INDEX education Starting
emotions, representing both the end of an era and the exciting launch of a small person into a wide world of opportunity. Of course it is the latter message that children need to absorb, even though parents might secretly harbour an overwhelming desire to hold back the march of time. The greatest gift you can offer your child, however, is to send him or her off to school with a fl ourish rather than a fl ounder – because of course it is you that he or she will attempt to emulate. Currently, all children must
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receive a suitable full-time education between the ages of 5-16. September starters
tarting school poses a paradox for many parents. The event evokes confl icting
school
are now commonplace as increasingly fewer schools encourage a later January intake. It means that some children will be a mere day or two over the age of four when they commence school – which many people feel is far too young whilst others insist that early schooling generates greater intellect. Whatever your own personal thoughts on the subject, there is no doubt that preparation at home can be immensely benefi cial - and it’s never too early to provide informal teachings that will last a lifetime. According to Early
Language Consultants, speech, language and communication skills provide a vital key to success and Every Child a Talker (ECAT) is a national project that aims to support this ideal. Research has discovered
Starting school is one of life’s key events. Caroline Knight offers some tips to help parents prepare their children for the Big Day.
that children who speak confi dently are able to become effi cient learners and they are likely to achieve more highly than those with communication diffi culties. Those with temporary diffi culties are, however, able to catch up, providing they receive encouragement and support. The I CAN
Talk paper: The Cost to the Nation of Children’s Poor Communication, suggests that simple exercises help babies and small children to adopt healthy talking habits including
the practice of repeating your child’s sounds, talking to them from birth onwards and playing with them ‘face to face’ for a few minutes every day. As you might expect, sharing a book
Star Pupil Rafi Stone
St Edmund’s School Canterbury is an independent boarding school for pupils aged three to 18. Rafi Stone, who has just fi nished his fi nal year (during which he was Captain of the School), explains what makes St Edmund’s a special place. “SCHOOL life at St.
Edmund’s, Canterbury, has been like studying at home. It’s a small, friendly, safe environment.
I have just completed my A-levels. I studied English, History and P.E. as well as participating in a range of extra-curricular activities. I have been lucky enough to play for the schools’ successful football, hockey and cricket teams. I have also been involved in St. Edmund’s drama and
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have been part of some brilliant productions. This year’s ‘Remember’ was a haunting production centering on the holocaust and it was truly an honour to be involved. The drama team is dynamic and vibrant –inspiring many wannabe actors and actresses. Music is at the very heart of St. Edmund’s life and I recommend a visit to one of the pupil-led concerts to get a sense of what the school has to offer. Due to the small size of the school, you are encouraged to mature with sensitivity and empathy. This is a unique feature of St. Edmund’s, as no matter what age or what year – everyone respects each other for their talents and what they bring to the school. These are exciting times
at St. Edmund’s. A new head joins the school this term and I am certain that she will only continue to develop the excellent spirit that is the hallmark of life at St. Edmund’s.” Rafi is now eagerly waiting
for his A Level results and will study law at university. Find out more at www.
stedmunds.org.uk, call 01227 475600 or write to St Edmund’s School, St Thomas’ Hill, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8HU.
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The INDEX magazine September 2011
Playing for the 1st XI hockey team
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