Independent Schools 2017

Thursday, September 14, 2017 Dauntsey ’s School DAUNTSEY’S is delighted to

Newbury Weekly News

Lorna Woolley

Meet Lorna, an independent educational ad viser

announce an impressive line-up of speakers for the new season of its renowned Mercers’ Lecture series, starting this month. The lectures are named in recognition of the links between Dauntsey’s and the Mercers’ Company, which go back to Mercer founder Alderman William Dauntsey, Master of the Worshipful Company of Mercers, who founded the school in West Lavington in 1542. The programme provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with leading figures, who will explore a range of topics from adventure, history, conservation, business and sport. Dauntsey’s look forward to welcoming guests to the school for some lively discussions. Thursday, September 14 – Alex Thomson INTERNATIONAL yachtsman, who finished second in this year’s Vendée Globe – a

How did you first discover the need for specialist educational advice? MY two sons are both dyslexic and between them they’ve seen many professionals and attended several different schools. Even as an experienced primary schoolteacher, I found the process of searching for the right educa- tional setting for each of them to be difficult and stressful. However, now I’ve seen the results which can be achieved in a school offering the right support and I’m passionate about helping other parents of children with learning challenges. I FEEL strongly that the difficulties faced by young people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ODD, ASD, Asperger’ s or other learning difficulties must not be barriers to their success. These are intelligent children who, in the right setting, are capable of achieving as well as, or even better than, their peers across the country. Unfortunately, the usual model of education lets these pupils down. They fail to make the same progress in their learning as others in their class and school. Their confidence becomes eroded, sometimes to the point that they genuinely believe they are stupid and ineducable. Why do you recommend independent education? OUR national education system is designed to suit only the most popular learning styles and this inflexibility damages the chances of some children. What are the signs that a child would benefit from specialist support?

Speakers to follow in 2018 will include leading international rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE, Green & Black’s co-founder, speaker and leading business entrepreneur Jo Fairley and double Olympic rowing champion Heather Stanning OBE. All lectures commence at 7.30pm and will be held in the Memorial Hall at Dauntsey’s. Entry is free, but visit the school website to reserve your seats online at www.dauntseys.org

is firmly rooted in the school, but pupils are encouraged to try new experiences, and its adventure education and extra-curricular programmes set it apart. Pupils are expected to look after each other and this culture of mutual respect leads to a real sense of belonging within a forgiving and productive community. The curriculum is broad and extensive range of subjects from classical civilisation to music technology to Arabic. The timetable offers a great deal of flexibility and classes are small. A programme of enrichment activities broadens pupils’ intellectual and academic horizons. balanced, offering the opportunity to study an

Through extensive research, I’ ve identified many independent schools with talented staf dedicated to giving careful consideration to each pupil’s own perspective, and providing resources which match their needs. Once the potential bariers to progress are removed and all children are valued for the contributions they make, subjects previously inaccessible become enjoyable. School can be an environment in which pupils truly want to learn. What services do you offer? AS an independent educational adviser, I help parents find the most appropriate educational setting for their child. I have supported children of all ages: from as early as starting school, midway through pre-prep

or prep, as well as at the transition into senior school or even into post-16 education. If necessary, I organise assessments with professionals experienced in their field. Based on this information and on parents ’ views and preferences, I suggest a number of options which might not otherwise have been considered. These might include keeping a child at their current school and sourcing the right extra support. My aim is to reduce the time and stress involved in finding the best- fit school where a child can really flourish, whatever their unique needs and learning style. To arrange a free phone consultation, contact lorna@lornawoolley.co.uk or visit www.lornawoolley.co.uk

round-the-world, non-stop, single-handed yacht race, sailed without assistance.

October 2017 - Dr Bettany Hughes

HIGHLY-respected historian, author and broadcaster, who specialises in ancient and mediaeval history and culture. November 2017 – Steve Backshall HIGH-profile adventurer, presenter, explorer and wildlife enthusiast, best known for BBC TV’s Deadly 60 .

* * * DAUNTSEY’S is a leading

co-educational boarding and day school for 11-18-year-olds, set in 150 acres of idyllic countryside in Wiltshire. A culture of academic ambition

Helping find a school where your child can reach their full potential - socially, emotionally and academically