Unique Bedales curriculum replacing GCSEs

Bedales students are celebrating after receiving their GCSE and Bedales Assessed Course (BAC) results with over two thirds of grades 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A). 

Twenty-seven per cent of students achieved at least nine grades 9-7 with 10% achieving a clean sweep of at least nine grades 9/8 (equivalent to A*). Of these high performing students, 11 attended Bedales Prep or Pre-prep prior to progressing to Bedales Senior.  

Bedales’ unique curriculum means that students currently take a combination of the School’s own BACs combined with GCSEs in five core subjects. Introduced in 2006, BACs are well established, and involve a broader range of content, choice and assessment methods than the traditional GCSE, enabling students to pursue their interests and talents. BACs benefit from annual external validation by experienced moderators and are recognised as a qualification by universities. 

Will Goldsmith, Head of Bedales, commented:  

“Congratulations to our students on these impressive results. I am delighted that their hard work has paid off. Our students have shown high levels of performance in both their GCSE and BAC subjects. As a school we do question the purpose of high stakes assessments in Year 11 which is why we are introducing more of our own courses to better serve the interests of our students and prepare them for A Level study. With many educationalists calling for change, Bedales is leading the way in showing what’s possible.”  

Bedales has announced that it is further reducing the number of GCSEs taken by students down to two in Maths and English Language. BACs are offered as an alternative to GCSE for increased depth, more active learning and stimulating material, less prescriptive syllabuses and a wider range of assessments including group and individual projects, presentations, essays and portfolios in addition to written examinations. 

Bedales students in Block 4 (Year 10) currently choose from the following BAC options: Ancient Civilisations; Art; Dance; Design (Product or Fashion); Digital Game Design; English Literature; Geography; Global Awareness; History; Music; Philosophy, Religion & Ethics; Outdoor Work; Sports Science; and Theatre Studies.  New Bedales Assessed Courses under development are the Sciences and Modern Languages, including Japanese. 

This summer, Bedales was recognised in The Edufuturists Awards 2024 which celebrates groundbreaking advancements in education. Awarded Independent School of the Year, Bedales was highlighted for challenging education norms with its unique education philosophy and curriculum that prioritises individual growth, creativity, and use of the outdoor environment.  At a time when the Government has announced a review of the curriculum and assessment, BACs show other schools and policymakers an alternative that inspires students, motivates teachers, and better prepares young people for further study and work. 

Photo: Bedales Assessed Course Theatre Studies Devised Performance