Philosophy and Aims Bruern Abbey is a school with a very special atmosphere. It is small and beautiful, with every effort being made to spare pupils the ill effects often associated with institutional life. While acknowledging what is best in contemporary education, the School also aims to compensate for some of the less attractive features of modern living, with particular weight being placed on the cultural and civilising aspects of life. The domestic arrangements reinforce this philosophy. Relationships with adults are informal but respectful. The maintenance of discipline is modelled on best home practice. There is no corporal punishment.

The food is a distinctive feature of life at Bruern. Meals are taken in family style. Twice a week formal evening dinner by candlelight is served for pupils, staff and guests. The small size of Bruern Abbey encourages every pupil to retain his individuality without facing undue peer group pressures, and to become conscious of the value and worth of every member of the community. Such an atmosphere not only builds confidence, but promotes personal happiness, both of which are necessary prerequisites for academic success. "The food is brilliant..."

The Teaching Programme The curriculum combines a thorough grounding in the traditional basic skills with more formal work directed towards the requirements made of all preparatory schools by Common Entrance and other transfer examinations. What makes Bruern Abbey very special, however, is its approach to the teaching of the academic programme, which never loses sight of the ultimate objective - a formal written examination at 13+. Every pupil has his particular learning needs defined for him, with his strengths and weaknesses fully identified. Teaching methods may involve a combination of aural, oral, visual or practical approaches to learning, as diagnosed by the staff. Where required, the services of the School's highly qualified Speech, Language and Occupational Therapists are available. The ability to make effective and practical use of Information Technology is essential for all pupils, particularly those with any specific learning difficulties. All boys are therefore taught to touch type. The use of laptop computers is also strongly encouraged in every area of the curriculum. While Bruern Abbey is therefore fully equipped to help pupils with specific learning difficulties, its underlying purpose remains to prepare them for transfer into the mainstream academic world in their senior school. This should open to them every prospect ultimately of further or higher education, without debilitating handicaps.

The Background The School takes its name from the Oxfordshire hamlet in which it was founded in 1989, itself the site of a former Cistercian monastery (c. 1141 - 1536). Having outgrown its original facilities, it moved to its present location in Chesterton in 1999, and now occupies a large and imposing 19th century country house, together with classroom and other ancillary buildings. A wooded parkland setting of some 20 acres provides the perfect surroundings not only for games, but for such simple pursuits as cycling or building dens in the woods.

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