Private School News

PUPILS TO EAT THEIR WAY THROUGH THE WORLD CUP AT SIBFORD SCHOOL

Pupils at Sibford School will be eating their way round the world over the next four weeks.

In celebration of the World Cup, catering staff at the school near Banbury will be selecting a match of the day and serving up traditional food from the countries playing.

Kicking off the lunchtime fixtures on Friday will be South Africa v Mexico … with tasty treats including Sopa de Pollo, Bobotie and Enchiladas, followed by Melktert for dessert.

Other footy feasts include Gazpacho, Toriniku (Chicken) Teriyaki and Capirotada (a Mexican version of Bread Pudding). Flying the flag for England will be battered haddock.

Chef Mark Higgins said: “We’ve had great fun planning the meals for the initial matches and are looking forward to a winning menu. We’ll be following the tournament through until the end, and, as we’re not at school on Sunday, will be serving up a champion’s feast on Monday 12 July.”

Photo: Getting into the World Cup spirit are: Chris Stones, Darren Hobbs, Matt Cross, Danny Holman and Kath Morris.

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.

CALLING ALL FORMER PUPILS,STAFF AND GOVERNORS OF OUR LADY’S ABINGDON JUNIOR AND SENIOR SCHOOLS

To celebrate our 150th Anniversary we’re having a Grand Reunion Picnic on Saturday 19 June between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Former and current pupils, staff and governors are warmly invited to attend. Guests are invited to bring their own picnic and join friends from their old year groups. Tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available in the Marquee during the day. A short service will be held in the School Chapel at the end of the day for those who wish to attend. If you would like to come please ring Maggi Shellard on 01235 524658 or email office@olab.org.uk We’d love to see you.

Fitness is fun for the boys and girls at The Manor Preparatory School!

Mrs. Angela O’Rourke, The Manor’s Director of Sport, has facilitated a programme of over 55 sporting opportunities and activities each week, allowing every boy and girl to enjoy physical activity both within the curriculum and out of personal choice.
4 full-time members of the PE Department and over 35 part-time and volunteer experts guide the children to develop their skills. From tag rugby and jumping onto surfboards to following Youth Sports Leader courses, the emphasis is on joining in and reaching potential.
Regular fixtures with schools in the area and the school’s hosting of master classes led by national and international athletes give the children a sense of the place of sport in our broad community. Sport works in tandem with fun in the classroom to challenge the children and to enhance each child’s self-esteem. Realistic targets are set for each child to allow them to believe their aims are achievable and, as they leave The Manor, they take with them high expectations of the role that sport, fitness and health will play in their own lives.

Kingham Hill School Launches Organ Scholarship

The splendid organ in the Chapel at Kingham Hill School will soon reverberate to the efforts of the school’s first organ scholar.

A new scholarship has been established at the Cotswold school, inspired by Headmaster’s wife, Hannah Seward – a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford. She and Director of Music, Gill Holliday, have constructed a programme that will offer one young musician each year a chance of a lifetime to explore their musical gift and open up exciting higher education and career opportunities. All this in a Christian community where the scholar’s faith will be nurtured and ministry opportunities encouraged.

Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, and in accompanying congregational singing. The Organ Scholar will have free music tuition – tailored to individual requirements, but it is expected that they will take singing lessons in addition to other lessons.

Candidates must be over 16-years old on 1 September of the year of entry and should demonstrate a love of and commitment to music, particularly the Anglican choral tradition. They will normally offer more than one instrument and have achieved Grade 6 level or higher. It is desirable for candidates to have some experience of accompanying.

The Scholarship offers thorough training to candidates who may wish to apply for Organ Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster, Rev’d Nick Seward is delighted: “The Kingham Hill organ is a wonderful instrument, recently refurbished at great expense through the affection and generosity of former pupils. I would love to see it used to its full extent in the worship of our school, and in encouraging the English choral tradition here.”

Early interest should be directed at Kate Harvey, Registrar – 01608 658 999, admissions@kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

OXBRIDGE OFFER

Sibford School head boy, Tom Roger, has been offered a place to read Mathematics at Oxford University.

The seventeen-year-old is set to take up his place at Worcester College in September after completing A Levels in English Literature, Physics and Chemistry plus an AS Level exam in Further Maths,

He already holds an A Grade at A Level Mathematics, having sat the papers a year early, and an A in AS Business Studies.

County Cricket Selection for Oswestry School Student

Oswestry School student Oliver Newman has been selected for the Shropshire County U17 Cricket squad.
Oliver, who is in Year 11, is a talented wicket-keeper. He was selected from 40 other hopefuls who participated in the county trials. Oliver will be receiving coaching in regular training camps to enhance his skills as he prepares for the start of the season.
Photo: Young wicket-keeper Oliver Newman

History comes to life

Year 8 pupils at Sibford School near Banbury enjoyed a history lesson with a difference when the Time Traveller came to visit.
Otherwise known as Dave Lord, the Time Traveller brought the Civil War to life allowing pupils to dress in period costume, handle artefacts and weapons and learn about the hardships, battles and diseases of 17th Century Britain.
Pictured left to right are: Behshad Shafaatian, Nino Winlaw, Time Traveller Dave Lord, Imogen Creed, Will Campion and Amie Roberts.

ST CLARE’S – OUTSTANDING!

There has been a lot of publicity in the newspapers and other media recently about how difficult it is for good schools to be graded as Outstanding. Not so at St. Clare’s. The College had been awarded the highest rating for the quality of its boarding after a recent Ofsted inspection in November 2009, something that fewer than 10% of boarding schools achieve in the UK. St. Clare’s is judged to have exceptionally high quality of provision in the following areas; helping children to be healthy, protecting students from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe, helping students achieve well and enjoy what they do and helping students make a positive contribution.

The report is full of positive remarks about the College but the following points deserve to be highlighted.

*Boarders are effectively protected from bullying. The analysis of the boarders’ survey was remarkable in that ‘no’ was always the answer to the question ‘Are you being bullied?’

*Boarders’ health is very well promoted through the personal, social and health (PSHE)programme which is comprehensive and well-organised, adapted to the needs of young adults and focused on preparation for their future lives.

*Use of discipline with boarders is fair and appropriate. The college has clear and well understood disciplinary procedures.

*There is vigorous selection and vetting of staff.

*There is a high level of security across the college and boarding houses, as a result of excellent security measures in place.

*Boarders do not experience discrimination.

*Boarders receive very good quality catering provision, both in the college’s dining hall and café.

*Students and staff of all nationalities live and study together; college life is enriched by a diversity of views.

*Boarders are enabled to contribute to the operation of boarding in the college, meeting another of the college’s aims that is to develop students’ independence of mind.

*There is an excellent process of induction and guidance for new boarders. On arrival, new students enter a very well organised and comprehensive four day induction programme, involving an orientation team of senior students, who the college seek feedback from to evaluate afterwards.

*The college’s organisation of boarding makes an excellent contribution to boarders’ welfare.

*The promotion of equality and diversity is outstanding. Boarders do not experience discrimination; they benefit from an international education and multicultural understanding from life in the college.

*Staff with boarding duties are supported by clear boarding policies and practice to follow, and benefit from good induction and continued training.

NEW PUPIL TAKES TIME OUT AFTER JUST ONE DAY!

For 14-year-old Arnont Soontranugulwong, January 2010 heralded the start of a new school in a new country.

However, the Thai youngster was expecting slightly more than a single days teaching ahead of him!

Less than 24-hours after arriving as a student at Sibford School near Banbury, the big freeze saw Arnont being forced to take time out of the classroom as the school abandoned its normal timetable.

And with day pupils sent home, Arnont and fellow boarders had the run of the 50 acre school campus as they made the most of what is being described the coldest winter in Britain for more than 25 years.

Arnont is pictured left with Arun Calindi (from Switzerland), Milan Rai (Nepal), Ralph Houet (France), Sam Chang (Taiwan), Darius Batt (Wallingford) and Joe Bunnag (Thailand).

Kingham Hill student Sam Zhu wins coveted Oxford place

Kingham Hill School is celebrating pupil Sam Zhu’s offer of a place to study Mathematics at Oxford. It is a remarkable achievement following Sam’s childhood in China where his education was disrupted as he and his mother were forced to move several times to avoid persecution for their Christian faith.

Sam came to England with the help of friends at St Helen’s Church in Bishopsgate, London. They were keen for him to have the education that he deserved and the freedom to grow in his faith. He found both at Kingham Hill School.

The Mathematics Department are thrilled for Sam and look forward to the Headmaster fulfilling his promise of dinner out in Oxford! Headmaster, Nick Seward, is delighted: “Sam has been a tremendous example to other pupils and now an inspiration as his friends see what can be achieved when a fine mind and hard work combine. However, he couldn’t have succeeded without the excellence and dedication of our team of very able teachers. Our pupils across the board are very fortunate to be taught and encouraged by such a fine team.”

Neill Stannard, master responsible for Octagon, Kingham Hill’s academic society, is as delighted as the Headmaster: “Sam is wonderful proof of what Kingham Hill – that is academically non-selective – can achieve with an able pupil. We identify our most gifted pupils and offer them specialist input, extended studies and the opportunity to attend academic lectures, argue persuasively and think creatively. We expect others to emulate Sam’s success.”

Sam will take up his place at St Hugh’s College in September. St Hugh’s was founded by Elizabeth Wordsworth in the same year as Kingham Hill – 1886. She was the great niece of the famous poet and used money left to her by her father, a bishop of Lincoln. The founder of Kingham Hill was a member of the Baring Bank family and a remarkable Christian philanthropist.

UK’s top achieving school loses Chaplain to head Kingham Hill School

Magdalen College School, Oxford, that topped this years ‘A’ Levels result table, has lost its chaplain and house master to Kingham Hill School, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Nick Seward, 38, took over as headmaster at Kingham Hill at the beginning of the new school year, following five years at Magdalen College School. He brings with him an enthusiasm to build upon Kingham Hill’s founding principles – broad intake, well-rounded education, strong pastoral care, and all in the context of a vibrant Christian ethos.

He has a very eclectic background. Born in Zambia, Nick Seward spent his formative years in Papua New Guinea, where his father managed the national football team. His education continued at Millfield School, Somerset, before he read aeronautical engineering at Imperial College, University of London and theology at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham. He was ordained in 1999 at Canterbury.

As the School’s new headmaster, Revd. Seward looks to the future with keen anticipation: “Kingham Hill has a fine tradition and a great heart. Generations of students have benefitted, flourishing and going on to make their mark in the world. I feel privileged to be taking over as Headmaster at a time when schools like Kingham Hill are needed more than ever.”

Nick Seward is married to Hannah, a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford, and a German linguist. They have two young children and share a love of the English choral tradition in worship.

Photo: aerial view of Kingham Hill

Kingham Hill School Launches Organ Scholarship

The splendid organ in the Chapel at Kingham Hill School will soon reverberate to the efforts of the school’s first organ scholar.

A new scholarship has been established at the Cotswold school, inspired by Headmaster’s wife, Hannah Seward – a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford. She and Director of Music, Gill Holliday, have constructed a programme that will offer one young musician each year a chance of a lifetime to explore their musical gift and open up exciting higher education and career opportunities. All this in a Christian community where the scholar’s faith will be nurtured and ministry opportunities encouraged.

Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, and in accompanying congregational singing. The Organ Scholar will have free music tuition – tailored to individual requirements, but it is expected that they will take singing lessons in addition to other lessons.

Candidates must be over 16-years old on 1 September of the year of entry and should demonstrate a love of and commitment to music, particularly the Anglican choral tradition. They will normally offer more than one instrument and have achieved Grade 6 level or higher. It is desirable for candidates to have some experience of accompanying.

The Scholarship offers thorough training to candidates who may wish to apply for Organ Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster, Rev’d Nick Seward is delighted: “The Kingham Hill organ is a wonderful instrument, recently refurbished at great expense through the affection and generosity of former pupils. I would love to see it used to its full extent in the worship of our school, and in encouraging the English choral tradition here.”

Early interest should be directed at Kate Harvey, Registrar – 01608 658 999, admissions@kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

David Cameron is thanked by grateful pupil at Kingham Hill School

When Hector Mahony (11) learned that David Cameron was to visit Kingham Hill School, he determined to thank him personally for helping to overturn an LEA decision in 2002 that threatened to bar him from joining the same primary school as his two brothers.

Hector approached David Cameron minutes before he officially opened the two new day houses at Kingham Hill School, four miles from Chipping Norton. David Cameron was visibly impressed with Hector’s heartfelt gratitude and the eloquence with which it was expressed. It only took him moments to recall the circumstances, and he and Hector chatted about how good it was that Hector had eventually been offered a place at Kingham Primary School where his brothers and friends were so happy.

Hector’s brothers – Seb and Oskar – were very settled at their local school, the ever-popular Kingham Primary School. It hadn’t crossed anyone’s mind that Hector would not be able join his brothers. However, against the wishes of the headteacher and the school’s governors, the Local Education Authority decided to remove a temporary classroom and reduce the school roll. Hector and several other children who also had siblings at the school were told that they would have to find another school.

The campaign to overturn the LEA’s decision was determined and passionate. However, it wasn’t until David Cameron was asked to intervene, and the subsequent time and energy he gave in support, that a breakthrough was achieved and the decision reversed.

Hector’s mum, Liz Mahony, remembers: “I was delighted that David Cameron was able to overcome the bureaucracy of the LEA in favour of the needs of children like Hector. As a family we acknowledge that without his intervention, our children would have received a different primary education.”

“I have always wanted to thank Mr. Cameron myself for what he did”, Hector reflected after his exciting encounter. “I’m glad that he made it possible for me to be at school with my brothers because being at Kingham Primary meant that I had a really good start to my education. I will never forget what he did.”

Hector, Seb and Oskar are now all together at Kingham Hill School, Hector having recently joined Year 7.

Octagon Academic Society at Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire

The Octagon Academic Society was formally launched in September and has had a successful opening term. Alongside lessons which are designed to stimulate the mind into new and challenging ways of thinking, Octagon has also hosted debates in the Lecture Theatre including one led by a visiting speaker from Oxford University, Christopher Shields. His topic for discussion was ‘Why is there a mind / body problem?’ Years 11 to 13 asked some intelligent and thought provoking questions of Professor Shields and staff were impressed by the ideas and issues raised by the lecture. Many of the Octagon students have applied to top universities (both UK based red brick Russell Group and also American Ivy League) and one has recently been offered an interview at St Hughes College, Oxford.

The Octagon Academic Society enjoyed their inaugural formal dinner this December; in future to be an annual event. The Octagon pupils sat at tables with a mixture of students from all year groups and guest staff members in order to encourage discussion and socialisation. Pupils and staff were entertained by the competition to slip a secret sentence into the conversation during the evening without other people noticing, and by the brain teasing games which accompanied each course. Mr Stannard announced the Octagon Council as including the following members: President : Philippa Lane, Vice President: Jan Sindhar, Events manager: Katy Howell, Reporter: Bryony Parkinson, Junior Rep: Ellie Copsey, Intermediate rep: Josh Baxter and Senior rep: Guy Cable. These students will play key roles in developing Octagon throughout the school.

The Lent term sees a packed Octagon programme including the study of C.S Lewis, Tolstoy and G.K Chesterton, a visiting Oxford fellow and Chaplain to raise the debate about science and religion, a Gifted and Talented day trip for GCSE aged students, a school debate on politics and a 6th form ethics conference in Oxford.

DARREN GOUGH OPENS SCHOOL CHANGING COMPLEX

Pupils at Sibford School near Banbury were given some tips from the top today when England, Yorkshire and Essex cricketer, Darren Gough, stopped by to conduct a special coaching session.

The international all-rounder and Strictly Come Dancing champion was at the school to officially open a new £850,000 sports changing complex.

But he took time out to offer some advice to budding young cricketers.

The new changing complex marks the completion of the first phase of a major development programme at the 167-year-old Quaker school.

Subsequent phases will the see the creation of a brand new hall and theatre space; an open-air amphitheatre; new design and technology studio; and a new staff room.

Sibford head, Michael Goodwin, said: “This is an exciting time for Sibford School. The new developments will make a significant impact not only to the school but also to the local community.

”We have known Darren for a few years and were delighted when he accepted our invitation to mark the opening of the first stage.”

Photo: Darren Gough outside the new changing complex with Sibford head Michael Goodwin (left) and architect Roger Stretton from Oxford-based Berman Guedes Stretton

Chinese Ambassador offers scholarship to Kingham Hill

The applause could be heard all over the school as the Chinese Ambassador announced that she was offering a special scholarship for one Kingham Hill pupil to study for a year in China.

Ambassador Fu Ying’s announcement came as a surprise at the end of a question and answer session with sixth formers that she shared with David Cameron. There already appears to be a great deal of excitement among pupils, many of whom would seriously consider such an opportunity.

The Chinese Ambassador was spending the day observing David Cameron carrying out his usual Friday round of constituency work. As MP for Witney, David Cameron had responded to an invitation by the school to officially open two new day houses.

David Cameron and the Ambassador were shown around the new day houses by representatives of the growing number of day pupils now attending the school. The increase in numbers follows the appointment of Headmaster, Nick Seward, who joined Kingham Hill from league table-topping Magdalen College School, Oxford, in September 2008. The day houses, along with the introduction of school transport and a move away from Saturday school, has provoked a real spike in interest. A new academic society, to challenge and nurture the very brightest pupils, has also played its part.

Headmaster, Nick Seward, was very pleased with the occasion: “It was a tremendous honour to play host to David Cameron and the Chinese Ambassador. It has further opened the eyes of our pupils to the world of domestic politics and the shift of economic and political power towards the East. Kingham Hill is changing and growing and occasions like this are very inspirational.”

CHARLEY BOORMAN GOES BACK TO SCHOOL

Actor and adventurer, Charley Boorman, went back to school this week to revisit the place where he spent some of his teenage years.

The best selling author, who suffers from dyslexia, was a pupil at Sibford School near Banbury from 1980 until 1983.

He told current pupils how he came to Sibford after being diagnosed with dyslexia on a trip to the States.

“I returned home to Ireland and had to explain to my teachers what dyslexia was, but they didn’t believe me and thought I was mucking about,” he said.

“I came to Sibford because of its reputation for helping with dyslexia and immediately felt comfortable here.

“Dyslexia isn’t something that goes away. You will always have it. But Sibford gave me the confidence to go out and do things.”

A packed audience of pupils and parents heard Charley tell of his current adventure Sydney to Tokyo: By Any Means which is currently being screened on BBC 2.

He also recalled some of the pranks he got up to during his school years — including climbing the drainpipe to get into the girls’ boarding house — and offered advice on how to deal with dyslexia.

“When I’m travelling I try to remember the first four letters of each place I need to visit,” he said. “That way I don’t have to try to read the whole road sign.”

Sibford head Michael Goodwin said: “We were delighted to welcome Charley back to school. A favourite piece of advice we use here comes from the Quaker Advices & Queries, and says: ‘Live adventurously. When choices arrive, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak.’.

“Charley has certainly taken this advice to heart. His adventurous living is well documented and he is also letting his life speak, especially in the work he does for UNICEF and for the charity Dyslexia Action.

“He was a real inspiration to our pupils and we hope we will be able to come back and visit us again in the not too distant future.”

Charley Boorman is pictured with Sibford pupils Bernadette Wagerfield, Michael Bell, Anna English, Daniel Millett and Imogen Creed.

Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Friday 25th September the 6th form day students hosted a Macmillan coffee morning in the lounge of Havelock – one of our new day houses.

The event was open to parents of day students and teachers alike and was very well attended. Those present did not manage to consume all the cakes, which had been so generously donated by parents and staff alike, but we did give it a very good try! However – the pupils were delighted to part with some of their pocket money and polish off the remainder!

The final sum raised was a fantastic £180 for the Macmillan Nurses. This was, I am sure, the first of many successful fundraising events to be held in Havelock.

Well done to all the 6th form involved.

What a difference a new headmaster can make

At one level nothing very much at Kingham Hill has changed at all. The setting is still as stunning, tucked as it is in a beautiful fold of the Cotswolds, not far from Stow-in-the-Wold. The founding principles remain firmly in place – vibrant Christian ethos, all-ability intake and education of the whole person. The deputy headmaster pads the corridors as he has for the past 20 years, albeit with whiter hair!

But there again, the change is marked. A new vision has been cast. Saturday school has been replaced by an ambitious programme of outings and activities. Day houses and a network of school transport introduced. An academic society established for the brightest pupils. Refurbishment and development. A smattering of top quality new teachers bursting with fresh ideas.

Stir together the previous two paragraphs and what emerges is a small school with a very big heart. A culture that encourages ambition and achievement yet nurtures happiness, as pupils realise that they are loved and valued for who they are rather than the part they must play in improving a school’s league table position. A place to call home – where you laugh and cry with friends.

Nick Seward – that new headmaster – is excited about the intriguing blend of heritage and innovation. However, he is most pleased to see a school full of happy and well-rounded pupils.