Bedford-Prep-School-Prospectus
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Bedford Preparatory School 3 Welcome “A boy’s story is the best that is ever told,” said Charles Dickens. We believe this is true at Bedford Prep School and we work hard to allow the boys the physical space and intellectual freedom to create their own stories and develop their own talents to the full. We want our boys to embrace each new chapter, whether it involves the thrill of scientific discovery, creating inspirational music or painting a masterpiece, unlocking the secrets of a new language, solving a complex mathematical conundrum, playing heroically on the sports field or writing their own exciting adventure stories… we are open-minded, as long as they try their hardest – and we will fully support them in their endeavours. A tour around the estate will reveal a school that buzzes with activity, where boys are stimulated by passionate, first class teaching by teachers who care deeply about their pupils and their adventures in learning. As well as being busy, we are ambitious for our boys in the provision we “THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL VALUES make for them to develop and to enjoy new experiences. Each experience allows them to explore, succeed and excel. Each fresh page they turn OF INTEGRITY, RESPONSIBILITY, gives them the confidence and the ability to embrace the challenges ENDEAVOUR AND CURIOSITY offered in an exciting, cosmopolitan and fast-changing world. Here at Bedford Prep School we strive to instil in the boys a sense UNDERPIN ALL THAT WE of awe and wonder at the world, and a sense of joy in their own DO AND STRIVE TO BE.” achievements and the achievements of others. We feel that school should be a place where boys are allowed to thoroughly enjoy their childhood, make friends for life, and get the occasional muddy knee. I would be delighted to show you around our School, so you too “TEACHING BOYS TO THINK can meet the Bedford boys and listen to their unfolding stories. INTELLIGENTLY, ACT WISELY AND BE FULLY ENGAGED IN A CHALLENGING AND Ian Silk CHANGING WORLD.” Headmaster Bedford Preparatory School 5 Map ref 18: Every boy has the opportunity to explore their creativity in our first-class art studios. Care, Grow, Thrive Below: Our Houses provide a sense of belonging to every boy, whether a day boy or boarder. If a boy is confident and happy, he will learn and thrive. Here at Bedford Prep School, we work very hard to “THE SCHOOL IS AN INCLUSIVE ensure that each individual boy is COMMUNITY WHERE PUPILS supported in everything he does. LOOK AFTER ONE ANOTHER AND OFFER SUPPORT TO THOSE HAVING DIFFICULTIES. Boys’ talents are nurtured in small classes to create a secure and close-knit learning environment. In the first two years of school, the form tutor is also the subject teacher for the core subjects. We THIS IS AT THE CORE OF THE believe that it is essential that our boys feel supported and cared for. SCHOOL’S VALUE SYSTEM.” 18 Moving up the Prep School, class sizes are deliberately kept small Independent Schools so that the boys have the necessary attention and support to thrive. Inspectorate (ISI) Report In Years 5 and above, boys benefit from a form tutor who sees them every day and usually teaches them for one subject. Our tutors guide the boys on their journey through the Prep School, getting to know them and helping them to realise their individual potential. Starting Out Bedford Prep provides a warm welcome for younger boys into the wider Bedford School community. “THE QUALITY OF PUPILS’ 6 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT In classes that are small, with close and caring supervision, IS EXCELLENT. boys settle quickly and happily, making new friendships and exploring all the exciting opportunities available to them. THEY THRIVE IN A HAPPY, From their first day every boy joins one of the four Prep School Houses: Howard, Whitbread, Bunyan or Harpur, each of which is made up of boys CARING AND PURPOSEFUL from Year 3 to Year 8, who support, inspire and look out for each other. ATMOSPHERE.” Older boys act as role-models and all are fiercely loyal to their House. Independent Schools Map ref 6: As they move through the Prep School the boys take great pride Inspectorate (ISI) Report The Chapel plays an important role in in competing for their House in the termly House Cup and the the life of the school community. overall House Trophy as well as in a whole range of sports, the hotly contested House Singing competition, Art competition and Short Story Above: competition. All boys are, justly, very proud of their association with In small classes with close attention our their individual House and the sense of belonging that it evokes. boys thrive and grow in confidence. 6 Bedford Preparatory School 18 Day & Boarding Bedford Prep School is a fun and vibrant community, made up of a happy mix of day and boarding pupils, with a great boarding ethos. From sports to clubs and societies to trips and tours, there is always something new and exciting to try. Boarders at the Prep School live in Eagle House, at the heart of the estate. It’s been purpose-built for younger pupils, with comfortable living areas giving a warm family atmosphere and bright and spacious rooms sleeping 4, 5 or 6 boys. Boys can relax and feel at home at the end of the school day. Boarding at Bedford Prep gives each boy a chance to grow in confidence, have fun, develop personal skills and form lifelong friendships within a safe and nurturing environment. We offer a complete range of full, weekly, and flexible boarding and wrap-around care to enable boys and their parents to find an option that is just right. “BOARDERS ARE HAPPY, SECURE AND WELL CARED FOR.” Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report Partnerships In an atmosphere where boys and staff enjoy each other’s company and parents are closely involved in every aspect of their son’s education, boys visibly grow in confidence and ability. Strong and happy bonds exist between boys and staff, who provide care, support and encouragement at every step of the way. For the first two years, class teachers take the major responsibility for subject teaching, with greater specialisation introduced as boys move up the School. Each boy’s progress is carefully Map ref 16: Map ref 18: monitored through regular assessment, and via close contact Eagle house is a warm Our outstanding design technology 16 between subject staff, class teachers, tutors and parents. and friendly home from building offers boys a wide range home for our boarders. of specialist resources. As well as regular parents’ evenings and progress reports we warmly invite families to join us at the wide variety Above right: Above: Boarders and day boys form Boys showcase their musical of sporting and cultural events that take place every year lifelong friendships during talents and teamwork skills and become fully involved in the life of the School. their days at Bedford Prep to friends and family in our regular performances. Bedford Preparatory School 9 Study, Learn Boys learn best when they’re happy, confident and their curiosity is stimulated, so we feel it’s very important that learning is fun, creative, inspirational and active. “THE CURRICULUM IS EXCELLENT IN ITS COVERAGE OF We also recognise that boys learn differently from girls, and this ALL AREAS OF LEARNING. IT IS informs our teaching. WIDE-RANGING, CHALLENGING Visit our classes and you’ll find boys thoroughly engaged in their learning, inspired by challenge, competition, high AND SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES, expectations and risk within a safe environment. ABILITIES AND NEEDS.” Our expectations are high but achievable, with a curriculum Independent Schools that encompasses and transcends the National Curriculum, Inspectorate (ISI) Report uniting traditional practice with innovative teaching, and the best of the creative and academic. All boys study a core curriculum of English, Maths and Science, and PE and Games are a key feature of every boy’s week. From the age of seven, boys study French, Geography, History, Design and Technology, Art, Music and RE as separate subjects with subject specialists. At 11, Spanish, German and Latin are introduced. ICT skills are developed in all subjects and in taught lessons. Map ref 3: Boys are inspired by our dedicated and highly qualified staff, and outstanding facilities. Below: Lessons are designed to challenge and engage every boy, and be enjoyable. 18 10 Bedford Preparatory School 21 Map ref 5: Boys benefit from a superb twin AstroTurf complex with floodlights, indoor swimming pool, Create sports hall, tennis and squash courts, climbing wall and acres of immaculate playing fields. From their first days with us, we aim to Below: develop the creativity and imagination We aim to inspire a lifelong interest in sport, of every boy, whatever their ability. promoting teamwork, wellbeing, fitness and fun. From beginners to Year 8 and beyond, there are musical opportunities for everyone. We have our own dedicated music building in the Prep School with a state-of-the-art music technology suite and well-equipped practice rooms. Many of our boys learn to play one or more instruments and make the journey to our award- winning Music School in their later years at Bedford. We boast a range of musical groups, including an orchestra, brass ensemble, a chapel choir, junior woodwind band, recorder ensemble, junior and senior choir, clarinet quartets and a popular steel band. Boys can demonstrate their musical talents and teamwork skills to friends and family in our regular recitals. In our stunning Art and DT studios boys develop a wide range of creative skills in a safe and open environment.