Daily summary of the latest news and opinions from the world of independent education bought to you by Education Advisers...  

Sector-wide research shows that independent schools are leading the way in keeping today’s children fit and healthy

At a time of widespread concern over obesity and lack of wellbeing amongst young people, the inaugural national sports survey of HMC schools in the UK reveals that:

  • Independent schools are leading the way in keeping today’s children fit and healthy, with 5.4 hours a week on average played in over 40 sports. This includes games, PE and practices.
  • Independent school pupils do on average  double the amount of sport compared with pupils in state schools according to figures from the Youth Sport Trust (less than two hours a week)
  • Team sport is alive and well with a huge 30,000 fixtures a year in the 169 HMC schools surveyed – that’s nearly 1,000 a week involved almost 10,000 pupils
  • Of the 169 schools, a remarkable 1400 pupils had played for their country, around eight per school. 7,000 had represented their county
  • Leading independent schools maintain interest in sport from girls and boys throughout the teenage years, with consistent participation across gender, ages and day and boarding schools
  • Health based facilities and activities are on the increase alongside consistent provision of a wide range of team sports played at all levels.

The survey was carried out by the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference amongst its 260 members, which include a wide variety of day and boarding schools across the UK.

Read more at: http://www.hmc.org.uk/blog/first-data-released-sport-uks-leading-independent-schools/?utm_content=buffer463b4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

St Swithun's School introduces new maths scholarships

St Swithun's School has introduced two new maths scholarships, at 13+ and 16+, which will run from September 2018.

In awarding mathematical scholarships, St Swithun’s says it aims to nurture exceptional young students who may choose to follow highly mathematical career paths at university and beyond: “As the leading mathematical lights of the school, scholars will demonstrate mathematical excellence and intellectual curiosity, will perform exceptionally in competitions and will promote maths as a subject whenever possible.”

Mathematical scholarships in both age groups are open to external and internal candidates. At 16+ candidates will be identified through performance in academic papers and an interview.

At 13+, students will be invited to apply based on nomination from their current school. Selection is carried out via an examination paper and an interview. Successful candidates at 13+ who continue to perform well will retain the scholarship throughout their years at school. 

Headmistress Jane Gandee said: “We have a strong record of promoting able mathematicians at St Swithun’s. The new scholarships will allow more access to our excellent teaching staff and resources and enrich mathematical activities for all students at the school."

Read more at: http://ie-today.co.uk/Article/st-swithuns-school-introduces-new-maths-scholarships