Useful Information

BEDFORD SCHOOL

Term Dates

Autumn Term 2022 New Boys’ Day: Friday 2 Sept

Term starts: Monday 5 Sept (08:40)

Exeat: Sat/Sun 24/25 Sept

Half Term: Friday 14 Oct (16:15) to Monday 31 Oct (08:40)

Exeat: Sat/Sun 19/20 Nov

Term finishes: Friday 9 Dec (12:15)

Spring Term 2023 Term starts : Wednesday 4 Jan (08:40)

Exeat: Sat/Sun 21/22 Jan

Half Term: Friday 10 Feb (16:15) to Monday 20 Feb (08:40)

Exeat: Sat/Sun 11/12 Mar

Term finishes: Friday 24 Mar (12.15)

Summer Term 2023 Term starts: Tuesday 18 Apr (08:40)

Exeat: Sat/Sun/Mon 29/30 Apr/1 May

Half Term: Friday 26 May (16:15) to Monday 5 Jun (08:40)

Term finishes: Saturday 9 Jul (following Speech Day)

At the beginning of each term, boarders return by 18:00 the previous evening and, after half term, by 21:00 the previous evening.

Exeats

Each half term there is one Exeat weekend (with the exception of the second half of the summer term), which provides boys and staff with a well-earned break from their busy timetables. On Exeat weekends school finishes at 16:10 on Friday and resumes at 08:35 on Monday.

Boarders are expected to leave their house by 18:00 on the Exeat Friday and return between 18:00 and 20:00 on the Sunday evening.

Lost Property

Any misplaced uniform, sports kit or school equipment that is found around the school is collected and taken to the Bell Room.

It is essential that all items of school uniform and kit are named so that boys can be emailed when they are handed in. Boys can also go to the Bell Room to check for lost items that may not be named, such as mobile phones.

School Fees

Details of fees are sent to parents each year and are also available throughout the year on the school website.

Fees for the forthcoming year are announced each summer term.

Payment of Fees

Termly Payments Termly fee invoices are uploaded to the secure parent portal before the start of each term. Payment should be made by direct debit, bank transfer, debit or credit card before the term commences.

Monthly Payments Fees can also be paid, by direct debit only, in nine equal instalments on predetermined dates (usually the first working day of the month or the first day of term if later).

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Autumn Term Sept, Oct, Nov

Spring Term Jan, Feb, Mar

Summer Term May, Jun, Jul

Fees in Advance The Harpur Trust accepts payment of fees by lump sum in advance. Further details of this scheme are available from the Harpur Trust Fees Office, tel: +44 (0)1234 369500.

Fees Invoice - Disbursements (Blue Bills) Any additional costs not covered by the main tuition fee will be added to the following term’s fees invoice and itemised accordingly, as these are charged for in arrears. These may cover the cost of additional text books, additional excursions or trips, private music tuition, EAL lessons, subscriptions, shop purchases or any boarding house expenses, etc.

Further details about the fees invoice are available from: The Director of Finance and Operations, 10 Glebe Road, Bedford, MK40 2PL Tel: +44 (0)1234 362245, email: bursary@bedfordschool.org.uk.

Transport - School Buses

There is an extensive network of buses to all Harpur Trust schools. This transport system is run by voluntary parent associations and commercial suppliers (a list of which can be found on the school website).

Whilst the school does not endorse the transport suppliers, these companies have been used for many years by Bedford School and other independent schools in Bedford. It is the responsibility of parents to organise transport to and from school and to make their own checks as they deem necessary. For further information on routes, times and costs, please contact the providers directly.

Visa Requirements

All non-British passport holders are required to have a visa to study in the UK. We have a Home Office Licence which enables us to take international students and to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) for boys applying for a Child Student Visa.

To enable us to hold the Home Office Licence we have to follow certain procedures and are regularly checked by the Home Office to ensure we are working within the guidelines. We would, therefore, be grateful if you could assist us with any request in regard to this matter.

Families whose sons require a Child Student Visa should have received a communication from us, but if not, please contact us as soon as possible.

Non EU Applications When your visa application has been approved, your son will be issued with a vignette in his passport which is valid for 90 days and will allow him into the UK. Please advise us and send a copy of both the confirmation letter and vignette as soon as you receive them. Your son’s visa in the form of a BRP (Biometric Resident Permit) card will be sent to the school.

On your son’s first day at the school he must bring his passport with him so we may physically see the passport and vignette before he can sign and receive his BRP.

EU Applications Successful EU visa applications will receive a letter with a link where you are able to generate a Share Code which needs to be sent to our Admissions team straight away.

Your son will also need to bring his passport to the Admissions Office for checking upon arrival.

If your son has a British National Overseas passport or a Tier 1 Investor or Entrepreneur Visa or Tier 2 Visa, we would like notification of this before starting and will ask to see both the passport and visa when he arrives at the school.

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We recommend that your son keeps his passport and BRP (if applicable) in the boarding house safe.

Boys whose families are resident outside of the UK must have an AEGIS or BSA accredited guardian and we must have their guardian’s full contact details.

Please complete and return the Parent Nomination of a Guardian Form.

Before each Exeat weekend and the start of each holiday, your son will be asked by his Housemaster for the following details:

y Where he is staying during his time away from the school. y How he is travelling from the school and who is collecting him. y If flights are involved, the flight numbers and dates/times of the flights.

Cash Management Procedures for Boarders

All boarders should have access to cash (for pocket money and travel expenses), preferably via a personal bank debit card or through a pre-loaded cash card.

y Boarding Housemasters will NOT give cash funds to pupils except in extreme emergency situations. y Boys will be responsible for the security of their own cards and cash, and should ensure that they are locked away appropriately. All boys have a lockable cupboard where valuables should be stored. y The school discourages boys from keeping a large amount of cash in their boarding houses as this will not be insured against loss. Boys must not return with large sums of cash, as again we cannot guarantee its safety, and if large sums are brought to school for particular reasons then the cash should be placed in the pupil’s bank account or handed in to the Housemaster as soon as is practicably possible. y Payments for all residential trips must be paid directly by parents and will not be added to the disbursements. The bank account details for such trip payments will be included on parental letters. The school will endeavour to assist overseas pupils to open a bank account in the UK but equally most overseas pupils should be able to withdraw cash from an account in their home country. (A list of local banks in Bedford is available on request.)

Please do contact your son’s Housemaster or our Accounts Team, if you wish to clarify any of the above.

Insurance

The school automatically provides pupils’ personal accident insurance for all boys. A summary of the policy is available on request from the Bursary. Your son will be automatically covered by this policy when he starts at the school.

Boarders also receive personal effects insurance which covers their personal property in the boarding houses. The total sum insured is £5,000, with a single item limit of £2,000. Bicycles are covered up to £250 if they are kept securely in the bicycle shed. Items are replaced on a new for old basis if they are less than one year old. Please note this policy does not cover cash, mobile phones or mobile phone accessories. The policy excess is £25. A summary of the policy is available on request from the Bursary.

Academic Support

The school provides a range of academic support to pupils with specific learning difficulties. Specific classroom support strategies are devised for these students which teachers use in the classroom to help them. Specialist teachers are available to support students in supervised prep sessions, and there are a range of academic clinics in different subjects available to students weekly. Some boys may also be entitled to access arrangements, such as extra time and/or word processors in exams.

Please contact Mrs Rachel Mellor, Head of Academic Support, at rachelmellor@bedfordschool.org.uk, if you think your son may need additional support of this kind.

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Extra Tuition

Extra tuition is rarely necessary but may be justified in exceptional circumstances. Extra tuition should normally be confined to:

y Boys in the Fourth Form who come to the school with a weakness in some branch of our curriculum. y Boys who have been allowed for some exceptional reason to change to an alternative subject. y Boys retaking GCSE subjects for whom no alternative is available. In all such cases the following rules are to be observed:

y Application will normally be made to the appropriate subject teachers. Parents should consult with their son’s Tutor before discussing it with the Head of Department, who will then sanction and arrange it or refuse it, if necessary consulting with the Head Master. y A consent form (available from the Bell Room) must be completed by either the parents or

Housemaster.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Boys for whom English is not their first language often need additional support (and acceptance of this is usually a condition of entry to Bedford School). For these boys, the Academic Support Department provides specialised help in English for academic purposes which includes:

y reading and listening skills y improving grammatical accuracy and lexical range y developing the academic writing process y planning and proof reading techniques for coursework across all subjects y preparing and delivering presentations The number of lessons per week depends on your son’s ability in English in terms of his reading, writing, listening and speaking, and also according to his academic progress in his subjects. Boys receive up to four weekly lessons, depending on their individual needs. This is reviewed on a half-termly basis by the Academic Support Department and in consultation with their subject teachers. Lessons take place in dedicated classrooms, are taught by experienced EAL teachers, and the boys have access to a range of resources and multimedia to help them progress.

Boys who receive English Language support are required to pay additional fees which are determined by the number of lessons per week, and whether they are one to one or small group sessions. Details of the current fees can be found on the school website.

In addition to individual and small group EAL support as detailed above, we also provide the following:

y an alternative Language and Literature curriculum in the Fourth Form (Year 9), tailored to the needs of EAL boys whose academic language skills are still developing. y preparation for IGCSE English as a Second

Language in the Remove and Fifth Forms (Years 10 and 11). y as part of the school’s IB curriculum, we offer

English B at both Standard and Higher level in the EAL department. This course allows for both language skills development and exploration of the core IB themes that underpin the entire programme. y preparation for IELTS (International English

Language Testing System), usually required for UK university entrance, in the Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13).

Chinese Lessons

Bedford School offers Chinese (Mandarin) lessons as an extra-curricular activity to all boys in the Upper School. They have been offered since 1999 and have proved increasingly popular each year. There are currently more than 50 pupils studying the language at various levels, from complete beginners through to International Baccalaureate and A-Level.

Some lessons take place during lunchtime and some after school, and are taught by well-qualified native

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speakers in the Upper School. Beginners cover all four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. As well as acquiring useful conversational Chinese, the study of the language gives the pupils an insight into a fascinating and ancient culture and society. Bedford School is linked with Qingdao Number 2 Middle School in Shandong Province and a group of beginners have participated in an exchange between the two schools. Previously, we have also participated in the British Council Mandarin Summer School in Beijing, so there are good opportunities for pupils to go to China and put their learning into practice.

GCSE (Remove Form/Year 10 and above) and A-Level classes are also available for native speakers to prepare boys for these exams and to encourage them to continue to study their own language and culture. Mandarin ab initio and Language A courses are offered within the IB Diploma programme.

Please complete the Chinese Lessons form at the back of this document, if you wish your son to take Chinese lessons. There is no commitment at this stage.

The current fees for Chinese lessons can be found on the school website.

Music Lessons

If you wish your son to have instrumental music lessons, please complete the Instrumental Music Lessons form at the back of this document and keep these notes for reference. Applications must reach the school by the end of the preceding term. Each form should relate to only one instrument (please submit the form as many times as required).

It is assumed that boys coming from Bedford Prep School will continue with music lessons they are already receiving and therefore need not re-apply.

1. All matters relating to instrumental lessons should be addressed to Mr Jonathan Sanders, Director of Music, Bedford School, De Parys Avenue, Bedford MK40 2TU. Email: jsanders@bedfordschool.org.uk.

2. As part of their musical tuition, boys learning orchestral and band instruments will be expected to play in at least one of the school orchestras and bands at the discretion of the Director of Music. Please note that we are unable to process applications which request a fixed lesson time as a prerequisite condition for taking up lessons.

3. Termination of lessons. Notice in writing of the intention to discontinue lessons is required and should be sent to the Director of Music as soon as possible. The notice period is 11 termtime weeks from the receipt of the notice of termination of lessons.

4. Time of lessons. Boys in the Fourth to Fifth Form (Years 9-11) will normally be required to have lessons during normal school periods on rotation for one instrument but at the discretion of the Director of Music.

5. Absence from lessons. If a boy/parent gives at least 72 hours’ notice in writing (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays), either directly to the Visiting Music Teacher (VMT) or to the Head of Instrumental Department (HoID), of being unable to attend an instrumental lesson due to a school-related activity, then the VMT/HoID will endeavour, where possible, to find an alternative time for the missed lesson to be taught. If it is not possible to find an alternative time, the missed lesson will not be charged to the boy’s family. Notice by email will be accepted as long as it is copied to the relevant HoID. In all other situations, if a boy misses an instrumental lesson, then it will be charged to the boy’s account, as the VMT will be working and needs to be paid. Relevant school-related activities which require boy/parental notice will include sports fixtures, academic visits, trips and unavoidable classroom commitments, but this list is not exhaustive.

6. Reports. Reports by instrumental teachers are made at the end of each autumn and summer term. An instrumental music parents’ evening is arranged at the end of the spring term each year.

7. Fees. Fees are reviewed annually and published by the Director of Finance and Operations. Reduced rates apply to those sharing lessons. Class tuition for theoretical examinations in Music is provided free for those having instrumental tuition but a charge is made for other boys.

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8. Exhibitions. A small number of music exhibitions may be awarded annually to a few boys in the Upper School who show special aptitude and application. These exhibitions provide free instrumental tuition.

9. Examinations. Boys are entered for instrumental examinations at the discretion of the Director of Music and the cost charged to parents on Blue Bills.

10. Instruments. Instruments may be hired from the school, subject to availability, during the early stages of tuition. Parents are charged a termly hiring fee and are responsible for maintenance and repair costs and also for making good loss or damage, whether in or out of school. Parents are advised to take out insurance against loss or accidental damage. In most cases, boys will be expected to have their own instruments after the first year. Parents and boys are reminded that instruments should not be left at school during holiday periods as the school cannot accept responsibility for their safety.

Details of the current music fees can be found on the school website.

LAMDA Tuition

We offer LAMDA exams in Acting, Verse and Prose, Public Speaking, Reading for Performance and Shakespeare. In line with LAMDA’s guidelines on age restrictions on Medal Grades (6-8), the highest grade that boys can take in the Fourth Form is Grade 5, in order to deepen and extend their knowledge. In addition, boys can work on an acting piece for the Evening of Speech and Drama, if desired. The Evening of Speech and Drama is at the end of the spring term and performed in The Quarry Theatre. It is an opportunity for boys to perform and share their work with their families, friends and staff.

LAMDA grades 6 -8 count towards UCAS points, with a distinction at Grade 8 worth the same points as an A at A-Level. In the academic year 2020/2021, the school achieved 100% Pass Rate, with 97% of boys achieving merits and distinctions. All boys taking Grade 7 and 8 exams attained distinctions. LAMDA is also a great support subject not only for Drama but also English Literature, with boys being taught how to analyse and interpret Shakespeare and Poetry. The new Public Speaking exam is ideal for boys with an interest in debating, public speaking and those who wish to develop their presentation skills. Along with preparing boys for their LAMDA exams, we are always happy to help boys with work from other areas of the school curriculum.

If you wish your son to have LAMDA lessons, please complete the LAMDA form at the back of this booklet. Applications must reach Miss Fowler by the first day of the term in which the pupil wishes to start lessons. Where possible the last day of the preceding term would be appreciated.

Boys can take up LAMDA at any stage during their time in the school. Boys may also study for more than one exam in a year. If doing so, they will recieve a number of lessons each week, in line with the number of exams he is taking. It will be assumed that boys coming from Bedford Prep School will automatically continue with Speech and Drama lessons so parents do not need to re-apply to arrange LAMDA lessons in the Upper School. If your son does not wish to continue LAMDA in the Upper School, then notice of termination of lessons is required no later than the end of the Summer term of Year 8 - sent to Miss Fowler. New boys, or current boys wishing to take additional subjects will need to register using the LAMDA form.

Lessons for boys in the Fourth Form are individual (1-2-1 with teacher and student). If boys wish to take duologue acting exams from Remove Form onwards, this can be arranged with the consent of all boys and parents.

1. All matters relating to LAMDA lessons should be addressed to Miss Fi Fowler, Bedford School, De

Parys Avenue, Bedford, MK40 2TU. If you have any questions about LAMDA, the exams, syllabuses, or timetabling of LAMDA lessons, please do also contact Miss Fowler. Information from LAMDA about their exams can be found here.

2. Termination of Lessons. Notice in writing of the intention to discontinue lessons is required and

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should be sent to Miss Fowler as soon as possible. A whole term’s notice is required for lessons to stop at the end of that term. A term’s fees in lieu of notice will be payable where the necessary notice is not given.

3. Time of Lessons. Boys will have lessons during study periods, activity times, lunchtimes or after school. LAMDA lessons will NEVER take place during a timetabled academic lesson or during sport. The timings of lessons will be arranged by the LAMDA staff and be at the same time every week. If the boy, or teacher needs to re-arrange a lesson time, this needs to be done with at least 48 hours notice.

4. Absence from lessons. If a boy/parent gives at least 48 hours’ notice in writing (excluding Sundays and Bank Holidays) to the LAMDA teacher of being unable to attend a lesson due to a school-related activity, then the teacher will endeavour, where possible, to find an alternative time for the missed lesson to be taught. If it is not possible to find an alternative time, the missed lesson will not be charged to the boy’s parents. In all other situations, if a boy misses a lesson, then it will be charged to the boy’s account, as the teacher will be working and needs to be paid. Relevant school-related activities which require boy/parental notice will include sports fixtures, academic visits, trips and unavoidable classroom commitments, but this list is not exhaustive. If the teacher is ill and the lesson is missed the parents will NOT be charged.

5. Fees. Fees are reviewed at the start of the Autumn

Term annually and published by the Director of

Finance and Operations (DFO). They will be added to a parent’s bills at the end of each term and parents will be charged for the number of lessons the pupil received that term. Note that the amount on the

Blue Bill will be for the term just gone, not the one to come.

6. Examinations. Boys are entered for graded examinations at the end of the Summer Term. The cost of the exams with LAMDA is available on their website and this cost will be charged to parents via

Blue Bills.

7. Scripts/Note Cards/Books. Boys will need to purchase play scripts, note cards, visual aids, or books, as required for their exams. Copies of speeches, extracts, poems, etc. will be provided by their teacher.

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Hotel Accommodation in Bedford

There is a wide range of hotel accommodation available in Bedford. The hotels listed below are just a few of the options available.

Hotels Close to Bedford School

D’Parys De Parys Avenue Tel: +44 (0)1234 340248 Email: reservations@dparys.co.uk www.dparys.co.uk

Swan Hotel The Embankment Tel: +44 (0)1234 346565 Email: info@bedfordswanhotel.co.uk www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk

Embankment Hotel The Embankment Tel: +44 (0)1234 261332 Email: embankment@peachpubs.com www.embankmentbedford.co.uk

Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel St Mary’s Street Tel: +44 (0)1234 799988 Email: HB541@accor.com www.accorhotels.com

Please note that these details are provided for information only. Their inclusion does not imply that the school endorses the services offered by the provider.

Travelling to Bedford from the Airports

Please note that the school does not provide transfers to and from the airports. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians.

It is possible to take a train to Bedford from Luton, Gatwick and Heathrow airports but not from Stansted. Information on routes, costs and timetables may be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Once you reach Bedford Railway Station, we advise that you take a taxi to Bedford School. To avoid confusion with other schools in the town it is best to give the taxi driver the school’s address (De Parys Avenue).

If you would like to arrange a taxi to collect you from any of the above airports, you will find it cheaper to pre-book a taxi from Bedford rather than getting a black cab from the airport.