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

The core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science always receive due emphasis, as we aim to provide a balance that can stimulate the talents of every pupil. Religious Education, Physical Education and Personal, Social and Health Education are also compulsory subjects for all Year groups. 

The Performing Arts of Music, Drama and Dance are an important part of life at Beechwood. More than half the pupils have extra lessons in instrumental Music and opportunities to perform are wide and varied. Pupils of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part in a variety of dramatic activities and Theatre Studies is a popular and successful choice for many girls both at GCSE and A-level.

Languages also have a dominant place in the curriculum, with French, Spanish and German available at GCSE, AS- and A-level.

Information & Communications Technology is timetabled as part of the curriculum up to Year 9 and techniques acquired in lessons are quickly used as tools for projects and coursework in all subjects. Our recently installed whole-school wireless network provides Internet access in all classrooms, further enhancing teaching and learning. ICT is available as a full-course or short-course option at GCSE and at AS- and A-level.
 
In Year 10 and 11, girls normally study the core subjects of English (Language and Literature) and Mathematics together with four optional subjects. All girls study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, leading to Science and Additional Science GCSEs, or they may take three GCSEs in the separate Sciences.

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.

‘In the battle of the sexes, man will always win’

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.

To find out about more Mathematics events, please click here

A level chemistry

Many students continue to A level, reading sciences or medicine at university. 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.  

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.

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.

Throughout the school pupils are encouraged to study one or two second Modern Languages: French, German and Spanish are offered.

The Modern Languages department aims to stimulate interest and enjoyment of other cultures. Fashion shows, French breakfasts and weather forecasting all play an important part in motivating and building confidence.

Visit to the German Christmas Markets

The next day we toured Cologne armed with cameras and tour guides. In the old market we found some typical German food which several girls tasted. After we shopped till we dropped, then we climbed the 509 steps to the top of the Cathedral to look at the spectacular view of Cologne. We then ventured down into the crypt and discovered the sparkling treasures of the Cathedral.

The next visit was to the chocolate factory, followed by dinner then ice skating. The following morning we were all aching and had to start our projects and grabbed our last minute Christmas shopping.  Then back on the coach for the return journey. A big thank you to all the staff for making the trip a memorable one.
Hannah Wynn, Kortnie French

A level drama

Many pursue the subject further at GCSE, AS and A-level. In addition, girls from all age groups are invited to take part in full-scale school productions.

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

Puppetry Workshop

We started with a game of Wizards, Giants and Dwarfs and then went on to discover how to make Rodney the puppet come to life. We then progressed to learning how to do puppetry with ordinary and some not so ordinary objects.

It was great fun and we discovered that some of our Year are really talented especially Alice, Lily and Amy and Lana, Dara and Charlotte whose group performances were great.

Thank you to Mrs Prodrick who organised the workshop and to Becca and Yestin, the puppeteers, for making the morning fun.

There is an annual gala concert for the best musicians in the Spring Term; this year’s programme will included a piano concerto by Mozart, and the Vivaldi Gloria.

GCSE and A-level Music courses are options in Years 10 –11 and 12 –13. Instrumental examinations of ABRSM and LCM take place termly, with a high success rate in all grades 1 to 8.

Success for the Choir
Last Saturday, The Beechwood Singers and the Preparatory Choir were both represented at The Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival.

In spite of being seriously depleted due to illness The Beechwood Singers gave a spirited and creditable performance. The 3rd place was commendable in the circumstances, and they received a very encouraging adjudication.

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

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

Textiles is taught from Year 7 - 9 and it is a popular subject at GCSE.

Some work produced by pupils in Years 7 - 9

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.

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.

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