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November ~ December 2019 Chair Head Bursar Registrar Staffroom School Office ...the professional journal for Management & Staff
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In this issue...
05 ‘Plant a Tree for Every Pupil’
climate change challenge
06 Collaboration can Transform Education
across state and independent partnerships
07 Promoting Transformational Bursary Schemes
how 28 independent schools co-operate
08 Preparing Young People for a Very Different World
careers & aspirations in the era of AI
Abseil Challenge
Fifty primary school children have united 14 Sometimes Children Need to ‘Get Their Hands Dirty’
in Perthshire to take part in the inaugural
Glenalmond College 1847 challenge, successfully
are we becoming far too ‘clinical’?
tackling 18 activities in 47 hours.
The wide-ranging activities the pupils were
20 Profile
challenged with on the grounds at Glenalmond, in conversation with Rose Hardy
ranged from kayak polo and making pots in
a fire pit to building bug hotels and playing 35 VAT on Fees
different musical instruments. expert analysis reality check
One major highlight, however, was the
opportunity to abseil down the flag tower
located over the Front Arch which forms the 36 General Election Special
main entrance to Glenalmond.
– Equipping students with the right tools & mindset before they vote
Among the first to undertake the abseil
challenge were Warden Hugh Ouston, Head
– Promoting a healthy view of masculinity in a toxic political climate
of Glenalmond, pictured, and Katie Gladstone,
whose family traces back to William Gladstone,
founder of Glenalmond College in 1847. Plus
Said Mr Ouston: “We developed the 1847 18 Remembering Bernice
Challenge to celebrate the school’s heritage, and 18 Changing Faces, Changing Places; Heads Hunted
to give the young people who take part in a 22 Poppies in tribute
unique opportunity to discover their strengths,
24 Well-being initiatives
and nurture a positive mindset in the face of
challenge. 26 How boarding can overcome disadvantage ~ new report
28 With the HMC at their 150th anniversary Conference
Leading the activities were 27 teachers from
Glenalmond College who were very impressed
29 Music, Drama, & Dance Focus Feature
with the determination, ingenuity and 34 Debating education
endeavour shown by the young people, most of 37 New Products & Services; The Digest ; Editorial Advisory Board;
whom camped in the Glenalmond grounds for Free e-mag subscriptions; Contact Us
the duration of the Challenge.
The pupils came from schools as far afield as
Is Your School Mentioned? See page 39 for an A-Z listing
St Dominic’s in Crieff; Belhaven Hill in East
Lothian, Craigclowan in Perth, Cargilfield in
Edinburgh and St Leonards in St Andrews.
Cover background
New well-being space 8 Careers
Longacre School, Surrey has opened a new & aspirations 29 Music, Drama & Dance
wellbeing space for pupils and staff as part of
Season’s Greetings
the school’s focus on mindfulness and mental
health.
The ‘Bear Hut’, so called after the bear that
As has become our custom, this is a combined November~December issue.
features in the school’s logo, opened at the start
of term and is already proving popular with Our next issue will be out in January.
Longacre pupils. The team at ISM wish all readers, advertisers, and advisory board
members a pleasant Christmas and successful New Year.
Full story page 24
ads@independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 3
Salute to Arnhem veterans
Walhampton Preparatory School, Hampshire,
hosted a special Service of Remembrance to mark
75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem, Holland...
Walhampton School hosted a service in the cemetery, during
special service to mark the 75th which Walhampton children join
anniversary of the Battle of hundreds of local Dutch children
Arnhem, fought in Holland in to lay flowers at the graves of
September 1944. fallen soldiers.
The service was held in Titus Mills comments
Walhampton’s Chapel and was “Walhampton wants to preserve
attended by approximately 400 the powerful stories of those brave
pupils and adults, including 5
men and women who endured
Arnhem veterans (dressed in their
the battle of Arnhem. We want
berets and medals), who are all
close to 100 years old. These to be guardians of these stories
veterans were: John Bosley (94), of life and death, humanity and
Jeffrey Noble (95), Arthur Bailey inhumanity, compassion and
(95), Jim Hooper (97) – pictured courage. I want our pupils to feel
with head Titus Mills – and Victor connected to this story. I want is permanently on display in and catering team. Supper was
Gregg (99). Many relatives also them to shake hands with the last honour of the veterans. On arrival laid on after the service for all who
attended the service, including few veterans and to experience guests were served afternoon tea attended, served by pupils of the
John Grayburn, son of Victoria History in a compelling way. specially made by the school’s chef school.
Cross winner Jack Grayburn, who
They need to know the price
died of his wounds at Arnhem
of freedom. That is why pupils
Pupils
Bridge aged 26 years old.
presented the veterans, in our
Over the last decade, Walhampton service, with stones on which were
has developed a unique
relationship with the veterans
and the stories of Arnhem. Mr
painted the words ‘The young are
grateful.’
Perform
Mills has been taking parents and
pupils to the battlefield, every
After the service, guests enjoyed
looking around the beautiful
for Royal
year, for in depth tours. They
are the only UK school regularly
Remembrance Garden where a
bronze statue, specially made
Visitor
attending the commemorative by the school’s art department, Pupils from Wellington School
were delighted to meet the
Teacher is true star Countess of Wessex when she
visited last month (October). the Countess enjoyed tea with
Mike Shaw, a science teacher Mikes first introduced GCSE Children from Year 4 and some some of the staff and members
at Bootham School in York, has Astronomy to the Bootham School Senior School musicians met of the centre. They were also
been elected a Fellow of the Royal in 2005 and then extended the Sophie, Countess of Wessex at the joined by Angela Rippon, CBE
Astronomical Society. programme offering to local Reminiscence Learning Centre, – former BBC newsreader and
state school students through the where she was learning more about TV personality who is Patron of
Mike said: “It‘s a great honour to
York Independent State School the excellent work the Centre does Reminiscence Learnings’ Archie
have been elected to a fellowship
Partnership (ISSP). in raising awareness of dementia, Project – a scheme linking schools,
with this long-established and
prestigious society. I’ve been He continues to tutor the GCSE providing training for health care homes, businesses and
teaching astronomy in one form or programmes, as well as engaging the professionals and carers and activity services to create more inclusive
another for over four decades, and it wider York community with his love organisers who work alongside carers communities and reduce the fear
is very generous of the RAS to have of astronomy. He recently organised in care homes and the community. and stigma of dementia.
recognised this in their decision.” and designed a ‘Mission to the Prep School pupils enjoyed an
The Countess, whose brother
Moon’ event for the York Festival of assembly about The Archie Project
attended Wellington School,
Ideas (a major citywide lecture and recently and will be taking part
enjoyed a concert given by
outreach programme organised by in activities with the project to
Wellington School musicians; Sixth
the University of York) which saw 70 help raise awareness of dementia
Former, Abi Govey, was introduced
young people participate in mini-
to the Countess before singing amongst younger children.
workshops at Bootham throughout a
a range of songs, accompanied
day of astronomy. Wellington School musicians have
by Director of Music, Andrew
performed a number of concerts
He is also a regular guest speaker Trewhella.
at the venue as part of The Archie
about astronomy for BBC York
James Morrell in Year 10 and Harry Project and are delighted to
radio and presents at the ‘Café
Tabb in Year 7 also sang, whilst support such a worthwhile venture.
Scientifique’ (an open public lecture
series about sciences). Pictured: Sophie, Countess of Wessex meets Wellington School’s Director of Music Andrew
Trewhella and pupils James Morrell, and Abi Govey
Mike Shaw in Bootham School Observatory
4 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249
Planting 1 trillion trees
could stop climate
School commits to change, argues study
planting a tree for each A report from Swiss scientists
published last month said
to the study. That’s about
as much carbon pollution as
new pupil for 7 years an effective way to stem the humans have spewed in the
catastrophic consequences of past 25 years.
climate change would be to Crowther added, however,
& challenges other
plant about 1 trillion trees. that while this was a cheap
This would take up an area solution, it would not work
roughly the size of the United
schools to do the same
without emissions cuts.
States, but there is more than Researchers emphasized that
enough room, according to there are also behavioral
Suffolk’s Royal Hospital School is The school has recently stopped the study published in the changes that would work
planting a tree for every new pupil purchasing single-use plastic journal Science. faster, such as cutting animal
joining the school over the next bottles and provided every pupil
“Every other climate change products out of one’s diet.
seven years. Launched at its Open with a refillable, stainless steel
Day earlier this month (November), water bottle. It has also replaced solution requires that we all The report noted that the
the tree planting is part of its new the use of non-biodegradable change our behavior, or we countries with the most
Grow with Us campaign, which items at its events and this need some top-down decision room for the trees are
also includes a range of initiatives weekend will see everyone from a politician who may Russia, Canada, the United
aimed at sustainability and attending the Open Day receive or may not believe in climate States, Australia, Brazil, and
promoting well-being. change, or it’s a scientific China. Brazil has been the
a packet of butterfly and bee-
Scientists have stated that if 1 friendly seeds. discovery we don’t yet have,” site of some devastating
trillion trees are planted in the researcher Tom Crowther deforestation in the world in
Commenting on Grow with
next few years, the amount of told the Thomson Reuters recent decades.
Us, RHS headmaster, Simon
carbon in the atmosphere would Foundation. “This one is
Lockyer said: “We are fortunate The benefits of this solution
be reduced by 25% - levels the not only our most powerful
to live and work in a beautiful would also be seen relatively
world has not witnessed for solution — it’s one that every
part of Suffolk and our pupils quickly as trees remove more
at least a century (Details see single one of us can get
are constantly seeking and carbon from the air the
box). RHS hopes its example will
suggesting ways that will protect involved with.” younger they are.
encourage other schools to do
something similar - if every school both the local ecosystems and Over decades, the growing Planting trees will also help
in the world - of which there are global environment. They are trees could suck up nearly 830 stop the loss of biodiversity
3 million - planted 200 trees a environmentally conscious and billion tons (750 billion metric occurring all around the world
year over the next seven years, that recognise that through their tons) of carbon dioxide from and prevent natural disasters
would mean over 4 billion trees collective individual actions they the atmosphere, according such as floods.
had been added to the total. can make a difference.”
ads@independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 5
“Collaboration can transform education
across state and private partnerships”
Head of Kirkham Grammar School, Lancashire, Daniel Berry, has served as a
Head in both the state and independent sectors. He takes a look at how his
experiences and introduction of change have improved the school and more
importantly demonstrated how the two sectors can work together for mutual
benefit and improved educational and community outcomes...
I served as a Head of St. George’s culture of new initiatives being attainment for all and the value state. Having experienced Headship
Church of England Academy, discussed. Regular observations this brings to educational outcomes in both state and independent
Blackpool for four years. In this across clusters and introducing became infectious. The aim is schools, with the exception of
period the school was inspected by regular ‘Health Checks’ allowed to prove that collaboration can catering services being of a
OFSTED and SIAMS and improved all staff to review teaching and transform education across state significantly higher standard (Jamie
from a failing school to outstanding learning practice at regular intervals. and private partnerships with some Oliver heaven) the area of sport is
across all areas. This included Reducing marking workloads and factual examples from KGS. one that clearly stands out. It has
improved exam results and pupil the number of assessments gave always been an important focus for
What if the privileged few who
numbers exceeding capacity. This time back to staff to have a better independent schools and has been
access private education could be
journey taught me a lot about the work/life balance and allowed them supported with larger than average
increased and a larger number of
fundamental skills and duties of to focus on teaching. Parental Olympians coming from private
pupils offered assistance to attend
Headship. In all I had a challenging reports received an overhaul as schools. Despite the educational
Independent Schools in key social
but rewarding time at St. George’s we used Durham University data trends and government policies that
areas? Or stronger partnerships
seeing a school transformed from systems alongside our assessment have forced both independent and
between state and independent
when I started there in 2004. period to enable quick and fast state schools to respond to, sport
schools ensure access to private
However, we are all often ready for updates to parents in a ‘twitter’ style has remained protected from this
school resources or support.
a new challenge and a change of approach. This was run alongside interference and has thrived. For a
Therefore, we have increased our
direction. Therefore, I took up the the introduction of a parent app variety of reasons sport has declined
continued support to families with in maintained schools and in society
position of Headmaster of Kirkham for regular updates. The new Bursaries and Scholarships. We have
Grammar School during a period parent reporting system introduced in general as more children than
introduced sport, science lessons any previous generation are deemed
of change. The school was an pathways such as green, orange, Drama and Technology to our local
established independent school of pink and red. This reflected the obese.
state schools. A partnership with
850 pupils 3-18 and a Boarding new 1-9 scoring system and used the local state senior school which The possibilities are endless for
House of 65 pupils. Kirkham the Durham University data to set introduced Combined Cadet Force a transformation of the British
Grammar, or KGS as it is fondly a predicted pathway range from programmes to 25 pupils every education system. Making high
known, was and still is a place with 1-3 (pink), 3-5 (red), 5-7 (orange), week. This area of school, such quality schooling a choice for many
a strong family ethos, excellent 7-9 (green). This system has proved as sharing facilities and resources alongside schools that support
exam success and a reputation very popular and is used across the between schools can often feel very the needs of a community and
in sport, drama and music that is foundation from 3-18. All staff now complex and has the potential to ultimately a child. Quite apart
the envy of the area. However, it mark using pink/green if needed to present a number of barriers to a from the 275,700 jobs provided
did feel as if it had lost its spark highlight areas for improvement. significant change in cultures and by independent schools as local
and the school was coasting along Alongside a number of policy views of such. Sport and extra- employers and the places for
relying mainly on reputation and changes, building enhancements curricular activities have long 600,000 children, who have no
had become isolated. The Governing and key staffing appointments been the bed rock of independent additional cost to the state I
Body and school community fully the school started to transform education. This aspect of school can confidently state that the
understood this and made the tough itself into a modern academic life is possibly one of the largest independent sector being allowed
decision to make a radical shift in establishment with traditional untapped resources a school to support more pupils from a
a new direction without losing the grammar school values. Which still wider variety of background would
can offer to another with little
traditional values but bringing in a managed to focus on ‘educating the transform communities and life
additionally. Independent schools
period of modern ambition. whole child’. experiences. This is the chance to
have a long history of sporting
offer a diverse education across
How is this achieved in a school with However, what is possibly more excellence and promoting a wide
Britain to ensure social cold spots
a history going back to 1549? important and of more benefit range of extra-curricular activities
are no longer entrenched in
to Kirkham Grammar School and because they value them and invest
The first areas to identify and today’s society. Many independent
local communities is how the time in them. This we have done
address that needed a level of schools are at the heart of local
offer of additional co-curricular incredibly well, hosting fixtures
consistency was the systems communities, cultural life and, as a
opportunities, educating the and tournaments and offering free
around teaching and learning, result, give back – in unquantifiable
whole child and the freedom from coaching. There are currently more
including monitoring, marking terms – so much more. As we
OFSTED and constant government than twenty partnerships each
and assessment. We embarked on enter a brave new era of British
initiatives allows a school to thrive. year between KGS and state sector
introducing a number of transparent independence we should look
How independent education can schools, as well as many extra-
protocols in the classrooms and more towards what unites us in
support and accelerate change in curricular activities enabling children
for staff and parents to use to education than what divides us. In
state schools was becoming more and young people from all walks
fully understand the educational my experience across both sectors
apparent. of life to broaden their experiences
process. Subjects being organised we have so much to share and
outside the classroom.
into Clusters with a Senior Teacher We started to demonstrate how celebrate. We often try too much to
supporting them and regular the benefits of partnerships in the Sport is clearly a significantly set independent and state schools
meetings allowed problems to be community, bursaries and social different experience in an apart and often to the detriment of
nipped in the bud and created a mobility enhanced standards and independent school compared to the pupils we are trying to support.
6 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249
Schools collaborate to
signpost life-changing
opportunities for children
A total of 176,633 pupils at Independent Schools Council (ISC) schools
currently receive help with their fees, representing 34% of all pupils. Twenty
eight of London’s independent schools are working together on a publicity
campaign to raise awareness of transformational bursary schemes...
Pictured: David Goodhew, Headmaster at Latymer Upper School and Chair of the consortium; some images of the London underground promotional announcements
Every year parents of Year 6 Goodhew, the current LFAC Chair school name in its approximate
children around the country and Head of Latymer Upper School geographic location. The visuals
embark on the process of choosing in Hammersmith. “Our group was were applied across a range of
and applying for secondary school formed to raise public awareness materials, including tube car ad
places for their child. It can be of the availability of fee assistance panels and tube station poster slots.
a difficult undertaking, with the in London schools. Encouraging LFAC also worked with a journalist
emphasis being on selecting the a wider and more diverse pool of to create an eye-catching full-page
right school for a given child’s applicants is one way we seek both advertorial that appeared in both
personality, skills and attributes. to help individuals and improve the London Metro and the London
social mobility.” Evening Standard newspapers on
The London Fee Assistance two separate occasions. campaign goal in a practical and
Consortium (LFAC) has stepped Established more than a decade
efficient way?”
into this space with the aim ago, this year’s LFAC project On Facebook, LFAC used a short
of highlighting the financial involved 28 single-sex and co- animated video of the tube map LFAC has 28 members from
assistance that is available to educational schools from across the creative in order to increase different prestigious schools, and
provide free or subsidised places capital. It is the consortium’s largest engagement with its Facebook only a single gathering each year
for children whose families might campaign to date and follows on advertising, as research shows that at which they all come together in
not otherwise be able to afford from a refresh of their campaign viewers are more likely to respond
person. With that being the case,
independent school fees. creative and website in 2018. to video than to static imagery
it seems that this focus, evaluation
on the platform. A Facebook Pixel
Working with communications and continual refinement is the key
Raising public awareness agency WSA, and with the support
was added to the LFAC website to
“There can be a perception help further extend the advert’s to securing the positive outcomes
of Melanie Huntley, Head of
that independent schools are potential reach. Furthermore, a that the campaign achieves, and
Marketing and Communications
inaccessible to anyone who isn’t Google Adwords drive used carefully which any other like-minded
at Alleyn’s School, LFAC delivered
posh or wealthy,” says David researched keywords to reach group might seek to emulate.
a multi-platform campaign that
relevant users and refer them to the
included out-of-home advertising,
LFAC site.
press advertising and digital adverts. The 28 London Fee
The campaign ran over several
Working together Assistance Consortium
weeks in September and October to
raise awareness at the right time for for success member schools are:
parents to organise visits to school Each year, the LFAC campaign is Alleyn’s School; Bancroft’s School;
proven to bring about significant Chigwell School; City of London
open events and meet subsequent
increases in direct and organic School; City of London School for
admissions deadlines.
Girls; Dulwich College; Emanuel
searches for the website URL,
School; Forest School; Francis
Linking parents to schools more click-throughs from digital
Holland School, Regent’s Park
The aim of the campaign was to advertising, greater numbers of and Sloane Square; Haberdashers’
drive as many people as possible page views and increased average Aske’s Boys’ School; Highgate
to the consortium’s website, www. session duration, indicating that School; King’s College School,
feeassistancelondonschools.org.uk, relevant users are visiting and Wimbledon; Kingston Grammar
which features an inventory of the finding pertinent information. School; Knightsbridge School;
member schools and links through Latymer Upper School; North London
It is certainly a compelling story. Collegiate School; Northwood
to the individual school websites so
“Each year members are provided College for Girls GDST; Queen’s
parents and guardians can obtain
with a report in order to evaluate College, London; Queen’s Gate
more specific details of what each
the campaign results,” says School; South Hampstead High
institution provides in the way of School; St Benedict’s School; St
Melanie Huntley. “Everyone is
fee assistance. Helen’s School; St Paul’s Girls’
welcome to propose refinements
or new ideas for discussion around School; The Godolphin and Latymer
Promotions for the campaign
School; The Lady Eleanor Holles
centred around a striking tube the table at the AGM. The criteria
School; University College School;
map style visual concept, which for decision-making is simple: will and Westminster School.
helpfully represents each member a given activity support the main
To learn more about membership of the London Fee Assistance Consortium, contact Tobi Clifton-Brown at Latymer Upper School on acb@latymer-upper.org
ads@independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 7
Careers & aspirations – how to prepare children for a very different future
21st Century Work, 21st Century Skills
Dave Coplin is former Chief
Envisioning Officer for Microsoft UK,
author of two books, and has worked
all over the world with organisations,
individuals and governments - all
with the goal of demystifying
technology and championing it as a
positive transformation in our society.
What better person to ask to consider
the challenges and opportunities for
schools to prepare children for the
future world of work...
We urgently need to realise that access to every fact (and opinion)
the world we inhabit requires our society has ever generated and
very different skills from those has in the palm of his hands, a
we have deemed so important for calculator of almost infinite power
hundreds of years. Today, experts and he will be expected to wield
argue that 80% of the maths we both skills with confidence in
teach our kids is irrelevant. Of order to help him offer value and
course we need to know the be valued by the future society of as enabling a “BYOD” policy or changes to ensure we are helping
basics of arithmetic, but we don’t which he is a member. even (god forbid) allowing smart people to be fit for purpose in
need to be able to do complicated phones in lessons. The only way the future that they will actually
Can you imagine what might
long division sums in our heads forward is for us to come together inherit, rather than a world that
happen if we suddenly decided to
because, like it or not, we will to ensure we can connect the no longer exists. If we fail to make
ban the use of mobile devices in
always have access to calculators dots between the skills we give this change, we will be derelict
the office? Or if we took all the
that will go further and faster in our duty of helping to prepare
computers and laptops away and our young people and the jobs,
with numbers than we ever could subsequent generations for their
put them in a separate part of our vocations and careers they will
alone. Equally important will be future, ensuring they have the skills
office buildings, only to be used ultimately inhabit.
the distinction between knowing to thrive and make the most of all
while in that specific location? It will be up to all of us to help the incredible opportunities that
facts and knowing what to do
A few luddites might be pleased the education system make these the 21st century has to offer.
with them. We no longer need
but for the most part, the world
students to be able to retain
would stop spinning and we
endless facts about any given
workers would revolt.
"Significant sections of traditional professions like
subject, instead we desperately accountancy and law will be taken over by robots.
need to make sure that students Given that school is supposed to
be the vehicle through which we
We will be able to speak any language to anyone
are able to process the infinite
amount of information they all prepare younger generations to in the world and AI will even help us decide what
have access to, and be able to use be able to take up their place in food to eat and when we should rest in order to
it to construct a positive, sensible both the world of work and more live healthier and more productive lives. Knowing
outcome. This is a world where broadly in society as a whole, I ‘stuff’ is no longer enough – schools might
wisdom rather than knowledge is think by restricting their access to move right away from exams and use AI to build
the scarce commodity. technology in the classroom, we
personalised learning schemes.
are failing in our commitment to
When my son gets his first job in
pretty much any vocation, he will
help them prepare for and to be Technology will get quicker, cheaper, more powerful
be expected to be self-motivated,
fit for purpose for the world that and smaller. Your huge smartphone may not be a
they will actually inherit.”
to work well with others, to be phone at all by 2030 but instead a small implant
curious and most definitely to think But we can’t think about this inserted under your skin…
outside the box. He already has in isolation. It’s not as simple
Dave Coplin’ s latest book is called The Rise of the Humans: how to outsmart the digital deluge. ISBN: 9780857194053. Available on Waterstones, £9.99
www.waterstones.com/book/the-rise-of-the-humans/dave-coplin/9780857194053 He has a new book out next year.
8 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249
Careers & aspirations
Supporting the next generation of workers
There needs to be a paradigm shift in how schools prepare pupils
for the future world of work, argues accountant Alyson Howard...
It is no secret the nature of to be “preparing students for independent working, resilience,
business is changing and new jobs that don’t exist and to use creativity and analytical skills
commercial models are emerging technologies that we haven’t even provides those fusion skills
that would have been unthinkable discovered yet, to solve problems that will be the cornerstone of
when today’s A-level students first we haven’t identified yet”1. employment in the future.
set foot in a classroom. Disrupters
The existing methodologies of In order to address Casap’s
Uber and Airbnb, for example,
schools being measured on out- challenge we need to develop
were founded in 2009 and 2008
dated academic metrics and the people who are keen, even eager
respectively and have grown to
sledge-hammer of exam results to work in uncharted areas,
become leaders in their sectors,
seem counterproductive. These and this needs imagination,
despite not owning the assets they
paradigms produce a bell curve, adaptability and the ability to
market. Pictured: Alyson Howard FCCA DChA CF is
a few ultra-performers at the top work alone. How do we encourage Education and Not-for-Profit Partner at MHA
To take another example – one and some under-performers at the curiosity and the skills to sift out MacIntyre Hudson. She is a former Council
that has traditionally provided the relevant from the plethora of Member of the Institute of Directors
bottom but most results gathered
well-paid jobs for the alumni of in a clump in the middle – middle data we are all exposed to every The need for a paradigm-shift is
independent schools – more than achievers targeting an ever day? Are we showing young urgent if we are to support the
50% of the workforce in the City decreasing and more threatened people how to be empathic next generation of workers and
of London is now self-employed. environment of middle skilled jobs. and intuitive, can they balance change the mind-set of those
Not only do we have this shift It’s a concerning thought. differing perspectives and agenda for whom successful academic
in the structure of work but in a class? And how can we be results and a university experience
One is that the next generation
the workforce is also polarising. inspirational leaders to show them culminating in a degree are an end
of children could be replaced
While high skilled and low skilled how to oppose the negativity and rather than a means. Only then
in the workplace by computers.
jobs are steadily increasing in cynicism that so many wear as a could we look forward to being
That is not acceptable so can
number, medium skilled roles badge of honour? prepared for a brave new world.
we change the educational
are disappearing and what is paradigm to support a generation
left is the most at threat in the that maximises the potential of
future from the introduction of AI and further computing to Exciting Activity and Field
Artificial Intelligence and robotised
methods.
support positive human work
opportunities? China is using AI in
Study Trips in Cornwall
Our approach to education in the classroom to boost knowledge,
schools, by contrast, has remained understanding and future
fundamentally unchanged – development and Georgia Tech
teachers and teaching assistants in in the USA has an AI teaching
front of classrooms of pupils, with assistant. We should follow their
curricula to follow and exam time lead and focus on teaching the
tables to perform against. We may right skills for the future.
now use interactive whiteboards
These have been described as
and iPads rather than chalkboards
fusion skills i.e. those basics
and exercise books, but the basic
of human education and
overall approach is the same.
development which, while
The question is whether this inherent in daily school life, are
method of teaching fits the new yet to be targeted and codified
models of work both now and into a primary educational
looking forward. If not, and it can paradigm. Balancing thematic • The Manor House offers quality courses with personal
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ads@independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 9
Careers & aspirations – how to prepare children for a very different future
Lower Sixth life skills diploma “...It’s disturbing to find that around
half of young people feel their
education has not prepared them
Sarah Pritchard, Life Skills Coordinator at Moreton Hall,Shropshire, describes for the world of work, at a time of
how the new Rylands Diploma prepares pupils for life after school... great economic uncertainty and
technological change.”
At Moreton Hall we are proud to with a focus on presenting yourself and physical well being and Sir John Allan, CBI President,
be ahead of the game in preparing confidently and communicating helping them to develop healthy November 2018
our pupils for life after school. It effectively in the workplace. The coping strategies for the demands
is in response to the demands and approach is one of opening mindsets of life. We need to help them find second, they must submit evidence
pressures that face young people and fostering a strong sense of self their own solutions for when their of voluntary work.
leaving school today that we have belief. The students are encouraged goals and aspirations may prove We place great importance on
developed the Rylands Diploma. to identify their values and interests unachievable. As the requirements students giving of their time
and to understand the importance of PSHE no longer extend into to help others, whether that be
The Rylands Diploma is a bespoke
of aligning these with possible career the sixth form years, our diploma gardening at the local residential
Life Skills programme delivered on
choices. provides ongoing opportunities for care home, taking part in our
a weekly basis over the course of
education and discussion around student mentoring programme
the year, to all of our Lower Sixth In order to help our students
the issues of women’s health and or helping with local community
girls. The course comprises 20 key to be ‘work ready’ we see it as
healthy relationships. projects.
elements that broadly fit under 6 essential that they are able to
headings: Working World Skills, manage their finances and plan The course also has a practical Surely the most valuable skills we
Managing Finances, Health and for their financial futures. In focus, educating the girls on how take away from our time at school
Wellbeing, Essential Household partnership with local businesses to maintain a car, change a tyre is the ability to make a valuable
and Car Maintenance and we run sessions on budgeting, and reset a fuse in the fuse box. contribution and to function
Independent Extended Learning. managing bills, borrowing, saving, Over the year there are cookery effectively as part of a community.
The programme is delivered by a tax and VAT. We believe these are sessions designed to make the To understand not only our values
number of experienced teachers key areas that have been missing transition to independent living, and our goals in life but also
and professionals from within and from educational provision at away from the school dining room, our responsibilities. The Rylands
outside of the school. sixth form level. They are an easier and fun. Diploma is a holistic programme
essential element of the tool kit The course is not all taught. A that responds not just to the
Our Diploma is endorsed by a
that prepares young people for the key element to the Diploma is to demands and pressures facing our
number of businesses, which support
world of work. encourage independence in our children but to the criticisms, often
the programme and offer follow
up advice and mentoring. The In addition to equipping them students. To achieve the Rylands unfairly, levelled at them that they
programme, this year, was launched with these skills, we aim to teach Diploma the girls must not only are neither resilient nor fit for the
with an interactive session from them the importance of balancing attend key sessions from each of working world. Moreton’s pupils
recruitment consultant, Sarah their work lives with their home the five taught areas of the course are not only socially responsible,
Hopkins, from Hopkins Longworth, lives. Transforming the mental but also to fulfil two additional resilient, confident and capable but
on creating ‘BrandYou’. Following health of young people must begin criteria; first, they must submit well prepared for all the challenges
this launch, the programme begins with building resilience, emotional evidence of independent study and that lie ahead.
Creative entrepreneurs
return for careers &
business networking
The Pocklington School the power of social media and how
Foundation (PSF) Careers and it has helped them to grow their
Business Network held its latest businesses and communicate with
event in the Yorkshire schools’ their customers.
new Art & Design Technology Toby Seth, Headmaster co-hosted
Centre recently, with the focus for the event with three Pocklington
the evening on creative and small School business studies students,
businesses. The guest speakers who helped create the highly
for the evening were former pupils informative question and answer
Beth Todd, who left the School in session. varied and so I think it is even School community, including
2014, and James Wilkinson who more important that we prepare current and former parents, Old
Mr Seth commented: “This is my them for life after school with
left in 2010. Pocklingtonians, current and
third Careers and Business Network
more than just excellent grades. former staff and supporters. Its
Beth and James shared with event. We have heard from OPs
That is why I think our Values and aims are to help each other thrive
guests their experiences of setting who are lawyers, business people
Virtues are fundamental. in a highly competitive world
up their own businesses, what and now entrepreneurs who have
motivated them to do so and the started their own businesses. What The PSF Careers and Business and, by working together, to help
challenges they have faced along former pupils get up to when they Network is open to everyone inspire both students, and each
the way. They also spoke about leave Pocklington is astonishingly in the wider Pocklington other, for life.
Pictured (l to r): Trevor Loten, President of the Old Pocklingtonian Association, Toby Seth, Headmaster, Beth Todd, F&B International and James Wilkinson, Omwani Coffee Co
10 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249Careers & aspirations
City first for careers advice
Sheffield Girls’ Senior School in a school where the teachers
has become the first school in are not just concerned about
the city to have been awarded a academic achievement, but are
prestigious national accolade for committed to supporting a range
careers advice. of work experience opportunities,
The school is the first in Sheffield, extra-curricular clubs, enterprise
and one of a handful of schools education and off-timetable
across England, to fully meet the days, that help our students to
Department of Education’s Gatsby understand the skills they will
Benchmarks with a Career Mark need in a fast-changing world.”
Gold Award. A Career Mark Assessor visited
Carole Hall, Head of Careers at the school back in September
and commended its work to national criteria incorporating the education, gap years, degree
Sheffield Girls’ said: “We are
continually monitor, review and eight Gatsby Benchmarks.” courses abroad, employment
absolutely delighted to have been
evaluate the school’s approach The assessor not only opportunities, voluntary and work
awarded this highly prestigious
national award, and to be the first to its CEIAG (careers, education, recommended Sheffield Girls’ experience placements for A-level
in Sheffield is tremendous. information, advice, and should be awarded the Quality in leavers through its tutorial system
guidance) provision. Careers Standard provided by the and careers events programme.
“We are one of the few schools
in England able to demonstrate The assessor commented: “The Licensed Awarding Body Career Recent examples of the non-
that we have fully met the school continues to critically Mark, but additionally, recognised traditional paths that students
Department of Education’s Gatsby explore its CEIAG programme on the school’s long-standing have taken post-Sixth Form
Benchmarks, which are a measure a regular basis, ensuring that it commitment to career learning include studying Liberal Arts
of the provision of excellent remains current, vibrant, central for students, awarding the Career at Utrecht University in the
careers education, information, to the school’s purpose and, Mark ‘Gold’ award. Netherlands, joining the RAF to
advice and guidance for all critically, meets the legislative and Sheffield Girls’ offers a variety undertake Physical Instructor
students from Y7 to Y13. best practice requirements. of initiatives to help its students Training, and doing an
“As a qualified Careers Adviser, it “Sheffield Girls’ has fully met research, plan and prepare for the apprenticeship with accountancy
is a real pleasure for me to work the Quality in Careers Standard future including advice on higher firm PwC.
Pictured: Carole Hall, head of careers at Sheffield Girls with sixth form students
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Magazine 11
18:23Careers & aspirations – how to prepare children for a very different future
Ambitions should be fostered, not limited
Following a report recently published by the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), David EJJ Lloyd,
headmaster at Solihull School, says children need to have all possible
information at their fingertips in order for them to make informed
career choices.
The report states that by the jobs are of less value, parents, and comprehensive psychometric were to focus on what really
age of just seven, some children teachers, schools and governments testing is carried out at key matters, instead of the latest
are already facing limits on must work harder to improve intervals, followed by a detailed teaching and learning initiative,
their future aspirations because information flows and foster report and one-to-one follow-up at a time when schools are being
of stereotyping about social ambition and growth mindsets.” meetings. forced to cull the curriculum
background, gender and race. and teaching staff, then it would
At Solihull School, a variety of Mr Lloyd believes the enrichment
Mr Lloyd, said: “I grew up in a careers guidance is offered to arm curriculum, for example, school provide us with confidence that
world where career choices were all pupils with the information they debating and the Engineering social mobility really matters.
too often guided by the familiar need to make the right choices for Education Scheme, careers advice “Social mobility is not about
and many young people followed themselves. and links with businesses and changing social classes, it is about
their parents into the workplace, universities are vital in schools making informed choices, and if
It organises a varied programme
for example, working on the and must be given appropriate young people are to do this then
of interactive career lunch events,
factory floor at the Ford Motor time and funding, but said he the information must be at their
there is access to a network of
Company or Huntley & Palmers understands the difficulty of fingertips.
career mentors, there are specific
biscuit factory on Merseyside. This doing so in the modern education
career networking events, an “Teachers must lead on this, but
type of social immobility is still system.
annual junior school careers fair they must feel this is a real priority
very evident today.
is held, support is given with He said: “The teaching shortage and not political rhetoric around
“While not suggesting that such applications to overseas universities doesn’t help and if the government underfunded soundbites.”
New Sixth Form initiative aimed at
boosting employment opportunities
Truro School Connected is a new universities and careers’. help each other, so this isn’t be held in Bristol, in February
initiative which puts Truro School, exclusive to current Sixth Form 2020.
Although all alumni are invited to
Cornwall, Sixth Form students students.
Truro School, perhaps to give a Nicky said: ‘Many of our Sixth
and alumni in contact with a vast talk, to conduct mock interviews, ‘Talking to people at various Form students go off to university
professional network. Consisting or to host a table at a business stages of their career is really
in the South West. We’re hoping
of alumni, past and present lunch, activities are not limited important. We want to offer Truro
parents, governors and staff, the by running a Bristol event it will
to the School grounds. Alumni School students the widest of
network offers students a wide give those alumni about to leave,
from all over the UK and around opportunities to discover the many
range of advice and opportunities or who’ve just left university living
the world have signed up to be careers out there and give them
whilst choosing universities part of Truro School Connected an opportunity to discover careers in those areas, the opportunity
and career paths. Truro School offering to review CVs, become they had previously never heard to connect with people in their
Connected starts in the Sixth Form university representatives, or offer of. It means that our Sixth Form chosen career’.
but will continue as a resource internships and shadowing days, as well as our 4th and 5th Years
The scheme has already helped
when needed, at any stage of life. all of which are key elements of can get hands-on advice, and give
a former pupil, Tom, about to
It is there to advise those who do the programme. them a real view of what’s going
know what they want to do and leave law school. Tom said:
on in the world’.
Jayne Grigg, Director of ‘After contacting Truro School,
those who are still working that
Admissions, said: ‘It’s really helpful The initiative includes building
out. my details were passed on to
to talk to someone who’s just upon the pre-existing annual Truro
two other newly qualified junior
Nicky Berridge, Development and set out on their career or just School Alumni networking event
barristers working in London. In
Alumni Relations Manager, said: started their university course in in London, and expanding it to
‘In the former pupil community, a profession where networking
addition to somebody who is long- reach as many alumni and current
Truro School has an abundance of established in a particular field; students as possible. Due to the can really help, Truro School
talent, who are willing and happy there is help at every single point success of the London networking Connected has gone above and
to assist the School help its current in the process. Not only that, Truro event, for the first time, a Truro beyond to help me get my career
students in progression on to School Connected helps alumni School Connected event will also off the ground’.
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ads@independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk Independent Schools Magazine 13“...It is essential that we safeguard our children’s health but also ensure they receive a rounded and grounded education and that
includes exposure to the raw and exciting world outside the classroom - and sometimes that means getting their hands dirty...”
Living in a ‘clinical world’
As we find ourselves living in an increasingly anxious world and one that is becoming more prone
to allergies and infections, emphasised by concerning reports that over use of antibiotics today
is leafing to super resistant strains of bacteria, one has to question if the way we are educating
and nurturing our children has played some part in this whole mess, suggests Edge Grove,
Hertfordshire, head Ben Evans.
We live in a world where children toilet cleaner or a new chemical dancing outdoor learning provision, Changing the road ahead
expect to wash their hands with to kill all bacteria in your washing Forest school and adherence to It is the responsibility of every
hand sanitiser at regular intervals machine. Even one of my own the ‘Daily Mile’. While all of these school to encourage independence
throughout the school day and rely family members once starred in a excellent initiatives are designed of thought and action in their
on parents who are well-equipped TV commercial that suggested, with to enrich the curriculum, teach pupils. Teachers should be
with lashings of antibacterial wet the use of a particular anti-bacterial new skills and ensure children are modelling good learning habits to
wipes as they battle with fears of cleaner, it was possible to eat one’s fit, active and ready to learn, it is
ensure that children are reflective,
good and bad bacteria. There is meals off the table without even worrying to see that even these
curious and self-motivated with
genuine horror at the thought of needing a plate. Make of that what areas are being led by safer more
the skills necessary to face failure
children being exposed to germs you will. These kinds of products clinical objectives and are often
with the determination to carry
and dirt, let alone be expected are all obviously aimed at the very far removed from what was
on, succeed and celebrate their
to run around outside on cold or frantic, over-cautious parent who originally intended.
achievements.
wet days. Add to that the rule that believes that only the most clinical
under no circumstances must food of home environments are safe for Children are missing out First and foremost though, schools
be eaten if the best before date their children to live in. Forest School areas should be must ensure a safe and nurturing
has expired and it’s not hard to wild, unkempt, full of nature and environment where children feel
see that our children are living in The quest for a sterile wildlife and places of adventure supported and valued. This in
an increasingly clinical world with and excitement. But instead, these turn will allow them to become
little opportunity for their bodies to
environment areas are now centred around independent learners, to flounder
One of the most worrying of
develop any real resistance. expensive and gleaming wooden intelligently with confidence,
recent trends is the avoidance
shelters or outdoor classrooms communicate their understanding
There also seems to be a feeling of medically proven vaccinations
which are surrounded by neat and take risks. Inevitably, things
amongst parents today that such as MMR and most recently,
woodchip pathways, raised beds, will not always go as planned,
unless they are constantly looking the widely available flu vaccine.
innovative bug hotels and neat children will face difficulties, get
ahead and removing all perceived For whatever reason, parents
and tidy reading circles. It is a real things wrong and make mistakes.
obstacles in their children’s way, erroneously believe that these are
shame that children are missing They should be supported through
they are failing as parents. In wrong and harmful. Whilst they
out on the actual purpose of these times but helped to see why
days gone by, people lived by may be happy to pollute their
outdoor learning, all seemingly to they have failed, seek solutions and
the principle that in bringing homes (and our waters) with the
satisfy the modern need for tidy, be encouraged to have the self-
up your children as sensible and harshest of chemicals in their quest
sterile and manufactured learning motivation to achieve their goals.
independent human beings, you are for an ever-sterile environment,
environments.
preparing them for the road ahead. they do not believe in heeding the Rather than falling apart when
Today it is more a case of ‘pre- best possible medical advice? In Walking through mud, exploring faced with adversity, children will
preparing and sweeping the road’ turn, this will only lead to greater wild hedgerows, building camps learn to develop the skills necessary
as far as visibly possible for children health problems as we are seeing, in meadows of long, unkempt to become resilient, self-reliant
before they even step onto it. which certainly can’t be solved with grass, cooking on open fires and and ultimately achieve far greater
a good squirt of hand sanitiser or observing nature and wildlife in success in their learning and in
‘Just eat around the an anti-bacterial wipe. situ are all experiences of which life. Only when this happens are
memories are made, skills are learnt we truly preparing the child for the
bruise’ That said, any school which ignores and habits are set that will last a road, rather than the reverse.
This in itself has added a new basic hygiene requirements is clearly lifetime.
term to our modern parenting negligent and doing its pupils an
dictionary; the ‘curling parent’ injustice. But children of all ages If we are to change the road ahead Rounded and ‘grounded’
which now sits alongside the should be outside, properly dressed however, it’s essential that schools education
much-used ‘helicopter parent’ and for whatever the weather throws step in where they can to support If children are not regularly exposed
of course our growing ‘snowflake at them and become accustomed and equip children for the future. to the natural, often dirty and
generation.’ It is inconceivable that to getting muddy and jumping Most schools live by mottos that disordered world outside of their
children raised in this way will be are constantly encouraging pupils sterilised, centrally heated homes,
in puddles in a far less sterile and
equipped adequately to cope with to take risks, step outside their they are missing out on a wealth
clinical environment. For many
comfort zones and challenge
the exigencies of adult life with children, this may not be easy and of experiences. They will naturally
themselves to succeed, even
resilience and determination. What they will struggle with getting dirty, shy away from anything different
when faced with possible or real
ever happened to ‘a little bit of dirt digging in the soil or handling and as a consequence, limit their
disappointment or failure. It is
does no harm’, or ’just eat around rocks, leaves or twigs. However, opportunities throughout life. As
only when this happens that real
the bruise?’ it is all an invaluable learning schools and parents, it is essential
and meaningful progress is being
experience and one, which will that we safeguard our children’s
Media hype and advertising doesn’t made. Parents must support schools
encourage them to step out of their health but also ensure they receive
help matters either. It is rare to on this and take a step back to
comfort zones, be adventurous, a rounded and grounded education
switch on the television today allow the developmental processes
take risks and explore. and that includes exposure to the
without seeing an advert for a new to happen without interfering and
kitchen surface cleaner aimed at There are very few schools today trying to protect their children from raw and exciting world outside the
‘providing a safer environment for that do not advertise from the disappointment. After all, this is in classroom - and sometimes that
our children’, a super bug-busting roof-tops, their all singing and all the best interest of the child. means getting their hands dirty.
14 Independent Schools Magazine Advertisement Sales: 01242 259249You can also read
