Private School News

RGS WORCESTER pupil – From Friday night club training to England selection

A 14 year-old Worcester schoolgirl has realised a sporting ambition, following selection for the full England under 16 Hockey Team.

Sally-Anne Smith, who attends the Royal Grammar School Worcester, has been chosen to play in goal against Scotland, following a rapid climb up the hockey ladder. In only 12 months Sally-Anne has gone from playing local club hockey to reaching the giddy heights of representing her country, in a story that reads like a Hollywood script.

Her first love was football and she has spent the last three years playing in the Kidderminster Harriers Centre of Excellence Academy. At her primary school, RGS The Grange, she used to be an outfield player for her school hockey side. As no-one was keen to play in goal, she filled in for a school match. Following an exceptional performance, Liz Bussey, her coach of the time, immediately saw real potential and started to help develop her goalkeeping skills.

From those early days Sally-Anne has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning entry to the County’s Junior Development Centre at Nunnery Wood, playing for Dudley Hockey Club and latterly Stourport Hockey Club.

In May 2009 Sally-Anne was selected to attend the U15 Junior Performance Centre, which selects hockey players nationwide. From here the players were whittled down to the best eight goalkeepers in the country. They attended a Hi-Performance weekend camp at Leeds University last October, under the exacting eyes of the England selectors.

In May 2010 Sally-Anne received an invitation to train with the U16 England Team, even though she’s still only 14. “It was nerve-racking when I attended the training session at Lilleshall, because I was the youngest there,” explains Sally-Anne. “But I put my whole heart into it and during the day I played well and became more confident. I received an email three days later to say I’d made the team and I was over the moon. I feel privileged to represent my country in a sport I love.”

Stuart Davis, Head of Hockey at RGS Worcester put her achievement into perspective. “Many people don’t appreciate the deep pool of talent in girls’ hockey, which Sally-Anne has battled through to reach the highest level. Her progress has been staggering. I wish her further success in the future and we all look forward to seeing her play against Scotland at the end of June.”

NOTTINGHAM HIGH JUNIOR SCHOOL AWARDED ARTSMARK

Arts Council England has awarded its Artsmark to Nottingham High Junior School in recognition of the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.

“I’m delighted that the Arts Council has recognised Nottingham High Junior School’s dynamic arts education programme,” said Ed Jones, Deputy Head at Nottingham High Junior School. “Our pupils have really enjoyed working in art, drama, dance and music activities and I’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award.”

“Artsmark is more than simply a mark of distinction to us; taking part in the scheme has enabled us to develop our arts provision and see the pupils who take part become more self confident, engaged and excited about learning. Our focus is on creating well rounded individuals, so we view the arts as just as important as sports and other academic subjects,” added Ed Jones.

Alan Davey, chief executive, Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England believes that the earlier children are creatively inspired, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with art – something that can transform lives and give young people a voice for their thoughts and feelings.”

“Artsmark, now nationally recognised as a prestigious and coveted award, sets the standard for an outstanding arts provision in schools and it’s great to see so many new schools attaining the Artsmark Award this year. This award recognises Nottingham High Junior School’s commitment to providing exciting art experiences and their belief in the power of creativity.”

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL U16 WATERPOLO BOYS’ TEAM WIN ENGLISH SCHOOLS’ PLATE FINAL

Bedford Modern School repeated the success of last year by reaching the Final of the ESSA (English Schools’ Swimming Association) U16 Waterpolo Plate Competition recently and went one better this year by winning the competition and becoming Champions.

In a revamped format there were six teams from around the country competing at the Final. Two leagues of three were played out to find the semi-finalist and then the competition changed to a straight knockout. In the League, Bedford Modern School finished second having to come from behind in both games to secure draws. With 40 seconds left in the second game against Monmouth School, BMS were two goals down and out of the reckoning until Bedford Modern School Year 10 students, Jason Attwood and Sam Lourensz both scored excellent goals.

The Semi-Final was against the winners of the other League, Canon Slade School from Bolton. They boasted the England U16 goalkeeper but without a decent defence he was no match for the BMS shooters and the School quickly raced into a four goal lead and ran out comfortable winners 8-4.

The Final proved to be a re-match of the opening game against City of London School. This time Bedford Modern School scored first to settle the nerves and although City pulled level, BMS turned round 3-1 courtesy of goals from student, Darren Norman (Year 11) and a sweet penalty from Jason Attwood. By the last minute, City were back in it with scores level at four apiece. Thankfully both Jason and Darren were on target again and Bedford Modern School deservedly won 6-4.

Jason who top scored with hat-tricks in two of the four games is currently in the England Youth Academy squad whilst goalkeeper, Ruaidhri Meghen (Year 10) has been selected to represent Ireland at Youth level.

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s winning U16 Waterpolo Boys’ Team: William Lowerson (Captain), Robert Lowerson, Andrew Turner, William Simpson, William Stupple, Lawrence Kedward, Howard Friman, Jason Attwood, Sam Lourensz, Darren Norman and Ruaidhri Meghen.

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL’s CRICKET CAPTAIN SELECTED TO PLAY FOR BEDFORDSHIRE

Bedford Modern School’s Cricket Captain, George Thurstance, has been selected to play for the county against Buckinghamshire. This is fairly unique and the last Bedford Modern School student to achieve this feat was Monty Panesar, who later went on to play for England.
18 year old George, who lives in Silsoe, has been in great form this season, scoring two unbeaten centuries and taking wickets with his leg spin.
Nigel Chinneck, Bedford Modern School Master in Charge of the First XI said: “As a School we are delighted for George who thoroughly deserves his chance as he has worked very hard to achieve this high level of performance, also it is pleasing to see the selectors are putting faith in the county’s younger players.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Cricket Captain, George Thurstance, who has been selected for Bedfordshire

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL Leads The Way With Healthier Eating

Strathallan School has been awarded the prestigious Healthyliving Award plus following the commitment of caterers Sodexho to supporting healthier eating.
Strathallan is the first school in Scotland to receive this award which has been gained by only five other operations.
Catering Manager Gordon Stewart said “We are really delighted to receive this award as we have always supported healthy eating here at the School. We have a dedicated team and it is great to have their achievements recognised is this way. ”
In order to qualify for the plus award, the School has increased the proportion of healthy options on the menus and places a greater emphasis on the marketing and promotion of healthier food choices to all the pupils and staff.

Photo: The Strathallan Catering Team

STONYHURST COLLEGE production – Daisy pulls it off!

A jolly good audience had a ripping time watching a workshop production of the play ‘Daisy pulls it off!’ by Denise Deegan, at Stonyhurst College. Daisy Meredith, the plucky scholarship gal at Grangewood School for Young Ladies, was played by Madeleine O’Dwyer and Trixie Martin, her good-egg friend, was played by Mary Flanagan, both in Year 9 at Stonyhurst. Between them they overcame the wealthier pupils’ rotten pranks, found missing treasure and Daisy’s long-lost father. Spiffing!

Photo: the cast of ‘Daisy pulls it off!’ In the front row are, second from left, Madeleine O’Dwyer (Daisy), and Mary Flanagan (Trixie) centre.

Language Skills Showcased at POLAM HALL SCHOOL

Students from Polam Hall School in Darlington have been using their linguistic skills to promote businesses in the Tees Valley as part of an educational exercise, designed to show the importance of learning foreign languages.

Pupils took part in the ‘Eurolinks’ project, organised by the Polam Hall languages department alongside the Routes into Languages North East Consortium and supported by students from Newcastle University.

For part of the event, students were asked to imagine themselves as an employee of a company seeking to promote the North East region at an international trade fair, using their language skills to promote the products of local businesses.

The students were also asked to receive and deal with a telephone enquiry from a European company interested in exploring the possibilities of future investment in Darlington.

Local business owners were also involved in the Eurolinks event asking the pupils to use their skills to create product advertisements for their businesses in different languages.

Involved in the event were staff from The Bannatyne Hotel Darlington, who allowed the school to use the conference facilities, Durham University, Wood Pohl, Cooks and Kitchens, HSBC Bank, and Catherine Hart Millinery.

Christine Harvey, Head of Modern Languages at Polam Hall School said: “Foreign languages play an extremely important part in education as they can open the door to many future opportunities.

“Eurolinks is a fantastic event, which showcases the knowledge of our pupils and the involvement of local businesses helps to highlight the increasing need for linguistic education.

“I would like to thank all those who were involved in making Eurolinks such a fantastic event.”

Support for the event also came from Darlington Tourist Information Office who provided the materials.

Rydal Penrhos Prep girl Ellie is set on Tennis Success

Ellie Scarff, a local girl from Colwyn Bay has hit the big time with a personal invitation from the Lawn Tennis Association to join their training camp this week and potentially start a future as a serious British contender in tennis. Nick Lawrence, a North Wales Performance Manager for the Welsh National Tennis Centre recently described her as “one of the emerging young talents in North Wales”. Her coach for three years Martyn Lewis , who is an LTA professional says of Ellie “She is No 1 ranked player in Under 12 in North Wales and is very likely to be a Welsh Finalist this year”.

From joining Rydal Penrhos Prep school from the age of three Ellie has been a keen tennis player and swimmer. At four she added ballet and tap to her portfolio and then at six progressed to hockey and netball. At present Ellie puts around 16 hours a week into training, which is supported in school and through outside organisations.

Ellie has been with the junior academy of the Colwyn Bay Hockey club for three years and regularly plays for the girls u11 team and the boys u11 team (as they are allowed two girls to play). Indeed last year she was voted best u10 girl for the season by her coaches.

It was in 2007 when at the age of just seven the Rydal Penrhos Prep girl started to take tennis to a new level when she was asked to play both singles and doubles for the U10 North Wales girls team. She started to win and got a taste for competitive sport. By 2008 Ellie played for the county again and started to play for the Rydal Penrhos Senior girls tennis team despite the fact she was only eight. By 2009 Ellie was ranked no 1 player for North Wales County team 10U.

Ellie says “My sports are a huge part of my everyday life, and I am at my happiest when I am out on court or on the sports field.” Ellie’s mum goes on to say “She is a lovely bubbly girl who tries hard at everything she sets out to do. She balances her sport with academic studies and I am delighted to say she had straight A’s across all subjects in her last school report.”

Ellie who is the head girl at the Rydal Penrhos Prep school at present has just won a sports scholarship to Rydal Penrhos senior school and sets her ambitions high. This year she would like to move up the GB and Welsh rankings at 12U level and feels with the continued support of both the school and the LTA coaches Martyn Lewis and Nick Lawrence with whom she is working very closely that she can continue to improve and develop as a player.

A truly ‘International’ Baccalaureate flourishes at RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL

Rydal Penrhos school based in Colwyn Bay continues to move forward with an education that fits the modern world. This was part of the reason that they started running the International Baccalaureate for sixth formers back in 2004 alongside it’s existing A level programme. The IB has since this time established as a very successful, and truly ‘International’ course with students studying it who have English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish as their first language.

When students enter the sixth form in Rydal Penrhos School they have the unique option of studying for A levels or of studying for the IB diploma and the split is about half and half. This choice means that students can tailor their academic education to fit their university and career choices for the future.

Students studying the IB Diploma must take six subjects (3 at Higher and 3 at Standard Level) plus they write a 4,000 word extended essay, complete a course in theory of knowledge, and complete a number of creativity, action and service projects. The six subjects must include a study of their own language, a foreign language, mathematics, a science, a humanity and their sixth subject can be another language, science, humanity or it can be art, music or drama. In this way students study a balanced curriculum but have the opportunity to specialize.

Chris Jelfs, from the Anglesey area and who is in upper sixth at present says “ My sister had done IB, and had successfully achieved a very high score and continued on to do Languages at Durham, this influenced me when I came to decide between A levels and IB.” Chris who is a talented musician was able to keep doing his music as one of his six subjects at a higher level, which was important to him also.

Jenny Southern, from Ellesmere who is also in upper sixth, and who has been offered a place to read medicine at Brasenose College, Oxford goes on to say “I think the IB really prepares you for university life as it demands that you learn to manage your time well. It involves you in lots of differing activities and requires organization and dedication.”
The IB is a not-for-profit organization which operates in 138 countries with 738,000 students worldwide and 55,000 graduates each year.The IB Diploma has an outstanding reputation for academic rigour and high-quality education which it has sustained for over 40 years, and it is growing fast in the UK. The number of UK schools offering the IB Diploma has doubled over the last few years and on current projections this expansion will quicken over the next two years. This rapid expansion has increased awareness of the IB at UK universities and this is what Durham University recently said about the IB diploma: “Our academic departments have noted the excellent preparation that the IB Diploma provides for university study, and we value the depth and breadth of study that it offers.” In fact its excellent international reputation means that students have access to the top universities worldwide.
Tom Carr, a pupil from Colwyn Bay sites his reasons for picking the IB as “wanting to keep my options open for as long as possible, as I am still undecided in the career that I wish to pursue”. Tom is thinking about medicine or law and is one of the school’s great debating team.
Emily Wynn, from Colwyn Bay and Sarah White from Tremerchion are both lower sixth girls and have been studying the IB since September. Emily achieved 8 A*, 1A and 1B for GCSE and is loving the IB course, she is also interested in doing medicine and wanted to keep her skill level as wide as possible to compete for places when it comes to university entry. Sarah also wanted to keep her options open, but says “One of the best aspects of the IB for me is meeting lots of new friends from all different cultures. I have lots of international friends now and feel well equipped to go out and work in the world. With an interest in studying Management and Finance at the London school of Economics this really would be advantageous.
The IB encourages a positive attitude to learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect, to develop research skills, and to learn how to learn. An element of community service is encouraged because the IB recognizes that there is more to learning than academic studies alone. Lauretta Leung, from Anglesey said “I love the community work, it makes me feel part of a bigger world and one in which we contribute”. This ethos fits well within the Rydal Penrhos School community and extends across the whole sixth form.

RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL SUCCESS AT THE CHESTER DRAMA FESTIVAL

27 Speech and Drama students from Rydal Penrhos School went recently to perform at Chester Drama Festival, which was held at Queen’s Park High School, Chester.

The standard was exceptionally high with schools from around the region battling for places. Rydal Penrhos pupils had to compete with schools including: Moreton Hall, Howell’s, Wrekin, Queen’s and The King’s School.

The pupils all performed exceptionally well, had great fun and showed a strong team spirit. They almost without exception were commended or received merits or 1st prizes. Mention should be given to Will Lunt who won first prize in both the solo drama and the solo Shakespeare categories, both very competitive and hard fought for sections.

“We have such a rich history of drama in the school starting in 1887 right through to the present day and we teach it as a subject in the school at GCSE level and A Level.” Says Director of Drama Mr Dennis Lavin.

Indeed Rydal Penrhos has had pupils who go onto perform everywhere from the West End to the Festival fringes and from the Royal Court to the Rovers Return, William Roache is just one of the old boys who has made a career in acting. Pupils such as Matt Gosart, Laurie Brumitt, Andrew McDonald, Alex Bickerton, Lucy Xie, Alannah Jack and Imogen Long who all went on at the Drama festival to win First prize for their devised drama are part of this history.

Two key members of the drama department at Rydal Penrhos, Christina Bloomfield and Gemma Campbell who both have a wealth of experience and knowledge of the acting world accompanied all the pupils to Chester where they were adjudicated by either examiners from leading Drama schools or recognisable faces from screen or stage and they gave very constructive criticism and advice on how to improve pieces for the LAMDA examinations in June. Younger pupils were also involved from years 7 and 8 and 1st prizes won by John Marston for poetry recital, Scarlett Salisbury and Anjalina Mitra for improvisation.

“We teach acting and stage management, set building and sound, lighting and costumes, everything in fact needed for a great performance. Not every student wants to be in the spotlight but their contribution is equally as important,” Leah Cunnah, English and drama teacher at the school goes on to say.

All the pupils did extremely well and enjoyed their chance in the spotlight and now look forward to the visit of one of the schools famous dramatic former pupils Duncan Kenworthy, OBE who following Christ College Cambridge, where he achieved a first class degree in English went on to become a producer starting on programmes such as Sesame street and Fraggle Rock in America. Following this he moved on to work on three of the most successful British films ever ‘Four weddings and a Funeral’, ‘Love Actually’ and ‘Notting Hill’.” Duncan is returning to the school on May 29th for the Anniversary Celebration week, when the school is celebrating its founding 130 years ago in 1880 to be the guest speaker at the School Speech Day and Prize Giving.

British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships – success for RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL pupil

Up and coming ski talent Ella Ward capped a fantastic team performance by Rydal Penrhos School with a third place at the British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships in France last week.

Ella, 11 was joined on the prize-winners’ podium by younger sister Olivia, 9, who came home in fifth place, while the Rydal Penrhos team as a whole finished a hugely impressive eighth out of the 140 schools taking part.

The annual championships, which take place in Les Houches near Chamonix, feature more than 350 of the best young British skiers from across the UK, France and Switzerland.

Rydal Penrhos team coach Craig Bonnington, who has raced internationally for the RAF, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Ella, Olivia and the whole team. The competition is incredibly tough because a lot of skiers at the top end of the field are based permanently in the Alps for the ski season.

“Meantime Rydal Penrhos manages one training session a week on the John Nike Leisuresport artificial slope in Llandudno. It’s a great facility to have on the doorstep and the instructors there are very supportive of the team, but it’s not quite the same as race training day in day out on the real stuff all winter.

“Ella’s third place, Olivia’s fifth and the team’s eighth places are a tribute to a lot of hard work and no little talent.”

The team immediately dedicated their result to Rydal Penrhos teacher Ken Jones, who organised the trip. Mr Jones broke his leg in an accident at the end of the first day’s racing and is still in hospital in France recovering.

Mr Bonnington added: “It’s such a shame for him. He’s been organising the team all year and getting ready for this competition. We’re all thinking of him and looking forward to seeing back home soon.”

POLAM HALL SCHOOL – Darlington Rock Walk

Polam Hall has joined forces with four students from the University of Durham’s Geology Department.

Their remit is to produce an interactive Geological Walk around Darlington Town Centre. At the initial meeting several girls from M5 and L6 had a brainstorming session and provided some innovative ideas which the Geology students took away to develop.

Rock investigations

Within six weeks the four intrepid geologists returned to trial their practical ideas with a group of U4 students (year 8, KS3). Now all that remains is for the self-guiding pamphlet to be produced and then the M5 and L6 students will take to the streets of Darlington to “road test” it prior to publication.

Copies of the Walk will be located in Darlington Library and the Tourist Information Centre where it can be accessed by anyone wanting to discover a little of Darlington’s geological history.

Perhaps this brief article will inspire you to rock in the streets of Darlington!

RYDAL PENRHOS PREP SCHOOL in the British UK Chess Challenge – Mega Final

Twenty children from Rydal Penrhos Preparatory School travelled to Warrington to play in the Mega-Final, which is the Quarter-Final Stage of this national competition. Each child had to play six matches and win 4 points out of 6 to qualify for the next stage. The most Rydal Penrhos have ever had do this in the past is six. This year we have smashed that record. With Savanna Dickens winning first place in the Under 7 Girls tournament and Ziraili Ulfin claiming second. Hannah Mew-McAdam won second place in the Under 8 Girls Tournament and Imogen Turvery-Cross won joint first place in the Under 9 Girls tournament. All four girls have qualified for the next stage called the Giga-Final and will be joined by eight other children including Adam Lee-Browne, Ethan Hill, Rafeez Mortuza, Rohan Ingley, Ben Subkovas, William Sissons, Solomon Dickens, Jack Sissons.
The Prep School Chess Club is going from strength to strength with pupils winning championships from county to British level, and new players being welcomed and encouraged to play, irrespective of age or experience.
Teacher and keen chess player, Andy Camp, took over the chess club two years ago and has introduced new, fun initiatives including a ‘Learn to play’ session and a knockout tournament to encourage new players, and to give them experience of playing competitively.
This year has witnessed a fantastic increase in club members, both in numbers and in ability. Thirteen pre-prep pupils (aged 6) have now started playing regularly and have the enthusiasm to challenge the older girls and boys to pick up new skills and confidence.
Chess offers many benefits to the pupils, and has even helped their academic studies, with some parents noting a marked improvement in their children’s concentration and in their work. However, some of the fathers who could once beat their children at chess now jokingly plead for Mr Camp to stop teaching them new skills!
The club meets twice a week with each session featuring an interactive whiteboard to examine particular openings or try to solve a chess-related puzzle. The children then flock to the boards to try out the ideas on each other. It certainly seems to be working.

Grandparents’ Days at BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL

Bedford Modern School’s first Grandparents’ Day was held in 2006. The aim of the event was to involve grandparents in the academic and pastoral lives of their grandchildren. The response to the event was outstanding and, as such, it was decided to make Grandparents’ Day a bi-annual event.

This year, Grandparents’ Days took place on Friday 14th and Friday 21st May and the School once again welcomed large numbers of grandparents.

Grandparents participated in lessons with their grandchildren before having a school lunch in the Refectory. This was followed by entertainment in the Christopher Fry Hall presented by the pupils, a tour of the Junior School or a trip to the Sports Field to watch their grandchildren in action and finally a Question and Answer session with the Head of Bedford Modern Junior School.

Grandparents’ Days at BMS are an ideal way for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend some quality time together at BMS and have fun.

Nick Yelland, Head of Bedford Modern Junior School said: “These days more and more grandparents are involved in the everyday lives of their grandchildren. A day like today gives them a chance to do more than simply deliver or collect them on behalf of busy parents. It gives them a chance to sample the excitement and variety of a day at Bedford Modern Junior School.”

Photo: Grandparent’s Day at Bedford Modern School

Derbyshire pupils vote for their own election at MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE

A general election involving all the main political parties at a Derbyshire school has produced a clear winner – unlike the real thing!

Mount St Mary’s College pupils engaged in some last minute electioneering as representatives from the Conservative, Green, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP parties attempted to get ‘elected.’

As part of the mock election, each candidate made an impassioned three-minute speech to put across their party’s main policies.

After the speeches, the candidates then had the opportunity to reply to any points and encourage the electorate to vote for them in a one minute summary.

Pupils were finally able to vote for their chosen candidate and the surprise winner was UKIP, represented by George Freeman, with 111 votes followed by the Conservatives with 65 and the Green Party with 30.

Helen McKell, head of the senior debating society at Mount St Mary’s, said: “Our pupils enjoy debating a wide variety of topics and have a real interest in current affairs, so we couldn’t resist an election of our own to see how it compared with the real thing.

“It was a brilliant way for pupils to practise valuable skills like public speaking and forming convincing arguments as well as an opportunity to recognise the role they play in the democratic process.

“I’m pleased to say that, however controversial the issue, all the pupils conducted themselves in a professional and courteous manner!”

Photo: Richard Duggan who represented the Conservatives and George Freeman who represented UKIP

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE WINS TRAVEL PLAN AWARD

Prior Park College announces its win of the ‘School Travel Plan Award – June 2010’, demonstrating an acute awareness of the impact that school travel has on the environment.

The award, established by Bath & North East Somerset Council, aims to encourage schools in the Bath area to use more sustainable methods of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport.

To achieve the award, the College met with B&NES Council to discuss plans, supplied travel surveys to staff and pupils and submitted a travel plan document to the Council. As part of the College’s ‘Eco Prior’ initiative, teachers have been raising awareness of the plan in assemblies, encouraging pupils to use more eco-friendly methods of travel to and from school.

The College currently runs a total of eight bus services and has recently implemented a new evening service for its Trowbridge route next term.

Headmaster, James Murphy O’Connor, comments:
“Receiving the award is testament to the dedication that the College staff and pupils have devoted to this cause. However, the hard work doesn’t stop here. We are looking to the future and hope to continue raising awareness and encouraging even more pupils and parents to walk, cycle and subscribe to our bus services. We would like to take this opportunity to thank B&NES Council for their help in achieving this recognition.”

KINGHAM HILL SCHOOL gains historic US endorsement

A pioneering programme that enables American pupils to study at a traditional British independent school whilst satisfying the demands of an American curriculum, has received resounding approval. Cotswold-based Kingham Hill School is waving both the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes as it celebrates making history as the first British school to receive coveted NEASC accreditation.
NEASC (The New England Association of Schools and Colleges) is the oldest of the six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. The list of institutions accredited by NEASC includes Harvard, Yale and other prestigious institutions, 2000 schools in the US and 175 American schools and colleges in 68 countries around the world. Kingham Hill is the first British day and boarding school to be accredited by NEASC.
Kingham Hill was approached by the US Department of State in the Autumn of 2006 with a request to help, following the shock announcement that an American school on the edge of London catering for the children of US families living abroad was to close. After careful thought and the appointment of several American educators, a number of American pupils joined the school in the September of the following year.
An American Studies Program was launched and has been modified and improved during the past three years. Its growing success springs from the smooth transition experienced by American pupils in and out of a British school. They can arrive from an American curriculum school, experience education at a traditional British school and then transfer to other American schools elsewhere in the world. All this happens without the pupils missing out or falling behind. In addition, they benefit from being immersed in British culture and experiencing British traditions. They also make friends with the majority British pupils and a smattering of other nationalities.
One exciting and significant spin-off is that non-Americans can access the American Studies Program. If carefully configured, courses offered through the program complement A-Level courses in such a way as to make an application by pupils of all nationalities to an American college as straightforward as an application to a British university. Kingham Hill has a dedicated ‘guidance counselor’ who can offer expert advice on American colleges and the application process.
Headmaster, Nick Seward (39), is delighted by the inspection report: “I was mightily impressed with the professionalism of the inspecting team. The process was very comprehensive, yet sensitively executed. The team quickly grasped the school’s unique qualities. It was also very pleasing that it warmly acknowledged the quality work by our faculty in making a success of our American Studies Program and embracing American pupils into our community.”
Assistant Head Academic and Director of American Studies, Kim Raccio, deserves much credit for developing the program and overseeing the preparation for the recent inspection. She has been at the sharp end of explaining the American Studies Program to American families arriving in the UK. “NEASC accreditation will really help families as they encounter what is a unique program. This project has now come of age and is a tremendously positive option for many American families posted to the UK. The access that this gives non-Americans to American universities is also really unique in British education.”

If American pupils complete their high school career at Kingham Hill they graduate with their American high school diploma. It has been pleasing to see a smattering of graduating American pupils resplendent in their academic gowns at a very traditional British independent school speech day. It is typical of the camaraderie and global outlook that characterises Kingham Hill School in 2010.

Biking For Breakfast – WREKIN COLLEGE

Wrekin College English Teacher Andy Brennan has set himself the challenge of cycling 500 miles in 50 hours to raise money for the Wrekin College Orphanage in Malawi.

Andy’s aim is to raise at least £1000 specifically for food for the Amao Orphanage in Mtunthama, Malawi. He was shocked that the 50 children living in the orphanage did not have breakfast. Their first meal of the day is lunch. It costs just 90p per day to feed a child but securing regular funding is always a challenge.

He plans to cycle 500 miles in 50 hours, starting and finishing at Wrekin College. Starting Wednesday 18th August to Friday 20th August 2010

If you like to support Andy please donate through the Just Giving website: www.justgiving.com/medicmalawi-breakfastboost. Every penny donated goes to the Orpahange.

More information about the orphanage can be found on the Medic Malawi Website www.medicmalawi.org or from Wrekin College T: 01952 265604 E: info@wrekincollege.com

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL THROUGH TO NATIONAL FINAL OF MATHS CHALLENGE

Bedford Modern School students made up the winning team in the regional Maths Challenge competition held at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge recently.

The successful BMS team comprised Year 9 students, Alexander Jeacocke, who is 13 years old and Matthew Wrigley, who is 14 years old together with Year 8 students, Sam Hosegood, who is 13 years old and Simon Whitaker, who is also 13 years old.

The regional Maths Challenge competition involved 30 schools from the area and consisted of five rounds including a Mathematical Relay, a Cross-number and a Head to Head round.

The team was led by Bedford Modern School Maths Teacher, Andrew Grounds, and the four successful students will take part in the National Final of the Team Maths Challenge to be held in London on Monday 21st June.

Nick Shackleton, Head of Mathematics at Bedford Modern School said: “The boys performed exceptionally well and deserved to win the event. They are only the second team from BMS to reach the National Finals and we look forward to seeing them take on the other regional final winners in London.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School students, Simon Whitaker, Matthew Wrigley and Alexander Jeacocke, who are part of the BMS team through to the National Final of the Maths Challenge

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL HEAD BOY OFFERED PLACE AT BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TO STUDY MUSIC COMPOSITION

Bedford Modern School Head Boy and Year 13 student, Segun Akinola, has been offered a place at the Birmingham Conservatoire to read music composition. The Birmingham Conservatoire is an international conservatoire that is a full faculty of Birmingham City University and a major concert venue based in the heart of the city centre.

Having obtained 10 GCSEs, Segun is currently studying for his English Literature and Language, Economics and Music A Levels. “I joined Bedford Modern School in September 2003 and have had a passion for music since playing the piano at the age of five. I began drum kit lessons at BMS when I joined the School in Year 7,” said Segun.

Segun, who has a Distinction in Grade 8 Drum Kit, has also played in the School Concert, Jazz and Dance Bands, as well as the School Orchestra, and was one of ten national finalists who competed in the 2009 Young Drummer of the Year Competition. Earlier this year, Segun won the School Prize for Composition at the Senior Music Prizes.

“The music technology facilities at Bedford Modern School are second to none and I would encourage younger pupils at the School to get behind an instrument and be creative. The difference between BMS and many other schools is that BMS uses industry standard music software. By this I mean software that is used by top recording artists such as Lily Allen and The Killers,” said Segun.

Segun is looking forward to taking up his place in September. “I will be studying Music Composition with a view to being a film composer. After watching the Transformers film, I was attracted to the music and this encouraged me to investigate film music and film composers, eventually sparking an interest in classical orchestral music.”

The Music Composition course will last for four years and is very much a practical course. “I intend to obtain experience in writing for different ensembles, different styles, and have the opportunity to experiment with manipulating different ensembles to create different effects, ultimately writing music for Hollywood films,” added Segun.

“I have been very proud to serve as Head Boy at Bedford Modern School and my time at the School has been filled with numerous opportunities. I can honestly say that at BMS students can try everything and will be supported by staff in whatever choices they make,” said Segun.

John Mower, Director of Music at BMS said: “Segun has made a huge contribution to the life of the School and I know he will enjoy his time at the Birmingham Conservatoire.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Head Boy, Segun Akinola