Inquiry Learning
For Those Who Think Beyond the Classroom
The Inquiry Learning Faculty at Bede’s is a pioneering faculty that champions a “bespoke and practical” approach to education. By integrating a vast range of BTEC and vocational pathways, this faculty focuses on how pupils learn best - through application, investigation, and practical experience. It is designed for pupils who thrive when academic theory is combined with “real world” industry standards.
The Inquiry Learning Faculty offers a diverse portfolio of Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that mirror specific career sectors:
- Business, Marketing and IT: Developing the entrepreneurial and technical skills required for the modern economy, from launching advertising campaigns to managing complex data systems.
- Animal Management: Utilising the school’s unique on-site zoo, pupils gain nationally recognised qualifications in animal husbandry, conservation, and welfare - a rare offer in the UK independent sector.
- Physical Education: Fostering leadership and an empirical understanding of human performance, perfect for those moving into the elite sports or healthcare industries.
- Music Performance: A standout, "alive" subject focused on building practical music skills.
The Inquiry Ethos
The faculty is also home to the Independent Project Qualification (IPQ) and the Bede’s Diploma, which encourage pupils to become "active researchers."
- Self-Led Inquiry: Pupils are given the freedom to investigate a topic they are passionate about—be it AI ethics or marine biology—producing an artefact or thesis that showcases their ability to work independently.
- Industry Links: The faculty maintains strong ties with external professionals, ensuring that the "Inquiry" is always relevant to contemporary global standards.
The Inquiry Learning Faculty ensures that at Bede's, intelligence is defined by what you can do with your knowledge, not just what you can remember in an exam hall.