‘Pupils value the school as a happy, secure, and nurturing environment in which they grow in self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.'
About...
History
Rushmoor moved from London to Bedford in 1918 and has occupied the site in Shakespeare Road since then. Up until 1965, the School was privately owned and educated children in the age range 8-13. In 1965, the owner announced her retirement and the closure of the School.
At this time, a group of parents and friends persuaded her to allow them to take on the running of the School and Rushmoor School Ltd., a charitable trust administered by a Board of Governors, came into being. Under their guidance, the School has expanded over the years, to encompass the age range of 3-16 for boys and 3-11 for girls, and, of course, to extend both property and facilities.
Building for the future
The School is always looking to improve and has invested greatly in providing excellent facilities. Recent years have seen the building of Randall Hall, a multi-purpose Gymnasium and Rushmoor House, our new Junior building. In 2000 the Quantum building housing our specialist science laboratories was opened.
More recently a major new facility has been built which comprises a second ICT suite, Art rooms, Library and Learning Resources Centre, Drama studio, and an additional 8 classrooms.
Curriculum
‘Pupils have a broad and balanced education that contributes well to their understanding and personal development. Consistent with the school’s declared aims and philosophy, it prepares pupils well for the next stage of their education and for adult life.’
Overview
Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum although as an independent school we retain the freedom to modify and adapt the guidelines. We constantly review and update the curriculum to ensure that it provides for the needs of children growing up to live in an age which will be very different from our own.
We aim to equip our pupils with the fundamental skills essential for academic work while encouraging creativity and practical abilities. Our teachers are highly committed, sharing their enthusiasm with their pupils. Their teaching approach is varied to cater for the wide range of learning styles of our pupils.
Our aim is to keep class sizes small and the maximum class size is 20.
The school is divided into three sections.
Juniors — Nursery to Year 5
¨ Head of Juniors — Ms A Braines
¨ Head of Middle Years — Mrs M Barnes
Seniors — Years 9,10 & 11
¨ Head of Seniors — Mr I Daniel
JUNIORS
Foundation stage
The Foundation Stage is the introduction to school life and the children’s first experience in learning to play and work cooperatively with others. To support this, the children follow a structured multi-sensory, play-based programme. The aim is to provide a stimulating programme that will give children a wide range of experience. They are encouraged to try out their skills and to develop their concentration, mechanical, academic and social skills at their own pace. Children are introduced to initial phonic sounds and how to write them. French and music are introduced at this early stage by specialist teachers.
Juniors — Year 1 to Year 5
During the junior years the children consolidate and expand their endless thirst for knowledge. At this stage the children take large strides forward socially and academically. They continue to develop their reading and communication skills and are encouraged to take responsibilities within the class. In the early Junior years most subjects are taught by the class teachers but as the child moves through the Junior department increased use of specialist teachers is made.
In the Junior department, the children follow a full range of subjects including: Art, Design Technology, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Information & Communication Technology, Mathematics, Music, Personal, Social & Health Education, Religious Studies and Science; together with Physical Education, Swimming and Games.
MIDDLE YEARS
Middle Years — Year 6, 7 & 8
We offer a balanced curriculum which is based on the core requirements of the National Curriculum. Pupils study English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Art, Design Technology, Drama, French, Geography, History, Information and Communications Technology, Music and Physical Education & Games.
All pupils are encouraged to develop good habits of independent study and homework is an essential part of this.
The children follow a full range of subjects including:
¨ Art
¨ Biology
¨ Chemistry
¨ Design Technology
¨ Drama
¨ English
¨ French
¨ Geography
¨ History
¨ Information & Communication Technology
¨ Mathematics
¨ Music
¨ Physics
¨ Religious Studies
¨ PE & Games
All subjects are taught by specialist teachers.
SENIORS
Seniors — Years 9, 10 & 11
In Year 9 children continue with the courses followed in the Middle Years. However during the year much consideration is given to possible option choices for the GCSE years. In Years 10 & 11 the curriculum is made up of Core Subjects, Option Choice Subjects as well as other additional study areas.
All children at Rushmoor follow a nine subject programme of GCSE courses. These must be carefully selected for each individual to best match his aptitudes and abilities.
All children study English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These are the core subjects.
In addition children choose a further four Option subjects. These are chosen from:
¨ Art
¨ Design Technology
¨ Drama
¨ English Literature
¨ French
¨ Geography
¨ History
¨ Information and Communications Technology
¨ Music
¨ Physical Education
¨ Spanish
IMPORTANT
LEARNING SUPPORRT
ENRICHMENT
ADMISSIONS
PARENT`S PAGE |