|
|
►►►其它中学
Beechwood Sacred Heart 比奇伍德赛克哈特中学, Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN2 3QD
Tel: 01892 532747 Fax: 01892 536164
Website: www.beechwood.org.uk
• GIRLS, 3–18 Day, 9–18 Boarding (full & weekly). Boys 3–11 only
• Pupils 350, Upper sixth 25
• Termly fees £1825–£3475 (Day), £5625 (Boarding), £5010 (Weekly)
• GSA
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar
What it’s like
Founded in 1915, it is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells
in 22 acres of beautiful grounds. Handsome buildings and very good modern
facilities. A friendly family school which has all the advantages of being
small. It is a Roman Catholic foundation which welcomes all denominations. A
good, broad general education is provided and examination results are good.
Drama is strong; music and art flourish. A good range of sport, games, societies
and clubs. Strong commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Full use
is made of the cultural amenities of the town and of London.
School profile
Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 3–18; 350 pupils (270 day, 80 boarding).
Senior department 11–18, 170 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11, 13 and 16. Entrance by interview and
school reports (own scholarship exam); non-selective sixth-form entry, each
pupil considered individually (GCSE grade B recommended in sixth-form subjects).
No special skills required. Roman Catholic foundation but any denomination
welcome. 30% of main senior intakes from state schools (plus 5% to sixth form).
Significant proportion from own junior (Beechwood Preparatory School); also from
a number of other local prep and primary schools.
Scholarships, bursaries & extras 11 pa scholarships, value 20%–50%
fees: 2 academic, 1 all-rounder, 2 sport, 2 art, 2 drama, 2 music. 3–5
bursaries. Parents expected to buy some sixth-form textbooks only; other extras
vary.
Head & staff
Headmaster: Nicholas Beesley, in post since 1999. Educated at Bablake
School and Oxford University (physics). Previously Deputy Head at the school,
Head of Physics at Bedales, and Housemaster and physics teacher at Millfield.
Teaching staff: 30 full time, 9 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average
age 37.
Exam results
GCSE: On average, 25 pupils in Year 11, all gaining at least grade C in
5+ subjects, with a GCSE score of 50 (over 5 years).
A-levels: On average 25 in Year 13: 50% pass in 4+ subjects; 35% in 3;
15% in 2. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 355.
University & college entrance 100% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on
to a degree course. 35% took courses in maths, science, engineering and
medicine, 35% in humanities & social sciences (including law, languages), 30% in
finance, business and languages.
Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 20 AS/A-level subjects (including
law, psychology and business studies).
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level.
No AS/A-level general studies but sixth-form course in music, art appreciation
and current affairs. 35% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 25% both.
Key skills taught partly in discrete units, partly in other subjects.
Vocational: Work experience available.
Special provision: Extra EFL classes for foreign students and learning
support for specific learning difficulties.
Languages: French, Spanish and German offered to GCSE and A-level; other
languages by arrangement.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week) and across the
curriculum. 20 computers for pupil use (13 hours a day), all with e-mail and
internet access. Most pupils take Edexcel Certificate of Competence in IT.
The arts
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams
can be taken. Musical groups include choirs, Baroque recorder ensemble, chamber
orchestra, Samba band. Some joint concerts with Tonbridge. Occasional pupil
accepted by conservatoires.
Drama: GCSE, AS and A-level drama may be taken. One member of National
Youth Theatre. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other
productions.
Art & design: On average, 10 take GCSE, 8 AS-level, 3 A-level. Design,
textiles, photography also offered.
Sport & activities
Sport: Swimming, tennis, netball, hockey, rounders, basketball,
volleyball, badminton, table tennis, gymnastics, dance. Optional: riding,
aerobics, ballet, tap, scuba diving. Recent Junior and Ladies England volleyball
player; county representatives in hockey, netball, volleyball, basketball and
swimming; winners of county basketball cup (U13, U16).
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s
Award. St Vincent de Paul Society. Community service optional. Up to 30 clubs,
eg chess, bridge, debating, drama, gymnastics, art, Amnesty, sports and music.
School life
Uniform: School uniform worn, dress code in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Head girl, house captains and
prefects nominated by the school and academic staff.
Religion: Compulsory weekly worship; Sunday mass for Catholic boarders.
Social: Dances, discos, debates with other schools; occasional joint
theatrical productions; annual ball for seniors. Exchanges with schools in
Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, South America. Pupils allowed to bring own
car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco allowed; wine
only at formal functions.
Discipline Order marks and merit marks. Detention (rarely used).
Suspension or expulsion in extreme cases.
Boarding 50 have own study bedroom, others in dormitories of up to 6.
Qualified nurse on call. Central dining room. Exeats at parents’/guardians’
discretion. Visits to local town allowed.
Former pupils Libby Purves; Baroness Cumberlege, Pauline Gower.
|
