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IN THIS ISSUE
GCSE League Table How to grow a great mind
Open Morning
Independent Catholic Boarding and Day School for Boys aged 11 to 18
‘The Oratory… now’s the time to look again’ T H E G O O D S C H O O L S G U I D E 2017
Saturday 16 September 2017 Please contact our Registrar for more information and to register to attend.
Call on 01491 683522 or email registrar@oratory.co.uk
An All-Round Education in a Nurturing Environment
Issue 81 September/October 2017
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Cornerstone is association with Goblin proudly present
by E.T.A. Hoffmann
New transfer process
from Abin gdon Pre p to Abingdon School
“Exceptional – pupils’ achievement both inside and outside the classroom.” ISI Inspection
Open Morning Saturday 7 October 10.00am – 12.00pm
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Contents & Competitions
Dear Reader,
As we make that familiar first walk back to school, the conkers ripen on the trees (one of the first hints of autumn) and thoughts of long summer days turn to cosy nights in and comforting food and I am ready for that familiar daily routine of school runs, homework and clubs. Make the most of those end-of-summer days with our selection of things to do in the regular ‘What’s On’ pages 8 & 9. If you are choosing a secondary school for your ‘not so little one’ then we have league tables and open day dates to help you on pages 13 & 14. My quote of the day: ‘An investment in knowledge pays the best interest’ Benjamin Franklin
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What’s in this issue?
IN THIS ISSUE
GCSE League
How to grow
Independent Catholic
School for Boys
aged 11 to 18
U I D E 2017
Issue 81 Septem
Table
a great mind
Ope n Mor ning
Saturday 16 Septem ber Please contact
2017
our Registrar for more information and to register to attend.
Call on 01491 683522 or email registrar@or atory.co.uk
An All-Roun d Educatio n in a Nurturin g Environm ent
ber/October 2017
familiesonline.c
o.uk
facebook.com/OxfordshireFamilies
A FAMILY TICKET TO SEE THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
Join Cornerstone Arts Centre (Didcot) this Christmas for a classical festive show for the entire family - from 3 to 103.
When Maria and her family turn up at a dusty old toyshop on Christmas Eve, full of raggedy old toys and a mysterious toymaker, they’d rather be anywhere else. But all is not as it seems- when everyone goes to bed the toys in the shop burst into life with music, singing and dancing. Maria meets the Nutcracker, a toy who has been cursed by the evil Mouse King. Together they must find a way to lift the curse and save Christmas for everyone. The world of the Nutcracker and the Mouse king is vividly brought to life with new songs and music, performed live by actor musicians supported by a talented young company ensemble from the local community. To enter simply email your name, along with the name of the theatre to editor@familiesoxfordhsire.co.uk *Exclusions apply. Not valid for performances on Christmas eve
Families Oxfordshire is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Oxfordshire are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’
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News & views
THE GAME CHANGING TECHNOLOGY KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED The Gator Watch from Techsixtyfour, an innovative, wearable mobile for children With children as young as seven using smartphones, managing screen time and controlling what children are seeing online is surely one of the biggest challenges for parents today. Thanks to the launch of a brand new smart watch for children, with innovative safeguarding capabilities, parents can remain in control, ensuring peace of mind. The Gator watch is a wearable mobile phone and tracker for children who are too young for a smartphone but old enough to want their independence. For a generation of parents accustomed to technology and mobiles that allow connections to live world events and thermostats within their homes, it is only natural to want to harness this power to keep connected to their children. Smartphones, the traditional tool for this purpose, even with parental controls activated, come with their own risks. The Gator watch, thoughtfully developed
Perform weekly drama, dance and singing classes
Perform is a unique children’s drama school that has a special emphasis on child development. Perform uses a mix of drama, dance and singing to bring out every child’s full potential. Run by highly experienced actorteachers, in small groups, Perform classes focus on developing the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Coordination, and Concentration. The perform curriculum ensures plenty of fun, using a mix of energetic games, catchy songs and funky dances. All class materials are written by Perform, with apps, CDs and videos that the children can play at home to keep the magic alive. Each term sees a brand new theme to keep imaginations buzzing. This autumn, 4-7s will be venturing Under the Sea on a colourful aquatic adventure while 7-12s will be working rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Cinderella Rocks. Perform offer no-obligation FREE trial sessions for newcomers. Visit www.perform.org.uk/try to book a FREE class today. Dates: Saturday 2nd September - Sunday 17th December 2017 T: 020 7255 9120 enquiries@perform.org.uk www.perform.org.uk/try 4 Families Oxfordshire
by a mum, can make and receive calls to and from “safe” numbers chosen by parents using the partner app, which runs on iOS and Android. In addition, all tracking information is streamed directly to the parent’s phone, and can be made available on more than one handset. This innovation allows children 5 – 10+ years to stay connected with their parents, and has a Safezone alarm and an SOS button, which can instantly connect the wearer to the people most important to them. Best of all this nifty bit of kit, available in blue, pink and black, looks great, has a battery life of 4 days on standby, is super lightweight and is robust and splash proof. The Gator watch has been developed to allow connection to the strongest of three mobile networks, minimising the chances of coverage drop and is suitable for worldwide use. Stockists: John Lewis, Bentalls Kingston, www.techsixtyfour.com RRP: £99 (monthly from £9)
Gator Review
The youngest, age 9, is too young for a phone but old enough to play on his own in the village. We want him to have the freedom to venture out with his friends but want the security of knowing where he is and for him to be able to contact us in an emergency. The Gator watch bridges the ‘device’ gap between his age group and teenage years, when we feel ready for him to have a phone. The Gator watch is excellent quality and easy to set up. When our son was out, we could clearly see where he was playing using the Gator app on my phone, handy if I needed to find him quickly or if he ran into trouble. Better still, he loves the watch! I love that we can let our son have the freedom to venture out and feel safe in the knowledge that we know where he is. Families rates the Gator Watch ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Stop your Child from being radicalized online
Protecting kids from radicalization is increasingly significant to parents. With a rise in media showing detail about terrorism and violence, parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing or viewing online. The parental control app ProtectYourKid, created by Netcos GmbH & Bulbera, can give parents piece of mind that their children are experiencing safe internet browsing. The app also has GPS so that parents can track their child’s location. Key features include protection against inappropriate content, managing mobile applications, creating time rules, limiting calls and applications during the night, providing information about a child’s location. The parental control panel side of the app provides a complete overview of a child’s device usage through the parent’s smartphone, tablet or computer. £9.99 for lifetime usage available on GooglePlay.
Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018 and start planning your event! Wear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event which takes place on Thursday 29 March 2018.
March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumours. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease. Families are being left devastated by this dreadful disease. This is unacceptable! Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours.
Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds. On average, organisations raise £250, with small ones £50 and some raising more than £2,000! Whatever target you set yourselves aim to smash it!! More information, event ideas and fundraising tips can be found online:www.wearahatday.org. Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event. Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, wristbands and badges to help promote your event and smash your fundraising target! familiesonline.co.uk
News & views
5 brain boosting back to school lunchbox essentials for your child
SUPERDRUG IS FIRST HIGH STREET RETAILER TO OFFER A CHICKENPOX VACCINATION SERVICE
Chickenpox is a common illness among children caused by a highly contagious virus (Varicella Zoster). The chickenpox vaccination is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in the UK, and is currently only available on the NHS for those who are at high risk of spreading the virus to particularly vulnerable people. Although not harmful to most who catch it, chickenpox can be unpleasant as it also carries symptoms such as an itchy red rash of spots and blisters and a fever. Chickenpox can become dangerous if caught by patients with an impaired immune system, newborn babies and pregnant women. Once an individual has had chickenpox, they should be immune to it for life, however some will go on to develop shingles later in life. If you haven’t suffered from chickenpox as a child, you can contract it as an adult when it is more severe with increased risk of pneumonia, hepatitis and encephalitis. Superdrug is the first UK high street retailer to offer a chickenpox vaccination service in 58 of its Health Clinic stores across the country. The vaccination is £65 per dose; two doses are recommended for heightened immune protection, though the NHS states that 9 out of 10 children vaccinated with a single dose will develop immunity against chickenpox.
Cotswold Wildlife Park 2017 Photography Competition Winners Announced Cotswold Wildlife Park is proud to announce the winners of its 2017 Photography Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Natural Instincts’ and visitors were invited to photograph any creature, great or small, from the collection of over one thousand mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates from all over the world. Now in its fifth year, a record number of entries were received and judges had a mammoth task on their hands to pick a winner. Beating one thousand other entries, Wayne Bailey won the overall competition for the second year in a row, capturing a tender moment on camera between a pair of Blue and Yellow Macaws (pictured right). On the day Wayne took the winning photograph, he said: “I recall the two of them appearing quite affectionate towards each other and I wanted to try and capture the moment as best I could. I remember their enclosure being familiesonline.co.uk
bathed in brilliant sunshine which served to emphasise their beautiful yellow and blue colours.” He added: “For me, identifying that one good shot is the most pleasing part as it allows me to share an experience with others.” The Park’s next photography competition launched on Friday 25th August 2017. Entries can be uploaded via the website(https://www.cotswoldwildlifepark. co.uk/whats-on/competitions/) or by emailing photos@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
A recent study has found that high levels of lutein (a carotenoid and antioxidant found in leafy vegetables and egg yolks) helped children in school perform tasks better, according to Naiman Khan at The University of Illinois. We’ve asked Cassandra Barns, Nutritionist, for the top 5 brain boosting foods your child should be eating. Leafy Greens Cassandra explains, “Leafy greens are known as a source of lutein, and spinach stands out as one of the best. It's also rich in iron to support cognitive function and magnesium to support energy and strong bones”. If your little ones are fussy eaters, try Nature’s Plus Kid Greenz chewable tablets (£10.12) a dose of green goodness with a tropical flavour. Egg-cellent eggs “Eggs - especially the yolks - are a fantastic food for kids' brains. Egg yolks are a source of lutein, as well as B vitamins and choline, vital for brain health”, explains Cassandra. Think omelettes, French toast as well as boiled eggs with soldiers! Sweetcorn Cassandra tells us, “Not only is yellow sweetcorn high in lutein, it's also a good source of vitamin B5, which is known to be essential for mental performance. It's also a good source of fibre for kids' digestive health.” Mixing in sweetcorn to your existing recipes, like pasta, usually does the trick. Yoghurt Healthy gut, healthy brain. Scientists call the gut the Famili es ‘second brain’ because it is filled LOVES with neurotransmitters we usually ! associate with being in the brain. To support your little one’s digestion, give them yoghurt, a popular probiotic food. Steer clear of sugary, flavoured options and opt for a full fat yoghurt made from cows, goats or sheep milk. If your kids are picky, introduce a probiotic as a supplement such as Quest Vitamins’ KidzBiotix, (from £6.60). Blueberries “Blueberries may boost learning and memory due to the high levels of polyphenols, in particular anthyocyanins. These powerful compounds are thought to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain”, explains Cassandra. Switch cake and other sweet treats for home-made blueberry ice lollies.
Families Oxfordshire 5
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Join us during
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WHOLE SCHOOL
OPEN MORNING
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Saturday, 7 October 9:30am - 12:00pm
School approved books delivered to your home.
3rd
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Cranford House is proud to offer a modern education based firmly on traditional values. With small class sizes and year groups on offer throughout the school, a happy environment where every child is recognised, valued and encouraged to succeed is guaranteed.
Independent Education for Boys 3-11 and Girls 3-16 Cranford House School www.cranfordhouse.net Cranford House is situated in Moulsford on the Oxfordshire/Berkshire border and operates an extensive school minibus network throughout both counties.
“Academic. Friendly. Inspiring.”
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The top three words chosen by current parents to describe our school
Book rental for young readers. www.readingchest.co.uk
Open Day – 16:08 24/08/2017 Saturday 30 September, 9.30am – 1.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 5 October, 5.00pm Junior Open Afternoon – Thursday 12 October, 1.30pm Book your place via www.shsk.org.uk
Independent day school for girls aged 9-18 ABINGDON • OXFORDSHIRE
01235 530593 www.shsk.org.uk
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Great Minds and How to Grow them
HIGH PERFORMANCE FOR ALL By Wendy Berliner
With the children back to school, or just starting school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class. Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not. The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t. The truth is that with the right support at home, the vast majority of children could deliver performance at school more commonly associated with the gifted and talented. There’s room for a lot more at the top of the class. In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning, and myself, an education journalist who has taken a special interest in why some children from similar backgrounds do badly at school whilst others don’t, have looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent can use at home, fitting it seamlessly and easily into normal daily life. What follows are five top ideas you can use at home. They come from Deborah’s High Performance Learning system which is being introduced in schools in the UK and abroad and is detailed for parents in Great Minds and How to Grow Them.
How to create a high performing child knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things. Key words: ‘What do you need If a child thinks they to be able to do this? How can, they keep trying can you check you’re on . It’s the ones that think track? How can you tell they can’t who fall behind – th whether you are doing it e ones who say ‘I’m ru right? bbish
1. Cultivate confidence and resilience
if a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out at this’ for them – and that includes 4. Encourage open tying their shoelaces as much as it mindedness does doing their homework. And model Being open to new ideas is the hallmark of the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on an advanced learner. Start with being open things in your life. minded yourself so you model what it’s like Key words: How could you do this? Have to be receptive of ideas that differ from your you done anything similar before? What did own. you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard Keywords: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that to do now but I know you can learn how to do interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, this in time if you work at it.’ but that is such a good approach.’
2. Develop critical or logical thinking:
The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the characteristic most associated with academic success. Keywords: ‘Why do you think. . .(bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about that?’
3. Encourage them to monitor their progress
Very important to the high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, familiesonline.co.uk
5. Practice
It’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure it is regular, deliberate and planned, working towards achievable incremental goals and you practise what you can’t do until you can do it well. Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’ Great Minds and How to Grow Them by Wendy Berliner and Deborah Eyre. For a 20% discount and free delivery of the book use webcode: GMGT230 on www.routledge.com Reader offer open till 31 December 2017. Families Oxfordshire 7
Families Fun WHEN? 9 September: 12.30-23.30 WHERE? The Victoria Arms, Old
Marston Playing Americana, Funky Reggae, Alt Pop, Country, Jazz, and Folk with bouncy castle and face painting; a fun event. HOW MUCH? From £5.00; under 10s FREE www.rabbitholemusicevents. co.uk
Oxford Open Doors WHEN? 9- 10 September
Annual Festival of Oxford, a weekend to celebrate city places, spaces and people. Coincides with Heritage Open Weekend across region. www.oxfordpreservation.org.uk/ content/oxford-open-doors
W hat’s Ocens to pla Things to do, be had go and fun to ages in for kids of all
Ox fords h ire
Tree Climbing
WHERE? Greys Court, Henley-on-
Thames
WHEN? 17 Sept & 15 October:
10.00 – 16.00 Learn how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes, knots and karabiners, whilst being securely attached in a harness. HOW MUCH? £20 www.bigtreeclimbing.co.uk
Cotswold Wildlife Park WHERE? Burford
WHEN? September & October: 10.00 - 18.00 Wonderful animals and seasonal events complemented by daily activities: penguin feeding, adventure playground, farm yard fun and single-gauge railway! HOW MUCH? Adult £15; Child £10; Under 3s FREE www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Marble Mazes-Saturday Science Club WHEN? 23 September & 7
October
WHERE? Oxford Centre for
Bat Walk
WHEN? 9 September: 20.30-
22.00
WHERE? Earth Trust Centre,
Abingdon Guided walk with bat detectors to find out more about these marvellous mammals; booking essential. HOW MUCH? Adult £6; Child £3 01865 407792 www.earthtrust.org.uk/whatson
SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials Fre
e!
WHERE? Woodstock
WHEN? 13 - 17 September
With dressage, Cross country and Show jumping attracting world’s best riders. Children’s play areas, car displays, and shopping! General admission £8; under 12s HOW MUCH? FREE www.blenheimhorse.co.uk
Harvest Time
WHEN? 20 September: 10.00 – 12.00 WHERE? Oxford Botanic Garden Explore the Garden, taste-test some harvest produce and make some harvest-themed creations to take home. Drop-in for under 5s. HOW MUCH? Normal admission plus £1 donation www.museums.ox.ac.uk
RDA Abingdon Group Sponsored Ride WHEN? 22 September: 10.30 WHERE? Blenheim Palace,
Woodstock In aid of Abingdon Riding for the Disabled, the ride follows the track of the Blenheim horse trials. sue.rda@greytiles.plus.com 01993 830908 www.rda-abingdon.org.uk
Leaf
WHEN? 24 September
WHERE? Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot A playful theatrical experience for the very young inspired by nature and the seasons. Under 3s. HOW MUCH? Adult £7; Child £5 www.cornerstone-arts.org
8 Families Oxfordshire
Innovation Budding engineers can try one of Science Oxford’s most popular and addictive challenges of all time! For ages 5-9. Pre-book. HOW MUCH? £8 www.scienceoxford.com/events Fre
e!
Board Games and Medieval Medicine
WHEN? 24 September: 14.00 – 16.00 WHERE? Museum of the History of Science Road-test novel board games and discover medicine in the medieval Islamic world. Feedback welcomed! Drop-in, 7+. HOW MUCH? FREE www.museums.ox.ac.uk
Much Ado About Puffin WHEN? 30 September WHERE? The North Wall Arts
Centre, Oxford A funny tale about a man, a friendly puffin, and a whole lot of fuss over nothing. HOW MUCH? Adult £8; Child £6 www.thenorthwall.com
PYO Pumpkins
WHEN? October Weekends WHERE? Millets Farm Centre,
Abingdon Have fun picking, wheeling and weighing your own pumpkin! www.milletsfarmcentre.com/ what-s-on
The Baillie Gifford Festival Hub Marquee Fre
e!
WHEN? 30 September
WHERE? Henley’s town square Each workshop is run by The Oratory School and runs for 45 minutes. Word Wizards – 10am and 2pm: Use a variety of weird and wonderful items to help you create a new language, We need Ninjas! – 11am and 3pm: Can you help us recruit a new ninja for a daring quest? Sensory Stories – 12pm and 4pm: Create some exciting stories using items that look, feel and smell extraordinary. Great for ages 7+ Booking required. HOW MUCH? FREE 01491 683 500 www.oratoryschool.co.uk
Nick Cope’s Songbook WHEN? 30 September: 10.30 – 11.30 WHERE? Story Museum, Oxford Monkeys, bears, socks and mud! Nick sings about everything children are REALLY interested in, and you’re invited to join in. HOW MUCH? £5 www.ticketsoxford.com 01865 305305 familiesonline.co.uk
Please quote Families when booking any of these events
Rabbit Hole Festival
Families Fun Snowflake Books Children’s book launch and activities
Halloween Family Fun
WHEN? 30 September
WHERE? The Oxfordshire
Museum, Woodstock Introducing children to traditional legends of Chinese Animal Zodiac Signs, based on ‘Stories of Animal Sign Series’ of 12 illustrated story books. www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ oxfordshiremuseum
Amazing Armour
WHEN? 7 October: 13.00 – 16.00 WHERE? Pitt Rivers Museum
From coconut to animal skin, find out what people use to protect themselves. Make your own amazing armour. HOW MUCH? FREE www.prm.ox.ac.uk Fre
e!
Oxford Fun Palace
WHEN? 7 October: 11.00
– 15.00
WHERE? Oxford Playhouse
Loads of hands-on activities and experiments; make your own puppet, complete a treasure hunt, DNA Detectives and much more, including performances. 5+ HOW MUCH? FREE www.oxfordplayhouse.com Fre
e!
1940s Weekend
WHEN? 7 - 8 October: fr 11.05 WHERE? Cholsey & Wallingford
Railway Living History displays and other 1940s displays around the Wallingford station site, including air raid experience! HOW MUCH? Adult £10; Child £5; under 5 FREE www.cholsey-wallingford-railway. com
Awful Auntie
WHEN? 11 – 14 October WHERE? New Theatre, Oxford
When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger. Premiere of David Walliams’ amazing tale of frights, fights and friendship. HOW MUCH? From £22.50 atgtickets.com
Apple Day
WHEN? 7 October: 11.00-16.00 WHERE? Eco Centre, Hogshaw With heritage apple expert, apple pressing, apple trees and home produce on sale and delicious apple-themed menu in the Eco Centre. HOW MUCH? FREE 01296 670444 www.greendragonecofarm.co.uk
Please mention Families Oxfordshire when booking
Clarinet Cushion Concerts
WHEN? 8 October: 10.00, 11.00 & 12.00 (must have an image) WHERE? Jacqueline du Pré Music Building, St Hilda’s College Rozzy and Mr Cello introduce families to different instruments in these fun concerts. HOW MUCH? Adult £16; Child £5 (under 1s free) www.jdp.st-hildas.ox.ac.uk/ events familiesonline.co.uk
WHEN? 21 - 29 October
The House of Hocus Pocus
Halloween Baking
WHERE? Millets Farm Centre, Nr Abingdon Children dunk an apple in chocolate and cover it with toppings. Activity sheet and cup of witches’ brew, then spooky story. Pre-book. HOW MUCH? £5.99 www.milletsfarmcentre.com
WHERE? Oxford Castle Learn the horrible histories of the 1000 year-old site and complete spooky trail. Finish hunt for clues to claim a treat. HOW MUCH? Adult £10.75; Child £7.75 www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk
WHEN? 21 October: 10.00 – 12.00 & 13.00 - 15.00 WHERE? Millets Farm Centre, Nr Abingdon Children, 2-5 yrs, pick pumpkin from patch, then make soup and bread. Pre-book. HOW MUCH? £22 www.milletsfarmcentre.com
Children’s Jewellery Making
WHEN? 23 – 29 October
Bizarre Bugs & Brilliant Beasties
WHEN? 24 – 26 October: 10.00 – 15.00 WHERE? Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre Discover more about the creepy, slimy, slithery things that make their home on this nature reserve. Booking essential. www.bbowt.org.uk/events
WHEN? 23 – 27 October
Art in the Autumn
Children can design their own piece of jewellery from selection of quality beads, to take home in gift bag. 1 hour sessions for 6+. Pre-book. HOW MUCH? £9.99 per child www.milletsfarmcentre.com/ what-s-on
WHERE? Oxford Botanic Garden Get creative: take your inspiration from the autumn kaleidoscope of colours and make something beautiful to take home. Drop-in. HOW MUCH? Usual admission plus £1 donation www.museums.ox.ac.uk
WHERE? Millets Farm Centre
WHEN? 25 October: 11.00 – 13.00
Bogeyman Slime Making Workshop
WHEN? 26 October: 11.00 – 12.00 & 14.00 – 15.00 WHERE? The Story Museum, Oxford Share The Bogeyman story, then make the perfect slime to take home!. Ages 5-8. HOW MUCH? £7 www.storymuseum.org.uk 01865 305305
Goblin’s Peter and the Wolf
WHEN? 15 October WHERE? Cornerstone Arts, Didcot
Peter and Grandad go camping for the weekend. Grandad says stick to the campsite but Peter has other ideas. 4+. HOW MUCH? Adult £8; Child £6 www.cornerstone-arts.org
Bats, Cats, Witches and Charms
WHEN? 23 – 25 October: 13.00 – 16.00 WHERE? Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford With activities exploring creatures of the night, magic charms and solving mysteries. Craft activities and real museum objects to handle. www.prm. ox.ac.uk
Spooky Halloween Trains WHEN? 28 & 29 October
WHERE? Cholsey-Wallingford Railway, Wallingford Gifts for children aged 1 – 7 years given by the Witches of Wallingford at their Grotto in brake coach.
HOW MUCH?
Check website for prices. www. cholseywallingfordrailway.com
Families Oxfordshire 9
Oxfordshire Independent School Open Days ABINGDON SCHOOL Park Road, OX14 1DE Boys 4-18, Day and Boarding OD: 30 September 9.30-12.30, drop-in 01235 849011 admissions@abingdon.org.uk ABINGDON PREPARATORY SCHOOL Frilford, OX13 5NX Boys 4-13 OD: 7 October 10.00-12.00 admissions.manager@ abingdonprep.org.uk 01865 392303 www.abingdon.org.uk CARRDUS SCHOOL Banbury, OX17 2BS Girls 3-11 & Boys 3-7 OD: 29 September 10.00-12.00 Nursery ‘Come and Play’ OD: 27 September 10.00-11.00 www.carrdusschool.co.uk 01295 263733 CHANDLINGS SCHOOL Oxford OX1 5ND Girls & Boys 2-11 01865 730771 annapoole@chandlings.org.uk www.chandlings.org.uk
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CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Oxford, OX1 1QW Nursery Boys & Girls, Prep Boys 4-13 registrar@cccs.org.uk www.cccs.org.uk 01865 242561 COKETHORPE SCHOOL Witney, OX29 7PU Boys & Girls 4-18 OD: Whole School 23 September 9.30-12.00 01993 703921 admissions@cokethorpe.org. www.cokethorpe.org.uk CRANFORD HOUSE Moulsford, OX10 9HT Girls 3-16 & Boys 3-11 OD: Whole school 7 October 9.30-12.00 Junior school OD: 4 November 10.00-12.00 Open Week Monday 13 - Friday 17 November 9.30-15.00, drop-in office@cranfordhouse.net 01491 651218 www.cranfordhouse.net D’OVERBROECK’S COLLEGE Oxford, OX2 6JX Girls & Boys 11-18 OD: 7 October 10.00-13.00 01865 302620; 7-11@doverbroecks.com www.doverbroecks.com
DRAGON SCHOOL Oxford, OX2 6SS Boys & girls 4-13 Day OD: 23 September admissions@dragonschool.org 01865 315405
RADLEY Abingdon, OX14 2HR Boys 13-18, Boarding admissions@radley.org.uk 01235 543174 www.radley.org.uk
HEADINGTON SCHOOL Oxford, OX3 7TD Girls 3-11, Day and Boarding OD: 15 October 01865 285560 office@ newcollegeschool.org www.newcollegeschool.org
RYE ST ANTONY SCHOOL Pullen’s Lane, OX3 0BY Girls 3-18 & Boys 3-11 Day and boarding OD: Saturday 30 September 10.00-12.30 01865 762802 www.ryestantony.co.uk
OUR LADY’S ABINGDON OX14 3PS Boys & Girls 3-18 OD: 23 September at 9.30 01235 524658 (Senior School) or 01235 523147 (Junior School) email admissions@olab.org.uk www.olab.org.uk OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL OX2 6XA. Girls 4-18 OD: Meet the Head 12, 19, 26 September: 9.35-11.30 11, 18 October: 9.35-11.30 OD: Sixth Form 13 September: 18.30-21.00 OD: Senior School 6 October: 16.30-19.30 Junior School Open Morning 27 September: 9.30-11.00 OD: Junior School Stay and Play 2 October: 9.30-11.00 13 November: 9.30-11.00 01865 559888 www.oxfordhigh.gdst.net
ST HELEN & ST KATHERINE Abingdon, OX14 1BE Girls 9-18 OD: 30 September 9.30-13.30, drop-in OD: Juniors 12 October 13.30-15.30 OD: Sixth Form 5 October 17.00-20.00 admission@shsk.org.uk 01235 530593 www.shsk.org.uk SIBFORD SCHOOL Banbury, OX15 5QL Boys & Girls 3-18 Day and Boarding OD: Junior School 23 September 10.30-12..00 OD: Whole School 6 October/13 November: 9.45 OD: Sixth Form 17 October: 18.30 edyer@sibfordschool.co.uk 01295 781203 www.sibfordschool.co.uk
SUMMER FIELDS SCHOOL Oxford, OX3 9UW Girls & Boys 2-16 OD: Whole School 7 October admissions@summerfields.com 01865 459204 www.summerfields.com THE KINGS SCHOOL Witney, OX29 6TA Boys & girls 4-18 OD: Whole School 7 October 10.30-12.30 01993 778463 office@tkswitney.org.uk www.tkswitney.org.uk THE MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL Abingdon, OX13 6LN Co-educational for boys & girls, age 2-11, from September 2018 OD: 23 September 10.00-12.30, drop-in 17 November 9.30-11.30 01235 858462 www.manorprep.org THE UNICORN SCHOOL Abingdon, OX14 1AA Boys & girls 6-16, Dyslexia and related Specialist Education registrar@unicornoxford.co.uk 01235 530222 Unicorndyslexia.co.uk
All details are correct at time of printing. Please check each school prior to visiting.
Independent Catholic Boarding and Day School for Boys aged 11 to 18
An All-Round Education in a Nurturing Environment
Open Morning Saturday 16 September 2017
Please contact our Registrar for more information and to register to attend.
Call on 01491 683522 or email registrar@oratory.co.uk
‘The Oratory… now’s the time to look again’ The Good Schools Guide 2017
10 Families Oxfordshire
familiesonline.co.uk
School Spotlight
Abingdon Prep School Exciting times! Abingdon Prep returns to school for a very exciting start to the academic year with a new Headmaster, Craig Williams, who joins Abingdon Prep from Thorngrove School and some fantastic new facilities that the boys can’t wait to get back to. Over the summer an all-weather pitch for hockey, football and tennis was installed plus new cricket nets and a new play area for Pre-Prep to explore. The academic facilities have also undergone a boost with the addition of two bright, modern classrooms for the older boys and extensive refurbishment to existing
classrooms. It’s a great welcome back for everyone with parents and visitors also enjoying improved parking and drop off facilities. If you would like to come and see for yourselves, you would be very welcome at our open morning on Saturday 7 October from 10am-12pm. There will be tours of the school from our older boys and then addresses from the Headmasters of Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep. Further details: www. abingdon.org.uk/ prep/open_day
The Oratory School
The Oratory School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 11 to 18, in South Oxfordshire. With consistently strong academic performance, fantastic pastoral care and outstanding sporting facilities, the school is for all-rounders who thrive in a nurturing community. According to The Good School’s Guide 2017 “…now’s the time to look again” in recognition of the dedication and drive of our teachers who ensure each boy achieves his potential. The Head Master, Joseph Smith, has a clear vision to ensure every boy feels inspired to learn and achieve his best academically and
beyond. In our small school each boy is valued and stretched as an individual. The best way to discover the school is to visit and experience it first-hand. Meet the happy, independent and confident boys to discover what makes The Oratory so special. Next open morning; Saturday 16th September. Please get in touch to find out more. The Oratory School Woodcote Nr Reading South Oxfordshire RG8 0PJ Tel: +44 (0)1491 683500
Oxford High School
OSBP stands for the Oxfordshire Schools’ Bus
New for this year, Oxford High School has
d’Overbroeck’s, Headington, Magdalen College
been working with its neighbouring schools to introduce a school bus service to overcome those lengthy journeys in and out of Oxford for school pupils. From September 2017, OHS pupils from Bourton-on-the-Water, Abingdon, Buckland, Bicester, Brackley, Haddenham and down to Goring, Henley and Reading will have a bus network that will transport them to and
Partnership and comprises Oxford High plus School, Rye St Antony. Contact Us:
Oxford High School, Belbroughton Road, Oxford OX2 6XA
Tel: (+44) 01865 559888
E: oxfordhigh@oxf.gdst.net
from the school door. Contact info@osbp. net for information or visit www.osbp.net.
Radley
Radley offers an environment for boys to grow in self-confidence, thrive academically, and make the most of a range of opportunities. The door is open to talented candidates, regardless of means or background, to join in the pursuit of excellence. A Radley education is about independent thought and learning with enthusiasm; cultural awareness and the benefits of team sport; academic ambition; learning to live with others, and preparation for the world beyond. It is about core values that underpin success. Radley has places that can be funded up familiesonline.co.uk
to 100%. The entry process begins in Year 6 for 11+ candidates, who can be funded through prep school for two years, or there are scholarship places for Year 9 entry. If you have a boy who excels academically or at music, sport, art or drama, then contact admissions@radley.org.uk or 01235 543 174 or complete the enquiry form on our website. www.radley.org.uk/Introduction-toFunded-Places-andScholarships
Families Oxfordshire 11
GCSE League Table There are about as many ways of ranking schools as there are schools. Even if you only consider their GCSE results, there are still many ways of ranking schools. Oxfordshire’s 2016’s results were disappointing - rather below the national average. The numbers after the name of each school tell you: i) the percentage of school's candidates getting A*-C in a subject ii) the school's performance in a new measure called "Progress 8" which tracks each child's progress from aged 7 to 16. iii) the school's percentage of children gaining the EBacc ie A*-C in at least 5 core subjects of English, maths, science, a humanity and a language. GCSE A*-C
Progress 8
EBacc A*-C
1
D’Overbroeck’s
95%
-
49%
2
The King’s School
81%
-
25%
3
Gillotts School
80%
0.40
51%
4
Didcot Girls’ School
77%
0.38
32%
5
Bartholomew School
77%
0.19
34%
66
Langtree School
75%
0.36
41%
7
Wallingford School
75%
0.22
41%
8
The Cherwell School
74%
0.49
41%
9
Lord Williams’s School
71%
0.15
30%
10
Icknield Community College
70%
-0.03
16%
You can see from the table that, whereas D’Overbroeck’s - an independent school/college - achieved the highest number of A*-C passes and The Cherwell outperformed its state rivals at Progress 8 (which the independents don’t count), Gillotts did better when measured by the EBacc. Some Oxfordshire families have no or little choice when it comes to secondary education. The more rural locations will have only one senior school that everyone in the area goes to. However, if you have
12 Families Oxfordshire
a choice because you are, perhaps, equidistant from two or three or if you can consider independent education - (remember that a third of independently-educated pupils in the UK now have some kind of fee assistance) then it’s important to carry some principles with you when you visit. Many of us will be trailing round Open Days in the coming term and GCSE and A level results are an important factor to bear in mind. But they are far from the only thing - and, as you can see from the table above, there are umpteen ways of appraising even something as numbers-based as raw results. The most important things to bear in mind are: • your own child • your own family Could you imagine your child being happy at the school? Do the children look like people who could be her friends? Are the parents people you’d like to get to know? Do the teachers and pupils seems to have good relationships? Is the place well-maintained or are there too few litter bins and smelly loos (take a look!) What will the journey be like? Is there a school bus or good public transport? Is there before or after school care/activities if you need them? Ask questions and remember your child is the most precious thing in your life - the school needs to earn your trust! Susan Hamlyn Director, The Good Schools Guide www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
School Spotlight
Cokethorpe School
Cokethorpe School is a thriving co-educational day school situated in over 150 acres of beautiful Oxfordshire parkland. The Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form offers a well-rounded and stimulating education for pupils from Reception to Upper Sixth. The rural setting, located two miles south of Witney and ten miles west of Oxford, provides an inspirational learning environment with excellent facilities and the School’s extensive bus network ensures it is easily accessible for families from across Oxfordshire and beyond. Cokethorpe values its range of pupils and
the School prides itself on the attention it affords the individual, celebrating the diversity of their ambitions and success. The academic and extra-curricular programmes deliver a wealth of opportunities to support pupils in the discovery of new skills and passions. From sport, music, art and drama to debating, fundraising, entrepreneurship and expeditions, there is something to spark the imagination and focus the mind of every pupil. Cokethorpe School Witney, Oxon OX29 7PU Telephone: 01993 703921 admissions@cokethorpe.org
The Unicorn School Dyslexia-Specialist Teaching at The Unicorn School The Unicorn School is a specialist, independent day school for girls and boysaged 6 to 16 years who have Specific Learning Difficulties: dyslexia and dyspraxia, and those who need support with Speech, Language and Communication. We are a small, nurturing school and we offer both primary and secondary education including our GCSE programme. Pupils can join at any age from Year 2 upwards. Providing a nurturing environment and specialist teaching, we bridge the gap between
our pupils’ current performance and their potential achievement. We offer a positive environment, helping pupils to build selfconfidence, appreciate their learning difficulties and develop their personal learning style. We provide daily one-to-one tuition for every pupil up to Year 8 and thereafter in small groups. To join us at our next open morning on Tuesday 3rd October, or to book an individual visit, please contact our Registrar on 01235 530222, or registrar@unicornoxford.co.uk.
St Helen and St Katharine At St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon we believe that as a school we have an important role to play in encouraging girls to discover and develop their own strengths, enabling them to achieve academically and develop the self-belief and confidence that will equip them for life. Eager to learn and motivated to do their best our students take advantage of the many opportunities on offer. We encourage them to challenge themselves and to take risks, both academically and beyond the classroom. Our students achieve excellent academic
results and our goal is to ensure that every girl achieves success as she defines it. Drawing students from as far afield as Oxford, Witney, Reading and Newbury we provide excellent facilities: new Sports, Science and 3D Design Centres, Performing Arts Centre, state of the art library and extended Sixth Form Centre. Book your place at Open Day on Saturday 30 September 2017 or arrange a visit: www.shsk.org.uk
Cranford House
Co-education or single sex schooling? It’s a question that many parents find themselves pondering as they plan their children’s school careers. And while separating girls and boys can be seen to deliver improved results at secondary level, the evidence suggests that mixing the genders in Junior School has many advantages. As a reflection of the mixed world we live in, it seems clear that educating our youngest children together is healthier for them socially, with friendships and collaborations occurring freely amongst boys and girls. And in terms of academic outcomes, there’s also plenty of evidence that Junior co-education results in boys doing much better in subjects like Drama and participating more readily in class discussions,
familiesonline.co.uk
while girls enjoy an increased ability to take risks in their learning. It’s been suggested that educating the genders together boosts the selfconfidence and belief that underpins pupils’ later success at Senior School. Many progressive independent schools are now aligning their intakes accordingly and opening their Junior Schools to both boys and girls for the first time. With many parents agreeing that teaching boys and girls together in their Junior years provides the best of all worlds, it looks like the future is bright for co-education. Whole School Open Morning Saturday 7 October 9:30-12:00 www.cranfordhouse.net
Families Oxfordshire 13
BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF
ASK ABOUT OUR TWO WEEK TRIAL
BANBURY 0808 2085134 banbury@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/banbury
BICESTER 01869 321185 bicester@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/bicester
FARINGDON 01367 240663 faringdon@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/faringdon
OXFORD BOTLEY 01865 590510 botley@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/botley
OXFORD HEADINGTON 01865 688809 headington@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/headington
OXFORD KIDLINGTON 01865 689222 kidlington@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/kidlington
OXFORD SUMMERTOWN 01865 655663 summertown@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/summertown
THAME 01865 763767 thame@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/thame
HENLEY & HIGH WYCOMBE 01494 533203 henleyandmarlow@stagecoach.co.uk highwycombe@stagecoach.co.uk stagecoach.co.uk/henleyandmarlow
ÂŽ
Creative Courage For Life
ÂŽ
Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach is a registered trademark of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Ltd.
Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year olds, where students learn to embrace life with creativity and courage
Extra Curricular What’s on? Rhymes with Signs
n W hat’s O asses
WHERE: St Matthews Church Hall,
Harwell £5 class
Clubs and cl Sport, Drama, Music, ... o and Educati n
r so me th ing fo e v er y o n e
W R Soccer Schools
WHERE: The Oxford Academy
and Risinghurst Playing Fields £6.50 per session Welcome children of all abilities aged 4-12 years. Weekend sessions at above locations. 01865 587 867 www.wrsoccer.co.uk
Little Kickers
WHERE: Various locations and
dates across Oxfordshire From £45 + membership fee for 6 sessions Football classes throughout the year for ages 18 months to 7 years. www.littlekickers.co.uk 01183 282 321
Headstart Oxford
WHERE: Online courses in science
and mathematics with drop-in sessions afterschool at study centre. Kids set assignments and complete virtual experiments in the digital lab at class. Check online for prices. headstartnow.co.uk 01865 965045
WHEN: Thursday mornings, for
STAGECOACH Performing Arts
Venues across Oxfordshire From £82.50 for 12 sessions Teach children and teenagers, from age 2 to 15+, how to sing, dance and act, not only to perform on stage but also, more importantly, to perform better in life. Classes usually run during the school term. www. stagecoach.co.uk 0800 915 0199
Betty Bloom Dance
WHERE: Venues across region
From £27 for 6 weeks Imaginative dance classes for 2 -15 year olds, covering wide range of recreational dance styles from across the world and through the ages. www.bettybloomdance.co.uk 07785 232 862
If booking any courses, please mention Families Oxfordshire Magazine. The Oxford School of Ballet
WHERE: Woodstock Road Oxford
Tuition in classical ballet for children 3 years +. oxfordballet.co.uk 01865 511097
The Jill Stew School of Dance
babies (3m+) and toddlers (-5) during term time. Introducing signs or letter sounds through songs and stories. Rhymeswithsigns.co.uk 07734 296 721
Little Monkey’s Gym n Swim
WHERE: Various locations
From £9 swim; £5 gym session Swimming for 2 years + in groups of approximately 6. Gym with soft play, climbing and hand apparatus, music. www.janebrooksgymandswim. com 01865 841 409
Dippers & Divers
Matrix Music School & Arts Centre
From £9.25 per session Various classes for babies and children. Small class size with activities including group and individual work. Dippersanddivers.co.uk 01235 763328
Various individual music lessons including Yamaha Music lessons for young children. Also art and ballet classes. Trial lessons to try before committing to term. 01235 847264 matrixmusicschool.co.uk
WHERE: Didcot and surrounds
WHERE: Sutton Courtenay
Tatty Bumpkin Family Yoga
The Manor Prep School, Abingdon £5pp or £15 per family Unwind and bond with your children in a fun and active way with Hatha yoga. Held monthly. Pre-book. www.tattybumpkin.com/ seoxfordshire 07772 966039
Basketball Training
WHERE: Didcot Girls School
9am to 10am for school year 6 and below, 10am to 11:30am for school years 7 to 13 Fun sessions to improve fitness, agility, balance and co-ordination COST: £3 per hour info@oxfordshireheat.com, 07787433275, www.oxfordshireheat.com
Oxford School of Gymnastics
WHERE: Lord Williams’s Lower
School, Thame From £7/45mins The first specialist club in the county to offer Acrobatic Gymnastics. For children 4 years+. Assessment to join waiting list. www.oxfordschoolofgymnastics. com
WHERE: Bridge Street Mill,
Perform
WHERE? Oxford and Abingdon WHEN? Evening and weekend
classes available for 4-12 year olds to boost confidence and concentration. This autumn, 4-7s will be venturing Under the Sea while 7-12s will be working a rocktastic fairytale adaptation, Cinderella Rocks. FREE trial class; book online. www.perform.org.uk
familiesonline.co.uk
Witney Classes in Classical Ballet from age three. Modern Dance, Tap Dancing, Contemporary Dance, Jazz Dance, Drama classes and Musical Theatre also available. jillstew.co.uk 01993 772464
McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy
WHERE: Oxford, Abingdon and
Bicester areas For children (3+). All teachers are fully qualified and registered with An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha one of the governing bodies of Irish dance. marionflanagan.co.uk 07971 035 797 Families Oxfordshire 15
Enstone
A4260 Bunkers Hill
A44 Wooton Turn
Kidlington
Wendlebury
Weston-on-the-Gre
Woodstock
Yarnton Islip
ZONE 2
Who would like an easier school journey?
Cutteslowe
Beckley
ZONE 1
London Rd Wheatley Wormingha
Sh
Osney
Sandhills
Cumnor
Marcham
Boars Hill
Hinton Waldrist
Frilford Nine new bus routes Kingston to Oxford High School Bagpuize Buckland
Wheatley
Hinksey Hill
Wootton
Sandford
Nuneham Courtenay
Great Milton Little Milton
Stadhampton Chalgrove
Abingdon
Cuxham Drayton Shillingford
the Vale www.ohsvisit.org.ukStanford or incall Admissions on 01865 318500
Route 8
Sutton Courtenay
Route 7
Benson
For Crowmarsh girls aged Gifford 4 to 18 years Wallingford
Goring
Route 6
Find out more at our Open Morning Saturday 23 September 2017 9.30am - 12.00pm
www.cokethorpe.org.uk
Watli
C
Ro