Curriculum
Curriculum
Brockhurst & Marlston House prepares pupils for Common Entrance and Scholarship exams at the age of 13 to leading senior Independent Schools. We have never been a feeder for a particular senior school because we believe that the choice of a school should suit the attributes of the child. Consequently, our pupils go on to a very wide range of schools according to their abilities. A high proportion win academic, music, art, drama and sports awards on entry and a list of recent successes can be found on our web site.
“The quality of the pupils’ academic and achievements is excellent. All groups of pupils enjoy excellent levels of achievement, particularly in entrance and scholarship to selective senior schools”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
The school teaches a very wide curriculum which encompasses a generous allocation in every pupil’s timetable for Music, Art, Drama and Physical Education. All pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, French, Technology, History, Geography and Scripture from the outset, and are introduced to Latin in Year 5 and another modern foreign language (Spanish) thereafter. Pupils sitting for scholarships are also taught Greek and in addition Mandarin is offered as an optional further language.
The school has a well-equipped ICT suite, and computing, including programming and robotics, is taught to all pupils as a subject in its own right as well as being used in other subjects as an aid to learning.
Our academic programme is delivered with the support of our integrated system of real classes and online learning. We call these ‘hybrid classrooms’. All children start using this system from Year 3.
Hybrid classrooms are equipped with the latest video technology which enable pupils to access live lessons online, if needed. All lessons are also recorded to the Cloud and available to parents and pupils in a catch-up library on our Learning Management System (LMS) together with associated teaching resources. The whole syllabus from Year 4 to scholarship level in Year 8 is also available to pupils and parents on catch-up to facilitate pupils’ learning.
Considerable advantage is also taken of field trips and outings both locally and further afield including to France and to the school’s field studies centre on Exmoor.
Reports
Parents are informed of their children’s progress through regular written reports and meetings with teachers, Deputy Heads and the Head. The school is continually looking to refine and improve the quality of education it provides.
Scholarships
Pupils’ progress is closely monitored and assessed. The school streams pupils according to ability and operates a setting system in some subjects in the senior part of the school. In addition, there is a scholarship set in the final year. At the Head’s determination, able pupils may at any point be moved up by a year for their academic work and these pupils will be directed towards scholarship entrance papers.
The Gifted and Talented programme monitors exceptional ability throughout the school. Talented pupils are invited to join the Quest Club and Debating Society both of which are designed to add challenge and enrichment to the curriculum.
A Brockhurst Education
Click on the subjects to find out more
English
The English department aims to excite and enthuse children about language and literature. Emphasis is placed on both the discussion and the formation of individual opinions in response to reading, as well as the development of creative and technical writing skills. Time is spent consolidating the basics of reading, spelling, grammar and handwriting in a well-resourced and lively environment.
English
Library
The Library is a positive, relaxed environment where pupils can immerse themselves in other worlds, develop their own interests and become life-long book lovers along the way. We run a number of events and activities throughout the year, including author talks, story writing competitions and reading challenges
Library
Reasoning & Pre-Test Preparation
We provide a stimulating and accessible preparation for pupils given the different challenges they will face sitting pre-tests, attending assessment days and having interviews, to achieve a place in their senior school of choice.
Reasoning
Sports
Sport offers so much to an individual and we are confident there is something for everyone in the extensive Games programme. The emphasis is on fun and participation, whilst making sure our elite sides extend the talented individuals involved, often to regional and national standard.
Sport
ICT
Understanding computers, how they work and how we can use them to our benefit is a necessity for future generations. We develop knowledge in exciting ways.
ICT
Art
The Art department, housed in a purpose built studio, is an energising place where pupils experience a wide range of media and materials through a stimulating curriculum.
Art
P.E.
The PE department provides a positive learning environment, in which children can develop a love for sport and fitness. We emphasise the importance of an active lifestyle and provide children with a variety of opportunities to find an area or sport that suits each child.
P.E.
D & T
Children apply their decision-making skills, problem solving and attention to detail through project work. Design & Technology encourages children to become competent and confident in conceiving, designing and producing a range of technological products.
D & T
Support
Learning Support plays a central role by offering support in developing a child’s individual skills. We aim to celebrate neurodiversity, raise confidence and help children learn in ways that play to their strengths and our focus is to develop independent learning.
Support
History
History enables children to understand our place in the World and to develop a sense of time, situation and human nature. We study ancient civilisation, local history and the history of the British Isles.
History
Trips
During your child’s time at the Brockhurst and Marlston House, they will be offered the chance to go on a range of tours, field trips and expeditions. Some are open to all comers, some are applicable only to children in a certain year or group.
Trips
Faith, Philosophy and Ethics (FPE)
FPE is the study of Faith, Philosophy and Ethics and was formerly known as Religious Education. It is academically rigorous, engaging and far-reaching, providing the children with a greater understanding of religious belief, of ethical and moral problems and of critical and philosophical thinking.
FPE
Music
The collective aim of the Music Department is to fire enthusiasm of the musically talented and offer opportunities for all through music. We help every child to achieve their musical potential and there are a many performance opportunities at every level, both within school and in public.
Music
Geography
Geography explores values and issues, challenges stereotypes and encourages our young Dragons to think for themselves. Pupils are able to draw on their vast wealth of personal experiences to bring more insight, interest and relevance to our studies
Geography
Maths
The challenge of maths is unpicking and analysing the underlying concepts, extending problems and drawing connections between ideas. Our aim is that maths should intrigue, inspire and makes real sense.
Maths
Drama
Pupils perform in a wide variety of school productions which are fun and develop self-confidence and performance skills.
Drama
Science
Science is taught throughout the school and in specialist classrooms from Year 5. The emphasis is on practical work which is the best way of igniting curiosity and a love of exploration and understanding.
Science
Classics
Latin and Greek as taught and we give pupils the chance to learn these languages at an appropriate pace, presenting them with an intriguing and rewarding challenge
Classics
Languages
Our Modern Languages Department promotes an appreciation of other languages and cultures and a passion for language learning. We recognise the effectiveness of traditional methods but also constantly experiment with new strategies and resources to ensure that our children are engaged and excited by their language lessons.
Languages
Activities
The Extracurricular Activities Programme open to our pupils is very broad and we consider it to be a key part of an all-round education. Many activities are organised on-site taking full advantage of the School’s large estate. Unlike many schools, the timetable is constructed to ensure they are not restricted by it in their choices.