Burgess Hill - Whole School Prospectus

PROSPECTUS

Tomorrow’s Women

PROSPECTUS

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BURGESS HILL GIRLS | TOMORROW’S WOMEN

CONTENTS 03 | HEAD’S WELCOME 04 | COMMUNITY 06 | ACADEMIC 08 | STUDENT INTERVIEW | SENIOR 10 | CO-CURRICULAR 12 | SPORTS 14 | STUDENT INTERVIEW | PREP 16 | CREATIVE ARTS 18 | BOARDING 20 | STUDENT INTERVIEW | BOARDER 22 | TOMORROW’S WOMEN

CONTACTS KEYMER ROAD BURGESS HILL WEST SUSSEX RH15 0EG ADMISSIONS@BURGESSHILLGIRLS.COM TEL +44 (0)1444 241050 BURGESSHILLGIRLS.COM

PROSPECTUS

WELCOME TO BURGESS HILL GIRLS This school has changed me and I promise it will change you too.

Little did I think, when I started as a PE teacher a few decades ago that I would become Head of

Burgess Hill Girls. But that is what this remarkable

school does; it nurtures, develops and champions you until you champion yourself.

Burgess Hill Girls is a caring, empowering

community that exists for one single reason. To give you all the skills and strengths you need to achieve

your dreams, to become one of Tomorrow’s Women.

This prospectus will give you an initial impression of Burgess Hill Girls. For the complete experience, I encourage you to visit, the sooner the better!

LIZ LAYBOURN | HEAD

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COMMUNITY Burgess Hill Girls stands in 14 acres of beautiful grounds within a conservation area close to Burgess Hill’s centre. All aspects of the school are located on this one campus; Nursery, Pre-Prep & Prep, Senior, Sixth Form and Boarding Houses. This makes for a unique and happy community where we all support and learn from each other.

BELOW RED NOSE DAY

Being 100% girls allows us to champions girls and their role in society. Our empowering community gives students the complete freedom to be bold; to take risks, to challenge themselves, to try new experiences and to make and learn from mistakes.

We are active in the local community. Students regularly organise and host community events as well as perform at local venues. We also jump on any opportunity to raise funds for those in need, from the Nursery all the way through to Sixth Form.

“The community at Burgess Hill Girls is very special. The way we bond with our teachers is not something you come across every day. I feel very lucky to be a part of this school.”

LAURA | YEAR 12 4

COMMUNITY

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ACADEMIC We pride ourselves on truly inspirational teaching with lessons that excite and inform in equal measure. Our supportive, stressfree approach develops inquisitive, bold and creative pupils who leave us with a lifelong love of learning.

In recent GCSE results Burgess Hill Girls was the top performing school in West Sussex and the leading girls school throughout all of Sussex. We are also consistently one of the top performing schools for A Level results.

These outstanding results are achieved without being super-

“The school is almost nonselective and yet achieves better results than many more competitive schools.”

GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE selective, Burgess Hill Girls recruits at National Average level and above. More important to us is the value we add to every single pupil’s performance.

According to Durham University’s CEM measurement, pupils achieve on average one to two grades higher than would be expected for their ability.

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PROSPECTUS

STUDENT INTERVIEW ROMILLY | SENIOR TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF My name is Romilly, I am 15. I joined Burgess Hill Girls in Year 9.

“The thing that makes Burgess Hill Girls special to me is the wonderful community and support system that is in place, particularly for helping new pupils like I was myself was a year ago.”

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AT BURGESS HILL GIRLS?

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT?

The senior school has an extremely friendly atmosphere where you feel supported by both teachers and peers but at the same time are always encouraged to take risks and step out of your comfort zone.

To be bold and take on new challenges.

I would never have signed up to do Duke of Edinburgh if it wasn’t for Burgess Hill Girls. I have so much more confidence in myself and am more open to taking risks.

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION?

WHAT MAKES BURGESS HILL GIRLS SPECIAL? The thing that makes Burgess Hill Girls special to me is the wonderful community and support system that is in place, particularly for helping new pupils.

I love drama and Burgess Hill Girls has really supported and encouraged this. I have been lucky enough to be involved in many productions such as performing in the school musical Chicago and working as crew in James and the Giant Peach. We’ve also visited Stratford Upon Avon as well as been on numerous other theatre trips. The members of staff in the Burgess Hill Girls drama department are so talented and inspiring that it’s really helped my passion for drama grow.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE? I think I will spend some time travelling after Sixth Form and then go on to University as a degree will give me lots of different career opportunities.

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CO-CURRICULAR

CO-CURRICULAR `Getting involved’ and ‘doing stuff’ is the norm when it comes to being a Burgess Hill Girl. Amidst the daily academic focus each and every student benefits from a huge range of opportunities and experiences; spanning sport, the arts, crafts, community, travel, competitions, careers, travel and much more.

BELOW POTTERY CLUB

We help pupils to discover their unique talents and passions, often informing the direction of their future lives and careers. Whatever their passion we believe in being flexible so girls have the time and support to hone their skills to their best potential.

For Tomorrow’s Women, skills such as complex problem solving, people management and creativity will be as important if not more important than academic results. Our co-curricular programme plays a vital role in helping every student develop these skills.

“The holistic approach to education, where equal value is placed on academic achievement and soft skills, produces extremely confident young women who grow up to believe they can be whatever they want to be.”

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SPORTS Sport plays a crucial role in building confident, resilient and healthy young individuals. Girls learn self-discipline, commitment, team work and leadership skills. Being 100% girls provides a relaxed environment for PE where students can get ‘stuck-in’ without any concern for self-image.

The core curriculum is broad and balanced with an extensive extra-curricular sports programme. We believe in participation for all, ensuring all pupils understand the benefits of exercise and most importantly, enjoy it!

School fixtures are played from Year 4 to the Upper Sixth and primarily played on weekdays after school.

Pupils who are highly competitive are encouraged to join local clubs and play in adult leagues. Many also represent Sussex at county level.

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SPORTS

“There’s so much different sport; hockey, cross country, athletics, swimming, cricket, netball, there’s a ski team now, there’s horse riding, so much to do.

If you love sport, there’s no better place than Burgess Hill Girls.”

KIRSTY | YEAR 11 13

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STUDENT INTERVIEW AMBER | PREP TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

WHAT MAKES BURGESS HILL GIRLS SPECIAL?

My name is Amber, I am 7. I am kind and helpful. I am good at cheering up my friends if they are sad. If I was an animal I would be a lion because a lion is strong and fierce.

You get lots of music and sports lessons.

I also love all the teachers. Mrs Allen is one of my favourite teachers as my Mummy taught her sign language.

She now teaches Year 1s a little bit of sign language.

WHAT IS IT LIKE AT BURGESS HILL GIRLS? Burgess Hill Girls is a really caring school.

It gives me lots of opportunities. It is also a really good school because it encourages you to be better at things.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT? I have learnt how to make videos using my first language, British Sign Language, as well as voice overs, so both hearing and deaf people can watch them. My Mummy and Daddy are both deaf and I am very proud of them. My Dad is a presenter on TV and my mum swam for the GB team and she swims in the lake and the sea. I don’t know why but jellyfish always like to sting her on the ear!

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WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE? I don’t know yet what I want to be.

I might be a singer or a ballerina or an interpreter or a presenter or maybe even really good at karate or swimming.

“ You get lots of music and sports lessons. I also love all the teachers.”

PROSPECTUS

I SHOULD QUESTION.

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CREATIVE ARTS The Arts are an essential part of the curriculum at Burgess Hill Girls, giving girls freedom to express themselves and develop invaluable creative and performance skills.

In the younger years the curriculum is wide-reaching giving students the opportunity to discover their passions. Plastic Tromtastics is a fantastic example of this, encouraging students to have fun with wind instruments at an early age.

Students receive an early introduction to Design, Technology and Textiles with the possibility to specialise as they move up the school. We also take part in local, regional and national competitions and have an impressive history of success.

Art has always been a popular subject at Burgess Hill Girls with the curriculum supplemented by artist workshops and a variety of clubs. A deep love of the medium converts to excellent results, with an 100% A / A* record at A Level in recent years.

And finally Drama. Our infamous Spring productions literally take over the whole school, giving pupils the unique opportunity to get involved in a professionallevel show either in front of, or behind, the curtain.

“Burgess Hill Girls has given Daisy the opportunity to play music in a massive range of groups, with both Junior and Senior School students, a benefit of all parts of the School being located on one site.”

RACHAEL | PARENT

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CREATIVE ARTS

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BOARDING

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BOARDING Boarding at Burgess Hill Girls is not just a place for the girls to stay while they are studying, it is a second home where they are nurtured and encouraged to thrive.

New boarders quickly settle in, due to our innovative induction programme which ensures every girl gets a friendly boarding buddy and their very own Little Miss Character.

Always on hand are our experienced boarding staff who give 110% to create an environment where boarders feel safe, comfortable and fully supported.

In the evenings the fun really starts with activities ranging from gym classes to baking to anime club. At the weekend we make the most of the beautiful Sussex countryside on our doorstep. There are also regular trips to Brighton and London.

“If you are thinking about boarding at Burgess Hill Girls then I completely, 100% recommend it, because I absolutely love it and it’s changed my life.”

CATHRYN | YEAR 13

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PROSPECTUS

STUDENT INTERVIEW RUMBI | BOARDER TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT?

My name is Rumbi, I am 17 and an African girl with a large smile who takes great pride in her braids and often has a mug of hot chocolate to share.

I can write poetry and short stories, adapt to new situations, speak comfortably and take charge in front of large crowds. I try to find fun and laughter in every moment.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE AT BURGESS HILL GIRLS?

WHAT MAKES BURGESS HILL GIRLS SPECIAL?

Life in boarding is like a home away from home. I am lucky to be a boarder as I get the full school experience.The girls are all really nice and support each other and there are lots of clubs and activities to keep you busy.

I am really enjoying being in the Sixth Form. The teachers encourage us to challenge ourselves.They are also happy to listen and respond to our opinions.This makes for a unique and tailored experience, helping us discover who we really want to be the world.

Burgess Hill Girls is special because of the community spirit found in each and every girl, especially in the lunch queue!

WHAT’S YOUR PASSION?

“Burgess Hill Girls is special because of the community spirit found in each and every girl, especially in the lunch queue!”

I love creative writing. The teachers have really encouraged me to develop my passion further, by providing opportunities to enter competitions and write scripts for school performances.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE? I will be the owner of multiple properties, a successful business women and investor as well as a leader and inspiration to many women like me.

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TOMORROW’S WOMEN

TOMORROW’S WOMEN “Being a pupil at Burgess Hill Girls gave me a very strong sense of who I am, where my strengths are and what I should be doing in the future.”

FUNKE ABIMBOLA | MBE & BOLD GIRL

At Burgess Hill Girls, our mission is to develop Tomorrow’s Women.

As you journey through our school you will pick up all the skills and attributes you need to be ready for the next stage.

In Nursery we spark imagination with exciting new experiences.

In the Prep school you will gain confidence, a whole new world of interests and develop a love of learning. On to Senior and you will be ready to challenge yourself, developing direction and a desire to

succeed. Finally in the Sixth Form you will develop academic rigour, and mental strength so you are ready for University and the world beyond. Above all else, throughout your journey, you will make friends for life and have a lot of fun.

Ultimately you will leave Burgess Hill Girls with all the self-belief, determination, and life skills you need to follow and achieve your dreams. When you leave Burgess Hill Girls you won’t be called an ‘old girl’. You will be a Bold Girl.

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BURGESS HILL GIRLS | TOMORROW’S WOMEN

Tomorrow’s Women www.burgesshillgirls.com

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