Our Philosophy

In return for the investment that parents make in sending their children to us, we offer the parent total commitment to the child’s welfare, and to their academic and social development. We want parents to feel immense pride in their child’s educational achievement but also to have complete trust and confidence in our ability

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself

John Dewey

Our school philosophy permeates through all that we do. It is not just a written statement that sits on a shelf somewhere in the Heads office. We want it to be a living, breathing and workable document that all stakeholders use in their day to day transactions in the and around the school. A document that can be understood and ‘translated’ into the classroom, on the sports field and within boarding residences – it is our commitment to the students and in return their commitment to uphold and take as much from as possible – this is the Buckswood difference.

Each term both staff and students are assessed through a session of reflection on how they have either contributed or succeeded in each of these school values. Through a solid educational philosophy that we like to call ‘the 12 Buckswood pillars’ we have one aim – that is for every learner (student and staff) to be the best they can be; and in doing so we ensure that they explore the world around them with a sense of adventure, where they discover where their skills and passions lie and gain a wealth of qualifications and experiences.

To achieve our aim, our approach is holistic. We know that in every child we must build self-confidence, self belief, a sense of worth and a sense of purpose. We offer our students many opportunities to try new things, visit new places, meet new people, because here at Buckswood we do not confine our learning to just inside the classroom, learning must feel relevant. Every one is different and we recognise and value talent wherever it chooses to form in a child; be it on the sports field, in the science labs, in the stroke of a paint brush, on a horse, or yet still to be found! Buckswood believes that education is both a journey and an adventure for all learners – ensuring that everyone has a well defined sense of purpose that can make a positive impact within society – as the school motto states – we prepare for life….

12 Pillars

The Buckswood Educational Philosophy

We aim to nurture every student so that they can be the best they can be. We foster in them an understanding that learning is fun and for life. We are a ‘spark’ to help ignite or re-ignite a sense of adventure and discovery in the process of learning. We give students a sense of purpose so that they can harness this to inform future careers.

Buckswood is inclusive for all and students are educated to understand that sport is part of life not just something to do at school, it forms part of your wellbeing, it is social and it is competitive just like the world. There are winners and losers – a good sports person can handle both and can encourage others to do the best they can.

It is our job to find the talents our students possess and to encourage each and every child to be proud of their talent, no matter what it is.It is our job to find the talents our students possess and to encourage each and every child to be proud of their talent, no matter what it is.

We want individuals to have the opportunity to reflect on life’s fundamental questions and special moments as part of their overall development. Spiritual development is characterised by reflection through and valuing of the non-material dimensions to life – so time to put the phone and computer down and reflect on the world around us.

We want students to step out of their comfort zone and to just ‘have a go’, therefore preparing them for real life… be it reading in assembly; preparing them for presenting in the future or learning to dance. We want our students to feel comfortable and act respectfully in any situation they are put in. Life is not all about jeans and jumpers, its about understanding when and how to handle a situation appropriately.

Picture leading your team to victory in a house competition, organizing an inspirational school event, or standing up to make your voice heard on issues you’re passionate about. Our Leadership Pillar is designed to give you the skills, courage, and platform to shine and be yourself!

At Buckswood, we’re all about sparking that can-do spirit and turning ideas into action, a dynamic journey where you can take the lead, navigating through challenges with confidence and creativity.

Through hands-on projects, teamwork challenges, and leadership roles across our diverse school activities, you’ll develop the resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking that real-world leaders are made of It’s about more than just taking charge-it’s about inspiring others, making a difference, and having a fun while you’re at it.

We understand that we are privileged and that there are others less fortunate therefore we have a duty to our community. At Buckswood that community starts on campus and spreads across the globe as we follow Winston Churchills saying

We want our students to have zest for life, have passion and not be afraid to try something new. You only make progress when you learn to stick your neck out and have a go!

At Buckswood School, we are committed to embedding digital literacy across our curriculum, with a special focus on understanding the intricacies of artificial intelligence (Al) and other digital technologies. We aim to prepare our students for the demands of both today and tomorrow, ensuring they are not just consumers of digital content but also creators and innovators.

Our approach goes beyond conventional education to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. We strive to equip our students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in navigating the complexities of the digital world. By fostering an environment where digital literacy flourishes, Buckswood ensures its students are ready to lead and excel in a future shaped by technology.

In the heart of riyadh we focus on teaching students about ecology and sustainability by fostering environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and exploring local ecosystems. We aim to instill a sense of global responsibility through practical activities like tree planting and recycling initiatives, helping students understand both their local and global impact on the environment.

Buckswood is a home. It is a working establishment, it is a school and most importantly it is a place of learning and friendship. As they say, many bricks make a house but much laughter, learning and fun make a school!

 Buskwood focuses on embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and teachers. With a mix of Middle Eastern students and British and American staff, we promote global understanding and respect through a curriculum that highlights different cultures and fosters cross-cultural dialogue.