►►►其它中學

Dame Alice Harpur School,達姆愛麗絲中學，達姆愛麗絲學校

Cardington Road, Bedford MK42 0BX
Tel: 01234 340871 Fax: 01234 344125
Website: 
• GIRLS, 7–18, Day
• Pupils 952, Upper sixth 97
• Termly fees £1981–£2767
• GSA
• Enquiries to Headmistress’s PA. Application to the Headmistress

What it’s like
Opened in 1882, this is one of the five schools of the Bedford Charity, the Harpur Trust. The schools share equally in the benefaction of Sir William Harpur and Dame Alice, his wife, who originally endowed the foundation with land in Holborn (London) and Bedford. It has a Christian ethos but, while upholding traditional values and standards, is fundamentally ecumenical. The senior school has modern buildings, plus agreeable gardens and playing fields, on a riverside site. It is well equipped with a floodlit all-weather pitch and facilities for design technology and drama; two listed Georgian houses have been adapted to provide a sixth-form centre and music centre. The junior school is opposite. The school offers a broad general education and examination results are very good. Drama is very strong and the music department is especially flourishing (with choirs, orchestras, string quartets, a string orchestra, wind band, and other ensembles). A wide range of sports and games is provided; many teams compete at county and regional level, and some regularly at national level. Extra-curricular activities include the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, CCF, debating, Youth Theatre, chess, field courses and a wide range of outdoor activities and visits.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 7–18; 952 day girls. Senior school 11–18, 720 girls.
Entrance: Main entry ages 7–9, 11, 13, 16. Own entrance exam for senior school, heads’ reports and interviews. For sixth-form entry, strong recommendation from present headteacher and good predicted grades in sixth-form subjects. 70% of new senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form).

Scholarships & bursaries Some bursaries from age 11.

Head & staff
Headmistress: Mrs Jill Berry, in post from 2000. Educated at Wath-on-Dearne Grammar School, South Yorkshire, and at the universities of Manchester (English) and Liverpool (education). Previously Deputy Head of Nottingham High School for Girls.
Teaching staff: 82 full time, 7 part time. Annual turnover less than 5%.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 115 pupils in Year 11: 100% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. Average GCSE score 62.
A-levels: 91 in upper sixth: 6% passed in 4+ subjects; 90% in 3 and 4% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 374.

University & college entrance 95% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 10% to Oxbridge. 8% take courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 30% in science & engineering, 40% in humanities & social sciences, 10% in art & design, 12% in music and drama. Others typically go on to professional training.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. On average 10% take science A-levels; 45% arts/humanities; 45% both.
Vocational: Range of work experience opportunities.
Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular exchanges (France and Germany); many visits; work experience in France.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week in Years 3–9) and across the curriculum. 200 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and all with email and internet access.

The arts
Music: Over a third of pupils learn at least one musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 12 regular musical groups and numerous ad hoc orchestras, jazz group, flute choir, wind band, choirs etc.
Drama & dance: Drama and dance offered. GCSE dance; GCSE and A-level drama may be taken; thriving Saturday Youth Theatre. Several girls selected each year for county Youth Theatre; occasionally national honours.
Art & design: Design, computer-aided design, pottery, textiles, photography also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Hockey, netball, tennis, swimming, athletics etc are core games. Optional sports include water polo, rowing, squash, badminton, volleyball, football, trampolining, self-defence, yoga, circuit training. GCSE gymnastic awards and RLSS exams may be taken. County and regional success in several sports each year; many representatives at national levels; hockey teams (in and out-door) regularly achieve national honours.
Activities: Many pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. CCF and community service are popular options. Very active charity fund-raising; close links with local residences for the elderly and local special schools. Many clubs including debating, mathematics, physics, chess, juggling, art, drama, globetrotters, IT, environment, DT, chemistry, photography, astronomy, as well as sports and range of musical ensembles.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout.
Houses & prefects: Houses based on social activities and competition. Head girl and team chosen by senior girls and staff. No prefects (sixth formers share responsibilities).
Religion: Attendance at morning assembly expected.
Social: Performances, concerts and plays jointly with Bedford and Bedford Modern boys’ schools. Many visits and exchanges. Pupils allowed to bring own bicycle to school; sixth form may bring cars or motorbikes but no parking on campus. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline Everyday misdemeanours are dealt with routinely by the teacher involved at the time, or the form tutor. The rare occurrences of more serious disciplinary matters are dealt with by senior staff in liaison with parents.