Nursery
The Nursery provides morning, afternoon and all-day sessions for ages 3 upwards. It is registered with Ofsted for full day care and runs an ‘after-school club’ for those children who stay until 5.30pm. We have flexible sessions and accept Nursery Education Vouchers.
Education in the Nursery is based on the Montessori principles. Everything in the classroom is carefully prepared to provide an environment in which the family feels secure, happy and in control. The children experience a wide range of multisensory activities, such as pouring, threading, drawing, painting, sorting and construction. The environment is both exciting and stimulating which encourages self-motivation, self-discipline, concentration and, with perseverance, the thrill of success.
Each classroom is well stocked with resources, books and ICT equipment. We have a purpose-built outside play area with woodlands, Forest School and garden. We enjoy access to the College library, sports hall, extensive grounds and also use the county library service. The school day runs from 9am – 3.30pm. ‘Wrap around’ care is available from 8.30am – 5.30pm at an additional cost (listed in fees as 'after hours day care')
Pre-prep 1 (5 to 7 Year olds)
The school day runs from 9.00am – 3.30pm. Wrap around care is provided from 8.30am to 5.30pm as above.
Pre-prep 1 covers the National Curriculum years 1 & 2. The class teacher has the support of a full- time teaching assistant and subject specialists from the College teach music and PE. The curriculum is broad and involves a two-year rolling programme of topics.
The College’s grounds, surroundings and environment provide a wonderful resource for us. The outside garden area is tended by the children. We really enjoy Forest School, ballet, football, cricket and the many more outdoor activities Bedstone can provide.
Homework/prep: reading books are sent home each day. Spelling and mathematics tasks are sent home once a week. SATS tests are taken at the end of Year 2, in line with state schools, but are used for internal assessment only and are not recorded in government statistics.The tests and tasks are designed to assess levels of achievement in order to help plan for the next steps. The Pre-prep department works to the National Curriculum. Emphasis is placed on individual effort and a positive approach.
SEN screening also takes place on entering the Pre-prep department and we provide specialist, supportive and inclusive Learning Support.
Prep School
Most children spend three years progressing through this important stage in their development. In years 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the National Curriculum, the pupils move upstairs and gain the respect that comes with their role as the more senior ambassadors of the prep school.
There is a combination of class teaching by the form teacher and subject-based teaching by specialists from the senior school. The form teacher covers Mathematics, English, History, Geography, RE and Games whilst specialist senior teachers cover Science, French, DT, PE, Music and Art. Scholars have increasing contact with different members of staff in the senior part of College in addition to their form teacher who takes care of them. They are, thus, well prepared to enter the senior school and familiar with the geographical layout of the campus, the concept of walking between classes and already know many members of staff. Small wonder that over 95% progress to the senior school.
The opportunity for specialist music teaching allows many scholars to develop their individual talents and all have opportunities to succeed through a range of activities inside and outside the classroom.
Throughout, there is careful monitoring and assessment of each child by their class teachers in conjunction with their specialist teachers.
Homework (prep) is set for Prep One (Y3&4) on Wednesday evening and at the weekend. Prep is set for Prep 2 (Y5)and Prep 3 (Y6) on Wednesday, Thursday and at weekends but on Monday and Tuesday it is set and completed during the last period of the school day.
We welcome boarders, who reside with houseparents who are closely linked to the prep school, provide weekend activities, a nurturing environment and typically have young families themselves.
1st – 3rd Form (Year 7-9)
Scholars follow a broad and stimulating KS3 curriculum made up of English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, German (offered in 3rd Form), History, Geography, Drama, Design Technology (DT), Art, Physical Education, Music, Religious Studies (RS), Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). The students are provided learning support as required, with a strong Gifted & Talented programme. In terms of physical wellbeing, they have games and fixtures up to three times each week as well as PE lessons, and extra-curricular activities on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
4th & 5th Forms (Year 10-11)
At GCSE level, all scholars take the core subjects of Maths, English (Language and Literature), a modern foreign language, Religious Studies, Biology, Chemistry and Physics (either as three separate sciences for the top set or as a dual award qualification for the second set) and all do Games.
They then choose additional subjects from Art, Business Studies, Design Technology (DT), Geography, German, History, ICT, Music or Sports Studies.
For Maths, Science and English, scholars are placed in sets based on ability. Options subjects are placed in one or more of the three option blocks, depending on numbers and combinations.
Download the GCSE Booklet (PDF)
Download the GCSE Options Blocks (2013-14) (PDF)
Sixth Form
The majority of fifth formers at Bedstone continue into the sixth form where they are joined by many new entrants from other schools. These new scholars are assimilated quickly and help to bring new ideas and perspectives. The ambitions of Bedstone sixth formers are met in many ways: with an average class size of eight scholars, personal attention is assured and sixth formers study through a mixture of formal classes, practicals and study periods. With the help of their personal tutor, scholars are taught how to plan the effective use of their time. Great care is given to managing the transition from GCSE to the demands of A Level work.There are almost twenty subjects available at AS and A2 level and, with few exceptions, students may study what they wish within their ability range. The minimum number of courses taken equate to two A levels plus The AQA Extended Project Qualification, (EPQ). The maximum, encouraged for the most able candidates, is the equivalent of five A levels.
Download the Sixth Form Booklet (PDF)
University Entry (UCAS)
Choosing the correct university course is a daunting task. At Bedstone we have a number of highly experienced members of staff who are on hand to advise and guide your son/daughter through the UCAS process. We also enlist the support of our ISCO adviser, who comes to College on a regular basis to meet with the students. Bedstone has an excellent record of supporting our leavers to achieve places at university. Over the last three years, 7/10 of our leavers have secured a place at their first choice institution and 9 out of 10 go on to study at degree level. Parents often find the process somewhat mysterious. To help them achieve a better understabnding of how it all works, UCAS have developed a website sepcifically for parents: www.parentadviser.co.uk
