Surrey Homes | SH109 | February 2024 | Education Supplement inside

The Priceless Education Supplement
Performance
Power
Eastbourne College and Bede’s
School discuss opportunities which
give their students time to shine
istockphoto.com/ vectorplusb
Director of Music at Eastbourne
College, Dan Jordan, sings the
praises of music at the school.
It is 6.30pm, the night before a wellneeded
half-term holiday. 650 singers are
preparing to hit the stage and belt out
their house songs in Eastbourne College’s
annual House Singing Competition. After
ten classic numbers, the staff band play and
then the judge tackles the unenviable task
of determining the winners; a girls’ house,
with a sparky rendition of Abba’s ‘Super
Trouper’ scoops the top prize. However,
the competitive element is not the be-all
and end-all (although the housemasters and
pupils may disagree!), the overriding purpose
of the event is to provide the pupils with an
opportunity to sing with friends, perform
in front of others and ultimately enjoy a
fun way for the school community to come
together and celebrate the power of music.
The wide ranging benefits of music,
and singing in particular, have long been
recognised by doctors, scientists and
psychologists. From boosting wellbeing and
cognitive functioning, to helping develop
collaborative and inter-personal skills and
increasing self-confidence, the list is fairly
extensive. There is also evidence to suggest
that children who are involved in some form
of musical study achieve better academic
outcomes than those who aren’t.
Pupils here are indeed fortunate to benefit
from a myriad of musical and creative
experiences with its first-class facilities.
Performance opportunities abound, there
is something for everyone, from elite level
to fortnightly singing practice for all pupils.
“Smiling, having fun, feeling like a number
one”. How serendipitous Abba’s lyrics
seem and how applicable a mantra for our
students at Eastbourne College.
Find out more at eastbourne-college.co.uk
“From cricket
and horse riding
to sailing and
yoga - there is
a physical
activity suitable
for every pupil”
“The wide ranging
benefits of music,
and singing
in particular,
have long been
recognised
by doctors,
scientists and
psychologists”
Bede’s School tells us about
the amazing performance
opportunities that they offer.
Bede’s is renowned for its comprehensive
curriculum which extends beyond the
classroom. We give equal importance to
academic, pastoral and co-curricular aspects,
with sport, performing arts and debating
all playing a huge part in shaping wellrounded
individuals who excel in the world.
Bede’s offers a wide range of academic
courses and a unique carousel programme
with three activity afternoons a week, so
pupils can explore their passions and find
hidden talents. We offer over 100 clubs
and activities, and pupils are encouraged
to choose at least one physical activity. But
sports are not solely about winning trophies;
they’re about fostering teamwork, resilience
and discipline. From cricket and horse
riding to sailing and yoga, there is a physical
activity suitable for every pupil.
The music department also offers
numerous opportunities to grow in
confidence, improve performance skills
and express individual personalities. The
performing arts department is a thriving hub
of self-discovery and expression and we are
the only independent school to offer BTEC
Production Arts, which is worth 1.5 A
levels. We are also home to the Legat Dance
Academy and our Model United Nations
Club is a great place to develop debating
skills. What truly sets Bede’s apart is the
unwavering encouragement offered to every
pupil. Our dedicated teachers and state-ofthe-art
facilities provide the basis for pupils
to thrive, explore their passions and develop
their skills. These activities not only build
their skill set, they sculpt their characters,
enhancing resilience and helping them
flourish into confident young people.
Learn more about Bede’s at bedes.org
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