Forms I-III provide the solid basis for success at GCSE but also offer the scope to experiment, to go “off-piste” in academic terms, perhaps by watching a real lambing as part of a science group, or by standing knee-deep in an original World War I trench in Flanders with the History Department.

Buckswood offers experimental learning at a young age, believing that bringing a classroom subject to life is the best way to spark interest in a young teenager. Students are taught by specialist teachers in a number of subjects from an early age which kindles interest and excites the inquisitive. The basics are not forgotten with the Headteacher administering weekly times tables tests and handwriting practice sessions after school.

Form III offers the chance to spend half a term at our sister school, Buckswood St. Nova Institute (BSNI), in Auckland, New Zealand. We feel that at age 14yrs our students are old enough to handle the demands of such a programme and aware enough to appreciate the value of such an experience.

Form III is an academic year preparatory to GCSE and there is still sufficient leeway within the curriculum to be able to teach a similar academic course at BSNI to that taught at Buckswood UK - though not exactly the same – thereby allowing cultural events, outdoor activities and other elements essential to the NZ experience to take precedence at certain times during the 6 week period.