PREP
WELCOME TO
BRIGHTON
Brighton Girls Prep School is located in the heart of Hove. As specialists in girls’ education, we tailor our teaching to the way girls learn best, and instil in them that there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
GIRLS PREP
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FACILITIES
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CURRICULUM
BEYOND THE CURRICULUM
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WELL-BEING
NEXT STEPS
Welcome to Brighton Girls
Brighton Girls Prep couldn’t be anywhere other than at the heart of vibrant, open, forward-facing Brighton and Hove. We’re a dynamic, creative, friendly school where girls are confident, passionate and kind – not only ambitious for themselves, but for society. As a founder of the Girls’ Day School Trust, we’ve championed girls’ education since it was in its infancy. We understand what makes girls tick and how to help them become all they can be. We do this by focusing on the joy of learning and on instilling curiosity, adventure and independence. All in a girls-only environment that’s reassuring yet always stimulating, giving students the confidence and motivation to shine. We also have a strong sense of community and collective endeavour. Teachers are passionate about their subjects and draw the best from girls, as shown in our results. We combine this with sport, academic enrichment and other extra-curricular activities to develop knowledge, interests, emotional intelligence and teamwork. Talk to any one of our girls and you discover someone happy and positive. Someone who feels they belong and is able to succeed at whatever they decide to be. In other words, Brighton Girls.
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Head’s Welcome ROSIE MCCOLL
MA (Oxon), MPhil
“As a founding school of the Girls’ Day School Trust, Brighton Girls has a significance in the history of girls’ education. The spirit of the early pioneers, whose names are remembered in our four Houses, Grey, Gurney, Lyttelton and Stanley, is as strong as it has ever been and, today, we occupy a unique position: we are an allthrough school in the heart of the city of Brighton; we are as eclectic, enterprising, and creative as the city itself, and we command equal levels of affection. At Brighton Girls, innovative teaching, reimagined classroom spaces and a keen sense of social responsibility, make this a place where girls can truly learn without limits. Our girls are courageous, because they know where their strengths lie; they act with kindness, because they appreciate the value of community. Above all, we hope that they will develop the confidence and the character to go out and make a positive difference in the world, understanding that the real impact is felt when courage and kindness combine.”
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Where girls learn without limits
The Girls’ Day School Trust is the UK’s leading network of independent girls’ schools, with 23 schools and two academies throughout England and Wales. As a charity, we are committed to our students, not to generating profits for any shareholders. We are determined to improve social mobility and help every girl, whatever her background, to fulfil her potential and to realise her dreams. Our bursary programme allows us to give gifted girls a GDST education, regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. Currently we provide over 1,000 of these life-changing bursaries nationwide. We don’t just deliver academic credentials. We develop character. We help girls to be confident, resilient and fearless. In our schools, girls learn without limits, and nothing holds them back. As experts in educating girls, we recognise that girls learn differently. So we have created environments in which every girl is able to thrive, whatever her disposition and direction. Together - schools, GDST and alumnae - we enable each girl, to learn without limits. Visit us at www.gdst.net to find out more.
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The advantages of an all-girls’ education
As specialists in girls’ education, we tailor our teaching to the way girls learn best. Instilling in them the conviction that there’s no limit to what they can achieve. There is extensive research detailing why a girls-only education can be hugely beneficial. Girls of all ages have been shown to develop and learn differently from boys. To quote one paper, 80% of girls and boys learn differently (Dr Jo Ann Deak et al). Further research shows that girls educated in a single-sex school go on to enjoy more active lives and more fulfilling relationships. The only difference being that girls decide their own relationships, and are less influenced by peer pressure. Girls in single-sex schools participate more enthusiastically in sport and have been shown to be more confident socially. They engage in maths, science and languages to a greater degree. They achieve far higher academic results than in comparable co-ed schools. And they also make choices based on their talents and interests, not gender or other often unhelpful parameters, leading to more satisfying careers.
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Facilities
Brighton Girls Prep School is located in the heart of Hove on a modern, purpose-built site with excellent transport links. Bright, airy spaces and superb displays of girls’ art and craft work make it an inspiring and welcoming place. There are specialist facilities for Sport, Science, IT, Art and Music. There is an extensive astro pitch which is accessed by all areas for the school for sport. The play areas adjacent to the astro-turf have been landscaped to provide the perfect space for play, friendship and having fun. The Reception and Nursery classrooms also benefit from covered outside play areas so that the younger girls can make the most of outdoor activities, whatever the weather. Making the most of outside play is a vital part of children’s development. Encouraging play, exercise, freedom and movement is healthy and promotes a sense of well-being. Our exciting play spaces provide another creative learning environment to stimulate imaginative play; an excellent setting for the development of social skills between all age groups. Girls also benefit from regular trips to our Senior School site for House activities, enrichment days and the annual contemporary dance show Momentum, making transition into Year 7 smoother later on their educational journey.
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#BGDesignHub
Students at Brighton Girls benefit from teaching approaches which encourage them to be active participants, taking responsibility for their learning. Throughout the school, there is an educational focus on nurturing curiosity, the joy of learning, adventure and independence. While teaching and learning, and the enabling technology, have changed radically, the physical spaces in which it happens take longer to adapt. Brighton Girls has recently launched the #BGDesignHub. The Brighton project seeks to provide learning environments that allow teachers and pupils to take learning to the next level. Each room is dedicated to a particular stage in the ‘design thinking’ cycle. Pupils are able to work independently or in groups, to discuss, research, define, design, prototype, evaluate and present. The Design Hub is available for classes or individuals to work on projects, and offers a flexible, inspiring learning environment - a safe space in which to experiment and innovate. The Hub helps to reinforce exciting new ways of teaching and learning.
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Curriculum
A broad and balanced curriculum is offered to suit individual interests. We are committed to providing all our students with the skills they need to thrive in the modern world. Reception
Reception at Brighton Girls is a fun, vibrant place – something to be celebrated as it’s often where girls first experience school life. As with Nursery we primarily focus on the seven areas of Learning and Development as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. These are: • • • • • • •
Communication and language development Physical development Personal, social and emotional development Literacy development Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design
Our Interactive Learning Diary gives parents an accurate insight into their daughter’s achievements and progress, and the opportunity to be more actively involved in their learning. There are also many extra-curricular opportunities in Reception – including music, drama and gymnastics. Trips to places such as the Planetarium in Chichester, a local farm and the Wild Beach School ensure that girls learn way beyond the classroom.
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Years 1 & 2
The curriculum in Years 1 and 2 builds on the Foundation Stage, but with more of an emphasis on independent learning. Girls are taught primarily by their Form Tutor, aided by teaching assistants and by specialist teachers in subjects such as French, Music and ICT. The Humanities and Science are taught in an integrated way, to encourage curiosity and start to foster an interest in history, geography and the specific sciences. Beyond the classroom educational trips to places like the Weald and Downland Museum support and enrich the curriculum. Twice each term pupils also take part in the Wild Beach School where they learn first-hand about the local area and its geography and wildlife. Other activities include tennis, modern foreign languages, Craft Club, ballet and Speech & Drama. Throughout, we encourage girls to be resilient and to use their own initiative, while instilling the importance of teamwork and mutual respect.
Years 3 & 4
Expectations naturally increase slightly for Years 3 and 4 and we find girls respond well to a more defined curriculum. Homework is also introduced which helps girls develop selfdiscipline and organisational skills enabling them to get more out of opportunities. Form Teachers continue to oversee pastoral care and may teach their class at times. Overall though girls have more lessons with specialist teachers and benefit from the passion and expertise this brings. School trips continue to enhance the curriculum and the overnight trip to a challenging activity centre during Year 4 is hugely popular.
Years 5 & 6
In Years 5 and 6 girls continue to progress with the enriched curriculum, and the preparation for Senior School becomes more focused. The syllabus broadens more and students’ abiities in the core subjects is consolidated. Students are also assigned their own iPad which adds a whole new dimension to learning. Our learning platform, Firefly, is regularly used by girls to collaborate, find support material and compile records of achievement. School visits and educational workshops also enhance the lessons. A two-night activity based trip takes place in Year 5 and a five day trip to France in Year 6. These help our pupils to develop a greater sense of independence. The summer term of Year 6 focuses on life skills, including business enterprise, cycling proficiency and first aid. Often completed in teams, these activities help girls develop their initiative and sense of responsibility.
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Beyond the Curriculum
Learning is a process that should continue beyond the classroom walls. Sport
This is why sport is also an essential part of our curriculum. Not only is it physically beneficial, it develops an appreciation of teamwork and fair play and builds self-confidence. Our experienced PE staff and specialist coaches help girls achieve their own personal targets. We also have strong links with local sports clubs covering netball, hockey, swimming, rounders, cricket, gymnastics, athletics and tennis.
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Club & Activities
We’re also delighted to offer a diverse range of lunchtime and after-school activities and clubs. These include ceramics, cross country running, Drama Queens, Eco Club, engineering, Flamenco and Spanish. Clubs take place at lunchtime and after school, though this sometimes changes during the year. They’re run on a first-come-firstserved basis but most girls are able to take part in their first choice activity. Some clubs that are run by specialist providers, such as Ballet and Drama, may incur a charge.
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Music & Drama
Music has a high profile in all years at Brighton Girls, where it is taught by a specialist teacher from the Early Years stage. We believe participation in music and performance is key to building self-confidence and developing presentation skills, as well as encouraging a love of music. For enthusiastic musicians the school runs three choirs, an orchestra, chamber group for able instrumentalists, and string and recorder ensembles. Many girls have instrumental lessons either outside of the school or from our own peripatetic staff who provide individual extra-curricular lessons in piano, singing, woodwind, brass, strings and a variety of other instruments. Regular shows and performances help to showcase their talents. Drama is designed to give as many girls as possible the opportunity to participate and develop skills in the performing arts, whether on stage or helping behind the scenes. We believe that involvement in drama can help girls to express themselves and build their confidence. We hold a series of performances each year ranging from the Nativity play to the Year 6 musical and all parents are invited to enjoy the shows.
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Community Minded
Brighton Girls sees itself as an integral part of the local community; volunteering and charity are strongly encouraged at Brighton Girls. The school has a strong tradition of charity fund-raising. We are committed to supporting community events and take part each year in the annual Children’s Parade at the beginning of the Brighton Festival. Festival, regular beach cleans and fundraising initiatives for local homeless charities such as The Clock Tower.
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“Brighton Girls has been a wonderful nurturing space for my daughter. She has flourished academically and had many opportunities to experience success. The real beauty of the school is it’s supportive, non pressurised environment that encourages girls to find joy in their learning, to be positive and excited about their futures” Parent, Y6
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Well-being
Whatever challenges our girls face, we aim to leave them with an abiding sense of happiness when they look back at their school days and an eagerness to grasp future opportunities. With this in mind we foster a truly inclusive environment – with a culture of positivity, kindness and aspiration amongst all age groups. Positive relationships are incredibly important in how well we learn and achieve our potential. This underpins much of what we do and how we do it as a school. We particularly value the link between school and home and understand that open communication will only ever support your daughter. We see pupils very much as individuals and make sure they develop their own confidence through the right opportunities, constructive feedback and an appreciation of being part of a strong school community.
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All staff are committed to managing the pastoral care of our girls. At this age, children change and mature rapidly and so we adjust our support to specific needs. Our relatively small class sizes and year groups allow staff to get to know each girl’s talents and passions intimately – so we can enable them to achieve their goals.
Special Educational Needs
Treating every pupil as an individual is important to us and we welcome girls with special educational needs, providing their needs can be met by making reasonable adjustment. Our Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy giving details of the support we can offer is available on our website and we would encourage parents of girls with special needs to make an appointment with Miss Mackay, our Prep School SEND Coordinator, or with the Head of Prep to talk through individual requirements.
Peer Support
Year 6 pupils support girls in younger year groups. This helps to develop responsibility and independence, and a strong through school ethos.
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School Life Houses
When girls join us, they are allocated to one of the four Houses: Lyttelton, Stanley, Grey or Gurney, which are named after the founders of the GDST. Pupils meet regularly with other members of their House from all year groups and over the year they will work together to take part in the many Inter-House competitions and activities. These include a number of house related activities challenge including netball and hockey tournaments. As a member of a House the girls gain support from older students and quickly integrate into the whole school community and the family environment that makes Brighton Girls so special.
School Council
The Prep School has a thriving School Council and class representatives meet to discuss issues and suggest changes in the school and then report back to their peers.
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School Uniform
A school uniform is part of the DNA of any school, bringing the community together and creating equality. Uniform can be purchased from our on-site shop or on-line at www.billingsandedmonds.co.uk
Contact with Parents
Good contact between school and home is maintained in a variety of ways. A school calendar, regular newsletter, termly reports and two Parents’ Evenings each academic year are just a few examples. The school learning platform, Firefly, is regularly updated with homework, links to on-line learning resources and departmental news. All parents, pupils and staff have access to Firefly.
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Transition to the Senior School Girls continue life as a Brighton Girl and progress onto our Senior School. The familiarity of the faces and facilities make it an easy decision to make. There are a series of events for Prep girls throughout Years 5 and 6 that aim to familiarise them with the Senior school site and teachers and also give an insight into life as a student there. Through the various whole school activities, girls also get to know other year groups which creates that unique family atmosphere that so many girls and their parents comment upon.
Alumnae
Brighton Girls as part of GDST family have an active network of 70,000 alumnae including Samira Ahmed, Professor Mary Beard, Cressida Dick, Helena Bonham Carter, Olivia Colman, Sophie Kinsella, Esther McVey, Afua Hirsh, Miriam Margolyes and Sophie Raworth.
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Next Steps
Book a visit
We would strongly recommend that you visit the school and would be delighted to welcome you. A visit will give you the opportunity to see the school in action, meet staff and current students and have any questions answered. Visits can either take place by individual appointment or by attendance at one of our Open Days.
How to apply
Please use our on-line application form which can be found at www.brightongirls.gdst.net or call our Admissions Department to request a paper copy. The application form should be sent with a non-refundable fee of £100 to our Admissions Department. We will then be in touch to confirm receipt and your daughter will be invited in for assessment. The admissions process for the Prep School runs throughout the year. In the Prep School we are looking for potential. Teacher-led formal assessments are used for entry into Reception
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– Year 2. For entry to Year 3 – Year 6 short assessments in Verbal Reasoning, Maths and Comprehension/Grammar are used. A welcome day is held in the Summer Term for all new pupils so that they can meet their new classmates and familiarise themselves with the school before the new term starts. If you have any further questions about the admissions procedure please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Findlay on 01273 280170 or admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net
To arrange an appointment or tour please contact: 01273 280170 | admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net Visits can either take place by individual appointment or by attendance at one of our Open Days.
Nursery & Prep School (3-11) Radinden Manor Road | Hove East Sussex BN3 6NH Senior School & Sixth Form (11-18) Montpelier Road | Brighton East Sussex BN1 3AT For all enquiries please contact us... 01273 280170 admissions@brightongirls.gdst.net www.brightongirls.gdst.net Design: GeoMedia Photography: Danny Fitz Photography