Plus... A four-page pull out feature: IN THIS ISSUE
Cover Image supplied by: Ipswich School
Let’s see who you are...
At Framlingham we believe in the individual. There is no typical Framlinghamian, no singular path that we take. Often, we are many things within one. Every pupil is valued for who they are. We are a co-educational day and boarding school for ages 2 to 18 with flexi, weekly and full boarding options from age 7. Our extensive bus routes across East Anglia provide convenient transport for our pupils.
START YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY TODAY
Join us for an Open Day or arrange a personal visit to experience us for yourself.
PREP SCHOOL OPEN MORNING
SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Saturday 26 April 2025 Bank Holiday Monday 05 May 2025
To register for an Open Morning, or arrange a private visit, scan the QR Code or visit framlinghamcollege.co.uk/openmornings , email admissions@framlinghamcollege.co.uk or call 01728 727217. Open Mornings run from 10:00 - 13:00.
CONTACT US
12,000 copies of the magazine are distributed throughout Suffolk. To request copies please contact the editor.
Welcome
Welcome to our new spring/summer issue.
This issue has a great Ipswich School, Finborough School and Brookes UK. I would also like to thank Ipswich School for providing the cover image for this issue.
Following the success of Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk and the Big Hoot Ipswich, St Elizabeth Hospice will be hosting their fourth art trail this summer –Hop to it! Suffolk. and the amazing service that St Elizabeth Hospice provide in our special four-page pull out feature. I hope you and your family can get involved with this brilliant fundraiser.
Best Wishes
Stacey Phillips
Anchors Away - Suffolk and the Sea
27 June - 27 September 2025 l Free entry At The Hold, Ipswich Waterfront @suffolkarchives
Explore Suffolk’s swashbuckling maritime history with Suffolk Archives! Batten down the hatches for tales of dashing local pirates, terrifying smuggling gangs and ferocious sea battles. As well as stories of pioneering boat builders and the bustling ports of Suffolk shipping goods around the globe. Anchors Away is supported by Associated British Ports. Find out more at www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
The importance of water safety and learning to swim
FACT: A child can drown in as little as 2cm of water!
FACT: Drowning is one of the most common causes of accidental death in children.
These are horrifying facts; water safety is vital for your family’s safety.
Learning to swim goes hand in hand with being safe in and around water. However, water safety means so much more than knowing how to swim! Accidental drownings can be avoided mainly through vigilant supervision, swimming skills, and water safety training.
As part of a well-rounded learn-to-swim program, you and your children should learn when and where it is safe to swim. Water safety is about preventing aquatic accidents and deaths so that you and your family can enjoy the many pleasures and benefits of being in and around water.
KNOW YOUR ABILITIES
One key factor in water safety is knowing your swimming abilities. Unfortunately, many people put themselves in harm’s way when they overestimate their ability. This is particularly true of children and teens; constant, uninterrupted adult supervision is critical. At least one adult should be in charge when playing in or near the water.
Sadly, many drowning victims had no intention of going into the water. Instead, they may have been fishing in a small boat and fallen overboard while not wearing a flotation device. Or, perhaps they were enjoying the view from a quayside when they fell in. Learning how to swim and being water-safe is key to helping prevent drowning and other water-related emergencies.
KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Familiarise yourself with aquatic environments when you visit a pool or the seaside. Know the water depths; your water entry should be feet first the first time. Understanding what is below the water’s surface could avoid many catastrophic diving injuries. Know if a lifeguard is on duty, and understand all local risks. Shallow water is safer for beginners and feet-first entries, while deep water is safer for diving and strong swimmers. The sea/ocean requires knowledge of potentially dangerous tides and currents, and is for expert swimmers only.
ASK THE EXPERTS at Abbeycroft
Clare Turnbull from Abbeycroft says:
We promote water safety all year round and encourage any family to teach their children to swim.
Here are the benefits of learning to swim with us:
• Swimming is a life skill…which could save your child’s life.
• Swimming allows your child to be active, bringing many physical health benefits: a healthy heart and lungs, improved strength and flexibility, improved balance and posture.
• As part of our Swim Academy programme, your child progresses through the award scheme. This provides your child with a sense of pride as they are recognised for their achievements, leading to increased self-confidence and self-belief.
• You are in good hands with our trusted, highly qualified and passionate instructors.
• Lastly, but equally important, your child will have fun learning to swim in a safe and secure environment.
National Smile Month
12 May - 12 June 2025
‘Feed Your Smile’
Our teeth are very important not only because they help us to form a nice smile but because they help to provide structure to our face, enable us to chew and digest food and allow us to talk and pronounce different sounds. Looking after our teeth is key and helps us to prevent gum disease and tooth decay, whilst also having a positive impact on our overall health, which is why it is so important to encourage a good routine from an early age.
Looking after ‘baby’ teeth is just as important as looking after adult teeth. Below are some key tips to keeping your child’s teeth healthy:
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Once last thing before bedtime and at one other time during the day.
Did you know that tooth decay remains the most common reason for hospital admissions amongst children between the ages of 5 and 9 years in the UK? 1 3 4 2
As soon as they are able (from about 3yrs) encourage children to spit out after brushing – avoid rinsing with water as it washes the fluoride away.
Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months or when the bristles become spread apart.
Start taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts, so that it becomes routine.
From 12th May – 12th June it is National Smile Month and this year’s theme is ‘Feed Your Smile’ which makes an important link between the health of our teeth and the food we eat. Every time you eat or drink something sugary the chances of tooth decay increase. Below are some examples of tooth friendly snacks and drinks that could be had in between meals:
• Fresh fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• Toast (with a savoury topping)
• Breads and breadsticks
• Crackers and cheese
• Milk (plain)
• Water (plain)
For more information and support, including tooth brushing charts and translated resources please scan the QR code or visit www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/ healthy-you/children-and-youngpeople/childrens-dental-health
This family friendly outdoor art trail, created in partnership with Wild in Art, will see 33 large, ornately decorated hare sculptures take over Ipswich for the summer, each featuring a unique design.
Meanwhile, the four satellite locations will collectively host 52 sculptures, with a mix of large and small hares.
Across all locations there will also be 70 leveret hares designed by local schools and community groups.
Saturday 21 June - Friday 29 August
Amelie and Noah Dorman
St Elizabeth Hospice’s
Art Trail Hops into Suffolk.
Following the success of Pigs Gone Wild, Elmer’s Big Parade Suffolk and The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, St Elizabeth Hospice is hosting its fourth art trail this summer - Hop to it! Suffolk 2025.
Running from 21 June to 29 August, this free family-friendly trail, created in partnership with Wild in Art, will see colourful hare sculptures take over Ipswich and, for the first time, hop into four other Suffolk towns too.
Beccles, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Woodbridge will each host their own set of beautifully decorated hares, making this Suffolk’s biggest ever art event. Each sculpture will feature a unique design, bringing a splash of creativity and colour to the streets.
Thanks to the support of East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council, this is set to be a summer of fun for families across the county.
Celia Joseph from St Elizabeth Hospice said: “We’re so excited for Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 to arrive! Our talented artists have been busy creating brilliant designs, and we can’t wait to share them with you.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the many supporters and local businesses who are helping us get everything ready for the big launch. We’re looking forward to welcoming you, your friends and your family to enjoy the trail together.”
Like previous hospice art trails, Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 is all about bringing fun, colour and creativity to local town centres - encouraging families, friends and trail enthusiasts to get out and explore Suffolk. You’ll even be able to tick off each sculpture using the trail app!
Previous art trails have raised incredible amounts for the hospice, including The Big Hoot Ipswich 2022, which raised more than £270,000 – and we hope Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 will be no different.
Every penny raised through the trail helps make sure we can continue supporting thousands of people, and their families, across East and Mid-Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, who are living with progressive or life-limiting illnesses.
Each year, it costs around £12 million to run our vital services - and with 70% of this coming from community fundraising, it’s thanks to generous people like you that this care is possible.
By getting involved in Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 - whether by following the trail, organising your own fundraising, or bidding in the exciting sculpture auction - you’ll be helping to make a real difference.
Hares for the hospice!
One family who understands the importance of our services are the Dormans - and they’ve had the special honour of naming the first hare sculpture for this year’s trail.
Amelie and Noah Dorman shared a list of name ideas and after a vote among hospice staff and volunteers, the winning name was Skye, which will now be proudly carried by a hare designed by artist Loïs Cordelia, a long-time supporter of our art trails.
Amelie and Noah’s daddy, James Dorman, received care from the hospice before his death from cancer in 2022, aged just 37.
Claire Dorman, Amelie and Noah’s mum, said: “We were so touched to be asked to name the first hare for the 2025 trail.
“I’m so proud of Amelie and Noah, they understand how well the hospice took care of their Daddy and how well they continue to look out for us as a family. They are passionate in their support of the hospice in the same way that I am.
“We feel so lucky to have been a part of the 2025
SUFFOLK 2025
& Community Programme
Each school or group received a small hare, known as a stargazer, ready to be decorated however they liked!
As part of the programme, they also received a learning pack filled with helpful resourcesincluding a cross-curricular lesson plan, templates, creative activities and plenty of fundraising ideasto help bring the project to life and inspire young imaginations.
After the trail, all the stargazer leverets will return to their schools and community groups as a lasting keepsake of their part in the project.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in Hopscotch. It’s been a fantastic way for the hospice to engage younger generations, spark creativity and help make this year’s trail the best one yet.
Through hosting Hop to it! Suffolk 2025, we aim to give local communities a bright, vibrant and family-friendly event to enjoy.
Find out how you can get involved or support Hop to it! Suffolk 2025, from volunteering, corporate support, engaging with activities and events or by joining us when the trail hits the streets this summer, by visiting:
James Dorman with his children Amelie and Noah
Your support through the Hop to it! Suffolk 2025 art trail will assist St Elizabeth Hospice’s work helping over 4,000 patients and their families each year.
From supporting our retail shops to volunteering at one our art trail events this summer, through to being a trail maker or even a hare handler, transporting our hares! There is a volunteering opportunity for everyone in Hop to it! Suffolk 2025.
To
6-7 September 2025
For the first and only time, all 130 hares from the trail will come together for a spectacular send-off.
17
Finborough School Nursery Announces Year-Round Provision and Welcomes Babies
Finborough School, a leading independent co-educational day and boarding school in Stowmarket, has announced exciting new developments for its nursery provision. Starting in the summer term, the school’s nursery will transition to a year-round operation, extending its service beyond the traditional term-time schedule.
In a significant expansion, the nursery will also, for the first time in the school’s history, welcome babies from the age of six months. Previously catering to children aged two to four, rising five, the nursery will now provide care and learning opportunities for children from six months up to the age of four.
This change will offer greater flexibility for families, providing a consistent and dependable environment for their young children throughout most of the year. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their babies and toddlers are in a secure and nurturing setting where they can continue to develop and learn.
Finborough School has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality education and care to children aged 2 to 18. The extension of the nursery’s opening hours further strengthens the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and enriching experience for its youngest pupils. The year-round provision will ensure that little ones can benefit from a consistent routine of activities, care, and educational opportunities.
The nursery at Finborough School focuses on supporting early childhood development through a blend of play-based learning, exploration, and structured activities, all within a safe and welcoming atmosphere. The experienced nursery staff work closely with parents to create a tailored experience for each child, ensuring their individual needs are met and that they are well-prepared for their future educational journey.
Mrs. Rachel Bridgeman, Head of Pre-Prep at Finborough School, expressed her enthusiasm for the new changes. “We are thrilled to be able to offer extended opening hours and a provision for babies to our parent community, many of whom rely on our services while they work,” she said. “We know that children benefit significantly from regular and consistent developmental support during these crucial early years. By offering our service for most of the year, we can ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality learning activities.”
Families are welcome to visit the nursery for a personal tour by emailing admissions@finboroughschool.co.uk.
Independent, Co-educational Day and Boarding School, plus Nursery
Rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, Finborough School offers a unique character focused approach to education from its nursery all the way through to its sixth form. With an abundance of learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom that includes our magical Forest School programme, our Pre-Prep department is a very special place to be!
Reception Discovery session Friday 9th May, 9am to 11am Whole School
Open Morning Friday 16th May, 9am to 11am
Ipswich School: Creating Extraordinary Futures for Every Pupil
At Ipswich School, the future is shaped by exploration, ambition, and the pursuit of personal growth. With a reputation for academic excellence that has made it Suffolk's top independent school for eight consecutive years in the Sunday Times Schools Guide, Ipswich School is more than just a place of learning, it is a gateway to an extraordinary future, starting from the youngest pupils in the Prep School all the way through to the Sixth Form.
A Continuum of Excellence from Prep to Senior School
From the moment they enter the Prep School, students are inspired to explore their passions and are given the tools to shape their own futures. The ethos of the school, grounded in academic excellence, creativity, and critical thinking, begins at a young age. Ipswich Prep School nurtures each child’s curiosity and builds a strong foundation in the core subjects while fostering a love for learning. The school’s innovative approach ensures that every pupil, from Reception through to Year 6, has the opportunity to grow both academically and personally, preparing them for the next stages of their educational journey.
In the Senior School, Ipswich pupils continue to thrive in an environment that challenges them and encourages them to develop their unique talents. The transition from Prep to Senior School is seamless, with a consistent commitment to academic rigor, pastoral care, and personal growth. Ipswich School is a place where pupils leave with not only knowledge but a sense of self-worth, a portfolio of skills, and the confidence to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue.
Academic Excellence Across the School
Ipswich School is renowned for its consistently excellent academic standards. In 2024, 84% of students achieved A*-B grades at A-Level, with 67% of GCSE students attaining 9-7 grades. These results reflect the school’s commitment to providing a broad and challenging curriculum that allows students to follow their passions while building a solid academic foundation.
From the very beginning in the Prep School, the focus is on developing core academic skills alongside the development of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Small class sizes and dynamic, interactive lessons ensure that every student is engaged and supported. By the time they reach the Senior School, pupils are well-prepared to take on the challenges of GCSEs and A-Levels, while continuing to be inspired by the school’s ethos of academic and personal excellence.
Comprehensive Student Support
The wellbeing of every student is at the heart of Ipswich School’s educational approach. The school’s pastoral system has been shortlisted for two national awards, reflecting its commitment to supporting pupils both academically and emotionally.
This strong support system starts in the Prep School, where children’s emotional development is just as important as their academic growth. As they transition into the Senior School, pupils continue to benefit from a wellbeing provision that nurtures resilience, mental health, and personal growth.
In addition to the exceptional pastoral care, Ipswich School off ers a wide range of co-curricular activities. From the Prep School’s range of sports, music, and drama clubs, to the Senior School’s elite sports programme, students are encouraged to pursue their passions outside of the classroom. These activities help build important life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance; skills that will benefit pupils long aft er they leave school.
Transportation and Boarding: Accessibility for Every Family
Ipswich School understands the importance of accessibility and convenience for families with busy schedules. The school provides an extensive bus service covering areas across Suffolk, ensuring that families from all over the region can access the exceptional education Ipswich School off ers. For those families further afield, the school off ers full and weekly boarding options, as well as a new expansion of Flexi/ Occasional Boarding.
The Prep School also benefits from excellent transport links, ensuring that children can easily travel to school from various locations, while parents can rest assured that their children are safe and well cared for.
Creating Extraordinary Futures from Prep to Senior School
At Ipswich School, every student is encouraged to carve their own path towards a bright and successful future. Whether they are excelling academically in the Prep School, participating in sports, arts, or extra-curricular activities, or developing essential life skills in the Senior School, Ipswich pupils are given the confidence and tools to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue. The school’s focus on collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking prepares students for life beyond the classroom, helping them build the skills necessary to navigate the challenges of the future.
With its exceptional academic reputation, comprehensive support systems, and commitment to providing opportunities for all, Ipswich School ensures that every pupil, from the youngest in the Prep School to the oldest in the Sixth Form, leaves with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create an extraordinary future.
www.ipswich.school
Introducing: KUMON CONNECT A New Era of Digital Learning
By Sangeeta Kumar, Kumon, Ipswich Central
We are excited to introduce KUMON CONNECT, the innovative new way to experience Kumon through your own tablet and stylus.
This digital study service enhances the Kumon Method by combining the cognitive benefits of traditional handwriting with the flexibility and convenience of a digital platform. With KUMON CONNECT, your child receives individualised support from their Instructor, even between classes.
Worksheets are delivered and marked digitally, allowing for real-time feedback and a study plan that evolves with your child’s progress. Whether at home, on holiday, or unable to attend in person, students stay connected and on track. Gone are the days of misplaced papers—KUMON CONNECT keeps learning tidy and accessible anywhere. It encourages neat handwriting, accuracy, and strong presentation skills, all without the mess of pencil and eraser.
Parents can now view progress and results more easily, gaining deeper insight into their child’s development through each level. With this powerful blend of technology and personal support, KUMON CONNECT helps your child grow into a confident, independent learner—ready to tackle any challenge.
Experience the future of learning today with KUMON CONNECT at Ipswich Central Kumon Study centre, The Key, 15 St Margaret’s Plain, Ipswich IP4 2BB.
For more information visit: www.kumon.co.uk/ipswich-central
Our maths and English study programmes are now available digitally, on your tablet. Book your free assessment today!
E d u c a t i o n w i t h a c o m p e t i t i v e e d g e .
“When class sizes are small enough to foster one-on-one student-teacher interactions, something extraordinary happens: teachers teach, and students truly learn!” – L. Johnson.
Nestled in the tranquil Suffolk countryside, Brookes is the UK's newest International Baccalaureate (IB) school, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) In the coming years, we will introduce the Diploma Programme (DP), completing our IB Continuum and providing students with a truly global pathway to university and beyond
Brookes UK fosters a nurturing environment where small class sizes and low student-to-teacher ratios ensure personalised attention and tailored learning experiences. Alongside strong academics, we offer a well-rounded education with a blend of inquiry-based learning, outdoor experiences, traditional British sports, and enrichment activities. Our school cultivates character, confidence, and curiosity, ensuring that every child thrives, both academically and personally.
As part of our commitment to a truly global experience, we are excited to relaunch our UK boarding in September 2025, followed by international boarding in 2026. This will provide students with a home-away-from-home, where they can grow and thrive in a safe, supportive community
Brookes UK stands out as the most affordable private school in the area, offering high-quality education while keeping fees at a minimum. The school is welcoming new families for the 2025/2026 academic year, with a variety of payment options available to accommodate different financial needs.
See the School in Action!
Join us for our Open House on Tuesday, 20 May - the perfect opportunity to:
Explore our campus and see learning in action
Experience our welcoming environment by meeting teachers, students, and staff
Engage with our school community and ask any questions you may have.
Mrs. Helena Jackson, Admissions (admissions@uk.brookes.org)
Contact: Flempton
Telephone: 01284 760531
Inspiring Ambition
We believe ambition begins from day one. Our nurturing environment, adaptive teaching and outstanding opportunities help every child discover their passions. Come and see for yourself.
Stay, Play and Learn Activity Morning Friday 2 May
