We aim to create an environment where children can learn the wider lessons beyond the tangible curriculum. This requires teachers who are committed, pupils who are motivated and a culture in which success is valued. With its clear emphasis on the 'whole child', a broad and balanced curriculum supported by extracurricular activities and a wealth of opportunities for 'risk taking' in sport, outdoor education and school visits, Bowbrook House School does provide that environment.

We attempt to expose the children to an array of challenges and even 'social issues' through 'citizenship' and by focusing on various charities - local, national and international.

In the past year, big efforts have been made by the children for such diverse organisations as Christian Aid, Jeans for Genes Research, the Gorilla Organisation, the Maggs Day Centre and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. In total, they have raised in the region of £3,000 - a highly commendable effort for such a small school.

Every term there is a range of school trips that widen the classroom experience and bring this learning in to the context of the outside world. We have seen Romeo and Juliet, had a rather rude Anglo Saxon in for the day, camped over at the Old Vicarage Centre, seen Nanny McPhee and Chicken Little, been visited by the RAF and seen Jack and the Beanstalk and Danny, Champion of the World.

We went to Twickenham and Tropical Rainforests, we had a Circus Day, saw The Tempest, and had Horrible Histories. We visited the Hartlebury Victorian Museum, went to the Three Counties Show, to Lower Smite Farm, Belmont Abbey and the Sea Life Centre. We accompanied the Blind College on a trip round the battlefields of Ypres.

Productions, like 'Oliver!' and 'Joseph' in recent years, involve almost the whole school: the commitment of the children and the staff ensured their success as two of the best shows ever put on by the School. But that is not all: there is a vibrant musical culture and regular concerts provide the platform for the pupils to show what they can do. More than half the school belong to one of the two choirs, with the highlight of the year being the Carol Service at Pershore Abbey. The long-standing Arts Festival Week is another consistent success.

The School has a thriving partnership with the Parents' Committee, who support the School by raising funds for 'luxuries' to the curriculum experience. Throughout the year, functions of all sorts are organised to add a social dimension to the School's activities; these include the Summer Fete and the Summer Ball.

Bowbrook House Summer School enjoyed its 21st summer season in 2009 - offering fun-packed and challenging activities covering the 4 - 12 year age range.