The school day
Lessons begin at 9am. After a short break from 10.10-10.25am, followed by an opportunity for catch-up time with tutors, extra-curricular lessons, homework support or down-time from 10.25-10.50am, lessons continue until lunchtime, which begins at either 12.05pm, 12.40pm or 1.15pm, depending on students' timetables.
Lessons resume in the afternoon and there is an afternoon activity slot (Badley Time) from 3.05-4.05pm. We expect students to choose a range of activities, including service opportunities, loosely organised into 'Head, Hand and Heart' categories in Badley and Powell Time (7-8.15pm) sessions, which are named after the founders of the school.
After the last class ends at 5.30pm, day students - like their boarding counterparts - take part in handshaking at assemblies and enjoy the many events and activities that take place in the school every evening, including Jaw and Civics. Depending on their activity slots and assemblies, Day students are free to leave from 6pm.
Jaw
The name 'Jaw' is believed to have been coined by Oscar Wilde, when visiting his son Cyril at Bedales. Jaw is a Bedales institution, taking the place of chapel in more traditional independent schools.
Held weekly in the Wednesday Assembly slot from 5.30 – 6pm. Jaw usually involves hearing from an external speaker, a member of staff or students on a topic that they are passionate about. This is a highlight of the week for many staff and students and Jaw talks are often moving, fascinating, exciting and thought provoking. The point of Jaw is to open students minds to spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues. The Fundamental British Values are also delivered annually through the Jaw programme but ultimately it is the Bedalian value of mutual respect. Through Jaw, we encourage our students to understand not only their subjects, but humanity and their place in the world, from as many different perspectives and experiences as possible.
Read more about Jaw here.
Civics
The Civics programme gives students the opportunity to hear views and opinions from highly regarded personalities from a variety of backgrounds, industries or professions. These events are very popular for the students as it gives them a real insight into other lives, worlds, issues and potential careers. Civics events are also open to members of the public via the Bedales Events programme.
Wednesday afternoons
On Wednesday afternoons, all students have free time to use as they wish. They can choose to study, attend a rehearsal, play sport, volunteer, or walk into Petersfield in small groups. Fixtures are most often on a Wednesday afternoon, either home or away. Fixtures may also be on a Tuesday afternoon for students in Blocks 3 and 4 and on Thursday afternoons (Block 5 and Sixth Form).
All students are then expected back in school at 4.50pm for a session with their tutor where we cover a Craft of Learning and Careers curriculum. All students will then make their way to Jaw in the Assembly Hall from 5.30-6pm.
Community days
Community days such as Badley Day in September are days named after key figures in the founding of the school. On community days, students and staff work together in a ‘Whole School effort’ to practise the school motto, ‘Work of Each for Weal of All’, on a range of projects as a celebration of the school’s foundation.