Swimming Past Stigma
If ever anyone wants proof of the value of hard work, persistence and perseverance, then look no further than the BMS Sixth Form Head Girl: Prisha Tapre. This inspirational...
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If ever anyone wants proof of the value of hard work, persistence and perseverance, then look no further than the BMS Sixth Form Head Girl: Prisha Tapre. This inspirational...
Posted by Teryne Goldstone
Name: Nate House: 7Sycamore Reason for nomination: Nate has had an outstanding start to secondary school. He has demonstrated exceptional manners, a positive...
Posted by Sarah Doran
We’re pleased to share a new leaflet from Hertfordshire’s Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner (CWP) Service, outlining a series of free emotional wellbeing workshops for parents and...
Posted by Olivia De Groot
Our Year 9 students have made an excellent start to the year in Technology. This term, they have a fantastic opportunity to explore each of the Design and Technology specialisms....
Posted by Alison Hanbury
The geography department took the A level geography students to the amazing Jurrasic coast in Dorset for their annual residential field trip spending 4 days exploring this...
Posted by Iain Murray
Year 7 Day Trip to France – 18 March 2026! Calling all Year 7 studying French! We are thrilled to offer our Year 7 students an unforgettable cultural and educational adventure to...
Posted by Syeda Naqvi
We want to continue to congratulate our Student Leaders at Bushey Meads for always striving for excellence. This week the Sixth Form were able to hold Student Leadership...
Posted by Madeline Silla
I am excited to offer our Year 7 Spanish students a fantastic cultural experience on 18th March 2026 — a Flamenco dance workshop followed by a tapas tasting trip! As part of our...
Posted by Keren Crespi
At Bushey Meads, we believe that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Our school motto—Respect, Responsibility, and Relationships—guides everything we do, including the...
Posted by Tracy Greenwood
Following our Ofsted inspection in January 2025, we invited a County Education Behaviour Adviser to visit Bushey Meads and carry out a behaviour review. The aim was to gain an...
Posted by Olivia De Groot
Since we introduced Sparx Reader in May 2025, we’ve seen nothing short of extraordinary results across our student body. Students who engage actively with the platform have demonstrated remarkable growth in their reading abilities, and we are thrilled to share some of the impressive outcomes we’ve seen in just five months.
One of the most notable success stories comes from a student who, through consistent and positive use of Sparx Reader, has increased his reading age by an incredible three years above his biological age. This is not an isolated case: over 40 students from years 7 to 9 have achieved a growth of +2 years in their reading age, while more than 150 students have added at least +1 year. The data is clear: when students actively engage with Sparx, they see measurable improvement.
Why Reading Matters
The importance of reading cannot be overstated. Reading is the foundation for all academic subjects. Whether it’s understanding complex mathematical concepts, grasping historical events, or exploring scientific theories, reading is essential. A strong reading age allows students to access a wider range of learning materials, engage in more complex discussions, and improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, reading plays a critical role in building vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills – key components of literacy that influence overall academic success. By enhancing these skills, students are better equipped to tackle higher-level coursework, participate in class discussions, and succeed in assessments.
The ability to read fluently and critically is also linked to greater self-confidence. As students’ reading ages progress, they often feel more capable and engaged in their learning. This sense of achievement fosters a positive cycle of motivation and academic ambition.
The English Faculty would like to draw your attention to another competition opportunity: This year’s theme: Where does the chocolate journey begin? The key ingredient in...
Patrick Ness’s ‘A Monster Calls’ is a very popular book in our LRC, and for good reason. Both moving and magical, this book takes you on an emotionally thrilling...