Pre-Sixth
ACADEMIC 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
100% PASS RATE IN 47 COURSES
45% 9-7 AT GCSE
53 PUPILS WITH PLACES AT RUSSELL GROUP (or equivalent)
146 A-LEVEL CANDIDATES 60% A/A* GRADES AT A-LEVEL 97% MERIT & ABOVE AT BTEC
87% A-LEVEL PUPILS ACHIEVED AT LEAST 1 A/A* 86% A*-B AT A-LEVEL MATHEMATICS 80% A*-B GRADES AT A-LEVEL
58 GCSE PUPILS WITH AT LEAST FIVE 9-7’s GRADES
36 SUBJECTS OFFERED AT GCSE GCSE PASS RATE
39 SUBJECTS OFFERED AT A-LEVEL/BTEC 25% A-LEVEL GRADES AWARDED AN A*
179 GCSE CANDIDATES 94%
Welcome
As Head of Pre-Sixth at Bede’s, my role is to ensure that every pupil on the programme is succeeding in all aspects of their life at school. We deliberately limit the numbers of pupils we admit onto the Programme so that it is possible to give this high level of support and supervision. We also try to ensure that there is a good mixture of nationalities within the group.
Typically my role might include helping those pupils who are excelling in their lessons to engage in additional, challenging courses as part of our exceptional Co-Curricular Programme. Equally, if a pupil is struggling academically or socially, alongside their personal tutor, it will be my priority to help in any way I can and signpost other teachers and staff who can provide support as well.
Bede’s is a senior boarding school for girls and boys, aged 13-18 and offers pupils aged 15 or 16 a Pre-Sixth one year GCSE programme. The course is tailored to the needs of overseas pupils, providing the qualifications they will need to continue their journey through to enter the Sixth Form, as well as the opportunity to discover all that Bede’s has to offer outside the classroom.
Like all teachers here, I am always happy to help.
Justin Sealey Head of Pre-Sixth E: justin.sealey@bedes.org
Our Vision
Where every child finds joy in their pursuit of brilliance
Our Mission
We continue to craft a more joyful education.
Cultivating a vibrant learning experience, motivating us to pursue our individual best.
Providing a festival of opportunity, enabling us to discover new passions and develop new talents.
Building a kind-hearted community, inspiring us to enhance the lives of others.
Our Values
Be Compassionate
Because a caring community fosters belonging.
We expect our community to show kindness to people of all ages, genders and ethnicities, maintaining campuses where every person feels joyful and energised.
Be Courageous
Because fortune favours the brave.
We challenge our community to stand up for what is right, providing them with a safe environment where they can take bold action in pursuit of brilliance.
Be Curious
Because wisdom can be found off the beaten track.
We encourage our community to discover unlikely passions and hidden niches, releasing them into a wealth of opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Be Conscientious
Because dedication is a spearhead of success.
We ask our community to throw themselves wholeheartedly into every endeavour, taking responsibility for their journey and inspiring others to do the same.
About Bede’s
Bede’s is a busy, vibrant school located in the Sussex countryside with good access to both Gatwick and Heathrow airports. The School is wellknown for its unique educational philosophy focused on educating the whole person with expert and highly individualised tutoring forming the bedrock of the School.
At Sixth Form, 82% of pupils gained A*-B grades and 54% were awarded A-A*. Bede’s academic offer extends well beyond the classroom with a rich variety of academic enrichment opportunities on offer, including our UK Space Design competition which sees pupils heading off to NASA in the summer.
Bede’s has 770 pupils, 300 of whom are boarders in our five boarding houses, some of which have won awards for their design. Boarders are able to make full use of the range of facilities across their day including the gym, swimming pool, library, sixth form centre and even its on-site zoo!
Academic Programme
We offer a core academic programme of 5 subjects, with English as an Additional Language forming a core part of the programme. Pupils following the Pre-Sixth programme follow the same timetable as other pupils at the School, with the same break and lunch times.
The programme is designed to give pupils breadth of study, developing their English language skills and enabling them to access a wide range of A Level choices, should they wish to continue their study at Bede’s.
OPTION 1
Academic Pathway
This is the traditional Pre-Sixth route, where students have 6 GCSE subjects, all of which will be examined, and within which there is limited choice in order to ensure students are able to complete their GCSE’s successfully.
If the pupil wishes to remain at Bede’s for more than one year, this is the option they should choose.
Students will study, and be examined, in:
• English as an Additional Language
• Maths
• Physics
• Economics
• Art OR Languages (French or Spanish)
• Native Language GCSE
OPTION 2
Experience Pathway
A newer course, the experience pathway suits students who do not need specific qualifications for returning to their home school systems, but would like to try and range of subjects. This year, students will study all the subjects below for 1-2 hours per week, but will only be examined in Maths, English and Languages (if chosen).
Subjects:
• English as an Additional Language (examined)
• Maths (examined)
• Arts (mixing Photography, Ceramics and Graphics)
• Media Studies
• Computer Science
• Sport
• Science
• Geography
• History
• Home Economics
• Music
• Business
• Languages (Optional - examined)
English Language Tuition
At the heart of the Pre-Sixth Programme, is the teaching of English as an Additional Language, with 4-5 hours of teaching every week. Pupils benefit from small classes which are tailored to their entry level of English. All pupils are tested for English on arrival and the appropriate programme and support will be organised following this. The focus of the EAL component is on improving pupils’ written and spoken English to a level which will allow them to comfortably access the curriculum at Sixth Form.
The majority of Pre-Sixth pupils take the IGCSE First or Second Language in English, meaning they will not need to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in order to gain entry into UK universities following their Sixth Form studies but pupils can take IELTS should they wish to and will be prepared for all aspects of the test.
Pre-Sixth Diploma
The Pre-Sixth Diploma offer mirrors the successful Bede’s Diploma followed by our Sixth Form and aims to provide a structure to, and a record of, the many experiences that pupils gain outside of their academic lessons.
Pupils are encouraged to participate in a range of experiences which include cultural trips and visits to museums and other areas of local interest, talks on academic, environmental and historic topics as well as volunteering and community engagement both in school and the wider community.
The pupils who successfully complete the diploma will receive a log of their achievements and a certificate
“We know that the pupils who enjoy their Pre-Sixth studies the most and achieve the most during the year, tend to be those who embrace everything which is on offer in and out of the classroom. The Diploma has really helped us improve participation among our Pre-Sixth pupils in some really valuable enrichment opportunities with pupils encouraged to engage with the local community, attend talks from world-renowned environmentalists, economists and scientists or take in a theatre trip to London.
The Diploma helps pupils to understand that by grasping these opportunities, they will not only improve their academic outcomes and English language skills but just as importantly, they will grow socially and culturally.”
Co-Curricular Programme
Co-curricular activities enable everyone to develop their strengths, qualities and their self-confidence in order to help them flourish. They teach courage, curiosity and compassion, as well as making many lifelong friendships and memories that last far beyond Bede’s. Playing a full and wholehearted part within the Activities Programme is key in developing the connection needed with others in order to build our kind hearted community. It is also integral in fulfilling our mission for everyone in the School to find joy in the pursuit of brilliance. Therefore we hope that everybody finds their niche, enabling them to release their talents within a world of opportunities.
Activities fall under 4 different categories - Sport, Clubs & Societies, Languages & Culture and Creative & Performing Arts. Every pupil of the school has three activities per week.
Sporting Activities are important in making sure that pupils are fit and active, whether it’s a team or individual sport, we encourage all pupils to pick at least one sporting activity. For those pupils who live for sport, we want to make the most of the months ahead. For everyone else, we want you to stay fit and healthy as we believe in good health and exercise for all.
There are Languages and Culture Activities which provide the chance to support pupils with their studies, or extend them and push them further within an impressive supra-curricular programme. Studying Classical Greek, Researching Chemistry or learning Japanese are amongst the wide range of Languages and Culture Activities.
In Societies & Clubs pupils can join a Film Club, spend time in our fantastic Zoo or get those baking skills up-to-scratch (and hopefully bake some cakes for parents to enjoy). There’s an eclectic mix of Societies & Clubs with something new to try for everyone.
Finally there are the Performing and Creative Arts Activities: amongst the highlights are our superb drama teachers offering a range of theatrical related activities, the music department hosting choirs and bands a-plenty or pupils can join the Art Department in a wide range of opportunities.
There’s never been a more important time to develop hobbies, passions and interests to run alongside our academic programme. Research tells us that they definitely assist in the development of a sense of well-being, promoting positive mental health and building self-confidence. We hope that pupils look forward to the programme as much as the staff who run these exciting activities.
Sixth Form Programme
During their Pre-Sixth year, many pupils will wish to begin considering their Sixth Form options and preparing for the next stage of their Bede’s experience. Pupils will be encouraged to take advantage of the advice and support available from the Sixth Form team at Bede’s and to talk to relevant Heads of Department about the subjects they are considering studying. Their personal tutor will also be on hand to offer advice and support during this period.
The Pre-Sixth offers the perfect preparation for Sixth Form, allowing pupils to make the most of the many and varied opportunities inside and outside the classroom during these important years whilst they settle into boarding life and make friendships – some of which may last a lifetime.
Academically, the Sixth Form provides an opportunity to specialise and, with the support of the Universities and Careers Advisors, to begin considering options for future study and work.
“Pupils are more likely to be successful if they carry out careers research early. Early experiences in the world of work can really help pupils develop a view on what kind of career they want to pursue and this can really motivate them to focus on the academic goals which will get them there.”
Deborah Franks, Head of Careers and Employability
There are many social opportunities for Sixth Form pupils, with events held at weekends in the Sixth Form centre as well as in the boarding houses. Sixth Form pupils can also take advantage of weekend trips and activities as well as developing existing friendships and getting to know new pupils who join the school in Year 12.
Finally, Bede’s offers a rich array of enrichment opportunities; pupils are encouraged to think and discover new experiences beyond their subject areas, through the Extended Project Qualification as well as the programme of talks and lectures from a broad range of inspiring and motivating guest speakers, including environmentalists and economists as well as those who can share their inspiring life stories and experiences. There are also opportunities to take on leadership opportunities through becoming a prefect, through volunteering outside school including the Sports Leadership Programme.
The Weekend Programme
The Boarding and Weekend Programme starts after school on Friday with a regular schedule of evening activities running throughout each term. The focus of the Friday evening events is very much a social one and boarders enjoy the opportunity to head off campus to the cinema, bowling or for a meal to a local restaurant, accompanied by Bede’s staff. We also calendar regular climbing wall visits if pupils wish to visit the local indoor wall. During the year, there are also a number of whole school events which run on Friday nights, including House Music, Cabaret and of course the unforgettable Colour Run.
The programme of healthy exercise pursuits, sport and enrichment available on Saturdays offers diverse opportunities for all boarding and day pupils and further details are provided within this booklet. Saturday morning options are extensive, structured and designed to ensure that all pupils are engaged meaningfully in an activity of their choice prior to midday. These include a choice of recreational, sporting and academic supra-curricular offerings which both support and extend beyond the curriculum. Saturday afternoons are deliberately less so, allowing pupils some time to spend time socialising or relaxing in their houses or even
visiting local towns such as Eastbourne to do some shopping and relax in a coffee shop.
Social opportunities on Saturday evenings are largely campus based with each boarding house taking turns to play host to the other houses. Some recent examples include house quizzes, curry evenings, Eurovision night and the ever-popular Bongo Bingo which is a fun musical take on the more standard game of bingo!
Finally, on Sundays pupils are provided with a termly programme of recreational trips which sees Bede’s mini-buses spanning out across the whole of the South East of England. Popular trips include visits to London to see the Christmas lights and enjoy the markets, shopping and lunch at the new Battersea Power Station complex as well as the annual trip to celebrate Chinese New Year in Soho. There are also termly theatre trips as well as visits to the UK’s best theme parks. Sunday evenings are typically a more relaxed evening in house as the boarding community completes homework and prepares for the week ahead.
