The focus of the Beaudesert curriculum is the building of firm academic foundations and the encouragement of intellectual curiosity.

We prepare pupils to take Common Entrance and scholarships to a wide range of Independent Schools. We have a very successful track record of sending pupils to the top Senior Schools in the country. At Beaudesert we are committed to developing and celebrating the individual strengths of each child, actively encouraging them in a secure and happy environment to fulfil their potential and to achieve a high standard of education. The form tutor maintains an overview of the academic progress of pupils in their form. Our aspiration is that each child will leave us as confident, self-sufficient, enthusiastic and imbued with a joy of learning.

The Curriculum

Beaudesert pupils receive education from nursery age, from which they progress into the Pre-Prep, then the Prep through to Year 8. The curriculum is broad, going well beyond the confines of the National Curriculum. Timetabled subjects are complemented by plenty of enrichment workshops which take place throughout the year including STEAM projects, study skills workshops, author visits, poetry competitions to name just a few. We also provide a dedicated weekly lesson to help children develop the key skills required to move on successfully to Senior Schools. These include problem solving, reasoning, public speaking, current affairs and team challenges.

Subject specialists teach pupils after Year 4 and class sizes are small, typically 14 – 18. Beaudesert caters for a wide range of abilities and welcomes pupils who are able to access all areas of the curriculum.

Subjects & Setting

Alongside the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, French, Latin, Spanish, Geography, History, Theology, Philosophy and Ethics, children also study Music, Ecology, Design & Technology, Computing, Art, Physical Education, Drama, Dance, and P.S.H.C.E.

Children are placed in academic sets to enable them to give their best and allow them to be taught in groups that most suit their needs. This commences with Maths in Year 4, and with English and French in Year 5.  Latin and Spanish are introduced in Year 6 and these are studied by the majority of pupils. There is the opportunity to learn Greek off the timetable. For children who would benefit from a greater focus on core subjects in preparation for Common Entrance examinations, there are additional lessons in English, Maths and Science. All subjects use ICT from Pre-Prep up to Year 8. Every classroom is equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, and visualisers and iPads are a frequent adjunct to lessons.

Additional Support

Beaudesert has a Learning Support Department which assesses pupils, monitors their progression and provides both individual and in-class support to help all of our children to achieve their best. The School also nurtures pupils who show themselves to be exceptionally gifted, particularly with respect to preparing gifted pupils for scholarships in academic subjects, Music, Drama, Design & Technology, Art and Sport.

Assessments

We carefully monitor each child's progress to ensure they are on track to fulfil their potential. We assess the children’s work regularly in-class and through standardised tests. School examinations take place for Years 6, 7 and 8 at appropriate points during the year, and we prepare our Year 8 children for ISEB Common Entrance exams and scholarships. Parents receive half-termly effort grades, which provide feedback on key skills for learning, as well as a full written report or a parent meeting each term.

Co-curricular

While not being a full boarding school, Beaudesert Park has a strong and flourishing boarding community whose aim is to provide a safe and exciting environment for flexi-boarders and weekly boarders alike. The academic side of Beaudesert is balanced by a full programme of sporting, artistic and cultural activities which are woven into the school week. In this way the curriculum helps children to become well-rounded individuals.