Our ethos and values
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our ethos preparatory school senior school sixth form boarding admissions & fee information registration form
Welcome If you were to ask a Barnard Castle parent why they chose this School for their son or daughter, they would tell you that children here are happy, balanced and successful. Here we know that a formidable all-round education and a sense of fun should go together and we believe that when children are happy and secure, they can achieve great things. At Barnard Castle we want our girls and boys to lead successful and fulfilled lives. We want them to discover and develop passions, skills, knowledge and a love of learning that will remain with them. We want them to feel part of our community and, with its support and encouragement, to take pride in their very best efforts, to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to understand that each one of us has a duty to our neighbour. I hope that these pages give you a flavour of Barnard Castle, but nothing is a substitute for actually experiencing it so I hope that you too will join us for a warm Barney welcome in the near future. I look forward to seeing you. Alan Stevens Headmaster
When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...
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Opening doors With its roots in John Balliol’s thirteenth century hospital close to the School’s present site, the modern Barnard Castle School was established with the addition of a generous legacy from Benjamin Flounders and opened its doors in 1883. Since then it has been opening doors for boys and girls from all over Britain and the world. ‘Barney’, as it is affectionately known, has established a strong reputation for academic success, sporting excellence and musical achievement in a vibrant, unpretentious and caring environment. Situated in stunning rural Teesdale and set it its own extensive grounds, Barney enjoys an enviable location which allows girls and boys to combine the pleasures and pursuits of rural life with links to world-class centres of business, industry and higher education. Quite simply, it is an idyllic environment in which children can grow up without many of the pressures of contemporary urban life. As a close-knit and friendly community, Barney nurtures a family atmosphere with strong pastoral care, enabling girls and boys to realise their true potential and eventually to go on to make their mark with all of the good judgement, confidence and team spirit that they have taken from their School.
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Inspiring minds The exceptional quality of teaching at Barnard Castle School is reflected in excellent examination results, but these are borne out of an easy, open and respectful relationship between our teachers and children. That relationship, in the hands of passionate, skilled teachers gives our boys and girls a formidable academic edge. For our most able pupils in Senior School we offer Enrichment Programmes in academia, sport, art and music. For those who need to consolidate a topic or whose confidence needs to be bolstered, we offer Learning Support and subject-specific tutorials as required without charge. At Barney, no-one is left behind.
“ T e a c h e r s s h ow g r e a t co m m i t m e n t t o t h e i r p u p i l s ’ p r o g r e ss ” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Living values Our values guide daily life here; they are embedded in our Christian foundation and our medieval heritage. They provide a common purpose for everyone in our community and we take pride in the fact that not least among them is Enjoyment. A commitment to leadership, service, friendship and success lie at the heart of Barnard Castle and we have as our core values: Endeavour – Community – Integrity – Enjoyment – Compassion – Duty Never have these been so important to the future of our nation and so central to School life as we continue to attract both local, regional and overseas pupils from different cultures and religions. At Barnard Castle we strive to create a dynamic and talented community, where children can learn from and with each other and appreciate the diversity of human nature.
“ W e f e e l t h a t o u r c h i l d r e n e n jo y b e i n g k n ow n a s i n d i v i d u a l s . T h e i n t e r e s t t h a t t h e s t a f f t a k e i n t h e e n co u r a g e m e n t , d e v e l o p m e n t a n d s u p p o r t o f t a l e n t w i t h i n o u r c h i l d r e n i s f i r s t - c l a ss ” Christopher and Sallie-Anne Morrill
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Thriving community We value individuality in our boys and girls and this is also reflected in our Houses, each of which has its own character. Whether joining us as a day or boarding pupil, all girls and boys will be guided and supported by outstanding pastoral care. The Chaplain is also always on hand and the Sixth Form run a highly successful peer support network, emphasising that every member of our community has a duty to support each other. At Barney the gifted individual, the grafting enthusiast and the team-player can flourish. Music and drama thrive and the Chapel Choir has a reputation that reaches far beyond Teesdale. Yet alongside these and our major sports there is also plenty of room for those who want to spend time fencing, building model railways, playing lacrosse, debating, shooting, dog-walking, learning cross-stitch, exploring the solar system and a host of other pursuits in which girls and boys can engage with the innocence and curiosity of children who are allowed to grow up at their own pace.
“ T h e q u a l i t y o f t h e p u p i l s ’ p e r so n a l d e v e l o p m e n t i s o u t s t a n d i n g , promoted by the excellent quality of relationships within the sc h oo l co m m u n i t y a n d t h e f i r s t - r a t e c a r e s h ow n f o r t h e m b y a highly dedicated staff.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Sporting excellence Barnard Castle School has developed a national reputation for boys’ and girls’ sport. As we endeavour to educate and develop the whole person, sport has an important place in School and in the curriculum. All boys and girls are introduced and coached by experts in a range of team sports. Our reputation is not confined to one discipline and the School enjoys regular competitive success in rugby, hockey, cross-country, football, lacrosse, swimming, netball, cricket, athletics and squash. Our boys and girls have achieved county, regional and national representative honours in a range of disciplines and many continue to do so after they leave School. Our aim for all girls and boys is to guide them in their development, encourage them to enjoy sport, to value playing as a team and to maintain the discipline of sport as part of their life after leaving School.
“Our top class coaching and excellent facilities provide the basis for spirited competition at all levels and for all aptitudes, with pupils experiencing a wide range of sport.” Martin Pepper, Director of Sport
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Building confidence It takes courage to dive in, but that is exactly how we ask our girls and boys to approach each of the challenges and opportunities that comes their way here. Whether it is preparing to give a speech at a formal Lectern Club dinner, taking a lead role in the latest drama production, pushing the boundaries on a CCF expedition or mentoring a younger pupil, we want all of our children to develop competencies and talents to take them beyond the classroom. Through activities such as the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Peer Support, a highly active Sixth Form Executive Committee and many others, Barney pupils learn to listen, lead and assert themselves confidently with a light touch. A pervasive sense of duty and altruism is reflected not only in our girls’ and boys’ helpfulness towards each other and to visitors, but they also regularly raise over £10,000 each year to support a range of UK and overseas charitable causes of their own choice.
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Investing for the future Our Preparatory School establishes a foundation for life and the Senior School builds upon it the skills, knowledge and good judgement that our girls and boys need as they prepare for life beyond the classroom and the innumerable challenges of the modern world. Our Careers and Higher Education team is supported by an active network of over 10,000 former pupils in more than 30 countries, representing a full spectrum of careers and business sectors. Many Barnardians have progressed to notable positions in industry, sport and government, the armed forces, business and the arts and are ready to share their experience and advice with the next generation.
“The School allowed me to learn to communicate with all character types, something which has helped me greatly in my work as a surgeon.� Gunaratnam Shyamalan (1982 - 1992), Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
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preparatory school
Welcome Barnard Castle Preparatory School is a happy and thriving IAPS day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4 to 11. From their earliest years children are encouraged to enjoy the learning experience. The Preparatory School, situated adjacent to the Senior School site, retains its own distinct character whilst drawing on the excellent facilities of the wider School community. We are committed to an education both in and out of the classroom, thereby enabling the academic, artistic, musical and physical potential of each child to flourish. The family of the School is a warm, caring and happy one, where self-esteem and confidence are developed and grown. Our high quality teachers have an excellent track record of preparing children for life at Senior School and beyond and we are proud of our extensive extracurricular activities programme. Boarding at Barnard Castle Preparatory School is highly rewarding, made popular by the full and flexi-boarding options that are available. The enjoyable boarding experience further enriches the children’s time with us. I hope that this prospectus will give you a feel for what we have to offer and encourage you to visit us to find out more. Carl Rycroft When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...
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Headmaster
A secure foundation for life From their first day with us, children are encouraged to discover, explore, create and practise their skills and knowledge in our secure and caring environment. We foster an enthusiasm for learning that will provide a foundation for life. Our broad and balanced curriculum is carefully planned and structured, offering our youngest learners a rich and exhilarating experience. Our activities – both in and out of the classroom - ensure that learning is fun, engaging and purposeful. We nurture imagination and encourage creativity and our outstanding pastoral care ensures that each child flourishes as they set out along their learning journey.
“the Prep School caters for each individual’s needs and gives children a confidence you would have never expected in such a short space of time.” Steve and Jo Riddell
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Developing new interests, friendships and responsibilities Building on the curiosities nurtured in the Pre-Prep, life in the Prep School encourages children to develop personal interests, establish new friendships and evolve a burgeoning sense of responsibility. In Years 3 to 6, children are progressively taught by a number of specialist teachers across a range of subjects, from music and physical education, to art and science. Children are also introduced to the House system with strong and spirited House competitions in art, general knowledge, handwriting, music and a whole host of sports.
“Attitudes to work are extremely positive, with pupils hurrying to class, being prepared to start in the twinkling of an eye, and applying themselves wholeheartedly in lessons. They show enthusiasm, willingness and enjoyment in all that they do.� Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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“ T h e o v e r a l l e f f e c t i v e n e s s o f t h e EYFS is outstanding� Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Nurturing children’s independent learning skills Benefitting from ideal class sizes, our children enjoy life in the classroom. The excellent teaching staff ensure that learning is focused and that each child is encouraged to do their best. A variety of teaching styles is used to promote achievement and information technology is integrated across the curriculum to support the learning process. The children have access to laptops and interactive learning resources as part of their classroom experience. Working beyond the confines of the National Curriculum, pupils at the Prep School follow a subject based curriculum that embraces a range of learning experiences. Specialist teaching by our well qualified staff helps to foster the academic interests of the children. We are keen that children become independent learners as they progress through the School, enabling them to face the future with confidence. Above all, however, we believe that learning should be a fun and enjoyable experience for all.
“Teaching is excellent: detailed planning, excellent relationships and skilful execution of lessons combine to ensure that pupils learn successfully and make excellent progress.� Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Achieving more than just academic success Music and drama feature prominently in school life. Curriculum music provides all children with the opportunity to develop talents and our choral and instrumental ensembles provide the chance for children to collaborate whilst performing in concerts or in the Chapel. There are three major drama productions each year ensuring that all children are afforded the experience of taking to the stage. In addition children regularly perform in assemblies and read in Chapel, fostering the children’s confidence to speak in public.
“Within a safe and happy environment the needs of the children are very well met and fulfil the aims of the school. Every child is treated as a valued individual. Outcomes for the children are outstanding.� Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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“We have three children at Prep School and they are all quite different, but the variety of activities and the balance between education and other options for them suits them down to the ground.� Ronnie and Jenny Barker
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An activity programme enriching children’s experience We benefit from excellent sports facilities and the children enjoy a varied sporting programme, encompassing the major games such as hockey, rugby, netball, football, rounders and cricket, as well as a wide range of other sports from athletics to tennis. Swimming is also prominent, ensuring that the children make the most of our indoor swimming pool. A number of our sportsmen and women have represented the School at county, regional and sometimes national levels. Our exciting and engaging range of over 30 extra-curricular activities ensures that the intellectual, artistic, musical, dramatic and sporting ambitions of our pupils are met. The activity programme enriches the educational experience beyond the confines of the traditional teaching environment. The children benefit from regular UK and overseas educational visits that greatly enhance the learning process. Recent trips have included visits to Paris and London, excursions to local historical and geological sites, outdoor pursuits, seasonal pantomimes and overseas trips for skiing.
“In accordance with the school’s aims, the scope and variety of the excellent curriculum is broad and balanced for all pupils and it is complemented by a wide range of highly effective extracurricular and enrichment activities.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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A supportive and understanding community Excellent pastoral care is at the heart of the School, with children attending regular assemblies, Chapel services and PSHE lessons. The care of each individual child is primarily the responsibility of the class teacher and positive relationships exist between staff and pupils. The ‘Barney Way’ is to be kind, friendly, polite and respectful and this leads to a warm atmosphere and a caring community. Parents receive a weekly newsletter to keep them informed about what is happening at School. Written reports are produced for parents at the end of each term and teachers are regularly available for consultations about each child’s progress. The School is well supported by the ‘Barney Friends’, who facilitate good communication through the parent network, welcome new parents to the School and organise a wide variety of social events. Parents are invited to attend School events such as sports fixtures, concerts, Chapel services, drama productions and Speech Day. The School operates an open door policy, where parents are warmly welcomed in and encouraged to be a part of their child’s education.
“Pastoral care is excellent and pupils flourish in the supportive and understanding atmosphere of the school.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Living, working and playing together At Barnard Castle Prep School we value the individuality of each and every child and time spent at Barney offers many extraordinary opportunities. Underpinning all that we do are longstanding School traditions and expectations ensuring our children uphold core values of endeavour, integrity, duty, compassion and good manners in an enjoyable and caring environment. The beautiful School Chapel is the focus of the spiritual life of the School with the children enjoying the weekly service led by the School Chaplain. In addition parents and friends of the School are welcome to join us for our major services throughout the year. The School medical centre provides for the health needs of the children and the high quality catering service ensures that a good, balanced and plentiful menu is available at all mealtimes. Our Prep School boarding community offers a ‘home from home’ experience with children cared for by House Parents, as well as a dedicated House Matron. With both full boarding and flexi-boarding packages available our boarding house, Old Courts, is self-contained and ideal for our young boarders. In this close knit community children can be assured of living, playing and working together in an informal, yet structured and safe environment.
“Barnard Castle Prep School has not only fulfilled our expectations academically, but has also provided lots of extra-curricular activities to keep Jasper busy. He has thrived on the busy sports programme, met and become friends with a large number of people and taken part in virtually every after School club!” Philip and Sara Metcalfe
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Looking forward In preparing pupils for the transition to Senior School, we ensure that each child develops a sense of independence as well as self-confidence. Academically and pastorally, the children benefit from the close links with the Senior School and its staff.
Preparatory School: 01833 696032 Admissions: 01833 696030 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk
In our boarding community, children have the advantage of an integrated environment throughout their time with us, with positive links with the Senior School boarding houses.
“ W e w a n t C o l e t o b e h a pp y a n d h a v e t h e b e s t c h a n c e a n d o pp o r t u n i t i e s i n l i f e : w e f e e l B a r n a r d C a s t l e provides all of these.� Gary and Stacey Tudor-Smith
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Barnard Castle Senior School is where girls and boys grow up with surprising rapidity, entering as children and then moving into the Sixth Form on the cusp of adulthood. However, our space, curriculum and ethos allow them to grow up at their own pace. Children here are naturally curious, creative and competitive. They will find new subjects being introduced by inspirational teachers, new activities and sports being playing with enthusiasm. Our aim is to inspire girls and boys and to prepare them for increasingly independent study, to cultivate in them a love of knowledge, an interest in how they learn and a desire to keep doing it which will remain with them long after they have left us.
When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...
“The overall quality of the curriculum is outstanding.� Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Barnard Castle Senior School
Loving learning Our curriculum is robust, broad, balanced and stimulating, consisting of a strong grounding in proper sciences, humanities, ancient and modern languages and technical subjects which provide a secure preparation for Sixth Form studies and which universities value. Intellectually, we want all of our children to feel realistically challenged and stimulated to discover more. Therefore, girls and boys are taught in sets according to subject and academic ability so that no-one feels either dispirited by the complexity or bored by the simplicity of a task. Sets in the junior years are fluid and re-assessed every few weeks. Class sizes in Year 7 rarely exceed 20 and lower sets are always much smaller. GCSE classes may number up to 15 children but are often much smaller. Independent monitoring shows that year after year Barnard Castle School adds value academically so, while an able child will achieve top grades, those of more modest abilities will normally exceed their expectations. For our most able pupils intellectual stimulation and challenge are never far away with Symposium, Debating Society, Law Club, Middle Eastern Language and Politics Club among others. Scholars in Year 7 will be invited to join the Balliol Group (named after the School’s medieval benefactor who also founded Balliol College Oxford) where they will explore a range of ideas beyond the normal curriculum.
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Discovering joy Barney’s all-round education prioritises the intellectual, but appreciates that to play a full and fulfilling role in the future, every girl and boy should have the opportunity to develop physically, socially and spiritually. The wider curriculum is integral to the Barney experience; through it many girls and boys discover and develop talents and even vocations that remain with them for life. We believe in the value of our unparalleled Activity Programme which provides children with opportunities to build confidence, make friendships across year groups, enhance leadership, teamwork and communication skills and thoroughly enjoy themselves. With an eclectic selection of over 100 weekly activities from beginner’s mandolin to Maths puzzles, confirmation classes and rock-climbing, there is something for everyone. Curricular learning is brought to life by local and overseas curricular trips led by our own teachers. Recently a group of geographers explored the volcanic ranges and glaciers of Iceland, while our historians went to Berlin, our classicists explored Greece and our musicians performed in Paris. As the world continues to shrink, we aim to give our girls and boys a sense of their place within it.
“I enjoyed running the Film Society with my friend Paddy Hill. Looking back we were quite entrepreneurial and tried some offbeat marketing methods.” Angus Thirlwell (1974 – 1981), Co-Founder & CEO, Hotel Chocolat
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Sporting chances Sport is an important part of our curriculum and we aim to promote positive skills and attitudes through team sports as well as equip girls and boys with an awareness of the importance of sport for life. Our sports coaches and resources are of the highest calibre and it is no surprise that School teams and individuals frequently compete at regional and national level; the School can count 40 internationals amongst its alumni. Our outstanding sports scholars benefit from a Development Programme which introduces them to aspects of fitness, psychology, nutrition and sportsmanship, employing our own professionals and visiting experts. Whatever their ability or aptitudes, both girls and boys can take advantage of first class, modern on-site facilities for a myriad of sports. Whether it’s rugby or running, dancing or fencing, swimming or netball, we have something for everyone.
“The support I received both in the classroom and on the sports field was enormous. I developed as a rugby player due to the attention to detail and encouragement I received from the coaches there. My time at Barney will be some of my fondest memories especially the day I l e d t h e 1 s t X V o u t a t Tw i c k e n h a m o n m y 1 8 t h b i r t h d a y . � Lee Dickson (1996 - 2003), Professional rugby player and England International
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Living as a community Barney is a busy place. Here our day pupils as well as our boarders benefit from the School’s strong boarding tradition and ethos, which means that we never close and there is a real feeling of being part of a vibrant extended family throughout the entire week. Our boarding ethos means that our teachers and support staff are selfless with their time and have a sense of real vocation. They run many evening and weekend activities as well as an extraordinary range of camps, treks, tours and expeditions during the holidays. Life at Barney is vibrant and concerts, quizzes and plays for the boarding and day pupils are sources of huge enjoyment which unite the School. Chapel is a place of daily prayer with many pupils deriving huge satisfaction from singing in our excellent Chapel Choir which also sings Evensong in local Cathedrals. Life at Barney feeds the mind, body and spirit.
“[pupils] mix readily across different age groups and, in the house and school peer support and mentor systems, older pupils have a more formal responsibility for the younger ones.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Contemplating the future As our girls and boys eventually begin to contemplate the Sixth Form, they become aware that it offers something which they have not yet experienced. Our Sixth Form is something unique and very special indeed. It provides unparalleled opportunities for not only academic
Telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030 School office: +44 (0)1833 690222 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk
but also personal development. The Sixth Form Induction days give Year 11 girls and boys a sense of this and of their place and their potential as students rather than pupils, as young men and women rather than children, as leaders of our community.
“ T h e p u p i l s ’ attit u d e s to l e a r n i n g a r e o u tsta n d i n g . T h r o u g h o u t t h e sc h oo l , p u p i l s a r e k e e n to w o r k a n d to s u cc e e d . ” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Something profound changes within a young person as they approach Sixth Form age: they yearn for autonomy, are ready to develop good judgement, and start to look more seriously to their future. In short, a young person’s time at Sixth Form has the ability to be the most formative period of their life. The Sixth Form at Barnard Castle School provides a comprehensive framework that allows our students to capitalise on their natural predisposition for development. We believe that our ethos of academic diligence and self-motivation for students across the ability spectrum is both a driving factor for, and a consequence of our wider development programme that positions our Sixth Formers as the leaders and managers of our School. Our students are taught in small teaching groups by experienced subject specialists. Under the guidance of their Teachers and Tutors, our Sixth Formers are expected to develop independent study skills, good timemanagement and self-discipline. Through our lecture and tutorial programme they gain vital study and research skills, and are exposed to speakers who both widen their horizons and initiate self-reflection. Once they leave the classroom, the holistic development of our Sixth Formers continues. Almost every aspect of the School is organised by members of the Sixth Form, and no matter what their personal area of interest or skills, each student at Barnard Castle School has the opportunity to develop genuine leadership prowess. When you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...
Christopher Butler Head of Sixth Form
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Barnard Castle School Sixth Form
Aiming high In the Sixth Form we want each student to deepen their understanding of their chosen subjects, of themselves and of their potential to make a difference. We want them to study with ambition, to speak with growing confidence and to face the world with a passion to play their part in it.
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Learning to learn Our Sixth Form curriculum offers students 22 highly-regarded subjects which are assessed by either traditional A’Level or the internationally recognised Cambridge Pre-U exams. Barney has a long history of preparing students for Russell Group and Oxbridge universities as well as other regional destinations and our curriculum focuses on the sort of challenging disciplines that are sought by leading universities. An optional qualification for our Sixth Form students is the Extended Project which involves original independent research and is highlyprized by leading universities. Students enjoy the opportunity to study in unprecedented detail and demonstrate a degree of independence and intellectual maturity that surpasses the demands of traditional A’Levels.
“Everyone remembers a favourite teacher. Mine taught English.” Nigel Farndale (1976-81), Bestselling author and award-winning journalist
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Resourcing the experience Sixth Form work is academically demanding, so we give our students all of the resources and time that they need to meet its challenge. To complement first class teaching in small classes, our students are encouraged to embrace essential private study in our library which is well stocked with books and up-to-the-minute journals carrying the latest in research and opinion. They have an excellent computer network and a dedicated Sixth Form web portal both for reference and for contacting their teachers wherever they are and they can make good use of our provision of online e-journals. All of our Sixth Form students are enrolled at Durham University Library, a world-class facility, for reading around subjects and for informing Extended Projects. Adjacent to the School, the Bowes Museum houses one of the best collections in northern England as well as experts and a superb reading room which has generously been opened to our Sixth Form as an additional research and study facility.
“outstanding support and guidance of staff are important factors in the school’s success.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Learning to lead Instantly recognisable in their fitted suits from the Barnard Castle School range, our Sixth Form students stand out. However, leadership is more than smart tailoring and in Sixth Form they enjoy two years of abundant opportunities and experiences which build understanding, confidence and poise. Students enjoy lectures in leadership and management from eminent academics and business leaders and have a myriad of opportunities to practise their theories in general School management, in chairing and contributing to influential committees and in leading projects which can actually shape the experience of School for future generations.
“I hope that I will be able to inspire today’s students with some of my own life experiences and especially my work with Team Stadium and the Road to London 2012 .” Tony Aikenhead (1970-1972), Director of Operations, Sir Robert McAlpine
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A dynamic community All Barney Sixth Form Students are welcomed into membership of the Sixth Form Common Room, which is run along university lines and affiliated to the National Union of Students, with all of the benefits that this brings. The Sixth Form is led by an elected Executive Committee and a huge number of students become involved in it and its sub-committee work, chairing meetings of staff and younger girls and boys to promote important work and themes within the School. Skills of planning, presentation, diplomacy and organisation which students develop through this forum are invaluable. Sixth Form is not all work. During free periods, students can visit the local coffee shop, relax or have a quick workout in the School’s excellent fitness suite. Students also benefit from a programme of exclusive social activities, ranging from light-hearted quiz nights to black tie dinners each term. Our Sixth Form community is at the heart of Barney life; it is dynamic, ambitious, great fun and very welcoming.
“Pupils refer to the atmosphere within the school as being ‘like a big family’.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Embracing the future All education is ultimately about preparation. At Barney we are confident that after two years in our Sixth Form, students will have the skills, qualifications and outlook needed to leave us and begin the next stage of their lives with high standards, self-assurance and humanity. Some take
Telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030 School office: +44 (0)1833 690222 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk
a GAP year, others opt to begin their career, but the majority choose to pursue higher education where our students have an impressive record of pursuing study at the university of their choice. Before they do so, they receive expert advice on every step of the university application journey, a process that begins in their Lower 6th year. Everything from course selection to personal statements and student finance is covered and parents are also invited to come and learn a little more about the latest developments. At Barney each student is important to us and we take great pride in helping them to flourish. Our Sixth Form students express a deep sense of attachment to their School, but they also cannot wait to leave and that, as every moist-eyed parent knows, is as it should be.
“ M y t i me a t B a r n e y ga v e me t h e c o n f i d e n c e a n d t h e CV t o se c u r e a pla c e t o r ea d L a w a t Camb r i d ge . � Louise Yarrow (1990-1992), Director, Deutsche Bank
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B a r n a r d Cas t le S c h ool | B a r n a r d Cas t le B|a r Co UN1 5 n a ru dn Ct a syt l D e u S crhh o oam l S i xDt L h 1F2o r8m
boarding
Boarding is at the heart of Barney At the heart of Barnard Castle’s family is our boarding community. A tightly-knit group of around 200 girls and boys and 30 resident adults makes boarding in this stunning and well-resourced environment a fantastic opportunity to make friends for life, to improve academic performance and make regular use of the School’s excellent sports and recreation facilities. Boarding is a popular choice for a range of reasons. For some girls and boys it gives them a unique opportunity to experience lasting friendships and stability while their parents’ occupations take them away from home. For others, boarding creates valuable time which would otherwise be absorbed by long bus journeys of up to two hours each day. Some appreciate the structure of Prep during week nights and the abundance of support from the range of subject specialists who live in School. Many, particularly those in the Sixth Form, enjoy a level of independence from their parents which, while still being cared for within School, provides an invaluable experience of communal living before they move away to university. Boarding at Barney is exceptional value for money. What better way to invest in your child’s future? A truly engaging and vibrant environment, there is no better way to help girls and boys grow into independent, wellWhen you are steeped in little things, you shall safely attempt great things...
rounded happy young adults, than boarding at Barney.
“The quality of boarding is excellent and the boarding experience is a valuable part of the boarders’ education and personal development.” Independent Schools Inspectorate 2011
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding is caring Boarders benefit from the highest levels of pastoral care in Barney. We know them well and relationships between them and the resident staff are excellent. Our care of boarders goes well beyond academic monitoring and occasionally dispensing cough drops. The most important element of care lies in the intangible reassurance and familiarity that grows between fellow boarders and between boarders and staff in an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and support. Over the course of a typical evening, in addition to ‘duty staff’, residents will frequently drop in to have a chat with their tutees, a Housemaster will enjoy an informal moment with his boys, the Headmaster may drop by with his Labradors who are only too happy to be made a fuss of by girls and boys. These little things are important.
“Independence, true friendships, laughter, fun and a solid future. That’s what Barnard Castle School has given me.” Harriet Knowles
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding at Barnard Castle School 5
Boarding families Whether from Tom Brown’s Schooldays or Harry Potter, boarding schools have a reputation for leaving parents out; either the station platform or the school gate is as close to School as they come. Barney is different and, whenever possible, we encourage boarders’ parents to come to School, to join us in Chapel, to support their girls and boys in fixtures, to watch concerts and be part of our community. The Barney Friends group includes several parents of boarders and they will welcome more. They are also conscious of the importance of planning social occasions which boarders’ parents can enjoy at the beginning of an exeat or half-term. Most important of all, is that girls and boys maintain contact with home when they wish to do so. Although now almost all boarders have mobile telephones, we still have public telephones for boarders’ use, and girls and boys have access to our secure computer network throughout the evenings and weekends for academic study, personal use and contacting home. Wherever you are, your children will not be far away.
“Barney has provided important continuity for the education of Lizzie and John. Boarding has enabled our children to develop lasting friendships rather than transitory ones every 2 years at best. We greatly appreciate the open, caring a n d h o n e s t n a t u r e o f t h e sc h o o l . S t a f f a n d c h i l d r e n k n o w the importance of both work and play – it’s rare to walk through Barney without seeing a smile!” David and Kate Clouston
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding at Barnard Castle School 7
Boarding is a home from home Boarding will neither be nor try to be your child’s home, but it provides a very homely environment. Girls and boys are encouraged to personalise their rooms, most of which are twin or, for older boarders, single rooms. Our experienced Sixth Form boarders make it their business to welcome and support younger girls and boys and a beautifully simple system of Big Brothers and Sisters helps many a slightly nervous young boarder make friends and feel secure very quickly indeed.
“ O n e o f t h e b e s t v a l u e b o a r d i n g sc h o o l s i n t h e UK . ” The Sunday Times
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding at Barnard Castle School 9
Boarding opportunities
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Boarders have access to the full range of our huge Activity Programme
In free time, boarders are welcome to explore Barnard Castle town and
and so much more. A variety of optional excursions takes boarding girls
we regularly receive rewarding comments about their good manners
and boys to different places every week. Among recent favourites have
from local shopkeepers. Barnard Castle is a small, historic market town
been scuba diving, go-karting, shopping, adventure parks, professional
with a good infrastructure, plenty of family-owned shops, including a
football and rugby matches and paintball. We also encourage boarders
well-patronised traditional sweet shop, supermarkets, tea shops and
to take advantage of our own facilities such as tennis courts, the Music
restaurants. Occasionally, after watching a fixture on Saturday afternoon,
School, the sports hall, squash courts, the supervised swimming pool, the
parents of boarders enjoy taking their sons or daughters out for tea.
fitness suite, dance studio and 50 acres of beautiful grounds.
In short, a boarding life is enjoyable, busy and enormously beneficial.
Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding at Barnard Castle School 11
Our Houses Barnard Castle School has four boarding houses – three serving the Senior School and one acting as a ‘home from home’ for our Prep School children.
Northumberland House
York House
Housemaster: Mr Alan Beaty
Housemaster: Mr Andy Allman
Capacity: 63
Capacity: 53
Ages: Boys aged 11 to 18 years
Ages: Boys aged 11 to 18 years
Matron: Miss Jan Brown
Matron: Mrs Barbara Broadwell
Recently refurbished, North House is one of the
Recently refurbished like its contemporary
School’s original houses dating from 1886. Vibrant,
Northumberland House, York House is happy
busy and dynamic, the House has a strong sense
and industrious. Another of the School’s original
of history and is rightly proud of its heritage with
Houses, York offers a competitive environment
many OBs going on to make a real impact on the
with boys developing a strong sense of pride and
world.
belonging.
The Housemaster is also the Head of Design
The Housemaster is also the Head of Religious
Technology and an officer in the Combined Cadet
Studies and trains our Sixth Form Peer Support
Force’s RAF section; he has a passion for classic
volunteers, so mutual support is part of the culture
cars and is married to Mrs Beaty, one of our
of York House. He is married to Mrs Allman
English teachers who runs the Sixth Form Lectern
and has a daughter, Phoebe, who is the School’s
Club (a popular public speaking dining club)
youngest resident. In lower Years, each boy in York
and who can often be seen with a large following
House has a modern study bedroom generally
of boarders and her dog, Dixie, striding across
sharing with two or three of his peers, although
the playing fields with the dog-walking club.
often by Year 11 and certainly by Sixth Form all
Accommodation in North House for the younger
boys have private study bedrooms.
boys is in shared rooms of three, while boys in Year 10 and 11 share twin study bedrooms. Sixth
The boys have ready access to IT facilities and the
Formers have their own private study bedrooms.
House has its own modern kitchen facilities and games & TV common rooms.
All boys have access to modern kitchen facilities, games & TV rooms and as a House situated in the main School buildings, can make use of the main IT suite and our big-screen Saturday cinema in Big School.
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
Boarding at Barnard Castle School 13
Longfield House
Old Courts
Housemistress: Mrs Alison Armstrong
HouseParents: Mr Michael and Mrs Fiona Killeen
Overall capacity: 53
Overall capacity: 20
Ages: Girls aged 11 to 18 years
Ages: Co-educational aged 7 to 11 years
Matrons: Mrs Antonia Flack, Miss Dorothy Jones
Matrons: Miss Katherine Sanderson, Miss Charlotte Kulaszewski
Having recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, Longfield House provides modern purpose-built
Old Courts is a delightful ‘home from home’, highly
accommodation for girls between the ages
tailored to the age of the children and situated at
of 11 and 18.
the heart of the campus, it is for Prep School boys
Telephone: +44 (0)1833 696030 School office: +44 (0)1833 690222 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk View our boarding facilities online at www.flickr.com/photos/barnardcastleschool
and girls who wish to experience either full or The Housemistress also teaches Games and PE and
flexi-boarding.
she maintains a warm, happy family atmosphere in the House along with Mr Armstrong, an
The children have access to all onsite School
experienced Head of Sixth Form, and their young
facilities including direct access to the School
children, Deiter and Kohana. Longfield is bright,
playing fields, which are located adjacent to Old
comfortable, secure and must have some of the
Courts. Children share bedrooms with between
most striking views of any boarding house in the
one and three other children of a similar age. The
land. Although meals are taken in the School’s
House is a wonderfully warm and welcoming place
central Dining Hall, the girls enjoy their own fully
ensuring an informal, yet structured environment
fitted modern kitchen and Sixth Form girls have
for each individual child to develop their own
access to an in-house laundry if they prefer not to
individual style and personality.
use the main School laundry. The presence of Mr and Mrs Killeen’s own children All girls can make use of common room areas as
and the enthusiasm of senior girls and boys to visit
well as their own IT suite. The majority of girls
and read occasional bedtime stories makes this a
share a twin bedroom and Sixth Formers have
warm and loving environment for young children.
their own private study bedrooms.
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Boarding at Barnard Castle School
B a r n a r d C ast l e S choo l | B a r n a r d C ast l eB o| a rCdo i nug na t t y B aD r nuar r dham C a s t lD e LS1c2 h o8oUN l 15
Admissions & Fee Information 2013 – 2014
Admissions and fee information
Assistance with Fees
Choosing the right school for your child is
To make an application please provide the
important and it can be a confusing process.
following:
If you think that your son or daughter would
• completed registration form
thrive at Barney, the following information
year to supplement the already excellent value for
• £50 registration fee (non UK residents: £100)
money fees.
will be of use.
Transport to School
• copies of your son/daughter’s birth certificate and passport
The School awards a small number of bursaries each
For larger families, we are pleased to offer a fee reduction for younger siblings (5% for a second
• Non-UK resident Boarder: Prep School: £6,210 per term Senior School: £8,253 per term • Prep School (Year 3+) Flexi Boarding: 4 nights: £5,138.30; 3 nights: £4,877.60; 2 nights: £4,616.90
• copy of their most recent school report
child, 10% for a third child, and 15% for a fourth
• Senior School Flexi Boarding:
local catchment – from Tyneside to North Yorkshire
All prospective pupils are required to be able
or subsequent child) attending the School at the
4 nights: £6,858.10; 3 nights: £6,540.20;
and from eastern Cumbria to Teesside. To support
to access our curriculum independently. In the
same time. Pupils from serving Forces families
2 nights: £6,222.30
our day pupil community, the School operates eight
majority of cases this is assessed through sitting our
are also eligible for a fee reduction - 10% of the fee
• Short Term Boarding Visit:
bus routes from Monday to Saturday across the
Entrance Examination. Entrance Day dates for 2014
before deduction of the Services Boarding School
Prep School £556 per week;
region. Please check our website for further details
are Saturday 1 February for Year 3–10 and Saturday
Allowance.
Senior School £739 per week
on available routes and times.
8 February for Sixth Form. Children wishing to join
Details of how to apply for a bursary are available
the Prep School in Years 3 to 6 are asked to undergo
• Overnight Stay:
online.
(Week days) Prep School: £35; Senior School: £40
Barnard Castle School draws pupils from a wide
Admissions information
a short series of tests in English, Mathematics and
There are five key entry points to Barnard Castle
Non-Verbal Reasoning skills. Overseas applicants
Day Fees 2013 - 2014
School – Pre-Prep, Year 3 Prep, Year 7 Senior School
may be invited to a local assessment centre.
Fees are as inclusive as possible with no hidden
Optional Extras 2013 - 2014
(ie aged 11), Year 9 Senior School (ie aged 13) and
Further details are available from our Admissions
charges. They cover books, lunch, mid-morning
• Extended Day:
Sixth Form. It may sometimes be possible to admit
Secretary, Mrs Julia Simpson by telephoning
refreshments, transport to sports fixtures and extra
Early arrival including breakfast: £6
pupils into other year groups and it is always worth
+44 (0)1833 696030 or emailing admissions@
tuition when required and most extra-curricular
Pick up until 6pm including tea: £6
contacting the School to check if a place is available.
barneyschool.org.uk.
activities.
Pick up by 7pm including tea: £12
• Pre-Prep (Year 2 and below): £1,838 per term
Pick up by 8.30pm including tea and
Before applying we encourage families to meet individually with Mr Alan Stevens, the Headmaster,
Deposit
or Mr Carl Rycroft, the Prep School Headmaster, to
A deposit is payable on acceptance of a place and
have a tour of the School’s facilities and see some
will be returned without interest on your child’s
teaching with one of our pupils.
leaving. Deposits may be offered as donations
Our main Open Day is in Michaelmas Term
towards our bursary fund.
(October) during which prospective parents and
• Day pupil £150
pupils have the opportunity to view our fantastic
• Weekly and Flexi Boarder £250
facilities and meet with pupils and staff.
• Non-UK resident Boarder £2,000
In addition we would be happy to arrange individual
Scholarships
‘Taster Days’ for prospective pupils at a mutually convenient time. For boys and girls wishing
Barnard Castle School offers a number of
• Prep School (Year 3+): £2,792 per term; • Senior School (Year 7+): £3,997 per term;
Boarding Fees 2013 - 2014 In addition to the Day package, the Boarding fee includes breakfast, dinner and supper, accommodation in comfortable bedrooms (single rooms for Sixth Form), access to secure wireless broadband and laundry of everything except casual outer clothes.
(Weekends) Prep School: £70; Senior School: £80
supervised prep: £20 • Music lesson fee: £16.50 per lesson • Specialist Learning Support Lessons: £19.50 per individual lesson or £10.00 per shared lesson, where appropriate • Bus transport fee: Between £4.16 and £6.15 per day, depending on destination There are a number of payment options available, including paying by direct debit installments, credit card or debit card. Payment by cheque is available
scholarships and exhibitions each year to recognise
• Prep School (Year 3+): £5,399 per term;
and promote the development of girls and boys who
Weekly Boarder: £5,399 per term
have exceptional ability or potential in academia,
• Senior School (Year 7+): £7,176 per term
vouchers. Full details are available from the
If you feel Barnard Castle School is the right school
music, art, sport and drama. Further details about the
Weekly Boarder: £7,176 per term
Accounts Office.
for your child, the next step is to apply for a place.
scholarship application process are available online.
to experience boarding we are able to arrange overnight or weekend stays at the School.
Barnard Castle School
and we can accept payment of the boarding element of a fee (Full Boarder less Day fee) by childcare
barnardcastleschool.org.uk
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FOR OFFICE USE Yr Gp: House: Sch No: Deposit pd: Agent:
R e g istratio n form
Applicant’s surname First names (underline name used) Date of birth Date of entry: January/April/September 20___
Day
Full Boarding
Religious denomination
Weekly Boarding
Flexi Boarding
Parent details Parent 1 name
Parent 2 name
Address
Address
Telephone home
Telephone home
Work
Work
Mobile
Mobile
Occupation
Occupation
If applicable, who has legal custody?
If any other person also has legal parental responsibility, please give details
Details of any relationship to a past or present member of the School
Details of any family affiliation to a House within the School
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Pupil’s present school/nursery
Pupil’s UK guardian (if you live abroad)
Name of Head
Name Address
Name and address of present school/nursery
Telephone home Work Mobile Relationship to pupil Telephone
If your child has taken any SATs, please detail the most recent results below (Key stage 1, 2 and 3) if applicable
If your child is considering entry at Sixth Form and knows his or her predicted GCSE grades, please enter them below
If your child has any specific educational needs, please detail them below. (If applicable, please enclose most recent Educational Psychologist report.)
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Pupil’s ethnic origin White English Welsh Scottish Northern Irish British Irish Gypsy or Irish Traveller Any other White background, please describe Mixed/Multiple ethnic groups White and Black Caribbean White and Black African White and Asian Any other Mixed/Multiple ethnic background, please describe
Pupil’s nationality British English Scottish Welsh Irish German French Spanish Chinese Hong Kong Indian Other, please state Where did you hear about us?
Asian / Asian British Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Chinese Any other Asian background, please describe
Word of mouth Family link Live locally Local newspaper advert (please state which title)
Black/African/Caribbean/Black British African Caribbean Any other Black/African/Caribbean background, please describe
Forces publication (please state which title)
Other ethnic group Arab Any other ethnic group, please describe
Website (please state which site) Agency (please name) Other
Barnard Castle School is firmly committed to offering a first class education to all students and shall endeavour to make adequate provision, in line with its Disability Policy and statutory obligations, for pupils who are disabled. The School therefore requires parents to give detail of any known disability that their child possesses either now or when they subsequently become aware of it. All details are dealt with in the strictest of confidence. Please list any disability which you are aware that your child possesses
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Admission to Barnard Castle School and its Preparatory School depends upon a prospective pupil meeting the criteria required to maintain, and if possible, improve the educational and general standards of the School. The School must feel reasonably sure that it will be able to educate and develop the prospective pupil to the best of his/her potential in line with the School’s ethos. All current and prospective pupils will be treated fairly regardless of race, gender, belief, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability.
This registration form should be returned together with a copy of your child’s passport, and the nonreturnable registration fee. Registration itself does not necessarily guarantee that a place will be available. Places are conditional upon passing an Entrance Examination and the receipt of a satisfactory report from the Head of the pupil’s present school.
Signed
Date
Tel: +44 (0)1833 696030 Fax: +44 (0)1833 696062 Email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk barnardcastleschool.org.uk Registered Charity number 1125375 Registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in England number 6596258 Registered Office as below
B arnard C ast l e S choo l | B arnard C ast l e | C o u nt y D u rha m D L 1 2 8 U N