An English Invasion
The Daily Tribune/Boston - October 1, 2002
By Sarah MacDonald / News Staff Writer
They aren't learning to cook up potions just yet, but the students of the British School in Dedham are living one piece of a real-life Harry Potter novel. New this year, the school has divided students into four houses, which must compete for points to win a silver cup, and the prestige, at the end of the year. "There's some healthy competition," said Val Thomas-Peter, the head of school.
According to Thomas-Peter, the system is typical in traditional private schools in the United Kingdom. While there are no magical Quidditch games to play, the students do compete in athletic events as well as academic competitions. The contest also encourages students to raise money for charity. Students also get points for good behavior.
"The other day, it seemed every time I turned around, this one little girl was holding the door for me," said Yvonne Finnerty, director of admissions. "I gave her a point." "It's one way of promoting very positive messages," agreed Thomas-Peter.
The house system also helps to maintain the family atmosphere the school strives for.
"By grouping the children vertically, mixing ages, older students look out for younger ones. Younger students turn the older ones for help," she said. "As our school grows, it is harder to maintain the family feel. This helps."
And grow they have. The school, one of four British Schools of America, started two years ago with just 27 students. There are now 178 students from three to 13 years old.
The school has carried out its plan to add one grade level on each year until they have students graduate at the high school level. This September they added a seventh grade.
The school runs on open enrollment and will continue to get new students through the year. However, with a goal of keeping the family feel, administrators will stick to two small classes at each level. They expect to reach capacity in the next 12 months. And the rapid growth means that the school will outgrow its building within the next two years.
"We're victims of our own success," said Finnerty.
The school is actively looking for another site and hopes to stay in Dedham, said Thomas-Peter. They are currently planning on building a school to match their needs once a location is found.
The new school would need the science labs, music rooms, playing fields and gymnasium space that the current school lacks.
Thomas-Peter and her staff continue to correct misconceptions that the school is only British students. Sixty percent of the students are American. The other forty percent is made up of students of 10 nationalities including Russian, Indian and Chinese.
"We break down barriers," said Thomas-Peter. "When England was celebrating the Golden Jubilee, we celebrated along with them. And we celebrate American holidays like Martin Luther King Day, because that is an important part of American tradition."
What is different are some of the course materials. The school teaches the National Curriculum of the United Kingdom, which starts students at age three with structured learning activities. Students are reading and writing by the time they enter Level 1, the equivalent of kindergarten.
In each class and each subject, the students are differentiated into categories of average, above average and "slightly below average," said Thomas-Peter. The teachers, all British natives, teach lessons and grade students at three levels.
"Different students have different needs," Thomas-Peter said. "This is the most effective way to teach children. I guarantee that."
Teachers are required to submit lesson plans with modifications for students of all levels for each day.
When British School students reach high school age, they will begin to prepare for the International Baccalaureate, a test used worldwide for college admissions.
"The IB program offers a broader education at higher levels," said Thomas-Peter. "Almost all university's accept it as a qualification."
The school has big plans for the future, including adding Spanish and Latin to the curriculum which now teachers students French from age 3. They hope to be more involved in interscholastic sports competitions with other area private schools. Dedham High School has invited British School students to participate in the district music program. Thomas-Peter hopes to begin an exchange program for students interested in going overseas and to coordinate trips for school vacation periods, which typically do not coincide with public school vacations.
British Schools of America plans on adding 16 more schools across the United States.
"We'll be in every major city," said Thomas-Peter.
It's a British invasion.
Reporter Sarah MacDonald can be reached at 781-433-8338 or at sarah.macdonald@cnc.com.