In conversation with graphic novelist Jerry Craft
Graphic novelist Jerry Craft talks about the importance of great expectations and giving children characters and stories they can believe inWords: Libby NormanAuthor and illustrator Jerry Craft creates the books he wanted to read as a child growing up. It is as simple as that. His graphic novels have attracted legions of fans, been translated into 13 languages and won multiple awards,…
Capital gains – the benefits of going to school in London
London is a hub for culture, civic life and business, so going to school here brings added value. We explore some of the benefitsSometime around March 2020 it felt as if the world was tilting on its axis from urban to pastoral. All talk was of a move to the country, the pursuit of open spaces and a quiet life of baking sourdough bread. But, as life settles back onto a more familiar plane,…
From A to T: All About T-levels
Barnaby Lenon, Chairman of the Independent Schools Council, on the introduction of T-levelsSince the late 19th century, England has been struggling with vocational education. It became clear that countries like Germany, France and Japan were eating away at the industrial lead England had established between 1750 and 1850, and this was partly because of their superior training.England…
Kew Green Prep on wellbeing in action
Kew Green Prep's Head of Data, 11+ and DSL Amy Kinross on the importance of keeping curriculum breadth during 11+ preparation to support wellbeing, creativity and joyFor many, the 11+ has become a symbol of the burial of childhood: the beginning of hothousing and the end of curriculum breadth. The mouse-clicks of silent pupils navigating various online platforms are like church bells, tolling…
Cardiff Sixth Form College on why it has opened in Cambridge
Gareth Collier, Principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, explains why the school has headed from west to east and opened a new campus in CambridgeCardiff Sixth Form College in Cambridge! Surely a mistake? A typo? Auto correct on spellcheck? But no, it’s true. A school strongly rooted and founded in Wales, proud to carry the name of the principality’s capital city in its title has indeed…
Shrewsbury School on the importance of a kindness culture
Leo Winkley, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, discusses its recent successes at the Independent School Awards and explains why a culture of kindness is so ingrained among pupils and staffAs the place where Charles Darwin learned his schoolboy science, Shrewsbury School has always looked to evolve to meet the challenges of the times. Founded in 1552, it has a deep heritage and strong sense of…
Maida Vale School – in conversation with Magnus Bashaarat
In his new role as Head of Maida Vale School, Magnus Bashaarat brings with him great experience and a belief that education must evolve to meet the needs of today's students and tomorrow's workplaceMagnus Bashaarat may be 'new boy' at Maida Vale School, having taken over the reins at the start of the summer term, but he's an old hand at leadership. This is his third headship in a career…
How to choose the right prep school for boys
Choosing a Preparatory School for your son is a big decision. With so many factors to consider, it can feel a little overwhelming. Do boys do better at single sex or co-ed schools?What do you do if your son is not into sports? Is a school that can offer academic success better than a school that has an extensive extracurricular offering? When making your decision, it can be helpful to…
Independent Learning: What is the Personal Project and how does it differ from GCSE coursework?
When International Baccalaureate students reach Grade 10 of the Middle Years Programme (MYP), they are required to undertake a Personal Project (PP), an independent extended project carried out over several months under the guidance of an individual supervisor. The Personal Project builds on the Primary Years Programme (PYP) Exhibition, developed in Grade 5, and the Community Project, in Grade 8;…
Writers’ room – two competitions for creatives
Two competitions taking place this spring give budding young writers, poets and lyricists an opportunity to make their literary markYoung creatives are being offered to opportunity to have their talents celebrated in two writing competitions taking place this spring. This is a good opportunity for individuals or class groups to have some creative fun while writing to a tight brief. Both…