Part of our ethos at Bedford School is to challenge our boys to develop their intellectual curiosity by asking questions, broadening their knowledge and intellect, and going beyond the classroom to learn about the world around them. We encourage them to develop an attitude of social responsibility and an understanding of cultural and intellectual differences, to have great empathy and to develop informed opinions and independent minds.
We were therefore delighted to be able to recognise our top academic achievers from across the school, who have excelled in all these areas. A small ceremony was held in our Memorial Hall to celebrate their success, and those boys in receipt of arts colours, to give them the opportunity to talk about their future plans over refreshments with our Core Management Team.
What are the differences between academic stripes and colours?
Academic stripes are awarded at the start of the academic year to boys within the top 10% of their year group, or as a result of personal recommendation from a senior teacher for consistent excellent academic endeavour.
The next level up from academic stripes is academic colours – the pinnacle of recognition in school. Academic colours are only awarded to Upper Sixth boys for achieving outstanding results in their end of year examinations, or on personal recommendation for academic endeavour from a senior teacher. Arts colours are also awarded at the start of the Upper Sixth.
It is also important to point out that colours come with the responsibility to continue to demonstrate high levels of academic pursuit and an expectation that they share that ambition and learning with others. Although we award colours on two occasions in the Upper Sixth (once this term and once next), there are a number of boys who only just missed out this time. They will be strong contenders if they can maintain the level of their ambition and effort this year.
