The Education Edit Sep/Oct21

EDUCAT iON

SEP/OCT 2021

Inspiring minds EXPERT ADVICE

Class act CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL

edit

Cool kit THE BEST STATIONARY

The future of independent education, founded on 600+ years of excellence.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, with grounds on a World Heritage Site, delivers independent, co-educational day and boarding experiences for pupils aged 3 to 18.

Academically driven, pastorally strong, values focussed and pupil-centric, our children and young adults thrive in an environment focused on developing Confidence for Life and Respect for All. Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, formed in February 2020, combines 1,200+ years of education excellence in two schools – Chorister and Durham – along the River Wear in historic and beautiful Durham City.

Open Morning Saturday, October 9th.

Sign up via: admissions@dcsf.org.uk

Chorister School – for ages 3 to 11

Durham School – for ages 11 to 18

Young minds. Bright, inquisitive, exploring, creative. Your child needs space to learn, to play, to create, to grow and develop in a nurturing, nourishing community. That community is the Chorister School.

The senior school is an exceptional all-round experience that shapes and moulds future leaders, captains of industry, iconic sporting stars, world class musicians and thespians. It nurtures the academic outcomes and drives the determination of future doctors, lawyers, dentists and public servants. It opens doorways to many and varied routes in future life and enables young adults to go on their chosen path with the confidence and respect that will take them far in life.

Children aged 3 to 7 get the best education at our Bow site, building on the foundations you have given them. A clear curriculum, excellent facilities and wonderful outdoor spaces to explore and learn in, make this is the place for your child to thrive.

As they start to look for fresh challenges, children aged 7 to 11 are given their own space on the Cathedral site to grow as young leaders, to accelerate their learning and develop further their passions in music, singing, sport and many more hobbies and activities.

dcsf.org.uk

Teaching the next generation to be brave, creative and determined. .

Durham High School is the only girls’ school in County Durham, for pupils aged 3-18.

Start your journey with us by getting in touch or visiting our next Open Day on Saturday 2 October at 10am. .

Call us on 0191 384 3226 or email enquiries@dhsfg.org.uk.

Farewell Hall, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TB

The Edit

Welcome

SEP/OCT 21

06 Right choice The headmaster of Barnard Castle School gives advice on how to choose the best school or your child

08 All the gear Inspirational ideas for new school bags, pencil cases, stationary and more

10 Top marks and more

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Why an education at Royal Grammar School isn’t just about achieving good grades

Excellent education...

Welcome to The Education Edit. Luxe magazine’s dedication to all things education.

It doesn’t seem like five minutes since the children broke up for the summer holidays, and after an incredibly challenging time for them, teachers and parents in 2020/2021, we’re all looking forward to more settled, happier times as the autumn term begins.

In this Edit we recognise some of the exceptional schools and teachers that we are proud to have in the North East. There’s expert advice on how to encourage children to engage in science, technology, engineering and maths and how to choose the best school for your child.

Also within the pages of this informative magazine is our pick of some of the must-have school gear. We can all remember that magical feeling, filling a new pencil case with colourful pens and pencils, or taking our sandwiches out of a shiny new lunch box.

It’s time to get ready to go back to school!

Claudia Robinson, editor

11 Science gurus A North East STEM expert explains how the earlier we inspire our children to love science, the better

15 Sense of community How pupils at Durham High School supported eachother during lockdown

Contributors Nicole Wood

Cover image John Lewis

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366

Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR allies-group.com All contents copyright ©2021 Allies Group Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, August 2021.

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EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

Top of the Class

right choice

MAKING THE Tony Jackson, Headmaster at Barnard Castle School discusses the importance of choosing a school that’s right for your child.

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most challenging and important decisions you will have to make, and we do not underestimate the magnitude of such a judgement.

We place enormous emphasis on ensuring each and every pupil feels a sense of belonging at ‘Barney’; only then will they come close to maximising their potential.

It is important your child flourishes whilst at school, which are the most important and formative years of their lives. At Barney, our students exceed their academic potential as a result of inspiring teaching, delivered in an easy, open and respectful environment at the heart of which are the caring relationships that exist between the teachers and students.

The achievements of Barney in recent times are as a direct consequence of the teachers and wider ancillary staff who spend every day inspiring, supporting and guiding our young people.

Whilst we are extremely proud of what our students achieve academically, we also recognise the vital importance of preparing the next generation for an ever-changing and increasingly competitive and global marketplace.

As such, we pride ourselves on our co-curricular activities because it is in these environments that most life lessons are learned.

Beyond the traditional spheres of music, drama and sport, we currently offer more than 100 activities to our students, which includes a bespoke ‘Mind, Body and Soul’ programme for Year 7 and 8 pupils.

We want Barnardians to be the types of people who light up a room when they enter it. This requires confidence, resilience and compassion, all built up over a period of time, and in a variety of ways, both within and beyond the classroom.

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

Situated on the outskirts of historic market town Barnard Castle, we run an extensive transport service from across the North East to Barney. We also provide full or flexible boarding options in our friendly, welcoming boarding houses.

If you are interested in hearing more about what makes a Barney education so special, please get in touch with a member of our Admissions Team on 01833 696030 or admissions@barneyschool. org.uk or visit barnardcastleschool.org.uk for more information.

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AllGirl

An education means I learn without limits.

Register now for our Junior School Open Morning on Saturday 16th October and our Senior School Open Morning on Saturday 6th November at newcastlehigh.gdst.net

PREP | SENIOR | SIXTH FORM

A leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4-18, set amid stunning countryside in Northern England

Open Mornings Throughout September, October, November and December 2021

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Scan for further details and to book your place Alternatively, contact 01833 696030 or email admissions@barneyschool.org.uk @BarnardCastleSchool

@barnardcastleschool

@barney_school

Barnard Castle School | Co Durham DL12 8UN | www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

School Treats Drink Up Roarsome Dinosaurs Water Bottle, £6.50 sassandbelle.co.uk

Back to school buys Cool kit that will help you get the new school term off to a flyer…

Cork’d Pencil Case, £22 shop.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Sophie Allport Space Backpack, £28.50 sophieallport.com Colourful Creatures Set of 3 Snack Boxes, £5.95 rexlondon.com

Children’s Koala Lunch Bag, £14 johnlewis.com Insulated Lunch Bag in Blush Pink, £24.95 pasoluna.co.uk

Rifle Paper Co Floral Highlighter Pens, £20.75 papermash.co.uk EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

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School Treats Earth Rainbow Kids’ Water Bottle, £6 sassandbelle.co.uk

Queen Bee Stainless Steel Water Bottle, £17.50 sassandbelle.co.uk

Lily & Lionel For Katie Leamon Notebook, £24.95 katieleamon.com

Sophie Allport Butterflies Pencil Case, £10 sophieallport.com

Scaramanga Leather Tote Backpack Bag, £155 scaramangashop.co.uk

Children’s Yorkshire Lace Up Shoes, £40 - £42 johnlewis.com

School Insight

An education at the Royal Grammar School is about so much more than academic success…

good grades

THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN The Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School (RGS) is a special place, known and respected throughout the whole country as well as the North East.

It is a place where aspirations are high, results are outstanding, and opportunities are endless.

RGS students go on to study highly selective courses at the most sought-after universities, but also leave the school realising that life outside the classroom has been equally beneficial.

The curriculum is designed to provide all students with a

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

broad and balanced education which offers appropriate intellectual stretch and challenge. The overarching desired outcome is that all students are as best prepared as they can be for the next stage in their education. The curriculum programmes ensure that all have equal access to linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative areas of study.

At RGS, they have long believed in the vital importance of cocurricular life, an aspect that does not merely complement but strengthens the academic side. Beyond the classroom, RGS students are fortunate to have access to an extensive range of co-curricular opportunities, which for many develop into hobbies which can last a lifetime.

The Junior School has over 60 co-curricular clubs which all pupils can join while the Senior School offers hundreds of cocurricular lunchtime and afterschool clubs, as well as the opportunity to attend trips abroad to countries such as South Africa, China and the

USA; there really is something for each student to experience and enjoy. Before and afterschool care at the RGS is included in the school fees.

At the RGS, they endeavour to create a happy environment where everyone can be themselves. They teach and learn in diverse and surprisingly different ways. By exploring their passions, students have the freedom to bring specialist knowledge to life, supporting creativity, encouraging selfexpression and truly nurturing academic promise. The 2020/21 academic year saw the inception of a variety of student-led clubs including PrideSoc, Climate Club and FemSoc. By inspiring and nurturing

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hearts and minds, students have the freedom to create and shape their own future.

Acknowledging that this opportunity should not be hindered as a result of a person’s financial situation, in 2002 the RGS Bursary Campaign was established which has so far supported over 400 students to attend the school.

When a student joins the RGS, they become part of a family which extends both beyond the school gates and their years at the school. Testaments from Old Novocastrians (alumnus) highlight that friendships forged at the RGS really are made for life. rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

Inquisitive Minds

scientists

INSPIRING TOMORROW’S science education. “At school I was always interested in science and natural history. I wanted to be a medical doctor but I failed Chemistry and Physics at A Level. Having done really well at GCSE this was a massive shock and knocked my confidence enormously. I re-sat both subjects and failed physics again, much to the amusement of my physics teacher husband now!”

After reading Applied Biology, gaining a PhD in Marine Ecology, becoming a University lecturer for ten years, Michelle retrained as a primary school teacher. “One of the main reasons I wanted to be a primary school teacher is that I’m passionate about learning and wanted to instil that passion in children. I love being a primary school teacher because there’s so much diversity with the subjects you cover, but I also love how passionate children are about learning in primary school.

“As much as it’s an embarrassment, I also love being able to talk about the fact that I failed my A Levels but went on to get a degree and PhD. So many people have knock backs in life but go on to great things, it’s important for children to understand that they’re never written off and I love being able to use that personal experience.

“We are so blessed in the North East with the amount of support we have in STEM and in STEAM (including arts) from education establishments and industry. There have been various reviews through OFSTED and there is a push to encourage high quality education through sciences, and the arts. It’s not about pushing children to do science

The popularity of STEM subjects and careers is slowly on the increase, but what’s happening in the North East to encourage even more children to get inspired by the sciences? Claudia Robinson spoke to one of the region’s science education experts…

A-level entries in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects increased by 6% this year while at GCSE they’ve also seen a rise in popularity after several years of decline. Lewis Hamilton recently launched a commission to focus on how motorsport can be used to

increase interest and opportunities for young black people in STEM subjects.

Dr Michelle Saunders is a Year 6 teacher and Science/ Curriculum Lead at St Matthew’s Catholic Primary School in Prudhoe, part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust. She was recently awarded a Lord Glenamara Memorial Award for Excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) by the Department for Education.

Having worked in science education for 20 years and as a lead for Ogden Trust and Space Camp partnerships in the North East, to promote the teaching and learning of physics, Michelle is passionate about inspiring children to explore STEM subjects.

Surprisingly, Michelle had a bumpy start to her career in

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but opening their eyes to the opportunities.

“From a teaching point of view, primary science sometimes falls foul of the ‘wow’ element. Yes, it’s important to experience engaging science, with exciting experiments in labs, but it’s also about ensuring children understand the application. So, when we teach science, I would always try to show children the relevance. While they learn about electricity or forces, for example, they need to understand why that’s relevant to their lives – the computer they play on, the ride they go on at a theme park. Once you can show children the relevance, they’re much more likely to engage with it.

Research suggests that by the time a child leaves primary school they have already decided whether STEM subjects are for them. “This is concerning,” Michelle says.

“Because career talks and aspiration raising events have traditionally been the domain of secondary schools. More recently, the focus has begun to change, and there are increasing opportunities for primary children, right from early years, to learn about working in STEM subjects. This early engagement is more likely to support them to develop a passion for these subjects and the jobs that they offer.

“Children are generally inquisitive and learn so much through play, exploring melting or building towers out of wooden bricks. It’s our jobs, as teachers and parents, to harness that passion and inquisitiveness, to maintain it and develop it, to encourage the scientists of the future.” stem.org.uk

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

Home from Home

safe space

CREATING A

Safety, comfort, happiness. Argyle House School is more than an educational establishment, it’s a safe place for your children to call home, to thrive and become the best version of themselves...

Nestled in Ashbrooke - the leafy suburb of Sunderland, lies an educational establishment of repute. Argyle House School is the North East’s only family owned independent school.

Established in 1884, the school has since developed into a place of nurture by providing an environment for children to enjoy learning whilst instilling in them strong family values; the core values upon which the school was built.

The strengths of the school lie on many levels. It is a school where children come willingly

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

to learn. Studying and learning are two different things. The willingness to learn comes from the kind of environment that a school has. When they are happy, they are more receptive to learn. Argyle House School provides such an environment.

This isn’t a school with 1000 children, it’s a school where class numbers are small and there is merit in this structure.

This enables teachers to focus on a child’s strength, his or her interests and then guide them accordingly. When a child is known individually to a teacher,

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Home from Home

At Argyle House School they emphasise the importance of values, of honesty, of respect, of kindness, of being responsible citizens, of humanity and above all, the value of hardwork and the importance of being a good human being

this makes a tremendous difference in their development.

The teachers here know each and every one of them. They never look upon a child as a student of the school. They are always looked upon as sons and daughters. When they come to school, they’re coming home.

A place where they are loved and respected.

At Argyle House School they emphasise the importance of values, of honesty, of respect, of kindness, of being responsible citizens, of humanity and above all, the value of hardwork and the importance of being a good human being. What they lay down as a foundation today will enable the children who attend here to build their future with confidence. The importance of what they call ‘The R-Principle’

they have close to 30 clubs for children to utilise. They’ve attained the highest possible rating by ISI in their most recent inspection.

The facilities here are updated regularly and they’ve increased their wider partnership links.

They’ve also devised new curriculums with their pupils in mind, which feature extra GCSE subjects. The environment of the school not only creates well-rounded individuals but also academic achievers. To ensure a healthy body and mind, children are encouraged to participate in Sport, Music, Drama and Arts.

From a student accomplishment perspective, they are proud to have a number of children who have excelled in their sporting

is stressed here, where they encourage their children to be; resourceful, resilient, respectful, responsible, reflective and to possess the ability to reason.

The teachers take on different roles apart from teaching such as being mentors and guides; a friend who listens and comforts; a father or mother who is stern but loving as well.

When a school has such an environment, happiness takes over.

They are of the opinion that education must be enjoyed and it must give the child the chance to develop not just academically, but also physically, socially and emotionally too. Extracurricular activities are crucial here. In fact, their clubs and activities are far ranging and

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endeavours. Two brothers claimed gold in European Gymnastics and one child represented Great Britain in Karate.

They consider the happiness of children to be the key factor to both academic and social success. With no airs or graces, their down to earth approach to education and development allows children to achieve to the maximum of their abilities.

Outstanding facilities, backed by dedicated teachers, a comfortable environment and deep rooted values make Argyle House School truly exceptional.

For more information, visit argylehouseschool.co.uk, call 0191 5100726 or send an email to info@argylehouseschool.co.uk

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

Good Vibes

stigma

STOPPING THE

Newcastle High School for Girls’ headteacher, Michael Tippett, discusses the importance of talking openly and honestly about mental health in school…

As children and teachers return to school this autumn, it’s fair to say that emotions will be moving in a more positive direction. However, after more than 18 months of disruption, we need to be aware that children and young people, as resilient as they are, may need our support now more than ever as we return to the ‘new normal’.

In spite of this wholesale lifestyle change we’ve all been through, our pupils have clearly coped really well with the different stages of this pandemic, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability admirably.

However, we all know that pupils and young people have been impacted significantly. People talk about the education gap caused by the pandemic, but I believe the focus should also be on the mental health gap and the need to respond to the anxiety in young people that is no doubt currently lingering inside all of us.

Children express their anxiety in different ways and at Newcastle High School for Girls, we support them as well as we possibly can by providing a range of services – a holistic approach if you like.

We have a school nurse and a school counsellor available for girls of all ages, and we also cover mental wellbeing topics such as self-esteem and resilience in PSHE classes. We’re also part of the Girls’ Day School Trust which gives us access to an organisation called The Positive Group which helps girls to understand and regulate their emotions and anxieties.

Interestingly, we find that the passion and inspiration often comes from the girls themselves, so whilst we do work with external organisations and professional services, having head girls leading an assembly and sharing their experiences of mental health are perhaps some of the most powerful ways to engage younger pupils.

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

So as important as these support structures are, I think that the single most important thing we can do to help our children and young people at school is to encourage a truly authentic, open and supportive culture where nobody is judged – where it’s OK not to be OK. So while we are so looking forward to welcoming the girls back, we’re going to be working hard to keep our eyes open to any apparent struggles and concerns, and we’re certainly not going to expect them all to adapt perfectly to the new normal. We are all, after all, human, and the best thing we can do is move forward with empathy, understanding and an accessible and open dialogue. newcastlehigh.gdst.net

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Community Spirit

KEEPING CALM AND

carrying on The whirlwind of the pandemic brought fear, doubt and uncertainty to many schools across the UK, but with brave pupils, exceptional teachers and a calm approach, here’s how one school adapted to learning from home...

Mrs Simone Niblock, Headmistress at Durham High School, finished her address to the Senior House assembly on the morning of Monday 20 April 2020 with the words “Good luck everybody. Stay safe, keep calm and carry on.”

As she spoke on the first day of what was an unprecedented Summer Term, the country was still in the midst of its first lockdown, tragically over 400 deaths per day were still being recorded across the UK and the global infection rate had passed more than 2.4m cases.

Like all schools across the UK, Durham High School was

achieved using a variety of virtual teaching methods, which resulted in 352,000 emails sent and received, 406,000 face-to-face Microsoft Teams interactions and 200,000 OneDrive files shared.

In June, the school was able to welcome back pupils in Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6, full time.

Girls in Year 3, 4 and 5 were also invited in for a day with their friends and class teachers and important face-to-face sessions were held for pupils in Years 10 and 12.

When all pupils returned for the Autumn Term, it was unfathomable that schools would be instructed to close again. Yet, as Christmas came and went, and infections continued to rise, another closure seemed inevitable.

Pupils and families were given 13 hours’ notice of the decision to enter into another national lockdown. Senior

instructed to close its gates on Friday 20 March 2020, with only the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils still allowed to attend. Despite this, pupils, parents and staff showed amazing resilience to come together the following week to help keep school life as ‘normal’ as it possibly could be during very abnormal circumstances, and they did not stop.

Adapting to new technology and a new way of learning very quickly, staff and pupils embarked on an extraordinary journey which more than met expectations for the Summer Term’s curriculum. This was

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staff at the school gathered late on Monday 4 January 2021 to enact emergency plans again. The only silver lining was that the school had been here before and the switch to remote learning was seamless.

It meant that, despite so much uncertainty, no learning was lost and no extensive catch-up needed when pupils eventually returned to school.

In addition, with thanks to the virtues of the virtual, from House events to School Council meetings, art exhibitions to sporting challenges, Leavers Service to Sixth Form Bake Off, from assemblies to virtual concerts... Even though for large parts of the last 18 months staff, pupils and families have been physically apart, as a school community they have never been closer.

If you want to find out more about Durham High School, go to www.dhsfg.org.uk or visit their next Open Day on Saturday 2 October 2021 at 10am.

EDUCATION EDIT SEP/OCT 21

Our diamond creates bigger opportunities from small beginnings.

Junior School and Nursery Open Day 18th September.

Senior Schools and Sixth Form Open Day 25th September.

Register at dameallans.co.uk For further information please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608.

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