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South West
IN THIS ISSUE
Back to School Special
Local school news, Clubs and Classes,
school open days, days out,
your local What’s On, FREE activities
Pick up your mine of information!
Issue 279 September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
contents September 2018 Issue 279
Be Dance show at New Wimbledon Theatre
6-7 Local news 35 Women in business
• Families London South West is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise
company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently
8 Families Top Five 37-48 Clubs & Classes
owned and operated under licence. Families® is a registered trademark of
LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End,
activities this month Feature
Bucks SL8 5TD. • Choose the right club or
• The contents of Families London South West are fully protected by class for your child
copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be 11 Ensuring your child • News from your local
reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families London South
West. is happy at nursery clubs & classes
• Designed and Printed by Ridgeway Press, Wilts. • The importance of drama
• Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families SW, 13 FREE activities • Is your child sport ready?
our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd and Lifecycle • Why being active can help
Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for
little ones starting Reception
the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof. 14-34 Education Feature in September
• Paper used to print Families is from fully-managed sustainable sources. • Independent or state • Benefits of extra curricular
education for your child? activities
Tel: 020 8696 9680
Editorial: editor@FamiliesSW.co.uk • Making the best of
News: news@FamiliesSW.co.uk Open Days 49-54 What’s On
Adverts/Artwork: adverts@FamiliesSW.co.uk • Open days listing • Diary dates
Events/Diary Dates/What’s On: whatson@FamiliesSW.co.uk • News and information • Cinemas for children
Next Issue: October 2018 from our local schools • Drama
ISSN 1354-9553. All contents ©Families SW 2018. • New ways to learn • Museums and Galleries
• What is Modern Boarding? • Babies and toddlers
Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram FamiliesSWLon Advertise in our next issue. Contact us on 020 8696 9680
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 5
News
Wandsworth Council’s services
improving
The latest Ofsted report into Wandsworth
Council’s children’s services has concluded
that the department is improving and is no
longer classed as inadequate. The report
Photo: © John Starns Photography
highlights the fact that “senior leaders have
worked diligently to strengthen the quality of Beautiful baby carrier shop opened in Tooting
children’s services” with “a good range of
accessible services to improve outcomes for London‘s specialist baby carrier, Wear My Baby, edition woven wraps and ring slings that you
children and their families.” has opened a beautiful boutique at 58 Upper won't find online.
While the council still requires further Tooting Road. Browse from a vast range of baby 2 mins walk from Tooting Bec tube and
carriers, slings and accessories; you can also hire 12mins from Balham, parking on side roads,
improvement before it can be given a good
one to trial at home. baby change facilities, sofa for comfy feeding,
rating, the report highlights many positives,
They also run carrying workshops, where you space for buggies.
including:
get expert help in choosing the right carrier for All the details at
Children in need of help and protection are
your family. Look out for pre-loved and limited www.wearmybaby.co.uk/boutique
now identified quickly, and support for them is
effective in reducing risks.
Disabled children receive a good social work Skills to re-enter the workforce
service, and services to care leavers have If you just had a career break and are
improved from inadequate to good. potentially looking to go back to work
Children in care live in safe, good-quality consider re-honing your skills with
homes ReLaunch. Created by Link UP London,
Children are well supported by a range of ReLaunch is a programme specifically
specialist services, achieve well at school and created for you! Link UP successfully
regularly see their social worker. matches skills-based volunteers with local
www.wandsworth.gov.uk charitable organisations to create engaged,
vibrant and linked communities. Through
their work over the past two years, they
have noted that the skills of professional
women out of the paid workforce are vastly
underutilised at a loss to the community.
ReLaunch aims to help these women re-
enter the workforce in a way that works
best for them. Each ReLaunch workshop is
run by a team of coaches who guide the
group of 8 women through goal setting
and action planning. At the conclusion of
the programme participants report feeling
more confident, inspired and ready to take
their next steps. Can you do the kangaroo?
The first 4-week ReLaunch course First Touch, the charity of St George’s neonatal
begins on Tuesday September 18 and the unit is asking help to raise £25,000 this
second on November 7. There is a nominal September to provide special “Kangaroo Care
fee of £100 for participants. Chairs” by taking part in sponsored bounces.
To find out more, email With Kangaroo care, babies are placed on
Charitable paediatric osteopathic their parent’s chest for prolonged skin-to-skin
relaunch@linkuplondon.org or visit
practice needs your help www.linkuplondon.org contact. It has huge benefits for sick and
Do you know the Osteopathic Centre for premature babies, regulating their heart rate,
Children? Based in Wandsworth, they are the breathing and temperature, stabilising their
only charity in the UK providing paediatric metabolism and reducing the risk of infection.
osteopathy treatment to babies, children and It’s also incredibly important for the emotional
mums regardless of their ability to pay. They well-being of the babies and their parents at
deliver around 16,000 treatments to babies, what is such a difficult time in their lives. The
children and women in the perinatal period special chairs make it possible for parents to
each year. Their open-plan, warm and friendly hold their babies in a safe and comfortable way
clinics create a relaxed atmosphere that is even with all tubes and wires needed for their
especially reassuring for children. treatment.
Please support them by donating at If you’d like to get involved as an individual,
www.justgiving.com/osteopathiccfc or an organisation email info@first-
020 8875 5290 www.occ.uk.com touch.org.uk and they’ll send you some
Registered charity number 1003934 information.
6 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
The most nurturing massage News
you’ll ever have
Drifted on to our shores in 2008, LAVA Shells
massages emit a continuous flow of heat
across the body to deliver a deeply relaxing
experience. I never had the joy of
experiencing one, so was delighted to
accept the hard work of trying it out for you!
I must say, I simply melted away: I found the
warm Lava Shells (see picture) exquisite and
plan to buy a few shells for home massages.
Using the gentle heat of the shells, Lava
Mama combine relaxing and stimulating
massage techniques to ease away aches and
pains of pregnant women, particularly
Lost your way a little after having focusing on the back, hips and legs. The
massage is suitable for pregnant clients from
children? 14 weeks onwards and while nursing post-
Do you want to ignite your purpose and pregnancy. The massage is completely
passion for life? Would you like to start the bespoke to the clients’ need: you can design
journey to style your best life? Why not join your own massage addressing your specific
the supportive and empowering Mum Meet up areas of concern.
MuthaKind in Wandsworth—and get back on The treatment aims to assist circulation
track. Their next workshop is Monday 17th and alleviate puffiness and fluid build-up. I
September, with lifestyle and self image coach found the treatment also improved my
Sarah Miller, but spaces are limited. energy levels.
At the Cats Back pub (upstairs) Wandsworth, The clever combination of gentle but
7:30-9:30 pm, stay and chat afterwards. effective warmth and cold assists with pain
Tickets available on relief and reduces muscle spasm in over-
www.eventbrite.co.uk/facebook- worked muscles—pure bliss!
publish?eid=47510607506. For more information on the Lava Mama
For further information please email treatment, please visit:
gemhadley25@yahoo.co.uk www .sharedbeautysecrets.com/lava-mama/
Fulham Broadway ticket hall now
beautiful Market Hall
I remember well the old entrance to Fulham
Broadway as I used to use this station to go to
work hm.. well, years ago.
If you have wondered like me, why no one
did anything with this amazing space you’ll be
Flexible working for parents like you pleased to know it has now been turned into a
The Daisy Chain is on a mission to help as fashionable Market Hall. The ornate and well-
many parents as possible find the right role for preserved entrance hall, which has retained the
them: one that allows them to build their former ticket hall from the original 1880
careers alongside their childcare
station, is the perfect venue for this new chic
responsibilities. The online platform is free for
destination. With nine kitchens, a coffee shop,
parents: you can match and connect with over
a deli, a fully stocked bar with the best British
70 family-friendly employers who are looking
craft beers & spirits and over 250 communal
for talented, experienced people to work
flexibly—enabling them to spend more time dining seats, it is open seven days per week for
with their children. Are you looking for a new breakfast, brunch (weekends only), lunch,
career with better work-life balance? dinner and drinks, with a wide selection that
To find out more and sign up for free visit will suit everyone’s tastes.
www.thedaisy-chain.com www.markethalls.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 7
Families Top Five activities this month
Take a look at our favourite exhibitions
for the whole family this September…
Photo: © Trustees of the Natural History Museum
London 2018 All rights reserved.jpg
Century of the Child, Nordic
Design
V&A Museum of Childhood, E2 9PA
www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
Throughout September
Photo: Marino Thorlacius © Vik Prjónsdottir
The 20th century’s most iconic and influential
Nordic designs for children, from BRIO to
LEGO, Marimekko and the Moomins have been
brought together for the first time in this
stunning new exhibition at the wonderful
Museum of Childhood. Explore the influences
which have helped forge Nordic design and
examine how children have inspired some of
the century’s most progressive designs,
architecture and literature.
Sensational Butterflies
Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road SW7 5BD
www.nhm.ac.uk
To 16 September
It’s your very last chance to see the Museum’s
tropical butterfly house and watch crawling
caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies.
This immersive exhibition is filled with life,
colour and beauty and features species found
in the tropical forests of Central and South
America, Africa and Asia. From £5.85.
Photo: © Historic Royal Palaces
Tudor Kitchens
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace
Throughout September
The famous Tudor kitchens saw a complete re-imagining last summer, transporting visitors back to a
time when they were the beating heart of life at Hampton Court Palace. New displays feature
Photo: National Museums Liverpool
interactive technology and sensory experiences, so for the first time ever visitors will be able to see,
smell and touch their way through the process of preparing a meal fit for a king.
Bluecoats in the City
Museum of London, EC2Y 5HN
www.museumoflondon.org.uk
To 7 October
A new display exploring the remarkable history and
The Rainbow Revealed legacy of The City of London's first orphanage and
Horniman Museum and Gardens school. Founded in 1552, Christ’s Hospital
100 London Road SE23 3PQ transformed the site of a former monastery into a
www.horniman.ac.uk sanctuary for the City of London’s orphaned and
To 28 October impoverished children, offering food, lodging and
Be dazzled by prisms showing how colours are an education. This new display allows visitors a
made, peer through a giant human eyeball to chance to discover a school like no other, delving
find out how we see colour, discover how into the history behind Christ’s Hospital School’s
animals use colour to attract and hide, and creation, its iconic historic uniforms and traditional
look into how different colours mean different practices, alumni and centuries-long relationship
things across the planet. Free. with London.
8 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 9
HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED
For children attending boarding school in the UK
whose parents are based overseas. Our hosts look
after children during some half term holidays and
occasional weekends. In exchange for your
hospitality you will receive a generous
compensation package as well as the invaluable
experience hosting an international student brings.
01684 581600
or email: caroline@collegeguardians.co.uk
10 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukFalcons School for Girls
Ensuring
your child
is Happy
at nursery The process of introducing a child to a new caring environment can
throw up a number of challenges. However, some can be prevented if
By Kristen Harding your child’s nursery gets to know upfront what both you and your
child need and want from the childcare arrangement.
B
efore a child arrives at a new nursery, calm them. This will ensure that your child’s A good nursery will ensure there’s no feeling of
nursery staff should take time to fully nursery cares for your child in the very best peer pressure between parents or children!
understand your child’s home routine. In way during this difficult period. Don’t start potty training as your child is
this way, potential issues can also be nipped in starting nursery. When you do decide to begin,
Often the anxiety of a child lessens when his
the bud early. ensure it’s not at a time of change or a stressful
nursery assigns a key worker to him. By
period at home. Share training methods with
identifying one particular carer who is going to
Settling in your child’s nursery to ensure consistency of
form a strong bond and connection with your
This is a key part of the adjustment process. A approach. For instance, do you want nursery
child, he will have the stability of knowing there
change in environment can upset a child and staff to ask your child if he would like to go or
is an individual there that he can rely on.
parents are generally stressed and worried do you want them to sit him on the potty at
when their child is unsettled. For this reason, specific times of day?
Eating
it’s vital that your chosen nursery takes time to
Meal times at nursery are important and can
help your child gently settle in. Sleep
have a real impact on the confidence and
Communication between your child’s nursery It is important that home and nursery work
comfort of a young child. What your child is
and yourself is very important at this stage. together over nap times, as the needs of
used to at home may differ greatly from what
You need to develop a trusting relationship individual children differ. When a child starts at
occurs in the nursery setting, whether it’s the
with the staff and settle into the new a nursery, the nursery should follow the child’s
food eaten or the way in which meals are
arrangement just as much as your child does. home routine before adapting it slowly to suit
consumed.
In fact, it’s often parents that have most the nursery pattern. It’s then helpful if you try
difficulty leaving a child behind in a new When you visit your child’s nursery, try to do so to prevent your child taking extra naps, as his
setting! However, communicating regularly at meal time occasionally. In a good setting, routine is likely to be disrupted. If your child
and in as much detail as you need with the you will see nursery staff leading by example, struggles to sleep at the nursery, a toy or
nursery setting can help ease your nervousness engaging children with different food choices, blanket from home can provide comfort and
and worry. In turn, any insecurity your child is helping them to learn about what they are help them drift off.
feeling will also lessen. eating and introducing new foods gradually.
Meal times at nursery, as at home, should be Whilst challenges are bound to arise during
Separation anxiety unpressurised and enjoyable. your child’s time at nursery, most particularly at
Regardless of the time taken beforehand, the beginning, these can generally be dealt
separation anxiety is a natural and sometimes Potty training with as long as there is good communication
unavoidable part of leaving a child at a nursery. This is another key milestone in your child’s between you and your child’s setting.
Generally, separation anxiety lessens over time development and reaching it may throw up
but you can help by ensuring that nursery staff stumbling blocks! Again, it is important to
Kristen Harding is a childcare expert at
understand as much as possible about your remember that each child is different and so
Tinies Childcare UK. For more information,
child’s individual needs, how they behave when will begin to learn at a different point and
visit www.tinies.com
they are sad, anxious or upset and what helps progress at a different speed to other children.
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 11Calling all baby Scientists!
Help us discover how babies learn!
Calling all infants from birth to 18 months to take part in
fun studies at the Birkbeck Babylab in central London. We
provide a black cab if you live within 5 miles of Birkbeck,
or we refund any travel expenses.
020 7631 6258
babylab@bbk.ac.uk
www.cbcd.bbk.ac.uk
Make a splash!
... at Dawmouse Montessori School
Come and see how we teach with passion in our two
Montessori Schools in Fulham.
Fully qualified staff, small class ratios, established for
over 20 years, modern in our approach.
Call Miss Emma on 020 8398 9294 or visit our website
www.dawmouse.co.uk
12 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukBank of England Museum Morden Hall Park
FREE activities for www.bankofengland.co.uk
22-26 October
The Big Draw: Join the Fleet! Climb
Morden SM4 5JD
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/morden-
hall-park
September 2018 aboard the boat in the museum
Stock Office for inspiration and
design a boat fit to sail the seven
Throughout September
Join a nature trail around the park
and make some delightful crafts to
seas. Which materials will you use for take home. £4 per child, entry to
your ship to make it strong and Morden Hall is free. 11am-4pm.
sturdy? What other features should it
have? Your imagination is the limit! Battersea Arts Centre
Submit your masterpiece to enter the Lavender Hill SW11 5TN
competition for your chance to win www.bac.org.uk
prizes. Final Saturday of the month
Family Saturdays. Join the BAC on
Museum of London the final Saturday of every month
when families take over the Centre
Docklands for a day of fun, food and free
No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay
activities. There is something for
E14 4AL
everyone to get involved with and
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/muse
space for the whole family to chill
um-london-docklands
out and relax. Includes The Bee’s
Throughout September
Knees, a magical indoor play space
Sailortown. Visit the stinky streets and
for ages 0-5. 10am-3pm.
dark alleyways of Sailortown - hear
the noises, peer into the shadowy The National Gallery
alleyways, gaze through the window Trafalgar Square WC2N 5DN
of the chandler’s shop and see inside www.nationalgallery.org.uk
an old East End boozer. All ages. Every Sunday in September
Magic Carpet Storytelling. Fly away
Mudchute Farm on a magic carpet, which comes to
Pier Street E14 3HP
land in front of a different painting
www.mudchute.org
each week, and join Paul Rubinstein
Wimbledon BookFest, Sue Paul Photo 2018 Throughout September
for a musical magic carpet
An unexpected patch of countryside
The festival returns for the 10th year storytelling. Age 2+, 10.30–11am and
Wimbledon BookFest on the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute Park
11.30am-12pm.
The Bailie Gifford Big Tent, with stages full of affordable circus, and Farm is a laidback and friendly
Wimbledon Common, nr Wimbledon theatre, cabaret, comedy, music and day out, with the chance to get close Picturing Forgotten
Village children’s shows on the south bank of to all kinds of animals. Join the
the Thames. Many shows, regular crafting workshops and feed London
www.wimbledonbookfest.org London Metropolitan Archives
performances and workshops are free. the beasts (the cows particularly love
4-14 October elderflowers), then feed your own EC1R 0HB www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
A packed Children’s programme Open House London little ones at the Mudchute Kitchen. Throughout September
featuring former Children’s www.openhouselondon.org.uk All ages. Check out long-gone landmarks,
Laureate Michael Rosen, Radio vanished streets and neighbourhoods
22-23 September Fulham Palace that are no more. Through drawings,
Make a note 1 presenters Greg James and Celebrate London's architectural Bishop’s Avenue SW6 6EA photographs, maps, films and
Chris Smith talking about
in your wonders as Open House London www.fulhampalace.org contemporary recollections discover
their book Kid Normal, and
diaries! throws open the doors of hundreds 29 September bits of London that have been lost
Francesca Simon, bestselling
of buildings and spaces around the Foreshore Festival. Fulham Palace and over the years, from 'The Devil’s
author of the Horrid Henry The Thames Discovery Programme Acre', which used to lie next to the
capital. Enjoy free access to more
books with a new picture book. join forces for a fun family day of river Palace of Westminster, Columbia
Plus two bestselling adult authors than 800 public buildings, private
themed archaeology as part of the Market in Bethnal Green, London’s
Sophie Kinsella and Jessie Burton houses, churches, museums, schools
Totally Thames Festival. Explore a first Chinatown in Limehouse, the
introduce their new children’s books. and offices, and join tours, guided fascinating wealth of local history Great Wheel in Earl’s Court and
With loads of storytelling, workshops walks and activities throughout the with guided river walks, then meander Wyld’s Monster Globe in Leicester
and arts and crafts for kids of all ages. weekend. Explore secret spaces and back to the Palace for a chance to Square.
step into the private homes of the take part in a host of river-related
rich and famous. activities, examine finds and capture Broadway Vegan Market
Southfields Harvest your day with a family photo in London Fields Primary School E8 3RL
St Barnabas Church, Lavenham Road, historical costume. Saturdays to 29 September
Southfields SW18 5EP Totally Thames London welcomes its first weekly
www.southfieldsharvest.weebly.com www.totallythames.org Fledglings on the vegan market, bringing together 30
1-30 September of the very best vegan food stalls in
29 September Common one place. There’ll even be a vegan
A lively family festival celebrating all See London’s River Always such Bolingbroke Early Years Centre,
Thames brought to butcher selling meat-free burgers,
things local. Enter the Southfields a great event Chivalry Road, Wandsworth
sausages and bacon!
Bake Off, enjoy craft beer, cider, life in a month-long to join! Common SW11 1HT
honey, home-made jam, allotment season of events Saturdays in September Summer of Sound on the
veg and Southfields sausages hot off along the river’s 42- Stay and play sessions aim to help
parents/carers learn how to include Roof
the BBQ. Bring your garden apples to mile stretch during the annual Totally John Lewis, Oxford Street W1A 1EX
play in every day routines with their
be juiced in the Abundance fruit press, Thames festival. www.johnlewis.com/content/roof-
children. 9.30-11.30am, age up to 8.
create a vegetable monster or have Walk along the Thames to see garden
fun with fabric led by artist and large-scale art installations, free Natural History Museum To 29 September
children’s author Jane Porter. 12-3pm. exhibitions and live performances. SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk The Gardening Society on John
Enjoy a concert below river-level or Dates throughout September Lewis's Oxford Street store's rooftop
Investigate for Families. Get a feel for is turning into a live music venue.
Underbelly Festival join an archaeological tour of the how scientists work by having a go Rock up for garden gigs, immersive
30 The Queen's Walk, Lambeth river's surroundings. See boats of all yourself. Explore hundreds of real studio spaces, DJ sets and fried
SE1 8XX sizes cruise down the river, or get on nature specimens that form the chicken from 'Butchies', all a world
www.underbellyfestival.com the water yourself with watersports evidence museum scientists use in away from the hustle and bustle
To 30 September and boat parties. their work. Age 3-11, 11am-5pm. below.
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 1314 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
Education Feature
positive. She is still in touch with her friends
Independent or state from state school and it seems they’re also
happy and doing well too, so it’s hard to tell
what would have happened had she remained
education for your in the state sector.
Has your daughter experienced more
child? academic pressure at her new school?
Yes, and the pressure comes from both parents
and the school. But, truthfully, I’m paying to
Olivia Malaure talks to Frances Delaney, a parent whose ensure that she reaches her full potential and
so pressure is part of that. My daughter thrives
child has experienced both types of school. in that type of environment but I can see that it
could be stressful for children who aren’t
I f you are fortunate enough to be able to
choose where your child will go to school,
then it might help to look at the bigger picture
on. Crucially though, my daughter’s teacher,
who I really respected, suggested she was
playing up in class and was possibly bored
meeting expectations, or who excel in one
particular subject area rather than being an
and leap forward twelve years. because in Year 5, along with a number of academic all-rounder. Having said I would
Recent statistics show that students from other children, she’d actually reached Year 6 imagine that children in good state secondary
state schools out-perform students from grades. I wanted my child to reach her full schools are also under a lot of academic
independent (private) schools at university. potential but her teacher couldn’t help further pressure too.
However, before you allocate your tuition fees as her priority had to be improving the grades At my daughter’s school, there is not an
to more leisurely pursuits, consider that these of those children who were under-performing. automatic entry into the sixth form so there is
statistics also show that students from constant discussion about what she can
independent schools are more likely to gain a Was it an easy decision? achieve and how she will achieve it. Obviously,
place at university in the first place. No actually, it was very difficult. My partner this isn’t the case in all independent schools.
Right now, the idea of your young child was politically opposed to private education—
reaching university age may seem we both went to state schools. But we’d had Do you have any advice for parents who are
unimaginable, but it pays to do your research the experience of our elder son completing his having difficulty making a decision between a
early. And, when you do, it’s hard to ignore the education at a large state college where he just good local state school and a private school?
fiery discussion about the moral, financial and didn’t “fit in.” He felt he didn’t do as well as he Look at the environment in which your child
practical issues that catapult from any search could have done at a smaller private school. It thrives and explore how they learn. Think
engine as you try to weigh up the ‘pros and took my partner a lot of convincing, but I about how they would deal with regular tests
cons’ of state versus independent education. wanted our daughter to have the best and exams. If they are at senior school level,
I spoke to Frances Delaney, a parent who educational experience possible and my gut find out what subjects are on offer in the sixth
made the decision to move her daughter from feeling was that she would perform better at an form, and if they are in line with your child’s
a state to an independent school at the independent school. We were in a position interests. Some state schools offer a wider
beginning of Year 6. where we could afford the fees and so we variety of subjects than some smaller private
decided to move her. schools with limited more resources. The
Why did you make this change? advantage of an independent primary school is
Firstly, I wasn’t confident that my daughter Looking back, do you feel you made the right that you are training your child for the private
would get into our preferred, local state decision? system and this training has its advantages. In
secondary school. I also wanted her to attend That’s a difficult question and I don’t have a my opinion the kids who are attending
a school with an integrated sixth form, rather definitive answer. She is happy and confident independent schools are not better or brighter,
than have to transition to a large college later and doing well at school, so that is very just more prepared.
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 1516 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
OPEN DAY Saturday 6th October 2018, 9.30am - 12pm familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 17
18 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 19
Making the best of Tips for visiting an Open Day
n Take your child with you. There is no
Open Days point in falling in love with a school only
to find your child does not want to go
there.
This autumn, state and independent schools will be opening n What is your general feeling about the
their doors to prospective pupils and their parents to give them school? Your gut reaction is very
a flavour of life at their school. Claire Winter has the lowdown important.
on how to get the best out of these Open Days and tours. n Do the pupils look happy and
engaged?
What is an Open Day? Independent schools often hold Open Days n Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make
School open days help you decide what school throughout the Autumn and Spring terms. They sure you ask the pupils what they think of
you want your child to go to. During an open can have waiting lists for Reception-age children the school.
day, prospective parents are shown around the or require children to take a school-specific 7+ n Don’t make decisions on individual
school, often on a school day, to give them a or 11+ exam to gain a place, so you need find teachers. They often move on and large
flavour of the working life of the school and the out the criteria for entry to the school and visit departments have a variety of teachers
school environment. well in advance. that will rotate every year to teach your
Sometimes pupils are given the task of How are Open Days organised? child a particular subject.
showing parents around the school. This is a Schools organise Open Evenings as well as days n If your child has a particular interest in
great opportunity to ask them how they enjoy to allow working parents to visit the school too. a subject, make sure you visit the
being at the school. How settled, relaxed and Some schools (mainly independent) hold Open department and look at the kind of work
confident these children are can give you an Days on a Saturday. All schools put a lot of care they will be doing.
n What extra-curricular activities do
idea of how happy the children are there. and organisation into the events and they all
Usually, the head teacher or a senior member of want to show their school in the best light.
staff also gives a talk which includes a general If, after the all your initial visits, you are still
they have? Are there clubs that will
overview of the school and its values and ethos. undecided, go back and visit the schools on engage your child and allow them to
Do not miss that. pursue a broad range of interests?
n While exam results aren’t everything,
your shortlist again during a normal working
When should I start visiting schools?? day.
It’s a good idea to start looking a year in advance, Finally, in making your decision, don’t be every parent wants their child to do well.
so if your child is starting school, start looking at afraid to trust your instincts; you know your Academic performance is a top priority
schools when they are three. If you are looking child and you are best placed to ascertain what for many families. It’s a good idea to see
for secondary school places, start looking in year is right for them. Do take account of your child’s how the school is performing compared
5 (when your child is nine or ten). You can then preferences too and include him or her in the to other local schools, using exam
revisit the schools you are most interested in with decision making process. The best decision will league tables and Ofsted reports.
your child the following year. undoubtedly be the one you all agree.
20 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukfamiliesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 21
Call to book
Schools Open Days your place now!
SW1 SW7 SW12
St Matthew’s School 3-11 Co-Ed Visits with the The Hampshire School 3-13 Co-Ed 18/9 9.30- London Steiner School 3.5-14 Co-Ed Weekly
Headteacher by arrangement throughout 11.15am and 1.30-3.15pm 020 7352 7077 school tours by appointment every Wednesday
September and October 020 7504 0500 www.thehampshireschoolchelsea.co.uk at 9am 020 8772 3504 londonsteinerschool.org
www.stmwschool.org.uk Eaton House Belgravia Prep 8-13 Boys Autumn Hornsby House School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn
More House School 11-18 Girls Visits by Term Open Days TBC 020 7924 6000 Open Morning TBC 020 8673 7573
arrangement in September and October, plus www.eatonhouseschools.com www.hornsbyhouse.org.uk
Coffee Mornings 25/9 and 26/9 020 7235 2855 La Retraite RC Girl’s School 11-18 Girls Year 7
Hyde Park School 4-11 Co-Ed Autumn Open
www.morehouse.org.uk Open Evening 20/9 4-7pm, Sixth Form Open
Morning TBC 9.30am, plus the school offers
Eaton House Belgravia Pre-prep 3-8 Boys Evening 24/9 4-7pm, Open Mornings 4/10, 5/10
show rounds on Wednesday and Friday
Open Morning dates in September and October
mornings 020 7225 3131 and 9/10 9am-12pm 020 8673 5644
TBC 020 3917 5050
www.hydeparkschool.co.uk www.laretraite.lambeth.sch.uk
www.eatonhouseschools.com
Queen’s Gate School 4-18 Girls Senior School St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College 16-18 Co-
Westminster School 13-16 Boys, 16-18 Co-Ed
Open Evenings 19/9, 4/10 and 6/11 from Ed Open Day 12/11 10am-2.30pm 020 8772
Sixth Form Open Day 10/9 4-7pm To find out
about Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003. 5.35pm, Junior School At-home Receptions 6072 www.sfx.ac.uk
www.westminster.org.uk 18/9, 26/9, 4/10, 17/10, 6/11 and 15/11 at 9.15am
020 7589 3587 www.queensgate.org.uk SW13
SW3 The Harrodian School 4-18 Co-Ed 11+ Open
SW10 Mornings for Year 6 pupils only 25/9 and 9/10 or
Hill House 4-13 Co-Ed Tours of school
available every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Redcliffe School 3-11 Co-Ed Tours Tuesdays call to arrange an individual tour 020 8762 6321
Friday during term time at 8.30am, no and Thursdays throughout September and www.harrodian.com
appointment necessary 020 7584 1331 October 9.30am booking required 020 7352
www.hillhouseschool.co.uk 9247 www.redcliffeschool.com SW14
Tower House Prep School 4-13 Boys Open
SW4 SW11 Morning 21/9 9.15am 020 8876 3323
Eaton House The Manor 8-13 Boys Open Christ Church CofE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open www.thsboys.org.uk
Morning dates in September and October TBC Days 2/10 9.45-10.15am and 14/11 1.30-2pm
020 7924 6000 www.eatonhouseschools.com SW15
020 7228 2812
Allen Edwards Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days
www.christchurch.wandsworth.sch.uk
TBC in September and October, booking Hurlingham School Co-ed 4-11yrs. Email
required 020 7622 3985 The Dominie 6-11 Co-Ed Tours by appointment admissions@hurlinghamschool.co.uk to arrange
www.allenedwards.co.uk Please contact the school to find out more a visit 020 8874 7186
Parkgate House School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open about their specialist teaching for dyslexic www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk
Day 6/10 9.30am-12pm 020 7350 2461 children 020 7720 8783 Ibstock Place School 3-18 Co-Ed The Prep
www.parkgate-school.co.uk www.thedominie.co.uk School Open Mornings 26/9 and 14/11 at
Dolphin School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 9.30am, The Senior School Open Morning 22/9
SW6 every Thursday morning 9.15-10.40am by 9am-1pm (for prospective entry in 2019), The
appointment only 020 7924 3472 Sixth Form Open Evening 25/9 5-8pm booking
Fulham Prep School 4-13 Co-Ed Pre-Prep
www.dolphinschool.org.uk required 020 8876 9991 / 020 8392 5803
Open Mornings 16/10 and 29/11 at 9.15am,
L’Ecole de Battersea 4-11 Co-Ed School visits www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk
10.15am and 11.15am, call to book a place and
time slot 020 7471 4217, Prep School tours by
are held on Friday mornings 5/10, 12/10, 9/11, Granard Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Mornings
appointment only 020 7386 2444 16/11, 23/11, 30/11 at 10am 020 7371 8350 19/9, 5/10 and 7/11 at 9.15am, call to book a
www.fulhamprep.co.uk www.lecoledespetits.co.uk place 020 8788 3606
Parsons Green Prep 4-11 Co-Ed Midweek tours Thames Christian School 11-16 Co-Ed Open www.granardprimary.co.uk
on Thursdays at 9am by appointment only, Open Mornings 25/9 11am-1pm, 29/9 10am-1pm, and Putney High School 4-18 Girls Music Scholars
Day 6/10 at 9.30am starting promptly 020 7371 10/10 11am-1pm 020 7228 3933 ‘Come and Play’ Morning 22/9 (bookings close
9009 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk www.thameschristianschool.org.uk on 5/9), plus Open Week from 13/10 020 8788
L’Ecole des Petits 4-11 Co-Ed School visits are John Burns Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open 4886 www.putneyhigh.gdst.net
held on Thursday mornings 4/10, 11/10 and Mornings 5/10 and 12/10 at 9.30am 020 7228 Merlin School 4-8 Co-Ed Open Day in Autumn
18/10 at 10am, 8/11, 15/11, 22/11 and 29/11 at 3857 www.johnburns.wandsworth.sch.uk term TBC, book in advance 020 8788 2769
10am 020 7371 8350 Shaftesbury Park Primary School 4-11 Co-Ed www.merlinschool.net
www.lecoledespetits.co.uk Open Mornings 9/10 and 23/10 9.30-11am, plus
Sinclair House 2-13 Co-Ed Prep School Open show rounds on Tuesday mornings from 23/10 SW16
Morning 27/9 10-11.30am 020 7736 9182 through to 15/1/19. Individual tours of the
www.sinclairhouseschool.co.uk Streatham and Clapham High School 11-18
school can be booked on Friday mornings
All Saints CofE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Open Days Girls Open Day 29/9 10am-1pm limited places,
during term time 020 7228 3652
3/10, 7/11 and 5/12 at 9.30am 020 7736 2803 register online 020 8677 8400
shaftesburypark.wandsworth.sch.uk
www.allsaintsce.lbhf.sch.uk www.schs.gdst.net
22 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukHoly Trinity Primary School 4-11
SW17 Co-Ed Reception Open Mornings
Finton House School 4-11 Co-Ed 28/9 and 16/11 10am-12pm 020
Family Open Morning 29/9 10am- 8542 1591
12pm, plus show rounds available on www.holytrinity.merton.sch.uk
weekday mornings Monday- Albemarle Primary 4-11 Co-Ed
Thursday in term time 020 8682 Open Days 27/9 and 15/11 at 11am
5757 www.fintonhouse.org.uk 020 8788 3170
Burntwood School 11-18 Girls www.albemarle.wandsworth.sch.uk
Open Morning 9/10 at 8.45am,
Open Evening 26/9 at 6pm 020 SW20
8946 6201
www.burntwoodschool.com The Norwegian School Co-Ed 3-16
Ernest Bevin College 11-16 Boys Tours of the school can be booked
Open Evening 25/9 at 5.30-8pm, at any time 020 8947 6617
Open Mornings 1/10, 3/10 and 5/10 www.norwegianschool.org.uk
at 9-10.45am, Sixth Form Open
Evening 8/11 TBC 020 8672 8582 W6
www.ernestbevin.org.uk
Franciscan Primary 4-11 Co-Ed Ravenscourt Park Prep School 4-
Reception and Nursery Schools 11 Co-Ed Open Mornings 18/9,
Tours throughout September and 11/10 and 13/11 9am, booking
October 9.15am 020 8672 3048 necessary 020 8846 9153
franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk www.rpps.co.uk
SW18 W14
The Roche School 2.5-11 Co-Ed Fulham Senior School Co-ed
Open Mornings 22/9, 12/10 and Information Evenings: 26/9 6–9pm
14/11 9.30-11.30am call to make an and 3/10 6-9pm 020 7386 2444
appointment on 020 8877 0823 www.fulhamprep.co.uk
www.therocheschool.co.uk
St Michael’s CE Primary 4-11 Co-Ed
Open Mornings by appointment only SE21
on 10/9, 17/9 and 24/9, 1/10, 8/10, Dulwich Prep London 3-13yrs Boys
15/10 and 29/10 at 9.30am 020 Open morning 15/9 9am. 020 8766
8874 7786 5500 www.dulwichpreplondon.org
www.stmichaels.wandsworth.sch.uk
St Faith’s Primary 4-11 Co-Ed
Open Mornings 19/9, 3/10, 17/10,
SE22
7/11 and 22/11 at 9am 020 8874 2653 Alleyn’s School co-ed 4-18yrs
www.stfaiths.wandsworth.sch.uk Junior School Open Events 22/9 10-
St Anne’s CofE Primary 4-1 Co-Ed 12 noon, 4/10 1.30-3pm. Senior
Open Days 9/10 and 6/11 9.30am School. 11+ (entry to Year 7) and 13+
and 2pm 020 8874 1863 (entry to Year 9) open events 12/9
www.stanneswandsworth.co.uk 2pm, 29/9 9.30 am. 16+ (entry to
Year 12) 11/9 2.30 pm and 29/9 at
SW19 9.30 am. School office number: 020
8557 1500. www.alleyns.org.uk
The Study Prep School 4-11 Girls Dulwich College Junior School 7-
Tours on Tuesdays throughout 10yrs Boys 13/10 9.30am-12noon
September and October 9.20- www.dulwich.org.uk/junior-school
10.30am 020 8947 6969 020 8299 8432.
www.thestudyprep.co.uk James Allen’s Girls’ School 4-18
Willington Independent Primary Girls Open mornings 26/9, 6/10 and
School 4-13 Boys Tours of the 18/10 020 8693 1181
school by appointment 020 8944 www.jags.org.uk
7020 www.willingtonschool.co.uk
Wimbledon Common Prep (also
known as Squirrels) 4-7 Boys Open SE26
Morning 10/10 9.15-10.45am, Sydenham High School 4-18yrs
bookings are open now 020 8946 1001 Girls Whole School Open Day. 15/9
www.wimbledoncommonprep.co.uk 9am-1pm. 10+ Entry Open Morning
Wimbledon High School 11-18 Girls 3/10 9.30-11am. Senior School Open
Junior School (4+ and 7+ entry) Morning 27/9 9.30-11am. Sixth
13/9, Senior School Open Mornings Form Open Evening 2/10 6.30-
12/9, 6/10 and 9/10 at 8.50am, Sixth 8.30pm. See also website for Taster
Form Open Evening 6/10 020 8971 days . 020 8557 7000
0900 www.wimbledonhigh.gdst.net sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
Kings College School 7-16 Boys,
16-18 Co-Ed Senior School (11+ CR9
entry) Open Evening 9/10 6pm, 16+
Entry Open Evenings 13/9 and 4/10 Trinity School, Croydon 10-16 Boys,
6pm, Whole School Open Morning 16-18 Co-Ed Open Morning 6/10
15/9 9am-12.30pm 020 8255 5437 9am-12pm 020 8656 9541 trinity-
www.kcs.org.uk school.org
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 23WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
WESTMINSTER.ORG.UK
16+ ENTRY 2020
Online registration will open in June 2019.
13+ ENTRY
Registration for entry in 2021 closes at
the end of September.
Registration for entry in 2022 opens in October.
To request a prospectus or find out about
Open Days, please call 020 7963 1003
or email registrar@westminster.org.uk
For information about entry to Westminster Under
School at 7+, 8+ or 11+ please call 020 7821 5788.
Westminster School is a charity (No. 312728) established to provide education.
24 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukLeft to Right:
Sensei Mike Monouwah Education Feature
HRH Prince William
Adem Aouicha
HRH Prince Harry
Samuel Brooks-Gilzeane
Ernest Bevin named top Judo School in the country
Ernest Bevin College in Tooting was named the when they met the Duke of Cambridge and centre for young people in London.
top British school for judo following a haul of Duke of Sussex at the opening of the new Greenhouse Sports delivers the judo, table
five medals at the British Schools Judo Greenhouse Sports Centre in Central London. tennis and volleyball programmes at the school
Championships. They topped the medal table The boys also had the opportunity to speak to through coaching and mentoring, which in
beating over 400 schools two gold, two silver the Princes and pose for photos at the event turn raises academic performance and
and one bronze medal. attended by 300 guests and supporters of achieves positive behavioural change amongst
Members of the squad were rewarded for Greenhouse Sports to mark the opening of the participants.
their hard work and success over the year new state of the art sport and community www.ernestbevin.org.uk
Heads up for the 11+
By Tim Cannell, Headmaster
Parsons Green Prep
After 12 years as headmaster of a day and
boarding school for children aged 3-13 on the
south coast, moving to Parsons Green Prep
School (a day school for children aged 5-11)
did not seem the most obvious move for a
head to make. I was fascinated to see if the
many apocryphal stories of London school life
were true. Not least the intense pressure for
places at 11+, an entry system that makes
young children sit multiple exams. Some of
these take place before schools return in
January, meaning a long wait for results, and On the plus side, concentrating on the core sporting skills. All of which is supplemented by
so the process goes on. subjects for the 11+ allows for a much more a Personal Development Programme, including
I am afraid that it is true. While many of the innovative approach to learning through residential trips from Year 3 upwards.
schools outside London use a common 11+ teaching of the humanities in a cross-curricular Overall, the quality of education despite the
and 13+ system, this has not yet transferred to approach. This makes important links across pressures of 11+ is broad, balanced and offers
London. However, over the last few months it science, maths and engineering through a
does appear that a new approach may be real depth. If, as a sector, we can streamline
practical-based STEM programme, with time to the entry process for senior schools further, I
taken, which should be applauded, and in the
engage children in debate and help them believe we are delivering the very best in
coming years I wait to see if this reduces
understand that some questions do not have a education. Our aim at PGP is to keep that
pressure on our young children.
It seems a rite of passage for many pupils to single answer, encouraging critical and
balance between offering a rigorous and
have significant coaching outside of school. innovative thinking.
challenging curriculum and our children
This is something I don’t advocate as children I was also pleasantly surprised at the quality
of outdoor space Parsons Green Prep has, enjoying and having positive memories of their
need to be children and we should not rob childhood.
them of their childhood and the opportunity to which is enhanced further by the use of
build those precious memories that we take Hurlingham Park a very short walk away and
with us and which shape us for the rest of our swimming at Fulham Pools. Children receive 1 Fulham Park Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4LJ
lives. lots of exercise and learn a wide variety of 020 7610 8085 www.parsonsgreenprep.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 25Ensuring every child fulfils their potential
✓ 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A Level, IB
✓ EAL specialists for international families
✓ SEND advice & learning support specialists
✓ School advice & consultancy services
✓ Tailored 1-1 support with inspiring teachers &
tutors, enabling maximum progression.
Contact: charlotte@firstclasstutorsgroup.com
Visit: www.firstclasstutorsgroup.com
c
26 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukNews and Education Feature
information from Newton Prep new ‘demanding and exciting’
Humanities curriculum for years 7 & 8
our local schools With more and more children facing pre-tests and the ISEB pre-pre-test
in Years 5&6, Newton Prep has decided on a radical change in the run-
up to Common Entrance in Years 7&8. “Common Entrance is a blunt
instrument and the exams themselves are dull and turgid,” says Alison
Fleming, Head of Newton, in a letter written to over 70 senior schools.
“Meanwhile, parents spend Years 7&8 in a heightened sense of almost
continuous pressure on their child to reach the magic pass mark, at the
expense of the child’s academic curiosity and wellbeing.”
So from September, Newton Prep will not be following a CE
programme of study in History, Religious Studies and Geography,
introducing instead a radical, cross-curricular, rigorous and exciting
Humanities programme called the Newton Diploma, “freeing us from
the vice-like grip of the CE syllabus and giving our pupils the
opportunity to follow their own interests and exploit links between
subjects, as well as extending their initiatives for service and for
leadership.” All senior schools canvassed expressed their wholehearted
support for Newton’s radical approach, which will see the core subjects
of Maths, English, Science and a foreign language being retained, mostly
for setting purposes at the next school, in conjunction with the Newton
Trinity alumnus represents England in U20 Rugby Diploma, thereby preparing all pupils more effectively to take their place
Championship as well-rounded senior school citizens, intellectual curiosity intact.
Gabriel Ibitoye, who left Trinity in 2016, is back for a second year with “Common Entrance exams are outdated, old-fashioned and irrelevant,”
England Rugby at the World Rugby U20 Championship. He has commented Mrs Fleming in an article with the Daily Telegraph, “Let’s
represented England at U18 and U20 level; winning the 2017 U20 Six take that level of anxiety away from children and their parents and start
Nations and finishing as England’s top try scorer at the U20 World Rugby to give them the soft skills this generation will be required to have:
Championship of the same year. Gabriel joined the Harlequins Academy adaptability, resilience, and the ability to make connections between
for the 2016/17 season, making his first Harlequins appearance in disciplines.”
November 2017.
www.newtonprepschool.co.uk
Ian Kench, Director of Rugby at Trinity, said: “It is incredibly pleasing to
watch Gabriel shining on the global rugby stage. He is an incredible role
model to all of our students for what can be accomplished with dedication
and hard work. His heads-up style of play sets an excellent example for the
way that we encourage current students to approach the game.”
Trinity School Shirley Park Croydon, CR9 7AT www.trinity-school.org
Changes at Hurlingham School bring Outstanding results
Hurlingham School took over Lion the option to remain at Gwendolen
House School on Gwendolen Avenue for a 7+ route to selective,
Avenue in September 2017. Now junior and boarding schools. The
called Hurlingham Nursery and nursery has been refurbished to
Pre-Prep, it has just received a provide excellent modern facilities
glowing inspection report from including a dedicated exercise and
Ofsted as “outstanding” in all areas. music studio.
It also benefits from IAPS There will also be the choice
accreditation. of joining the Forest School
There is a distinctive two- initiative one day per week.
pronged approach to the infant
(can you spot the amazing slide
years; a guaranteed transfer to the
in the picture?)
main Hurlingham site from the
nursery at 4 for an 11+ pathway, or www.hurlinghamschool.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 27YEAR 7 OPEN DAYS
Burntwood is an oversubscribed Academy for Girls
- OPEN MORNING -
which proudly holds a CPD Platinum Mark, Tuesday 9th October 8.45am
the EQualities Award, the International School Award,
and has UNICEF Rights Respecting School Gold status. - OPEN EVENING -
Wednesday 26th September 6.00pm
‘Students work hard, have high aspirations for future
employment and are proud of their school.’
Ofsted, May 2016 ‘The best education today for the women of tomorrow’
28 Families South West • September 2018 familiesonline.co.ukEducation Feature
Eaton House The Manor
Pre-Prep School on Clapham
Common has introduced a
New ways to learn
completely new form of
teaching tool —‘learning habits’
that have been very successful
in teaching boys how to
mindfully adopt the best
character traits.
Each learning habit is represented by a soft toy
character—named by the boys: Kingsley the
gorilla represents ‘Empathy’, Lancelot the lion
‘Courage’ etc.
Mrs Nicola Borthwick, the Headmistress says
that “It is crucial that we do our best to prepare
our children to flourish in this very competitive,
fast-changing world and we believe that these Each soft toy character represents a learning habit: Kingsley the gorilla represents ‘Empathy’, Lancelot the lion
learning habits will ensure the boys succeed ‘Courage’, Camille the chameleon ‘Open Mindedness’, Hooty the owl ‘Good Judgement’, Trumpet the elephant
here and outside of the classroom. ‘Collaboration’, Popcorn the unicorn ‘Curiosity’, Dolly the Dolphin ‘Kindness’ and Percy the Fish ‘Perseverance’.
Teachers reinforce these habits and encourage Philosothons
the boys to think about how to use these Mr Snowball also plans to introduce
personal qualities and skills in their lessons and ‘philosothons’ for Philosophy Club for autumn
day-to-day interactions. The hope is that they 2018, a method of debating which encourages
will create an environment with learning students to facilitate philosophical and ethical
experiences that will give the children discussions. Philosothons inspire huge
the best possible opportunity to competitions in Australia and New Zealand and
Every week boys develop and grow the broadest Eaton House The Manor Girls will introduce
are nominated to range of helpful character some of the ideas into the classroom in spring
receive the soft toy dispositions. 2019.
for displaying a
The nominations are read out Meanwhile, the girls also took ‘learning by
certain
doing’ to a whole new level at Victorian Day
characteristic. in assembly and the boys come
forward to receive the soft toy when they were introduced to a Victorian style
which then sits on their desk for the week. classroom and got to handle and draw a
The boys absolutely love this and are delighted number of quite unusual Victorian objects.
to be nominated. “It is exciting that the boys
Eaton House Belgravia Nursery & Pre-
know and understand the vocabulary related to
Preparatory School, Eaton House Belgravia
each learning habit,” says Mrs Borthwick.
Preparatory School,
Challenging the girls to foster confidence Eaton House The Manor, Eaton House Adventure Books help develop creative, evaluative
Meanwhile, in the Girls’ School, the The Manor Girls’ School. and analytical thinking skills. A Philosophy Club is
Headmaster Oliver Snowball has introduced www.eatonhouseschools.com planned for autumn 2018
‘Adventure Books’ because he wanted to
challenge the girls with “open-ended questions
that did not have a right or a wrong answer.”
Instead, they were designed to develop
creative, evaluative and analytical thinking
skills. The girls use books with a mixture of
spaces for drawing and writing so that girls can
express their ideas with boldness and
confidence. Questions can be fun and
challenging such as ‘What’s more important,
time or money?’, ‘What would happen if the
world was ruled by elephants?’ and ‘Do you see
yourself as more of a square or a circle?’ These
books “help all the girls to answer questions
with flair and are especially useful for
scholarship preparation,” says Mr Snowball.
Girls at Eaton House The Manor need to be
prepared as many enter these examinations Learning by doing at a Victorian Day
and 11 won scholarships in 2018.
familiesonline.co.uk September 2018 • Families South West 29You can also read
