Bournemouth Collegiate School

Bournemouth Collegiate School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school based on two sites in Poole and Bournemouth, Dorset on the southern coast of England. The prep school (ages 2–11) is located in Poole and the senior school (ages 11–18) in the Bournemouth suburb of Southbourne. The school is the only coeducational independent school in the Bournemouth and Poole area.

The school operates on split sites as a result of a merger between two independent schools, Wentworth College (Bournemouth) and Uplands School (Poole). The prep school is situated at the old Uplands site and the senior school at Wentworth. This new school is owned and operated by the United Church Schools Trust, which also owned its predecessor schools.

Prep School

BCS Prep school nurtures and encourages ambitious learners; pupils who show creativity, curiosity and commitment as they embrace challenges and new experiences and work with diligence and enthusiasm with a strong sense of community and personal responsibility.

Commitment to learning is achieved by balancing the daily timetable so that it reflects variety and opportunity; inspiring the pupils to work hard, play hard and also enjoy time for quiet reflection and contemplation.

To meet the challenges of the 21st Century their pupils are encouraged to develop a Growth Mindset; embracing change, persevering to achieve their goals and resilient in the face of adversity.

With large, spacious classrooms, great resources and up-to-date technology, pupils are stimulated to learn, and specialist teachers with a passion for teaching ensure there are no limits to their learning.

As a fully inclusive school they recognize that their pupils can be at different stages in their learning and development and that they may progress at different rates. Central to their vision is to be responsive to the individual needs of each pupil, so that they are able to participate, progress and achieve at their own level.  They tailor teaching and learning in a way that ensures all pupils experience success and that no pupil is left behind.

By equipping pupils with the 'language for learning’, the ability to discuss, explain and question, they enable them to take ownership of their education. Encouraging a ‘growth mindset’ gives them the confidence and attitude to aim high, face adversity, build resilience and develop the attributes they need to become lifelong learners.

Their teachers work a system based on progression, assessment and targeted support. They expect pupils to reach or exceed national expectations to fulfill their early promise and develop latent potential. They have an expectation of participation, fulfillment and success. Teaching and learning is characterised by the setting of clear objectives, challenging personal targets, rigorous assessment and rapid intervention where required.

Educating pupils for a fast and ever changing future is exciting and staff at BCS see it as a privilege to be part of their unique journey!

Boarding

The boarding facilities are built around the old Wentworth Lodge, in which Wentworth College was housed and which was once part of the Portman Estate. The house, built in 1872, was used by Viscount Portman as a summer residence for around six weeks every year.

BCS is a Co-Education School, meaning that they welcome both boys & girls. They recognize they are very different and they try to respond to that by welcoming them into BCS in the way that best suits them at whatever age they may be when they enter the school. The boarding houses are where friendships are made and a community is developed, but as BCS is also a day school the boarders also have the opportunity to be part of the community and the lives of friends who live locally.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

BCS has a very experienced and supportive EAL (English as an Additional Language) department and a team of staff who support pupils with their English. They assess all pupils and then plan an individual program of professional support and lessons for them. They offer bespoke programs for all of their international pupils.

Pupils are taught in a professional caring environment. They know their pupils well and as a result they can teach to the strengths of the individual, whilst working to improve and support areas of requiring development. Moreover, the team works closely with the boarding house and teaching staff to ensure that each and every pupil is supported to the best of their ability so that they can reach their full potential.

EAL Lessons

They offer two additional lessons per week as part of their curriculum, which are included in the school fees.

In Years 7-9 lessons are provided in small groups in the place of a modern foreign language. In Years 10-11 pupils are prepared for the FCE or CAE qualification, depending on their English ability. These lessons are in the place of an option. In Years 12 and 13 they offer an IELTS program as part of their Sixth Form options.  Pupils have 2 lessons each week in preparation for their IELTS examination. This is the International English Language Testing System. Employers, immigration agencies and Educational Institutions require proof of a student’s level of English and therefore pupils are advised to sit the IELTS examination in preparation for university.

In addition to lessons in small groups pupils can also have lessons on a 2-1 or lessons on an individual basis. These are charged at an additional fee.