BEARBROOK COMBINED SCHOOL in Buckinghamshire, Aylesbury

Education Centre Information: Bearbrook Combined School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Primary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Buckinghamshire
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 420
Number of boys: 220
Number of girls: 200
Age Range: 4-11
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1973 to serve the Prebendal Farm Estate and the Hartwell Estate in Aylesbury, Bearbrook occupies a single-storey building on a 'pleasant open site' near the centre of town. In addition to nine classrooms in the main building, there are two further mobile classrooms. Facilities include a 'spacious' hall/gym, library, technology room, environmental area, playing field and an ICT room providing access to 15 networked computers. About 25% of children have English as a second language and children in Years 3 to 6 are set by ability for maths and English. Art and sport are particularly emphasised, with football, netball, cross-country, gymnastics, table tennis, athletics, short tennis,a thletics, short tennis, basketball, rugby, hockey and cricket among the sports on offer. The school recently achieved the FA Charter Standard and Sport England's Activemark status. A large number of extra-curricular activities take place every day, and might include sports, drama, recorders, French, aerobics and chess. Pupils also raise money for charities such as NSPCC and Aid Romania. The school has formed links with a school in Ghana as well as strengthening local ties through sporting and industrial ventures and links with local secondary schools and with the local day centre, church and mosque. A 'parents as first teacher' project is based at the school. A breakfast club is held from 8.10am to 8.40am and an after-school club from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, for a fee.