Academic Stretch & Support
A positive environment for every pupil
Academic Enrichment
At Berkhamsted, we recognise that intelligence takes many forms. We will always recognise, support and encourage your son’s talents and interests.
There are so many avenues at Berkhamsted where our pupils can fulfil their potential – from the classroom to the stage and beyond.
We encourage adventurous learners, so your son will find a wealth of enrichment opportunities such as reading recommendations, essay competitions, clubs and excursions, as well as conundrums and challenges.
The pupil guide to ‘what’s on’ at Berkhamsted is available through the pupils’ Online Personal Potfolio, an app which has been specially designed to assist your son in documenting, reviewing and reflecting upon all of the activities participated in, outside of the classroom. The app will enable your son to monitor his progress within the Berkhamsted Award and Diploma, a programme which rewards pupils for their co-curricular involvement, captures evidence to support university and workplace applications, and develops students character through the five components of Academic Stretch, Charity, Community, Cultural and Physical.
Academic Stretch lessons take place weekly, within curriculum time, in the form of subject connected sessions, with the aim of bringing that subject to life and into the world of work or real life beyond Berkhamsted. As pupils move through the School, they will develop aspects of character, gain experience of leadership and explore future career paths.
The values of Berkhamsted Boys reflect our School value of Aiming High with Integrity. We encourage every pupil to have a growth mindset which is open to learning. The effort our pupils put in is praised, leading pupils to understand the capacity for success if they work hard. In this way, our boys are motivated to take an extra step academically.
Berkhamsted boys are also taught to see that hard work can achieve exceptional results outside the classroom too. We also value Being Adventurous with many GCSE pupils completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award during Year 11, while others see success on the sports pitch, art studio or music and drama stages.
These extra-curricular achievements and commitments not only provide an all-round education, but they also help to minimise GCSE exam stress and promote good mental health.
Learning to ‘Be Adventurous’
Pupils are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones, to Be Adventurous and try new ways of learning. Laughology is just one academic experience the pupils have in Y10 which encourages them to use stand-up comedy to develop confidence and public speaking skills.
ACADEMIC
Learning Support
At Berkhamsted Boys our Learning Support department aims to develop a positive learning environment for every pupil, supporting the boys to achieve to the best of their ability across the curriculum.
We are aware that the needs of every boy differ with our inclusive ‘Whole School Approach’ which is designed to support individual strengths and learning styles.
Our Learning Support department helps pupils with their planning and organisation, enabling the boys to become motivated and independent learners.