Independent School Parent Prep Autumn 2014

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Autumn 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY & PREP EDITION

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP MY SCHOOL DAYS

OUR GUIDE TO SURVIVING

COMMON ENTRANCE

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Children still love fairy tales

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EDITOR’S LETTER

CLAUDIA DUDMAN Editor

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

CNP Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Sub Editor Natalie Milner Art Director Ruth Ellis Senior Art Editor Chloe Collyer Senior Designer Emily Weller Designer Brigitta Holmar PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Subscriptions Manager Will Delmont 020 7349 3710 will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by Wyndeham Heron, Essex ADVERTISING Advertisement Manager Andy Mabbitt Client Development Manager James Darnborough Sales Executives Saafi O’Neill, Tom Williams DISTRIBUTION Independent School Parent magazine is for parents of children educated in Prep and Senior independent schools across the UK. The Prep and Senior issues are published termly. Parents can subscribe for a free issue at: independentschoolparent.com/register Independent School Parent also publishes A First Eleven Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right school. © CNP Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in Independent School Parent magazine has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Autumn 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

NURSERY & PREP EDITION

HELPING YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILDREN

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP MY SCHOOL DAYS

OUR GUIDE TO SURVIVING

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCKPHOTO

COMMON ENTRANCE

Win!

A WEEKEND AWAY IN A LUXURY FOREST CABIN

Children still love fairy tales

Stories that spark the imagination…

PLUS

HOW TO BUDGET FOR SCHOOL FEES • BOOKS AND APPS • SETTING UP A PTA • THINGS TO DO AT HALF TERM • PREP BOARDING: IT’S A HOME FROM HOME

COVER: BRIGHTON COLLEGE, EAST SUSSEX

WELC ME… Just like school, summer is usually fairly quiet here in magazine land but we have been busy giving our cover and pages a makeover. From Ones to Watch to School Memories and School Hero, our favourites are still there, albeit with a lovely new, fresher feel. I hope you agree!

His first target was the Bible, now biologist Richard Dawkins has turned his attention to fairy tales citing them as unrealistic and creating a false sense of security. I wanted to know their place in today’s classrooms, so I asked Charlotte Phillips to investigate for our Curriculum feature (page 12).

The Common Entrance, 10+ or 11+ exam is one of the main features of the Prep and junior school years and our Focus (page 41) guides you through the process. We couldn’t have a new-look magazine without a great new competition for you to enter – you can find out more on page 74. And finally, do look out for our new luxury lifestyle magazines: Baby London, Baby Hampshire, Baby Surrey and Little London, who have joined the parenting portfolio here at Chelsea. From pregnancy through to Prep school and the university years, we’ve got all your parenting and educational issues covered. Enjoy!

Claudia Dudman, Editor Independent School Parent, independentschoolparent.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

3

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WHAT’S INSIDE? Issue 13 autumn 2014 • independentschoolparent.com

27

News Our round-up of hot topics

12

55

Jean Flori-McPhee shares her artistic journey at North London Collegiate

Fairy Tales

56

Charlotte Phillips investigates the place of

19

Mark Taylor, bursar, helps you budget for

Win…

the all-important payments

51

Heads-Up What affect will the changes in the prep school curriculum have? Head of Portsmouth High School explains all

23

Piggy-in-the-Middle Is there any truth behind “middle child syndrome”? Glynis Kozma finds out...

27

popular; Jodie Kidd on her experience

Behind the Scenes At Blundell’s, their unique School

Katie Hughes asks: how far will parents go to make their child stand out?

38

Book Review: Inside Out Giulia Rhodes explores why it’s key to look back at your own childhood

43 51

We track down success stories from the independent school sector

63

Swim, Bike, Run – Fun! Headmaster of Beachborough Prep espouses the virtues of triathlon

64 67

12

The Name Game

Ones To Watch

The Best of Both Worlds Dubrovnik’s luxury resort, Sun Gardens

Sun, Sea or Ski? Can’t decide where to go on your next

82

House is a rite of passage

37

60

Lisa Greaves takes her daughter to

43

Boarding is All the Rage Thea Jourdan explains why boarding is so

34

Fees and Finance

these age-old stories in today’s classrooms A fairy tale family holiday to Mexico

21

School Hero

family holiday? We share the best...

71 72

56

Book Bag The top books and apps for little ones

Coughs and Sneezes…

Thea Jourdan asks nurses and matrons how to ward off colds and flu this winter

74

Competition Your chance to win a luxury cabin weekend away with Forest Holidays

77

Common Entrance

What’s On?

Example exam questions, interview

Our round-up of things to do with the

prep and waiting list advice

family this October half term

82

Inside the PTA

Channel 4 presenter, Kirstie Allsopp

We take a look at what’s involved in setting up a Parent Teacher Association

On the cover...

Download our free app to read the magazine on your phone or tablet...

School Memories

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD David Moncrieff, Chairman Tor Down, Parent James Durant, UCAS Andrew Fleck, Sedbergh School Tory Gillingham, AMDIS Rachel Kerr, Girls’ Schools Association Glynis Kozma, Educational Journalist Zoe MacDougall, Teacher Heidi Salmons, The Headmasters’ & Headmistresses’ Conference Elaine Stallard, Elaine Stallard Consulting The Rt Hon Graham Stuart MP, Chairman of the Education Select Committee Sheila Thompson, Boarding Schools’ Association Ben Vessey, Canford School David Wellesley-Wesley, Independent Schools Show Peter Young, Marketing/Brand Consultant

Glynis Kozma asks if middle child syndrome is a myth

looks back at her time at Bedales

x + y2 = 4 Let us know what you think Twitter... @ISParent

Like us on Facebook

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Pinterest...

ISchoolParent

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NEWS Our pick of the top parenting and education news

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Jonathan Ross Launches National Insect Week at The Natural History Museum Television chat show host Jonathan Ross visited the Natural History Museum in June to launch National Insect Week 2014. He was photographed with a stag beetle to highlight the theme of this year’s event: Little Things that Run the World.

National Insect Week, now in its sixth year, is organised by the Royal Entomological Society (RES) which partnered with the Natural History Museum – home to the largest collection of invertebrates in the world – for the prestigious launch event.

“You might not think insects can be fun but they are,” said Jonathan. “They’re also hugely important and National Insect Week is a great way of improving everyone’s knowledge about them and the role they play in habitats not just in the UK but across the world. I never knew there was so much to learn about insects!”

BARFIELD SCHOOL IS TOP OF THE CLASS!

Barfield School, Surrey, has shown itself to have a strong commitment to providing frequent, continuous and progressive learning outside the classroom (LOtC) for all of its pupils by achieving a national Learning Outside the Classroom Mark (Silver). Barfield School is the 25th educational establishment, and the first independent school, to be awarded LOtC Mark nationwide.

Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the award accredits those schools that have policies in place to ensure that high quality LOtC is available to all pupils.

25%

A survey by the National Literacy Trust published in July showed that 25% of children don’t have a daily mealtime chat.

Year Six Tennis Champion Tiana Fox from St Christopher’s School, Hove in East Sussex, was named Girl of the Tournament representing Great Britain in Belgium.

Share your school news on Twitter... @ISParent

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

7

NEWS Cooking Up a Storm

Sch ol tweets

This year, pupils at Broomwood Hall School, Wandsworth, baked (and bought) at termly cake sales to raise a whopping £3,360 for three very worthy causes. The money raised will be shared between The Lady Allen Playground, the Isla Cecil Brighter Future Fund and Trinity Hospice, all in London.

@ISParent @headsedbergh visited Flanders recently.

He laid a wreath at the grave of first OS to fall in WW1.

(Sedbergh School, @SedberghSchool) @ISParent Our best ever set of GCSE results – 99% of entries A* or A – 52 girls got straight A*s!

(North London Collegiate, @NLCS1850) Fantastic science & maths A-level results = four medics + one dentist! @GSAUK @ISParent (Sherborne Girls, @NLCS1850) Share your school news and tweet us at @ISParent

Brassed Off

In early June, 32 Laxton Junior School (LJS), Northamptonshire, pupils aged eight to 11 each performed a brass solo at a celebratory concert for parents, relatives, friends and staff, accompanied by pianist Ben Smith.

Year Six players also performed at the school’s speech day.

We all like to blow our own trumpet every so often...

8

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

x + y2 = 4

WARWICK SCHOOL BOY WINS BBC RADIO 2'S 500 WORDS COMPETITION

Daniel Martlew, in Year Four at Warwick School, won the Gold award in the nine and under category in the BBC Radio 2 competition, 500 Words 2014 in May. Daniel, as one of the 25 shortlisted writers, was invited to the Hay Festival where, live on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, actor Hugh Bonneville announced that Daniel had won, and read his story Lost Underground. The prize was Chris Evans’ height in books (1.88m) and 500 books for his school. He was on BBC’s The One Show that evening.

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NEWS

Read about Jodie's school days on p32

Jodie Kidd Collaborates with Debrett’s Originally founded as the experts on the aristocracy, Debrett’s is the trusted source on British style, etiquette and social skills. It is no surprise then that Debrett’s have joined forces with model Jodie Kidd on a new ultra-luxurious leather travel accessories range. The collection of leather travel wallets come in Plantation Pink, Hibiscus Orange and Lotus Blue.

HEADS on the move Simon Henderson is taking on the headship at Eton College in autumn 2015.

Douglas Robb took on the role of headteacher at Gresham's School, Norfolk, this September.

FELSTED’S ROYAL APPOINTMENT

Emma Goldsmith is the new head at Winchester House School, Oxfordshire.

Felsted School School, Essex, enjoyed the crowning moment of its 450th year celebrations as Her Majesty the Queen visited the School – following in the footsteps of Her Majesty The Queen Mother who visited for the 400th anniversary. Upon arrival at the Lord Riche Hall the royal couple were greeted by the national anthem, played by Felsted’s Corps of Drums. There was a private lunch, prepared by Felsted’s nervous but excited catering department, followed by an assembly where the Queen unveiled two plaques to commemorate the anniversary, and also the rebuilding of Follyfield boarding house.

Richard Milner-Smith has taken up the reins at Moyles Court School, Hampshire.

Right, the Queen following in the footsteps of the Queen Mother Share your school news on Twitter... @ISParent

Jenny Brown is the new headteacher at St Albans High School for Girls, Hertfordshire.

YOUR WISH IS OUR COMMAND

Does your child crave a bespoke bedroom with a Star Wars theme, their very own garage or a handbuilt treehouse? The Master Wishmakers are here to answer their dreams.

Founded on the basis of a simple mantra: to handcraft a client’s imagination. They create luxury, themed creations and everything is designed and handmade in the UK by a team of traditionally skilled craftsmen and artists. masterwishmakers.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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FAIRY TALES

Princesses, wicked stepmothers, enchanted castles and knights in shining armour are still going strong; Charlotte Phillips finds fairy tales very much alive and kicking in today’s classrooms

nce upon a

time...

w

Left, Snow White

alk past a school playground at the moment and there’s a good chance that the sound of singing will be wafted to your ears, and an even greater chance that the song in question being belted out by an impromptu chorus line of six, seven or eight year olds (mainly girls, it has to be said) will be Let It Go, the hit single from

Frozen, Disney’s latest (and some would say deservedly successful) blockbuster.

Telling the story of a princess who in a fit of pique turns her whole world to ice (and we’ve all had moments like that) it has all the ingredients of the archetypal fairy tale; a bad situation rescued courtesy of a heroine who, through luck and pluck, gives us the happy ending we crave.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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FAIRY TALES

While Disney knows a thing or two about crafting a deliciously mind-grabbing story, many of the tales chosen by the studio aren’t exactly new-build. Some of the best loved are, as they say in Beauty and the Beast, “as old as time”.

Like the magical characters they portray, fairy tales have a power that transcends time and place. India has its very own version of Cinderella, as does China and Mexico, while the tale of Little Red Riding Hood was an established hand-me-down traditional story 1,000 years ago in the Middle East.

Does it matter? Absolutely not. As with the Christmas story, the endings of Cinderella, Snow White or Sleeping Beauty surprise nobody and that’s the way we all like it, safe in the knowledge that come hell, high water, lost slipper or bad fairy, the princess is going to catch her man and get to live in that vast palace just beyond the sunset, happily ever after.

S

O IS IT ALL MAKE BELIEVE?

It’s fair to say that biologist and top egghead Richard Dawkins, however, isn’t feeling the love. If not exactly casting himself as a pantomime villain, he recently came close, with views on fairy stories that are definitely of the big, bad wolf variety. If he could, he would blow them all down and then stamp on the remains – and you certainly wouldn’t find him clapping to bring Tinkerbell back to life in a production of Peter Pan.

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Like the magical characters they portray, fairy tales have a power that transcends time and place

Share your favourite fairy tales on Twitter... @ISParent

His point is that feeding our children a diet of fairy tales, full of the spun sugar of make-believe, just isn’t what they need.

With a tough world out there, big on massive, in-your-face problems but low on enchanted frogs and fairy godmothers to resolve them, he argues that our job as parents is to cut to the chase with plain, honest fiction that prepares them for a more truthful, if magic-free, future.

In Dawkins’ book (doubtless with plain covers and no pictures) it’s goodbye to talking animals and pumpkin coaches, and hello to waking up and smelling the coffee (or, if under six and called Goldilocks, tasting the porridge).

Talk to parents and schools, however, and it’s clear that brilliant though Dawkins undoubtedly is, most have yet to be persuaded that he’s got it right.

T

HE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING

Fairy tales spark the imagination, something that isn’t an optional educational add on, but such a fundamental aspect of children’s development that anything that feeds it isn’t just useful, but absolutely essential.

“Children love being told stories,” says Rachel Capper, head of the Mount Junior School in York. “One of the things with fairy tales that’s important, is the way they are passed down from generation to generation. It’s not just the process of reading a book, it’s storytelling, and one of

the best ways of engaging children and sparking their imagination.”

Tradition helps fairy stories endure.

Another reason is that hidden beneath the coating of fairy dust, they’re packed with more hints and tips for sorting your life out than a convention of self-help authors.

F

ACING FEARS

It’s fairy stories’ fictional way of helping children confront and overcome their deepest fears, from the dark to abandonment, that makes them so valuable, explains Charlotte Reid, head of English at Hurst Lodge School, Berkshire.

“When we expose children to fairy tales, which are often surprisingly dark narratives, we are introducing them to the fact that the adult world is one fraught with dangers and difficulties. We do so, however, in the safe space of a mythical story world, and we teach them that even in terrible situations there are solutions and resolutions.”

Their messages, too, can be surprisingly modern. Take the Little Mermaid who is turned, in the original version, to sea spray as the price she has to pay when she fails to win her prince. While not exactly a conventionally happy ending, it’s all the better for it.

“People say, ‘here we go again, another girl going completely out of her way to please a man’, but the message is look at the ultimate consequences that she suffered,” says Dr Simon Moore, a

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FAIRY TALES

I think every child should be read a selection of fairy tales, they're so exciting and extraordinary – we all want to hear about princesses and witches, giants and goblins

“She said: ‘they’re being greedy, they shouldn’t do that. I wonder what’s going to happen next,’ ” he recalls. “It’s about working out how we’re going to meet challenge and temptation,” says Moore.

Children, rightly, aren’t aware that they’re ingesting life skills. For them, as for generations past, all that matters is living for the moment, when a good story whirls them away into new worlds.

It’s the reason that fairy tales are still firmly on the agenda at the Mount Junior School, where most days, after lunch, around 15 three and four year olds sit down in the cosy carpet area of their colourful, airy classroom to listen to a story. It’s a magical moment that leads to many others as the children use the stories they have heard as the inspiration to make tiny fairy homes and create potions in their own woodland forest school.

JACQUELINE WILSON Much-loved author of 100 children's books

chartered psychologist with Innovation Bubble and a member of the British Psychological Society.

If it makes young listeners wonder whether they would want to go through the same pain, all to the good, he points out, “it might make you wise up”.

M

ORAL MAZE

As to morals – you can’t move for the things, points out Fiona Norman, head of English at Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School based in Cumbria. “While we can share our children’s awe of the inescapable forest, or the wonder of the gingerbread house, we can also see strong moral messages – stay safe, be kind to others, forgive meanness, work hard – which we would want to reinforce to our children.”

Should you be in need of a bedtime story with a savage indictment of consumer greed, it’s hard to beat that ultimate Aga saga, the story of the Little Porridge Pot which, owing to a wishmaking malfunction, produces never-

ending quantities of the stuff, forcing local residents to eat their way out of their homes when they need to leave town.

L

EARNING ABOUT CONSEQUENCES

Ditto messages about making choices. Even very young children are quick to work out that when a character in a fairy tale gets it wrong, there is usually a price to pay.

Take the reaction of Simon Moore’s young daughter to Hansel and Gretel’s ill-fated decision to start eating the witch’s gingerbread house – never a good idea when you don’t know the neighbours (as well as flying in the face of official government guidance on sugar intake).

Above, Bruton School for Girls, Somerset

W

ILL FAIRY TALES EVER DIE OUT?

It sounds – and is – idyllic. If we’re not careful, however, fairy stories, in book form at least, could one day become an endangered species as competition from less demanding alternatives, loaded with pictures and easier on the brain, increases. It’s something that Melanie Michel, librarian at the Unicorn School in Kew, encounters on a regular basis.

“I do see an increase in publications responding to the demand for books that are very active, very concrete and very adventure-based,” she says. Anything requiring more reading stamina and lacking that instant in-your-face impact from page one – such as fairy tales – can lose out as a result.

the “La ng ua ge is the greatest force in un iverse. At school I did n't know I ow wa nted to be a wr iter, but I did kn AGE I wanted to be a reader” POET, SIMON ARMIT AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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FAIRY TALES

SCULPTURE ON OPENING PAGE: SU BLACKWELL, PHOTOGRAPHER NIGEL BARKER PHOTOGRAPHY: THAMES & HUDSON, ISTOCK, KOSMOZOO, RAY BURMISTON, PAUL WOLFGANG WEBSTER, FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA, RIVIERA MAYA

Other parents struggle with fairy tale plots set in deepest ‘stereotype land’, where clichés fall so thick and fast you want to send in the magic gritting lorries.

Princesses who, as one dad puts it, “can only eat pencil-shaped objects in the hope it will pass through their fast receding waistlines,” are a particular bugbear.

R

EAL-LIFE DRAMA

It is telling, however, that even the most diehard of doubters tend to come down in favour of the fairy story.

“I do have gripes with traditional fairy tales in the way they represent older women in a much nastier light than men,” says Bea Kemp, a mother of two. The drawbacks are, she feels, hugely outweighed by the benefits – chiefly what she describes as their power to inoculate children against the horrors they might encounter later in life.

“They give parents a way of gradually, and in a supportive environment, introducing children to the idea that there are bad people and a dark side to life.”

Skip fairy stories and Bea thinks you run the risk of children being utterly traumatised by their first whiff of death or nasty behaviour by the adults that they encounter in later life.

In places such as St Faith’s, a prep school in Cambridge for four to 13 year olds, they are definitely here to stay, too. Margaret White, director of studies, is in no doubt as to their value. “They promote imagination, they expand vision and vocabulary and they are enjoyable,” she says. “Through them we can learn truths about the world as it is, and we can variously conceive of the world as it might be, could be, or should be.”

If you’re still not convinced that fairy tales are a force for good, listening to your child could change your mind says Moore.

“My daughter, just last night, said: ‘Well if you try to be a nasty witch then of course you’ll have no friends and be lonely and sad. If you’re nice to people, they’ll want to come to your fancy dress party,’ ”. Life lessons don’t come much more magical, or sensible, than that. ISP

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A seven-night stay in a Signature Casita Room at Fairmont Mayakoba, including full breakfast served daily at La Laguna, tax and daily resort fee, plus return Virgin Atlantic Economy flights from London Gatwick and transfers.

HOW TO ENTER

For the chance to win this holiday from Elegant Resorts, your child can enter a fairy tale of no more than 350 words to: Independent School Parent Fairy Tale Competition, Jubilee House, 3rd Floor, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ. Don’t forget to include your name and contact details OR enter online at independentschoolparent.com/win/fairy-tale-competition.

Closing date is 11.59pm, 31st October 2014. For full Terms and Conditions, visit independentschoolparent.com/win/fairy-tale-competition

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Learning through LEGENDS

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Fairy tales inspire children to discover more about Chinese culture

egends, myths, folk tales, fairy tales are all well-loved traditional stories. Common themes and almost identical motifs may be found in the mythologies of every culture on earth throughout all history suggesting a single universal unconsciousness at work. Even quite young children enjoy the “make believe” aspects of these stories. There is no better way to introduce a nation’s culture to young children than through its favourite fairy tales. Many of the pragmatic sayings, similar to English proverbs, used by modern Chinese to comment on life have their origins in these magical stories.

Forward-thinking schools are already teaching Mandarin using text books, which clearly occupy an important place. Culture is as important as language and Snowflake

Share your fairy tales on Twitter... @ISParent

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independentschoolparent.com | SUMMER 2014

Books’ team of dedicated writers, artists, and editors produce original illustrated children’s books based on research into authentic Chinese history. The books are written in English and Mandarin with sentence for sentence bilingual comparison, some with pinyin and an audio CD, making them eminently accessible.

The important place that dragons have in Chinese culture, even today, is just one example which at first seems strange to Western minds. The Chinese have come to attribute noble and desirable qualities to their mythical dragons. Like traditional tales everywhere, Chinese legends emphasise the values of courage, cleverness, friendship, loyalty, wisdom, love and family. So these tales help us to glimpse the seemingly exotic aspects of Chinese life and, at the same time, to become aware of our shared values. In the story of the Nine Sons of the Dragon King, each brother had different qualities, yet each found a way to make himself useful in life. This story shows that every child has a special ability just waiting to be encouraged by parents and teachers.

Chinese stories often use animal characters to express human qualities.

Another charming story from the Tang dynasty is about a horse who wanted to be one of the Emperor’s famous dancing horses. His father intended him to be a war horse, and his friends laughed at him, but by determination and hard work the horse achieved his ambition to be a dancer and won the honour of being a Five Flower Horse.

A moving story about kindness to animals, but also about human prejudice, is that of Little White. She was a brave little snake who grew so big that the villagers became scared and sent her away from the village.

But her kind friend the sweet seller cared for her when she was injured and made her laugh with amusing stories. In some Chinese rural societies snakes are protected for their role in keeping down pests and are called Daughters of the Land God. There are also stories about heroes such as the clever Wan Nian in Wan-Nian’s Calendar who invented the Water Clock and the Chinese “Sun and Moon” calendar, which is still used by traditional farmers.

Then we have the romantic legend about the brave student Liu-Yi, who rescued The Dragon Princess. Nostalgia is evoked by The Chinese Farmers’ Calendar, a touching account of a little boy who discovers his grandfather’s old notebook that records farming customs.

Chinese myths and legends offer a rich procession of characters, animal and human, amusing or sad, foolish or wise, to introduce children to a world which they will discover is in fact much like their own.

Go online and find the books you will love to share with your children at snowflakebooks.co.uk where you can pay through PayPal. You may also email for a catalogue. For a schools’ purchase please contact us directly for bulk orders.

HEADS-UP

JANE PRESCOTT

headmistress of Portsmouth High School for Girls, Hampshire

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n holiday I had the chance to ponder the impending change to the primary curriculum and whether this development would be in the children’s best interests. In the hotel where I was staying, I noticed families with young children – few of them were interacting with each other. All were staring at their smart phones or tablets catching up with the news or playing games. Their age did not matter and even small children were using these devices. I am no Luddite, and there is no one more addicted to their tablet than me, but has the art of conversation been lost in this digital age?

Emphasis on the Spoken Word The new primary curriculum is to introduce a stronger emphasis on debating and the spoken word. This means that children will spend more time practising speaking and will be encouraged to form arguments which will lead them into structured debates. This is good news as being able to converse articulately and convey opinion is an important part of life.

[

A FRESH START Jane Prescott looks at what the changes to the primary curriculum will mean for our children…

Handwriting, which is not currently assessed, will be judged on fluency, speed and legibility. Most examinations are handwritten and we should teach children how to form letters well by hand and produce handwritten work which does not have to be neat but legible.

Keeping Children Safe Online Quite importantly, part of the new curriculum also includes internet safety at primary level and considering how many children own their own computer, this is vital if they are to remain safe online.

Further, pupils from five years old will be taught programming

so that they understand how a computer actually works.

Above, pupils at Portsmouth High School for Girls, Hampshire

A Code of Etiquette is Needed On one occasion, travelling by crowded bus in my holiday resort, I noticed that two children were not encouraged by their parents to give up their seats for elderly local people. I wondered at what point had children become so indulged that we no longer expect them to give way to someone considerably older than them or in greater need?

As both children were engrossed in a game on their smart phone, I found myself blaming the fact that we have

While travelling on a crowded bus, I noticed that two children were not encouraged by their parents to give up their seats for elderly people

]

Share your thoughts on Twitter... @ISParent

allowed this form of entertainment to take over our lives. In the new primary curriculum there is provision for learning a modern foreign language. Perhaps if children are more linguistically aware then they might interact with local people on holiday and even find a use for their newly acquired language skills.

So what do I want from a new primary curriculum? I would want my pupils to be able to hold their own in a modern world and, of course, that includes computer competency but at the same time I wouldn’t want it to be at the expense of some of the traditional skills such as debating, speaking and writing. There needs to be an etiquette on the use of smart phones and tablets so that we all understand how rude it is to ignore those around you. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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OPEN DAY

A co-educational day Preparatory A co-educational Preparatory School from age 3day to 13 School from age 3 to 13

Open Open Morning Morning Saturday 15th November 2014 Saturday 15th November 2014 Join us from 10.00am to 12.30pm Join us from 10.00am to 12.30pm

www.kingshottschool.com www.kingshottschool.com St Ippolyts, Hitchin St Ippolyts, Hitchin Hertfordshire SG4 7JX Hertfordshire SG4 7JX Telephone: 01462 432009

Telephone: 01462 432009 Email: registrar@kingshottschool.com Email: registrar@kingshottschool.com

Great Walstead School

B E PA RT O F THE DISCOVERY

Saturday 4th October 10 am arrival Please contact us to reserve your place Co-educational day & boarding: ages 13 –18 telephone: 01823 328204 admissions@kings-taunton.co.uk www.kings-taunton.co.uk A Woodard School

22 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

East Mascalls Lane, Lindfield, West Sussex, RH16 2QL T: 01444 483528 E: registrar@greatwalstead.co.uk W: greatwalstead.co.uk Head Teacher: Mr Colin Baty Admissions: Mrs Fiona Clutton

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 2 1/2 to 13 years Total pupils: 447, boys 265, girls 182 Type: Day, Flexi, Weekly Boarding Fees: Nursery: based on 1 day each week from £305. Pre-prep: from £2,405, Prep: from £2,915, Full Boarding from £915 per term. Senior: from £4,305, Full Boarding from £915 per term Entrance procedure: Please see the school website for details.

School Philosophy: Proud of its Christian foundations, Great Walstead School mixes high academic expectation with spiritual development. Remains true to the ethos of founder RJ Mowll, who relocated it in 1927 to 260 acres of stunning countryside close to Lindfield and Haywards Heath.

Open Days: 10th & 11th October 2014 starting at 10am.

Contact registrar@greatwalstead.co.uk

www.independentschoolparent.com

HOME TIME

GLYNIS KOZMA author and journalist specialising in parenting and health

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PIGGY-IN-THE MIDDLE Glynis Kozma investigates whether there is any truth in “middle child syndrome”

eidi told me: “I’ve just had a third child and think the ‘middle child syndrome’ is hogwash”. Yet Rebecca says, “I’m a middle child and I grew up thinking I would never have three children. When I accidentally became pregnant after my second child was born I was extremely upset. I felt that I had done a terrible thing to my second child by inflicting middle child status on to him.”

So who is right? How do family dynamics change once there is a third child? “With three children there is always the risk of one being left out,” explains psychologist Gaynor Sbuttoni. “And often the first and third child bond well, because in contrast the first child may have felt threatened by the arrival of the second.”

{

ILLUSTRATION: ANDY WARD

Mum or dad’s love is not like a cake being cut into smaller slices, but a river: stand in and your parents’ love flows around you all What’s the Place of the Middle Child?

Are they – as Victoria found – often a peacemaker? “I was a middle child between my two sisters. I felt piggy-in-themiddle when my sisters were arguing and I would step in to try to keep the peace. Of course they didn’t appreciate me interfering, so I’d end up feeling like the ‘baddie’. It has taught me to look at situations from two sides and I always try to put myself in the other person’s shoes.”

Rebecca explained: “I always felt overshadowed by my older brother who was very bright. My parents and teachers would compare us, with knowing glances and I felt I had to live up to his achievements. So I got on better with my younger brother – I mothered him.”

}

between the eldest and youngest, so was very aware of the middle child syndrome.

My sister and I did things together, but as adults we have different interests and ideas. My brother spent time on his own or with our parents but now I get on with him very well.”

Child psychologist Pat Spungin describes firstborns as “typically overachievers, while the youngest is the baby and often the family favourite, but the middle child is neither fish nor fowl.”

Boys Versus Girls “Gender is important,” Spungin explains.

“The trickiest combination is three of the same gender because of the intense rivalry.

But if the two eldest are a different gender, adding a third is easier. The age-gap is also important: if there are five or six years between the first two children the impact of the third is not so great.”

Joanna is one of three, “I’m the eldest, with a younger sister and brother. I have three daughters with only five years

Share your childhood memories on Twitter... @ISParent

What Do the Experts Advise?

“Talk to your middle child about their feelings,” Sbuttoni suggests. “I use the analogy that mum or dad’s love is not like a cake being cut into smaller pieces, but like a river: stand in the river and your parents’ love flows around you, no matter how many children are in the river.”

“Have a special time each week for each child,” Spungin advises. “So they each have you to themselves.”

“Parents need to make being the middle child an established place in the family as much as being older or younger” says Sbuttoni. “Middle is special too.” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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inspires “A dynamic and energetic school, with a long established, successful IB Diploma programme. Haileybury actually achieves what many boast about, a well-rounded education.�

The Good Schools Guide

We are a leading co-educational 13-18 boarding & day school with entry into Lower School at 11+.

Academic rigour and outstanding co-curricular provision are at the heart of Haileybury, providing the exceptional opportunities and truly all-round education that allow our pupils to discover enduring passions and talents. We offer a choice of IB Diploma or A Levels in the Sixth Form. Our next Open Mornings are: 13+ 11 October 11+ 7 November For further information, or to attend an Open Morning, you are warmly invited to contact the Registrar, Iona Hutchinson registrar@haileybury.com 01992 706353 Hertford Herts SG13 7NU

haileybury.com

@HaileyburyUK

/HaileyburyUK Registered charity number 310013

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SLE E PO VER THE ULTIMATE

The latest figures show that boarding is more popular than ever. But with fees now reaching ÂŁ30,000 per year, Thea Jourdan looks at why living at school is on the up...

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

27

A

ccording to the 2014 census compiled by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), there are now 68,453 boarders at ISC schools compared to 66,766 last year. The ISC collectively represent over 1,250 independent schools in the UK and overseas, educating more than half a million children each year.

The trend is not confined to Senior school. The number of boarders at Preparatory schools is rising, too, as parents take advantage of a new style of boarding that accommodates the lifestyle of a modern family.

“It’s not one single reason, but parents these days have busier lives – perhaps both are now working full time,” explains Janette Wallis, senior editor of The Good Schools Guide. “In the past, boarding at Prep school was seen as a rite of passage to help children get used to the idea of boarding at public school. That is still the case, but boarding at Prep now offers advantages in its own right. Children aged eight and over can benefit from continuity and the close-knit social and academic life within the school. It can also make financial sense if you take into account transport costs and the need to employ a nanny or have childcare.”

Many Prep schools have also lavished vast sums on superb facilities including sports centres, swimming pools and state-of-the-art IT facilities. It is rare when children don’t have their own school email address, which they can access in their spare time. Mobile phones can be borrowed from matron or a friendly house mistress or master to call home when lessons have finished.

Draughty dorms with communal washrooms have largely been replaced with cosy shared bedrooms that may even have en-suite bathrooms.

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“Children have iPads and mobile phones and we are happy for them to use them to keep in touch with parents”

Above, Hanford Prep school, Dorset Far right, Gresham's Prep school, Norfolk

A very important factor is the sea change that has taken place in Prep schools that offer boarding. Where once this meant that parents dropped at the door and waved goodbye until half term, these days many schools deliberately encourage greater parental involvement.

“Parents feel more comfortable because they are being included. There are many more opportunities to visit and take an active part in school life,” says Wallis.

At Highfield School in Hampshire, a co-educational school that offers boarding

from Year Four (aged eight), a large proportion of children do board, particularly as they go up the school. The full boarding option is popular, but regular contact between parents and children is encouraged. Although there are only two long exeats each term – when there is no school on Saturday – parents can drop in on Wednesdays and Saturdays to watch the school teams playing a range of sports and meet up with their child.

Year Four have a further two extra Saturdays off in the first half of the autumn

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ACCESS ALL AREAS How parents can engage with their children at school…

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ruton School for Girls, a day and boarding school in Somerset, has free wifi access for all children. “The children in our boarding house have mobile phones and iPads to keep in touch with parents and friends outside school,” explains Miss Bennett Jones, head of boarding. “Electronic devices are for free time and I turn wifi off at 10pm, after lights out, so the oldest girls get a good night’s sleep!”

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he Royal Hospital School, Suffolk, holds a parent/pupil Sailing Regatta every summer. The school, overlooking the beautiful Stour estuary, is a RYA accredited training centre and Sailing Academy with a fleet of more than 60 dinghies. Its unique 300-year maritime history is flourishing. a year, Aysgarth, in North O nce Yorkshire, holds its annual Clay Day when boys and parents can take pot shots at clay targets together. Parents can go climbing with boys on the school's own climbing walls on Saturdays.

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term in order to help their transition to the six-day school week.

Children often ask parents if they can board full time, after an initial trial period known as “steps to boarding” when the pupils commit to staying overnight at school at least two nights each week, for at least half a term. “If you create the right environment, the right ethos and values and make sure boarding is fun, children want to be part of it,” explains Phillip Evitt, headmaster at Highfield. “We offer lots of week-night activities, including swimming, tennis, bushcraft, cricket nets, mountain biking, music and arts and crafts, but weekends are the most fun of all. Children are taken on group excursions to local museums, theme parks and trips to the cinema. There is also a

very active sports programme, which really gears up on Saturdays.”

If the children benefit from fun activities like movie night with popcorn snuggled under duvets, parents, many of whom live close to the school, can rest assured that their offspring are keeping up with their homework. “One of the major benefits of boarding is that children are able to make much better use of their after school time,” explains Evitt. “Parents are frequently worried about who will help their child do their Prep as it’s such a struggle to get them to settle down to do it at home. In fact, they are often surprised at how their prep improves.” Highfield wins a high number of academic and sports scholarships to public schools including Wellington, Marlborough and Winchester.

ar Park Wednesdays has become a popular tradition at Highfield School, Hampshire, when parents can pick up boarders in the school car park when lessons are over and take them out (as long as they are back in time for homework). There's a grandparents tea party once a year, where they can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the Dining Room and get to hear their grandchildren perform in a concert in the school chapel.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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inspiring

Holmewood House

independent minds

Barrow Lane, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0EB T: 01892 860006 E: registrar@holmewood.kent.sch.uk W: holmewoodhouse.co.uk Head Teacher: James Marjoribanks Admissions: Mrs Karen Gwinnett

Key facts A leading boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18, offering an outstanding all-round education.

Scholarships available at 11+ , 13+ & 16+ Daily transport available

Come to an Open Morning: Saturday 18 October & Friday 14 November T: 01747 857111 or visit www.st-marys-shaftesbury.co.uk

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-13 years Total pupils: 485, boys 268, girls 217 Type: Day, Weekly, Flexi Boarding Fees: Nursery – from £1,750 per term. Pre-Prep – £3,250-£3,750 per term.

Prep: Day from £5,535-£5,650, Weekly Boarding £6,680 per term, Flexi Boarding £33.00 per night Entrance procedure: Taster day and informal assessment

School Philosophy: “My philosophy is simple: to offer the best prep school experience in the sector. Children are enthused and encouraged to achieve their very best every day and staff are entrusted with the privilege of making this happen. Achieving the extraordinary is an ordinary occurrence.” Headmaster.

Open Days: Thursday 9th October or call to make an appointment

Boys 13 - 18 • Boarding and Day

OPEN MORNINGS

Saturday 11th October 2014 at 10am Saturday 14th March 2015 at 10am Scholarships & Bursaries available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ For further information on Open Days or to arrange an individual appointment to visit the school please contact Admissions: 01732 304297 or e-mail: admissions@tonbridge-school.org @TonbridgeUK

www.tonbridge-school.co.uk

/TonbridgeUK 15ISP

30 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

Full boarding is compulsory for all boys in the final two years at Aysgarth Preparatory school, North Yorkshire. The school, which has 136 borders, is a feeder for some of the top public boarding schools including Eton College, Berkshire and Stowe School, Buckinghamshire.

However, the school has responded to parents who want greater access to their sons. “One of the things we have noticed is that parents want to become more involved so we invite them in for regular events,” says Paul Barlow, deputy head of Aysgarth. This may involve picnics, tennis competitions or friendly cricket matches.

The school fosters close links between boys and family and friends. All boys, who sleep in small dorms of up to eight pupils, have their own email accounts and there are Chromebook laptops in their rooms.

Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School, Cumbria, has two houses – Cressbrooke, the boys’ boarding house,

“There are waiting lists for beds on busy days, like Wednesday and Friday nights” JONATHAN PERRY Head of Lambrook School, Ascot

and Beale, the girls’ boarding house.

Children can board from the age of eight.

When they compete though, they take one of four houses that are named after local rivers, and this is because it allows non-boarders to also be part of a competitive House system. Paul WallaceWoodroffe, second master at Sedbergh, says that this system allows continuity between the Prep and Senior school, which also has a competitive House system. “The main aim of boarding at Casterton, is to prepare children for

boarding in the Senior school,” he says, pointing out that although Sedburgh offers traditional full boarding, the Preparatory school is more flexible.

Wallace-Woodroffe says that full boarding allows drama and music to flourish throughout the school. “It wouldn’t be possible to organise such

Clockwise from top, Dragon School, Oxfordshire; rolling hills at Sedbergh, Cumbria; breakfast time at Casterton, Sedbergh Prep

a full and varied programme without the children being present in the evenings and at weekends.” Many pupils win places on national youth orchestras and choirs.

If full boarding helps to nurture excellence, flexi-boarding – allowing children to stay overnight when required – is also helping to boost numbers of boarders in many schools.

Lambrook School, a co-educational day and weekly boarding school near Ascot with 510 pupils, is expanding its flexiboarding programme. Headmaster

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, ALEXSTAR, S_WHITE , CCLICKCLICK, GETTY IMAGES

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Jonathan Perry explains that flexiboarding has many obvious benefits. “In line with most other schools, we’ve seen a huge rise in demand for this facility, both from parents and the children themselves.”

In fact, there are waiting lists for beds on busy days including Wednesday and Friday nights. “Wednesday evening often means a late sporting fixture so it is easier for children just to stay over.” And unsurprisingly, many parents prefer not having to drive to the school for an early start for Saturday school. “For parents, the advantage of flexi-boarding is obvious, offering the support to juggle busy professional lives.”

The atmosphere in the school, which feeds Eton College, Wellington and Downe House, among others, and wins a high proportion of scholarships, is “relaxed” when it comes to parents wanting to keep in touch, and they can visit anytime. An evening round of golf on the school’s own nine-hole golf course is a great way for pupils to catch up with mum or dad. The school is also trialling a smart phone system so pupils can sign out phones to video call their parents from wherever they want in the 50 acres of grounds.

The influx of international students who need to board is helping to boost numbers of boarders too, and Janette Wallis predicts that boarding will become more popular as parents recommend the option to others.

“Bearing in mind the outstanding facilities, and the extra help with homework and extracurricular activities, there’s a growing belief that boarding at Prep school offers the best all-round education.” ISP

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JODIE KIDD How it was for me ...

Model and working mum, Jodie Kidd tells us about her time at boarding school I loved being away from my parents, I could have full boarded! I was desperate to board at Millfield School in Somerset, where you could take your own pony, but I was show jumping at the time, so I needed to be home every weekend to jump my pony in Sussex.

I went to boarding school in the countryside, it was a Woodard school called St Michael’s, but doesn’t exist anymore. I joined when I was 11 and was a weekly boarder until I was 15.

Left, Millfield Prep school, Somerset

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

I’m not a major academic – I was very sporty at school. I played for the county in athletics, lacrosse and swimming, so at 6am I was up training and after the last lesson I was back out training again. I loved the sport side of St Michael’s, but later, when the headmistress changed, it became much more academic-focused.

I was very dyslexic. Teachers were less in tune with how to deal with this back then.

When we were doing dictation in lessons I just had to try and keep up, and when it came to doing exams I couldn’t even read my notes, because I had been spending time worrying about my spellings, like “their” or “there” or “they’re” and by that point I had missed the next bit. So, academically, I struggled through school – but sport was my outlet.

I think you should support your child in whatever they feel comfortable in, whether it’s day school, boarding or weekly boarding. There are so many options. I’ve seen both sides. I had a friend who liked to go home and was very distressed when she couldn’t, when she switched from being a weekly boarder to a day girl that totally suited her. I was the total opposite – I loved boarding. ISP

Hanford School

‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’

ISI rates us Read the full ISI Report at www.brutonschool.co.uk

in

Our

every way

Character makes us different

Child Okeford, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 8HN T: 01258 860219 E: office@hanford.dorset.sch.uk W: hanfordschool.co.uk Head Teacher: Rory Johnston Admissions: Karen Mallinson

Key facts

Gender / Ages: girls, 7-13 years Total pupils: 90 girls Type: Day, Flexi, Full Boarding Fees: Prep: Day from £5,700, Flexi from £5,700 day fee includes 20 nights’ boarding per term, Full Boarding from £6,950 per term Entrance procedure: No formal entrance exam; informal assessment

Open Morning Saturday 4th October SUNNY HILL

•

BRUTON

•

SOMERSET

•

BA10 0NT

E ADMISSIONS@BRUTONSCHOOL.CO.UK

•

•

T 01749 814400

W BRUTONSCHOOL.CO.UK

School Philosophy: Hanford provides a perfect combination by giving its girls a secure academic framework and discipline, also fostering their free spirits in a way which is rare in a world of increasing educational uniformity. If you want your child to excel and enjoy their childhood to the full, come and pay us a visit.

Open Days: Saturday 18th October 2014 Saturday 21st March 2015

Day and boarding school for girls aged 7-18 Day school for girls and boys aged 2-7

HATHEROP CASTLE PREP SCHOOL AND NURSERY

ST MARY’S CALNE A TOP INDEPENDENT BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

Hatherop Castle is a happy and high achieving day and boarding prep school for boys and girls aged from 2 to 13 years. Set in 21 beautiful acres, this is a school where children explore, make friends and challenge themselves to achieve amazing things.

All 13+ pupils gain their first choice of senior school, and this year’s 12 leavers achieved no fewer than 11 prestigious awards and scholarships to leading senior schools.

Open Morning Sat 31st January 2015 9.30am-12.30pm Scholarship & Assessment Day Sat 7th February

admissions@hatheropcastle.co.uk www.hatheropcastle.co.uk

www.independentschoolparent.com

OPEN DAYS 2014: 11 October & 15th November Tel:01249 857200 th

Email: admissions@stmaryscalne.org

www.stmaryscalne.org

St Mary’s Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0DF AUTUMN 2014 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ParENT 33

BART WIELENGA second master at Blundell's, Devon

B

eing on the verge of reaching your teenage years is like waiting backstage, standing on tiptoes peering in, preparing yourself, waiting impatiently, to debut on the adult stage. These tweens are still recognisably children who also frequently present themselves as novice adults. They tend to swing from childlikeness to adulthood not just in the space of a few weeks or days, but even from one minute to the next. It is a time of life filled with paradoxes and confusing contradictions – and that’s just for the children. For many parents, a deep instinctive angst arises, as they need to give their children more independence but at the same time desperately hoping that the moral bearings will stand the barrage of temptation. It can be a demanding and unsettling time for everyone and good schools play a valuable role in setting a course through these tempestuous waters.

Blundell’s has been taking pupils from the age of 11 since 1993 but it was only in 1996 that it was decided that a separate day and boarding house was needed for Years Seven and Eight. The decision to

[

(Behind the Scenes)

School House at Blundell’s, Devon

strengthened so that they can enjoy all the benefits of being part of an 11 to 18 school whilst at the same time enjoying a bespoke programme designed for these formative years in a young person’s education.

School House pupils benefit from outstanding teaching from subject specialists. The same teachers who teach A-Level pupils also teach the 11 and 12 year olds at Blundell’s, and often the sixth form pupils help with cross curricular programme days, with clubs and societies and with extension sessions. Many teachers find teaching younger pupils

]

The vast extra-curricular provision gives pupils a cohesive package that is excellent preparation not only for Year Nine, but for life

create a specific space for those two critical years of schooling has benefited hundreds of pupils who have enjoyed the safe harbour that School House has been. Of course, no ship is built to be restricted to the confines of the harbour and so it is with our Year Seven and Eight pupils.

School House provides a haven, but it is from here that pupils are prepared and

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liberating and an absolute delight. Pupils tend to be open and enthusiastic learners and, without the shackles of public exams, lessons can be directed at stimulating their interest and curiosity. Take, as an example, the breakdancing rocket scientist who is the resident tutor in School House. He recently qualified from a Russell Group University with a degree in astrophysics

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and leads activities in basketball and breakdance, creating the engagement and aspiration in young pupils that parents can only dream of. Also, the School House pupils benefit from having Senior pupils around the house at break times and evenings to help with the boarders. Often Senior pupils assist with coaching of junior sports teams alongside more experienced staff. In the past year, the Senior prefect coached junior rugby whilst he was recovering from knee surgery – and the enjoyment the boys got from his attention and energy was exciting to see. An 18 year old has tremendous credibility in the eyes of younger pupils and we make a point of nurturing those positive relationships.

This year we are introducing the School House Diploma. We have thought carefully about what the specific needs are for this age group and have taken on board the priorities that parents hold for their children. The Diploma has strong academic rigour but recognises that, especially at this age, pupils need the space to safely progress at their own pace. To that end we have designed a Learners Toolkit: a set of skills that we believe will not just help pupils excel in their studies, but that will help them to become outstanding learners. Through the tutoring programme pupils will be helped to identify their own strengths and weaknesses in each skill and targets will be set. Pupils will make incremental improvements at their own pace over the course of the two years.

The second important element of the Diploma is to be attentive to the development of character. In education almost everything appears to be measured, quantified and ranked, but we believe it is important for pupils to realise that not all

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Music scholars practising in School House

Blundell's idyllic location means pupils ean explore the great outdoors

SCHOOL HOUSE

A separate day and boarding house for Years Seven and Eight eases the transition to the teenage years at Blundell’s, Devon

Pupils have plenty of chances to get creative

things of value need to be measured; some are simply worth doing for their own sake, or at least for the sake of others. The Diploma focuses on four particular characteristics, namely: resilience, generosity, self-control and optimism. The approach in developing these skills is through the principles of “understand, care and act”. First pupils understand the significance of a characteristic, then develop a desire to improve it and finally it is converted into action. A series of lectures sits alongside the tutoring programme, and pupils keep journals to record reflections of their experiences.

Together with a vast extra-curricular

provision, pupils get a cohesive package that we believe is an excellent preparation not just for Year Nine, but for life.

Blundell’s sits in the rolling Devon countryside. There is something very fresh and wholesome about this part of the world and we capitalise on that on a daily basis. Pupils get involved in all sorts of outdoor activities, none more so than the historic Russell Run in the early spring, through muddy pastures and along the Grand Western Canal. And that is what life at Blundell’s is all about: it is about challenge and stretch, about being a child anticipating adulthood, about nurturing roots and strengthening wings. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

35

Rapid appointments Don’t wait. For same day and next day appointments, including evenings and Saturdays, call 020 7390 8203.

Best in class

When it comes to making children better, The Portland Hospital has the highest levels of paediatric expertise and the most advanced technology in the UK. Discover how your child can benefit from the country’s leading experts in children’s health today.

Story by Stacey Jackson

C

ommon sense tells you that, if your child

Many of our consultants hold senior posts

gets ill, the best person to treat them is a

at leading NHS trust hospitals such as Great

leading paediatric consultant experienced in

Ormond Street and St Mary’s Hospital. They’re

their condition.

supported by a team that includes specialist children’s nurses and play specialists.

Our dedicated children’s unit is home to the largest group of private paediatricians in

We don’t treat any adult patients in our

the UK, covering over 50 different clinical

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world at diagnosing and treating both common

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and complex childhood conditions from birth to

them to make a speedy recovery.

age 18. Using the very latest technologies, they treat over 40,000 children each year.

When you’re thinking about private healthcare for your child, safety will of course be an important consideration. Do bear in mind that some private hospitals

Revision notes: * The largest group of private paediatricians in the UK * Leading experts in common and complex childhood conditions * Full critical care facilities * No waiting lists * Same day, next day, evening and Saturday appointments * Part of HCA Hospitals, which has invested £500 million over the last ten years in the latest technologies and facilities

You don’t need medical insurance to take advantage of our world-class facilities, and our prices are very competitive. An initial consultation to assess your child’s condition and determine the best course of action only costs approximately £250.

don’t offer any on-site critical care facilities.

Our children’s unit is fully equipped and, should the need arise, we have a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit staffed by a

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dedicated team of critical care experts.

You’ll be pleased to know that you won’t need to join a queue for this exceptional service.

Our convenient and rapid appointments give your child the care they need at a time that suits your family and lifestyle.

part of HCA Hospitals | World-Class Healthcare

PRE-SCHOOL

KATIE HUGHES

journalist writing on educational topics for the national and trade press

THE NAME GAME

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY, JAMIE GRILL

N

ot so long ago, a New Zealand court ordered a couple to think of a new name for their daughter, when her old one – Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii – was proving a little difficult to live with. The couple complied, but the court ruling did little to stem the country’s growing enthusiasm for extreme names, among them Number 16 Bus Shelter, 4Real and Full Stop; most of which are now on a “forbidden list” drawn up by the New Zealand authorities. Also on the list are Lucifer, Christ and even Anal.

In the UK we’re more liberal in our approach to wacky baby names and the General Register Office, where we log our (marginally less radical) choices, imposes no restrictions, unless names are offensive or sound like swear words. In the last 30 years or so we’ve managed to produce two children called Superman, six Gandalfs and 36 Arsenals.

And our appetite for farfetched names is increasing.

There’s no doubt that celebrities are playing their part. Netmums’ research shows that 53% of parents now admit to being swayed by famous faces when choosing their own

Tempted by a far-fetched moniker? It’s a growing trend, writes Katie Hughes

Share your favoruite baby names on Twitter... @ISParent

child’s name, while a more modest 19% look to TV shows and books for inspiration.

Blue Ivy (Beyonce) and Buddy Bear (Jamie Oliver) have inspired a flurry of colour and animal-based names – among them Grey and Tiger – from as many as one in 12 parents, while Kai and Klay Rooney and the Kardashians are to thank for the recent surge in unusual alliterative sibling names, Rogue and Rebel among them.

If you’re stuck for bizarre inspiration you can even download an extreme baby namer app that will trawl on

your behalf through various categories: from angels and animals, to cartoon characters, jewels and mountains. Or, as some baby-naming books and blogs suggest, you can just change the spelling of a conventional name to make it unique. Thus Kate can become Kite, James can become Jymes and so on. You can imagine the confusion in the classroom.

But research from parenting club Bounty says that 8 per cent of us are fed up with people not being able to pronounce an unusual name and 10% think that the novelty wears off.

Many also worry about reactions in the playground, but Guy Holloway, headmaster of Hampton Court House in Surrey, doesn’t think this is a problem. “It’s my experience that it’s adults who question an unusual name,” he says.

“Children just get on with it.”

But what about later in life?

Professor Helen Petrie from the University of York, has studied the psychological effects of having a far-fetched name. “If you choose an unusual fluffy name it can make life hard for your child, especially if they want to be prime minister or don’t suit it. But a happy medium can be struck.”

And if you just can’t resist an extreme name? Your child may be grateful that they weren’t born to the Brazilian, Osvaldo Oliveira Soares, who tried to call his sons Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. ISP

IN TOP 10 UNUSUAL NAMES IN THE UK

2013

arn, Reef, Rimini, Clavier, Zuanna, La e, Blue Stargazer, Ocean, Orchid, Nirvan (Research carried out by Netmums)

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

37

BOOK REVIEW

GIULIA RHODES

journalist writing on parenting in national newspapers and magazines

INSIDE OUT

A bestselling book in the US, published for the first time in the UK, says it’s key to look at your own childhood first when it comes to parenting strategies, writes Giulia Rhodes

M

ost of us, however well-intentioned, are not always the parents we want to be. There are almost inevitably times when tiredness, distraction, the stresses of juggling can get the better of us. Tempers fray and our interactions with our children suffer.

There is a plethora of books, TV programmes, websites and workshops which promise to help us fix these problems – to become better parents and to manage the challenges of bringing up children better. One of the latest offerings for those in search of a parenting pep talk is Parenting From the Inside Out, already a bestseller in the US, and now published for the first time in the UK.

BATTLES OVER BEDTIME

Written a decade ago by Dr Dan Siegel, professor of pyschiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles and Mary Hartzell, a child development and parent education specialist, the book has persuaded many American parents of its central message about the need to understand both our own and our children’s responses and emotions in any situation.

Among the book’s fans are well known celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, who credits the book as instrumental in her efforts to be the best parent that she can be. While our lives may bear little similarity to those of the Hollywood elite, it is somehow cheering to imagine that

they too have faced battles over homework, bedtimes or vegetables.

Putting celebrity endorsement aside, there is much here which will prove helpful in underpinning honest and rewarding communication between parent and child and try to avoid and repair points of conflict.

common sense, or as relevant only to parents who suffered traumatic childhoods would be to miss the ways in which it can be useful to all families though. We can all understand ourselves better, say the authors, and in doing so we will find it easier to unpick the things our children are trying to tell us and bring our relationships closer.

Whether willingly and knowingly, or not, we are constantly modelling our reactions and actions for our children, so even the way we deal with our inevitable mistakes is crucial.

UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES BETTER

Unlike many parenting strategies, the starting point with this one is your own childhood and self, rather than that of

[

It is not unusual to find ourselves saying or doing the same things we heard from our own parents – and perhaps vowed never to repeat...

your offspring. “Understanding more about yourself in a deeper way can help you build a more effective and enjoyable relationship with your children,” state the authors in their introduction.

It sounds perhaps a little too obvious.

We carry the baggage of our lives and in times of high emotion – of which there are many in parenting – the impact of our memories is clear. It is not unusual to find ourselves saying or doing the exact same things we heard from our own parents – and perhaps vowed never to repeat.

To dismiss this book as simply a lesson in

Scribe, £12.99

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]

Siegel and Hartzell identify four anchor points for their theory of “Inside Out Parenting”. These are mindfulness, lifelong learning, flexibility, mindsight and joyful living. While both the authors are parents as well as professionals in the field of psychology and education, their explanations do sometimes veer into jargon.

Mindfulness – a form of meditation, which focuses on being fully aware of the present moment, originating from Buddhism – is a current buzz topic in psychology.

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

39

St Margaret’s Preparatory School, Calne

A world-class education in the heart of Bristol.

Curzon Street, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0DF

T: 01249 857220 E: office@stmargaretsprep.org.uk W: stmargaretsprep.org.uk Headmistress: Mrs Karen Cordon GLCM LLCM (TD) ALCM Admissions: Mrs Simone Hughes E: hughess@stmargaretsprep.org.uk

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 3-11 years Total pupils: 220, boys 98, girls 122 Type: Day Fees: Nursery: Daily from £26.70 (morning sessions), Weekly from £233.75 (5 full days), Termly from £1,442 per term Pre-Prep: from £3,020 - £3,350 per term Prep: from £3,570 - £3,970 per term Typical class size: Prep – 16-18 Main exit schools: Dauntsey’s, St Mary’s Calne, Prior Park College, Monkton Combe, Kingswood, King Edward’s Bath, The Royal High Bath, Cheltenham Ladies College, Downe House.

Faith: Christian Motto: Commit to Excellence Entrance procedure: Taster Days, School Report, Headmistress Interview and Skills Assessment for children entering Key Stage 2.

Open Mornings held in October, March and May Badminton nurtures intellectual curiosity and challenges enquiring minds in a supportive community. Our girls’ enthusiasm for the arts, sport and their many activities keeps the School vibrant – come and see for yourself!

T: 0117 905 5271 • E: admissions@badmintonschool.co.uk • www.badmintonschool.co.uk

@AcorntoOakBris

School Philosophy: At St Margaret’s we have an ethos that is based on ‘traditional values with an innovative approach’, providing a happy and purposeful environment for all children in a friendly, caring community. Within this context, we hope that our boys and girls will learn the value of hard work and how to accept discipline and responsibility. We aim to foster creativity and to help our children become independent learners.

Our curriculum compromises an extensive range of activities, designed to promote not only learning, but also personal growth and development. We expect good manners and consideration for the needs of others but at the same time we want the children to be inspired, not be afraid to take risks and above all, have fun and enjoy learning!

Academic Record: St Margaret’s is extremely proud of its pupils’ academic achievements. The children are thoroughly prepared for entrance examinations to senior schools and St Margaret’s has an impressive record of success in academic and specialist subject scholarships, as well as consistently gaining entry to firstchoice schools. The performing arts and sport both have very high profiles.

Extra-curricular: The extensive extra-curricular programme is designed to enrich every child’s experience whilst at the school. Not only does this include the traditional school clubs such as sport, music, gardening, cookery, dance and journalism, but it also includes the ‘hidden curriculum’ - what the children learn from the way they are treated and how they are expected to behave. It is important that pupils are enabled to grow into positive, responsible adults who can work and co-operate with others, whilst at the same time developing their knowledge and skills in order to achieve their true potential.

Notable Achievements and Alumni: Naace ICT Mark Accreditation.

Eco Schools Green Flag. Sing Up Platinum Award. Award winning Chamber Choir. Youth Sport Trust Gold Quality Mark.

Open Days: Thursday 16th October 2014, 9.30am-12 noon

40 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

BOOK REVIEW

Increasing numbers of people are persuaded of its benefits in all aspects of life and its application to parenting is a convincing one.

“Being mindful as a parent means having intention in your actions,” they explain. Being fully present – rather than physically there but mentally distracted – allows us to respond with flexibility to our children’s emotional states. This is not vital all the time, they add reassuringly, but we must ensure our total presence at moments of important interaction.

Also crucial to the development of a close and secure relationship is mindsight – “the ability to perceive the internal experience of another person and make sense of that imagined experience”.

PHOTOGRAPHY: HERO IMAGES, CORBIS

AWARENESS AND FLEXIBILITY

Research has shown that alongside “self ”, awareness and flexibility in how we respond to experiences, is important in shaping how we develop throughout our lives. It is something, the authors suggest, we can continue to improve ourselves as we encourage it in our children.

Taking this as a starting point, Siegel and Hartzell offer tools for emotional and constructive communication with children. Often children’s reactions to situations are not the ones we ourselves have, or those we would like them to have.

It is important though, the authors say, that parents validate children’s feelings by reflecting them in conversations and stories as well as recounting their behaviour. A recap of the day at bedtime or a game of role play may help with younger children, they suggest.

If we merely deny how children feel, or make it somehow wrong, we may leave the child feeling isolated and perhaps ashamed

– and this goes into their memory bank.

When we are attuned with the child’s primary emotions they will “feel felt” so that the strength and comfort of that bond is with them even when we are not.

DEAL WITH THE SHOCK AND UPSET

Thus we may be excited about a new house or school, while our child is focused on the loss of what they had before. Our conversation should reflect their perspective and validate it. Similarly, suggest the authors, a child who falls off a bike should not be told to be brave and get on with it, but their shock and upset should be spoken of by the parent.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS SMOOTH RUNNING

Reassuringly, Siegel and Hartzell accept that things can go wrong in the lines of perfect communication we would ideally build with our children. These “ruptures” need not be damaging though. Indeed we can use them, they say, to teach our children and ourselves about flexibility, self awareness and compassion.

The onus to sort out a row must always be on the parent – because this is a time when a child

While our lives may bear little similarity to those of the Hollywood elite, it is cheering to imagine that they too have faced battles over homework, bedtimes or vegetables

particularly needs to feel the security of that relationship. That cannot happen if we have not first allowed ourselves time to calm down and gather some perspective though. Wait, they say, “until the thunderclouds of your mind have lifted”.

To try to repair a situation without first addressing our own feelings risks slipping back into the negative interactions you want to amend. Often we are ashamed of our initial reaction – shouting perhaps – even if we do not want to admit this, and this stands in the way of a genuine moment of connection.

As with most theory about parenting, much of what Siegel and Hartzell propose is ultimately down to common sense. Yet that is not to deny that stepping back to reflect on why – as well as how – we react in the way that we do is an exceedingly useful process.

By trying to parent in ways that are intentional, flexible and in tune with our children’s well-being, we can continue to strengthen our relationships, support them through moments of upset and share in their moments of joy. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

41

DEVONSHIRE HOUSE SCHOOL 2 Arkwright Road, Hampstead, NW3 6AE

Abbotsholme Abbotsholme

every moment matters every moment matters Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is a leading independent co-educational boarding and Set in beautiful, rural surroundings, Abbotsholme is school for ages 2–18.

It is a school unlike any aday leading independent co-educational boarding and other: a wonderful placeItiniswhich to learn day school for ages 2–18. a school unlikeand any develop, each child’s is properly other: where a wonderful place contribution in which to learn and throughout. develop,valued where and eachencouraged child’s contribution is properly valued and encouraged throughout.

A co-educational IAPS Prep and Pre-Prep School for children from 3 to 13 with its own Oak Tree Nursery for children from 2½ to 3½ OPEN MORNINGS Wednesday, 15th October 2014 Thursday, 16th October 2014 For more information contact Admissions: 020 7435 1916 enquiries@devonshirehouseprepschool.co.uk www.devonshirehouseschool.co.uk

• Individual academic excellence and achievement • Small class sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention and • Individual academic excellence and achievement support • Individual excellence and achievement SmallPrep classacademic sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention • Separate School facilities, with access to all senior and support • Small class sizes (around 15), enabling individual attention school facilities support • and Separate Prep School facilities, with access to all senior • Outstanding Pre-Prep School for ages 2-4, with experienced, school facilities • Separate Prep School facilities, friendly and highly-qualified staffwith access to all senior school facilities • Outstanding Pre-Prep School, with experienced, friendly and • Exceptional outdoor education programme with indoor highly-qualified staff School, with experienced, friendly and • Outstanding climbing wall andPre-Prep Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to staff education programme with indoor climbing • highly-qualified Exceptional outdoor Gold level wall and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Schemewith to Gold level • Exceptional outdoor education programme indoor • Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, rugbyclimbing and and Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme to rugby Gold level • wall Sporting excellence with keyAward focus on hockey, and cricket cricket • Sporting excellence with key focus on hockey, rugby Centre andCentre cricket 70 acre working farm andBHS BHS approved Equestrian • 70 acre working farm and approved Equestrian • 70 acre working farm and BHS approved Equestrian learning Centre New dedicated Sixth Form Centre for • New dedicated Sixth Form Centre forindependent independent learning New dedicated Sixth Form Centre independent learning • First• class facilities forfor music, art First class facilities music, artand andfordrama drama • Scholarships, forces bursaries • First classbursaries facilities forand music, art and drama available Scholarships and forces bursaries available • Scholarships and forces bursaries available

Contact Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 or visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Contact Michele Archer on 01889 594 265 or visit www.abbotsholme.co.uk Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS Abbotsholme School, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 5BS

OPEN EVENTS Next Open Day: 2014 / 2015 Saturday 20th September, Next Open 2014: Day:

9.30am – 4.30pm Saturday 20th September, Friday 14th November 9.30am – 4.30pm Open Day from 8.30am Year 7 Information Evening: &

Sixth Form Information Evening Friday October, 5.30-7.00pm Year10th 7 Information Evening: from 5.30pm) Friday 10th October, 5.30-7.00pm Sixth Form Information Evening: 2015: Saturday 14thEvening: March November, SixthFriday Form 14th Information from 5.30pm 7.30pm Friday 14th–9.30am November, Monday 4thforMay 5.30pm – 7.30pm Scholarship Morning Year 7, 9 8.30am allfor dayYear and 12 entry in September 2015: Scholarship Morning 7, 9 15th November, Friday 5th June 2015: andSaturday 12 entry in September 8.15am – 12.30pm 5.3015th – 7.30pm Saturday November, 8.15am – 12.30pm

ARDINGLY college 2014

OPEN DAYS

The Nursery & Pre-Prep School Wednesday 8 October

The Prep & Senior Schools Saturday 11 October

Please register at www.ardingly.com/opendays.php

42 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

In F

oc us

A SURVIVOR’S GUIDE TO COMMON ENTRANCE Sarah Thomas takes you through the process that prepares your child for entry to Senior school

SARAH THOMAS head of Bryanston School, Dorset

C

44

ʻʻThink about your choice of Senior school and listen to the advice from your child’s Prep schoolˮ

OPEN DAY

YEAR FIVE AND SIX Begin visiting schools and registering at those that you like.

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

AUTUMN & SPRING YEAR SIX OR SEVEN Some schools may pre-test in Years Six or Seven.

AUTUMN YEAR SEVEN Schools begin teaching for CE exams, although most have already introduced topics and skills in many subjects.

SPRING YEAR EIGHT Prep school enters your child for the Common Entrance exams for your chosen Senior school.

SUMMER YEAR EIGHT Your child's Common Entrance exams usually happen after the summer half term.

AUTUMN YEAR NINE Time to move to Senior school!

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SHUTTERSTOCK

TIMELINE

ommon Entrance exams are a key part of the admissions process for most independent Senior schools today and are intended to make it easier for Prep schools to prepare their pupils for the next step of their education.

While the exams, run by the Independent Schools Exam Board (ISEB), are common to the participating Senior schools, pass marks usually range from 50% to 75%.

Some Prep schools have reduced the number of papers for which they prepare their pupils, focusing instead on a core of English, maths, science and modern foreign languages. Others are sticking to the full breadth of subjects to include history, geography, religious studies, and the optional Latin and Greek. At Bryanston in Dorset, we prefer children to study for all the Common Entrance subjects, as we offer a broad curriculum in the first year to ensure that all pupils explore all subjects before selecting their GCSE subjects for Years 10 and 11.

As a parent you can, of course, support your child in their preparations for Common Entrance; the key thing to remember is that it is the child who is being prepared and will write the exams

In F

oc us

SAMPLE NCE ENTR A COMMON N QUESTIO

Histor y

Choose a famous English sailor from the period you have covered, such as Franci s Drake or Walter Raleigh , or any other. a) Describe the main fea tures of the sailor’s career . b) How did the life and wor k of this sailor benefit Eng land or the United Kingdom?

HOW ABOUT TUITION?

Many parents want to help their child get into “the most academic school” and will make use of tutors to assist this. If you are going to hire a team of tutors to coach your child intensively, then you are possibly choosing the wrong school. Even if they do pass Common Entrance with this extra tuition, will they be able to keep up happily at school once that support has finished? If they still need that level of individual tuition to keep up, or if they can’t get the level of support they need and start to fall behind, it can lead to additional pressures, or even distress, on top of the usual adolescent anxieties which most pupils experience at one time or another.

Left, pupils studying at Strathallan School, Perth

WHAT ARE PRE-TESTS?

for Common Entrance! Think about your choice of school and listen to the advice from your child’s Prep school. Don’t forget that the Prep school knows your child very well and will have a good idea of where they are likely to thrive and where their particular range of talents will be best appreciated and developed. Such a school may not be the “school of the moment”; the important element of the choice is to think about what is best for your child rather than what other parents will say.

In addition to Common Entrance, there is also the matter of pre-testing, a tool used by an increasing number of Senior schools, usually in Year Six or Seven. One argument for pre-testing is that it gives parents and schools an earlier indication of whether or not the child will pass Common Entrance for that school. At Bryanston, we do not pre-test, as I have never been convinced that we can learn very much more through testing or interviewing an 11-year-old than a Prep school head can more accurately tell us, with liberal amounts of his or her specific insights too. Instead, we SAMPLE COMMON ENTR ANCE QUESTION

English g teenagers Do you believe that keepin ld reduce crime? off the streets at night cou curfew? Or is it an Do you agree with a 9pm Write a letter to the infringement of rights? views.

Government arguing the

enter into dialogue with the Prep school at an early stage; this allows us to determine whether Bryanston would be the right fit for the child and whether they would flourish here. Our emphasis is on providing the right academic mix with an interesting breadth of talent and interests outside of the classroom.

GO TO OPEN DAYS

Choosing a school is not just about passing Common Entrance. Visiting a range of schools, both with your child and on your own, is essential to understanding what each school is able to offer your child. Many schools hold an open day when parents can visit and meet members of staff. Bryanston introduces parents to the school as part of a small group visit, when parents are able to see the school on a normal working day, have a tour of the school with a sixth-form pupil, meet one of the housemasters or housemistresses, and me or Edrys Barkham (director of admissions), to discuss the academic, pastoral and social systems of the school.

The final decision upon which Senior school to choose for your child lies with you, the parents. I would always recommend seeking advice from the Prep school, and listening to it carefully: they know your child and the Senior schools.

Your child will also have an opinion, although in my experience it may be skewed by aspects of a school that don’t necessarily relate to their education, such as food or a glimpse of a games console in a boarding house while on a tour.

An informed decision, after plenty of careful listening about “where next?”, makes for the most successful transition to Senior school and offers a firm footing on the next stage of their education. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

45

JANE GANDEE

headmistress of St Swithun’s, Hampshire

enior schools and most Prep schools will doubtless tell you that they do not want children to be coached for entrance exams, but as parents you understandably want your child to gain the best results of which he or she is capable.

And as parents you are unlikely to be entirely immune to school gate chit-chat.

The truth and reality is that many parents do engage tutors to help their children prepare for exams. I firmly believe that short-term individual tuition to deal with a particular problem – perhaps some aspect of maths, for example, – is often sensible, and this will often be provided by your child’s school where the teachers will, of course, be expert in recognising areas of difficulty and nipping them in the bud. In the run-up to your child’s exams, I would recommend the following...

Talk to your Child Encourage him or her to talk through what they have learnt at school that day by asking open questions. Explaining what they have done will help them to make sense of the material and to retain it.

However, remember that this is not a test with you as teacher. Encourage them also to talk about their homework before attempting it so that

46

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Jane Gandee shares her secret to exam success…

Share your revision tips on Twitter... @ISParent

they are clear about what they are to do. Then once they’ve finished they can reflect on what has gone well and what they still feel unsure about.

They should ask a teacher for further explanations or you can make a note in your child’s homework diary. Being a self-reflective learner is a skill that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their life.

Plan Holidays and Weekends It is always possible to reinforce your child’s learning

DON’T WORRY…

Not optimistic about the forthcoming exams?

Don’t worry, here’s a list of famous and successful people who didn’t do at all well at school:

away from school, but this should complement rather than replicate your child’s classroom routine. Therefore activities such as reading a book and discussing characterisation or plot, using a range of maths games apps or looking at scientific principles through daily activities such as cooking or going to the park and looking at habitats can work well. Think carefully about your holiday plans if your child is sitting entrance exams in January – Christmas holidays are probably not the time for a tiring trip that returns just before term starts.

And remember that every child needs a good amount of unscheduled time in order to relax and develop their own resources. Boredom is often the father of imagination.

Perseverance Pays Without grinding your child down with many hours of extra work, do seek to instil in them the understanding that perseverance does bring results. So, properly completed homework, paying attention in class and asking for help if necessary will all lead to gradual improvement.

• RICHARD BRANSON, British tycoon • ABRAHAM LINCOLN, US president • THOMAS EDISON, inventor of the light bulb • GEORGE BERNARD SHAW, author and playwright • WALT DISNEY, creator of Mickey Mouse • WINSTON CHURCHILL, British prime minister

Active Revision This doesn’t necessarily mean working through all the previous papers that you can lay your hands on – that will

already be happening at school. Rather, it means encouraging your child to talk through topic areas and to revisit them in small chunks.

Practise Exam Technique It is well worth reinforcing exam technique such as encouraging your child to show their working in maths and science and to underline key words in the question so that they are sure they are answering the question set rather than the one they would prefer. The discipline of working to time is also important and can be practised at home using small segments of an exam paper rather than the whole paper.

Keep Calm Be careful not to pass anxiety on to your child. It will not improve their performance.

Do make sure they have rest, exercise and a healthy diet.

Trust your Child’s School You should try to forget about other parents and their children. Your child’s teachers will know their strengths and weaknesses and their head teacher will be able to give you advice about the schools that would suit them. Your child will get an excellent education at a wide range of Senior schools even if some are not currently the most fashionable. ISP

PHOTOGRAPHY: WIKIPEDIA, SHUTTERSTOCK

S

GET REVISING

Our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum, developing learners for life Find out more at our open events: Wednesday 8 October 9.30-11am Tuesday 4 November 9.30-11am Reception Taster Morning Wednesday 15 October 9.30-10.45am (booking essential) See our website for further details 020 8557 7003 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL

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AUTUMN 2014 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 47

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48 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

In F

THALIA THOMPSON education and parenting writer

W

oc us

TESTING TIMES What does it mean if your child is offered a place on a waiting list? Thalia Thompson explains how the system works and ways to make it less stressful

hy do schools have waiting lists? Children can change fast at this age: an 11-year-old who isn’t keen on boarding may be ready for it by 13. So parents often accept places at more than one school and take time deciding which one will suit their child best.

And equally, some children will have shown excellent potential in the pre-test but perhaps don’t quite have the maturity the school is looking for. So the child is offered a waiting list place in the hope that progress over the coming academic year will mean they can be offered a firm place.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK

How Long Will the Wait Be? Once schools have made their offers, there may be some slight movement on the list, where families who are absolutely sure of their choice accept some offers and refuse others. There may be further progress over the year, but the biggest change comes when the first term’s fees become payable (usually at the start of Year Eight).

Unfortunately, some parents continue to hold on to multiple places even after this deadline, despite the financial penalty. In the experience of Niall Hamilton, Senior admissions tutor at Marlborough College, Wiltshire, this “small minority of people” are the ones who cause “huge frustration and upset and indeed expense” to other families on waiting lists. So a place can become available at the very last minute, but you might have to forfeit a term’s fees at your second-choice school to take it up.

What You Can Do If your child is offered a place on the waiting list at a school you are keen on, don’t give up. Take advice from your child’s current school. Ask what updates

[

“The boys that I promote from the reserve list are boys who do thingsˮ – Andrew Sheddon, registrar, Winchester College, Hampshire

your Prep school will be sending on to the Senior school; end of term reports, exam results and even details of things like successes in sports teams or involvement in school plays can be useful. If you have any questions, contact the registrar at the Senior school yourself.

For more advice follow us on Twitter... @ISParent

How to Get Promoted from the List These waiting lists are usually a pool rather than a ranked list with registrars reviewing the waiting list periodically to see which pupils should now be offered a place. So it’s important that your child keeps doing their best at their current school.

And remember, it’s not just about academic results. As Andrew Sheddon, registrar at Winchester College, Hampshire, explains: “The boys that I promote from the reserve list are boys who

]

do things. They enjoy the business of learning of course but they have shown they are capable of being involved in other aspects of school life.”

Consider a “Safe” Option Include a “safe” option in your selection of schools from the start and present all schools as equal possibilities rather than looking for an obvious second choice later.

Is it the Right School?

Does it matter if your child gets into a school through the waiting list? Parents worry that it means they’ll struggle. That’s not the case in the experience of Andrew Sheddon. “I regard all boys on the reserve list as potential Wykehamists,” he says.

“And a lot of the boys who do come off the list come into the top half of our entry.” ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

49

“They are confident, articulate young people with high self-esteem who value both their own uniqueness and that of others”

SIS Inspection on behalf of OFSTED 2014

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Sat 15 Nov 10am - 12.30pm Friday tours twice a month 9.30am - 11am book with school office Walhampton half page ad.pdf

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50 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

16:57

Woodlands,90 Mycenae Road Blackheath London, SE3 7SE tel: 020 8858 4404 email: admin@greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk www.greenwichsteinerschool.org.uk

www.independentschoolparent.com

SCHOOL GATE

JANE GALBRAITH

membership development manager at PTA-UK

T

he Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in raising funds for a school and is integral to promoting parental engagement and bringing communities together.

School PTAs are prolific fundraisers, contributing over £110 million to our education system each year – so it’s vital for every school to have one.

ILLUSTRATION: CLARE MACKIE

Where Does the Money Go? Funds raised can provide necessities such as gym equipment or renovations, plus support for school trips and after-school clubs. It can also be used to organise meetings to inform parents about changes in the education system – parental presence at school can go a long way.

How to Set Up a PTA Before getting started you need to find other parents who will have the interest to commit to a PTA. Always remind parents they will be making a positive impact on the lives of their children. You may come up against parents who say they don’t have time, they don’t have good ideas or that it’s just not for them. Remind them all support is welcome; if time is an issue parents can contribute in other ways, such as donating raffle prizes for an event or updating the PTA Facebook

INSIDE THE PTA Your school’s PTA is more than just a bunch of mums who hold cake sales once a term, writes Jane Galbraith

page from home, or simply making a cash donation.

Chat to parents at the school gate, knock on doors or leave leaflets on each chair at the school play. There are plenty of ways to canvas for your members. Next, you should contact the head teacher. After confirming the school’s support, you’ll need to set up an informal steering group.

This involves registering the charity, organising CRB checks for PTA committee members and outlining the objectives of your organisation.

Preparation is Key You can draft in volunteers to help with events. Effective communication with other parents can be done via meetings, newsletters, emails or social media. Other things to consider are insurance, site

checks and safety at the event.

At PTA-UK we provide legal guidance cover and insurance cover for PTA run events, plus fundraising ideas and advice.

Think Outside the Box When it comes to the fundraising, there is a plethora of ideas out there. Although the old tried and tested jumble sales and cake sales always work, it’s good to be get creative and try to capitalise on the skills of your committee members. For example, someone might be a skilled photographer and could take photos at the school’s Teddy Bear picnic and could submit these to the local press afterwards. Or perhaps one of the children at your school might be talented at digital design and could create the brochure for the school fête.

Share your PTA successes on Twitter... @ISParent

At the recent PTA-UK Gold Star Awards, activities such as a Lego exhibition and a Mad Hatter’s tea party won awards for originality. One of our members organises an annual ball and it has become so successful that it raises £5,000 for the school each year. As communication is key, I would also advise setting up your own PTA’s website. The local media is also a great way to promote your PTA. You will also benefit from the support of other parents when sharing issues, concerns, and experiences. As Jonny Mitchell, star of the documentary series Educating Yorkshire said at our Gold Star Awards: “some people want things to happen. Some people wish things to happen and some very special people make things happen”. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

51

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Bringing out the best Bringing out the best Bringing out the best Bringing out the best in children in children in in children children

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We haveenvironment an outstanding record in children. preparing pupils in academic which to educate We have an outstanding academic record in preparing pupils for andoutstanding senior schools.Our Wepublic have an academicexceptional record in facilities preparingincluding pupils for public and senior schools.Our exceptional facilities including afor new science complex, indoor swimming pool, Astroturfincluding pitches, Wepublic have an outstanding academicexceptional record in facilities preparing pupils and senior schools.Our a new science complex, indoor swimming pool, Astroturf pitches, design, technology andschools.Our art centre, modernpool, language laboratory, public and complex, senior exceptional facilities including afor new science indoor swimming Astroturf pitches, design, technology and art centre, modern language laboratory, riding stablescomplex, and even our own French pool, chalet.

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ABBERLEY HALL ABBERLEY HALL W O R C E S T E R S H I R E ABBERLEY HALL W O R C E S T E R Sl l .Hc o I .Ru k E w w w. a b b e r l e y h a ABBERLEY W R aCb E Sl l .Hc o I .Ru k E w wOw. b eSr T l eEy hRaHALL W R aCb E I .Ru k E w wOw. b eSr T l eEy hRaSl l .Hc o

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54 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

STAR STAFF

K

notty Ash, Liverpool, is where it all began, looking out for the rag and bone man who would give out presents of colouring books and pencils – little did he know that he was encouraging a little girl to pursue her love of drawing and painting.

Years later I graduated from Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and worked with various theatre groups, illustrated at the Educational Resource Unit and was an outreach worker in Glasgow. I visited schools with a theatre company and slowly realised that what I really loved was teaching and enabling people to see what they were capable of achieving, so I took a PGCE. It was the same year I illustrated my first book for Blackie’s – a publishing house that primarily published children’s books and educational texts.

Following two teaching posts, I became an art teacher

JEAN FIORI-MCPHEE SCHOO

HEROL

This all-round creative shares a mutual artistic journey with her students at North London Collegiate School

Above, Jean and a pupil in the art room Left, NLC

at North London Collegiate School. I had no idea what to expect as I walked up Canons drive and saw the Old House for the first time. The school was beautiful with lush verdant grounds, a history of inspiring women and a staff. This was to be a whole new chapter in my life. I was encouraged to teach my subject to the full. I could take school trips to beautiful cities and share with my students the excitement and

thrill of seeing new places together and discovering art not only in galleries but in everything around us. I never forgot the lessons I learnt in Glasgow, finding the beauty in the overlooked and forgotten. I remember so vividly the first mural I did with students using their drawings from a trip to the local rubbish dump.

I continued to illustrate, write children’s books and bring my love of theatre into

“ I have learnt that if you create opportunities, they will be taken: expect the best and you will get it. And never underestimate anyone ”

painting and designing sets and making the costumes for school productions. To love teaching is to love learning. I have learnt that if you create opportunities, they will be taken: expect the best and you will get it. And never underestimate anyone.

I now approach my 28th year at NLCS – it has become my home and my extended family. I have seen generations of students flourish into confident young women pursuing ambitious careers. I am so lucky to be a part of that, no matter how small. ISP To read Jean’s feature in full visit independentchoolparent.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

55

MARK TAYLOR bursar and clerk to the governors, The King’s School, Canterbury

FEES AND FINANCE Mark Taylor explains the costs involved in private school education and offers advice on long-term budgeting for the payments

MONEY TALK

I

ndependent schools across the UK have gained a global reputation for the quality of all-round education that they provide – there are currently 511,928 pupils at 1,257 Independent Schools Council (ISC) member schools – more pupils and more schools than last year.

That said, those parents considering an independent school education for their son or daughter will understandably need to think carefully about school fees and affordability. There has been much in the press about exorbitant fees and other expense related stories. What I am going to try to do here, is give you an idea of the sort of costs involved, how schools can help with bursary support and some tips to help make budgeting for fees easier.

All independent schools charge fees, but they vary widely depending on the type of school and boarding requirements. Extras can add considerably to the bill (perhaps another 10%), depending largely on which activities your child chooses to take part in – like music tuition or school trips.

Allowance should be made for expenses relating to books, entries for public examinations, stationery and uniforms.

TIME TO PUT A STRATEGY IN PLACE

I would advise is that it is crucial to prepare for the commitment of paying fees as early as possible, having in place a strategy that will enable the school fees to be met in the event of death, an illness or loss of income, and considering how fees need not be entirely dependent on earned income, so ensuring that a child will be able to complete their education. Planning strategies can significantly reduce the financial burden of school fees, so it’s best to take professional advice.

MAKING THE FEES MORE AFFORDABLE

Having embarked upon a private education, many parents experience difficulties in funding school fees continuously from taxed income. There are a number of schemes available that are designed to help parents in this situation.

The purpose of these plans is to improve cash flow and hence make school fees more affordable. In essence, this involves spreading an element of the school fees over a longer period of time. For example, a parent may be able to comfortably afford 70% of the school fees from income, however the additional amount may prove to be a strain on finances. In this instance, it may be possible to take out an equity draw-down plan to spread the school fees for the balance of 30% over say a 10, 15 or 20-year period.

Early investment of capital can avoid the need to use income for providing for school fees in later years, or at worst go a significant way towards reducing reliance on income. The need for tax efficiency and flexibility can be tailored to the individual.

Regular saving for school fees should be started as soon as possible. The longer that you save, the less the impact there will be on income when school fees fall due – or, better still, consider some sort of life assurance policy. Income or capital sums derived are normally tax free.

AVERAGE TERMLY FEE (Excluding Nursery fees)

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

57

MONEY TALK

AVERAGE DAY FEE

(Excluding Nursery fees)

HOW DO I GET A BURSARY?

Increasingly, a growing number of both boarding and day schools have bursaries, which are grants from the school to help parents struggling to pay or afford the fees.

These are generally awarded after a “means test” of family income and are not dependent on examination performance, although some account will be taken of academic ability. Bursaries may be awarded in addition to a scholarship where financial need is demonstrated and the child would otherwise be unable to enter the school. To obtain a bursary, parents will usually be asked by the school’s bursar to fill in an application form, giving details of their financial circumstances, supported by documentary evidence and including capital assets. The application is likely to be considered by a combination of governors, the head and the bursar. The award will usually remain in force only until the pupil has sat the

AVERAGE BOARDING FEE (Excluding Nursery fees)

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

next relevant public examination – an award made before GCSE will not necessarily continue into A level. Most schools will review bursaries annually to ensure that the justification for an award remains. Bursaries are rarer at Prep schools, though a surprisingly large number of Prep schools do offer some awards. It is interesting to note that fee assistance increased by just over five per cent this year and now eight per cent of pupils at ISC schools are in receipt of means-tested bursaries. Of those, nearly 42% had more than half their fees remitted by the school.

WHAT IS A SCHOLARSHIP?

Many Senior schools and a few Prep schools offer scholarships to attract bright or talented pupils. A scholarship is awarded for academic promise or on the basis of special ability in music, art or some other specialism or all-round merit; most schools give awards for sport, and some for drama, design and technology.

They are usually awarded after a competitive examination and interview, and normally take no account of financial need. Academic scholarships are the most common, followed by scholarships for music, art, and sport. Talented children are invited to compete in open scholarship examinations. The schools hold these

DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE ADVICE

I do hope that this helps to point you in the right direction if you are considering an independent education for your child.

My advice is to research carefully and explore the schools’ websites, but above all, do not be afraid to ask the schools exactly what they have on offer. It can be a lengthy task, but potentially very worthwhile. So start planning as early as possible and do not be afraid to take advice. ISP

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, FOTOGRAFIABASICA, SUSANDANIELS

Money doesn't grow on trees, so it's important to plan ahead for fees

exams from the September to December and January to April (autumn and spring) terms of the year before admission.

Scholarships will usually be awarded at ages 11, 13 and 16, with pupils already at the school having the opportunity to sit for awards at 13 and 16. Scholarships at the age of 16, for candidates already at the school, are frequently awarded on the basis of GCSE results, with awards for new students being made as a result of an interview and report from the previous school, usually with the requirement to achieve certain grades at GCSE. Competition is strong but, as long as the pupil makes satisfactory progress, a scholarship is normally held for the duration of his or her time at the school.

Past papers are available from many schools, which will give an idea of the standards demanded.

Take advice from the head of your child’s current school about the chances of success. Scholarships vary in value – they might be worth as little as 10%. You should find out from the school what is offered, and what each is worth so you are not disappointed if you cannot afford the remainder of the fees when your child wins one of the smaller awards.

It’s as simple as ABC The alternative way to pay school fees SFP provides parents with a convenient way to pay their child’s school fees and any extras such as music tuition and school trips.

Instead of having to find lump sum payments each year, parents can now spread the cost using regular monthly direct debits – just like they do with their other large household bills, while the school gets paid in full, upfront by us.

Key benefits to schools include: • You can make available an alternative payment solution to parents while still receiving payment upfront each term • A reduced burden of compliance and regulation compared to operating an in-house lending scheme • It is simple and free to set up and completely paperless via access to our online management system • Reduced administration as SFP collects the fees • Maximise cash flow

Key benefits to parents include: • Ability to spread the cost of school fees helping parents to smooth their budgets* • Competitive transaction fees giving a cost effective way to pay school fees • Fully online and paperless application process • Not an ‘all or nothing’ service as it complements other funding sources e.g. grandparents

We understand that the course of parenting doesn’t always run smoothly.

Thankfully with SFP, at least paying their school fees can.

To find out how SFP can benefit your school, call us or visit the website

01372 746 006 | www.sfpschoolfees.co.uk * Credit is subject to status, terms and conditions apply. ‘SFP’ is a trading name of Premium Credit Limited. Registered office: Premium Credit House, 60 East Street, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1HB. Registered in England and Wales under company number 2015200. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

1 Nida Manzoor, 24 Screenwriter, Southbank International School, London Since graduating from University College London in 2011, Nida has won scriptwriting competitions with The Guardian, BBC writersroom, the National Youth Theatre and Shine Drama. She has written and directed a short film Arcade, been nominated for Best UK Short at Encounters Short Film Festival (2013) and her latest script beat over 600 applicants to receive funding through Film London’s London Calling Plus. She is now developing a screenplay and TV series as part of Channel 4’s 4screenwriting.

2 Harry Mallinder, 18 Rugby player, Spratton Hall, Northants and Rugby School, Warwickshire Harry led the England U18s to a 62 to five win over Portugal in the FIRA/AER Championship this April. He aims to pursue a professional contract with Northampton Saints as well as achieving three As in his A levels. It was during his two years at Spratton Hall that he developed his passion for the game, one which is still driven today by the memories forged on the school’s playing fields. He was offered a sports scholarship to Rugby School, where he has been captaining the first XV, as well as the Northampton Saints U18.

3 Jack Lucas, 22 Solihull School, West Midlands Jack Lucas wowed the judges in the last amateur series of MasterChef (BBC). Jack honed his culinary skills by watching YouTube videos at university and his girlfriend persuaded him to enter MasterChef 2014 – but his interest in food was sparked by cooking with his mum. He is currently spending a year travelling with his girlfriend in Australia. When he returns he has a job lined up with Sainsbury's, but he says that his time on MasterChef has spurred on ambitions of owning his own restaurant.

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5

Independent school has instilled drive, determination and excellence, making these alumni the...

ONES TO WATCH

STAR PUPILS

2

4 Christian Ellinas, 21

3

4 6

Entrepreneur, Harrow School, Middlesex Christian is the founder of Cooper Studios, a not-for-profit creative space in Durham that aims to counter the lack of fine art facilities in the university and community and to improve integration between students and local artists. Cooper Studios works on a membership system and, for a small fee, provides studio space, and holds exhibitions, talks, life-drawing classes, a stock of basic materials and an on site bespoke canvas-making service. It is also a community art centre, supplying four or five studio spaces for local people.

5 Ashley James, 26 TV presenter, Sedbergh, Cumbria Ashley James is currently the fashion and celebrity presenter for Clothes Show TV. Ashley started presenting with them after they saw how natural she was when working for online fashion channel fashtag. However, Ashley first came to our screens on the TV show Made in Chelsea, and her career in the media started at the age of 16, while at Sedbergh. Ashley secured a work placement at BBC Radio Cumbria. Alongside her presenting, Ashley is a model and an ambassador for breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! educating young people.

6 Helen Marten, 28 Artist, The King’s School, Macclesfield Helen is increasingly making a name for herself in the art world. Her exhibition Plank Salad, which was held at the Chisenhale Gallery in London, was described by The Guardian art critic Adrian Searle in glowing terms: “rarely have I been so struck,” said Searle, “Marten makes you want to look very closely at the things she makes and the traces she leaves.” After finishing at King’s, Helen studied art at both Central Saint Martins and University of the Arts, London, going on to study at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art at the University of Oxford. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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ANDALUCIA FOR

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Grand Hotel Elba Estepona *****

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This tranquil spa hotel is located overlooking the sandy beach at Arena, Gibraltar is 30 minutes away and Málaga one hours’ drive.The 204 bedrooms are spacious and comfortable and there are a number of interconnecting rooms that would suit families.

There is an indoor pool, an attractive outdoor swimming pool and a children’s pool.

Located in the heart of the Andalucian countryside, 50 kms from Granada and two hours from Seville, this fabulous hotel is set in a magnificent, private 1,700 acre estate. Built in the style of a typical Andalucian pueblo blanco it has 70 bedrooms and superb facilities for both adults and children including tennis courts, archery, bicycles, horse riding and a magnificent summer swimming pool.

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Hacienda de San Rafael (a deluxe country inn) The Hacienda de San Rafael is set among sunflower and cotton fields 25 miles south of Seville. It’s a small, elegant property providing warm hospitality in very comfortable surroundings.The 11 bedrooms are set around a flower-filled courtyard, there is an open-air swimming pool and the ‘casitas’ are perfect for families.

4 nights for the price of 3 in October - price from £899, saving £188

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t. 07827 868 644 | www.atticusandgilda.co.uk 62 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

SPORT TRIATHLON

JEREMY BANKS headmaster at Beachborough School, Northamptonshire

SWIM, BIKE, RUN–FUN!

H

PHOTOGRAPHY: ISTOCK, SASHKINW

ow many children, like my own, patiently waited on a road side in Yorkshire, this July, to experience seeing the Tour de France start here in England and catch a glimpse of Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish as they cycled past? Whether it is an inspirational sports hero or an outstanding teacher, it has long been recognised that one of the greatest influences in our children’s lives are their role models. One such individual is Beachborough School’s triathlon and swimming coach, Hester Pollock, whose sporting passion motivated her to set up our Triathlon Club and organise Beachborough’s inaugural Schools’ Triathlon Championships, this June.

Hester is an outstanding triathlete in her own right, having competed in her age group for Great Britain for the past 10 years. Triathlons for adults are mainly about trying to get in shape or race – so how do you motivate a young child to train? Hester’s secret is that children want to do them

The pupils at Beachborough School embraced its inaugural triathlon competition with great gusto, writes Jeremy Banks

Share your sporting successes on Twitter... @ISParent

because they are fun. A triathlon is doing three sports they love – swimming, cycling and running – the only difference is that there’s a start line and a finish line. Training in the three disciplines allows a greater variety of children to participate. Even if a child may not be great at one discipline, by competing in a triathlon they can still be well placed overall by excelling in one of the others.

Hester set up the Triathlon Club with the British Triathlon Affiliation. The weekly training sessions on Saturday mornings follow the Long Term Athlete

ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET...GO! Tristarts Tristar 1 Tristar 2 Tristar 3

(8 years old) (9-10 years old) (11-12 years old) (13-14 years old)

Swim 50m 150m 200m 300m

Bike 1,000m 3,000m 5,000m 7,000m

Run 600m 1,100m 1,600m 2,100m

Development programme (LTAD). The first two stages of the LTAD teach the children the fundamental ABC’s of sport: agility, balance and coordination; and how to train.

We are not ‘Training to Train’ the children (which is the LTAD third stage) as we believe that too many burnout if they are pushed too hard at the beginning. Our Triathlon Club is about having fun and developing relevant skills so that the children mature physically as individuals before they start to move up the LTAD ladder. Come rain or shine, we have over 40 children who choose to train at the Triathlon Club each week.

So how did we embark on running our own Triathlon competition? Beachborough was fortunate to be offered an exceptional local venue in Stowe School. We had a team

of volunteers who stepped up to help realise Hester’s plans, plus we were thrilled to accept support from the British Triathlon Federation who ensured we met their standards for safety and course approval.

After months of planning we were delighted to launch our triathlon on 15th June, with 250 triathletes from schools and clubs across the country, many of them competing in their first ever triathlon. With so many first timers, we reassured the nervous, as well as offering the more experienced and competitive children a challenging event.

It was a huge success and the children have well and truly caught the triathlon bug. And fresh from their Commonwealth Games’ success, it seems they have the Brownlee brothers, Alistair and Jonny, firmly within their sight. ISP

AUTUMN 2014 independentschoolparent.com

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the best of

BOTH WORLDS

LISA WOR 'S LD Top to bottom, Dubrovnik old town, seafood cuisine at Sun Gardens, you can do a tour of Dubrovnik and take boat trips to surrounding islands, relax in the spa, Lisa

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

Lisa Greaves and her daughter Martha lapped up the luxury on their getaway to the Sun Gardens resort in Croatia

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Top to bottom, Martha Greaves is a pupil at Finton House School, Wandsworth, children can enjoy the rock-climbing wall as part of the kids’ club, there are three outdoor pools, luxury Residence

'S THA MAR RLD WO

Martha had fun on the rock-climbing wall organised by the hotel’s kids’ club, while I had a full body massage

A

s you round the bend along the coastal road approaching the Sun Gardens resort, the lush landscaping reveals the main building of the hotel to be tastefully ingratiated into the hillside with staggering views over the Adriatic coastline.

My six-year-old daughter, Martha, and I had decided to take our first trip together – sans famille. She is the youngest of three – the elder two being firmly ensconced in the throes of senior school life.

Sun Gardens is a five-star resort, comprising of a hotel, the Radisson Blu, and private residences – and opened its doors back in July 2009. It has enjoyed a bustling trade ever since, thanks mainly to its location – a 40-minute car journey from a handy airport.

Once there, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik is simple by car (20 minutes) or by boat.

This was our first visit to Croatia and we were completely bowled over by the hospitality we encountered, and the Croatians’ love of food – it was these two traits that underpinned our stay. Upon arrival, we were whisked to a fabulous dinner at The Butcher Grill: I challenge any meat enthusiast to not visit this restaurant more than once, as we indulged in a beguiling selection of canapés featuring Croatian feta cheese, followed by a tender steak each. Just what we wanted on our first night in Croatia.

The hotel was at 80% capacity and yet the space and scope of its differing locations meant that we never felt that it was crowded. The hotel offers three different outdoor pools (one for adults only); a beautifully laid out shingle beach with bathing platforms and safe swimming areas; water sports equipment; six restaurants and several bars; an indoor pool; an extensive spa; clay tennis courts; beach volley ball court and a whole indoor sports complex spread over a 22-hectare site.

For the first time, Scott Dunn has established itself at Sun Gardens. Its facilities and highly imaginative activities for children are a welcome addition. The children’s club is open daily and there is a babysitting service available in the evenings. Sadly, there was no space for Martha on the days we were there, but I was able to use their babysitting services, which were professional and friendly. Ours was a rather good Uno player, according to Martha, which is high praise indeed!

The Radisson Blu is a stylishly designed building.

Each of its 200 bedrooms has a stunning en suite bathroom, complete with a balcony from which to savour the view.

The Residences, built before the hotel, slot neatly into the hillside and are all accessed by steps. In fact, there are quite a lot of steps throughout the complex – so be prepared if

you have a child’s buggy in tow!

Our Residence was tastefully decorated: there were handy large cupboards in the bedroom and an en suite bathroom complete with “rainfall” showers.

Martha thoroughly enjoyed a session on the indoor rockclimbing wall organised by the hotel’s kids’ club, while I had a soothing full body massage at the award-winning spa by OCCO. We followed this with a swim and early supper at the Maraska Lounge Bar, while drinking in the rosy-hued sunset.

Our favourite restaurant at the resort was Cilantro. During our stay we must have devoured platters of sea bass, turbot and John Dory fish – our decision on what to eat aided and abetted by our hugely informative and friendly waiter, Roberto. I also never knew that Croatian wine was so diverse and a winetasting evening exploring local produce such as Miloš Stagnum, Pošip Grgić and Bire Grk, hosted by the hotel, was a glorious way to sit out an unseasonal storm outside.

We chose The Market at the hotel on our last night and as we ate, we reminisced over our Croatian adventure. We decided that it had undoubtedly made its way into our hearts. I for one cannot wait to be reunited. ISP

BOOK Seven nights B&B for a IT

family of four in a two bedroom Residence is from £4,975, including British Airways flights, private transfers and two places in the Scott Dunn Explorers club. 020 8682 5040. scottdunn.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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GREAT CANAL JOURNEYS in France

A cruise to the very soul of France to relax and enjoy life!

A canal barge cruise is the ideal way to combine comfort and travelling to discover the charms of France and the riches of her regions at your own pace, and in a quite original way.

Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends experience life from a truly unique perspective, on a new range of products: a fleet of canal Barges that will cruise the regions of Alsace-Lorraine, Burgundy, Provence, Champagne and the canal Saint-Martin in Paris.

In 2015, join us on a remembrance barge cruise with dedicated WW1 related excursions.

· Gourmet French food & wines · Drinks & excursions included · 12 cabins per barge with ensuite bathrooms · A pleasant setting with a Jacuzzi and bicycles on board · 6 crew at your service

London Call Centre: Tel +44 (0) 208 3 281 281 - Email: resuk@croisieurope.com www.croisieurope.co.uk

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Junior Rangers programme teaches children about the local flora and fauna and the habits of the animals in the area Above, a luxury Belmond residence Left, on safari Below, sun and snow courtesy of Club Med

Belmond Safaris are African specialists, having operated in northern Botswana for more than 20 years. Staff and guides are on hand to offer a wealth of experience – making this a holiday you’ll never forget.

Nestled on the edge of a forest, Belmond Khwai River Lodge sits by floodplains that attract Africa’s largest variety of big game, and it offers a Junior Rangers programme that teaches children about the local flora and fauna and the habitats of animals in the area. Set on the banks of a river, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge is a magnet for wildlife and gives adventurous little ones the chance to identify animal tracks and track animals of various sizes. And Belmond Eagle Island Lodge’s location could not be more inspiring, overlooking a lagoon and shaded by palms, where children can take a fishing excursion, letting them make their own rods and identify fish. What’s more, Belmond Safaris are able to accommodate one child aged eight to 12 in a luxury room with their parents at the discretion of the lodge’s general manager.

A triple room at Belmond Safaris starts from

BOOK £1,152 per night, based on two adults and a IT

child between the ages of eight and 12 sharing a room. Price includes all meals, two safari activities per day, park fees and insurance. belmond.com

SUN, SEA OR SKI? Can’t make up your mind? Here’s our pick of the best…

MOUNTAINS, SNOW AND ICE

Club Med Valmorel is a 4T (4Trident, or four star) resort, with 5T (5Trident, or five star) luxury space, set in the heart of the beautifully preserved mountain environment with a view of Mont Blanc. There’s a choice of three types of accommodation: deluxe, club, and 5T luxury suites. You also have the option to stay in the luxury chalet apartments – the two to four-bedroom apartments for families and friends. Activities at the resort include alpine skiing, snowboarding and Nordic walking. There are also kids’ clubs for children from four months to 17 years and a Zen paradise spa by CARITA for some all-important me-time.

An all-inclusive, seven-night holiday will cost £1,405 per

BOOK adult (was £1,569) and £1,235 per child over six years IT

(was £1,315) based on a departure on the 14th December from LGW to Valmorel 4T, French Alps. Children under four are free. 0845 287 5347. clubmed.co.uk

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

PHOTOGRAPHY: CACHET TRAVEL

CULTURE VULTURES

There a few places on earth that exhibit the entire course of human development in just a few 100 square kilometres, and Jordan is one of them. With a jam-packed four-night trip you and your family will start your journey in Amman, where you’ll transfer to Toledo Amman Hotel on the edge of the old city for your first night.

Your first day will be spent visiting the Mosaic City of Madaba, where you can marvel at the oldest map of the Holy Land on the floor of St George’s Church.

Discover Mount Nebo, the alleged burial site of Moses and admire the vistas over Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Next, you’ll head to Petra where you’ll check in to your hotel in the heart of this ancient city. Visit the magical desert of Wadi Rum, where you can enjoy a mint tea at the Rest House before taking a jeep to the local Bedouin for a drive over the area’s moon-like scape. Finish off your day swimming in the Red Sea with a visit to the Berenice Beach Club Aquarium.

Right, the Turquoise Coast in Turkey Below, try scuba diving in its waters

Young archaeology buffs will marvel at the ancient sites that lie within easy striking distance and teenage girls will enjoy bargain hunting in the bazaars of Fethiye

Prices from £1,149pp for four

BOOK nights saving £483pp on select IT

dates from September 2014 to April 2015. 0843 22 77 777. For the latest Jordan deals go to secretescapes.com

EXPLORE THE TURQUOISE COAST IN FARALYA, TURKEY

Mandarin Boutique Hotel’s sister property Mango Boutique Hotel will open in 2015, offering luxury family-friendly accommodation including sumptuously spacious split-level maisonettes with their own large gardens and private swimming pools. Situated in the unspoilt hamlet of Faralya, just a short drive from the popular Turkish beach resort of Olüdeniz and the bustling harbour town of Fethiye, it will be a rural family retreat, to complement the Mandarin’s emphasis on tranquillity and relaxation.

The area has much to offer for active families, there’s excellent hiking right on your doorstep and boat trips to hidden bays along the beautiful Turquoise Coast. Water sports, including scuba-diving, are offered at nearby Olüdeniz, while paragliding from the summit of Mount Babadag is truly exhilarating.

Young archaeology buffs will marvel at the many ancient sites that lie within easy striking distance, while teenage girls will enjoy bargain hunting in the bazaars of Fethiye. Mandarin and Mango’s peaceful setting and enticing pools ensure that there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy some rest and relaxation.

A maisonette with a private swimming pool for four people will be

Above and left, Petra, Jordan and the Amra Palace Hotel

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

BOOK from €595 per night in 2015, including half board. Flight-inclusive IT holiday packages to Mandarin and Mango Boutique Hotels are available through Cachet Travel. 0208 847 8700. villamandarin.com and cachet-travel.co.uk

Ipswich High School

From Toddlers to Teens, Safari to Surfing, From Toddlers to Teens, Safari to Surfing,

We design bespoke family adventures to destinations to Teens, Safari to Surfing, We From designToddlers bespoke family adventures to destinations Around our World We design bespoke familyour adventures Around World to destinations Around our World Create your shared memories to last a lifetime Create your shared memories to last a lifetime Create your shared memories to last a lifetime

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Whole School Open Morning

Saturday 4th October 2014, 9.30am – 1pm Africa | Indian Ocean & Caribbean | Middle East | Asia Africa | Indian Ocean & Caribbean | Middle East | Asia Australia | USA & Canada | Latin America | Europe Africa | Indian Ocean & Caribbean Middle East | Asia Australia | USA & Canada | Latin|America | Europe Australia USA Canada Latin America | Europe Contact| us for a&copy of our |brochure and a personal, Contactin-depth us for a copy ofat our andprice a personal, service a brochure competitive service a brochure competitive Contactin-depth us for a copy ofat our andprice a personal, in-depth service at a competitive price 0845 124 4455 Email: info@bushbaby.travel

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Sixth Form Open Evening

Wednesday 15th October 2014, 7pm For further information please contact our Registrar on 01473 201034 admissions@ihs.gdst.net | www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk Woolverstone, Suffolk IP9 1AZ Comprehensive coach service across Essex and Suffolk

Family Holiday Ideas?

Get your FREE Guide to the best school holiday destinations Order NOW at

www.familyholidayscompany.com or call us on

01279 639600 www.independentschoolparent.com

AUTUMN 2014 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 69

Luxury family skiing holidays Courchevel, Meribel Zermatt, Val dʼIsere Verbier AND OVER 130 OTHER GREAT RESORTS

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70 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

BOOKS & APPS

BOOK CLUB

`

1

Our round-up of top children’s books and apps

Grandpa in Space Blast into space to learn fun facts about the planets through mini games and videos.

(Fairlady Media, £1.49 on the App Store, age 4-8).

2

BBC CBeebies Playtime Explore with Andy on his Dinosaur Adventure, get creative with the “Make a Picture” game and make words with Alphablocks. (BBC, free on the App Store, age 4-5).

3

Learn a Language with Mindstacks Available in Spanish, French and Japanese – children learn by playing with over 40 hours of content. (Mindstacks, free on the App Store, age 5+).

EDITOR’S PICK

caption here...

Keep Your Cool, How To Deal With Life’s Worries and Stress

by Dr Aaron Balick Full of practical advice and useful tips, author Dr Aaron Balick is a UKCP registered pyschotherapist who brings a wealth of experience to children who are struggling with the pressures of modern day life. A welcome addition to any school library.

4

TOP SHELF:

BOTTOM SHELF:

Barry Loser and the Holiday of Doom

by Jim Smith, (Egmont UK, age 6+) Barry can’t wait to tell his friends that they’ve been invited on his family’s caravan holiday – and it all doesn’t quite go to plan.

Keep Your Cool

by Dr Aaron Balick, (Hachette, age 9+) Is life making you stressed? Then this is the book for you. Deals with issues like bullying and exam panic (see left).

Fortnunately, the Milk

by Neil Gaiman, (Bloomsbury, age 8+) You know what it’s like when your mum goes away and makes a long list for you and Dad to do? Wacky fun!

The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff

by Andy Seed, (Bloomsbury, age 9+) This laugh-out-loud book is bursting with lists, facts, inventions, silly names and much more. Unputdownable.

Mungo Monkey Goes to School

by Lydia Monks, (Egmont UK, age 3+) Join Mungo at school in the second tale of the series by Julia Donaldson’s award-winning illustrator Lydia Monks.

Daisy and the Trouble with Sports Day

by Kes Gray, (Red Fox, age 5-7) Daisy is determined to win her race at school sports day and she and her best friend Gabby are training hard!

Kids Doodle Doodle on an iPhone, using more than 10 brushes, like the glow/neon brush or oil brush – there’s even a mode to play back steps. (Bejoy Mobile, free on the App Store, age 4+).

5

Tap A Tune Play your own nursery rhymes by tapping on a keyboard where each key is linked to an animal.

(Mindshapes Ltd, £0.69 on the App Store, age 3+).

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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COUGHS AND SNEEZES…

T

How do you ward off colds and flu? School nurses and matrons reveal all to Thea Jourdan

he nights are closing in and ‘tis the season for coughs and sneezes.

“Schools are ideal breeding grounds for viruses in the winter months. Children living in close proximity to one another are more susceptible to viruses and bugs until they build up an immunity,” explains Kathy Compton, nurse adviser to the Boarding Schools’ Association. Most private schools have their own nurse or matron for term time. Many boarding schools, have nurses on site full time, but this is not always the case at day schools.

Staying in at playtime when the weather is snowy or wet, lots of physical contact

used tissues away. Cotton hankies may be traditional but they need to washed regularly and can harbour bugs.

Hand washing should not be a rushed affair either. In fact, according to Amanda Botley, school sister at Bruton School for Girls in Somerset. “Ideally, a child should use soap and water and ensure that every part of the hand and wrist is cleaned. It’s easy to forget the tips of the fingers and thumbs, and the ball of the hand – which has lots of sweaty folds,” she says.

This should be followed by a thorough rinse in clean water. Air drying is best or paper towels should be used.

Avoid touching your nose and eyes, if you have infected droplets on your hands the virus will enter your system between children and forgetting to wash hands regularly all contribute to the increased risk of catching colds at school.

For day pupils, the early morning commute on a crowded train or bus can be another source of contamination.

Luckily there are lots of things you can do to decrease the frequency and severity of your colds. According to Julie Gregory, matron at Lambrook School, a prep boarding school near Ascot, there are no effective ways to avoid them completely, but simple things can reduce the risk of transmission. “Avoid touching your nose and eyes,” she says. “If you have infected droplets on your hands, the virus will be able to enter your system.”

If you do cough or sneeze, make sure you cover your nose and mouth and then wash your hands immediately. Throw any

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

She recommends antibacterial wet wipes or hand gel for those times when soap and water are not easily available.

“They are effective but they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper hand washing routines.”

Many schools now have hand sanitisers.

Brookham School, a pre-prep in Hampshire, has pump dispenses in its nursery department and other key points around the school. Alison Udall, school nurse at Brookham and its sister school Highfield, says that alcohol cleaners can kill up to 99% of germs on the surface of the hands, but they are only part of the

Colourful, fruity snacks keep our bodies healthy

solution. “Doorknobs, light switches and handles can also harbour germs so everything is deep cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis,” she says.

Good nutrition, “to help bolster the immune system,” is another way to ward off colds this winter, according to Udall.

Children at Brookham are given fruit snacks and learn about balanced diets.

“Staff here check that children are eating from a ‘colourful plate’ that includes their five-a-day, helping the body to stay healthy so it can produce sufficient antibodies to fight off infection.”

Julie Gregory from Lambrook, agrees that healthy eating is crucial. “Have a healthy lifestyle: eat a healthy diet, take regular exercise and drink plenty of warm drinks in the winter months,” she says.

The same goes for sleep. Children need to get plenty of sleep in order to be able to effectively fight off infections. Bedtimes for boarders at Bruton School for Girls vary and sixth formers are expected to be in their rooms by 11pm at the latest. “It’s important that all girls get plenty of rest,” says Amanda Botley. “Lots of sleep helps to keep your body healthy.”

Kathy Compton, points out that all children in the UK, aged from three to 17, will soon be offered a flu vaccination to reduce the risk of catching more serious influenza. “A nasal spray vaccine called Fluenz would be the vaccine of choice for children, because it works well in them and has a good safety profile,” she says. In the meantime, it’s important that school nurses remain in contact with children and parents, “keeping everyone on the right track to health”. ISP

HEALTH MATTERS

When washing hands, remember the tips of the fingers and thumbs, and the ball of the hand – which has lots of sweaty folds

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

73

COMPETITION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

WIN!

A LUXURY STAY

Independent School Parent has teamed up with Forest Holidays to offer a stylish four-night family stay in the heart of the countryside

Win a four-night, midweek, luxury stay in an open-plan Silver Birch cabin for you and up to three guests. Situated on Forestry Commission land, the cabin has a fully-equiped kitchen, master bedroom and ensuite, twin room and bathroom and a private outdoor hot tub on the decking.

Choose from one of nine idyllic locations including Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, Deerpark, Cornwall and

Strathyre or Argyll in Scotland. Enjoy gentle forest strolls or get active and hire bikes or join the bush skills activity led by the onsite Forest Ranger. The choice is yours.

You have the freedom to explore, make dens and play endless games. It’s hours of outdoor fun: chasing butterflies, spotting wild animals, pond dipping and tree climbing. Recharge and spend some precious days reconnecting with nature. ISP

Above, relax in a luxury cabin Right and below, there are many ways for families to get active

HOW TO ENTER For your chance to win, simply answer the following question on our website at: independentschoolparent.com/win Q. Which folk hero is associated with Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire?

A – Captain Cook B – Robin Hood C – Florence Nightingale Terms and conditions The prize must be taken by 31st March 2015 (excluding Monday 22nd December). The prize is non-transferable and non-exchangeable. The prize can be taken at any Forest Holidays location across the UK. All entries must be received before 11.59pm on 31 October 2014.

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

The Forest of Dean is a glorious stretch of ancient oak woodland. It spreads out from the sublime beauty of the Wye Valley across to the mighty River Severn. Enjoy the perfect family break and escape to a luxury cabin with your family. You can choose to stay within the forest or in a delightful open meadow close to the Forest Retreat; the hub of the location.

Enjoy the perfect family break at the Forest of Dean Due to popular demand, we're introducing 44 additional cabins to the Forest of Dean; opening on Friday 31 October - just in time for Halloween! This includes four brand new Golden Oak Hideaway cabins; designed for romantic breaks for 2 people. Plus more Golden Oak Treehouses sleeping up to 10 people; bringing the total to five Treehouses for you to enjoy.

Forest Holidays are perfect getaways for families, couples and groups of friends. The forest is a magical place for children, however young they are, and we welcome babies and toddlers. You'll find that Forest Holidays is perfect for extended family holidays so why not bring the Grandparents along? You can even bring the dog into our specific pet-friendly cabins. There really is something for everyone.

Simple luxury in beautiful locations. We look forward to welcoming you to Forest Holidays soon.

Exclusive offer for the Forest of Dean Save 10% when booking a cabin at the Forest of Dean with Forest Holidays; simply enter the promotional code SCHOOLFOD at www.forestholidays.co.uk Fancy staying at another Forest Holidays’ location?

Save 5% by entering the promotional code INDSCHOOL. Our luxury cabins sleep from 2-10 people and most have their own private outdoor hot tub and log burner.

With an abundance of great attractions and stunning scenery nearby including Symonds Yat, Puzzlewood (we've heard rumours that Star Wars recently filmed here!) and canoeing on the River Wye – you will have plenty to do during your stay. Enjoy an adventure holiday and explore the forest by foot or bike or take part in activities such as archery or bush skills with our Forest Ranger. Or simply relax in your hot tub. The choice is yours.

Whatever you do, your woodland surroundings will work their quiet magic on you, making this the most memorable of holidays. Why not join us for half term or the Christmas holidays?

Terms and conditions: The above offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer at Forest Holidays. The promotional code must be entered at the time of booking and cannot be added retrospectively. The offers expire on 31 December 2014. Holidays can be taken anytime during 2014/15. The 10% offer is valid at the Forest of Dean only. The 5% offer is valid at any of the other 8 Forest Holidays locations.

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19/09/2014 13:46:24

COACHING COURSES AT THE MCC CRICKET ACADEMY

BOOK ONLINE NOW

Book your budding cricketer onto one of these popular coaching courses. Vastly experienced MCC coaches teach all disciplines of cricket, in the specialist facilities at Lord’s.

lords.org/kidscoaching For more information call 020 7616 8612 Quote ‘ISP’ when enquiring

MCC, Lord’s Ground London NW8 8QN

76 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @MCC _ Academy

www.independentschoolparent.com

CALENDAR Our round-up of events nationwide this autumn

15 November AND

6

December

19-21 September

DINO SNORES [London]

A night at the museum sleepover event in the Natural History Museum’s Great Hall includes activities and a special show before snuggling down in the shadow of the Diplodocus. Includes breakfast before opening to the public.

Age seven to 11. nhm.ac.uk

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP PRESENTS THE HANDMADE FAIR [Hampton Court Palace, Surrey] Kirstie Allsopp has hand-picked the best artisans and sellers to create the first all making craft fair. Learning and making will be the heart of the day, as part of Kirstie’s mission to get Britain crafting. thehandmadefair.com

THE GREAT BATH FEAST

1-31

October [Somerset] A food festival with chefs, such as Mary Berry, cooking and championing local produce; including gourmet delights; artisan cheese makers; and you can also join the Bath Taste Trail through the city’s delis and food shops. greatbathfeast.co.uk

GRAND DESIGNS LIVE

9-12 October

[West Midlands] Based on the Channel 4 TV series, and presented by design guru Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs Live at the NEC, sponsored by Anglian Home Improvements, is packed with over 500 exhibitors, across seven different sections, covering interiors, gardens, food and housewares, kitchens and bathrooms, home improvement, self-build, renovations, technology and shopping. thenec.co.uk

4-19 October MIDLOTHIAN SCIENCE FESTIVAL [Midlothian] Across a wide range of venues, the festival includes over 90 events with films, scientist and author talks, family science shows, food events, family drop-in fairs, drawing competitions and exhibitions. midlothiansciencefestival.com

AUTUMN 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

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Competition To win one of five pairs of free tickets to The Baby Show, Olympia, go to: independentschoolparent.com/win

SCIENCE QUEST [Northumberland]

Set in 1,000 acres, Victorian home Cragside is a hub for arts and science exploration reflecting upon the creative and inventive spirit of its owner William Armstrong. Join the Science Quest to go exploring on a one-mile trail. And head to the Science Lab on 28th October to learn about Victorian ideas. nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside

25-2 Oct Nov

24-26 October THE BABY SHOW [Olympia, London] Celebrating the best in pregnancy and infant essentials, the event will bring together more leading new and boutique brands than ever before.

Visitors can discover the latest innovations in child safety and travel, watch inspirational catwalk shows and enjoy the return of the Mother's Know Best live debate panel. thebabyshow.co.uk

UNTIL

17-22 November BRADFORD ANIMATION FESTIVAL

Ongoing...

Thackray Medical Museum

RECOVERY? FROM FLANDERS TO AFGHANISTAN EXHIBITION [Yorkshire] This thought-provoking exhibition looks at the relationship between medicine and conflict, and how the technologies of war drive medical advancements. thackraymedicalmuseum.co.uk

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independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW

17-30 Oct Nov

[Scotland 17th-19th Oct; Business Design Centre Islington 25th-27th Oct; London Olympia 14th-16th November; NEC Birmingham 27th-30th November] 'Tis the season to get foodie with the BBC Good Food Shows descending on destinations nationwide.

Offering live demonstrations from top TV chefs and hundreds of the UK’s finest producers. And Birmingham is host to the dedicated Bakes & Cakes Show, packed with baking, bread-making, free masterclasses and celebrities including live baking from The Great British Bake Off’s Mary Berry and chocolatier John Whaite. bbcgoodfoodshow.com

[West Yorkshire] The National Media Museum, Bradford, is hosting the UK’s longest running annual celebration of animation from the UK and around the world. Previous special guests have included the creative forces behind animated greats such as Wallace and Gromit, The Simpsons, The Snowman, Pixar’s Up! and many more. This year’s festival includes BAF Kids on Saturday 22nd November, with a whole day dedicated to family events, screenings and workshops for young animation fans. nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/BAF

Leighton Park School “A charming pint-sized powerhouse” Good Schools Guide 2014

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER

10.00AM – 1.00PM To attend, please call Nicola Jones on 01865 517103 or email admissions@wychwoodschool.org GSA independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11-18 74 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6JR www.wychwoodschool.org

Shinfield Road, Reading RG2 7ED

T: 0118 987 9600 E: admissions@leightonpark.com W: leightonpark.com Head Teacher: Nigel Williams Admissions: Rachael Bolding, Registrar

Key facts

Gender / Ages: boys and girls, 11-18 years Total pupils: 490, boys 322, girls 169 Type: Day, Flexi, Weekly, Full Boarding Fees: Senior – Day from £5,655 - £6,798, Weekly Boarding £7,511 - £9,027, Full Boarding £8,507 - £10,447 per term, Flexi Boarding from £38.87 per night Entrance procedure: Please see website for details

School Philosophy: We offer a distinctive atmosphere where students are accepted and nurtured as individuals. By creating an environment that supports engaging and inspiring teaching and learning experiences, students become active learners, gaining skills which prepare them for further education and beyond.

Open Days: Annual Open Morning: Sat 4th Oct 10am-12pm Monthly Open Mornings: 10.15-12.30pm on 11th Nov, 9th Dec 2014, 27th Jan, 24th Feb 2015

Open Days

11th October (3–11 years), 8th November (11–18 years)

SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS 2015 Using your School Branding System©

of the Jesuit Institute group of schools and should be used across he school to help promote the links with the Jesuit Institute. urst’ crest and the lettering. They must be kept as one unit. These ifferent proportions to those shown below. They can appear they feature no smaller than 35mm wide. ied on your CD, including a black version. They are shown n any other colourway or distorted. However it can be scaled in

twork for use when applied to uniform and is being stitched or

www.independentschoolparent.com

PMS 1945 U red and 425U grey

17 January (11+/13+ Academic and St Francis Xavier Award) th

White out of 425U and 1945U

Developing outstanding individuals Black solid

A Co-educational Catholic Boarding and Day School for 3–18 year olds 01254 827073 admissions@stonyhurst.ac.uk www.stonyhurst.ac.uk Stonyhurst Clitheroe Lancashire BB7 9PZ

AUTUMN 2014 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT 79

OPEN

MORNING

Saturday 18 October 10 – 12 noon

Small independent school for girls

For further information please contact: Grange Park Prep School 13 The Chine, Grange Park, London, N21 2EA Email: office@gpps.org.uk Tel: 020 8360 1469 www.gpps.org.uk

80 INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2014

www.independentschoolparent.com

Remember, remember...

to book your tickets for any fireworks event you are attending; to wrap up warm; and to make sure your pets are kept safe away from loud noises

BONFIRE NIGHT

Right, Leeds Castle in Yorkshire

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

1-2

[Derbyshire, £10-£16] November In the heart of the Peak District, Chatsworth House is set in a 100-acre park. Gates open at 6.15pm; bonfire is lit at 7.15pm. chatsworth.org

FIREWORKS HOUSE PARTY AT LEEDS CASTLE

8

November

[Yorkshire, from £410 per couple] One for the adults; there’s afternoon tea before enjoying the musical firework display with projections on the castle set to the theme of animals, then warm yourself with winter Pimms and a three-course dinner in the Banqueting Hall, followed by coffee in the Drawing Rooms before you retire to your room. leeds-castle.com

BEAULIEU ABBEY AND PALACE HOUSE

1

November

PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK, WELLCOME LIBRARY LONDON, NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES, JOHN MILLAR

[Hampshire, £8-£12, family £34] Dynamic fireworks display. From 3pm. beaulieu.co.uk

CITY PAD

THE 2014 BIG DRAW

1-2

Oct Nov

[Nationwide] Thousands of drawing events will unite children, parents, illustrators, artists and designers across the country. In partnership with Family Arts Festival, the theme this year is: It’s Our World, celebrating the environment – both urban and rural. campaignfordrawing.org

1-30

[London] Rocksure Property is offering stakes in high-quality real estate in London so you can spend an average of 18 nights each year enjoying a luxury apartment in the capital – perfect for visiting children at boarding school. The Rocksure London Fund requires an investment of £245,000 for a full unit. And it’s not a timeshare: there’s no debt involved, with investors owning 100% of the real estate. rocksure.com

November

COSMONAUTS: BIRTH OF THE SPACE AGE [London] Cosmonauts brings the story of Russian space endeavour to life through a unique collection of space artefacts, many of which have never been seen before outside Russia. sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum

AUTUMN SUMMER 2014 | independentschoolparent.com

81

MEMORY LANE

D

How was Bedales different?

I arrived when I started my GCSEs and it was my first experience of a co-ed school. It was a friendly, sympathetic environment. We didn’t wear uniforms and called teachers by their first names. Bedales has a very strong charitable and artistic ethos.

SCHOOL

KIRSTIE ALLSOPP

What did you want to be when you grew up?

My ambition was to get married and have four children. Nothing was expected of girls of my generation from a professional aspect, although a lot of my peers went on to university, so I did not see the importance of working hard and I did just enough to get by.

Were your family academic?

My grandmother had my mother in her 40s and then my mother left school at 16.

My father left Eton, went straight into the Army and later became chairman of

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MEMORIES

independentschoolparent.com | AUTUMN 2014

The TV presenter was so unhappy at school that she attended 10, until she went to Bedales in Hampshire, where she thrived…

Christie’s. So there is no recent history of family members having gone to university. I’ve worked very hard since leaving school and have been presenting Location, Location, Location for 15 years now. If I had one criticism of my parents I would say that they were not interested in my schooling.

How do your children compare to you?

I look at my children and think to myself: “how do I incentivise them”? I have two step-sons and two sons, and I am very keen on rewarding them at home for their

successes in their school work.

But I’m not interested in sending my children to university or paying for it unless they are seriously studious. Work experience is far more important.

Hot on the sports field?

No, no, no! I was hopeless with bats and balls and being competitive, I didn’t like doing

Share your school memories on Twitter... @ISParent

Do you have any advice for your school-age self?

I would work much, much harder at my studies and I would chill out about my friends: I had the social antennae of an amoeba and would get far too caught up in their dramas.

Favourite teachers?

I was dyslexic, and although I liked maths I found numbers hard. My maths teacher Dennis Archer was fantastic and got me through my GCSE. Philip Parsons, Ruth Whiting and Alison Willcocks were my very inspiring history teachers.

I was creative-ish so I also enjoyed art.

What about friends?

I had five close girlfriends but no male friends. Bedales is a small school and Bedalians stick together.

What do you think your teachers think of you now?

I believe my teachers would be surprised to see what job I have today. They might also be surprised that I had stuck at something so long! ISP

“ I had the social antennae of an amoeba and would get too caught up in my friends’ dramas”

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

id you enjoy your time at school?

No I hated it. I was unhappy and terribly homesick, I was much happier at home. I went to St Clothilde’s prep school in Lechlade, Gloucestershire, aged eight, which was the first of 10 schools that I attended. I was a non-conformist and Bedales responds to this type of child. It was at Bedales that I eventually found my niche.

anything I could not do well.

As a child, standing out from the crowd and competitiveness were frowned upon, so I hid it.

As an adult I am very competitive and I like to go wild swimming and cycling.

Grove salisbury

‘

Chafyn

‘

Education is Inspiration

OPEN DAY

Saturday 4th October

Education for Life...

10am -12.30pm

Co-educational Day & Boarding from 3 - 13 44 (0)1722 333423

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www.chafyngrove.co.uk

|

Salisbury, Wilts SP1 1LR

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