HISTORY:
Box Hill School was founded in 1959 by Roy McComish, and is a founder member of Round Square, a world-wide association of schools which believe in preparing young people for life by facing it directly within a supportive but challenging school environment.
Since its foundation, Box Hill School has only had four Headmasters, including our current Head, Mr Lowde – all of whom have put their own mark on our tight-knit and welcoming community.
In the early days of the school, a number of the (now replaced) buildings were built by our students – an early example of our ‘have a go’ ethos.
Their main school building, Dalewood House, was built in 1883. Designed by Victorian architect John Norton, its first owner was David Evans, chairman of Evans and Co and one of the 19th century’s pre-eminent silk printers. The house is both mock Tudor and Gothic in style, and fine wood panelling, fireplaces, hand painted tiles and themed stained glass windows are a feature throughout. The house was in private ownership until 1939 when it was requisitioned during the war.
ENGLISH SUPPORT:
The ISC acts as a bridge between the child’s home education system and British independent education, providing a safe environment in which international students can adapt to boarding school life and adjust to the demands of education in England. Students are offered access to a full curriculum at the level most appropriate to their linguistic ability. Students study either on an English programme or an IGCSE programme, in small groups, as they prepare for entry into the mainstream classes. ISC students are fully integrated in the life of the school, living in boarding houses with children from the UK and overseas, taking part in all aspects of school life.
EAL is included in all programmes for no extra fees. International Study Centre classes are focused on EAL students and in class support is available, where necessary in Yrs 7&8. Separate English for EAL is provided in Yrs 9-11, plus IELTS for A Level students and English B for IB students in Sixth Form
POST-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
A Levels offer early specialisation for students who have a firm understanding of what subjects they wish to study at university, or which career path they would like to follow. The programme is specially tailored to the needs of students who may favour certain combinations of subjects, such as maths and sciences, or creative arts.
All students will take three A Levels in a two-year linear programme and will be assessed in their final exams at the end of Year 13.
PRE-16 QUALIFICATIONS:
In Years 10 and 11, the curriculum provides a diverse range of subjects, wide enough to satisfy both universities and future employers.
Most students study nine (I)GCSEs. The compulsory core curriculum comprises:
English Language (in English and Mathematics, students are set according to ability).
English Literature
Mathematics
One Science (minimum)
In addition to the compulsory subjects, students can choose six subjects from an options list and they are encouraged to take a modern foreign language, a humanities subject and a creative arts option to achieve a balanced curriculum.
ACCOMMODATION:
Their full boarding students stay at the school full time during term time in a home-from home environment. They are under the supervision and care of our dedicated House Parents with around the clock access to our amazing facilities and co-curricular opportunities, boarders trips and plenty of time for studying. During school holidays students have the choice of returning home to their families, staying with Guardians or staying at school to join our residential holiday programmes.
PASTORAL:
Central to every aspect of how the school operates, it underpins the focus on encouraging all our students to be the best they can be, to become effective learners and valued members of our community.
When a pupil starts at their school, they are assigned a Tutor and for boarders a Houseparent and a Tutor. A personal tutor is a member of teaching staff who supports their academic and pastoral development. There is a mix of ages within each tutor group which helps to promote friendship, support and responsibility. All residential Houseparents are supported by Assistant Houseparents and are there for pupils during their time at the school to help them settle, provide guidance/support and to listen.
Changing schools can be both exciting and daunting in equal measure. The prospect of meeting new people, facing new challenges and being presented with new opportunities is exhilarating, but there are bound to be some nerves, apprehensions and uncertainty. At Box Hill School they understand the difficulties that such a transition can present to young adults and our experienced Pastoral team will always be on hand to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
At Box Hill School they understand the importance of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all their students. They work very closely to provide them with the knowledge and skills to help them maintain a positive mind-set. They have also developed a series of wellbeing talks for all our parents.
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