►►►其它中学

Bearwood College 拜武德中学，Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 5BG
Tel: 0118 978 6915 Fax: 0118 977 318                 
• CO-ED, 11–18, Day & Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 342, Upper sixth 29
• Termly fees £3550–£4070 (Day), £5530–£6315 (Boarding)
• SHMIS
• Enquiries/application to the Headmaster

What it’s like
Founded in 1827, the Royal Merchant Navy School renamed itself Bearwood College in 1960 and once again became co-educational in 1995. There are strong historical links with its founders and financial help still exists for merchant navy employees. The original neo-Renaissance mansion (home of John Walter II, founder of The Times) forms the centre of the college. It is complemented by more modern buildings and facilities, including a computer centre, theatre and music school. Set in 250 acres of parkland and woods, including a 50-acre lake, there are ample opportunities for outdoor sports and activities. A relatively small school, pupils come from a range of abilities and backgrounds.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 11–18; 342 pupils, 223 day (186 boys, 37 girls), 119 boarding (87 boys, 32 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance at 13, own entry test at 11. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (usually grade B in sixth-form subjects). All religious denominations welcome.

Scholarships & bursaries Scholarships: academic, all-rounders, CDT, sport, art, music, drama, HM Forces. Bursaries based on financial need; separate funds for merchant navy employees.

Parents 55% live within 30 miles, 21% live overseas.

Head & staff
Headmaster: S G G Aiano, in post since 1998. Educated at St Benedict’s and Cambridge University. Previously Housemaster at Dean Close and Head of Drama at Ampleforth.
Teaching staff: 31 full time, 5 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 33.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 47 pupils in fifth; 70% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. GCSE score 44 (42 over 5 years).
A-levels: 37 in upper sixth. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 243.

University & college entrance 90% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course. Others typically go on to art, drama and other non-degree courses or armed services and merchant navy.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-level. 21 AS/A-level subjects offered.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level (general studies not offered). 31% take science A-levels; 41% arts/humanities; 28% both.
Special provision: Language support unit for dyslexic pupils; specialist EFL teachers.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at GCSE, AS and A-level.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. RSA Clait course available. 40 computers for pupil use (3 hours a day), most networked and with e-mail and internet access. Laptops encouraged across the curriculum

The arts
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument. Music offered at GCSE and A-level. Musical groups include dance and jazz bands, choir. Choir sings annually at the National Seafarers’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Drama: Theatre studies offered at GCSE and A-level; LAMDA exams are also taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions (eg The Little Shop of Horrors, Les Miserables, Twelfth Night).
Art & design: Art and photography offered at GCSE and A-level.

Sport & activities
Sport: Rugby, football, cricket, athletics are main games. Other sport available: netball, tennis, squash, cross-country, basketball, canoeing, sailing, swimming, golf and riding.
Activities: CCF and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award available. Up to 12 clubs, eg debating, computing, chess, music and outdoor activities (expeditions to eg Morocco, Tanzania).

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn; own suits allowed in sixth form.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects appointed by the Headmaster.
Religion: Regular chapel (C of E), but all denominations welcomed.
Social: Social programme with other local schools. Activity club travel; ski and sailing trips. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Central cafeteria. School sports shops. No tobacco allowed; limited alcohol (beer/lager) for 17+ in sixth-form club.

Discipline Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a verbal warning and renewed deadline (further failure would result in detention); those caught smoking cannabis could expect dismissal.

Boarding All sixth formers can have their own study bedroom, 73% of boarders share (2–4), 7% are in dormitories of 4+. Resident staff in medical centre. Weekly boarding available.

Alumni association (Old Royals) is run by Mr P Christian, c/o the College.

Former pupils Francis Scarfe (poet/novelist); Philip Jacobs (textile designer); Lt Cdr R B Stannard VC; Tim Hatley (costume/stage designer); Peter Molyneaux (computer games entrepreneur).