Pippa’s Guardians welcomes new Area Manager for Kent
Pippa’s Guardians is delighted to welcome their new Area Manager, Tessa Kent, to the team. Tessa will be looking after children in the Kent area, and is already getting to know all the students and schools in her region. Having been educated in an independent boarding school herself, Tessa has a very good understanding of the environment and excellent education that her pupils enjoy, and she will be encouraging them to embrace all the activities on offer to make the most of their time in their UK schools. At the same time, she understands what it can be like for boarding school pupils to be a long way from home, in a different country and learning a new language, and she is looking forward to supporting them fully in their education here.
During her career Tessa has always worked with young people in a mentoring role, in both their education and working lives. Most recently she has helped young people adjust to major changes and has supported them with their decision-making, so she is well-suited to working with children during their school time here. She and her husband also have also been a host family, and they have enjoyed sharing their home with many young international students over the last nine years. Having hosted herself, Tessa is in the ideal position to find families who can provide a welcoming, caring environment for children during exeats and school holidays.
Pippa’s Guardians’ Managing Director visits Asia
Pippa’s Guardians’ Managing Director, Ben Hughes and his wife, Louise, have recently returned from a trip to Asia. With meetings in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Chengdu, the couple certainly managed to cover many miles and pack in plenty of appointments in their ten-day visit.
In all four cities, Ben gave presentations about the company and guardianship, and he enjoyed meeting agents and parents who are already using Pippa’s Guardians services. An important element of the trip was to promote the company and strengthen the good relationships, as well as to find potential new clients who are looking for guardianship in the UK. Pippa’s Guardians is already well-regarded amongst local agencies and consultants, and this looks set to continue next year. A high level of service has always been one of the company’s strengths and this is recognised with all the parties it already works with. Ben was very pleased to receive consistently encouraging feedback and is proud of the reputation he and his team have built up over the years, saying:
The part that I enjoyed the most was meeting with various existing parents and agents and receiving such positive feedback. We really are so well received in Asia and quite simply making a difference for our overseas families.
Meanwhile, Louise gave presentations on the summer school and enjoyed meeting local parents’ groups and schools. After a successful summer school last July, she was in a strong position to explain what a fantastic opportunity this offers their children. Pippa’s Guardians is proud of its unique summer school because alongside providing engaging English lessons, it also gives international children a valuable insight into the British way of life. Based on the positive feedback received last summer and the interest showed by parents in China in October, we are expecting high demand for the programme being offered in July and August 2019.
Overall, it was a thoroughly worthwhile trip for Ben and Louise and they are already planning the next one for early 2019.
Annual Conference
The annual conference for Pippa’s Guardians staff was held in August at the Abbey Hotel in Malvern. In addition to the informative workshops and talks, it was also a chance for all the regional teams to come together and for new staff to be introduced and welcomed.
After an introduction and overview of the company by MD Ben Hughes, the first talk was on E-safety. Karl Hopwood covered this very important topic, bringing awareness of the changes and current trends in the use of social media, and providing strategies to help keep our students safe online. The next talk was by Evie Kitt on Academic Mentoring, in which she explained how pupils thrive academically when given close, tailored support. Pippa’s Guardians has two mentors who play an important role in checking progress and ensuring pupils are achieving their full potential.
The second day kicked off with a Mental Health Workshop run by Olive Branch Consultancy. Everyone wondered what was in store when shown a selection of random objects and asked to describe the challenge of their role through one of these. Russian dolls, a Christmas tree, a basket of eggs, toy figures and a globe were all used most imaginatively! After describing some of the mental health issues affecting young people today, the presenters Esther Usiskin-Cohen and Mandy Sarankin then gave some practical techniques and tips for supporting students. It was an extremely informative and enlightening morning.
The whole team left the two-day conference having learnt some valuable strategies to deliver the best possible care to the young people they look after and feeling fully prepared and excited to start the new academic year in September.
Summer Camp July 2018
In July Pippa’s Guardians welcomed 27 Chinese pupils on its summer camp held at the Elms School near Malvern. With daily English lessons, children were able to improve their language skills in the classroom, whilst also having the opportunity to learn about British culture.
Many exciting activities were on offer giving the children a useful and interesting insight into the history and traditions of Britain. A trip to Harry Potter World and to the London Eye were undoubtedly highlights for most, but there was also plenty to see locally, such as visits to a castle and a cathedral.
The Elms School is set in the heart of the English countryside and gave children the chance to take part in a variety of fun activities, from horse riding to walking dogs and pigs! Away from the school’s farm, the other facilities could be enjoyed out on the sports field or inside doing music and drama. There was plenty of interest from local English children too, who jumped at the chance to join in with some of the activities and new friendships were quickly formed. Language barriers are so quickly overcome when you’re on the same sports team or singing songs together, as our delightful pupils showed us.
To help immerse the children fully in British culture, they stayed with our caring host families who welcomed them into their homes and gave them an insight into everyday life and customs in the UK. As most of the families have children themselves, it was perfect for the Chinese pupils to make more friends and slot into family life.
After two action-packed, inspiring weeks, it was over all too quickly and the Chinese pupils returned home full of happy memories and with many new friends.
Pippa's Guardians Welcomes New Area Managers for West Midlands and South East
Pippa’s Guardians are delighted to welcome Georgina Morgan and Claire Cross, joining us as Area Managers for the South East and the West Midlands respectively.
Georgina attended the University of Cape Town to study Economics, followed by a post graduate in Logistics, and after graduating, she came to London to work on a visa and also travelled. While here, she met and married Simon, also a Zimbabwean living abroad, and had a rewarding career within an investment company until she started her family. As her children progressed to secondary school she developed a small business running motivational workshops at Prep Schools, inspiring young children to identify their individual strengths and talents and empowering them to confidently articulate these qualities. Researching and developing this concept has enabled Georgina to enhance her passion of ‘making a difference’ to the lives and prospects of children and she bring this to her role as an Area Manager with Pippa’s Guardians.
Georgina said;
'I have compassion for family members living apart and am passionate about making your child’s boarding school experience a positive one. I fully understand what it is like to be a boarding school pupil and a long way from home and am here to support your son or daughter and your family as you start this exciting new adventure here in the UK.'
Claire began her career in Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service working as crew manager in the emergency control room for twenty-seven years, during which time she handled many different emergencies from national security threats, through to small animal rescues, so she has a real empathy for how stressful situations impact lives. In 2013 she decided it was time to change career and she took on the role of matron at an independent boarding school in Cheltenham working in a boys’ sixth form boarding house. Meeting new parents, leaving their children at boarding school of en for the first time, helped Claire understand the importance of regular, knowledgeable and caring communication.
Claire said;
'I know how vital it is to build good relationships from the start so you, as their parent, are reassured and confident your child’s wellbeing is my priority and they are being cared for as they would be at home. For your son or daughter, making new friends, speaking a second language and adapting to a different country, home and classroom environment can be a daunting time. However, I will be there to support and encourage your child, during their time at school and with our host families, to ensure their life here is exciting, challenging and rewarding.'
Ben Hughes, Pippa’s Guardians MD, said: ‘Claire and Georgina's unique experiences and understanding of both international education and global family makes them dynamic and resourceful newcomers to Pippa’s Guardians; we’re looking forward to working alongside them and warmly welcome them to our team.'
Pippa's Guardians' Young Musical Talent Wins Wind Prize
At Shrewsbury School this spring nearly 50 pupils took part in the annual Wind Prizes, adjudicated by celebrated clarinettist, saxophonist and flutist Paul Saunders. Saunders plays regularly in the West End on Wicked and has recently been appointed as Multi instrumental Consultant at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and this year awarded nine Wind Prizes to various musical talents across Shrewsbury School's year groups.
Pippa's Guardians would like to congratulate Edward Hou on his success; Edward is currently studying in the 4th form and is looked after and supported in his musical endeavours by Regional Manager Helen Edginton. Edward was awarded the Highly Commended Prize for his saxophone piece, and has since upgraded his saxophone to a Yanagisawa AW01 to continue improving upon this achievement.
Well done Edward!
Pippa’s Guardians Launches Welcome Course tailored for International Students’ Success
Taking new strides in laying the foundation for its student’s future academic achievements, Pippa’s Guardians is running its first ever Welcome Course this August at the beautiful Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire. This course is designed to dispel any nerves or concerns for those starting at boarding school in September 2018, and ensures our international students have the best possible start to boarding school in the UK.
The six expert speakers, including previous and current distinguished Heads of independent schools, experienced teachers and an etiquette coach, are all highly successful in their respective fields with valuable knowledge to share. Covering everything from daily routine, key contacts and extra-curricular activities, through to an in-depth break down of the UK curriculum and planning for a university education, new international students will feel equipped to make the most of their unique opportunity to study at a British boarding school and begin their exciting educational adventure.
Meanwhile, whilst the students learn about the practicalities and culture of boarding life, parents will enjoy an exclusive tour of Oxford University as well as a visit to the incredible Blenheim Palace. Parents will also have the opportunity to listen to talks on the academic cycle, communicating with schools and, importantly, guardianship and the role of the host family, given by Pippa’s Guardians Managing Director Ben Hughes.
Welcome Course is also a fantastic opportunity for your child to make friends and meet other students in the same situation. Understanding what to expect when it comes to sleeping arrangements, finding their way around school and coping with homesickness will have a significant impact on your child’s transition to boarding school.
The Welcome Course fee includes three nights accommodation at Heythrop Park hotel for one student and two parents, chauffeur transfers from London or Heathrow, all meals for students and parents for the duration of the course, admission to the tour of Oxford University and Blenheim Palace and transport to both and lunch at My Sichuan, as well as all the speakers and etiquette training. For more information, pippasguardians.co.uk/welcome-course
Pippa’s Guardians reaches new heights as they go Airborne at Cheltenham’s Trampoline Park
This half term Pippa’s Guardians organised their most spring-loaded social yet - a day at Airborne Trampoline Park for Host Families, their own children and the international student they host, from in and around the Cheltenham area. Airborne Trampoline Park boasts a sea of performance-sprung trampolines, a laser Reaction Wall and the wicked jumping obstacle-course Ninja Run, as well as a three-metre high Jump Tower, which our students (and some of the more daring parents) had great fun leaping from.
The social event was very well attended, with over thirty children bouncing away whilst their host families chatted and relaxed over refreshments. Local Area Managers Susie Sedgwick, Sarah Davies, Clare Carter and Caroline Heath were all in attendance, as well as Managing Director Ben Hughes and his family, who kindly funded the snack and drinks at the cafe. Host Jacqueline Greenough attended with her own two children and three boys that were staying with her; Jacqueline was incredibly energetic and keen to give the boys a great time; she did every trampoline and obstacle at the park - see her in purple on the left, beneath airborne Oscar Chan!
Jacqueline said:
'I am lucky to host three great boys from Hong Kong whom attend Cheltenham College. They recently stayed with our family over half term and we were invited to go to Airbourne for a trampolining session. I think my boys and my own two children really didn't know what to expect but it turned out to be the most amazing fun. In fact I couldn't resist joining in myself and we were all soon bouncing away and the hour went so fast and we really didn't want to come off ! I think the best bit for me was the 'Ninja Run' when I was told by the boy working there that I was the oldest person he had ever seen to compete the course properly (not sure if that was a compliment or not !) All in all we all had a great time with my boys and my own children especially loving the basketball area and the big jump which they all did without hesitation whereas I had to be coaxed down by a five year old, so thank you to Pippa's Guardians for arranging this event we all loved it!'
Susie said:
‘The event was well organised thanks to Theresa Newnham, our lovely new Office Administrator. We really enjoyed watching the children and even some of the fitter adults bouncing about and challenging themselves on the ropes! The children were very considerate of each other, as there were teenagers mixed with very young children; it was like one big family, with the older ones making sure the younger ones were safe, even when they didn’t know each other.’
‘It was great to have some time to talk to the Host Families that we all value so highly and to meet their own children. Our students all seemed to have a great time; by the end they all had roses cheeks and drank gallons of water, and I think many would have bounced on for another hour given the chance.’
We’d like to thank Ben for hosting a wonderful social; a good time was had by all, and a lovely opportunity for host families to get to know one another and enjoy an active, exciting day out with their children and our international students.
Brilliant Pippa’s Guardians students secure places at Oxford and Cambridge
In January, five of Pippa’s Guardians international students nervously opened their letters from world-renowned universities Oxford and Cambridge; the prestigious institutions are notoriously difficult to get into and tens of thousands of students apply each year in the hopes of achieving a place in their historic, hallowed halls.
But after a great deal of diligent work, preparation and support, these Pippa’s Guardians students found themselves reading five letters of acceptance, and will all matriculate – formally register at their respective colleges – in October.
Charlotte Li has been studying at Malvern St James and looked after by Area Manager Clare Carter, and has secured a place at Oxford to study Maths; Clare and Charlotte only just made it to her interview in time after Charlotte was snowed in this December, but ever-resourceful Clare was able to dig her out and get her to Oxford with 45 minutes to spare. Clare said that Charlotte is an ‘amazing girl,’ and reported that one of Charlotte's teachers said she is ‘the most gifted student she has ever taught.’
Sophie Li has been looked after by Regional Manager Helen Edginton during her time at Shrewsbury School, and has been offered a place at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to study Engineering. Helen was delighted and said that she felt ‘as proud as her own mother must be’, and with good reason; over two thousand candidates applied to Cambridge to study Engineering this year and only eight were granted places at Trinity Hall; one of Cambridge's oldest and most beautiful colleges. Sophie said that her offer was 'unbelievable' and 'that it all feels quite unreal'.
Sophie’s mother, Yan Lu, said this:
‘I have to say I wasn't expecting Sophie to get a conditional offer from Cambridge, and neither was Sophie! It was totally a surprise, but I believe Sophie has the potential to study in Cambridge. Her passions not only lie in her dedicated subject but also lie in studying itself. I think that's what won her an offer from Cambridge.’
Emma Wrath, at Badminton School, has been offered a place at St Peter’s College to study Theology and Oriental Studies; she is very excited to start there and effused about her subject and the opportunity to study it at Oxford;
‘I believe Oxford’s academic excellence will help me develop and thrive in my field of study, surrounded by other, equally enthusiastic, students. I also think that the tutorial system will be very beneficial through supporting, yet also challenging me in order to explore ideas I perhaps wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. With the combination of Theology and Oriental Studies I am very much looking forward to learning Arabic which will give me access to original source material, giving me a better understanding of many aspects of the Islamic faith.’
Emma’s mother Helen had these rather touching words to say:
‘I am very proud of her. I came from Hungary; I am a doctor but I never dreamt of getting a place at Oxford; it is something that seems to only happen in dreams...I know that it is so much work to achieve this result. Last year there were a lot of tears, sadness; but now it is much more acceptable with this achievement. Emma is fantastic, she can be focused over long time. It is difficult to teach that it is not possible to get everything, but at the same time it is important to be brave enough to dream big.’
And lastly, congratulations to Jake He; looked after by Area Manager Vicky Dickinson at Loughborough Grammar School, Jake successfully applied to study Natural Sciences at Emmanuel College, Cambridge – as well as being granted offers at both Imperial College, London and University College, London to study Physics. Jake is taking his A Levels in Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry having already achieved an A* in Maths. Vicky said:
'Jake is an outstanding Mathematician and Scientist. Last year whilst in Year 12 he was awarded the prestigious Roentgenium Award in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. This resulted in a 3 day residential Chemistry course at St Catherine's College, Cambridge during the summer holiday. Over 7000 of the best Chemistry students across the UK participated in the challenge and Jake was one of 55 students in the country who successfully achieved the Roentgenium Award.'
We'd like to congratulate Jake for this outstanding achievement, and his success continues this year as he progresses to the second round of the British Physics Olympiad. He gave this sound advice to future Natural Science and Physics applicants;
'The Olympiad style questions can be very helpful practice and preparation since the papers are written by the same group of people that are doing the interviews'. Jake is looking forward to securing his place and starting at Cambridge where he will study Maths, Physics, Computer Science and Earth Sciences in his first year.
Pippa’s Guardians would like to thank the Area Managers for their ongoing support throughout these exciting and challenging times, and congratulate our students on their offers. We look forward to following them as they progress into their university life; we are all thrilled and cannot wait to see where their fantastic achievements might take them.
Pippa’s Guardians’ kind-hearted Host Families share their Christmases with our Japanese students
This Christmas, Pippa’s Guardians host families generously opened their homes to some of our Japanese students. Terri Norman and her family in Surrey hosted Takashi, who said that their big, busy family Christmas was ‘the best he’d ever had!’ The Norman family took Takashi to the switching on of the village’s Christmas lights in early December, and on Christmas day they had fifteen family members join them for Christmas lunch with all the trimmings; Takashi ate everything, ‘astounded’ by the food, before being showered with more thoughtful presents from Terri and her family, including the Guinness World Records Book 2018 and David Beckham aftershave!
Terri said; ‘Tak’s family kindly sent us some Saki wine and glasses, and Japanese sweets and delicacies. Tak actively and very enthusiastically joined in the games in the evening, including being the quiz master and mastering the reading of the questions really well!’
Takashi’s parents visited the Norman’s in the New Year, where they were made welcome with tea and shortbread biscuits and expressed their delight at the Norman’s beautiful home, and thanked the family for making their son’s Christmas a special and memorable one.
Takashi said: 'We were so busy eating and enjoying an English Christmas dinner; I especially liked setting fire to the pudding with the lights off! We opened presents after lunch and played lots of English games which I really enjoyed and was good at them. The family were so kind to me and we spoke to my family in Japan too.'
Elaine Groenewald and her family hosted Mao over Christmas and said that ‘it was a pleasure having Mao who has quickly become part of the family.’ On the day Mao arrived, the family went to Snow Hill Garden Centre to choose their Christmas tree, which they decorated together. Elaine also took Mao to see local panto ‘Sleeping Beauty’, as well as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, where Mao tried her first roasted chestnut!
Elaine said: ‘We went home to a family get together filled with lots of happy memories and scrummy Christmas snacks. We had our big Christmas dinner on the 24th so that everyone could be together. It was really lovely and again, holds lots of happy memories. I must mention the delicious Gayoza’s (Japanese dumplings) that Mao made for us; we bought the ingredients and she taught my daughter Katelyn to make them. They’re delicious!’
Mao was grateful for the lovely balance between going out and having fun with time spent at Elaine’s home studying alongside her daughters, and, like the Groenewalds, is looking forward to spending more time together at end of this month.
Yuki, stayed with Patricia Riley and David Martin; Yuki, who loves rugby, was treated to an international match – London Irish vs Stade Francais – at the Madjeski Stadium in Reading, as well as ice-skating with Patricia and her grandson, and on Christmas day was given not only an England rugby shirt in his stuffed stocking but also a rugby ball and a remote-controlled helicopter! Tricia and David said they loved hosting Yuki;
‘It was the first year for ages that there was no turkey left by 27th December! Yuki loved it. And he was fascinated by setting fire to the pudding! We also visited Cambridge and managed a couple of trips to London, and we made sure Yuki had as big a stocking as everyone else; he seemed really pleased with his presents.’
Yuki said: 'I loved the Christmas Eve party with the grandkids, getting ready for Santa to arrive. I loved all the presents everyone gave me on Christmas Day. They made me feel part of their family. Christmas dinner was great, especially the turkey!'
Yuki is one of the Tazaki Foundation’s five academic scholars being looked after by Pippa’s Guardians this year, and scholars An and Rin also enjoyed their first English Christmases with their host families this December. An said:
‘In the morning I got lots of presents from many people who I have met only once or twice. It was surprising because I get a present only from my parents in Japan. The host family's son visited and we enjoyed eating Christmas food and playing games. It was quite different from Japan as well since we tend to spend time with friends in Christmas. But I thinks it’s really good to see family and spend some time together. I’m already looking forward to the next Christmas.'
And Rin said:
'Spending Christmas with my host family became a very precious memory for me. Opening the presents under the Christmas tree, cooking the Christmas lunch together, going to the Christmas Mass, going for a walk after the Christmas lunch, spending time with my family … I was in the warm atmosphere every single moment I spent with them. And it was very different from Christmas in Japan, since some of my friends even had school on Christmas day.
My host family introduced me to a traditional British Christmas treating me as a member of their family, which kept me away from feeling lonely or missing my home.'
We’d like to thank our host families for all their fantastic hospitality and for making our Japanese students feel warm, cosy and part of the family in your homes this Christmas.