wiltshire One magazine, one county


There is aHogwarts out there for your child...


WITHTHE Deathly Hallows Part Two still attracting record cinema viewers, Potter-mania shows no signs of abating. In a league table of fictional schools, Hogwarts School ofWitchcraft trounced the competition to take first place, as St Trinian’s trailed into second place (must have been the boys voting for that one). Rydell High made it to third place,


revealing the enduring popularity of the filmGrease more than 30 years after hitting the big screen. Attracting nine per cent of the overall vote, the home of the T Birds and Pink Ladies was actually second choice among female respondents. Irrespective of choice, the survey shows


most of us would like to experience certain elements of our school years again, even if just to attend midnight parties or develop magical skills.While the latter may be out of our control, there is no reason why a school for your son or daughter cannot be every bit as magical. Leaden Hall School in an Independent Schools Inspection report was described as being “like Hogwarts… a magical place.”High praise, indeed. My advice is take a look through our


supplement, read the editorial and pay close attention to our Noticeboard pages, for here the true vitality of the schools comes through. Canford, Forres Sandle Manor, Kingswood, Stonar… in the South West we are positively spoilt for choice. Another piece of advice is to take a look


at www.isbi.com. From its picturesque headquarters in a Georgian house in the heart of ruralWiltshire, isbi (standing for Independent, Special, Boarding, International) has built an impressive reputation among parents looking for the right independent, international or special school for their children. Also attend as many school open days


as you have time for, making a list of questions to ask both teachers and pupils. Your son or daughter’s happiness is


paramount, but, believe me, their personal Hogwarts is out there.


Katie Williams Printers


Pensord Press Ltd, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, Gwent NP12 2YA


To IB or not to IB?


Stephen Wilkinson, director of studies at Canford, describes the reasons why the International Baccalaureate diploma cannot match traditional A-levels.


The intelligence debate


What constitutes ‘intelligence’? Ever known a well-qualified idot? Martin Priestley, headmaster of Warminster School, says certificates are not everything.


Why pay for Pre-Prep?


Mark Hartley, head of FSM, asks which stage of education should parents pay for? School notice board


Acting like Tarzan, picking fights and still getting a good report? What’s going on? Independent schools listings


Information on accredited schools in the Wiltshire region. Difficulty with reading?


A look at how children with visual stress can rapidly improve their reading ability. Meet the headmistress


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FRONT COVER Our special thanks go to Kingswood School and its musical pupils.


Elizabeth Thomas, headmistress of Stonar, reveals the she hated having to drink milk, didn’t really thrive until she went to Sixth Form and is reading Carol Ann Duffy.


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IN ASSOCIATION WITH Contents


School Bath


WILTSHIRE LIFE Schools Supplement October 2011


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LIFE


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