7 minute read
EDUCATION A roundup of Rutland
Stamford Endowed Schools
“Steeped in a 488 year history in Stamford...”
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Nestled within the heart of Stamford are the Stamford Endowed Schools, day and boarding schools for boys and girls, 2-18. Whilst steeped in history, everything the Schools do is firmly focused on preparing young people to lead happy and fulfilling lives in the 21st century. The Schools operate a ‘diamond’ model – blending single-sex and co-education from ages 2-18. It’s the best of both worlds: co-education in the formative years, 2-11, and at Sixth Form, when sharing ideas is so fruitful; and single-sex learning environments with tailored care and support during the crucial 11-16 stage. The Schools take pride in developing active, engaged, and independent learners. From their first days in the Nursery, children are taught to learn from experience, form good habits of mind and understand how to make informed choices, through independent learning programmes appropriate for their developmental age. Children aren’t pigeon-holed; the Schools channel enthusiasm into an enquiring mind and inspire confidence to follow their interests independently. Pastoral care is given the highest priority; valuing and supporting each student’s individuality, encouraging personal resilience, and equipping children with a toolkit to lead a healthy life. Children leave the Schools a Stamfordian; happy, socially responsible, with potential filled, inner belief, a clear sense of self, skills for life and the right qualifications for their next steps, whatever they may be. n Visit www.stamfordschools.org.uk, or call the Admissions Team on 01780 750311.
The Peterborough School
“Modern outlook and traditional values...”
The Peterborough School is the City’s only independent day school for boys and girls from Nursery to Sixth Form.
Small class sizes are key to us unlocking every child’s potential academically and vital soft skills are developed by our extended curriculum. Our ‘Outstanding’ Nursery gives children the best possible start in excellent facilities, which include three garden areas as well as access to the school’s sports hall, fields, IT suite and auditorium.
Pupils are happy and safe in our Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form. We aim to develop a passion for learning in all areas and success is celebrated throughout. Our consistently strong A Level results show high value-added scores, meaning children do better here because of the excellent teaching and high levels of individual attention.
Our new Library and Sixth Form Centre, opened last September, have provided Senior pupils with high-tech and comfortable environments for studying and socialising. The Peterborough School was founded in 1895 and is a member of the Woodard group of schools, which is the largest collection of Church of England schools in England and Wales and one of the principal educational charities in the UK.
n Visitors are very welcome to look around our productive, friendly and happy school during our Open Days or by appointment. Tel: 01733 343357 or email admissions@tpsch.co.uk.
Laxton Junior School
Laxton Junior School, (LJS) is an incredibly happy school that knows children learn best when they feel cared for, secure and valued as an individual. From the moment children join in Reception, staff develop an in-depth knowledge of each individual child. “Young minds don’t think in straight lines and children learn at different speeds, so our teachers don’t adhere to a pre-determined plan” says Sam Robertson, Head of LJS. Through creative and responsive teaching, children are able to learn at different rates and in different ways, all within the same class. “Our children feel secure in both themselves and their environment; they are confident enough to ask questions and to challenge the status quo, whilst resilient enough to accept that getting things wrong is an important part of learning and developing”. There is a great deal of pride that, despite LJS being non-selective, 95% of pupils progress to Oundle School after Year 6 and those who choose to continue their education elsewhere are supported to progress to a range of local independent and state grammar schools. For Sam Robertson, success isn’t just about results however, it is about nurturing a sense of community and the inherent kindness that should run through it: “Kindness is everywhere you look at LJS and every day I see little acts of kindness shown by our children which make me proud.” n To find out more about Laxton Junior School, please visit www.laxtonjunior.org.uk, call 01832 277275 or email admissions@laxtonjunior.org.uk.
Little Angels Uppingham
Little Angels provides flexible childcare solution for children aged six weeks to 11 years old. Celebrating 10 years in 2020, the nursery has 16 members of staff, and a total of 170 children on the register - thankfully not all requiring childcare at the same time! The result is reliable, professional childcare with degree-level practitioners who are all invested in the care of your child, whether you’re seeking before or after school care, full-time baby or preschool childcare. Prices are fully inclusive of freshly cooked meals, snacks and drinks. If fact, in Little Angels most recent customer satisfaction survey 100% of respondents said the food was exceptional. The nursery is open from 7.30am to 6pm for 51 weeks of the year (excluding bank holidays), and offers the flexible solution to the working demands on parents than modern life dictates. Five-hour flexi sessions allow you to choose a start time that works to meet you and your child’s needs. In December 2018 the Ofsted Inspector said of the nursery: “Children are confident in the setting. They settle quickly on arrival, seeking out their friends or member of staff if needed. Children are enthusiastic, curious and are learning good skills to help them move on. The youngest children respond to staff’s interaction with smiles and sounds, and some are beginning to use words. Staff are good at making use of spontaneous opportunities to help children learn.” n For more information call 01572 823680 or see www.uppinghamnursery.co.uk.
Scallywags Day Nursery
Scallywags Day Nursery & Pre-School in Oakham are committed to maintaining high quality early education all year round, ensuring all children reach their potential. The nursery includes a state of the art pre-school with a large outside play area and vegetable patch, where the children enjoy growing sunflowers and producing their own fresh vegetables. The nursery has remained open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic supporting NHS and other keyworkers with childcare when they most needed it. The nursery has had to adapt to ensure a safe, yet familiar, environment for the children whilst continuing to provide quality childcare. Scallywags boasts professional qualified nursery nurses and teachers including degree and masters level qualifications, with professionals totally dedicated to providing the finest childcare and ensuring children are well prepared for primary school. The nursery is currently offering several discounts to help support parents. A free flexible induction package is available for all bookings prior to the end of June. All NHS and Blue Light Card holders can receive a 10% discount on fees. A school package is available offering term time childcare for teachers, school workers and parents. Sibling discounts and two, three and four-year-old funding are also available. n For more information call 01572 723 810 or visit the school’s website at www.scallywagsoakham.co.uk
Academic Masterclasses
“Bespoke coaching to facilitate your learning...”
Raised in Rutland and a former Oakhamian (1988-1995), Fiona Wilson, has recently returned to the area and established a unique academic coaching business right here in the county. As a Senior Lecturer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Institute, Fiona has taught for 23 years, ranging from pre-school through to PhD. After a sabbatical year conducting research into autonomous learning and coaching, she established Academic Masterclasses with her colleague, Dr. Magda Williams, who is also a Doctor of Linguistics and leading researcher in academic learning and writing. Together, their research gave them the impetus to start a coaching business based around a personalised model of teaching. What they discovered is that teachers and lecturers don’t always have time to focus on students’ individual learning needs, and that is exactly what guarantees a student’s success. So, they decided to create a business to fix the problem. With Academic Masterclasses, you firstly have an informal chat, where you discuss what you need to achieve, then a consultation, where your learning needs are identified. Finally, a personalised course is created just for you. And so, learning begins with the learner. Teachers can create the best courses possible, and perform at their best, but learning is individual and personal. Our coaching helps you to focus on your own learning needs, and achieve your own success. n For details call 07592 139662 or see www.academicmasterclasses.co.uk.
Around the World in FIFTY PLATES
With lockdown lifted and the world free to enjoy dining out once again, pay a visit to Orbis in Oakham, where exciting things are happening for Jonathan Spencer and his team. This month we’re going round the world in 50 plates... roughly the number of dishes on the menu at this rather brilliant restaurant!
Words & Images: Rob Davis.
