Naturally grounded for a wider world

WELCOME

The effect of Beeston on its pupils is powerful and long- lasting. Leavers treasure their experience here and find it a terrific springboard into the many senior schools they go onto, as grounded and capable contributors, with a spirited approach to life.

Learning to become a good role model is at the centre of Beeston’s mission. We celebrate difference and encourage children to embrace the many opportunities on offer, with energy, empathy and – no doubt, on occasions, bravery, too. On the basis that happy children learn, everything we undertake is devoted to the aim of developing confidence alongside each child’s individual potential. The family feel of Beeston means we get to know each other well, providing friendship and support across the age ranges, and 3 through the variation of activities that make up the school day.

Choosing the right school for your child is a huge decision; perhaps one of the most important a parent makes. I very much look forward to continuing the conversation which begins with these pages.

Fred de Falbe, Headmaster

MISSION, Aims & Ethos ur Mission is to inspire and Beeston towards self, others and the 4. To develop partnerships, Odevelop happy and confident environment summed up in three between the school, parents and the young men and women, ready to words: wider community take on the world and contribute • BRAVERY – take risks and take 5. To foster a spirit of enquiry and to it, in a caring, positive, safe and responsibility an understanding that we learn from stimulating environment, which they • ENERGY – go above and beyond our mistakes love and respect. with your effort so you are your 6. To embed good habits and Everything begins with the best self routines to best maximise health conviction that happy children are • EMPATHY – kindness, manners and wellbeing amongst all in the ready to learn. Academic success and trust, towards yourself and others community is paramount, but only part of the all-round development of children The aims and ethos of Beeston are: 7. To develop a respect and appreciation for self, others and the at Beeston, where all activities are 1. To educate the children to the environment we enjoy focused on the many aspects of highest academic standards and 5 character: the personal and social, ensure they achieve places at their 8. To understand and use the creative and physical, the first choice of senior school technology to its best effect, safely moral and spiritual and the logical and wisely 2. To provide an outstanding and and linguistic. Recognising these broad education which includes art, 9. To engender a sense of enables us, together, to maximise sport, music, drama and a wider co- responsibility towards self and the the chances of success so that curricular programme world beyond the children understand, and are committed to, their own personal 3. To develop positivity of outlook, 10. To encourage pupils to be development, through the Beeston leadership and self-reliance in all our adventurous, inclusive, loyal, broad- Brief. This is rooted in attitudes pupils through building successful minded and generous. which we encourage and expect at and caring relationships

‘Well done to you, keeping your cool under what must be incredible pressure. Great team, great school and great decision I made to send my daughter to Beeston!’ (Year 1 parent on lockdown remote learning package).

CURRICULUM

he curriculum at Beeston is of character, where kindness and requirements of the scholarship T designed to enable every resilience go hand in hand - winning and /or entrance exams at 13, with child to reach his or her potential or losing with equal grace, being children aided where necessary by a and prepare him or her for life after quick to offer thanks, congratulation remarkably well-resourced Learning Beeston. Howard Gardner’s theory of or compassion. The outcomes from Support department. multiple intelligences: the personal this approach are superb and children Pupils' progress is monitored from and social, the creative and physical, go on to a very wide range of senior an early age to ensure that potential the moral and spiritual and the logical schools, often with scholarships or is fulfilled and any difficulties are and linguistic, drive our curriculum awards. identified as early as possible. This planning and values. This process begins in the Pre-Prep progress is regularly assessed, both The traditional academic disciplines, where the day begins with hour-long formally and informally, and parents 7 including Latin, are complemented literacy and numeracy sessions, are kept up-to-date about levels by music and drama, art, computing, followed by reading time. English, of effort and attainment through design and technology and Forest mathematics and the humanities the reporting system and regular School. Together with a very full are delivered by the form teacher as parent-teacher meetings. Parents are games and activities programme, this discrete subjects, with all subjects encouraged to discuss their children's broad and varied curriculum supports taught by specialists in discrete progress with staff at any time. our holistic approach to education. classes from Year 5 upwards. What makes our school’s curriculum All of these contribute to the The classes are small, set where different is the diversity of its development of confidence and appropriate, reflecting the delivery. From Google Classroom ‘We are immensely proud of our record – last year 65% of our leavers to the Beach Classroom, there is gained scholarships to different schools. Our greatest hope is that all flexibility to allow for personality pupils move on, proud of what Beeston achieved for them and they and the many different ways children learn effectively, within a structured achieved for Beeston.’ background. Paul Leaver (Deputy Head Academic)

DESTINATIONS

eing the last genuinely Over the last 5 years, our leavers have gained entry to the following schools: independent boarding prep B Ampleforth Queen Margaret’s York school in Norfolk, we stake our reputation on finding the right future Aylsham High Radley school for each child. Cheltenham Ladies’ College Repton We have a matchless record of Downe House RHS Ipswich scholarships and awards to senior Eton Rugby schools across the country, and we Framlingham Sheringham High consistently win general scholarships as well as those across the fields of Gresham’s Shrewsbury academia, sport, drama, music Harrow St Edward’s 9 and art. Langley The Stephen Perse The Leys, Cambridge Stowe Norwich High School for Girls Tudor Hall Norwich School Uppingham Oakham Wycombe Abbey Oundle Wymondham College The Perse, Cambridge

eir first choice of senior school. ntry to th ining e ren ga child te in ss ra D cce id yo % su u know? We have 100 100% Kate, aged 13

Flautist County netball player Experimenter

‘I’ve been at Beeston for 7 years now. My uncle, father and older brothers studied here, so there’s quite a family tradition of us at the school. One of the things I’ll be most grateful to Beeston for is that the school encourages you to have a go at everything. When you are young, you don’t know what your strengths will be. As you move up the school you can find out what you’re best at and the teachers support you all the way. I suppose you could say I’m a very busy boarder as I’m involved in lots of activities. This term I sat art, music, sport and academic scholarships for Gresham’s. There have been pressures at times, but what I have learnt from this experience is that I need to pace myself and allow myself time to rest. I’ll certainly be ready for senior school because I’ve learnt to become super organised! But it’s not all about work. Being Year 8 boarders, we get the chance to go into town with our friends on Sunday mornings, which is great fun.’ THE BEESTON COMMITMENT

ellbeing is at the centre of What children can expect Weverything we do. Children • To be allowed to be children and • Effort and attainment is who feel good about themselves not feel pressured to grow up too recognised and rewarded and their lives are more engaged in quickly • Integration across the school school and do better. • To feel safe, but to be encouraged to with different age groups playing Our pastoral care is supported by take risks and make mistakes and working together the RULER Programme, based on • A sense of community, with a House • A wide range of opportunities for research from Yale University’s system which gives a sense of leadership across the school Centre for Emotional Intelligence, belonging where children are encouraged • Medical issues to be dealt with to recognise, understand and • Caring, dedicated, experienced and quickly 11 vigilant staff label their emotions, so better • Bullying issues to be taken to regulate them. With family • High standards of behaviour based seriously, dealt with and charters, class charters and mood on mutual respect and kindness resolved meters this system is significant in helping us all promote positive Bob Hammond (Deputy Head Pastoral) attitudes and relationships.

LEARNING SUPPORT

round a third of our children A visit the Learning Support Did you know? department at some point during Our motto, their time at Beeston. This could be “Floreat Fiducia” for anything from one session per means “let confidence week to sort out a particular problem, flourish.” to a tailored programme of up to four interventions each week for the required amount of time. There is absolutely no stigma attached to this – the children love attending, they understand the value of this and are 13 keen to pass on the tools they acquire. ‘Beautiful, breezy Beeston ... the The Learning Support department sea air clearly works wonders compiles a profile plan for each child, on the young grey matter.’ including their strengths, weaknesses Tatler Schools Guide, 2017 and how they learn best. With this is an individual programme of support which ensures clear, achievable goals are set and most effective ways of learning noted. The Learning Support department is open throughout the working day so any child needing support can drop in just for a chat, to get some advice, or help with prep.

BOARDING

e believe that boarding MAIN OPTIONS OTHER OPTIONS provides tremendous W Beeston boarding Occasional boarding benefits to families. The breadth of opportunities, with the time and Beeston at its best – full boarding with Sometimes families have space to enjoy them, is a great a huge array of weekend activities. emergencies or travel situations advantage, with staff on hand This suits families living as little as which require their child to stay at to provide supervision and half an hour away, as well as those school overnight. We accommodate encouragement, and friends to living further afield in the UK and requirements subject to availability. overseas. add that extra dimension of fun. Try boarding weekends Whether Lego, leadership or trumpet Weekly boarding Try Boarding Weekends are our practice, children get to live together Boarding for children who need to be special, fun-packed themed 15 and learn from each other in a relaxed at home for a day over the weekend. weekends open to ALL Beestonians family atmosphere. to experience the full ‘Beeston Flexi boarding Visitors of a certain age often remark Difference’. Building towards boarding: a set on how unrecognisable boarding number of boarding nights per is now from a generation ago. The week arranged each term. level of comfort, personalisation and accessibility to home combine to make boarding a veritable home from home. Did you know? We now have an extended two week Michaelmas half-term, in line with other schools. George, aged 13 W $

World traveller Scholar Home Skyper

‘I was eight when I took the flight from India to London to begin my education at Beeston. Although I was scared before I flew, the journey itself was easy. Someone from the airline helped me through all the stages and I got to wait in a special departure lounge where they looked after me.

Once I arrived at Beeston everyone made me feel welcome and I had a boarding buddy who helped me if I didn’t know what to do. In my free time, I could Skype my parents which meant I wasn’t homesick. They moved back to the UK last year and while I love having them closer, I do miss the excitement of taking the flight to school.

I’ve changed a lot since I have been at Beeston. For instance, I didn’t really like sport when I was younger, but now I can say I’m actually quite good. I’m also proud to have been chosen as a scholar. I would never have believed myself capable of that before.’

WR AP-AROUND DAY

he ‘wrap-around day’ ensures ‘I love the fact that I can collect Tour day pupils can access the all my children at the same wide range of opportunities enjoyed time on my way home from by boarders. work. It makes life so much The key is flexibility. Children arrive easier knowing that all their from 8.00am and may leave at 4.30pm, homework is finished; they’re 5.45pm or stay until 7.15pm, so fed and watered and I don’t they can take part in a wide range of have to bundle them up and activities, which are included, along charge them off to swimming with their meals, in the school fees. lessons because they’ve Children in Years 6 to 8 have the option already done it at school.’ 17 of doing evening prep at school, so Parent of four that they don’t have to take work home with them. Parents tell us that the flexibility suits busy family lives and conveniently extends their working day.

ren aged fo es for child ur upwards s rout , from D l mini-bu ereham, F pervised schoo akenham, N Did you know We run su orwich and Aylsham.

SPORT

e aim to a strike the balance The previous six years have seen of teams competing across all age W between ‘sport for excellence’ us reach nine IAPS national hockey ranges, locally, regionally, nationally and ‘sport for all’, encouraging a finals. We are incredibly proud of and internationally in the major competitive spirit but with a strong our sporting achievements: over the sports, as well as the minor sports. As emphasis on fair play and team last 12 years our children have been part of our able, gifted and talented work. Throughout the year, all pupils awarded 39 sports scholarships to programme, specialist one-to-one – whatever their strengths – will 14 national senior schools. coaching is available for children in represent Beeston in a team sport. cricket, tennis, swimming, fencing, Games and PE are taught by ballet and horse riding. For a small school, we have an experienced, well-qualified staff as unusually large pool of sporting talent well as specialist external coaches. and regularly punch above our weight. Together they support a vast number 19

Children enjoy: Our facilities Archery Gymnastics • Full-size astro-turf Athletics Hockey • 20 metre outdoor heated Badminton Horse riding swimming pool Ballet Kayaking • Large sports hall Basketball Mountain Biking • Shooting range Beach games Netball • Rubber-crumb outdoor Camping Orienteering multi-sports surface Canoeing Rounders • 4 rugby pitches Chess Rugby Cricket Sailing • 3 netball courts  Cross Country Scottish Country Dancing • 4 badminton courts Did you know? Cycling Proficiency Shooting • 5 rounders pitches Girls play cricket during the Dance Squash • 8 tennis courts summer term and football as Fencing Swimming • 4 cricket wickets an after-school activity. Football Table Tennis Geo-caching Tennis • Athletics field Golf Volleyball • Putting lawn

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

hildren find our extensive C programme of extra-curricular activities an enjoyable path to self- discovery. Imaginations are sparked, hidden skills often come to light, new friends are made and pupils gain a real sense of achievement. Making full use of our 35 acres of countryside, our programme of over 40 activities gives children the opportunity to try something new. 21 Evening activities, from astronomy to animation, kayaking to cribbage, Did you know? give children the chance to develop Being in ‘Nelson’s County’, Beeston has its own fleet of Toppers for the children to sail their talents. on Wroxham Broad. The pace at weekends is more varied so boarders have plenty of downtime and the chance to pursue enthusiasms more informally (often with day children getting involved too), whether it be Beeston’s Got Talent, bingo, beach visits or jewellery-making. TALLULAH, aged 12 † Artist Chapel Chorister Lioness

‘I can clearly remember the first time I visited Beeston. We had come to see the school play Bugsy Malone and I was really impressed by the singing and dancing. My parents thought Beeston would be perfect for me, because it was small, unlike my primary school which had 700 pupils. At first I wasn’t sure about coming, as I thought I would miss my friends, but on the Taster Day, everyone made me feel really welcome, which meant I wasn’t nervous after that. Then when I was offered an art scholarship – I was so excited! My first term at Beeston was amazing because I was chosen to play a main part in the school’s production of The Lion King. Also, being an art scholar has taken my art to a completely new level. I practise every day after lunch. It’s really cool because I can work at my desk in the scholars’ gallery on whatever I like, from sewing to printing. It’s fantastic to be part of that.’ ART, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

t Beeston, art is a bustling and A vibrant subject, with evidence ‘I love doing batik design, of children’s industry throughout the tie dyeing and being able to school. Alongside a newly equipped use the sewing machine DT studio, we enjoy the use of our myself to design and make MacNicol Art Centre which would be my own jacket for my the envy of many senior schools, with scholars’ portfolio.’ its own large open plan studio, a kiln Icy, aged 11 and wheel, as well as facilities for silk screening, batik and enamelling.

Children of all abilities are encouraged 23 to use the art centre outside lesson time and the scholars’ gallery is a wonderful place for quiet study. t Beeston fe a : Th f li ey o li rt s a te p n

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DRAMA

eing able to perform confidently ‘I never thought that I would be Bin public is critically important, brave enough to have a main part, so we provide as many opportunities but Mr Lloyd-Peck encouraged as possible to children at Beeston. me to audition and before I knew From junior assemblies to leavers’ it I had learned all my lines by lectures, children grow used to having pinning them above my bed in an audience. The whole school my dorm, and got really into my production is all-inclusive, with everyone involved either on stage character – even the accent!’ or in prop-building, set designing Year 8 pupil or stage management. Each year is different, but it is always an object 25 lesson in working together.

w? Our Michaelmas Te kno rm mu you si id cal D pro duc tion invo ol. lves e scho very single pupil in the prep

MUSIC

entral to the life of the school, Did you know? Cmusic and opportunities to Our library is home to squishy sofas and perform feature daily at Beeston. 50 million words, which are chosen wisely with the help of our lovely Librarian and All the children have class music, then enjoyed by all of our children for based on the National Curriculum, 15 minutes each morning. but there are also fifteen different musical ensembles for children to join at differing levels of proficiency, from ‘Fiddlesticks’ to the Chapel Choir. 90% of children at Beeston learn instruments, thanks to the 27 many peripatetic teachers who visit, offering almost anything the children Regular informal concerts give choose, from the harp to the bassoon, children the chance to try out their the bass guitar to the trombone. skills in front of a small audience,

Most children take grades and some before the challenge of concerts and Children can join: use these to develop their talents performances in a larger setting at Concert Band sufficiently to win music scholarships school or beyond such as the Royal Chapel Choir Beeston Singers to senior schools. Norfolk Show, or local churches and Junior Choir retirement homes. Vocal Emsemble Orchestra Guitar Ensemble Brass Group Fiddlesticks String Ensemble Scholars Group Percussion Group Rock Band Samba Band Pre-Prep All-Star Band

BEESTON FOR INTERNATIONAL PUPILS

eeston Hall is a small, busy We have a zero-tolerance policy Children particularly like this route Bschool which has a family feel towards bullying, with pupils and staff because of the small scale of about it, welcoming children from consulted and briefed on how best Norwich Airport and KLM’s service across the globe. Overseas pupils, to equip pupils for the challenges for unaccompanied minors, one of the whether attending for three years of growing independence in a fast- few airlines still operating this facility. or three months, are fully integrated changing world. Stansted Airport is two hours away into school life within our peaceful Flexible learning with EAL support and London three hours away. Although location on the North Norfolk International pupils are assessed there is a train station five minutes coast. Every child is noticed and according to the Common European from the school, we can arrange encouraged: each playing sport every Framework of Reference for transport with approved chaperones day, participating in matches, playing Languages, and then placed in small, to/from these connections, and are roles in drama productions and taking 29 supportive learning groups and often happy to make arrangements for part in a broad range of activities one-on-one classes, carefully aligned transfers on behalf of parents. inside and outside the classroom, all to their developing levels of ability. of which contribute to our children’s Our qualified EAL teacher ensures all-round preparation and success  the individual needs of each child for in gaining places at the leading UK whom English is a second language senior schools. are met, with tailored support on hand All-round pastoral care from the moment they arrive. Pastoral care is comprehensive Convenient international links and focused, with individual tutors, Beeston is very convenient for pupil guides and cosy dormitories international pupils, being just to personalise, helping children 35 minutes from Norwich Airport and settle in happily. Healthy food is its easy connection to Amsterdam’s prepared on site, using locally- international hub (Schiphol). sourced produce and special dietary requirements accommodated. Gonzalo, aged 11

Spanish speaker Front man Adventurer

‘One of my mother’s friends recommended Beeston Hall to us. We thought it would be easier for me to learn English in a small school where there weren’t many Spanish students, because you can get to know everyone quickly. It’s different to my school in Spain which has over 2,000 students! The amount of green space you have here is amazing and it wasn’t hard to settle in to boarding, apart from the really early supper times! The weekends are fun too, like the time we had team Nerf Wars and went to Bewilderwood Adventure Park. Another thing I appreciate is that we do drama here. I loved everything about doing the school play, Beauty and the Beast, because we have nothing like it in my school in Spain. It’s also good for me to study for my Cambridge Examinations here because I can take the First Certificate examination while English is still fresh in my mind, rather than waiting until next year when all my Spanish school friends would sit it. All in all, coming to Beeston has made me far more confident and independent. I’m glad I came.’ PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARENTS

orking together is central Wto Beeston’s success. We Dancing reels is a highlight encourage plenty of communication, of the Beeston year, but whether informally on the touchline it could be the Summer or at the many social events that the Fete, cooking or car boot school organises, and more formally sales that bring families through reports and meetings. Both staff and Friends of Beeston* offer a together for fund-raising warm welcome; we have an open door and the building of life-long policy and the family atmosphere friendships. means relationships remain close long after parents and pupils have left 31 the school. £80,000 Community Beeston values its links with its neighbours, local schools, businesses and charities, laying on literary events, productions, tournaments and coaching at various points each year. Our children engage with local issues, such as the Cromer & District Foobank, and more international issues such as Singing for Syrians, learning first-hand about Did you know? the objectives of causes. Over the last 10 years we have raised over *Parent-run organisation to support community events £80,000 to support over and fund-raising. 60 charities.

JOINING

hildren have usually joined at Children usually attend a taster day Open Days C Year 3, but now they can join as before joining, with existing children Every day is an open day at Beeston early as Reception, or are welcome on hand to be ‘shadows’ and guides and you are welcome at any time to at any stage of their school lives, for their new guests. arrange to meet the staff, pupils and subject to the usual discussions tour our beautiful site. Fee Assistance and agreement that accompany the Beeston Hall School is committed to application process. enabling as wide a body of pupils as The Headmaster, Fred de Falbe and possible to access its outstanding his wife Juliet, are always pleased schooling. While the scholarship To arrange a visit, please contact: to show you around the school discounts are modest, families Mrs Viv Farnell, and introduce you to staff and can apply for a limited number of Registrar, 33 children should you wish to make an means-tested bursaries to support [email protected] exploratory visit. entry to Beeston, or to supplement scholarship awards. Tel: 01263 837324

Beeston Hall School, West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9NQ +44 (0)1263 837324 ❘ [email protected] ❘ beestonhall.co.uk Headmaster: Mr Fred de Falbe ❘ Chairman of Governors: The Earl of Leicester Registered charity number: 311274