Primary Times North London Easter 18

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FOCUS ON EDUCATION WHY CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS AS IMPORTANT AS ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT The Government’s plans for a baseline assessment of children as they start school in Reception, to be introduced in 2020; once again demonstrates that the Department for Education is out of touch with the opinion of parents, teachers and psychotherapists. As a Headmaster, with thirty years of experience in the independent sector in London, I am somewhat dismayed by the educational world’s insatiable desire to constantly want to measure the performance of our children, most especially, at an age when schools have the responsibility to settle children as they embark on their first tentative steps in formal learning. The imperative behind the Government’s assessment plan is understandable, to ensure that teachers and schools are held to account for a pupils’ progress and attainment as they move through their primary years of learning. However, this desire to measure pupil attainment is simply at odds with other Government initiatives that concern itself with the wellbeing of our children in modern times. Now into my third year at Hendon Prep, following my own journey from teaching in selective senior schools, I have been hugely privileged to watch and admire the learning journey of children aged 2 – 5 years of age. In my opinion, academic attainment does not have to be mutually exclusive from other key developmental goals, nor is it the sole measure of the true qualities of an individual. This truth is selfevident as any parent, or even, employer will tell you. It is my belief, that the measure of a good prep school is not only how it prepares a child for school selection at 11+ or 13+, but also, how it helps to support the individual character development of every pupil, which will be life-lasting. All early years experts would tell you that a child must be encouraged to be playful, and creative, encouraged to pursue their intellectual curiosities and especially develop their social and communication skills. In short, children learn through creativity, not just through examinations. Four-year-olds must be encouraged to explore and make FOCUS ON discoveries for themselves. Our teachers are ‘facilitators’ of learning, not merely ‘conveyers’ of knowledge. What our society needs, in an age of increasing automation, are people who can be critical-thinkers and in tune with their emotions, so that they are equipped to manage people in our contemporary businesses. The focus on character development is really well understood at Hendon Prep by both parents and teachers. In our Early Years curriculum we are keen to promote opportunities for learning about ourselves not simply a focus on numeracy and literacy. We have introduced greater specialist teaching at this key stage, exposing our children to music, art, classics and language teaching. Children at this stage of learning simply have fun as they embark on a world of selfdiscovery and personal character development. WIN a trip to Disneyland Paris £500 of books for your school PLUS a school visit from David Walliams The National Young Writers’ Awards returns with a bang as bestselling children’s author David Walliams is this year’s judge! The competition, organised by Explore Learning has been running for ten years and has inspired hundreds of thousands of children across the UK to put pen to paper. The competition is open to all children aged 4 -14 and this year’s theme is ‘Heroes’. Children are invited to write a 500 word story all about a hero, this could be an every day hero or a superhero! The winner will be surprised at a school assembly by David Walliams who will present them with their trophy, a trip to Disneyland Paris for their family and £500 of books for their school! David says: “It is a real privilege to be named judge for this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards and I am so looking forward to reading what the brilliant brains of our country’s children come up with. To write is such a wonderful, creative outlet for people of all ages and competitions just like this one are a fantastic way of encouraging kids across the UK to take the leap and release their inner authors!” Pick up an entry form from your local Explore Learning centre and then simply return the completed entry before Sunday 29 th April. Or enter online at explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters. Voted no.1 PRIVATE TUITION CENTRE FREE TRIAL SESSION! in the UK EducationInvestor Awards 2016 AGES 4-14 More than just maths and English tuition BOOST CONFIDENCE 96% of parents said their child’s confidence improved as a result of coming to Explore. BE EXAM READY Preparing your child to sit the 11 Plus, a local entrance exam, the SATs or their end of term tests. MAKE PROGRESS Independently proven results, ensuring children progress academically, socially and attitudinally. A FEARLESS FUTURE We develop a foundation of skills, supporting children of all abilities to succeed in school and beyond. For more information visit explorelearning.co.uk or call 033 0124 3801 Your nearest centres are in Crouch End, Edmonton, Enfield, Finchley, Islingston, Palmers Green, New Barnet, West Hampstead and Wood Green. 28 Primary Times EASTER 2018 | www.primarytimes.co.uk/north_london
EDUCATION Inspiring Minds. OLÉ SPANISH FOR EVERYONE HAS BEEN RUNNING ITS EXTENSIVE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMME FOR OVER 15 YEARS. Olé Spanish for Everyone has been teaching students from the age of 4 through to our eldest student aged only 84. We bring the joy of learning Spanish through different kind of workshops for our youngest students. We also prepare students for their GCSE and A-Levels. On the last four years 100% of our students have achieved A* at GCSE With the introduction of the new GCSE and A Levels, our qualified, experienced native teachers will make sure you achieve the best grade. With Olé you can also take part in one of our Language Immersion Camps here in the UK or in Spain. More information on www.olespanish.net Come and see what a Hendon Prep education has to offer your child. Call us today to arrange your private tour or Pre-School Stay & Play: 020 8203 7727 www.hendonprep.co.uk admissions@hendonprep.co.uk FOCUS ON EDUCATION FUN SUMMER STUDY CAMP Over the past 9 years, the Leaders are Readers Summer Schools have become established as the best academic camp for children aged 3 to 11 in London and surrounding areas. Their summer school is designed to be challenging yet fun. Children develop strategies and skills in critical thinking, comprehension, reading, creative writing, language and vocabulary, mathematical reasoning, verbal and non-verbal reasoning and also prepare for 11+, 10+, 8+, 7+, 5+, 4+ exams and excel in these assessments. Students make educational strides while enjoying fun break times and creating friendships. The aim of the summer school is to cover a year’s essential work in 3 weeks, fill in learning gaps, reverse the trend of summer learning loss and prepare children on advanced topics to enable them to zoom ahead when they return to school in September. The Leaders are Readers Saturday school also keeps children ahead of their peers. The summer school runs for four hours a day and extended care is also available. Call 01992 651 300 to book a trial day and free assessment at your local Leaders are Readers centre in Southgate St Andrews CE Primary School. Find out more at www.leadersarereaders.co.uk. Hendon Prep is a co-educational Independent Day School and SIS rated ‘Outstanding’ Pre-School in North London for boys and girls from 2 to 13. St Andrew’s Southgate Primary School, Southgate N14 6JA Open Days: 24th March, 14th, 21st & 28th April, 5th & 12th May www.primarytimes.co.uk/north_london | EASTER 2018 Primary Times 29
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Primary Times North London Easter 18

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