IN ASSOCIATION WITH


School Bath Norman Court pupils enjoy some


play fighting thanks to actor’s skills FIGHTING IS not a usual feature of the day at Norman Court prep school, the thriving and successful prep school between Winchester and Salisbury. Visitors to the School could be forgiven for feeling slightly nervous as they came across a frenzy of activity with children shouting at each other, slapping and punching while others were carried off protesting.


Escape to the usually tranquil,


picturesque South Lawn proved futile as a terrifying Haka, the Maori war dance, was in full swing. And yet…not a pupil was marked and they all seemed remarkably happy and cheerful as they broke off for lunch. It was of course the school’s actor in residence, Megan Purdie from Forest Forge, who was responsible for all this chaos. She produced a week of stunning street theatre, production skills, improvisation and the all-important stage fighting. Headmaster Paddy Savage said: “Our


drama week was an exciting and fitting challenge for the children who have worked so hard and with such success, leading to six scholarships for our leavers who are all going to the Secondary or Public School of their choice, including Eton, Marlborough, Pangbourne and Godolphin.”


The pursuit of excellence


LEADEN HALL is committed to the pursuit of excellence in all areas of the school and the results can be seen in the girls’ amazing academic achievements over the last three years. In total they have gained 35 places at South Wilts Grammar School as well as 35 scholarships - academic, music, sport and art - to a wide selection of independent Schools. They have also achieved a 100% pass rate for 11-plus Common Entrance Examinations. Although these high achievements are important, we


do not feel that academic success is the only criteria needed to be a successful school. More important is the pursuit of happiness, as only happy children attain their highest potential. We are an inclusive community that encourages everyone to achieve their personal best. Our ethos of love and care ensures that every girl is nurtured and supported, and develops a real love of learning. On top of that, the girls are actively encouraged to learn from their mistakes and not to be afraid of taking risks, thereby fostering the invaluable life skills of perseverance and resilience. In the words of the ISI inspector, Leaden Hall is a “magical place” because our pupils strive to be their ‘best selves’ and pursue excellence in all things.


St Margaret’s pupils are outstanding,


says ISI report ‘PUPILS’ ACHIEVEMENT is outstanding across a wide range of activities’ according to the interim inspection report of St Margaret’s Preparatory School in Calne, recently carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The report acknowledged that


“attainment is judged to be high in relation to age-related expectations.” It also remarked on how “the pupils’ successes are due, in large measure, to the strong teaching, their positive attitudes, and the excellent relationships” and that “meticulous attention is paid to detail with nothing left to chance.” The inspection recognised that “pupils’


progress is supported by an excellent and wide-ranging curriculum” and that “the well-structured programme of personal, social and health education benefits their personal development.” When referring to teachers, the inspectors commented that “teachers’ planning is detailed” and that “teaching stimulates the pupils’ interest and takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect”’ Visit the website at www.


stmargaretsprep.org.uk to view the report. Pupils win two gold athletics medals – each!


ROOKWOOD PUPILS Matthew Chant and Lauren Marlow were jumping for joy this summer when they returned from the 49th ISA Athletics Championships in Birmingham clutching two gold medals – each. The championships (a national competition held at the Alexander


Stadium) attracted hundreds of applicants aged from eight to 18 years but Mathew and Lauren excelled themselves, despite the stiff competition. Whilst Matthew, aged just 14, seized gold for both the prestigious


100 and 200 metres track events (smashing the 200 metre national record in the process) Lauren, aged 15, was busy scooping gold for the 80 metre hurdles and the long jump (achieving a new personal best in the former). Lauren said she was “so excited” to win the golds having taken both


the silvers only 12 months previously while Matthew was already looking ahead to the English Schools Championships in Gateshead –


14


just one more step towards his dream of joining Team GB. “We are so proud


of all the pupils who attended the ISA Athletics Championships but we are


especially pleased for our Gold


medal winners,” said Rookwood’s


head of sports, Liz Brown. “They are dedicated athletes who truly deserve this recognition and they’re an inspiration for all our younger Rookwood Pupils. Well done!”


WILTSHIRE LIFE Schools Supplement October 2011


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