Set within a beautiful environment, Beech Hall offers a distinct and exiting alternative to the many larger secondary schools in the area.

Small class sizes, particularly for core subjects such as Maths and English, and a string emphasis on pastoral care mean that we are able to provide a high level of individual attention. We also offer an impressive breadth of educational opportunities, balancing more formal and academic study with a high level of involvement in practical subjects, the arts and sport. Pupils are therefore encouraged to discover talents, nurture them and develop the self belief necessary to rise successfully to the challenges ahead.

Our aim is to provide a high degree of ‘value added’. Whiles this will be measured in part by academic results, the school values all activities that in a positive way increase a child’s confidence and range of experience.

We are very proud of the way the older pupils interact with the younger children in the school and in so doing develop their awareness of the needs of others.

A sense of warmth, trust and friendly support amongst the children, staff and parents creates a strong feeling of community. I urge you to come and experience this for yourself.

Subjects Studied

At Key Stage 3 (ages 11 – 14) pupils study the following subjects: English, Maths, Science, French, German, Art, Design Technology, ICT, Drama, Music, PE, Geography, History, RE, PHSE/Citizenship

At the end of Year 9 pupils usually choose nine subjects to study at GCSE.

In Science we are to offer individual sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) or the Dual Award.

Further details of the GCSE options are available from Mr Hardwick, Head of the Senior School.

Learning Development

We are able to support effectively pupils with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Careers Advice and Work Experience

Careers advice is provided and all pupils have the opportunity to take part in a period of work experience whilst in Year 10.

GCSE and Beyond

Pupils are taught effective study techniques and we hold Easter revision courses.

There are many options available to our pupils are GCSE. These include sixth form colleges and sixth forms at boarding and day independent schools. Parents are welcome to discuss post 16 options with the Headmaster or the Head of the Senior School.

Sport

Beech Hall has a proud sporting tradition with several of our pupils taking part in county and national tournaments. All pupils, however, benefit from a high level of involvement in games and fixtures. Enthusiastic coaches, together with sixteen acres of grounds, a sports hall, a swimming pool and an astro turf pitch mean we are able to offer the following: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Judo, Lacrosse, Netball, Rounders, Rugby, Squash, Swimming and Tennis.

Outward Bound

All pupils have the opportunities to spend a week at outward bound centres in the Lake District or Yorkshire. The duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is a popular feature of life at Beech Hall. Our Climbing Club has a regular programme of walks in the Peak District and beyond. The annual family skiing trip is enjoyed by pupils and parents.

The school organises educational visits to France and Germany.

Music and Drama

Many musical activities take place in school. Senior pupils are offered the opportunity to be part of a choir as well as various ensembles. A series of lunchtime and evening converts run throughout the year and school groups travel to perform within the local area.

Individual instrumental tuition is provided in piano, guitar, flute, saxophone, clarinet, violin, cello, double bass, trumpet and drums.

In addition to drama lessons, there are school productions and a drama club.

Activities

Each term there is are a large number of after school activities ranging from Chess to Lacrosse, Dance to Judo.

Entry

Pupils wishing to join the Senior School sit entrance assessment papers in English, Maths and Reasoning. We also like the pupils to spend an afternoon with us engaged in arts and sports activities.

We are able to offer pupils from our Junior School continuity of education and they are not required to sit our entrance assessments.

Pupils from prep schools which continue to thirteen may obtain an assured place at eleven, thereby allowing transfer at the end of Year 8.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships at ages eleven and thirteen. Whilst these awards are on the basis of academic potential, we are also looking for pupils who will gain from, and contribute to, the wide range of sporting and co curricular activities on offer at Beech Hall.

Scholarships are awarded to recognise the performance of children in our assessments but also to enable more pupils to befit from being at Beech Hall.

Further details are available from the Headmaster.