Talented? Or Need Support?

BCS aims to enable every pupil to access our broad curriculum so that they reach their full potential during their time in the school and become independent learners. Pupils at BCS benefit enormously from small classes and individual attention, but some pupils may require extra support throughout their education or just for short periods, such as before public examinations.

The Head of Personalised Learning oversees the work of specialist teachers, who give one-to-one coaching to those with learning difficulties and those for whom English is not their first language.

All pupils at BCS are seen as ‘Gifted and Talented’ in their own area.  The  aim of the school is provide as many ‘collisions with opportunity’ as possible so that the pupils can discover their talent/s. The school does maintain a Gifted and Talented Register which ensures that all pupils are identified and challenged in their field of excellence. Those who are gifted in sport, music, art and performing arts will have specialised programmes of study.

New students from overseas sit a placement test to determine their level of English. All pupils who enter the school in Y7 and 8 are screened for dyslexia as a matter of course. A few may require further investigation so that their individual needs can be more clearly identified with appropriate strategies put in place to support them. Assessments are also carried out to determine whether Access Arrangements can be granted in public examinations.

Overseas boarders joining the Sixth Form may benefit from joining our 3-year A-level programme, which includes a preparatory Foundation year that focuses on study skills and English language.

Help and guidance is given to pupils about personal organisation, study skills and revision techniques. The dedicated Learning Support staff work closely with their departmental colleagues to exchange information and advice so that all students at BCS feel supported and nurtured.

A very small number of students have other physical or educational difficulties, such as dyspraxia or chronic asthma: the BCS pastoral network and medical supervision are well geared to identifying and coping with their needs.