Braeburn

 Introduction

On behalf of us all at Braeburn Garden Estate Primary, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you. 

Our Primary School is a co educational, international, day and weekly boarding school, catering for the care and education of children between the ages of 2 and 13 years (Year Groups Nursery to Year 8).

We represent a community from a wide diversity of countries and communities.  We teach children to respect each other and to show an interest in the opinions and beliefs of others.  Opportunities are created for children to celebrate differences in cultures and background, as part of the curriculum and through school events.

We pursue a holistic approach to education, waiting / placing equal emphasis on academic subjects, sport, music, drama and the arts.  Children are encouraged to become involved in many different extra-curricular activities and attend a range of educational visits.  This rich and varied program compliments and extends the children's learning experience and provides them with the skills they need to succeed in the next phase of their development.

In line with our sister schools, we teach the British National Curriculum, using the expertise of predominantly UK trained staff.  Guided by the SATs, we provide a foundation for the Cambridge Checkpoint Examinations, which the children sit in Year 9.

Small class sizes, high teacher to pupil ratios and differentiated teaching practices, all work to ensure that each and every child is closely monitored and able to reach their full potential.  We encourage our children to be open to new opportunities, to work hard and strive to excel.

Overall, our aim is to provide a stimulating, safe environment where children feel happy and excited about coming to school and where they can enjoy a wholesome, fulfilling educational opportunity that prepares them for all walks of life.

EYU

The Early Years unit caters for children aged 2 -5 years and is organised into 3 age groups: Creche (2 years old), Nursery (3 years old) and Reception (4 years old). It is a well resourced, self contained unit, run by an experienced qualified staff and supported by classroom assistants.  Children can enter a calm and secure environment, where adults are available to provide the special attention that they require to develop the skills needed for Primary School.

This purpose built unit is considered to be integral with the rest of the primary school and benefits from having access to the school facilities and from some specialist teaching in Music, Swimming and PE. Children have exclusive use of the Early Years garden, where they can encounter learning opportunities every day, using a range of outdoor play equipment.

Play is at the centre of the curriculum, which is based on the “Early Learning Goals”. The Foundation Stage encompasses children from 3 years of age to the end of reception. The goals set out what is expected for most children to achieve by the end of this Foundation Stage. They provide targets, important in their own right, which allow the children to feed naturally into the “National Curriculum” in Year 1.

Key Stages 1 to 3

At Braeburn Garden Estate Primary we maintain high expectations for the performance of all of our students. The British National Curriculum offers children the maximum opportunity for development, providing children with knowledge, skills and understanding, in a wide range of subject areas. Lessons are delivered by a dynamic and dedicated staff preparing our children for the Secondary Level phase of their education.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, a combination of whole class, group and individual teaching is used, with more specialist teaching in the subject areas of I.C.T., French, Swimming. P.E. and Music. At Key Stage 3 all of the lessons are delivered by subject specialists.

Facilities

•        New fully equipped, state of the art classrooms with internet provision, create a stimulating learning environment.
•          Specialist Music, Art, DT, Science and ICT rooms allow children to access complete coverage of the National Curriculum.
•         The school boasts a modern well resourced library and a large Sports Hall with facilities for indoor games, dance and gymnastics.
•         We have extensive playing fields and facilities for squash, tennis, hockey, cricket, football, rugby, netball and rounders, providing the resources for students to develop the disciplines they need, to lead active, healthy lives. Team work and co operation are taught, as well as healthy competition being encouraged.
•         Children are provided with swimming training in our 25m swimming pool, or given the confidence they need to learn to swim in our smaller training pool, located in our Early Years Facility.
•         Bus transport to and from the school is available, including a door to door service which picks and drops individuals at their place of residence.
•          Pupils have the option of taking school meals or bringing a packed-lunch and a tuck-shop sells healthy mid morning snacks.

 A final note

We believe that self – esteem and confidence are essential ingredients in encouraging children to become motivated, independent and active learners. We know that we cannot achieve this without your help. Our parents are actively encouraged to become involved in the school and form part of an open home – school partnership.

If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to the opportunity when I am able to meet you in person and walk you around this amazing campus.

Dr. Nici Wood.  PhD, Bsc (Hons), PGCE