive learning attitudes, which will stand them in good stead as they continue to move through school.

What are the changes?

A new curriculum for EYFS is coming into effect this month. The main aim of the reforms is to strengthen assessment and practise to improve outcomes for all children, and close the gap for disadvantaged children, which is particularly crucial in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most parents will remain unaware of the changes but there will be a renewed

focus on early language development and a reformed assessment process that should reduce paperwork for teachers. The government has made changes to the Early Learning Goals, which are used to assess children at the end of their reception year. These aren’t tests – the assessment is based on classroom observation – they’re an important framework to benchmark the knowledge, skills and understanding that all children should have gained by the end of that academic year. The biggest changes will come under the language, literacy and numeracy goals. For example, in maths, more significance will be placed on number and numerical patterns so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically when they move into Key Stage One (years one and two at primary school).

Above and beyond

At Bassett House, our Early Years teaching is informed by the very latest work on child development. We use up-to-date research, materials and guidance backed up by the depth and breadth of knowledge of our highly skilled staff. We’re lucky that our small class sizes mean we can go above and beyond government guidelines and provide the best care for our pupils. Our ethos of balancing academic progress with pastoral nurture is critical to setting pupils up for future success and our access to beautiful outdoor spaces enables us to reflect the seven areas of learning outside the classroom as well as inside. All of this translates into happy, confident children.

From reception to year one

When asked what they’ve done at school, a reception child will often answer, “I played with my friends”. At this age, children are accustomed to a free-flow, play-based experience where they choose what they play with, when and with whom. But a school day in year one can be very different, with a more structured approach to lessons where teaching becomes more formal and subject based. The new EY framework hopes to address this gap, which we welcome because it should help smooth what can be a difficult transition to year one.

Embracing the individual

Play-based learning is essential for younger children; it engages their imagination, creativity, and team-building skills which, in turn, develops their social and emotional skills and language development. Play-based learning is central to our Early Years ethos, which is to teach children without them realising they’re being taught. Each child is treated as an individual and encouraged to reach developmental goals at a pace that’s right for them. There have been some concerns that the EYFS reforms may be continuing a drive towards excessive formalisation of the reception year. But at Bassett House, our young learners remain at the heart of our teaching and we’re confident that the new curriculum should continue the commitment to learning through play, which we believe is so crucial to a child’s early development. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

AWARDS

STARTING STRONG Excellent facilities, small class sizes, outstanding teachers and specialised learning all add up to an exceptional early education

hoosing a school can be an overwhelming decision for many parents. It doesn’t matter how many glossy prospectuses, websites and schools guides you wade through, you may well still feel burdened by the decision. When finalising this choice, it might be helpful to identify what’s important to you and your family and select a learning environment that offers the best fit for your child. Three of the schools below are finalists in the pre-prep category of the Independent Schools of the Year 2021, this magazine’s awards campaign, while Yorston Lodge Prep earned a finalist spot in the small school category. They all richly deserve their place on these shortlists. The schools all have distinct differences in their educational and wider offering, whether it’s the level of attention they pay to pastoral care; the immersive learning programmes experienced by pupils; the nurturing environment where each child’s talents are identified; or new initiatives as a result of numerous lockdowns where parents have become more involved in the day-to-day life of the school…

Polam Pre-Prep, Bedford, Milton Keynes

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

Occupying two large Victorian houses on a leafy avenue

in the heart of Bedford, Polam is a small pre-prep and nursery for children aged 12 months to seven years. The school prides itself on its home-from-home environment where every child is known by every member of staff with a distinct focus on pastoral care and wellbeing. As part of the Cognita Schools group, Polam takes part in Cognita’s annual Global Be Well Day. From this, the school developed its own Week to Be Well, which then blossomed into dedicated mental health activities becoming part of the weekly timetable. With a wellbeing champion in school, as well as a mental health first-aider, this reinforces the importance of pastoral care as the foundation that needs to underpin every aspect of education. With the appointment of a new headteacher a year ago, the school embarked on an immersive learning programme, transforming ordinary classrooms into themed, interactive learning spaces. Two rooms have since been completed: Discovery, a spacethemed IT suite, and Amazonia, a plant-fi lled rainforest room. Dressing classrooms with themed resources encourages the students to be absorbed and engaged, making their learning more purposeful – and of course, lots more fun! Having a unique, multipurpose space like Amazonia is a perfect environment to support wellbeing,

AWARDS

Pastoral care and immersive learning will enhance preprep and prep education

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

AWARDS

providing the opportunity for meditation and mindfulness, imaginative storytelling and social activities, as well as specific learning from the curriculum. Polam’s nursery and pre-school, which feed into the pre-prep, have been judged outstanding in all areas for the past three inspections in a row. For the past two years the nursery has been working towards the Millie’s Mark accreditation (the gold standard in paediatric first aid and acts as an indicator that the nursery goes above and beyond the minimum requirements to keep children safe). It was awarded Millie’s Mark accreditation in January.

Yorston Lodge Prep School, Cheshire

The Knutsford school empowers healthy, happy children in a nurturing school community, supporting pupils to

Yorston Lodge Prep pupils benefit from enriched outdoor learning

become lifelong learners, dedicated to achieving excellence in everything they do. Pupils’ creativity and curiosity are sparked, and each child’s unique talents are harnessed to support their development. Renowned for academic excellence, this year has been no different at Yorston, as 61 pupils secured their top choice senior schools. In 2020, the school’s STEM-focused curriculum prepared pupils for the world ahead through engineering, coding and atomic theory. Yorston Lodge’s STEM focus has been recognised by global tech manufacturer Siemens, which has provided hands-on support and resources for students. This year the school introduced its Little Einstein scholarships, focusing on children who showcase high levels of independence, creativity and critical thinking. Due to the reputation and popularity of Yorston, there has been a fantastic response – with 70 per cent of prospective parents requesting applications. Its pupils are ‘future ready’ and grow to their full potential as independent learners. Its values ensure pupils learn to be inquisitive and creative, support collaboration and confidently communicate, as well as think critically. Through these values Yorston Lodge nurtures respectful, committed global citizens that are responsible and informed. This future proof approach prepares pupils for the world ahead, armed with the skills, values and principles to thrive in the real world. With a diverse mix of pupils, it prioritises a culture of

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

Yorston Lodge Prep offers STEMfocused learning in a nurturing environment

AWARDS

IN 2020, THE SCHOOL’S STEM-focused curriculum PREPARED PUPILS FOR THE WORLD AHEAD THROUGH ENGINEERING, CODING AND ATOMIC THEORY inclusivity and children benefit from Japanese, French and Latin lessons, exposing them to new cultures and communities and broadening their view of the world outside of school. With a focus on wellbeing, the school utilises Sign4 Feelings & Behaviours, which encourages pupils to use sign language to express their emotions. All children are offered yoga classes and outdoor learning which allows them to expand their skills by solving realworld issues, building self-belief, resilience and confidence.

Lochinver House School, Hertfordshire

Despite a year like no other, the all-boys’ pre-prep has remained committed to the school’s motto ‘Perstare Praestar’ (To Persevere, To Succeed). This embodies everything it has done, as the school hasn’t stood still. Determination has prevailed and it has continued to enhance its educational and extracurricular provision. Responding to the national and international stage, the teaching staff has updated topics, giving boys an ageappropriate understanding of issues and impact. Examples include developing a new unit of work on the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole, incorporating the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the history of the NHS, the global pandemic, vaccinations and Black Lives Matter. With the announcement in late 2020 that travellers can apply for a series of dives to visit the wreck of RMS Titanic, a new unit of learning on this incredible vessel was written for boys, capturing their imaginations. A new vertical team system was introduced, celebrating effort, attainment and the demonstration of the school’s learning powers (collaboration, curiosity, focus, initiative,

Lochinver House School finds strength in community

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

AWARDS

Boys at Lochinver House are encouraged to engage with new experiences Head Liz McLaughlin believes good mental health is essential for academic excellence

ITS Been There Done It scheme is a home-school partnership, AND ENCOURAGES BOYS TO ENGAGE IN AND ENRICH THEIR DIET WITH NEW EXPERIENCES AND BROADENING THEIR SKILLS originality, reflectiveness, resilience) and core values. Year two boys play an instrumental role as captains and vice captains, reflecting the importance of leadership opportunities, even at a tender age. Community, particularly amid these challenging times, cannot be underestimated, and through this provision the school fosters team spirit and that all-important connection. Its Been There, Done It scheme is a home-school partnership, and encourages boys to engage in and enrich their diet with new experiences, broadening their skills and outlook on life. Boys submit journals with photographic evidence, and on meeting criteria of the staged scheme, are awarded with certificates and much coveted badges. This programme has been particularly important, as the boys have navigated through the lockdown periods, providing focus, purpose and a sense of fun away from screens.

Specialist PE teachers are employed at Falcons Pre-Prep

Falcons Pre-Prep, West London

As an academic, forward-thinking school, Falcons tailors its curriculum to suit the needs of its students. From reception onwards, as a boys’ only school, the curriculum is full of high-interest topics to ensure maximum engagement and learning. For example, every spring term, the reception classroom turns into a mini Jurassic Park full of dinosaurs! Specialist teachers are employed for PE, art, music and French. Music is an important part of life at the school with more than 50 per cent of students taking individual music lessons. One of the year two students recently passed his Grade 2 violin exam with distinction. Headteacher, Liz McLaughlin, is a firm believer that academic excellence cannot be achieved without safeguarding the mental health of her students. The school has a dedicated SENDCo who works closely with all the students, ensuring that additional support is given when required. The children also have access to a counsellor on

site, along with a therapy dog named Ziggy, who previously supported children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. A number of new initiatives have been recently implemented. One is Parent Pop-ins via Zoom as a result of lockdown learning, when students benefited from their parents overhearing how they were taught. Once normal school resumed, the school implemented Parent Pop-in sessions where lessons are streamed to parents live, so that they can maintain this level of involvement. These are followed up with Parent Academy sessions on why and how students are taught a particular subject. The school’s ultimate goal is that each boy leaves at the end of year two to join a school where they’ll be enabled to be the best version of themselves. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

PARENTING

The journal has lots of engaging exercises that kids will love to share with friends and family as they learn

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

PARENTING

future

PROOFED

In her new book, psychologist DR LINDA PAPADOPOULOS shares insights and exercises to help youngsters develop and maintain good mental health and social skills in an increasingly complicated world

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/SKYNESHER;

ith several studies indicating a rise in mental health problems among children and young people over the past few years, exacerbated by the period of uncertainty that Covid-19 brought our way, it has never been more important to be proactive when it comes to addressing our children’s mental health. Building their emotional resilience, social skills and empowering them to find inner strength in this challenging, ever-changing world is vital. In my work with young people, I frequently see the effects that the unhealthy use of social media can have. The constant quest for likes and follows is another demand on the daily pressures our children already face. The hyper self-awareness and insidious social comparisons are a huge challenge, and one that kids are often left to navigate on their own. As such, it’s important that we start looking at earlier intervention, and prevention. Right now, one in five children suffers from a mental health problem in any given year. That’s six in every primary school class… this is not OK. So, when Nadim (Saad) my co-author and co-founder of happyconfident.com I met, our discussions quickly turned to what more we could do to help children at an earlier age. Nadim has already developed a number of fun, science-based tools and journals for children aged six to 12 years, but we felt what was truly needed was to help children dig deep and really get under the skin of the life skills that would protect their mental wellbeing before hitting secondary school. We recognised a need for a structured method of helping kids navigate their emotions, and helping parents touch on the conversations and themes that are critical to good hardiness, good mental health, and positive emotional development. Our new Happy Confident Me Life Skills Journal draws on well-established research in the behavioural sciences but does so in child-friendly terms, helping kids to better understand themselves and how their bodies and minds work together. Through 60 engaging activities split across the 10 life skills recognised to enhance future happiness and wellbeing, our intention is that they learn through play – the most proven method for a child to absorb new concepts. We based the journal on core CBT tenets and exercises drawn from Nadim’s work in educational settings with children over his years of research. The ‘powers’ described in each chapter are presented so as to motivate kids to engage in important self-development. They’ll start their journal journey developing a deeper sense of self-awareness, ending it with a more rounded sense of self-acceptance. The 10 powers include Optimism, Growth Mindset, Resilience, Mindfulness and Compassion and each section builds on the previous power. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

PLAN PLAN PLAN YOUR YOUR YOUR CHILD’S CHILD’S CHILD’S FUTURE FUTURE FUTURE Saturday 13 November Sunday 14 November SaturdaySaturday 13 November 13 November Battersea Evolution, SW8 4NW

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PARENTING

THE ‘POWERS’ DESCRIBED IN EACH CHAPTER ARE PRESENTED SO AS TO

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/SHAPECHANGE

The journal aims to empower children and help them understand themselves better

We want children to feel that their journal is really helping them, and we want them to WANT to see it through, from start to end. With this in mind, we chose to give them a sense of empowerment, by furnishing them with the real science behind their thoughts, feelings, and actions. We introduce complex concepts such as introspection and interoception (our ability to feel sensations in our body), written in a way that those as young as eight will be able to understand. Importantly, we know that by helping kids understand these deeper concepts in a fun way, they’ll develop a greater sense of pride, and are likely to want to share their new learnings at home and at school. We spent a lot of time thinking about how to make each of the chapters as engaging as possible, with a real emphasis on experiential real-world learning. And with a desire to spark important conversations between parents and kids, we’ve built in some great activities that will inspire the kids to involve their parents, grandparents, carers and even teachers. Its ability to create these connections makes this journal unlike anything else available, something we’re really proud of.

motivate kids to engage in important selfdevelopment. THEY’LL START THEIR JOURNAL JOURNEY DEVELOPING A DEEPER SENSE OF SELF-AWARENESS

During the process, we checked in with kids at every stage. Our research panel included different groups of children, of different ages, from all types of schools, all across the country. A total of 50 children were consulted in depth over the concept development and design and copywriting period. So far, we’ve had incredible feedback and even adapted some of the earlier drafts to incorporate some of the fantastic suggestions from the children themselves. Social and emotional skills are of vital importance and need to be taught from the earliest age. This journal will take kids deeper, faster and hopefully, with a huge grin on their faces. And yes, if used correctly, we truly believe this book can make a genuinely positive difference to the way young people experience the world and their place within it. The Happy Confident Me Life Skills Journal by Dr Linda Papadopoulos and Nadim Saad (£11.99) is now available to buy online at happyconfident.com and Amazon, as well as at WHSmith stores nationwide.

SUPER POWERS

Five of the life skills or ‘powers’ children will develop in the journal

• Power of compassion • Power of optimism • Power of interoception • Power of mindset • Power of failure

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

AWARDS There are seven key learning skills in Curriculum 200

Not so common entrance Eagle House Prep in Berkshire has replaced the Common Entrance with Curriculum 200. Here, Head of English, MATTHEW EDWARDS explains the new curriculum

Independent projects help pupils take ownership of their learning

t Eagle House we had long felt that the Common Entrance examinations restricted us from being as creative and as forward-thinking as we would like. When the majority of senior schools moved to pre-testing in year six, the exams at 13+ seemed to be less relevant to our pupils. A lot of curriculum time in a pupil’s final two years was lost to exam preparation, and this seemed to be time that could CURRICULUM be best used in much better ways. We’re privileged 200 to be part of an independent education system that Last year, Eagle House allows us to go above and beyond the typical, and School launched an exciting, with a desire to create something that would prepare rich, knowledge-based our children best for the future, Curriculum 200 was curriculum with a broad born. Launched in 2020, 200 years after the founding range of topics for years of the school, we hope this new curriculum creates an five to eight. Incorporating exciting, robust and inspiring learning environment seven key learning skills at for our boys and girls. its heart, the curriculum Our pupils in years one to four have been following encourages exploration the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) for and mastery in academic some years, enabling us to combine the teaching of subjects alongside regular humanities, science and arts subjects into meaningful assessment, allowing pupils thematic units. We wanted to devise a curriculum in to develop a passion and years five to eight that built on the IPC and allowed us interest in particular areas. to create a rich, knowledge-based curriculum with a broader range of topics taught by subject specialists.

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

APPLYING

Curriculum 200 was launched 200 years after Eagle House School was established

AFTER CONSULTATION AND DEVELOPMENT, WE KNEW IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT our learners were ‘learners for life’: LEARNERS WHO ARE ENGAGED, REFLECTIVE, COMMUNICATIVE, MOTIVATED, RESILIENT, ORGANISED AND INQUISITIVE WILL BE SET UP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS Teachers were given the brief to develop a curriculum that would inspire children and allow for meaningful cross-curricular links. After consultation and development, we knew it was important that our learners were ‘learning for life’: learners who are engaged, reflective, communicative, motivated, resilient, organised and inquisitive will be set up for future success. These seven key learning skills are central to our curriculum, and they are constantly reinforced throughout the learning process. Curriculum 200 intrinsically links the minds of pupils and staff and pushes the boundaries of our comfort zones. There’s time for exploration and mastery in academic subjects, which allow pupils to develop a passion and interest in particular areas, enthused by the staff who teach them. Pupils’ ability to learn through explicit teaching of effective learning habits and skills is encouraged and we relish inquisitive, engaged, resilient and organised learners, fully preparing them for future challenges. Curiosity and reflection allow pupils to go above and beyond, and continuous monitoring of progress of the key learning skills shows where, and more crucially how, they can further develop in these vital areas. We wanted to keep assessment as a central part of the curriculum. Rigorous half termly-

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testing and tracking of attitudes, as well as attainment and effort, ensure academic excellence is maintained and children are wellsupported. Exams are important and children need to learn the skills that help them to do well. However, we must not allow exams to dominate the curriculum, so that the importance and enjoyment of learning isn’t lost. Curriculum 200 is a modular system with regular formal assessment every half term and with exams for all pupils in years five to eight in the summer term. Key learning skills are assessed, helping children to develop their confidence as they move on to senior school. As part of the curriculum, all year groups complete a range of short independent projects throughout the year. This allows the pupil to have greater ownership of their learning and be able to develop the skills that are such a valuable part of education beyond year eight. We have already seen outstanding creativity and insight from pupils and this project aspect of the curriculum has been a big success. At the end of year eight there’s an assessed humanities project that must incorporate elements of history, geography and religious studies. These projects are displayed for all to see, and awards given at the end of year prize-giving. Common Entrance provides senior schools

with some information on the academic standing of a pupil and is often used for setting and as a barometer of where a pupil is when they join in year nine. As part of Curriculum 200, children build a comprehensive learning skills profile, which identifies the extent to which they apply the learning attitudes to their studies. As a result, we provide senior schools with a much greater insight into a pupil’s learning journey. Each child has a transition document that shows all the data from the half termly assessments over their final two years. It provides standardised testing results and a learner profile, showing in graph form how well the pupil has developed their seven learning skills. A tutor report summarises the pupil and their academic journey, as well as their personal achievements outside the classroom. We believe that this is a much better way of giving senior schools real data, not just a grade based on a 70-minute exam. This transition document has been widely praised by senior schools as offering real insight into a child. Curriculum 200 is part of a fully inclusive three-to-13 curriculum, drawing children across Eagle House into a progressive and challenging journey of all-round education. And it will continue to evolve, as our journey has only just begun.

Devonshire House Preparatory School

Outstanding prep and pre-prep in Hampstead, with its own nursery Please contact us for a place on one of the Open Mornings Thursday 20th & 27th January 2022 Tel: 020 7435 1916 Email: enquiries@dhprep.co.uk Website: www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

AWARDS

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

STUART DOUCH, Headmaster of Sompting Abbotts Prep School in West Sussex explains how the school’s access to a rich variety of nature not only enhances the whole curriculum, it also instils pupils with an understanding of ecological and ethical responsibility

I 34

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fascination with nature makes it easy to teach green issues to them. Here, nature immersion means they get to do lots of the ‘old-fashioned’ stuff children love most. Like den-building, making daisy chains or hunting for the shiniest conker. In fact, our annual Golden Conker competition is a big event! Children in the pre-prep have regular Forest School-style outings to the woods. “From the nursery stage, our children collect wood to build their own fires and make tools from natural materials,” says Head of Pre-Prep, Kirsty Miles. That’s rain or snow: “The weather doesn’t stop us. We simply wrap up in waterproofs and put our wellies on!” “They dig in the mud, identify insects with magnifying glasses and iPads, and learn to recognise plant and leaf shapes. In the spring, we grab nets and use our big pond for wet habitat science learning to discover water boatmen, tadpoles and dragonfly nymphs. s

f children lose contact with the natural world, they won’t fight for it in the future. This has long been our grass-roots ethos. The climate emergency has only underlined the importance of learning about sustainability. Too many children, these days are losing touch with nature. A great many are more familiar with Pokémon and Minecraft characters, than species of British wildlife. Not so at Sompting Abbotts, which is set within 30 acres of mature woodland, chalk grassland and ponds inside the South Downs National Park. The children’s play area is green open space, which they’re allowed to roam. They have trees to climb (positively encouraged, with a few height rules!), squirrels to spot, and fresh air to breathe. Thinking green is part of everyday life at the school and extends through all key stages. Playing to children’s

AWARDS

At Sompting Abbotts Pre-Prep, weather is no obstacle to exploring

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

AWARDS

THE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA IS A GREEN OPEN SPACE, which they’re allowed to roam. They have trees to climb, SQUIRRELS TO SPOT, AND FRESH AIR TO BREATHE Twitching is now a popular pastime at the school

BIRDWATCHING WITH MR B

The school’s stunning grounds help to bring the curriculum to life

Yes, our children do get messy; they get stung by nettles and get clothes caught on brambles. But it’s all part of developing resourcefulness, resilience and autonomy.” These are the kind of lessons the children will always remember, says Mrs Miles. “To be able to take my class outside to marvel at the bee swarm or frog spawn just can’t be matched by watching a YouTube clip.” The school has an apple orchard, an Edwardian greenhouse and a vegetable garden. Here, the children grow organic tomatoes, broad beans, peas, onions and peppers for their home-cooked lunches. Sompting Abbotts Prep is somewhere where teachers often say: “Let’s take this lesson outside in the sun today.” The grounds and their multiple habitats are perfect for bringing all kinds of curriculumbased learning to life, whether that’s handson science, geography and art, or for other curriculum applications, such as field study and data collection. Even our pre-prep staff, for example, will use the orchard’s windfall apples and plums for numeracy lessons. The school’s green approach was noted in

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its recent ISI report. “Outdoors is seen as the children’s world,” it observed. “The excellent opportunities offered by the extensive grounds and gardens mean that they can, for example, climb the apple trees every day, see them blossom and come into fruit, lose their leaves and then bud again, and they enjoy eating the apples in the autumn.” Properly taught climate change education should be a thread through all subjects – not just science and geography. That’s from the food miles of the lunch ingredients used in the kitchen to debates on humanitarian issues such as mass migration in religious education or PSHE education. Last term, the school unveiled a brand new bench in its grounds made from of eco-bricks as part of a school-wide collection campaign. The bricks were made from plastic bottles, packed solid with wrappers and packaging that we all collected. Seeing how much waste we create was, I think, sobering for us all. At Sompting Abbotts, thinking green and celebrating the wonder of nature is simply ‘what we do’. But as an ethos, we believe it is powerful. Our pupils have the future of the planet in their hands.

“My children can now identify sparrow hawks and buzzards. They know the sound of a Song Thrush and blackbirds,” wrote a parent in the school’s latest satisfaction survey. That’s down to teacher ‘Mr B’ (David Buckingham, B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and RSPB life member). His form goes out for Tweet of the Day bird-watching outings each day before assembly. They have binoculars, recording equipment and notebooks in tow. There are plenty of South Downs birds for them to spot in the grounds – from wrens to skylarks to linnets to buzzards, plus barn owls nesting in the school’s old outhouses. “The children love dissecting their regurgitated pellets,” says Mr B. “They usually contain the remains of four or five small mammals!” He focuses on identifying birds by their calls and songs. “Since a lot of the children study musical instruments here, they have a pretty good recall,” he says. “I also use onomatopoeic phrases to help the memory process which links in to English lessons; e.g. chiffchaff calls its name and the jackdaw says ‘jack’. “I often use the bird apps on my phone to reinforce the learning process or watch a little bit of video when we get back to the classroom. “I don’t want it to sound like a lesson. Birdwatching is just a wonderful way to start the day in nature and understand the connectedness of everything.”

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK/ANDREW_HOWE

Buzzards and skylarks and linnets, oh my! Mr Buckingham leads ornithology learning at the school

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Pupils are regularly screened and provided with personalised exercise programmes

TAKING ACTION

Huw Thomas, Director of Sport at Sherborne Prep School in Dorset discusses the sports department’s lockdown revolution

eing forced to evolve and adapt our traditional teaching methods in schools to cater for the changing needs of our pupils – both in sporting participation and engagement – has created the opportunity for reflection, and a review of ‘usual’ practice. I looked back on a workshop that I delivered to the team on the topic ‘what does winning look like?’ It was obvious to me that as a school, we had put far too much emphasis on the outcome of fi xtures from a Saturday afternoon rather than the longer-term focus of developing the right culture and environment for our pupils and staff to flourish as individuals, within a team structure. To me, winning is far more about having fun and building a lifelong love of sport than the end result. We set about trying to design and deliver a programme

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

that would equip our pupils with the right physical, tactical, technical toolkit to take a positive attitude and embark upon a lifelong participation in sporting activities. Here are some pillars of the programme which are fundamental non-negotiables:

Fun with our friends

We want the pupils in our care to have fun. Children want to play; they attempt to master reality through play whereas adults aim to escape reality through our ‘play’! As a result, one of the first major changes that we made to our programme was to focus on team sports and a games-based approach to learning. This necessitated a change of mindset among our staff and an unswerving commitment to ‘not worry’ about the result on Saturday. Of course, pupils like to come out on top of the

scoreboard at the end of a fi xture, but our commitment to switching our focus from Saturday afternoons to what goes on during our games sessions, has reaped huge rewards.

Functional movement

Five years ago, the importance of providing a physical literacy programme for the pupils in our care was limited to those in the world of athletic development or with an elite athlete programme. The relevance of developing a functional movement programme for young children is of crucial importance in the modern world, it enables all pupils to access the full sporting offer with the skills and understanding to improve their own movement. We’re extremely proud of our partnership with Functional Movements Systems UK (or FMS), and have made huge

AWARDS

progress over the last few years in developing our delivery and tailoring the programme that the pupils receive. We’ve redefined our physical education programme and now allocate a significant proportion of our time and resources to providing a sustainable impact on the movement wellbeing of our pupils. As part of this process, and in collaboration with the FMS UK system, we screen the pupils regularly throughout the year and provide them with a personalised set of exercises that contains an individualised movement skills development plan. We were confident that if we developed core movement patterns, balance, stability and the ability to move efficiently, we would achieve our goal. We’ve seen a visible difference in the functional movement of our pupils with a tangible focus on physical and mental wellbeing. We saw a staggering 90 per cent improvement in pupils after only the first six-month block of activity. Moving forward,

we’re looking to work on a research project with Cardiff Metropolitan University linked to movement in pre-prep pupils. Exciting times.

Co-educational sport

One of the absolute successes of the last 18 months has been our approach to mixing the girls and boys during the games programme. This has absolutely been a product of adapting to the restrictions of bubbles and the need to maximise our resources, both physical and human, but the benefits have been astounding. Challenging the traditional format of gender splits for sport is an important step forward for schools. Having seen first hand the ability levels, skill levels and approach to the girls in our setting – if the parameters of the game are fair, then it’s certainly a level playing field. I appreciate that we need to consider single-sex schools, National Governing Body guidance and other factors but, I’m advocating a fresh look at our fi xture programme in

Fun with friends is one of the key aims of participating in sport at Sherborne

order to move away from the gender bias and stereotypes within our supposedly co-ed settings. The pupils relish the chance to play with their friends and the balance of some single-sex sessions is important. As a result, we’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made over the last five years. Are we winning? I hope and think so. The collaboration and changes across the prepschool sector have been brilliant to chart over the last few years. It’s clear that schools are embracing the chance for a fresh look at how we deliver sporting programmes.

ONE OF THE ABSOLUTE SUCCESSES OF THE LAST 18 MONTHS

has been our approach to mixing the girls and boys during the games programmes. THIS HAS ABSOLUTELY BEEN A PRODUCT OF

ADAPTING TO THE RESTRICTIONS OF BUBBLES

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

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ADVERTORIAL BACK TO SCHOOL 2021:

Recipe for success Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill prepares students for the future through a bilingual education in a nurturing and innovative environment

ear families, welcome to Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, an independent school located on a leafy two-hectare campus in North London. The school hosts 850 students aged three to 18, with bilingual immersion beginning from the pre-reception until year 13.

Children learn in small groups in a stimulating but reassuring environment

Bilingual immersion from three years old

Bilingual immersion begins at the age of three, when young students are guided by two early childhood specialist teachers, permanently present in the classroom, each giving lessons in their mother tongue, French or English. This organic approach to bilingualism allows children to learn in small groups through play and discovery, and experience a stimulating yet reassuring environment.

BRAIN ARCHITECTURE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY CENTER ON THE DEVELOPING CHILD, 2008

Green open spaces

The beautiful campus offers various outdoor spaces for children to explore. Outdoor activities in all seasons nurture creativity and respect for nature. “We’ve designed gardening activities. The children are able to plant vegetables, harvest them and eat them in the canteen. We’re able to sensitise the students to the protection of bees by sowing honey flowers and adding water points in our gardens. Nursery students also take advantage of the leafy areas of the campus and look at the surrounding nature. They climb, jump, explore, discover and learn while having fun.”explains Laure Berr, Head of the primary school.

16 children per class maximum

With a maximum of 16 children per class in pre-reception and reception, every child is a valued contributor, both to their own learning and their surroundings. Each child’s inquisitive mind is developed through play scenarios*, and differentiated learning opportunities, pursuant to the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Students grow up in a caring international community where they’re

THE BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS OFFERS outdoor spaces for children to explore. OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN ALL SEASONS NURTURE CREATIVITY AND RESPECT FOR NATURE taught the fundamental values of respect and openness to the world and other cultures. “Beyond the cultures present in the classroom, it is inclusion that we learn and verbalize in the classroom so that each child feels valued, appreciated and fully integrated.”

Student-centred approach

In primary, instruction is in English 50 per cent of the time from years one to six. Each class meets daily with one French-speaking and one English-speaking teacher, as well as speciality PE, language, and music teachers. Lycée Churchill offers a fine balance between academic rigour and innovation, placing the needs of each student at the heart of its philosophy. Teachers uses proven but original teaching methods designed to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and risk-taking.

100 per cent success in exams and 100 per cent of students admitted to the world’s most competitive universities

Once students are in secondary school, families can either opt for a French curriculum which leads to the baccalauréat diploma, or an English-language track, feeding into the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. The only constant is that education remains bilingual until the age of 18, in the benevolent atmosphere that is unique to Lycée Churchill. The school’s highly successful graduates go on to enrol at leading international universities across the UK, Canada, USA, France and elsewhere in Europe. For more information, visit the school’s website www.lyceeinternational.london AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL FEES

A priceless education

SIMON BALDERSON, Deputy Head Academic at Westonbirt School, Gloucestershire outlines the financial paths open to families who would otherwise struggle with the cost of school fees

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

or deferred payments for families who needed to respond to financial changes brought about by a change in circumstances.

Around the clock

The overall cost of education is always worth considering, when thinking about whether to send your child to an independent school. Many independent schools provide wraparound care, with breakfast clubs, a longer school day, and a variety of sport, music, clubs, societies, and activities which would incur a cost outside of school. The flexibility of being able to drop your child off early or pick them up later in the afternoon, knowing

t first glance, the cost of independent education looks prohibitively expensive for all but the most well off. However, when one considers the various benefits provided in the all-encompassing approach to education embodied by many independent schools, especially those with a boarding community, it can be significantly more cost-effective than it might initially appear. Add to that the discounts offered by virtually all independent schools as bursaries and scholarships, as well as funding available from charitable organisations, and the entire proposition seems much more enticing. The fee structure at most independent schools is fairly similar, usually being charged by the term. Some charge a flat fee, whereas others increase as the child moves through the school. Whatever the structure, it’s often worth speaking to the bursar, if a different payment plan would suit you. Schools will often try their best to be accommodating and, particularly over the recent pandemic, many will have offered discounts, established hardship funds,

MANY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PROVIDE wraparound care, with

breakfast clubs, a longer school day,

AND A VARIETY OF SPORT, MUSIC, CLUBS, SOCIETIES AND ACTIVITIES

SCHOOL FEES

Westonbirt offers wraparound care for its students, from afterschool clubs to music lessons

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL FEES

Boarding pupils have allocated time in the evenings for homework

BOARDING, OF COURSE, COMES AT A MUCH HIGHER COST THAN A DAY PLACE but that they’ve had an active and fulfilling day, is hugely important, and compares favourably to the logistical challenge many families face in ferrying their children between multiple external clubs. At Westonbirt, swim squad and breakfast and politics club start at around 7.30am, while the boarders’ book club, runs late into the evening. Weekend activities are also open to all day pupils, giving families plenty of options, when they need to be flexible.

Town or country?

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

PROGRAMME OF SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES Strathallan School offers exceptional arts facilities

the evenings and weekends during term time. Many schools have increased the provision of weekly and flexi-boarding over recent years, allowing families access to the many benefits of boarding, but giving much more flexibility to spend quality time with their children.

Bursaries and scholarships

There are multiple routes to find support for independent school fees and many schools are happy to assist families in finding these. Scholarships and exhibitions are available in most schools for outstanding candidates in maths, music, sport, drama, or whatever the individual school has chosen to focus on. Each school has its own character and profile, which will affect the nature and value of scholarships, but families might expect to receive a five to 10 per cent discount on fees (although they may go much higher in certain schools), usually with some extra provision, such as sports coaching or music lessons built in to the award.

House prices will often be significantly higher in the catchment area of good state schools and so many families pay the cost of education in a mortgage, rather than directly to the school. The pandemic has prompted many families to consider a move to the countryside, and they can be pleasantly surprised by the difference in house prices compared to London, and often with an outstanding school on the doorstep. Boarding, of course, comes at a much higher cost than a day place, but with the peace of mind that your children are being cared for 24 hours a day, with a rich programme of sport and activities, time for completing their homework and socialising with their friends in

with the peace of mind that your children are being cared for 24 hours a day, WITH A RICH

ADVERTORIAL

Support system

Godolphin & Latymer showed huge generosity of spirit during the pandemic, ensuring its success as inner of the utstanding esponse to ovid a ard The Bridge outreach programme helped support learning across 40 state primary schools

oldolphin & Latymer’s new outreach Bridge programme quickly moved online, with nearly 40 primary state school students logging on to sessions via live Google Meet using iPads provided where necessary. The school’s Higher Education Undiscovered Subjects event, introducing university subjects not normally taught in schools, was relaunched as a series of online lectures which were well-attended by students from its state partner senior schools. Debating continued to flourish online: Godolphin hosted debating workshops for year seven and eight pupils from local state schools and its teams regularly competed remotely against other teams, including schools from the US and Spain. The Ancient World Breakfast Club, with more than 200 members from the local community, moved online, allowing for speakers from across the world, and generating more than 4,000 podcast listens. The local community was also invited to the school’s virtual Christmas Stallholders Bazaar. Its Friday Lunchtime Recital series went virtual on SoundCloud and has received over 40,000 plays. Students,staff, parents and alumnae competed in the Weekly Wellness Workout challenge, together running, cycling and scooting all the way to Australia! The Daily Dolphin student newsletter and video messages from teachers kept pupils connected and spirits uplifted while staff enjoyed a Weekly Wellness

IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY, the school

linked up with Certitude, one of London’s leading adult social care providers, TO

SUPPLY PPE TO STAFF IN CARE HOMES bulletin. Little Ones was also launched via Google Meets for staff with small children to share tips and support each other. The school’s alumnae newsletter was published weekly during the first lockdown, and Christmas and birthday cards were sent out to some of its oldest Old Dolphins. A record number of parents also signed up for Godolphin & Latymer’s online quiz nights. In the wider community, the school linked up with Certitude, one of London’s leading adult social care providers, to supply PPE to staff in care homes, and the 1st XI Hockey Squad ran 3,000km in 30 days to raise more than £9,000 for NHS Charities Together. Students made face masks for the local community, laundry bags for the NHS Rapid Response Appeal and volunteered with local community groups to support vulnerable

people; one student was featured on the BBC news report, Corona Kindness. DofE students contributed 3,224 hours of voluntary service to the local community; pupils and teachers collected and donated food to the local Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, presents for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal and raised funds for Children in Need. Students supported Ready Tech Go, Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council by donating used laptops and tablets for children who didn’t otherwise have access to the internet. The Head Girl set up Mentor Jr and recruited fellow sixth formers to provide free online mentoring and tutoring to local primary school pupils. Lower sixth students set up the online Pulsar Science Magazine for primary-age children to support their interest in science and help with their learning. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

An independent school that reflects your ambition Open day*

Whole School Open Day 20 November 2021 Register at: www.lvs.ascot.sch.uk/admissions/open-days *Adhering to government guidelines and the lockdown road map.

SCHOOL FEES

Scholarships and exhibitions are often available for outstanding students at independent schools

Candidates can expect to go through a selection process, with at least one or two interviews, as well as a test relevant to the subject they’re applying for. In addition to scholarships, bursaries provide a means-tested element, to provide assistance to families who need financial support. These can be anything up to 100 per cent of school fees, depending on the school and the candidate. Families will often be asked to undergo a financial assessment, sometimes conducted by an external company, to establish what the right level of support is. Some schools will have established endowments, with the particular purpose of supporting bursaries, whereas others might find funding from their alumni association or other groups. At Westonbirt, our alumni association, through its memorial bursary, has doubled the number of children it supports as a direct response to Covid-19 and the need to support parents. There are many trusts and charities which also support children through independent education. The Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, for example, has a link with the Boarding Schools’ Association,

UCS in London offers music scholarships

Sandroyd is a registered Pony Club Centre and riding school

supporting children who are either in care, or have been identified by their Local Authorities as being ‘in need’, to access boarding school bursary places. Each of these trusts will have a particular focus, possibly to support choral singing, or families from the armed forces, and will have their own application procedures. However, it’s well worth investigating these options to help fund your child’s place.

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL FEES

CASE STUDY

HOW I DID IT

Westonbirt alumna, Hattie shares her experience of achieving her academic dream of a bursary for her sixth form studies at the school. Having achieved top grades in her A-levels, she’s now studying a degree in architecture at University of Edinburgh When did you apply for a bursary? In the autumn term, when I was in year 11 at a state secondary school. What did you know about bursaries? Only a small amount, but I knew it was the only way I could achieve my dream of going to Westonbirt for sixth form so I did my research! Did you apply for a bursary at any other schools? No, I only applied to Westonbirt. Do you have bursary provision for the entirety of your school life? The bursary funded me through my sixth form years at Westonbirt. What qualities do you have to have to consider applying for a bursary? I think you have to be motivated, as it does take more effort to apply for a bursary but for me that effort more than paid off. It was really my only option for studying at Westonbirt and it was my dream to do that. I also think it helps if you’re confident, but it also helps build your confidence. Which members of staff knew that you had a bursary and did the other pupils know? Some members of staff knew and some peers, but it made absolutely no difference to my experience of being a student at Westonbirt, and I was in no way defined by it. What impact has receiving a bursary had on you and your family? The impact on my life has been huge! I’ve been lucky to experience both the state and the independent sectors for secondary education and so I have direct comparisons of both. For me, an independent education at sixth

I THINK YOU HAVE TO BE MOTIVATED,

as it does take more effort to apply for a bursary, BUT FOR ME THAT EFFORT

MORE THAN PAID OFF. I ALSO THINK IT HELPS IF YOU’RE CONFIDENT form has given me an amazing set of friends and connections from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, I literally have a global address book now! I think that will prove a great stepping stone to university life, as I know that I will meet many different types of people when I go on to study architecture at the University of Edinburgh this year, and I feel well prepared for that now. What was one of the main differences between your previous school and Westonbirt? The teachers at my state school were great, but the small class sizes at Westonbirt meant that teachers

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

had so much more time for giving me individual attention, and I believe it’s that one-to-one approach that has helped me to gain the grades I did at A-level, meaning that I can now pursue my dream of studying architecture at Edinburgh! Anything else? Also, my close connections with the alumni association at Westonbirt and the bursary they offered have meant that I’ve become the year group rep for our leavers’ year and am tasked with keeping in touch with the school and the alumni association, which is a great opportunity and a role I shall enjoy enormously.

St Catherine’s is a place where your daughter will develop a lifelong love for learning, in a supportive and homely environment. Both in and outside the classroom, she will experience a range of opportunities, and discover her strengths and passions. From this foundation, she will grow in confidence and develop a curiosity about everything around her. She will leave our Prep School believing in her abilities and ready to embrace new challenges in senior school.

from 9.45am

Friday 12 th November 2021 Friday 4 th February 2022 Thursday 10 th March 2022 St Catherine’s Prep, Bramley GSA Day & Boarding School since 1885 | 4 - 18 years Guildford GU5 0DF | www.stcatherines.info

Education - the Greatest Gift • South West’s Leading School-based STEAM and Innovation Centre • Specialist teaching, bespoke classrooms • Forest School, Yurt, Adventure Playgrounds all set in 100-acre site • Inspirational Music, Drama and Creative Arts • A diverse range of co-curricular activities available • Top quality boarding with a nurturing family atmosphere

Book your tour on our website A warm welcome awaits www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk An Independent Co-educational Boarding & Day School for pupils aged 9 months - 18 years

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

ADVICE

ASK THE EXPERTS

What kind of pastoral care should parents expect from prep schools? Our four headteachers give their advice

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

ADVICE

At Cottesmore, pupils are taught to take responsibility for their classmates’ happiness

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

ADVICE

Therapy dog, Lina offers emotional support to the pupils at JAGS pre-prep school

Tom Rogerson, Cottesmore, West Sussex Parents should be looking for exceptional care for their children and nothing else is remotely acceptable. It’s the number one priority at Cottesmore and always has been. It should be the number one priority at all excellent schools. The success of each child is dependent on the happiness of each child – and the school you choose needs to be in a constant search for the best ways to make this happen. Every single adult at Cottesmore is responsible for every single girl and boy. Every adult expresses interest in every child and focuses on the safety and happiness of each girl and boy. Moreover, every single child is responsible for every single one of their peers’ happiness, care and safety. This whole-school attitude is essential for a truly successful holistic approach. We exist as a unit; the happiness of one is the happiness of all. When considering pastoral care provision in prep schools, ask yourselves: how much fun is the school? Are the teachers kind? If it’s not fun, is it worth the sacrifice? Are the staff, matrons, support workers and head constantly thinking of new ways to keep the girls and boys engaged? Are lessons fun? Does the school have a growth mindset? Do you feel comfortable when you walk through the front door?

Elizabeth Channon, James Allen’s Pre-Prep, south London Pastoral care should be a living entity in any

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

and every school. At JAGS Pre-Prep everyone is responsible for pastoral support, as effective care involves professionals and parents working together. I firmly believe that if children are happy then they’re able to learn freely and without limits, but the reality is that life tends not to be a happy experience all the time. We’re all available at JAGS to give support, offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. The care and support for the children in a school should be tangible, and our ethos centres on bespoke support for each young person to allow their individuality to flourish. The teaching staff work hand in hand with our therapist, our Junior School Pastoral Coordinator and our very own therapy dog, Lina. Pastoral care is more than just having school systems in place. As one of our parents said “you just know when it works,” and the faces of our youngest students show you just that!

need to be nurtured, cared for and valued as individuals. When things are not quite right for a child, they need time to talk, be able to express their wishes and feelings, and perhaps even be offered time with a play therapist or other professional who works directly with the school. Pastoral care is so much more than a form teacher knowing their children, it’s about the whole community knowing what the children need and how to get the most out of a child both academically and emotionally. This can only be done through investing a great deal of time, way beyond the school day. This way, a school helps secure a future for the children, with life skills and an emotional intelligence for the next part of OUR EXPERTS their learning journey and beyond.

Dr Craig Walker, Pitsford School, Northampton

Tom Rogerson, COTTESMORE

Elizabeth Channon,

JAMES ALLEN’S PRE-PREP

Amanda Childs, IPSWICH PREP

Amanda Childs, Ipswich Prep School, Suffolk Outstanding pastoral care should be the backbone of any prep school. At this age, the children

Dr Craig Walker, PITSFORD

Anxious parents looking for the best pastoral care for their children should ask whether prospective schools treat pastoral as part of education, sitting alongside other bits (like academic or cocurricular), or treat it as integral to every part of education, nondivisible from the rest. Education is not a salad where ingredients remain separate, but rather it’s a soup where all of the ingredients merge together to create a delicious whole! To be less metaphorical, pastoral must touch upon every part of school life. Here are some key questions to ask any school: how many children are in each class (ie how much teacher time does your child get)? How happy are the children in school (ie are they stressed)? Does the school set aside time daily/weekly for pastoral care? Does the school welcome your input and questions? Good pastoral care is the robust and well-prepared canvas upon which your child’s education will be painted. Happy hunting!

ADVERTORIAL

Go your own way t

ot s ill pupils leave at ith more than ust ualifications the leave ith perspective purpose and a strong sense of self

bbot’s Hill is a school with a unique personality. Founded more than 100 years ago to ‘educate young women of character’. This is an inclusive school that embraces diversity, developing kind, resilient and discerning pupils who are ambitious for themselves and each other. The school places great value on the development of the individual. On providing an education fit for the modern world pupils leave as confident, compassionate citizens who will go onto make significant and lasting contributions to others throughout their lives. The school’s value-added score is superb: with a broadly comprehensible intake, all pupils make excellent progress and the GCSE results reflect this. Some head off to highly selective sixth forms. The majority choose A-levels as their next step, although some choose different routes into practical or vocational courses or apprenticeships. What the girls have in common is early leadership experience (no waiting for the glories of year 13), a diverse array of future hopes and ambitions, and the maturity and work ethic to achieve these. Where has this maturity been derived? How are they prepared for ‘life beyond’ Abbot’s Hill? In large part, it’s because of what they do beyond the regimen of traditional examination specifications. Results matter: of course they do. The school wants the girls to have the widest possible range of choices ahead of them, and good results equal choices. However, how you arrive at these good results is what matters, and Abbot’s Hill believes that happy pupils learn best. Pupils develop skills of collaboration and cooperation through a broad and rich curriculum. Activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme, Young Enterprise, the prep and senior prefect roles, school council, community and charity programmes, and the vast array of clubs and societies – from 3D printing to marketing to coding – ensure that

The focus at Abbot’s Hill is on developing the individual

THIS IS AN INCLUSIVE SCHOOL THAT

embraces diversity, developing kind, resilient and discerning pupils WHO ARE

AMBITIOUS FOR THEMSELVES Abbot’s Hill leavers are well equipped with essential life skills. Positive relationships are at the heart of a successful school: at Abbot’s Hill, the sense of being part of an extended family and caring community, coupled with the care and dedication of the staff, means that girls thrive from an early age. The particularly high standard of pastoral care provides girls with the foundations needed to move on with confidence, to lead happy and successful teenage and adult lives while striking the balance of looking after themselves and others.

Authentic and true to the spirit of its founders, and yet looking ahead to the challenges of the fast-paced 21st century world, the school is asking itself what ‘character’ means in a post-Covid world. With examinations stripped away for the second year in a row, perhaps it’s fair to say that ‘character’ doesn’t begin and end with a set of numbers on a piece of paper. It begins at Abbot’s Hill with young women poised and confident, ready for whatever comes their way.

Discover more at open events throughout the year abbotshill.herts.sch.uk

5375

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com independentschoolparent.com

Pupils here benefit from a kinaesthetic education

Lockers Park boys are enthusiastic about the vast array of sports provisions available to them

PREP

BEHIND THE SCENES

LOCKERS PARK SCHOOL New Head GAVIN TAYLOR explains how the Hertfordshire school’s inclusive extracurricular approach imbues pupils with a real energy for life

t Lockers Park School, we place huge importance on educating the whole child. An excellent academic education is a given, but we also seek to inspire a thirst and enthusiasm for life and learning in our pupils that will last for years to come. Set in the heart of Hertfordshire, Lockers Park was the country’s first purpose-built preparatory school, expressly created in 1874 as a foundation school for preparing boys for Rugby School. While much has changed since, there are several constants. We remain a leading preparatory and boarding school for boys aged four to 13, offering a first-class academic education that sees pupils moving on to the country’s top senior schools. We’re also still a small school. Purposefully small. Academically, this enables boys to take advantage of highly individualised, kinaesthetic learning. Every teacher knows every child – by both name and by personality too – and understands how to get the best out of them. This is an approach that reaps dividends when it comes to pupils’ academic progress and also, when the time comes, carefully finding the right school for each individual boy. But a Lockers Park education has always been about so much more. Take a closer look and you’ll find a thriving wider life that gives boys access to a plethora of inspiring, actionpacked activities. Pupils’ energies and passions are supported from the get-go and allowed to grow. This open, inclusive approach helps pupils build confidence and develop resilience, ambition and empathy. The school’s unique take on the traditional prep school after-school club means there’s no need to sign up for specific activities: everything is on tap and accessible to one and

all. Tireless, supportive staff encourage the boys to work together as a team, being there for one another every step of the way. This inclusive attitude also means every boy is given the opportunity to represent the school termly in sports fixtures throughout their Lockers Park career. Boys can try their hand at debating, join an art extension group, immerse themselves in chess club or sing in the chapel choir as well as enjoy all kinds of sports including badminton, rifle shooting and squash. We’re lucky enough to offer a closed Scouts group onsite, with 40 per cent of the school participating, as well as having The Snow Centre right on our doorstep, with a third of pupils skiing once a week. We like pupils to make the most of all that a Lockers Park education entails. This includes an unrivalled wraparound care programme, where the boys can complete prep, let off steam in the school grounds together and try out a range of fun-fuelled options, as well as socialise with peers over breakfast and supper.

Our boys jump at the chance to take up our flexi-boarding opportunities as well. These offer one-of-a-kind, exciting boarding nights that are the talk of the school for days and days afterwards, including the legendary Dark Tower adventure game. All of the above creates a sense of togetherness among the boys that’s both peerto-peer and cross-year. Pupils know they’re part of a community where their opinion counts – they understand each is a valued member of the team. We believe providing such a rich, inclusive palette of opportunities readies our pupils for the next stage in their educational journey. It imbues them with a real can-do attitude. This is often commented on by prospective senior schools, who observe that Lockers Park boys will happily sign up and try out as many activities as possible. Their palpable energy and enthusiasm for life is what sets them apart from their peers. And with that, our work is done.

Lockers Park boys can try out singing in the chapel choir

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

ADVERTORIAL

Mr Wells returns to Wells! The Somerset school welcomes its new junior school headteacher

Mr Wells believes that great schools are all about the love and support of the community within them

Jody’s philosophy of education was established at Wells: “I believe education shouldn’t just equip children with a curiosity for the world around them, but also instil in them a love of learning that’s matched by a balance of ambition and integrity. Alongside academic development I believe in the development of transferable skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, initiative and tenacity.”

A memorable encounter that shaped his approach:

“Early in my career, I was talking to a parent over a cup of tea. She wanted to know why her son, a reasonable under-10 sportsman but an abject day dreamer, had not made the A-team. My response of “if he worked a bit harder, maybe he would get into the team” was met with “Maybe if you put him in the team, he would work a bit harder”. And that stopped me in my tracks. I hadn’t ever thought about it like that before. He got his chance, he revelled in the opportunity and ended his school career as captain of a county championshipwinning and national finalist hockey team and The start of his A-team player in all sports. teaching journey: Children deserve a chance, “After school, I signed up for a Jody and Lucy they deserve opportunities. gap year at a school in Devon are happy to be They might not know what to give myself time to decide back in Wells they can do until they get a what to study at university. My chance to discover it for themselves.” mother was a teacher and I had no intention of following in her footsteps – in fact I even had a £10 bet with the Head that I wouldn’t Jody Wells is joined by his wife go into teaching! But my year there changed Lucy and his children, who have everything. I paid my £10 on the last day of started as pupils. He said: term and have never looked back! “Great schools are about the people. A school “I can’t wait to reacquaint myself with the should be a happy place where children feel school that’s so dear to my hear. I vividly recall valued, respected and cared for by the people the sense of wonder I first felt when I joined the working with them. The love for the school school in 1998, and in fact, have felt every time demonstrated by staff, the governing body, I’ve visited since. Many visitors tell us that they parents and pupils alike is clear to see, and we experience this feeling too!” couldn’t be happier to be returning.”

I VIVIDLY RECALL THE SENSE OF WONDER I ﬁrst felt when I joined the school in 1998, AND IN FACT, HAVE FELT EVERY TIME I’VE VISITED SINCE

ells Cathedral School in Somerset has announced the appointment of Mr Jody Wells as Head of its junior school this September. He succeeds Julie Barrow, who has retired after 30 incredible years at the school. Most recently, Jody Wells was Headmaster of Forres Sandle Manor Prep School in Hampshire, where he was previously Deputy Head. He is also an ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) Inspector. He was previously Head of Boys’ Games and Head of Boarding at All Hallows School. But he began his career at Wells Cathedral School – as a houseparent and class teacher – and is delighted to be coming back to where it all began.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

AWARDS

Francis Holland School’s Classics Centre is the first classical studies facility of its kind opened in the 21st century

CARPE DIEM

When Francis Holland Regent’s Park provided a neighbouring state school with lessons in Latin and classics, the results were astounding

ack in August, the UK government announced that £4m would be directed to teach Latin in 40 state schools under the Latin Excellence Programme. This reflects the increasing recognition of the value of studying classical subjects due to their relevance in so many aspects of today’s world,

department two new teaching spaces, one of which– the Classics Library – is dedicated purely to sixth form teaching. Headteacher Charles Fillingham commented on the fundamental importance of the continued study of classics today: “Both the agonies and the ecstasies of our modern society have already been played out for us in

IN MARCH, DESPITE STILL BEING IN LOCKDOWN, we ran a Classics Week, with online

quizzes and competitions for pupils and a live talk from the late Helen McCrory, THE STAR OF PEAKY BLINDERS, ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE PLAYING THE TITLE ROLE IN THE GREEK TRAGEDY MEDEA

the classical world. There are easy parallels between the struggles of the Roman Empire and the consumer society of today and there’s considerable wisdom to be picked up from the philosophy of Aristotle, Socrates and Plato.” Indeed, as demonstrated by the enduring popularity of Greek and Roman myths and legends in popular culture (think Hercules,

including multiple languages, philosophy, religion and history. Teachers at Regent’s Park’s Francis Holland School were thrilled to hear about the Latin Excellence Programme, having opened their own Classics Centre in June. The first Classics Centre to be opened in the 21st century, the new centre affords the school’s classics

Pandora’s Box, Achille’s Heel, the list goes on…), classical study highlights fundamental principles of morality and human nature. Renowned classical scholar and author Dr Peter Jones MBE opened the centre and has co-founded Classics for All, a charity which helps state schools, many in deprived areas, to teach classical subjects, alongside one of Francis Holland’s classics teachers. Indeed, widening access to classics teaching is strongly supported by the school. As well as offering outstanding Latin, Greek and classics lessons to Francis Holland pupils, the classics staff also offer Latin lessons to girls at St Marylebone School for Girls from year eight to A-level as one of 34 community outreach programmes with state school partners. Teaching staff are delighted that this has resulted in FHS being nominated, alongside some very strong competitors, for the Community Outreach award in this magazine’s awards campaign and look forward to the results being announced! St Marylebone used to have a classics department and a proud tradition in offering Latin and classical civilisation throughout the

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

Scholarship Days

Schol ar availa ships ble fr om Year 7

24th & 25th January 2022 Application deadline Friday 7th January https://wells.cathedral.school/scholarships

“Exciting times lie ahead for the brilliant Wellington College” — Tatler

Coeducational | Ages 13 -18 | Boarding & Day in Crowthorne, Berkshire Wellington College nurtures a unifying culture of ambition and aspiration, creating an atmosphere which encourages each pupil to believe that anything is possible Find out more at wellingtoncollege.org.uk

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

AWARDS

Providing after-school Latin classes to St Marylebone School for Girls has been a huge success

The school ran a Classics Week in lockdown

school years. Due to budget constraints four years ago, they stopped offering Latin to all years and began to just teach classics at A-level. FHS stepped in to offer Latin teaching at an after-school club for younger years. Kat Pugh, Head of St Marylebone, has commented: “Francis Holland’s provision of subject specialist Latin lessons to our students in Key Stages 3 and 4 has been a tremendous success. Our GCSE students have been inspired and enriched by the subject and, in response to their enthusiasm, they’ll now also be offered the A-level Latin course from Francis Holland too. The teaching is excellent, including the adaptability of the teachers to another school’s ways and means.” The subject has grown enormously in popularity at St Marylebone. FHS now teaches 43 girls Latin from year eight to year 11, 11 of whom are taking their Latin GCSE this year. Three girls who started in the school’s first class at St Marylebone (now in year 12) took their Latin GCSE in the summer. While this is

a small number, the girls have only ever studied Latin after school as an optional subject; what’s more, all three of these girls have opted to study Latin at A-level, which shows the impact that the lessons have had on them. During lockdown FHS continued teaching the girls at St Marylebone, offering live remote teaching every week to all classes. One Francis Holland classics teacher has also undertaken teaching Latin on a voluntary basis to primary school pupils at Holy Trinity and St Silas Church of England Primary School in Camden and classical Greek to teachers who are keen to start teaching the subject at their own state secondary schools. In March, despite still being in lockdown, we ran a Classics Week, with online quizzes and competitions for pupils and a live talk from the late Helen McCrory, the star of Peaky Blinders, about her experience playing the title role in the Greek tragedy Medea. We also organised a classics festival, which was cancelled due to lockdown but is now planned for 2021-2022, consisting of lectures from academics to around 90 students, taking classical subjects at GCSE and A-level from schools all over London and the south east.

SAPIENTIA ET DOCTRINA: WISDOM AND LEARNING

The benefits of learning Latin

It hones pupils’ linguistic skills Enhancing students’ ability to analyse and understand countless different languages, including of course the English language! More than 60 per cent of English words have Latin and Greek roots; and a staggering 90 per cent in medicine and law. Relevance in philosophy In exploring how ancient societies lived and thought, students are encouraged to ponder the big questions: What is truth? What is love? Why are we all here? Captures the imagination The twists and turns of myths and legends, as well as the stunning architecture, art and costume, never fail to inspire!

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

The Johnson Trust. Registered Charity No. 277439

Day • Flexi • Weekly • Full Boarding

www.seaford.org

A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WHERE ACADEMIC PERSONAL BESTS ARE ACHIEVED ALONG WITH EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC, SPORT & THE ARTS Seaford College is a hidden gem tucked away at the foot of the picturesque South Downs near Petworth, West Sussex

Come along and meet the Headmaster, John Green and his management team

Visit www.seaford.org to watch our Virtual Tour of Seaford.

Love to learn

For more information contact the admissions secretary. Email: jmackay@seaford.org or Telephone: 01798 867456

PREP

In 5 pictures…

DERBY GRAMMAR PRIMARY SCHOOL he ittleover ased school is reno ned for its magnificent period manor setting, dedicated buddy system and enriching Forest School

At DGS, Forest School is an essential part of the enriched prep curriculum for all primary school pupils.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

PREP

At Derby Grammar School, every primary pupil has a buddy, and older pupils are encouraged to help younger pupils learn to read.

The new, state-of-the-art Infant School building opened in September 2020, allowing teaching staff to cater for boys aged four to 10 years.

Built in 1780 as a private residence, Rykneld Hall was used as a hospital during the second half of the 20th century, before eventually becoming home to Derby Grammar School in 1995.

Today, primary pupils use the quadrangle in front of the William’s Building – which used to be a stable block and accommodation for the non-house staff – as their break and lunchtime playground.

DID YOU KNOW? th centur manor kneld all no er rammar chool is home to one of onl three copies of astronomical atlas Atlas Coelestis ith a second cop held at the odleian i rar ts author ohn lamsteed as the first stronomer o al appointed harles to the o al servator at reen ich in

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

Inspiring Boys

BICKLEY EY PARK SCHOOL INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 2½–13

Commended for our ‘coherent and holistic Four Quadrants of Learning’. Come and visit to see for yourselves. 0208 4672195 admissions@bickleyparkschool.co.uk

@bickleyparksch #BPSacademic #BPSarts #BPSoutdoors #BPScommunity

Aspire • Endeavour • Achieve 14 Page Heath Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2DS

www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk

100% Academic 100% Academic Scholarship Success! Scholarship Success!

An independent school for boys aged 4-13 years, with co-educational nursery. Set in 45 acres of beautiful countryside with school bus routes including to SW London

Individual tours are recommended To register your interest, please e-mail

Individual tours are recommended admissions@parkside-school.co.uk or call 01932 862749

To register your interest, please e-mail

parkside-school.co.uk or call 01932 862749 admissions@parkside-school.co.uk 64

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

parkside-school.co.uk

ALUMNI

Ones to WATCH From public relations trailblazers to paralympic medallists, here are some of the independent school alumni making a name for themselves in their chosen fields

AMBAH SIMPSON, 26 Manchester High School for Girls

AMBAH SIMPSON

Brand Marketing Manager for YouTube at Google Something that was ingrained in me from an early age through my amazing experience at MHSG was how important it is to appreciate diverse cultures. Since then, throughout university and the early stages of my career, I’ve constantly sought out opportunities to advocate for minority groups and drive equality in the technology industry space. I think that it’s fantastic that studying at an all-girls’ school allowed me to truly believe that I can reach for any dream that I may have, despite my gender. These experiences led me to my role at Google, where I amplify the voices of underrepresented creators, celebrate them within the YouTube space and support them as they move towards a more optimistic future filled with endless possibilities. My vision for YouTube goes beyond this. I’m aware that there are gaps that are causing challenges within these communities. I hope to close these gaps through my work within the marketing and tech space. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

JENNIFER OGUNLEYE, 29 ACS International School Hillingdon

JENNIFER OGUNLEYE

Communications professional at Google I’ve always been a critical thinker and a good communicator, so a career in public relations seemed the obvious choice. I’ve worked across healthcare, transport, tech, finance and property industries, and apply these insights to my current role at Google. Championing diversity is so important to me. This has manifested itself in different ways, from setting up the UK Black Comms Network and guest-editing an anti-racist edition of PRWeek, to hosting the first collaborative Black History Month event with the Black partners from all the Big Four (KPMG, EY, Deloitte & PwC) for the first time ever. Being included in this year’s PRWeek PowerBook – which lists the most influential players in the comms industry – has been my proudest moment. I’m privileged to have completed the IB diploma at ACS, so it’s important to support the professionals coming up next, and have the confidence to say yes to the opportunities I’ve worked hard for!

BEN STEWARD, 23

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, North Yorkshire

Civil Service Fast Streamer I left QE in 2015, since which I’ve read for a BA and an MSt in History at Oxford, worked as a consultant for an international tech company, and joined the Civil Service via the UK’s top-ranked graduate scheme. The past year has seen me working to support HM Government’s Covid-19 response, and I’m looking forward to engaging with other major public projects soon. My time at QE not only gave me a platform to push myself academically, but also opportunities to widen my horizons, take on meaningful responsibilities, and grow significantly in confidence as a result. I remain grateful for what was a truly unique experience, and am glad that it lives on through the support of the school’s alumni network and the friends I made while there.

BEN STEWARD

ASWAD KHAN, 26 Abbey College Manchester

ASWAD KHAN

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

Medical Student & international cricket player Attending Abbey College, where I studied A-levels in biology, chemistry, and philosophy and ethics, really prepared me for my journey into medicine. I’m currently in my final year at Medical University Pleven in Bulgaria, where I also hold the role of President of the Association of International Medical Students. Alongside my studies, sport is a very big part of my life, and from the moment I started playing cricket at the age of seven I fell in love with the beautiful game. After living in Bulgaria for three years and qualifying to represent the country, I was honoured to receive my first international cap for Team Bulgaria in the Sofia T20 International Tournament, also taking my first two T20 wickets!

ALUMNI

VALENTIN PECHNIKOV, 22 Taunton School, Somerset

Quantative Researcher Since leaving school, I’ve graduated top of the class from London School of Economics (LSE) with a BSc in mathematics and economics and have gone on to do a Masters in mathematics and finance at Imperial College London. I’ve just begun my career as a Quantitative Researcher at a hedge fund. I truly believe that my experience at Taunton School International has played a massive role in helping me become the person that I am today. Coming from Russia, I was looking for a school that would offer an unparalleled learning experience, while ensuring well-rounded development outside of the classroom. The Taunton School International one-year IGCSE programme offered just that.

RHIANNON NEADS, 29

Royal High School Bath GDST, Somerset

Actor, writer & stand-up comedian My time at RHSB prepared me for the many challenges a career in the performing arts can throw at you. I trained as an actor at LAMDA, and have since worked on stage, screen and BBC radio, alongside writing and performing my own work with my award winning comedy duo, Stiff & Kitsch. No two days are the same, and you need flexibility and resilience – skills I learnt in my time at RHSB. Alongside nurturing a growing passion for theatre, the school instilled the idea that any problem can be tackled, giving me the confidence to believe no task is insurmountable, be it recording an animation voiceover from a makeshift wardrobe studio, or figuring out how to write a risk assessment for my first Edinburgh Fringe show!

VALENTIN PECHNIKOV

RHIANNON NEADS

SABRINA CHIEN, 27 Junior Specialist, Christie’s Hong Kong Currently working in the Modern & Contemporary Art department, a day in my life ranges from researching and art valuation, to authenticating and examining artworks spanning from the early 1900s to current day. A strong passion for art and history has been ingrained within me since I was young. St Mary’s Cambridge will always have a special place in my heart. It was a place for me to learn, make mistakes, and grow. The principal and teachers’ unconditional support is something I’ll always treasure. I was astounded to find out that St Mary’s launched a brand new A-level subject tailored just for students who wanted to pursue Art History at university, like myself. As a sixth former, they encouraged me to lead museum outreach work with Fitzwilliam, and supported my internship at Cheffins. I’m so grateful for the support St Mary’s has given me. The privilege to study there has given me unique opportunities to work towards my dream job.

SABRINA CHIEN

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES / TASOS KATOPODIS / STRINGER

St Mary’s Cambridge

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

ALUMNI

GUY LITTLEJOHN, 32

Pocklington School, North Yorkshire

Founder, Facets Commercial Consulting Ltd Studying at Pocklington gave me the springboard to build my business, as the multi-channeled education and facilities taught me to consistently push myself. I studied marketing (specialising in social media commercialisation) at Newcastle University before moving to London to embark on a career commercialising a variety of digital services and technology products. Then my fiancé and I moved to Cheshire, and the diverse nature of my upbringing and career has allowed me to have a unique outlook on how to scale my business and the businesses of our clients. Multi-disciplinary, but connected channels driven by specialists working across a parttime business model, allow us to adapt to the regular ebbs and flows of the commercial world in a fast paced digital industry.

GUY LITTLEJOHN

EMILY ACKLAND, 24 Exeter School, Devon

Entrepreneur After studying food marketing at Reading University and working in London for a year, I realised how disconnected people are from where food comes from. To bridge this gap, I launched a milk brand, The Udder Stuff, based from my family dairy farm in Devon. Consumers can purchase farm-fresh milk and milkshakes via a self-service vending machine, knowing they’ve been produced just up the road. Having taken part in Young Enterprise at school, it fired up my passion for running my own business. The variety of tasks, from accounts to marketing and people management to communication means no two days are the same! The skills learnt at school and university have given me the confidence and knowledge to grow my brand. udderstuff.co.uk

EMILY ACKLAND

GASHIRAI MBIZVO, 33 Sherborne School, Dorset

Neurology registrar doctor I recently submitted my PhD thesis specialising in epilepsy, at Edinburgh University. My time at Sherborne gave me an unspoken confidence that I could do whatever I want in this life, as long as I work at it. I had a fantastic biology teacher (Dr Wadham), who made the human body so fascinating that I decided to pursue a career surrounding human biology. I read medicine at Liverpool, having undertaken an intercalated Master of Research degree, which I graduated from with Distinction. Working as a doctor has been hugely rewarding. I was recently having some confidence issues about my PhD. The confidence boost I needed came from my mentor, who simply asked – “what school did you go to?” I responded: “Sherborne”. He then said “exactly”. Soon after, I was invited up to the Scottish Parliament to present my PhD work.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

GASHIRAI MBIZVO

ALUMNI

REBEKAH WALTON, 22 Repton School, Derbyshire

Javelin thrower & mechanical engineering student Studying at Loughborough University, I’m in an incredibly fortunate position to pursue both my athletic and academic ambitions. I currently train for 25 hours a week, which I balance alongside my degree. Although training is demanding and requires a strict routine, I‘ve recently become the British Senior javelin champion, and finished fifth at the European Under 23’s Athletic Competition, Tallinn. I was once disinterested in engineering as the traditional association with machinery had no appeal. However, Loughborough University has allowed me to combine my passions for STEM and sport, enabling me to undertake further study in Sports Engineering, which I find particularly engaging. As a STEM ambassador, I aspire to encourage more women to consider careers in engineering. I’m grateful to Repton for supporting my journey.

REBEKAH WALTON

JOSH TURNER, 30 Ipswich School

Social entrepreneur Since leaving school I founded Stand4 Socks, an award-winning social enterprise that seeks to change the world, one pair of socks at a time. Having dyslexia meant that I struggled with the academic side of education, but Ipswich School was very supportive and I’ve been starting businesses since I was eight. I went on to study business, and received multiple grad scheme offers. Unfortunately, I was sacked on Christmas Eve, and fell through the benefits system – which led me to focus on what I was good at. I started a business using my creativity to support homeless people in a sustainable way. To date, we’ve donated more than 150k pairs of antibacterial socks to the homeless, partnered with some of the largest organisations in the world, and scaled our brand, SockOn, globally. stand4socks.com

JOSH TURNER

GEORGIA WILSON, 28 Rydal Penrhos, Wales

GEORGIA WILSON

Paralympian I scooped two bronze medals at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. I was a late replacement on the squad for eight-time Paralympic champion Sophie Christiansen. It was an opportunity to further enhance my credentials after winning European freestyle gold in 2019. I started riding aged two, after a physio advised my mum that it’d help me with my balance. My first pony was a Shetland called Diana, who was followed by a pony called Poppy – he was handed down to my sisters when I had outgrown him. I joined the Pony Club and the RDA at Clwyd SRC, attending my first RDA nationals on Aaron, a palomino pony – which gave me the bug for dressage. I also competed with BYRDs Wales team. AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

ENJOY MORE

Get in touch to find out more about our open events and joining our vibrant school.

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023 9236 0036 www.pgs.org.uk

TIME TOGETHER

ENJOY THE SEASON

FAMILY LIFE Child-friendly staycations, fun-filled diary dates and a competition

There are several shopping weeks until Christmas, but chances are that your little ones have already picked out advent calendars in anticipation! We suggest getting into the swing of things with Meri Meri’s new yuletide-inspired gems. From cosy velvet cushions and sweet dolls to pom pom stockings a spectacular sequin and tulle Christmas tree costume (£60), these festive treats will have your kids thinking that Santa’s come early! Prices from £5, merimeri.co.uk

AUTMUN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

London’s calling

Still searching for the ideal half-term treat? A spoiling weekend in the capital could be the perfect solution, as DANIELLE WILKINS discovers

hether London is on your doorstep or a scenic train journey away, there’s something quite magical about staying overnight in the capital with its river walks, vibrant bus tours, plethora of museums and – of course – the twinkling lights of the West End after dark. Sure, country and seaside escapes are tempting, but London is one of the most exciting cities in the world and it deserves to be enjoyed as such.

The Lanesborough is a mere hop, skip and jump from Hyde Park’s gates

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

And where better to stay than in one of the capital’s most enviable postcodes – the five-star Lanesborough hotel in Knightsbridge where adults are indeed spoiled, but the children even more so. Though the hotel promises to be family friendly, I do wonder if an over-excited toddler running through the lobby is going to garner a few disapproving looks. That’s not the case at all, and as we arrive a helpful member of staff is swift ly on hand with an apple juice for him and glasses of champagne for mum and dad. In fact, our experience had started some days before we’d even checked in, when I received an email from Reservations asking my son’s favourite colour, favourite fi lm, and whether he’d prefer sweet or savoury amenities on arrival (as if they even needed to ask…). He’s also handed his own key and Little VIP card which, when presented at any of The Lanesborough’s restaurants or bars, entitles him to complimentary soft drinks or ice cream. As we’re shown through the hotel to our room, the ambient Céleste restaurant is busy with tables of chattering folk and people are coming and going from the lifts. Despite the formal

The Lanesborough’s room service breakfast proved to be a hit

setting, the atmosphere feels friendly and down to earth – I needn’t have worried. Our room is a Junior Suite and perfectly sized for the three of us. The décor is a resplendent mix of traditional 19th century style – whimsical patterned cushions, original books, and ornate crystal chandeliers – combined with modern touches, including iPads for room service and a television concealed behind a glass mirror in the marble bathroom. Each suite has a butler on demand, who had devised a rather fun in-room treasure hunt for us, which just makes the whole experience feel extra special. Once unpacked, our two-year-old having

HOLIDAYS Céleste is the hotel’s light-filled Michelinstarred restaurant

HE’S HANDED A LITTLE VIP CARD which,

when presented at any of the hotel’s restaurants or bars, ENTITLES HIM TO COMPLIMENTARY SOFT DRINKS OR ICE CREAM

The sumptuousJunior Suites are ideally sized for a family of three

hungrily devoured the grapes from the fruit bowl and the raspberry Battenburg kindly left for us, we wander across the road for a stroll around Hyde Park. The weather’s not quite warm enough to enjoy a dip in the Serpentine Lido or its accompanying paddling pool, but we do top up the sugar rush with ice cream as we watch the pedal boats drift by. This Royal Park is bursting with things to do, whatever the weather, with child-safe cycle routes and family friendly cafés, a specialist horse-rising arena and the South Carriage Drive playground for children up to the age of 12. The hotel is also conveniently located just a short walk from shopping favourites Harrods (namely the toy department if you really want to spoil them) and Harvey Nichols, as well as the bucket-list museums, including the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. Thankfully, the concierge is on hand with trail maps to help us explore the neighbourhood and they can create bespoke itineraries if you don’t know the city particularly well and want to get the most out of your stay. After a day of soaking up the sights, when we troop back upstairs, it’s time to cuddle up

LITTLE VIPS AT THE LANESBOROUGH

Not only does this landmark London hotel welcome families with open arms, its Little VIP Club injects even more adventure into your stay, with special perks for kids aged up to 16. Check in and they’ll have the chance to enjoy everything from a children’s afternoon tea to mocktail classes and horse-riding in Hyde Park. Stop by the Lanesborough Club & Spa for a sparkly mini manicure and specially designated Splash Hours where children are welcome to have run of the pool. And if you want them to up their breakfast-in-bed game, the Little Butler Bootcamp, where kids aged three and over can learn how to perform traditional serving duties under the watchful tutelage of the hotel’s expert butlers, is a memory they’ll never forget. And don’t forget to meet the hotel’s most fur-midable resident, Lilibet the Siberian Forest cat who’ll happily pose for photo ops – providing she’s not in the office snoozing, of course.

for movie night – we even have an in-room popcorn maker which delights our son an endless amount and fi lls the suite with that familiar cinema scent. But it’s been such a busy, fun-fi lled 12 hours exploring the city, that he doesn’t even make it to the end before he’s snoozing, legs akimbo, on top of the adorable London-themed White Company bedding. We order room service for breakfast the following morning, and as a table laden with boiled eggs and soldiers, smoked salmon, avocado, fresh fruit, and pastries is wheeled into the room, our two-year-old’s face lights up as if it’s Christmas day. As we tuck in and prepare for another day of exploration, I realise, The Lanesborough is so much more than a backdrop to one’s family staycation; it could easily be the main event. For more information on the Junior Suites, nightly rates and reservations, visit oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough The hotel ensures that young guests feel like VIPs during their capital-city stay

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR REGI

Hundreds of individuals. One community.

Exceptional results at A level, IB Diploma and GCSE

Call our Admissions team to find out about joining Bromsgrove School

A leading independent, co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18 in Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR.

A strong House and tutor system to look after your child’s pastoral and academic wellbeing

Small classes and inspirational teaching

www.farringtons.org.uk #OneFarringtons

General 2021-22 129x99.indd 1

Over 560 boarders from the age of 7

An outstanding range of extra-curricular activities

01527 579679 admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Day and Boarding, 950 pupils aged 13-18 720 pupils aged 2 - 13

08/10/2021 10:20

Scholarship | Gaiety | Humanity

“It’s everything a school should be” TATLER SCHOOLS GUIDE

www.moretonhall.org Independent Boarding & Day School - Girls 3-18, Boys 3-13

#MoreAtMoreton

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

a d m i n @ m or e t on ha ll. com

| 0 1 6 9 1 7 7 3 6 7 1

M or e t on H a ll, W

e s t on R hy n ,

O s w e s t r y , Shr op s hi r e , SY 1 1 3 E W

DIARY DATES

CALENDAR

Our roundup of super-fun activities for the whole family to enjoy this autumn

Time for tea ONGOING

After a mind-expanding day of exploring the Natural History Museum, afternoon tea at the Cadogan Hotel in Knightsbridge is the ultimate treat. Feast both your eyes and tastebuds on the gilt cake stand bearing classic sandwiches, mini scotch eggs and scones, as well as a selection of exquisite cakes, choux and mousse to sate all sizes of sweet tooth. With a choice of 18 fragrant teas, as well as sparkling wine from chef Adam Handling’s West Sussex vineyard (parents only!), there’s no chicer way to cap off a day of capital exploring. belmond.com

By royal appointment

NOW – 24 DECEMBER

NOW – JANUARY 2022

Epping Forest District Museum’s interactive exhibition Game On: Board Games Rediscovered allows children to get acquainted with the traditional tabletop fun that has brought families together over the years. Compiling the best of the V&A’s outstanding collection, Trivial Pursuit, Chess and 18th century favourite, The Game of the Goose are notable inclusions to enjoy. Anyone for Cluedo? eppingforestdc.gov.uk

There are few art collections more enviable than our Majesty’s, and luckily, visitors to royal residence Buckingham Palace can check out a plethora of alltime Royal Collection Trust classics at The Queen’s Gallery this winter. From the exemplary brushwork of Lotto and Lorrain to the exquisite figurework of Rubens and Rembrandt, it truly is the grandest tour through the masterpieces of the renaissance era. rct.uk s

Roll the dice

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

EXPLORERS EVENTS Cranleigh Preparatory School, Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8QH www.cranprep.org

Discover more at one of our Taster Sessions. For more information on our Explorers Events and to book your place please contact Catherine Staples, Head of Admissions.

01483 542051

admissions@cranprep.org

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The first step in the adventure of life.

P R E PA R AT O R Y SCHOOL

Come and see us at our Whole School Open Morning SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2022

Call 01788 810217

Visit www.biltongrange.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

RUGBY SCHOOL GROUP

FO R BO Y S AND GIR LS A GED 3 TO 1 3 D U NC HU RC H . WA RW I CKSH I R E

DIARY DATES

After dark 9 – 31 OCTOBER

We dare you to take a walk on the wild side this scary season by booking an Edinburgh Zoo Spooktacular family slot. While you’ll be able to check in with all of your favourite fauna, from the parading penguins to super-cute red pandas, there will also be a host of creepy hidden characters to keep an eye out for along the illuminated trail, including scarecrows, witches and wizards. Yikes! edinburghzoo.org.uk

Vitamin sea ONGOING

Seeking some half-term sun? New fivestar resort MarBella Elix – set upon an unspoilt Greek beach – offers Worldwide Kids multilingual childcare for ages up to 12 years, as well an Explore the Outsideled Adventure Club for older kids. Getting the youngsters to swap screens for cycling and kayaking while you bask with a poolside cocktail sounds like a win-win to us! marbella.gr/marbella-elix

Wild at heart

Golden delicious

9 – 31 OCTOBER

23&24 OCTOBER

If your brood likes their half-terms action packed, there are few destinations better equipped for adventurous youngsters than luxury Perthshire hotel and estate, Gleneagles. The iconic five-star country hideaway has a full-to-bursting programme of more than 50 outdoor pursuits, from junior golf and archery to tree climbing and zip wiring. And with a fully tricked-out spa on site, grownups can fit in a spot of R’n’R around the mayhem too. gleneagles.com

Max out on your five a day with a wholesome family getaway to The Newt in Somerset’s Apple Day Weekend. This celebratory festival hosts a packed itinerary of events themed around the region’s humble fruit – think funfair games, educational displays, tractor tours, live music, cider tasting (one for the grownups) and you’re just scratching the surface. thenewtinsomerset.com

Clay havoc 26 OCTOBER

This Halloween, lifestyle brand Daylesford has teamed up with artisanal pottery studio London Wildflower to offer an at-home workshop for kids aged six to 12. The Zoom session’s cost (£60) covers essential equipment, from reusable tools to air-drying clay, which will be sent out ahead of the class. Prepare to be petrified by the seriously spooky jack-o’-lantern ceramics your little artist produces! daylesford.com

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

A winter’s trail 17 NOVEMBER – 9 JANUARY 2022

Few festive rituals hold as much seasonal wonder as Christmas at Kew, and this year’s event promises to live up to the annual hype, with awe-inspiring tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees lined with jewel-toned shimmer. Unmissable highlights include an audience with Santa, the Fire Garden’s mesmerising flames and of course, piping hot cocoa. kew.org

DIARY DATES

Festive fiesta 19 NOVEMBER – 3 JANUARY 2022

It’s back! Returning to the capital after a pandemic pause, the now legendary Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is set to bring Londoners of all ages plenty of yuletide cheer. Book advance tickets to ensure your family can safely take advantage of the ice slides, Santa Land, giant wheel, fire pit music line-up, carousel, markets, skating rink and much, much more. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Weave it out

A kind of magic

27 NOVEMBER

13 NOVEMBER – 16 JANUARY 2022

Budding York artists will enjoy flexing their creative talents at Rowntree Park’s Christmas Crafts for Kids workshop. Run in conjunction with educational brand Catkin & Co, children will make festive decorations such as mini-wreaths using natural resources including pine cones, log circles, dried oranges, willow and cinnamon sticks. rowntreepark.org.uk

Where better to beat the post-Halloween blues than with a pilgrimage to Warner Brother Studios in Watford for Hogwarts in the Snow? Your wannabe witches and wizards will be especially transfixed by the Forbidden Forest and Great Hall’s enchanting festive makeovers – just don’t forget to stop by Diagon Alley for some Chocolate Frogs for the journey home! wbstudiotour.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY: EDINBURGHZOO.ORG.UK; KEW.ORG

Santa’s not-so little helper 16 – 20 NOVEMBER

If the Will Ferrell festive classic is an essential part of your family’s essential advent countdown, it’s worth checking out Starlight Theatre Productions’ Elf the Musical at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre and Opera House. Soak up the live audience experience and sing along as you once again become invested in Buddy’s quest to save Christmas. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Back to nature 28 OCTOBER

Brown hares and marsh harriers and common lizards, oh my! While Holkham National Nature Reserve is famously home to a splendid fallow deer community, the coastal Norfolk estate is now welcoming children up to the age of 14 to get up close to its varied wildlife with a one-off guided Junior Safari On Foot event, followed by restorative tea and cake. Be sure to bring along sensible footwear and binoculars. holkham.co.uk

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

Hawkesdown House School

& The Walnut Tree Nursery For Boys & Girls aged 2 to 11 years

SECURE YOUR PLACE FOR OUR UPCOMING OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday 20th October Tuesday 2nd November (Doors open at 9.30am)

The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. ISI Inspection Report 2019

27 Edge Street, Kensington, London W8 7PN Telephone: 0207 727 9090 Email: admin@hawkesdown.co.uk www.hawkesdown.co.uk

020 7435 4936 office@lyndhursthouse.co.uk 24 Lyndhurst Gardens, Hampstead, London, NW3 5NW

Ludgrove “There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly” (BUCKMINSTER FULLER)

03445611994 5611994 0344

www.snappytags.co.uk

KEEP TABS ON THEIR KIT, WITH

KEEP ON THEIR KIT,KIT! WITH OURTABS COMPLETE NAMING OUR COMPLETE NAMING KIT! Tags & labels for all your little Tagsexplorer’s & labels for all your little belongings • Boys’ fortnightly boarding prep school • Excellent academic record • Bursaries available • State-of-the-art Science & Art Centre now open

explorer’s belongings

Ludgrove, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 3AB · 0118 978 9881 registrar@ludgroveschool.co.uk · www.ludgrove.net

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18/01/2021 13:47

AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

MICKLEFIELD SCHOOL Independent co-educational school for children aged 2½ - 11

Looking for a place to thrive?

OPEN MORNINGS Nursery, Reception & Year 3 entry for September 2022 Saturday, 27 November 2021 Saturday, 5 March 2022

10.00am - 12pm 10.00am - 12pm

To register, please email our Registrar, Kirsty Vines: Email: admissions@micklefieldschool.co.uk

10 SOMERS ROAD, REIGATE, SURREY 01737 224212 www.micklefieldschool.co.uk

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

Start your journey at our Open Day Tuesday 2 November 2021 admissions@exetercs.org

COMPETITION

There are many spots across the Fawakay resort offering luxurious comfort and spectacular views

WIN a five-night holiday to Marrakech Experience authentic Moroccan culture and tradition with a family holiday for four at the award-winning Fawakay Villas retreat

awakay Villas is a rustic-chic retreat, bringing together the best qualities of a boutique hotel and private villa holiday. Oozing authentic Moroccan glamour, Fawakay is an enchanting hideaway a mere 20-minute drive from both the heart of Marrakech Medina and the airport – making it the perfect spot for both relaxation and city exploring. Each of the well-appointed villas and eco villa suites are equipped with everything you need for blissful unwinding away from the exhilarating mayhem that is Marrakech. The resort boasts a 15m pool and a separate five-metre children’s pool set around the shaded bar area, as well as a spa, hammam, lush gardens and sun-kissed terrace with spectacular vistas over the Atlas Mountains. Luxuriate in your own private plunge pool, bask on your private terrace or enjoy a snooze in the shady solitude of a traditional Berber tent at the end of your private garden. The varied wildlife roaming the grounds – including the two friendly resident donkeys, Norman and Frankie – lend an air of serenity to this mini oasis. The resort was voted Winner of the World Travel Awards for Morocco’s Greenest Hotel. Run by Dawn and Francis Boys-Stones, the Fawakay retreat is set in three-and-a-half acres of lush, rose scented gardens, through which winding pebble paths lead to each villa. The gorgeous poolside area has extensive, luxurious seating for both shade and sun lovers, as well as a grassy lawn with more seating and table tennis. The fabulous expansive roof terrace with dramatic panoramas across the Atlas Mountains is the ideal spot for sun salutations or a cocktail or two.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: • The prize is applicable for a family of four, staying at one of the Fawakay Villas or Echo Lodges. • Dates of validity are from January to November 2022 – subject to availability. • Five nights at Fawakay Villas staying on a B&B basis in one of its four villa properties, featured online at www.fawakayvillas.com • The prize also includes return transfers to and from the airport. • Prize winner must be 18+.

HOW TO ENTER

Please answer the following question and enter at the website address below:

Name one of the donkeys at Fawakay Villas?

independentschoolparent.com/win COMPETITION CLOSES: 15 NOVEMBER 2021 AUTUMN 2021 | independentschoolparent.com

INTERVIEW

SCHOOL MEMORIES

AMBER ATHERTON

The San Francisco-based entrepreneur reminisces about friends, fun and formative experiences enjoyed at Benenden School in Kent Your school in three words? A bluestocking classic.

Harry enjoyed his fair share of detentions for trips to the bookmakers

Who was your best friend? My best friends were the holy trinity: Astrid Dalton, Annabelle McGregor and Louisa Boscawen. All kind and contrarian in their own ways.

What advice would you offer your school-age self? Pursue your true passions and interests whether they’re popular or not.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I always knew I was an entrepreneur. I wanted to grow up and spend my time making my ideas a reality. Your most embarrassing moment at school? Tatler magazine once made me their babe of the month and published an anecdote I gave about skiving off Saturday lessons to drive to Paris with a boy. It was embarrassing trying to explain my way out of that in the head’s office!

One memory that will stay with you forever…? I have so many wonderful memories of my time at Benenden it’s extraordinarily difficult to name just one. From singing in the school choir at St Paul’s cathedral and the South African dessert our matron would make us when we were feeling homesick, to the lacrosse matches and exeat adventures. We really had a lot of fun.

THE CHURCHILL QUOTE I EMBLAZONED on my folder all those years ago CONTINUES TO INSPIRE ME: ‘HISTORY WILL BE KIND TO ME FOR I INTEND TO WRITE IT’.

Play any pranks? Amber was a wellbehaved pupil – for Lots of innocent the most part! pranks, like setting people’s alarms early so they were up in the there and would spend hours light summer mornings at tweaking bits of code. 5am instead of 8am. We also found it hilarious to roll fruit Teacher’s pet or always in the down the corridor at night detention room? like a makeshift bowling alley, I found myself in detention giggling and trying not to once when we were caught wake up the housemistress. smoking a shisha in the bath – but other than that, I was busy Favourite place to hang out? captaining weekend activities The computer room. I built my dreaming up Eton College first business (My Flash Trash, socials, planning fashion an e-commerce company) shows and directing plays!

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2021

teacher Mr Van Der Vliet. His enthusiastic readings of Chaucer are forever etched in my memory.

Win any prizes? A couple of drama awards. I’m thrilled to have launched the Atherton award at Benenden which recognises entrepreneurial spirit. I hope it will incentivise girls to take a risk in building something. Favourite teacher? We had a fabulously stylish Latin teacher Mrs Wileman; and I adored my English

Did your favourite subjects hint at your future passions? While I enjoyed economics I yearned to study business. My passions at school were history and drama, so I suppose that combination influenced where I am today. The Churchill quote I emblazoned on my folder all those years ago continues to inspire me: ‘history will be kind to me for I intend to write it’.

3 YEARS Nurturing and promoting the learning and wellbeing of all our students and enabling them to be successful, happy and kind citizens.

Enabling Outstanding Futures

Duchess BLENHEIM SCHOOLS

Beech Hall School

HALL SCHOOL WIMBLEDON

CROWN HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Riverston School

www.chatsworthschools.com

Nurseries

GRIFFIN HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

NORTHWOOD SCHOOLS Academically ambitious, pastorally kind A family of four schools in South West London offering an outstanding education from 4-16

Lower School Co-educational. 4-8 years

THE VICARAGE - 192 RAMSDEN RD, SW12 8RQ 50 NIGHTINGALE LANE, SW12 8TE

Upper School Girls 8-13 years

68-74 NIGHTINGALE LANE, SW12 8NR

FINALIST School of the Year 2021 for Student Well-Being

FINALIST Pre-Prep School of the Year 2021

Boys 8-13 years

26 BOLINGBROKE GROVE, SW11 6EL

FINALIST Prep School of the Year 2021

Co-educational. 11-16 years 3 GARRAD’S ROAD, SW16 1JZ

Scholarships Available at 7+, 11+ and 13+ Junior Admissions: Tel 020 8682 8830 admissions@northwoodschools.com Senior Admissions: Tel 020 8161 0301 NWSsenior@northwoodschools.com www.northwoodschools.com