HANDCROSS PARK
A BRIGHTON COLLEGE SCHOOL
UPPER SCHOOL
A Bespoke Education for Years 7 and 8
A Bespoke Education
With academic excellence and rigour at the core of a Handcross Park School education, we also focus on the importance of a skills-based curriculum, full of learning experiences that ensure pupils are well-prepared to be successful, adaptable adults who are life-long learners. Our curriculum focuses on imparting a blend of cognitive, social, and emotional skills that are at the cutting edge of education. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 will benefit from the unique Handcross Park Prep School approach, devised by our specialist teachers. Teaching staff bring their deep knowledge and a love of learning to the classroom, to ensure that children are captivated and challenged in every lesson. This will continue to be combined with a detailed focus on study, exam and revision skills as well independence and leadership skills, all of which Handcross Park is renowned for.
Our Upper School pupils are able to explore the full breadth and depth of an exciting academic curriculum and one that creates resilient learners for future success. This will then create a positive transition to all of our feeder senior schools and further study towards GCSEs and A -Level.
Enrichment
There are a vast array of incredible enrichment activities for our Upper School pupils, such as the Spanish trip to Andalusia, the history trip to the Somme and our very popular Twin Peaks challenge. Our Leadership programme runs throughout the year where we host a wonderful selection of guest speakers. Our much-anticipated Leavers’ Programme at the end of Year 8 also sees our pupils treated to a number of exciting team-building trips and activities.
Core Curriculum
At Handcross Park School, we pride ourselves on maintaining high academic standards, beginning with our core subjects: English, maths and science. Our skillsbased curriculum is expertly crafted by experienced and dedicated teachers who tailor their approach to meet the unique needs and interests of each child. This personalised method ensures that our pupils grow into confident, independent, and highly motivated learners. While we equip our classrooms with the latest technology, to enhance the educational experience for Year 7 and 8 learners, we also emphasise essential skills: reading, writing and numeracy. This balanced approach to teaching and learning helps our pupils stay engaged and achieve their full potential.
It’s impossible to resist the happiness of this place
Good Schools Guide
In our diverse global community, we recognise the importance of language and cultural education. Pupils in Years 7 and 8 study Spanish, and have the opportunity to broaden their linguistic skills by choosing to also study French, Latin or Mandarin. This comprehensive language programme not only enhances their communication abilities, but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Our goal is to provide each child with the strongest possible foundation for their future success.
Story of our Land
A unique feature of a Handcross Park education is our innovative humanities curriculum. Rather than approach the study of history, geography, philosophy and religious studies independently, we offer a holistic interdisciplinary course that enables our pupils to think about how the humanities relate to each other. This course allows pupils to develop a coherent narrative of how the past has influenced the evolution of the country we live in today.
Technology
Technology is more than just a subject, it’s a powerful tool that enhances learning. As a Google Reference School, we equip Upper School pupils with Chromebooks and a Google Workspace, fostering digital natives comfortable with cutting-edge tools. We prioritise responsible technology use, fostering positive and productive learning experiences, while offering stimulating challenges. Year 7 pupils complete the ‘HXP Drivers Licence’, a comprehensive course that equips them with digital safety, e-commerce, copyright law.
Pupils are also able to expand upon their Year 6 knowledge of artificial intelligence. We further integrate technology across the curriculum, allowing students to apply their digital skills in project-based learning. Year 8 offers an innovative ‘elective’ programme, empowering students to take ownership of their learning by choosing from a range of engaging activities.
Outdoor Education
Our stunning 52 acres of Sussex parkland and extensive playing fields are a truly wonderful canvas upon which children can learn, utilising our fabulous environment. The grounds play host to a variety of learning activities including academic lessons and a wide variety of extra curricular activities specifically designed for Year 7 and 8, from outdoor science lessons, a round of golf or some beekeeping! There is something for everyone.
Performing and Creative Arts
There are a wealth of opportunities for pupils to hone their creative and performance skills, be it in drama, dance or music. Formal and informal music concerts take place throughout the school year, to which parents and families are warmly invited. Individual music lessons take place in our school’s music department, with tuition from our expert visiting music teachers.
Drama plays an integral role in the curriculum and offers a range of benefits that contribute to a well-rounded education. It provides a platform for self-expression and creativity enabling pupils to develop their individuality and unique perspectives.
Year 7 pupils take part in a major production in the Autumn term which showcases the skills and talent that they have developed over their time during younger years. There are also a range of opportunities throughout the year to perform at ‘Drama Showcases’ and attend trips to the theatre.
Sports
Wonderful sporting opportunities are provided for all pupils, whilst enabling high level performance for those keen to pursue it. We have a ‘sport for all’ philosophy across all sports, including football, swimming, netball, rugby, hockey and cricket, and all pupils take part in a variety of fixtures, tournaments and sporting events.
Our beautiful grounds feature eleven football pitches, two full size rugby pitches and eleven impressive cricket pitches. Pupils enjoy the 400m athletics track in the Summer months or a round of golf on our 6 hole course. In addition we have an astro, indoor heated swimming pool, sports hall, netball and tennis courts.
We not only want to develop the physical element of each of our individual athletes, we aim to further their tactical understanding, game intelligence and leadership potential. Handcross Park is passionate about instilling a life-long love of sport and physical activity for all.
Muddy Stilettos School Awards Finalist ‘Passionate about Sport’
Pupils achievement beyond the classroom is excellent. They do especially well in art, drama, music and sport ISI
Boarding
We are proud of our international blend of pupils within our quintessentially British Prep School environment. With the world becoming smaller, our pupils are just as likely to work in Singapore or Sydney as they are to end up in Brighton or Birmingham - our British pupils can learn from our international families, just as much as they can gain from the British Prep School experience. With this in mind, the boarders are firmly integrated into school life - they are part of Tutor groups and Houses with the day pupils; they attend lessons, dispersed with the rest of the school community; their breaks and lunches are spent together, basking in the wonderful countryside or charging round the sports facilities. During the evening and weekends, our boarding community enjoy an extensive activity programme and visit wonderful sites across the UK.
Pastoral Care
The high level of pastoral care for which Handcross Park is celebrated and ensures that each child is treated as an individual. Pupils are encouraged to respect one another’s differences in a climate that is warm and open-minded, and one which seeks to enthuse and challenge children to give of their very best. We place a strong emphasis on kindness to others and ourselves, as well as mutual respect and acceptance. Each pupil has a tutor, specially appointed for their ability to relate to 11 and 12-year-old children. Tutors deliver meaningful personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education, through which our pupils learn how to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life in and beyond school.
Contributing to School Life
Building on the independence fostered in Years 5 and 6, we encourage pupils in the Upper School to take on positions of responsibility in all aspects of school life, allowing their leadership to grow and individuality to flourish. Pupils apply for positions of responsibility in Year 7, developing interview and letter writing skills and those successful candidates play a central role in performing duties to help with the day-today running of the school, as well as supporting younger pupils, initiating charity events, assisting or leading with cocurricular activities and school councils. Our Upper School also acts as ‘Buddies’ with our younger children, meeting weekly to share stories, play and learn together.
Beyond Handcross Park Prep School
Years 7 and 8 are vital transition years, and Handcross Park School pupils leave us with the skills needed for a seamless and confident transition to the next stage of their educational journey. Our experienced teachers and fabulous academic support will ensure that each child gains the study skills, revision skills and attitude to learning, necessary to ensure future success. As well as this, our physical, creative and academic teachers will provide the support to those looking to stretch themselves in applying for challenging scholarships at their future schools.
