News
BIOCHEMISTRY STUDENT DROPS INTO BELMONT GROSVENOR SCHOOL TO SAY THANKS FOR HELPING FUND CANCER RESEARCH
1st December 2011
Biochemistry graduate Emma Hesketh is hoping her research into the causes of cancer will make a difference to people’s lives. The 23-year-old is pursuing a career in the critical field of cancer research – thanks to the help of a North Yorkshire prep school. Members of the PTA at Belmont Grosvenor School, an independent co-educational prep school based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, raised a staggering £17,300 at an Enchanted Ball held in the school’s 20-acres of grounds this summer. Read morePopular children\'s author Linda Chapman, visits BGS
23rd November 2011
Popular children’s author Linda Chapman told stories of unicorns, mermaids and stardust spirits when she dropped into a leading North Yorkshire prep school. The writer of a range of well-known novels including My Secret Unicorn, Stardust and Not Quite a Mermaid, spent the morning at Belmont Grosvenor School inspiring the pupils not only to read – but write their own stories too. Read moreRUGBY PLAYERS TAKE TOP TITLE IN YORKSHIRE FESTIVAL
3rd November 2011
Young tag rugby players from a leading independent prep school took top honours in a West Yorkshire rugby festival. Members of Belmont Grosvenor School’s Under 9 team took the championship cup at the Tag Rugby Festival, held at Bronte House Prep School at Bradford. Belmont Grosvenor School, a co-educational prep school based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, took two teams to the Festival, organised by the Rugby Football Union, governing body of Rugby Union in England. Read moreGet your grown ups gardening
18th October 2011
Grandparents, parents and youngsters put on their gardening gloves to brighten up the grounds of a leading North Yorkshire prep school. Children at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, signed up for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Get Your Grown-Ups Growing campaign. The initiative aims to encourage gardening in schools, which helps children develop academic, practical and social skills. Read moreSCHOOL FRIENDS RAISE £4000 FOR CHARITY AFTER CYCLING 6000 KM
4th October 2011
School friends Joshua Fuller and Toby Hansen battled 70mph winds, climbed 4000m high mountains and suffered severe bouts of illness during their 6,000km epic cycle ride across South America to raise money for charity. The two former pupils of Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, spent 101 days cycling from Argentina to Peru, via Bolivia, to collect cash for their two chosen charities. Read moreYOUNGSTERS AT MAGIC TREE NURSERY ENJOY ‘GROW YOUR OWN’ FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
22nd July 2011
Children at a Harrogate nursery are learning the benefits of growing their own fruit and vegetables. Youngsters at the Magic Tree Day Nursery, based in the grounds of Belmont Grosvenor School, have been busy cultivating their own vegetable plot in the school’s 20-acres of grounds on the edge of Harrogate. Throughout the summer term, the children grew crops of potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, peas and carrots – and enjoyed the home-grown vegetables at snack time. Read moreAN ENCHANTING EVENING AT BELMONT GROSVENOR SCHOOL
18th June 2011
Party-goers at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstiwht, raised a record-breaking £17,000 at an Enchanted Ball. The co-educational prep school’s 20-acres of grounds were transformed into a magical wonderland as 200 guests enjoyed pre-dinner music from the Dragon Sax quartet and a meal provided by Michael Kernall Caterers. Guests had the chance to win a pair of diamond earrings, donated by Ogden of Harrogate and prizes in an auction of experiences included a Swiss chalet holiday. Read moreDying is all in a days work for three pupils at BGS
14th June 2011
Three pupils at a leading North Yorkshire prep school are ‘dying’ for next week – when they take part in an open-air production of the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth. The trio – Lexi Murray, of Knaresborough, Emily Belcher, of Harrogate, and Ruby Johnson, who lives in Killinghall – are all pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate. Read moreJedward are top of the pops at Belmont Grosvenor School, Harrogate
6th June 2011
They might not have won X Factor, or the Eurovision Song Contest, but Jedward are riding high at a leading North Yorkshire independent prep school! The twin brothers, who shot to stardom during Simon Cowell’s TV talent show, have been turned into puppets by pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School in Harrogate. With their wild blonde hair and sharp suits, John and Edward Grimes were some of the stars of a recent puppet show at the school, written entirely by the pupils. Read moreBelmont Grosvenor Enchanted Ball
27th May 2011
MAGICAL surroundings at a leading independent prep school have inspired an Enchanted Ball fundraiser in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research. The PTA Committee at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, hope to raise up to £15,000 at the unique event which will see the school’s 20-acres of beautiful grounds illuminated to create a spellbinding wonderland. The special evening, to take place on Saturday, July 2, will begin with a champagne reception served with canapés as the sun sets over the Nidderdale valley. Read moreSUMMER CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND LOCAL CHURCH
27th May 2011
Music staff from a leading independent school on the outskirts of Harrogate swapped the classroom for the stage when they performed a Summer Concert at St James’s Church in Birstwith. Eight music teachers from the co-educational Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, and two former pupils, entertained the audience at the village church with a wide selection of music including Debussy, Handel, Bach, Rimsky Korsakov and Mendelsohn. Read moreOld Boy Jack Barnard is capped for England U16\'s
9th May 2011
Jack Barnard of Harrogate Rugby Club and Harrogate Grammar School has been capped by England RFU at U16\'s level playing in two games against Italy and Wales. England beat Italy 16-6 and then went on to beat Wales 31-10, Jack played at open side flanker as part of a strong back row which was recognised for its robust contribution during both matches. Jack began playing rugby at age six at Belmont Grosvenor School and as a mini at Harrogate Rugby Club progressing into the juniors where as an under 11 he was part of a Yorkshire Cup winning team. Read moreYellow day at BGS
5th April 2011
THREE sisters at a leading independent prep school in North Yorkshire have persuaded their classmates to turn yellow for the day – to help raise money for a charity close to their hearts. Sophie, Jessica, 7, and Isabelle, 4, Jones, all pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School at Birstwith, Harrogate, have a young cousin who suffers from liver disease. The three have watched 18-month-old Joshua, who lives near Northallerton, undergo treatment at Leeds General Infirmary for the potentially progressive liver condition, neo-natal schlerosing cholangitis, and decided they wanted to help. Read morePupils inspired to write following visit from award winning author
5th April 2011
PUPILS at Belmont Grosvenor School have been inspired to pick up their pens and pencils and start writing their first novels after local author Miles Cain dropped in for the day. Youngsters at the independent prep school, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, spent a day with the award-winning novelist, poet, newspaper reporter and teacher. Mr Cain, who lives in York, spent time with all pupils at the school, from the youngest in reception through to the Year 6 children – and brought puppets along to help bring his stories to life. Read moreBGS help Henshaws with fundraising goal
5th April 2011
A FUND-RAISING campaign to help blind and partially-sighted people across the Harrogate district has been given a boost. Children at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, raised £160 for Henshaws Society for the Blind by taking part in the charity’s fund-raising event – Wear Bright for Sight. Pupils at the independent prep school held a ‘design the brightest badge’ competition with children asked to create their shiniest, glitteriest and most beautiful badge to wear at school. Read moreBGS aims to become a Fairtrade School
5th April 2011
PUPILS and staff at a leading independent prep school are hoping to help improve the lives of farmers and crop producers in developing countries by becoming a Fairtrade School. Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate, is aiming to become one of a number of Fairtrade Schools up and down the country, whose actions intend to help make the world a fairer place. If granted Fairtrade status, it will mean both teachers and children at the school will use Fairtrade products as much as possible, learn why Fairtrade is so important and take regular action for Fairtrade in their wider community. Read moreSCHOOL FRIENDS SET OFF ON TRIP-OF-A-LIFETIME TO RAISE CASH FOR CHARITY
2nd March 2011
A pair of North Yorkshire teenagers who met at prep school set off later this month on a 6,000-mile cycle ride to raise money for charity. Joshua Fuller, 19, and his friend Toby Hanson, 18, are busy training for their trip-of-a-lifetime – cycling from Buenos Aires in Argentina to Cusco in Peru. Their epic journey will see the pair ride through Chile and Bolivia, climbing a 19-mile glacier and traversing the highest commercially navigable lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, which is 3,811m above sea level. Read morePUPILS AT BGS CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR
4th February 2011
IT is the most heavily populated country in the world, and has the fastest-growing economy. Now pupils at an independent North Yorkshire prep school are not just learning about China – but learning the language too! Youngsters at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, are being taught Mandarin, alongside more traditional languages including French and Spanish. And to celebrate Chinese New Year, pupils put their language skills to the test and welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit in traditional style, wearing Chinese clothes and enjoying a typical oriental lunch. Read morePUPILS AT BGS JOIN IN RSPB’S BIG SCHOOL BIRD WATCH
28th January 2011
Youngsters at Belmont Grosvenor School got out their binoculars and birdfeed this week to join in the RPSB’s Big School Bird Watch. Children at the independent co-educational preparatory school, set in more than 20 acres of countryside on the outskirts of Harrogate, arrived at school extra-early to record the number, and variety, of birds at the bird table for the RSPB – before tucking into a breakfast of toast and pancakes! It is the fifth year pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, have taken part in the RSPB’s Big School Bird Watch, the world’s biggest bird survey, which aims to provide a vital snapshot of the UK’s birds each winter. Read moreGoing Green at a North Yorkshire Prep School
1st December 2010
PUPILS at a North Yorkshire prep school are ‘going green’ with the aim of becoming one of the top ‘Eco Schools’ in the country. Children, parents and staff at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate, have drawn up an action plan in a bid to win the Eco School’s prestigious ‘Green Flag’ status. The independent co-educational school is one of thousands up and down the country that has joined the international Eco Schools programme, which aims to help schools and nurseries achieve the Government’s target of becoming sustainable by 2020. Read moreYoung carer drops in on BGS
2nd November 2010
YOUNG carers across the Harrogate district are being given extra support thanks to the fund-raising efforts of a local school. This week teenager Christian Lunn, who has cared for his parents since he was eight-years-old, visited staff and pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School to say a big thank-you for helping fund a mentoring service for young carers. Christian, 18, who lives in Harrogate, has juggled huge responsibilities at home in caring for his mum and dad with class work at school. Read moreWILDERNESS EXPLORER LIFTS LID ON EXPEDITON TO UNINHABITED ISLAND
2nd November 2010
WILDERNESS explorer John Dunn will be sharing stories of his pioneering expedition to the world’s largest uninhabited Island later this month. The explorer, photographer and lecturer, whose goal is to inspire and share a special part of the world with others, is visiting Belmont Grosvenor School at Birstwith, on Friday, October 15, to give two lectures. During the day, John, whose photographs of his 3000km skiing, kayaking and hiking expedition to Canada’s Baffin Island were published in the National Geographic Magazine, will be speaking to pupils about his adventures to the eastern section of Canada’s Devon Island. Read moreRoald Dahl remembered at BGS
2nd November 2010
HIS books are children’s classics, read by youngsters across the globe. Now pupils at a leading independent North Yorkshire prep school have been given an insight into the world of master storyteller Roald Dahl during a special ‘Dahl Day’ held at school. Youngsters at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, spent the morning making shadow puppets on the theme of Dahl’s famous books, before enjoying a special “Taste of Dahl’ performance by former Shakespearean actor Anthony Pedley. Read moreBGS support for Hungarian Orphanage
25th October 2010
CHILDREN at an orphanage in Hungary are set to enjoy the harvest gifts from youngsters at a North Yorkshire prep school. Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, Harrogate, have donated tins, jars and packets of food – as well as toys and other items - from their annual Harvest Festival to an orphanage at Gyor in Hungary. It’s the second year the school’s harvest donations have been sent to Hungary – charity worker Tony Frazer’s children were both pupils at the co-educational school and he has been organizing aid deliveries to Gyor for the past six years. Read moreEXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR CHILDREN AT MAGIC TREE DAY NURSERY
5th October 2010
IT’S an exciting time for children at a Harrogate nursery as a raft of stimulating new activities are being introduced for youngsters to enjoy for the first time. The Magic Tree Day Nursery, for children from three months, is based in the grounds of Belmont Grosvenor School, an independent co-educational prep school set in more than 20 acres of countryside at Birstwith, near Harrogate. The nursery provides a safe and secure environment where the very early stages of each child’s education is nurtured with care while the school has a warm and friendly atmosphere where children learn and grow both inside and outside the classroom. Read moreSCHOOLCHILDREN TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT 2010 WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS
10th September 2010
PUPILS from Belmont Grosvenor School in Harrogate took centre stage at the 2010 World Lacrosse Championships, held recently in Manchester. Children from the leading independent prep school were invited along to take part in the pop lacrosse event during the Primary Schools World Cup – and then awarded the honour of acting as standard bearers during the spectacular opening ceremony. Read moreIts a kind of Magic - Article in Yorkshire Life
14th January 2009
A kind of magic Jo Haywood visits a North Yorkshire school that encourages you imaginations to roam free. It’s not every school that has a magic tree. But then Belmont Grosvenor is not your common or garden kind of school. It makes the most of its location at historic Swarcliffe Hall and the 20 acres of stunning countryside it occupies overlooking the Nidd valley. Read more
