performing arts appeal TO B E K N O W N TO B E YO U
objective: create a new performing arts
centre We place the pupils at the centre of everything we do so that they become the best possible versions of themselves. Central to this is nurturing each pupil’s confidence and self-belief, while ensuring they remain genuine and true. I want pupils to be given every opportunity to develop into confident articulate speakers.
Actively developing skills for the future... We are preparing pupils for careers which do not yet exist, so it is of paramount importance that we equip them for proactive adaptability. We want them to see opportunities before others, so that they can take full advantage of life’s choices. “It is encouraging to know that Bethany School is planning to build a Performing Arts Centre and I was delighted to be asked to be a Patron of the Appeal as I believe it is important that children are given the opportunity to grow through performance and creativity. These days we all need something to look forward to.” Dame Judi Dench Patron of The Bethany Performing Arts Appeal
Of course, we can only guess at the changes our pupils will face in their lives beyond school. But rather than just clinging to a conservative knowledge-based curriculum or being paralysed by uncertainty, we actively promote a skills-based approach to learning with the aim of equipping them to cope with whatever challenges the world may throw at them.
facilities to match our futuristic Performing Arts ambitions. We are determined to change this.
Anticipation already growing... Our planned Performing Arts Centre is a crucial development for Bethany, which will enable us to mirror the expertise of staff and pupils with a purpose built, modern and dynamic facility. This appeal is critical to us realising our dream of bringing Performing Arts and the associated benefits to the standard our pupils deserve. I hope you will be able to support us. With your help we will make this vision a reality. Francie Healy, Headmaster
We never cease to be amazed at the growth in confidence and self-esteem our pupils gain from performing. We fervently believe everyone can develop and grow through their involvement in the Performing Arts.
“This appeal is critical to realising our dream.”
We have passionate, dedicated teachers, enthusiastic, talented pupils and incredibly supportive parents, but we lack the
Francie Healy, Headmaster
benefits for
everyone
Enlightened approach At Bethany, we have an open-minded and innovative approach to help each pupil become the best version of themselves. By keeping the child at the centre of every decision, we support each pupil to flourish – from the naturally academic, to those who excel in practical tasks, and those who shine when applying their creative and performance skills. This new facility will strengthen each of these pivotal areas of education and enable us to ensure each pupil leaves school as a happy and well-rounded individual.
A facility at the heart of Bethany, designed to spark self-expression, nurture confidence, and encourage personal growth. Life skills Every child should have the opportunity to develop their creativity and communication skills. The Performing Arts give pupils the space to do this. They are a fantastic medium for developing essential life skills, such as poise, empathy, composure and projection.
Multiple uses In addition to Dance, Drama, concerts and musicals, we will use this inspiring facility for a wide range of School events such as careers fairs, fundraising for charity, parent teacher meetings, presentations, prize giving, assemblies, speech delivery, talent shows and workshops. We will also make this facility available to neighbours and local schools. In fact, we will use it so much, we will wonder how we ever managed without it.
We want as many pupils as possible to benefit from being involved in the preparation and performance of productions and concerts, as the process can be truly inspirational and instructional for everyone.
Central to Bethany’s community The Performing Arts Centre will become the hub of our community, with staff and pupils working collaboratively to inspire pupil excellence and prepare pupils for life. The centre will play a pivotal role in allowing us to develop a truly holistic approach to education, with departments from across the curriculum working in a visual, practical, and pragmatic way. This will help us to ensure that the teaching of core learning habits and skills, such as teamwork, leadership, communication, presentation, and reflection, are effectively woven into all programmes of study.
Developing inner calm and confidence: essential preparation for life – for all our pupils.
a much needed space for drama to Bethany is a creative School and Drama is a key expression of this creativity.
shine
ambition We plan to make creativity and the Performing Arts central to School life. The Performing Arts Centre is the key.
But for Drama to truly thrive, the spaces in which our young people work need to be inspirational and should expose them to working environments that are relevant rather than make-do.
More specifically, the Performing Arts Centre will give us:
Spaces designated to Performing Arts allow pupils to feel part of something credible and important to the life of the School.
Rehearsal spaces - that will enable Drama, Dance and Music pupils to rehearse simultaneously.
Alex Bolton, Director of Performing Arts
Full access to a stage - so our pupils can put on work of the highest quality with real panache all the time. New courses - with the Performing Arts Centre in place, we plan to offer additional A level and BTEC courses in Performing Arts.
“We never cease to be amazed at the growth in confidence our pupils gain from performing.” Alex Bolton, Director of Performing Arts
Lights, camera, action! - We will be able to offer top quality entertainment in a professional setting thus matching facilities with the talents of our inspiring pupils.
“Every Bethany pupil will participate in a Performing Arts piece during their time at the School.”
Headspace - we do not currently have enough ceiling height to do lifts in Dance. This will change. Sprung floor - fundamental for Dance and essential to showcase the athleticism of our enthusiastic and dedicated performers.
a space for musical talents to Music is already strong at Bethany. More than this, it’s different. Our approach is both inclusive and adventurous. We believe that every child is musical and through music every child can succeed. We welcome technology and we embrace performance.
flourish
Over the last five years we have created a strong ethos. We have high expectations of the pupils and the pupils respond with their own ambition. If you want to succeed, then you have a home within our department. In all this striving, no one forgets to enjoy the sheer thrill of making music. This is something the pupils are drawn to. It’s a fun place to be and it is an important counterbalance to academic study. We’ve done everything we can with the space we have. Now it’s time to grow. Jonny Brinson, Head of Music
time to grow A new space in which everyone can create, practice and develop. Centrality - Music will be at the heart of the School rather than on the edge. A facility that includes Music Technology so we can prepare our pupils for the modern music industry. Room to grow - the Performing Arts Centre will give us space to offer further qualifications, and run more activities.
“My dream is to be in a central space, where we can really push the boundaries.” Jonny Brinson, Head of Music
new performing arts centre
WOW FACTOR The new Performing Arts Centre will add inspirational excitement and style to our campus.
design Key Features 214-seat theatre with full lighting rig and backstage area Drama and Dance classroom Dance Studio Music centre with seven practice rooms
Proposed Location
Music classroom/studio Mac suite - for composition and Music Technology
WOW factor. The new PAC will add inspirational excitement and style to our campus.
Recording studio Achieves economy by making use of existing facilities (dining room and toilets) Commanding views across the campus and over the Weald.
help us realise our
dream
pupils
say
“For me, it’s going to mean more time to do Music. ”
“It will create a more professional status for our Drama and Music.”
“This is going to benefit and inspire so many people.”
“A great opportunity to help pupils come out of their shells.”
“Pupils are going to feel inspired by a new atmosphere.”
“This is going to benefit and inspire so many people.”
costs, target and
timings
Project funding
OCT 2020
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEPT
OCT
NOV
DEC
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUNE
INITIAL APPROACHES TO POSSIBLE ‘PIONEER DONORS’ FULL-SCALE APPEAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
The appeal: our approach
Additionally, appeal funds will be ring fenced specifically for the Performing Arts Centre project - nothing else.
APR
PLANNING APPLICATION
We plan to sell the existing Music School and to use School funds and borrowing to take us two thirds of the way to the full sum required. This leaves us with an appeal target of £800K.
At this stage, we are asking for pledges, not donations. We will only ask donors to redeem their pledges once we are certain we can go ahead with the project.
MAR
2022
Project cost: £2.5M
2021
Finance
Appeal target £800K
Sale of existing Music School:
£900K
School funds:
£800K
We are ready to ask for help from people prepared to back the scheme in principle.
JULY
AUG
SEP 2022
key points and Support in principle We are asking for pledges, not donations. We will only ask individuals to redeem their pledges once we are certain that the scheme is going ahead.
How much is a cornerstone pledge? Cornerstone pledges will range from £10K to £100K+. For instance, if 12 individuals pledge £25K each with Gift Aid, we could raise half the target sum: enough to inspire the wider support we need.
What happens if we don’t raise all the money? If we find ourselves a little short of our target, we may be able to omit some features of the Performing Arts Centre in order to reduce the cost, or we could possibly delay the build and extend the fundraising period. In a worst case scenario, we could simply not go ahead at all. This would mean not asking anyone to redeem their pledge.
How do I know my donation will only be used for the Performing Arts Centre? All donations to the appeal will be paid into a ring-fenced account restricted to the Bethany Performing Arts Centre project.
questions Why does Bethany need to raise funds in the first place? School fees cover the day to day running costs of the School as well as general maintenance. We need additional funds to help final large capital projects so that we can continue to support deserving pupils with bursarial support.
help us get the ball rolling Pioneer-phase We aim to raise at least half the target in cornerstone pledges. With this momentum, we will stand a greater chance of inspiring the wider support that will bring us over the line.
Early pledges from ‘pioneer’ donors will inspire wider support. From the table below please choose a giving level that suits you, or visit the appeal website and use our donation calculator. These levels are simply suggestions. We welcome every gift, whatever level.
Total face value
Total benefit to the school (including Gift Aid)
Phase it
Naming
We have planned our development cash flow so you can phase your donation over up to four years, if you wish.
Naming items in acknowledgement of generosity add character to the school and encourage culture of support. Do let us know if you are interested.
Gift aid it If you pay UK tax we can add Gift Aid to your donation. For instance, a donaton of £20K becomes £25,000 with Gift Aid. You can also claim Higher Rate tax relief. So, the net cost of a £20K donation would be £13,750, if you pay sufficient tax at 45%.
Total net cost to 45% taxpayer
Acknowledging generosity We aim to publicly acknowledge via a donor wall all those who have contributed substantially to this appeal. We will also preserve confidentiality if so desired.
Annual net cost over 4 years (45% taxpayer)
£100,000
£125,000
£68,750
£22,917
£50,000
£62,500
£34,375
£8,594
£25,000
£31,250
£17,188
£4,297
£10,000
£12,500
£6,875
£1,719
£5,000
£6,250
£3,438
£1,146
It’s a pledge until we have raised enough to go ahead.
Patron: Dame Judi Dench
appeal leadership The Performing Arts Appeal is led by Bethany’s new Development Board. As well as providing leadership, the Board ensures our fundraising is appropriate and fits with Bethany’s ethos. Laura Hanson-Abbott Board Chair, current parent
Lizzie Norman Marketing Manager
Mike Altendorf past parent
Robert Pilbeam alumnus, governor
Alex Bolton Director of Performing Arts
Andrew Streek alumnus
Giselle Brattle past parent
James Underhill, Appeal Director
Madeleine Clarke current parent
CONTACT
Sara Cooper Board Secretary Stuart Harris Bursar Francie Healy Headmaster Wendy Kent past parent, governor Dan Lowe current parent
James Underhill, Appeal Director 07919 308160 junderhill@bethanyschool.org.uk Lizzie Norman Marketing Manager 01580 211273 marketing@bethanyschool.org.uk Sara Cooper Marketing Assistant 01580 211273, scooper@bethanyschool.org.uk