Bridgewater Private School
Description of Bridgewater Private School
- Year of foundation: 1950
- Location: Worsley, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
- Age of students: 3-18
- Number of students: 500+
- Language of instruction: English
- Type of study: private day school.
Bridgewater School is a private independent school for boys and girls 3-18 years old, where children receive a modern and high-quality education in an inspiring and inclusive environment, stimulating and encouraging creativity, focused on supporting individual achievements and developmental environments. It prides itself on outstanding academic results, strategic vision and family spirit.
The school dates back to 1950, when the local community decided to find an alternative to public schools in the area, believing that their children were entitled to a better education – and so Bridgewater was born. The first intake included 55 students, but every year as results were achieved, due to a combination of personal discipline and the pursuit of excellence, the school grew and strengthened. To this day, family ideals are at the core, and the school never tires of opening up new opportunities for boys and girls in the most inspiring, stimulating and receptive environment.
Shortly after opening in 1950, the school moved to Drivewood Hall, part of the Duke of Bridgewater's estate. This building was built in 1855. In 1968, girls were admitted to the school for the first time. The 60-70s were marked by development, expansion and modernization; each new principal sought to contribute to the development of the school. In 1990, a new preparatory building was opened, and in 1996 - the senior building, equipped with laboratories and halls for painting, theater, computer classes. In 2006, a complex of sports facilities and a canteen were added to the ensemble of the school, and in 2015 - an all-weather sports ground.
Today, almost five hundred boys and girls study within the walls of Bridgewater.
Educational process
Pupils receive individual advice on employment and higher education:
- Through a career guidance programme and weekly classes, in which all 12th graders attend the UCAS higher education exhibitions at Manchester Central in the spring semester;
- Through individual consultations with students, which are held on a regular basis with both the class teacher and the sixth form supervisor;
- Through the speeches of guest lecturers – including representatives of higher education;
- Through individual motivational interviews with professional career counselors.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Bridgewater Private School
Early Years
- Age 3-5;
- Duration 3 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
The school is convinced that the early years of a child's development are one of the most important stages of his life, forming and laying the foundations of character, personality, and view of the world. The EYFS Early Development Programme is an integral part of the preparatory department; many of the school's most successful pupils and graduates began their academic careers here, developing personality and self-esteem in conditions of safety, coziness, comfort, kindness and understanding.
The course covers students aged 3 to 5 years. Children will be able to make their first friends and begin to explore the world in conditions that the Independent Schools Inspection Service regularly marks as outstanding. The standardized Early Years Foundation Stage program is adapted to the needs of each child in all areas of education.
In kindergarten, there is a system of criteria for the effectiveness of education, which allows you to monitor progress. The main methods of cognition are games and research, tasks for concentration, increasing involvement and activity, aimed at developing critical thinking, the necessary household skills. The main components of the program include:
- Communication and language, which are divided into two blocks: listening and attention, understanding and speaking. As part of this component, children learn to sit quietly and listen attentively in situations where necessary. Teachers encourage their pets to become more independent, develop confidence in them through participation in various activities. Importance is attached to correct speech, the use of the correct time, pledge and other grammatical forms, the understanding of sound speech and the ability to follow instructions;
- Physical development. Within the framework of this module, they learn to take care of themselves, monitor their health, develop fine motor skills, learn how to use devices and other equipment. They are told about the importance of good health, physical activity and individual hygiene. Along with the classrooms, the surrounding forests are used as a playground, where children can walk, play and climb, gymnastics classes are held every day.
- Personal, social and emotional development, in which children are evaluated by self-confidence, the ability to perceive new experiences, cope with solving small problems and tasks. In addition, kids are taught to manage their emotions and behavior, teaching the rules of the hostel, working within the team, building relationships in it, hierarchical ties.
Plus, the program includes four subject components:
- Literacy. Children master the phonetic alphabet and gain early writing skills that form functional literacy;
- Mathematics. Within the framework of this component, children solve mathematical problems, master arithmetic operations and the basic foundations of more complex rules;
- An understanding of a world in which children combine their knowledge and experience with what they are taught in the classroom;
- Art and design. Here, encouraging children to creative self-expression, without restraining their flight of imagination with prohibitions and restrictions, they are instilled with ideas about perspective, color, and other basic concepts for fine art; teach the basics of materials science, texture.
Prep School
- Age 6-11;
- Duration 5 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
At this age, the world opens its most amazing facets to the child, so the school gives students the means of learning and the necessary space, allowing them to discover the world in their own way, developing their strongest qualities and finding support in a difficult situation.
Paying tribute to the satisfaction of parental ambitions, the school is proud of the achievements of its pets, but it sees the key to success in their happiness, professional support and sensitive mentoring, qualified personnel and ideal conditions that allow each student to reveal himself in the most unexpected areas, find friends, and form life guidelines.
The first years of study are of paramount importance here – they will have to become the main building blocks in order to subsequently build their path. The program includes literacy and numeracy lessons, which are conducted by the class teacher. Music and sports activities are conducted by specialized specialists in the relevant classrooms, which is the key to a successful transition to older stages of education.
The third grade brings an important component to the program: students begin to study the environment under the supervision of teachers to appreciate its beauty. As children grow, their experience also grows, and the set of information about the world expands through walks, outdoor games, interaction with local attractions. Quite great importance is attached to hiking and trips around the North of England; at this time, children learn to communicate and develop independence.
Grades 5 and 6 of the preparatory school are complemented by active physical recreation options – students are encouraged to find themselves outside the comfort zone in a summer camp, surf school or on another outdoor playground. Students have access to a wide range of sports disciplines - from football and cricket to rugby, baseball and lapta, netball, dance, cross and lacrosse, athletics, chess.
The choice of extracurricular activities conducted by the school staff within the framework of the clubs is quite rich:
- Sports;
- Arts;
- Dance;
- Debate;
- Academic challenges;
- Game;
- Music.
Such forms of collective life provide an excellent opportunity to interact with peers and children of other ages, to choose hobbies and interests outside of academic activities.
Senior School
- Age 12-16;
- Duration 4 years;
- The language of instruction is English.
The most important goal of high school is to give children freedom and allow them to open up, to become a real person. The school believes that exams are not an end in themselves, but only the final product of a comprehensive outstanding education, so incomparably more effort and time are invested in discovering the potential and capabilities of each student here than in training to prepare for exams.
It is considered very important to develop unique qualities in a person. Mistake here is considered as an integral part of the educational process, making it a series of challenges and experiments that give students confidence, independence, educating a firm and purposeful character. Students are expected to be curious and enthusiastic, willing to learn and able to communicate with others, to adapt positively to changes.
Along with a standardized program aimed at preparing for the GCSE and including both the exact and natural sciences, as well as the humanities and social, as well as sports and creativity, the school can offer many options for self-realization beyond its borders. The program includes classes in such areas as:
- Art, painting and design;
- Business research;
- Design and technology;
- Dramatic art;
- English Language and Literature;
- Geography;
- History;
- Information and communication technologies;
- Mathematics, including advanced;
- Modern foreign languages (French, German, Italian, Chinese, Russian);
- Music;
- Jurisprudence, Civil Studies and Social Studies;
- Religion;
- Science.
As students progress to Grade 9, they decide to recruit the academic disciplines they intend to study in Grades 10-11 in preparation for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. According to the school, it is important to maintain a balance in preparing for GCSE, which will allow you to gain a broad outlook and life experience, opening up the prospects for studying in Sixth Form and higher education. Balance means a combination of foreign languages, humanitarian subjects (history, geography and religious studies), creative directions: art, design technology, music or drama.
All students receive a number of opportunities in the field of vocational education, which allows them to learn more about the world of work and plan their actions at the age of 16-18.
Bridgewater offers a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities so that everyone has the opportunity to do what they love, to participate, to be part of the community. Students have the opportunity to compete at the highest level and represent their school in a variety of team and individual sports. Recent sporting successes include: ISA National Under-16 Champions (football), Salford KS4 Badminton Champions, Salford Netball League Champions, Salford Y9 Girls Rounders Champions, ISA U16 Netball National Finalists and Northern ISA Athletics Champions (various disciplines).
Sixth form
- Age: 16-18 years.
- Duration 3 years;
- Language of instruction – English;
- Cost – from £ 12,470 / year;
Two years of Sixth form are the defining years in a student's life. That is why Bridgewater pays exceptional attention to teenagers, forming small classes, a developed network of tutors and helping with advice and support.
At this stage of the academic career, adolescents develop work and academic ethics, become more independent, which is valued by the school and successfully maintained over the years. The combination of advanced pedagogical practices, rich traditions and excellent personnel makes learning truly independent, and students - free.
Parents and students are regularly informed about their academic performance and receive their first certificate in October, and at the end of the semester - a full report.
The school offers A-level according to the traditional scheme, which includes 4 subjects on level 1, and then 3 on the second, in the 13th grade. A-level is available in the following subjects:
- Artistic crafts and design;
- Business;
- Design and technology;
- Dramatic and theatrical studies;
- Economics;
- English;
- English and Literature;
- Geography;
- History;
- Information and information and communication technologies;
- Mathematics;
- Higher mathematics;
- Modern languages (French, German, Spanish, Chinese);
- Music;
- Psychology;
- Religion;
- Science.
Sixth Form students can continue their studies in French and Spanish up to AQA AS and A-level level. The linguistic program is complemented by the study of films, literature, history, and independent research. The focus is on helping students develop their language and grammar skills by expanding their knowledge of current events in the country of the target language and forming a clearer picture of emerging social and political issues.
Along with the basic disciplines, students develop key skills necessary for learning and practical application in work:
- MOOCs (massive open online courses) to prepare for selected academic subjects.
- Life skills (a series of presentations conducted by external speakers, teachers or in the form of group debates). Life skills include topics such as learning skills, safe driving, personal finance, the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, environmental and social issues, sexual health, and communication skills.
- Independent Learning Project – All students will be required to complete an independent learning project in the spring semester of the 12th grade. Teenagers will need to think and work independently, use sources and other resources to perform research, and then present it to classmates and teachers.
- Current Events – Students will be encouraged to pay close attention to contemporary events, developing an understanding of the world around them. Classes can take the form of debates, attending local council meetings, reading and discussing publications in the media.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The school is located on four acres of forest in the rural area of Worsley, Greater Manchester, 10 kilometres from central Manchester. The educational institution is connected with the surrounding settlements by a well-thought-out network of roads and railways, which is quite convenient for students coming from other settlements. The school also offers a system of school bus routes for children of all ages, from preschoolers to graduates, as well as an extended day program.
Bridgewater does not offer residency services; parents of the applicant will need to independently find a living space and (for students under 18 years of age) a host family.
Activities Bridgewater Private School
Each year, the school offers a range of vibrant and varied experiences, both sporting and cultural, as well as numerous tourist trips around the surrounding area. It is also not uncommon to travel to more distant places, such as Iceland and the United States; it gives a charge of positive emotions, enriches culturally and informationally. For example, in the past, schoolchildren made archaeological expeditions in Northern France, a sightseeing historical tour in the United States, attended the Wibbledon championships, played football and netball in Malaga.
Advantages
- Warm, hospitable and positive atmosphere;
- Professional teachers, sincerely passionate about their work and care for children;
- Atmosphere of happiness and mutual understanding;
- An inclusive learning environment in which classes are non-trivial, fun and fun, offering children a stimulating and enriching environment that takes into account their interests;
- Close cooperation with parents in all academic and extracurricular aspects;
- Monitoring and evaluating the progress of the development of all students through a developed system of advanced tools;
- Fostering a positive approach and using stimulating rhetoric to help build the child's confidence, which increases self-esteem and promotes independence.
Facilities and equipment at Bridgewater Private School
In the 90s and zero, the school's infrastructure was complemented by a number of modern and spacious buildings, including an all-weather indoor field and a sports hall for classes in any weather; the building also houses a drama theater studio.
Admission dates and extra charges
The school offers a flexible payment scheme;
- money can be paid in a one-time annual payment until August 31 inclusive;
- three equal payments in advance in September, January and April;
- 10 monthly payments from September to June.
Enrolment process
For admission, it is necessary to fill out and send the registration form. After that, the administration will contact the family to decide on further formalities and set a date for the exam.
Formal exams are held in January (but may be held on other days) and include computer-based tests in English and mathematics, a freestyle essay, and an interview. The goal is to make sure that the applicant corresponds to his age and level of development, is able to solve the problems provided for by standardized tests, meets the requirements of the school.
Perspectives
92% of the school's graduates go to higher education institutions of first choice.
Scholarships Bridgewater Private School
The school is a registered charity with the aim of providing independent education to boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 18. Bridgewater accepts children from all social strata and social groups: for this purpose, the school has a number of scholarships, free places have been opened for talented schoolchildren who in another situation could hardly get the opportunity to reach their potential.
In total, more than 20% of high school students receive financial assistance.
- Scholarships for high school students for excellent success in entrance tests, for merits in the field of fine, performing arts or sports. The assigned scholarship will be paid for the duration of the study, provided that excellent academic performance, attendance and high standards of conduct are maintained. The maximum amount of such a scholarship can be up to 25% of the cost of education. The scholarship can be awarded at any stage of study, but, as a rule, is awarded to applicants of the 7th grade or Sixth Form.
- Along with the scholarship for distinctions in studies, students can also be granted a scholarship with a check of the criteria of need. It is addressed to students whose values, ideals and aspirations meet the high criteria of the school, but the level of well-being does not allow paying the entire amount for education in full;
- Every year, the school allocates several free places for low-income students. To qualify for this privilege, the applicant's family must provide a package of documents from the tax authorities, as well as a letter of recommendation from the school where the child studied earlier.
If enrolled in sixth form, students must meet the GCSE exam performance criteria to be considered for a scholarship application.
If a child's parents want to be considered as potential scholarship recipients, they must make a note on the registration form. After reviewing the initial application, the school will send parents an application form for a scholarship, which will need to be sent along with a package of supporting documents before the entrance exams.
Scholarships are awarded based on review by the Bridgewater School Board of Trustees. When awarding any scholarship, the school considers the security of the family; the amount of payments can be adjusted both upwards and downwards.
The number of scholarships is limited, therefore, if there are several applications, those that were received by the school administration earlier will be satisfied.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Bridgewater Private School
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
