Twitter @BartonCourtGS

25/05/23

Y7/8 students got creative making scenes featuring their favourite historical event/person using an egg, art materials & their imagination. Eva won with her Floregg Nightingale scene & Victor was runner up with his take on Henry VIII and his 6 wives. Look how creative they were! pic.twitter.com/kDEPYocv2O

24/05/23

Introducing our new Senior Prefect Team for 2023-2024. With Jack and Sienna as Head Students, Gracie and Jared as Deputies and Kamana and Ewan as Assistants, we're sure to see lots of positive impact around the School. pic.twitter.com/iNX8xpT34c

22/05/23

It was great to celebrate the last day with our amazing Y13 students. They have all been a credit to the School and we wish them all the best of luck with their upcoming exams and future careers. pic.twitter.com/GihTagnJOI

22/05/23

Well done to Will & Will who played for Canterbury U14s v Beeston in the Hockey National Plate Final in Nottingham. One was Captain of the Team & the other scored a hattrick to win 4-2 resulting in third overall. The Kent Team also won in the SE Regional league the same weekend pic.twitter.com/J4zJwsU0xP

19/05/23

A great one point perspective drawing by Noah in Y7 for our Art of the Fortnight. Students are learning how to use one point perspective to create a sense of depth in their drawings & will be moving onto drawing street views next before learning about two point perspective. pic.twitter.com/7FfExTKMFs

15/05/23

It's Mental Health Awareness Week so can we remind students & their families of the resources we've already directed them to ie Kooth, plus for parents, Parents Mental Health Support/Advice for Your Child/Young Minds for young people’s mental health & the adults they live with. pic.twitter.com/24Mf4B2J1q

15/05/23

Wonderful pic of the School's pond from our talented Caretaker and his drone! pic.twitter.com/dTJbiOFZU5

11/05/23

Thank you to all those who have booked their Y5 child onto our Taster Morning in June. This event is now full.We are looking to meeting everyone and having a fun morning.

10/05/23

Fabulous trips to London and with our Spanish exchange visitors! pic.twitter.com/EmkcQw36sE

05/05/23

Some of our Y13 & Y9 students were delighted to be invited back to play at the Kent MS Centre this week for a Coronation themed tea providing jazz music underneath red, white & blue bunting as guests arrived. Visit https://t.co/sblUyIM1GS for more information about their work. pic.twitter.com/ea9ePl9pvo

02/05/23

Year 5 students from local primary schools attended a Maths workshop at BCGS last month when they explored number theory as well as properties of negative numbers. Despite working in a new environment, they produced some superb team work and loved every minute! pic.twitter.com/hSdl67sSgW

28/04/23

This week Y8 students have been investigating the theme of their identity in art & have created a side profile portrait silhouette shape filled with complex overlapping drawn imagery & text, linking to their identity & favourite things. pic.twitter.com/7ilFIGkzIX

28/04/23

We're hosting our annual Y5 Taster Morning again this year on Saturday 24 June. Please go to our website to view the details & complete the electronic application form if you would like your Y5 primary school child to sample a small taste of life at BCGS.https://t.co/svYOEOxg5A pic.twitter.com/1lLnrT11kY

19/04/23

A date for your diaries - the Immunisation Team will be with us next week, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April pic.twitter.com/WFbSVAenSq

06/04/23

Well here's something a bit different - Kinball and Sitting Volley Ball in UV PE! Brilliant fun! pic.twitter.com/kPYIMHFMOi

05/04/23

Another fabulous pic from our talented Caretaker! pic.twitter.com/Uy0TCzlmZN

05/04/23

If you like the plans for the youth hub to support young people of canterbury click https://t.co/NCTyRshf3P to add your support to our planning application pic.twitter.com/43yCxu0JPL

05/04/23

An amazing visit by a group of Japanese Teachers who taught a group of Y8 students all about calligraphy, origami and the Japanese language. pic.twitter.com/orrZyNQMUH

03/04/23

Well done to our Y13 students who raised over £150 during the Y13 Charity Week and a big well done to one lucky winner in Y13 who won the “Guess the Name of the Bear”! pic.twitter.com/p4aXaaFUXJ

03/04/23

Maria Sibylla Merian, naturalist and scientific illustrator, was born in 1647. She collected insects and raised silkworms as a young girl, and was one of the first naturalists to observe insects directly and document metamorphosis. Watch our video with : pic.twitter.com/3Vy8HJWXmw

31/03/23

BCGS, BMS & SLBGS participated in the Debate Club Tournament won by BCGS with student prizes to BCGS/BMS for excellent debating skills:Guns should be outlawed in AmericaMobile phones should be banned for primary school children The death penalty should be reinstated in the UK pic.twitter.com/igFE3heMZf

30/03/23

Fantastic visit enjoyed by Y12 Mathematicians from BCGS to the School of Mathematics at the University of Kent, where they attended lectures and took part in hands-on activities. A very enjoyable and enriching day! Thank you pic.twitter.com/yRTMWXYF2E

27/03/23

Good luck to the BCGS Girls Netball Team taking part in the District Netball Tournament this week.

23/03/23

A new free & confidential scheme operated by Citizen Advice supporting people in Kent who are struggling financially or need support to manage the rising cost of living has been launched https://t.co/Rwyqt0zSEx. Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, freephone 0800 808 5622 pic.twitter.com/9axqWCl69j

22/03/23

The NSPCC has signposted support for young people wishing to report nudes shared online. Use the Report Remove tool: Report Remove | Childline to help take down nude/sexual images & videos. Emotional support is available from Childline & the Internet Watch Foundation. pic.twitter.com/HAfqk7gaPS

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Introduction

Vision and Mission

At Barton Court Grammar School we wish to nurture and develop all students and to provide an environment rich in opportunities for learning and for the development of individual gifts and talents.

We aim to inspire our students to be global citizens prepared for the exciting opportunities and challenges of today’s world. They will be encouraged to develop thinking skills that can be applied across disciplines, to learn languages which will allow them to communicate with confidence, and to develop the skills of leadership, collaboration and self-knowledge essential for happiness and personal fulfilment.

Each student at Barton Court Grammar School is unique and our programmes are designed to support the developing needs of our students. The Gifted and Talented programmes are created to ensure the very best success for those students identified as having a particular gift or talent but are also open to all students who wish to aim high and achieve the very best in their academic and personal development.

Enrichment

There are a wide range of opportunities and activities available at Barton Court Grammar School for students to enjoy. These enrichment opportunities are provided to expose our students to exciting and interesting ideas which will in turn help them to develop into confident and curious young men and women. In addition, undertaking a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and demonstrating a wide learning experience is a vital element of preparation for university application.

Leadership

Students will be encouraged to develop their leadership skills over the course of their years at Barton Court, particularly in Years 10 -13, and we wish to see them become independent and confident leaders in our school community. Therefore, in addition to our prefect system, we provide opportunities for students to become subject prefects, to lead clubs and societies and to establish their own extra-curricular activities and societies.

All students will be encouraged to organise an event, either for a charitable cause, to promote a club or society, or to entertain and exhibit work to the public.

In addition, students will be encouraged develop confidence and ability in public speaking and presentation through participation in debate and public speaking societies. All students will receive coaching and guidance in effective presentation and public speaking skills. Students will also be given the opportunity to participate in formal debate competitions, the Youth Speaks public speaking contests and to sit for the LAMDA speaking examinations.

Experiential Learning

There is a wide range of trips and visits available to students over the course of the year and we urge students to take advantage of the opportunity to develop their understanding and experience of the world.  Students will also be encouraged to suggest and plan trips which they regard as beneficial and exciting for a group.

In addition, students will have access to a range of workshops and Enrichments Days. It is our aim that students regard enrichment as an essential element of learning and that they feel comfortable in new and challenging learning environments. These experiences are designed to encourage independent learning and the investigation of possible career paths.

Students will also be given help and guidance when looking at opportunities for work experience and every effort will be made to ensure that students find placements which will meet their ambitions and career interests.

Inspire Lecture Series

Students will be able to attend inspirational and motivational lectures by a range of professionals. The lectures are held once a month at Barton Court and they focus on a wide variety of subjects from medicine to music. Lectures are advertised on SharePoint and by form tutors and we hope that our students will take advantage of the opportunity to hear professionals talk from a position of experience and wisdom.

Independent Learning

Students in Year 10 and 11 will be encouraged to undertake the EPQ 2. This is a student designed and led learning project on a subject of their choice. They will undertake the research and writing independently with the support of a ‘tutor’. This experience will prepare them for the longer EPQ, which they will complete in Year 13 and will also allow them the time to develop their ability to work independently and with curiosity and determination.

In addition students on the Gifted and Talented registers will be encouraged to undertake a number of extension tasks based upon a theme or ‘problem’  over the course of the year. Their work and efforts will be celebrated in displays and in a culminating celebration event in the summer term.

Four Year Support Programmes – supporting and encouraging ambition and passion

At Barton Court Grammar School we aim to provide support and direction for our students. There are several programmes available which are intended to help students aim for success with a real sense of purpose and determination in their vital years at school. Students will have the benefit of guidance and support in Years 7 – 9 and in Years 10 -13 and these bespoke programmes are intended to meet their needs as their interests and abilities emerge and develop.

However, it is also vital that our students learn to take control and ownership of their own path and that they become independent and confident in their pursuit of success. With this in mind, students will be expected to keep an Aim High Progress Log that demonstrates and celebrates their intellectual and personal growth over the four year period.

Aim High

The Aim High programme is open to any student who wishes to attend a Russell Group or Top 25 University in any subject. As competition for places is challenging, it is essential that students are supported in this ambition from Year 10. Students on the Aim High programme will be encouraged to research courses at the universities, attend open days and maintain excellent academic progress with a top university goal in mind. In addition, students will be encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities so that they can create an interesting and attractive Curriculum Vitae prior to application.

Medics, Dentists and Vets

Students who are interested in a career in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine will be placed on a four-year programme designed to stimulate their interest in the field, support the challenge of application and ensure that they are prepared for a challenging career. Students will have the opportunity for university visits, support from mentors in the field and attendance at open days and tasters. In addition, students will have the support of a staff mentor from the science department and regular opportunities to meet with professionals for guidance, advice and inspiration.

Oxbridge Programme

Preparation for Oxbridge must begin early! Any students who are identified as having Oxbridge potential in Year 10 upwards will be placed on the four-year programme. In addition, students who have ambition, but may not have been ‘identified’, to apply to Oxbridge are welcome to join the programme. Students will have access to a range of activities intended to develop their understanding of and interest in an Oxbridge degree. They will attend open days, short courses and visits, research the application process and develop an academic and rich extra-curricular profile prior to application. Academic progress will be monitored and students will be supported in their quest for excellence. In addition, students will be given opportunities to practice for the Oxbridge examinations and the interview so that they develop a confident understanding of the process.

Law

Any students considering a law degree will be offered support and guidance specific to their needs. Students will be encouraged to research the various fields of Law including Jurisprudence and Ethics so that their application is strengthened by an understanding of the philosophical and political importance of the field. In addition, students will be encouraged to attend open days and relevant talks and workshops in aspects of Law. They will be offered support in preparation for the LMAT and interview process. Potential law students will also be encouraged to work with a professional mentor in the field. Future lawyers need to demonstrate an ability to think and argue rationally and clearly. We will, therefore, encourage our future lawyers to participate in debate, public speaking and philosophy clubs.

Engineering and STEM

Our future engineers, mathematicians and scientists will also benefit from a four-year plan tailored to meet their particular needs. As the world of science and technology changes so rapidly it is vital that students keep abreast of developments through attendance at workshops, lectures and open days. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to compete in various fields of science and technology and our future scientists will be encouraged to participate in a range of extra-curricular events and competitions. STEM activities will be advertised through tutor groups and by the Science and Maths Departments.  There are also regular opportunities for young women who are hoping to undertake a degree or career in a STEM related subject. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator will ensure that the young women of BCGS are aware of these opportunities.

Support and Mentoring

Students at Barton Court Grammar School will have access to a wide range of support as they prepare for success. Each student on the Gifted register will be designated a staff mentor who will track and monitor their progress and ensure that they are achieving their academic potential in the subject in which they have displayed ability.

In addition, all students will work closely with the Gifted and Talented Coordinator who will meet with them on a regular basis. The Gifted and Talented Coordinator will hold regular focus groups in which students can share ideas and concerns, develop ideas for events and presentations, and determine the future of the programmes on offer. Student voice is essential so that programmes are fresh, innovative and interesting for the student body. 

In addition, we expect our Gifted Year 12 and 13 students to develop their potential as leaders through mentoring younger students and running clubs in specific areas to inspire students and aid their learning.

Curriculum Support – providing stretch and challenge in subject areas

All staff are aware of the particular gifts and talents of students in their classes and will always provide activities and tasks to stretch the most able within their subject area. Each department has created a number of wide and open ended learning tasks with this stretch and challenge in mind. Students will be asked to choose TWO of these tasks over the course of an academic year and to complete those tasks to an agreed deadline. The extension tasks will be marked and displayed. In addition, many of the products will be presented and displayed at the celebration event in the summer term.

In addition, students will be expected to demonstrate personal development in a portfolio record of achievement. A vital element of this portfolio will be the meta-cognitive response designed to encourage students to become more reflective and aware of their own thinking process, abilities and problem solving strategies.

Parent Support

Parent support is vital and there are many ways that you can become involved and help us to support the development of happy and successful young people.

  • If you have a particular experience within a professional career we would welcome your input and time in the form of lectures, workshops or support sessions.
  • We frequently require professional support for mock-interviews in a range of fields
  • We will hold a number of careers events, including a career fair which require a variety of professional representatives to help students learn about the world of work.
  • Professional mentors are vitally important and help us to support students who aspire to careers unique to those of their own family members
  •  We aim to help students find rich and interesting work experience opportunities that pertain to a possible career choice. If you are able to offer students a short placement we would love to hear from you.
  • We hold several information evenings over the school year to help and support parents and offer advice on ways that parents can help their son or daughter to become happy, independent and passionate life-long learners.