Founded in 1541, the Boys' Senior School has a well-established reputation for excellence and achievement. Over 450 years later, as an integral part of Berkhamsted School, it continues to balance the best traditions of the past with modern teaching facilities in order to prepare all pupils for the fast-changing world of the 21st century.
The Boys' Senior School buildings have, like the School itself, evolved over the centuries. The original School building - a magnificent Tudor hall - stands opposite the chapel which was built in the early part of the last century and modelled on a Venetian church. These buildings together with Deans' Hall, the grass quadrangle and music school are pleasantly interspersed with more modern facilities such as the science block, indoor swimming pool and Sixth Form Study Centre.
At the Boys' Senior School we aim to provide a well-rounded education for all pupils. We believe that pupils generally live up to what is expected of them and therefore set the highest standards of behaviour, responsibility and intellectual discipline. We place great store by our reputation for high academic achievement across a broad range of subjects. GCSE results are impressive with all our pupils encouraged to progress through to the Sixth Form and higher education. However, academic success is not achieved at the cost of premature specialisation or the sacrifice of all values except the academic. We believe that through encouragement and stimulus we can give each boy the best opportunity of developing his abilities, whatever they may be.
Our aim is to maintain good discipline within a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and to encourage the development of self-discipline. Senior boys can take leadership roles in their houses. Boys are expected to wear a uniform, appear clean and tidy and behave courteously and sensibly at all times. As a prerequisite for sending boys to the School parents are expected to support the School's Code of Conduct.
For the first three years all boys follow a common curriculum which may include: English, Mathematics, Science (later taught as biology, chemistry and physics), French, German, Spanish, Latin, Classical Civilisation, Geography, History, Religious Studies, Art, Design and Technology, Music, Drama, Information Technology, PSHE and Physical Education.
At GCSE level most boys will undertake up to 10 courses. The curriculum includes: English, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Religious Studies, French/German/Spanish, Latin/Classics, Music, Drama, Art, Design and Technology. Please note that the list of courses offered is subject to change at the Principal's discretion.
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| Eton Fives: one of the many sports available to boys |
Pastorally and socially the School is composed of smaller units - houses - where every individual receives support and guidance. The houses are the centre of pupils' lives, giving a sense of belonging and encouraging self-confidence. The head of house, with help from tutors, takes responsibility for each boy's social and academic development and is the main channel of communication between home and school. We find that the happiest boys are invariably those where school and home act in close partnership.
The School is a Christian foundation. There is an assembly or service most mornings which all boys attend unless parents have agreed otherwise with the Principal.
