2020 Views: Honeywell & Belleville Primary schools Post Reply

[Caterham1234]

Hi all,

Firstly, apologies if this post comes across as opinion shopping as I'm aware it is a a question that has been asked many times over the years but I'm keep to get current views on Honeywell and Belleville from parents who have children there now.

Our DD will hopefully be attending one of the two September (we're in the catchment for both) but I'm struggling to decide which would be best for her.  

Do any current parents have any views/feedback on the schools?   I know Belleville has recently increased it's intake and keen to hear if anyone feels like has had a negative impact?

Thanks in advance!

 

[noddy]

Hello- my son is at reception at Belleville and we are very happy with it. He absolutely loves going there and they have done an excellent job managing through the logistics of the pandemic. The teachers seem to be good however we have less contact with them in the current environment. That said we feel that we need to supplement with outside school activities as they don’t seem to have nearly enough sport, or art/music as you would at a private school. The large size can be an advantage when it comes to having enough staff/backup etc in times like this. However my son is quite outgoing so we didn’t think the 30 person class would be daunting- certainly the smaller class sizes are a significant advantage of going private though. If there is anything in particular you have questions about don’t hesitate to dm me.

[TreacleBell]

1. I suppose my first response would be to have a look at the government’s National Curriculum (NC).  

Honeywell follow that curriculum.  Belleville School is a Trust and so has no obligation to follow the National Curriculum.  So if you like the NC, then go to Honeywell.  If you are not sure, then ask how Belleville choose what to study and if you like what you hear, then go there.  

2. Each school should have their school values listed somewhere....do they dovetail with your own?

3. Read their Ofsted reports, where are the areas each has to work on?  Do you see evidence of that during your visit?  Can you ask them about it?  Both are rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Remember: You won’t go wrong with whichever you choose and most parents will only have experience of their own school.

good luck x

[betsyboop]

if that is of any help, the current remote learning provision at Belleville is absolutely excellent across all school years. 
Going on the Belleville website or the q1e trust website, should give you a good feel for the school, in particular the home learning with all the teachers videos and resources posted.

Just a few comments: 
Belleville is bigger in size but has specialist teachers, meaning Music, art, PE, Gymnastics, Games, French... are  not taught by your child's teacher. 
Honeywell does not require the children to wear an uniform, whereas Belleville has one, albeit not very strict or complicated. 

All the best

[curly]

I have experience of both as I have one child in each. If I had my time again I would choose Honeywell.

Belleville has got too big, it has become less about the children and more about the business. The teachers and support staff are lovely and trying their hardest but the ethos has changed over the last few years.

Honeywell has a much more nurturing approach and is smaller so feels more personal.

Just my opinion.