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E S S E N T I A L

InformationI N S P I R I N G

I ND I V I D UA LE XC E L L E NC E

2018/19

Bethany 2026 is a school, which is:

• providing an innovative and creative • education.

• encouraging the virtue of learning in young• people.

• living our Christian values through • excellent pastoral care.

• a flourishing school investing in the future.

Within this context the School aimsto provide an innovative and creativeeducation relevant to the 21stcentury:

• provide each pupil with a tailored, • innovative and relevant education within• a caring community.

• enable each pupil to maximise their• abilities and achieve their personal• objectives - academic, artistic, sporting or • excellence in other fields.

• all pupils, including the more able, are3.appropriately challenged.

• as far as possible, Information Technology • is used to maximum effect in teaching• and administration.

• investment in the estate and infrastructure• is geared to the advancement of• the curriculum.

The School is committed to working inpartnership with parents in order to achieve these aims.

CONTACT: PRINCIPAL ADDRESS

Bethany SchoolCurtisden GreenGoudhurstKentTN17 1LB01580 211273schooloffice@bethanyschool.org.uk

HeadmasterFrancie Healy, BSc HDipEd NPQH

Chairman of GovernorsRoger Stubbs B Soc Sc, CMRS

The Chairman can be contacted via theaddress and telephone numbershown above.

PROVISION OF POLICIES AND OTHERKEY INFORMATION TO PROSPECTIVEPARENTS

In order to meet the regulatoryrequirements for independent schools,Bethany School must let prospectiveparents know how to access certain keyitems of information and policies.

The following is a list of these items ofinformation and policies and how they canbe accessed:

1. School address, telephone number and 1. name of the Headmaster.

2. Name and address for correspondence 1.with the Chairman of Governors.

3. Statement of the School’s ethos and aims.

Policies and items of information availableon the Bethany School website -www.bethanyschool.org.uk

4. The School’s academic performance in4. public examinations.

5. School staff: number, names and5. and qualifications.

To view all the following policies, seeISI Policies at the footer of ourwebsite pages.

6. Admissions Policy.

7. Anti Bullying Policy.

8. Behavioural and Discipline Policy.

9. Curriculum Policy.

10. First Aid Policy.

11. Health and Safety Policy.

12. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

13. Special Educational Needs and13. Disability Policy.

14. Written Complaints Procedure.

All of this information can be made directlyavailable to parents and prospective parentsfree of charge upon request and it is alsoavailable for inspection at the School.

VISION STATEMENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE

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‘Since we can’t know what knowledge willbe most needed in the future, it is senselessto try to teach it in advance. Instead, weshould try to turn out people who lovelearning so much and learn so well that theywill be able to learn whatever needs to belearned.’

John Holt

The purpose of this philosophy of learning isto develop a holistic approach in helpingpupils to flourish by developing learninghabits that help them become highly effectivelearners.

It is recognised that the development ofthese habits does not just happen in theclassroom but should also be central to thesupport given to pupils at home, in boardinghouses, in tutor time and in extra-curricularactivities.

At Bethany School learning and improvementpermeates the culture of the School and inorder to achieve that we celebrate not justachievement but also progress. At BethanySchool, we understand that learning islearnable; a constellation of habits that areengaged by difficulty, confusion, noveltyand surprise.

PUPIL LEARNING HABITS

EngageBe prepared to manage your attention, takeresponsibility and be mindful.

PersistBe prepared to persist when you find thingsdifficult. Be prepared to apply yourself.

QuestionBe an active learner with a thirst for truth.Be prepared to check knowledge claims anddevelop your spiritual understanding.

ReactThink on your feet - face up to life in achanging world by being prepared to dealwith problems you face. Demonstratelearning agility.

ReflectBe prepared to manage your attention, takeresponsibility and be mindful.

TEACHER AND PARENTLEARNING HABITS

It would not be possible for pupils at Bethanyto develop these learning habits, were it notfor the encouragement at School and athome from the people most important tothem. These learning habits, to be developedby teachers, ensure that every child canbenefit as much as possible from the Virtueof Learning. Learning isn’t just about School,it’s important to recognise that the home is acentre for learning too. With guidance andsupport from parents, it is at home thatsome of the greatest and most memorablelife lessons happen.

DEVELOPING THE VIRTUE OF LEARNING

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CURRICULUM

Bethany School offers a differentiatedcurriculum. Lessons are devised andresources generated in order to cater for arange of different abilities in each class. Evenwhere teaching groups are set or streamed,our small class sizes enable us to target anddevelop individual learning styles andstrengths in each lesson, and to offerindividual support where appropriate.

THE JUNIOR CURRICULUM

A wide range of subjects gives pupils theopportunity to develop their talents andstudy a broad and balanced curriculum. Thebreadth of the curriculum also enables themto make an informed choice of subjectswhen starting GCSE courses in Year 10. Inthe junior part of the School, pupils arebroadly streamed in forms for most subjectsbut are set by ability in English, Mathematicsand Science from Year 7. Class and set sizesrarely exceed 17 pupils. A comprehensive listof activities is available for all pupils between4.00pm and 5.00pm.

SUBJECTS YEAR 7, 8 AND 9

GCSE YEARSAll pupils take English, Mathematics and atleast one science for GCSE. The top twoEnglish sets also take English Literature andpupils in the top Maths set have theopportunity to take Statistics.

THE OPTIONS ARE:

For those to whom it applies there are alsoLearning Support and English as anAdditional Language courses.

In addition all pupils in Years 7-11 have onegames afternoon and at least one PE lessoneach week and follow a programme ofPersonal, Social, Health and CitizenshipEducation (PSHCE).

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Pupils are periodically taken off timetable inorder to enhance their sense of a globalperspective and to develop important skills.For example events such as our “China Day”impart an understanding of important topicaland global issues. Pupils also participate in

skills days, where their abilities to work inteams, solve problems, manage informationand present their findings are tested anddeveloped. These days are placed so as notto conflict with exam preparation.

THE SIXTH FORM

Bethany Sixth Formers benefit from a widerange of choice in courses, small teachinggroups and tailored tutoring.

A LEVELS

All subjects offer AS and A2 courses and soit is possible to continue with any coursethrough to a full A level. The followingcourses are available for Year 12 pupils:

THE AQA EXTENDED PROJECTQUALIFICATION

Sixth Formers may choose to research a

subject of their choice and either prepare a5,000 word dissertation, create an artefactor put on a production, under the guidanceof a supervisor. Work begins in June of Year12 and ends in March of Year 13. The recordof procedure, final product and a ten minutepresentation are assessed to award the EPQ,which is graded A* to E and worth up to amaximum of 70 UCAS points.

GCSE COURSES AVAILABLE TOSIXTH FORMERS

There is the opportunity for pupils to re-sittheir English or Mathematics GCSE inspecially timetabled sets for Sixth Formers.

All Sixth Form pupils have one Gamesafternoon. They also participate in a “Bodyfor Life” fitness programme. As part of ourcommitment to the broader education ofour pupils, Year 12 pupils have a weeklylecture, which includes topics such asfinancial management, road safety andpolitical and current affairs.

• Art, Craft & •• Design• Biology• Chemistry • Chinese • Computer Science • Dance• Design &• Technology• Drama

• Food Preparation• & Nutrition• French• Geography• History• Media Studies• Music• Physical Education• Physics• Religious Studies• Spanish

• Art, Craft • & Design• Biology• Business Studies• Level 3 Applied• General Business• Chemistry• Computer• Science• Design & • Technology• Drama & Theatre • Economics• English Literature• Level 3 Diploma In• Financial Capability• French• Geography

• History• Mathematics• Further• Mathematics• Media Studies• Music• Photography• Physical Education• Physics• Politics• Religious Studies • (Philosophy & • Ethics)• Spanish• Sports Leaders• Textile Design• Extended Project • Qualification

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• Art, Craft & •• Design• Design &• Technology • Drama • English • Food & Nutrition• Studies• French• Geography

• History• ICT• Mandarin• Mathematics• Modern Dance• Music• PSCHE• Religious Studies• Science

ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS

For Year 7 entry Entrance Assessments areheld in November prior to the year of entry.For Year 9 entry the Assessments are held inJanuary. In the event that a pupil is unable toattend the Entrance Assessments on thepublished date we will be happy to arrangefor the Assessments to be taken individuallyat the School. For pupils from abroad it isusually possible for us to arrange for thecurrent school or a local agent to administerthe Assessments on our behalf.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DO THE ENTRANCEASSESSMENTS CONSIST OF?

There are five elements:• non-verbal reasoning;• mathematics;• reading comprehension;• spelling;• free writing (each child chooses a picture • and uses it as a basis for a story).

The Assessments are designed to look at theoverall ability and skills of the individual.They are not based on any specificknowledge or curriculum base so as not todisadvantage pupils whatever theireducational background. Bethany does notprovide sample papers.

WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF THEENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS?

The Entrance Assessments take place in theFunction Suite. You will be asked to bringyour child by 9.15am and to collect them at2.15pm. The day will include not only thefive Assessments but breaks, lunch, and atour of the School with senior pupils. We

aim to make the day as relaxed and informalas possible and children are invited to comein casual clothes rather than in schooluniform.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY CHILD FORTHE ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS?

If you wish your child to take our EntranceAssessments you will need to complete ourAdmissions Form (available in the back ofthe Prospectus) and to return it to our Registrar with the registration fee of £100.There is no separate examination fee butyou will also need to complete an EntranceAssessment form which is available from theRegistrar.

MY CHILD IS VERY ABLE – WILL THEYSTILL NEED TO TAKE THE ENTRANCEASSESSMENTS?

Yes. Our Entrance Assessments sometimesshow up unexpected strengths andweaknesses and give us information thathelps us to address each child’s needs in themost effective way.

HOW DOES THE SCHOOL DECIDEWHO TO OFFER PLACES TO?

At Bethany we like to have as muchinformation as possible about a child beforemaking the decision to offer a place. Allpupils applying to join us in Years 7, 8, 9 or10 take our Entrance Assessments. We alsoask for a reference from the child’s currentschool, together with copies of recentreports and, of course, we like to meet thechildren who want to join us. Thisassessment procedure is designed to ensurethat the children we welcome to Bethany arethose who will benefit fully from all that wehave to offer.

WHY MIGHT BETHANY NOT BE ABLETO OFFER MY CHILD A PLACE?

We need to be confident that your child iswithin the ability range for our curriculum.Broadly speaking pupils at Bethany should beof average ability or above. Although we areable to offer special support for dyslexic andothers with similar needs, all pupils atBethany need to be able to copeindependently with small class teachingacross the curriculum. If our assessmentsreveal that a child is likely to need significantin-class support it will, unfortunately, not bepossible to offer them a place. In this eventwe are happy to advise on a suitablealternative school where pupils’ needs canbe met. If you have doubts about theEntrance Assessments and your child’s abilitywe suggest that you consult us. We are morethan happy to advise and to discuss yourchild’s ability level and needs in relation tothe Bethany ability profile and provisionavailable. If we gained the impression that achild was likely to require more support than

we are able to offer we would discouragethe parents from proceeding rather than riskdamaging a child’s confidence.

IF YOU OFFER PLACES ON THE BASISOF THE ENTRANCE ASSESSMENTSDOES THAT MEAN YOU ARE LOOKINGTO SELECT THE MOST ACADEMICPUPILS?

No. At Bethany we offer places on a firstcome, first served basis. We do not use theEntrance Assessments to select the mostacademic pupils but to measure pupils’capabilities and to ensure that a Bethanyeducation is right for each individual. Fromthe results, and from references andinformation from current schools, we areable to build up an educational profile ofeach child enabling us to place them in formsaccording to ability as well as in sets forEnglish, Maths and Science. This assessmentand careful placement of children means thatwe are able to cater equally well for the veryable and for those who require more support.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MY CHILD IS DYSLEXIC.HOW COULD BETHANY HELP THEM?

At Bethany we have been supportingchildren with dyslexia for over 40 years. Notonly do we have a Dyslexia and LearningSupport department with specially qualifiedand experienced staff but our staff acrossthe School understand the needs of dyslexicpupils and the best methods of ensuringtheir educational and personal development.Whether it’s helping with organisationbefore the school day begins; ensuringhomework is recorded accurately; teachingorganisation strategies or sharing informationusing multi-sensory techniques, a Bethanyeducation is designed to support the needsof dyslexic pupils in a way that helps themthrive in a mainstream school.

The department’s approach is multi-sensoryand based on the individual. Small groupinstruction aims to extend each pupilacademically through programmes designedto overcome their specific difficulties. Staffare well aware of the results of previousfrustration and discouragement in learning,and of the problems of organisationand memory encountered by many dyslexics.Fostering a sense of self-worth and buildingup confidence are vital ingredients in thesupport offered.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW DYSLEXIASUPPORT WORKS?

All children applying to Bethany are assessedthrough our entrance procedure whichincludes the Entrance Assessments, a reference from the child’s current school andan Educational Psychologist’s report, ifavailable. Based on this information we willadvise parents on the level of support their

child is likely to need. Some may not needextra support at all; the sympatheticenvironment at Bethany and the small classesmay be sufficient. Others may benefit frompart-time support in the form of one lessona week in a group of no more than six pupils.For pupils requiring more help, full-timesupport may be appropriate. In Years 7 to 11pupils receive three support lessons perweek. Pupils are never withdrawn fromsubject classes so the problem of ‘catchingup’ is avoided. By the time pupils reach theSixth Form most have adopted the strategiesand techniques to help them learn in themost effective way. Sixth Formers aresupported by Learning Support Assistants(LSAs) on a one-to-one basis once or twice aweek, as required. This concentrates onorganisation, coursework deadlines, proof-reading and examination techniques.However, support is still available for thosewho require it or for those who are new tothe School.

MY CHILD USES A LAPTOP AT THEIRCURRENT SCHOOL. HOW DOESBETHANY INCORPORATE LAPTOPS INTHE CLASSROOM?

At Bethany everyone uses laptops across thecurriculum from Year 7 and this offersparticular help to pupils with dyslexia. Sinceeveryone uses laptops and teaching isadapted to their use it becomes much easierfor dyslexic pupils to use them as an effectivelearning tool.

MY CHILD IS SEVERELY DYSLEXIC AND IAM NOT SURE IF THEY WILL BE ABLETO COPE AT BETHANY. WHAT ADVICECAN YOU GIVE?

Please talk to us. By looking at reports fromEducational Psychologists and your child’scurrent school we will be able to advise you

DYSLEXIA AND LEARNING SUPPORT

Bethany's fundamentalcore value is that thereare other ways tomeasure success inlife/school thanacademic excellence.Rick

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on whether the support we offer is likely tobe suitable for your child. If we feel that yourchild is likely to need more in-class supportthan we can offer, we will advise you. Wewill also tell you if we gain the impressionthat your child is unlikely to succeed in ourEntrance Assessments because we wouldprefer to discourage parents fromproceeding rather than risk damaging achild’s confidence.

MY CHILD’S HANDWRITING ANDSPELLING ARE TERRIBLE. ARE THETESTS HANDWRITTEN?

All the Assessments are handwritten but ofcourse we take children’s educational needsinto account when assessing the results. Thisis why it is particularly important that wehave the necessary reports and references tobuild up a profile of your child’s needs priorto the Assessments.

CAN MY CHILD USE A LAPTOP IN THEENTRANCE ASSESSMENTS?

No. Although some children at Bethany willbe eligible to use laptops in publicexaminations there will still be papers such asMaths and Science where they need tosubmit handwritten answers. For mostpupils, work in Year 7 will also be handwritten. We need to be able to make anassessment of the ability of all pupils toproduce answers manually and it is for thisreason that our Assessments take the formthey do. In special circumstances it may bepossible for a child to submit a piece of workproduced on a laptop computer inconjunction with the handwritten work theyproduce in the exam.

HOW MANY PUPILS AT BETHANYRECEIVE DYSLEXIA SUPPORT?

The number of pupils at Bethany receivingdyslexia support varies from year to year butit is likely that a number of children in yourchild’s classes will be receiving dyslexiasupport.

The School is successful at helping its pupilsto find and develop their strengths and oftenin achieving results that neither they nor theirparents would have thought possible.

CAN CHILDREN WITH OTHERLEARNING DIFFICULTIES BE CATEREDFOR AT BETHANY?

Some children who are not specificallydyslexic may have very similar needs. Somewith dyspraxia respond particularly well tothe support available and benefit from theuse of laptops across the curriculum. Thefirst step in assessing whether Bethany canrespond to your child’s needs will be adiscussion and the sharing of relevantreports which will help us to advise you onthe best course of action.

Pupils from overseas for whom English isnot their first language benefit enormouslyfrom the tuition provided for them atBethany. Within the EAL department pupilsare taught either individually or in smallgroups.

In Years 7 to 9 EAL lessons are timetabledagainst French. In Years 10 to 11 they takethe place of one GCSE subject. Lessonsfocus on key areas of reading, writing,listening, speaking and use of English,learning key subject vocabulary and supportwith GCSE examination preparation. Pupilsin Year 10 and 11 are also prepared for theIELTS examination which they take at theend of Year 11. Pupils are introduced to awide range of topics that will help them

achieve the required EAL and iGCSE examination results needed for further study.The department works closely with otheracademic departments to ensure that thework that goes on is beneficial, allowing theinternational pupils the extra time they oftento understand their classwork fully.

In the Sixth Form EAL lessons are fittedaround a pupil’s individual timetable. Theprogramme includes induction, assessmentand examination preparation necessary foruniversity entrance or further training. MostEAL pupils take IELTS at the end of Year 12with the expectation that they achieve theirdesired university’s minimum Englishlanguage standard, or at least a Band 6.5in each skill area, before they leave Bethany.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

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REGISTRATION FEE£100 (payable at the time of application).

DAY DEPOSIT£500

BOARDING DEPOSIT –UK AND EU PUPILS£1000

BOARDING DEPOSIT –OVERSEAS PUPILS£2000Deposits are set against a pupil’s finalterm’s expenses.

DAY PUPILS (TERMLY):Year 7 Year 8 Years 9-13

WEEKLY BOARDERS (TERMLY):Year 7 Year 8 Years 9-13

FULL BOARDERS (TERMLY):Year 7 Year 8Years 9-13

ADDITIONALLY

Part-time Dyslexia andLearning Support – £325

Full-time Dyslexia andLearning Support – £650

English as an Additional Language SupportYears 7-11 – £650

English as an Additional Language SupportYears 12-13 – £325

OPTIONALMusic Fees£230 per term (payable in advance directlyto the Instructor concerned).

Tea and Prep Fee£13 per day

Occasional Boarding Fee£70 per night

FEES INCLUDELunches, tuition, textbooks, compulsorystationery, School magazines, house funds,basic laundry (for boarders only), FOBS(Friends of Bethany School) subscriptions.

HOW TO PAY

We can accept payment in the followingways:

• by Direct Debit as outlined in the Parent • Contract Terms and Conditions.

• by sterling cheque or Banker’s draft made• payable to Bethany School

• by Bank transfer to:• Bethany School • • • National Westminster Bank plc• High Street Cranbrook• Kent TN17 3EJ• Bank Sort Code: 60-06-18• Account Number: 5901 3869• Swift/BIC NWBK GB 2L• IBAN GB61 NWBK 6006 1859 0138 69

Please note that all bank charges must bepaid by yourself. Remittances must be inpounds sterling only.

We do not accept Euro Cheques.

Please include the pupil’s full name.

BETHANY SCHOOL FEES 2018-2019

– £5,575– £5,765– £6,155

– £8,650– £8,855– £9,555

– £9,330– £9,535– £10,500

A list of current routes is below. Bus routesare subject to change; please contact theSchool Office with any questions about theprovision of additional stops.

TENTERDEN- Biddenden- Tenterden Town Hall - Rolvenden High Street- Sandhurst Farm Shop- Benenden cross roads- Cranbrook War Memorial - Sissinghurst Wilsley Pound

THE WEALD- Bearsted- Headcorn Train Station- Coombe Farm- Sutton Valence- Lilypie Cafe, Chart Sutton- Boughton Monchelsea Village Hall- Coxheath- Staplehurst Village Centre

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUS 1- Dornden Drive- The Mead (Frant Road)- Benhall Mill Road- Bayham Road

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUS 2- Hooper's department store- Pembury Road- Matfield

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUS 3- The Spa Hotel- St John's Church- Goudhurst

FRANT- Abergavenny Arms- Wadhurst- Ticehurst- Marlborough House School- Hawkhurst

KINGS HILL- Kings Hill (Gibson Drive bus stop)- Mereworth- East Peckham- Yalding- Collier Street- Marden Station

SEVENOAKS COACH VIA TONBRIDGE - Sevenoaks School- Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks- Harvester at Riverhead- St John's Church, Hildenborough- Tonbridge High Street- Tonbridge Station- Tudeley- Five Oak Green- Paddock Wood

BUS TIMESSchool buses run every morning andafternoon. All buses leave Bethany at 5.15pmin the evening and pick up in time to arrive atSchool by 8.30am each morning.

FEESCharges for the buses are made termly inarrears. Please refer to the School websitefor details of routes ('My Bethany' - 'Theschool day'). Timetables and charges areavailable from the Registrar.

We operate a waiting list for most routesand a pupil’s name will only be added oncetheir place has been accepted and thedeposit received.

PAYMENTPlease note that all bank charges must bepaid by yourself. Remittances must be inpounds sterling only.

We do not accept Euro Cheques.

Please include the pupil’s full name.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

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Bethany School makes every effort to ensure that the information providedin this publication is accurate at the time of going to press. However, theSchool reserves the right to make changes following publication.