Posts

Coping with homesickness - preparing for life in a boarding school.

Leaving home at any age is a shock to the system but leaving home as a young child can be traumatic. Post 13+ or 11+, students tend to be euphoric as they realise that their hard work has paid off and their thoughts turn to summer rather than the new term. Missing home is inevitable and, as parents, there are a few ways you might want to consider to help your child cope: 1: Prepare for the new school, visit at least once (amazingly, the first exposure some students get to their new home for five years is when they arrive on the first day) 2: Talk about similarities and differences before your child goes - be attentive to cultural differences. 3: Identify ways of smoothing the transition - does your child have a favourite snack you can send? 4: Speak to the new housemistress/master and matron and work out when your child can call home, how you can contact him/her and what support can be provided. 5: Listen to your child. Don't dismiss their fears or worries, small probl

What is a dress code?

I did an interview with Singtao newspaper today in which we discussed dress codes and why they are important. I know that some people think that dress codes are out of fashion but to me they are a way of saying to your host "I appreciate you inviting me to this event. I recognise that you have invested time and money in planning and care about me enough to share your generosity with me. I am making an effort!' We are living in a society in which the silent ways of showing we care for each other are being eroded. I do not think that respect is an old fashioned value, rather it is a standard by which we can live our lives. Not turning up in jeans to a formal wedding is little to ask of us! Watch some of the interview on Singtao online

Finding happiness through the eyes of children

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I had a miserable day yesterday which changed dramatically when I found this fabulous picture on my desk. The picture (and flattery, take it where you can!) reminded me that sometimes we need to stop taking life so seriously and live more in the moment. Children have a real gift for spontaneity and we should cherish it. Learning and educating goes both ways! My instant cheer up present from Akuri!

My Holiday Memory Journal - a summer activity for students

Remember your childhood holidays? Apparently the sun shone every day, happiness abounded and every day was an adventure. What was the reality? A quick wander through the records for 1980s Ireland reveals that our corner of Kerry had a 24 hour rainfall of 106mm and extensive flooding during an August I remember as being particularly sunny. Summer project: A memory book for holidays. Cheap, easy and a way of helping your son or daughter to build confidence (and fill those rainy days!) Step one: Get a plan A4 exercise book. The first project is to cover the book in plain paper and decorate the covers. Use colours, felt-tips, pictures... be creative! Step two: decide on what to include. Each day can have a different focus such as: food (stick in menus, pictures, restaurant reviews); friends - get new friends to sign the book (this is a terrific confidence booster!); short stories or poems based on what you see out of your window; pictures of the view from your room/hotel/tent; desc

Thank you all. PhD Ceremony at Durham University

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Common wisdom has it that it takes a village to raise a child. With a slight adaptation; it takes a world to create a PhD Candidate! My studies would never have been possible without the support of my family, friends and the blessings of God. I have learned so much and will continue to see that I have much to strive for, In the meantime... thank you, thank you, thank you. 

13+/Common Entrance English - Choosing your essay

As our Brandon students count down to the 13+ exam (most of our girls sat the exam in Spring but we have a very determined group of Harrow candidates who will certainly do well!) I would like to offer some advice on the English paper. The first English paper ('Literary prose') offers a prose comprehension followed by a structured writing task. Candidates have the option of writing a directed piece (speeches/magazine articles/diaries) or reflecting on literature. The majority of our students choose the first option and this advice is directed towards them: 1: Read the question carefully, underline the key words. 2: Be aware of the structure of the piece you are being asked to write. Make sure that you have the correct format in mind (e.g. if you are writing an article, have you included an introduction and conclusion?) 3: Think about the level of language you need to maintain: a diary entry can be informal language whereas a letter to a Head needs to be formal. Speeches

13+ Last minute hints

To all our Brandon 13+ candidates! Tips to ensure that your answer matches the questions 1: Underline the key words in the question. Ask yourself what the question requires of you. 2: Check the marking scheme, don't waste time on a one mark answer 3: Look for recognisable instructions: describe, analyse, compare 4: Is the question asking HOW something happens or WHY? 5: As you are answering, refer back to the question to make sure that you are on track. Read carefully... Don't panic!