Private School News

HELEN FRASER TO BECOME CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUST

The Girls’ Day School Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Helen Fraser, currently Managing Director of Penguin UK, to the position of Chief Executive effective from 25th January 2010.

Helen has had a distinguished career in book publishing. Prior to her thirteen years at the helm of Penguin, the world-famous book publisher, Helen was Managing Director of Reed Consumer Books and held editorial roles at a number of publishers including academic publishers Collins and Methuen. During her time at Penguin she strategically re-focused the organisation to attract and nurture the best creative talent, whilst delivering a more commercially focused business. Helen has launched the careers of a wide variety of well-known writers including Zadie Smith, Antony Beevor and Jamie Oliver, and led Penguin authors to win the Booker, the Whitbread and the Orange prizes in a single year. Under her leadership Penguin won the coveted industry Publisher of the Year award twice and has become recognised as an innovator, particularly in the digital arena.

Throughout her career, Helen has shown a deep commitment to public service. She has championed and improved opportunities for employees from diverse ethnic backgrounds, doubling the percentage of such employees at Penguin since 2005. She is the first Chair of the cross-industry Environmental Action Group and has spoken on environmental issues and lobbied central government.

Helen is a passionate advocate for the education and advancement of women, and a firm believer in the principles of the Girls’ Day School Trust. She holds a first class honours degree in English Language & Literature from the University of Oxford. She regularly speaks on issues of women’s leadership and the importance of providing role models for the women leaders of tomorrow.

Helen Fraser said: “’I am enormously excited by the opportunity to work for an organisation which I have admired so much for so long. When my stepdaughters were being educated at the GDST’s South Hampstead High School, I was hugely impressed by the energy, commitment and attitude of the school. I look forward to leading the GDST through the challenges of the coming years, and to helping the schools to build on their already considerable strengths.”

Lorna Cocking, Chairman of the Girls’ Day School Trust, commented: “I am thrilled that Helen is joining us – she is a wonderful role model for our girls. We will benefit enormously from the skills and experience Helen has developed over her distinguished career, and we all look forward to welcoming her to the organisation and working with her over the coming years.”

Fundraising’s a piece of cake

On September 25th RGS Worcester supported the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by hosting their own coffee morning and cake sale.

Hundreds of cakes and biscuits were available during the morning break in Britannia House, with the charity event witnessing large numbers of RGS Worcester pupils and staff descending on the tasty delights and all donating and enjoying a fantastic morning.

During the sale the school raised a magnificent £200 with some money still being collected.

“It was great to see pupils and staff coming together in support of a very worthwhile charity. The cakes were brilliant and I am sure – like me – everyone enjoyed the occasion,” commented Margaret Sturdy of RGS Worcester.

RGS Worcester cook serves up 30 years of service

Cheerful cook Julia Pugh has today (October 7) dished up an astonishing 30 years in the canteen of a local school.

She has been behind the counter in Britannia House on the Upper Tything since the 7th October 1979 and has witnessed several major changes and events along the way.

Originally starting in the Alice Ottley School Boarding House – Baskerville House – on Shrubbery Avenue, helping the Cook, Julia moved on to the Senior School (now RGS Worcester) site working in the pantry with vegetables, before moving to puddings, Assistant Cook and now Cook.

Mrs Pugh looks back on her times at the school with great fondness and warmth. She reminisces about Alice Ottley School Birthdays, the choc-ices on the lawn and the famous after school teas. Not to forget the shock of serving boys in 2007 after the merger and how the school and kitchen has grown with such speed.

“It has been a fantastic journey working at the school and I have loved every moment. The 30 years seem to have flown by and I can’t wait to see what happens in the coming years at RGS,” commented Julia.

“I remember my first day like it was yesterday, all the nerves and wonder about starting a new job, but just how friendly and welcoming all the staff were – cooks and teachers alike. I really do love the job. It has its challenging moments, but we are a great team and it’s a pleasure to serve the school,” added Julia.

“Thank you to everyone for such a great surprise.”

“She is always in a happy mood and gives everyone a warm welcome,” commented Brigitte Keen, Eurest Kitchen Manager at RGS Worcester.

“It is a delight to work with Julia. I feel very fortunate in having her and such good staff. We are a close-knit group and work really well together.“

“Numbers at the school keep going up, but we have all adapted well in the kitchen and still offer real quality, even with laugh or two along the way,” added Brigitte.

Two sporting Surrey Teachers

On Sunday 28th September Neil Fox, led by 3000 cyclists, crossed the start line at Buckingham Palace for the 45 mile Palace to Palace bike ride in aid of the Prince’s Trust.

The ride took the cyclists around some of London’s most opulent sites including the backdrop of Buckingham Palace, the deer of Richmond Park and finally arriving in Windsor where good crowds were there to encourage everyone over the finish line.

Amongst the throng of cyclists who took part was Robin Coe, a Surrey teacher who works at Hurst Lodge School, Ascot.

The day ended with perfect sunshine. Huge congratulations to him and all the other cyclists who have raised money to help change young people’s lives in the UK.

It was an amazing day and let’s hopes that the sunshine comes out again for another fantastic day next year.

The next achievement features Jackie Stuart from Woking who teaches Business Studies at Hurst Lodge School.

Following several aborted attempts she and her team of 5 other swimmers swam the channel from Calais to Dover. It took 15 hours and 45 minutes to successfully complete the challenge setting off at 5.30am from the French beach and eventually arriving in Dover in the dark at 9.30pm.

The final swimmers had to wear glowsticks in their costumes so she could be seen in the dark! The group took lots of seasickness tablets and they worked although cramp was a problem. It was very hard both physically and mentally – although the training was good it is hard to replicate the sea swell and sheer toughness of the task.

Jackie and her colleagues eventually raised circa £15,000 (raising approximately £1000 per hour) for Chase a charity which supports children and teenagers with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions giving help in the community as well as at Christopher’s their children’s hospice, based in Guildford.

BMS students meet Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP

On Tuesday 6th October, 17 Bedford Modern School Politics students attended the “Nick Clegg meets … Bedford” Question and Answer session at the Harpur Suite in the town.

Nick Clegg was there to support their Mayoral candidate and to answer questions from the 100 strong audience. Bedford Modern School students asked questions about child poverty, electoral reform and the position of the party towards independent schools. Nick Clegg then spent some time with the students after the public meeting answering more questions about Lib Dem plans for the forthcoming election.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at BMS said, “We have been fortunate to see two of the three main party leaders in a month. It has been a great start to the academic year for Politics students at BMS.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School students with Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP

Open Morning at The Mill School

NURSERY AND RECEPTION OPEN MORNING

WEDNESDAY, 11TH NOVEMBER

10AM TO 12 NOON

For details and to register please contact 01380 723011
OR E-mail: office@mill.wilts.sch.uk

THE MILL SCHOOL
 Happy, confident children.
 Excellent facilities.
 Full and varied curriculum.
 Play based learning.
 Experienced staff.
 Beautiful safe, rural setting.

Howell’s School Senior Choir to sing in Beijing

Forty members of the Howell’s School Llandaff Senior Choir are practising hard to perform in one of the world’s greatest concert halls during the forthcoming school tour in China – the prestigious Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing. The choir members are all 15-18 years old and are looking forward to the experience of a lifetime. As well as singing in the Forbidden City, they will be visiting the School of Excellence in Beijing for a master class on Chinese music and will later be taking part in a concert with Chinese pupils and staff from the school. During the stay in China, the girls will also enjoy a full programme of sightseeing visits, which includes the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army at Xi’an.

This will not be the Senior Choir’s first performance in public. They have enjoyed successes in competitions and have performed with many eminent artists including the BBC Singers, the London Adventist Chorale, Crispian Steele Perkins, Karl Jenkins, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Aled Jones, the King’s Singers, Owain Arwel Hughes, Sir James and Lady Galway, Sir Willard White and Hayley Westenra. The choir regularly appears on television and in 2007 produced a well-reviewed CD, Let’s Celebrate Christmas, in conjunction with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

The school’s Deputy Principal, Mrs Michelle Gosney, who along with five other members of the teaching staff will be accompanying the group, said, “This will be a tremendous opportunity for us all to experience a culture which is so different from our own and help us to extend our global links.”

For more information, please visit http://www.britishcouncil.org/china-arts-music-howell.htm

Funky Footwear day for Surrey Air Ambulance Fund

On Friday the students and staff of Hurst Lodge School, Ascot took part in a Funky Footwear day in support of the Surrey Air Ambulance Fund. The idea was a simple one. Everyone came to school wearing decorated shoes, flowery wellingtons and anything else which could be described as bright and fun. Each person taking part donated a pound in exchange for a Funky Footwear badge.

Students enjoyed the day which saw some extremely inventive and amusing ideas. Hurst Lodge feel that this is a very worthwhile cause as the air ambulance relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public. Since its launch in 2007 the service has gone from strength to strength now attending on average two missions a day.

It was a fun day with the added feeling that the school have helped to pay for a life saving emergency.

Ceremonial opening of Stonar’s superb new Sixth Form Centre

Stonar School’s official opening of its new Sixth Form and Arts Centre earlier this term was attended by current parents, current and past Sixth Form students, staff, governors, guests and the Mayor of Melksham, Mr Richard Williams.

Guest of honour, Ann Daniels the Polar Explorer, gave an excellent illustrated talk and then cut the ribbon to the Sixth Form Centre, declaring ‘The Shaughan Baldwin Sixth Form and Arts Centre’ officially open. Guests were then treated to a champagne reception and mouth-watering canapés provided by the Sixth Form Leith’s Cookery students, inside the superb new facility.

The new Sixth Form and Arts Centre comprises a social centre, seminar room, study centre and 2 superb art room facilities including a dark room. It will provide Sixth Form students with an exclusive resource to enhance their academic and social lives at Stonar School.

Stonar’s Sixth Form comprises approximately 80 students (including 25 overseas students), studying a wide range of A Levels; other qualifications offered are Leith’s Certificate of Food and Wine, the European Computer Driving Licence, the British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certificate. The majority of students go on to University and College. Former students include actress Romola Garai; international riders Georgie Spence and Lucy Wiegersma, and renowned author Gita Sereny.

The architects were Nugent Vallis Brierley Ltd of Frome. The build was very quick, taking under 12 months to complete.

Sixth Form Scholarship examinations take place on Friday 20th November 2009. For further information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Karen Ibbott on tel. 01225 701741 or email: admissions@stonarschool.com

Photo:The Sixth Form and Arts Centre

Pupils Excel in Ballet Performance

Three pupils from Oswestry School were delighted to be in the cast for a wonderful production of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ by the English Youth Ballet. The ballet, performed at The Severn Theatre in Shrewsbury, was a sell out and it was a unique opportunity for the children to celebrate their talent.

Fiona Newman (10), Verity Bowen (12) and Harriet Bussey (8) danced in three of the performances, having been selected from over 200 children who were auditioned.

“We really enjoyed it and would love to do something similar,” they said. “It was great to have the chance to work with six professional ballet dancers. The costumes we got to wear were lovely.”

“Dance & Drama is a fantastic way for the children to express themselves, gain confidence, coordination and discipline in a fun, happy and creative environment”, said Performing Arts teacher Claire Thompson. “Classes after school include modern dance, tap, musical theatre and drama, which for talented pupils can lead to examinations and involvement in outside productions.”

Oswestry School offers excellent opportunities for children to study a wide range of performing arts, including specialist Ballet and LAMDA lessons from the age of 4, as part of the school day at Bellan House.

Photo: Fiona Newman, Verity Bowen and Harriet Bussey with Performing Arts teacher Claire Thompson

Caterham Students give a storming performance at The Ashcroft Theatre

Fifth Year students from Caterham School performed an abridged version of Shakespeare’s magical, romantic play ‘The Tempest’ – a story of castaways, assassination attempts and strange sorcery – at The Ashcroft Theatre on Friday 9th October 2009.

Each evening for three nights, four local schools performed their own unique half hour interpretations of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. With tragedy, comedy and romance all on the bill, each audience was guaranteed a night to remember.

The performances were part of the 2009 Shakespeare Schools Festival, which is the largest youth drama festival in the country. This year 10,000 students will have performed at theatres across the country in a celebration of young people’s fresh, modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays. The events are organised by the Shakespeare Schools Festival charity, which was established in 2000.

Caterham School Headmaster Julian Thomas said: ‘’Drama is one of the many subjects that we offer at A Level and it is one of the most popular and vibrant co-curricular activities in the School. Although we have a reputation for high academic standards I believe it is very important for students to participate in activities outside the classroom so that they not only have an excellent education, they also have a breadth and depth of experiences that helps to prepare them for life at university and beyond.’’

PHOTO :cast at the end of the dress rehearsal

Speech Day at Oswestry School

The Guest of Honour at the Oswestry School 2009 speech day was the actor Robert Hardy CBE, who gave a fascinating speech which wove a masterful tapestry of amusing anecdotes, expert historical knowledge and keen insight into contemporary situations. Mr Hardy is no stranger to Oswestry School, having visited during the 600th Anniversary celebrations in 2007, when he delivered an excellent talk on the English Longbow, a subject on which he is an international expert.

As well as speaking at Speech Day and presenting the awards to successful students, Robert Hardy was the guest at an earlier reception during which presentations were made to retiring members of staff and the Old Oswestrians Society.

Picture: (L-R) Head Boy Liam Chambers, Chairman of Governors Peter Wilcox-Jones, Headmaster Paul Stockdale with Robert Hardy CBE

Local Teacher to perform “Flower of Scotland “in front of 70,000 fans as Scotland play Japan in Tokyo

Andrew McGarva, newly appointed Director of Music at Kilgraston School in Bridge of Earn, Perth will be performing “The Flower of Scotland” in front of 70,000 football fans as they gather to watch the Scotland national football team play Japan in the Nissan Stadium, Yokohama on Saturday the 10th of October. Andrew has recently arrived at Kilgraston after two years living and working in Japan as the Head of Music at the British School in Tokyo. While Andrew was in the Far East he performed at numerous high-profile events, his most recent being as Musical Director and Conductor of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra for a gala concert to celebrate links between Japan and Scotland as part of UK Japan 150 and ‘Homecoming Scotland’.

On returning to Scotland this summer to take up the post of Director of Music at Kilgraston, Andrew was contacted by the Japan Scotland society to ask if he would be interested in returning to Japan and performing Flower of Scotland at the beginning of the match. Andrew said: ‘the game will be broadcast live on television across Japan with a potential audience of millions and it is a real once in a lifetime opportunity. I consider it a great honour to be invited by the Japanese and I will certainly remember the occasion for a long time to come.’ (the 10th of October is actually my wedding anniversary so after a lengthy discussion with my wife I was in the position to accept the invitation – it will certainly be an anniversary I will never forget!). I had a very enjoyable time in Japan and I regard it as my second home so to be able to return so soon after leaving is very special for me.

Scotland last played Japan in 2006 when they won the Kirin Cup under Walter Smith and this time aim to repeat their cup success with George Burley at the helm.

Hurst Lodge supports the NSPCC and Childline

In 2008 the NSPCC launched the Child’s Voice Appeal with the aspiration that no cry should go unheard. When a child needs help, ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline may be their only hope

Hurst Lodge School, Ascot had a special treat today when ‘Buddy’ (centre) the NSPCC and Childline Schools’ mascot came to visit them with Schools’ Organiser, Mandy Elton.

Assemblies were given about the work of the charity and their special listening service Childline. Pupils and staff were pleased to pledge their support to help the charity to continue their work in helping children and will be raising funds over the coming year.

Mufti Days, coffee mornings and perhaps something for the more adventurous will be on the school’s calendar of events. Watch this space for more news.
www.hurstlodge.co.uk

To support the Child’s Voice Appeal, please visit www.childsvoiceappeal.org.uk

BMS appoint new Head of Girls’ Rowing

Bedford Modern School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Tristan Mayglothling as Head of Girls’ Rowing at the School. Tristan was previously the Community Rowing Coach at the Star Club in Bedford for three years.

“I heard about the position from Alistair Brown, Bedford Modern School’s Director of Rowing, who spoke to me about how BMS Rowing was evolving and the fact that the School were looking to appoint a Head of Girls’ Rowing.

“I was interested in the position as I believe that by employing a full time coach for girls’ rowing, the School is showing its commitment to developing equal opportunities amongst both girls’ and boys’ rowing at BMS”, said Tristan. “I very much believe that there is an exciting time ahead for everyone involved with the BMS Boathouse”, added Tristan.

Photo: BMS Director of Rowing Alistair Brown (left) welcomes Tristan Mayglothling to Bedford Modern School

CCSS appoints new Principal

Cambridge Centre for Sixth-form Studies (CCSS) has appointed Stuart Nicholson as its new Principal.

Mr Nicholson has replaced Mr Neil Roskilly, who has recently taken the post of the CEO of the Independent Schools Association, one of the oldest of the independent schools’ organisations in the UK, which has 300 member schools.

Stuart Nicholson has wide-ranging experience in the education sector in the UK, including 18 years variously as teacher, housemaster, and headmaster at schools in Devon, Edinburgh, and Suffolk.

A graduate of the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, Mr Nicholson also holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship and serves as a team inspector for the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate.

His teaching experience at A-level covers physics, business studies, and accounts. Outside the classroom he represented university sides at cricket and squash. Latterly he has taken up jogging and he enjoys driving his 1966 Riley Elf.

Mr Nicholson’s vision for CCSS is to continue providing a high quality education and outstanding pastoral care to all CCSS students and their parents, and to support constant improvements to the services provided to the families and other members of the extended CCSS community.

On his appointment to CCSS, Mr Nicholson commented “I am delighted to be Neil Roskilly’s successor as Principal of The Cambridge Centre for Sixth-Form Studies. CCSS is a special place for students which also makes it a special place to teach and to be Principal. The exceptional results that CCSS students achieve is a great source of pride for all involved, both students and staff. These very impressive performances by CCSS students make it an enticing place to come and be Principal and an exciting place to come and learn”.

Alan Dunckley, Chair of CCSS Trustees, said: “The Trustees are delighted that Stuart has joined CCSS as its new Principal. He brings a wealth of relevant experience and shares our ideals, values and aims.”

NEW STATE OF THE ART SIXTH FORM CENTRE OFFICIALLY UNVEILED

Nottingham High School’s new state-of-the-art Sixth Form Centre and dining hall has been officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Sir Andrew Buchanan and School Captain, James Taylor.

Governors and staff as well as other VIP guests were invited to the event which included an opportunity to take a tour of the new building.

The £4.5m centre is located in the West Quad area at the heart of the school site and boasts spacious and modern facilities for both senior school and sixth form pupils.

A 400 capacity dining hall for the senior school including new kitchen facilities is situated on the ground floor, whilst the sixth form centre occupies the first and second floors and includes a brasserie and large, bright social areas for the Sixth Formers to enjoy.

With the new centre being at the heart of the school, sixth form students are able to play a key role in school life and also provide an inspiration to younger pupils – a key requirement when the design for the new centre was originally conceived.

“We are extremely proud of our new sixth form centre and dining hall and wanted to have a special event to mark the official opening,” said Kevin Fear, headmaster at Nottingham High School. “Our students will be able to benefit from first class facilities, significantly enhancing their experience at the school.”

Photo: (L-R) Kevin Fear, Headmaster Nottingham High School, Sir Andrew Buchanan, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, James Taylor, School Captain

Friends of Staines Prep Celebrate 20th Anniversary

A celebration of twenty years of fundraising by The Friends of Staines Prep School took place on Tuesday 29 September at the school in Gresham Road, Staines, where past and present governors joined committee members and new parents from Nursery and Reception groups for a party.

A new logo was unveiled and was proudly displayed on a commemorative birthday cake. Everyone enjoyed a glass of wine with delicious hot food provided by parents Rakesh and Renu Patel of The Horizon Club restaurant.

In the past ten years alone, The Friends’ events – from fireworks and quiz nights, to fashion shows and seasonal fairs – have raised over £212,000 for the benefit of children at the school. The fund raising efforts have already provided playground equipment, a school mini-bus, sound and lighting equipment for the school hall, an educational environmental area and many books for the school library.

Chair of The Friends charitable organisation Clint Theophilus presented plans to inspire everyone to join in and help make a difference in the year ahead and commented, “We are extremely thankful for the generous support of all our parents and friends who have dedicated their time and effort in providing their own expertise in making these events happen. Our new Fun(d) raising logo emphasises our aim of ensuring that everyone has fun along the way.”

The Friends of Staines Prep School was set up in 1989 and the committee is comprised of a group of volunteer parents and members of the school community who come together to fundraise by organising a range of social and fundraising events. Many people, who were committee members years ago, still help out in a number of ways today.

Photo: Members of SPS Friends at the 20th anniversary party, from left to right: Sue Roberts (Class Teacher and wife to Head), Peter Roberts (Headmaster), Johanna Pursey, Clint Theophilus (Chair of The Friends of SPS), Diane Barker (Former Chair),Anna Dearsley, Viv King, Helen Williams (Former Chair), Helen Pearson, Rachelle Revell, Jenny Field-King

Bedford Modern School Archivist brings Bedford to life in book of old photographs

Bedford Modern School Archivist and OBM Club Secretary, Richard Wildman’s book about Bedford in the series Britain in Old Photographs, first published in 1994, has just been re-issued in a new format by The History Press, price £12.99. The new full-colour cover shows celebrations in Greyfriars Walk on VE Day, 8th May 1945.

The book contains around 220 photos of Bedford, mainly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each photo has a detailed caption, and Richard has brought the captions up to date for the new edition. Sites and buildings associated with Sir William Harpur, John Bunyan, and John Howard the Philanthropist are included.

There is a section in the book devoted to Bedford Modern School on its former site in Harpur Street, where the Harpur Centre now stands. Four of the photos, which show the rebuilding of the area known as ‘the Quad’, behind the tower of the Blore façade, were taken by the School Secretary, Alfred Burns, in 1906-08. Two of the photos were printed in the School magazine, The Eagle, at the time, but the others were not discovered until the 1980s.

Other sections include Bedford at War, Church and Chapel, the High Street, Vanished Pubs, the Riverside, Entertainment, and Royal Occasions.

Richard Wildman said, ‘I am very pleased that this book (my fifth collection of old photographs of Bedford and Bedfordshire), has been re-issued. Many people will recognise the streets and buildings shown in the book, quite a few of which have since been altered or demolished, and I hope they will find the captions, which I have carefully researched, to be interesting and informative.’

(The book is now available from booksellers, price £12.99. ISBN: 978 0 7524 5321 7).

Photo: Front Cover of Bedford in Old Photographs

BMS student wins two Silver Medals at UK School Games

Bedford Modern School Year 12 student Adam Ingledew was selected for the second year running to compete in swimming events at the UK School Games, having won two Bronze Medals last year. This year, the Games were held in Wales between 3rd and 6th September. The swimming events were held at the new 50m pool complex in Swansea.

The UK School Games are an opportunity for school-age athletes to be part of a multi-sport event and to have an insight into competing at the highest level against some of the best athletes from around the U.K.

Adam was delighted to be awarded two Silver Medals at this year’s Games, having come second in the 100 Metre Freestyle and also obtaining a Silver in the 4 x 100 Medley Relay whilst swimming for the England East Team.

“I was very happy with my performance at this year’s Games, especially after the summer break. This is a great start to my season and I am looking forward to it immensely,” said Adam.

“It is great to see Adam competing and winning medals and I am sure he can push on to even better things this year,” said Rob Hardwick, Director of BMS Sports Academy.

“Adam thoroughly deserves his recent success. He is incredibly hard working and demonstrates a level of professionalism rarely seen in such a young man,” said Patrick Jerram, Director of BMS Sport.

Photo: Adam Ingledew with his two Silver Medals