At Beechwood, each individual is important and our pastoral structure is there to make sure that all our pupils thrive in the happy, family atmosphere that we are so fortunate to enjoy. 

Taking a closer look in Biology

Class sizes vary from about 8 – 20, according to the subject options taken. Most groups are mixed ability, with some subjects, such as Mathematics, set by ability where it is educationally advantageous.

Poetry Day

We are dedicated to the development of the language skills students require, both for success in examinations, and success in life.

Our students have the opportunity to study both classical and contemporary texts, covering the genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama.

During Years 7, 8 and 9 students read widely, learn to write in a variety of forms and develop their oral skills. 

Private reading is promoted at all times and pupils are actively encouraged to borrow from the fiction section of the Library. Later, pupils study for GCSEs in English Language and Literature, many choosing English as an option at A-level.

Readathon and poetry competitions are popular ways to encourage everyone to make the most of their talents.

Hot Off The Press

At Beechwood, Science is stimulating and fun. Biology, Chemistry and Physics are integrated at Key Stage 3; three Separate Sciences or Double Award may be taken at GCSE.

A level chemistry

Our laboratories are well resourced, practical work being enhanced by the use of modern data logging equipment.

After school, Crystal Club and Creepy Crawly Club are popular and we regularly organise outings to lectures and places of scientific interest.  

Many students compete in National Mathematics Challenge Competitions, gaining bronze, silver and gold awards.

Pupils needing to build their confidence can take advantage of the extra support offered in Help Clubs.

Maths Olympiad Success

To find out about more Mathematics events, please click here

RE lessons at Beechwood provide an opportunity to explore key issues of the Christian Faith whilst acknowledging the specific influences of the Catholic Church. 

All major world religions are examined at different stages of each pupil’s education and the spiritual life of every student is encouraged and developed throughout their time at Beechwood.

Year 7 enjoy a visit to a Passion Play

All pupils in the Senior School take part in preparing and helping to present the Friday Assemblies.

RE is a popular subject for study at GCSE and A-level.

Trip to Rome
During half-term on our wonderful trip to Rome, we visited many historic sites, including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica and the beautiful Sistine Chapel.

What makes the world the place it is today?

How can we prosper without harming others?

These are questions tackled by the Humanities Department.

A Field Trip Survey

Models help understanding

Through activities such as mapwork, measuring and recording local information and modelling simple machines, pupils gain important insights in Geography.

In History, classroom debates and role play encourage the development of ideas.

Field trips and studies abroad are also important opportunities for Geography and History students to broaden their knowledge.

Fashion shows, French breakfasts and weather forecasting all play an important part in motivating and building confidence.

A Day in Boulogne

Pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in a wide range of dramatic activities.

Many pursue the subject further at GCSE, AS and A-level. In addition, boys and girls from all age groups are invited to take part in full-scale school productions. You can find out about these in News & Events.

We try to stimulate interest and enjoyment whilst aiming for work of the highest quality.

Ultimately, Art at Beechwood leads to an A-Level in Fine Art, encompassing aspects of Art History and the role of Art in society.

To view some examples of pupils' work, follow the link to the Art Gallery click here

Outing to Tate Modern

Cookery

Pupils can study Home Economics at GCSE

In Year 8 and 9, pupils follow a “Taste of Success” award scheme and those choosing GCSE Home Economics study nutrition and learn techniques which will be useful to them throughout their lives. 

To view some pictures of the work in Food Technology, click here

Boys play football, rugby, hockey and cricket.

The curriculum also includes athletics, fitness training, basketball, tennis and gymnastics.

 Timetable of sports activities for Senior School pupils up to Year 11.

Term	Girls	Boys
Autumn	Netball Hockey Football Dancing Basketball Gymnastics	Football Hockey Fitness Training Basketball Gymnastics
Spring	Netball Hockey Football Dancing Basketball Gymnastics Athletics	Rugby Hockey Fitness Training Basketball Gymnastics Athletics
Summer	Rounders Athletics Swimming Tennis	Cricket Athletics Swimming Tennis

Pupils interested in finding out more about aspects of sport and physical fitness can take PE at GCSE either as a full or short course.

As well as studying applied anatomy and physiology, they learn about exercise, training and fitness, diet, health and much more. 

They also spend time enhancing their practical skills and completing their own Personal Exercise programme.

At Beechwood, Information & Communications Technology is delivered as a practical subject where pupils learn through hands-on experience.

In ICT lessons, Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils become aware of both the capabilities and limitations of modern technology, through experiencing a variety of hardware and software. They develop skills that will be of benefit across all curriculum areas. In Year 9 pupils have the opportunity to gain an Award in Digital Applications, a qualification in ICT.

GCSE ICT is a popular option as a full or short course, in which students design and implement information systems for themselves and others to use.

At A-level, students use their skills in ICT for research, selection and presentation of information, as required by their studies in all subjects. They can also opt for Applied ICT at A-level.

Interhouse Clowning

For one day only the Auditorium became a big top, with Ring Master, whooping crowds and clowns who wowed the audience with their amazing skills. The Inter House event for this term was something new for the Senior School, with the hidden talents for circus tricks of Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 being discovered.  James and Charlotte were ace plate spinners, Dilys a graceful juggler and Izzy an amazing peacock feather balancer.  All those who attempted juggling were superb and mastered an impressive level of skill in a short time.  According to Ring Master Adam’s fantastic clapometer, Assisi won the day and a proud Laura, as House Captain, came up to claim the prize, the Inter House Skills Cup.  Well done to all who took part and to the lively audience for cheering them on their way.  As for plate spinning...don’t try that one at home!

House Activities Afternoon
Just before Half Term lessons were abandoned in favour of an afternoon of sport and a problem solving activities, which saw all age-groups working together in their House Teams.

Strictly Beechwood

The courses provided throughout the school aim to develop awareness of important issues related to life, health, society and global matters.  Through these studies the students should be empowered to make informed, well-considered choices and judgements in reaction to life experiences.

The programme is a flexible one and may be tailored to meet the needs of a changing world.  For each Year group the course is presented in a 50-minute session each week.  A variety of different topics is addressed, and, where possible, external lecturers deliver talks or workshops on their specialist areas. We try to make use of workshops run by professionals to address issues such as bullying and drug education.

To find out more, please click here

Each year, Beechwood students direct their efforts to fund raising for their chosen charity.

In recent years we have raised money for Burrswood Hospital in Groombridge and the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre. 

Pupils pack treats for troops

A Visit to Burrswood

Sunny France

On Wednesday 17 June Year 7 & 8 got up early to travel to France. Everyone was very excited and after an easy journey to the shuttle we arrived  in a very sunny Boulogne.

After a very busy term with Science ISAs and coursework to do, we Year 10’s decided to have a night out at Zizzi’s restaurant.

Our staff looked dazzling as they accompanied us, not to talk of all the students who looked glamorous as well! The meal was filled with camera flashes and loud laughs that made the whole room feel warm and welcome.

It was a very enjoyable evening, a memorable moment for us at Beechwood, and we look forward to the next one.             
Eby Nwokedi

OPEN DAY
Saturday 7th March 2009
For more information please click here

THIS WEEK

Year 7 Visit to the Palace of Westminster
 

MP Greg Clark met boys and girls from Beechwood in the Palace of Westminster

At the end of last term Year 7 visited the Palace of Westminster.  They started in Westminster Hall and then toured the House of Lords and the House of Commons.  In the House of Lords, they saw where the Queen had sat to open Parliament less than a week before, and also where the Prime Minister stands in the House of Commons. After the tour they met our local Member of Parliament, Greg Clark. The pupils asked some interesting and topical questions which were close to their hearts. A good time was had by all.