Prospectus

About the School

Brief Summary of Balcarras

Our Mission at Balcarras:

We provide our pupils with an education of the highest quality so that they leave us with the qualifications, skills and personal qualities they need to lead a successful life.

To achieve this, we will ensure:

• Our commitment to the highest academic standards

• A caring and stimulating environment

• A wide range of extra curricular activities

• A partnership with parents, business and the local community

A Growing Reputation

Balcarras has been a Comprehensive school, initially for 11-16 year olds since 1986. In 1996 approval was given to open a 6th Form and in 1998 we became a Technology College.

Since the Sixth Form opened in September 1998 our pupils have been able to continue their education up to university entrance.

These two developments have meant that the school has expanded its curriculum, resources and ambitions to become one of the leading schools in the country.

We believe firmly that instilling confidence in our pupils, giving them every opportunity to take responsibility and stretching their talents will enable them to become successful adults. This is borne out in the excellent results of our pupils in public examinations, alongside their achievements in other areas.

Building a Community

Life at School emphasises the personal development of all pupils. At the same time, everyone is encouraged as a community to develop alongside one another. When each and every pupil feels the sense of individual achievement and also the sense of belonging to our group, then we know we are doing our job.

We prepare our pupils not just for their working life but for all their adult life. Everyone counts and everyone contributes.

Free Thinking & Responsibility

Throughout their time at Balcarras, pupils are given very clear guidelines on the standards expected of them. In this way, they begin to expect the most from themselves. A structured curriculum and study plan lends discipline to young minds, while imaginative teaching ignites them. Importance is also placed on homework and private study, so that pupils begin to rely on their own abilities and self-discipline.

We delight in the independent expression of our pupils – in the classroom, on the sports field and in the many extra curricular activities made available. This gives the school its unique, dynamic character.

The relationship between staff and pupils is genuinely friendly and mutually respecting. Misdemeanours are punished but the ideals of good behaviour are constantly reaffirmed and rewarded. A secure, happy working environment is not taken for granted but is maintained through the unfailing care of teachers and the cooperation of pupils.

Through well established systems of tutor groups and Houses, we demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of pupils. As they progress though the school, older students are encouraged to support younger pupils - whether formally through our paired reading scheme or simply in the example they set.

A Model of Partnership

The everyday running of the school is based on partnership and this principle extends beyond the school gates. We have developed a close relationship with our partner primary schools and we begin to ease the transition to "big school" through a planned series of visits and taster days for new pupils.

New parents are also introduced to Balcarras: we arrange a main forum once a year but parents can visit the school at any time. We work hard to sustain this involvement of parents throughout their children’s progress at Balcarras: to promote this, all parents are automatically welcomed into the school’s Parents, Teachers and Friends Association.

Laying the Foundations

The spirit of Balcarras is complemented by the physical environment and facilities found at the school:

Computer rooms, 8 science laboratories, Art studios, Ceramics room, Design & Technology centre, Music suite and Assembly Hall with stage and lighting.

And we are especially proud of our Library Resource Centre. Staffed by professional librarians, the Centre embodies all that we are trying to achieve: pupils are helped to develop both traditional and new skills by using a mix of conventional resources and the latest digital materials.

Beyond the academic world, the school is no less impressive: Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Playing fields, 7 tennis courts, 4 cricket nets, an artificial wicket, a superb new pavilion and astro turf pitch.

At lunchtime and after school, there are numerous activities and clubs to entertain and inform pupils. We also arrange a variety of trips throughout the year.

All these facilities and resources present one clear message to pupils: find your talents, get involved and push at the limits of your potential.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

Balcarras School