Uncategorized | Heritage

Year 8 Enrich Their Studies with a Visit to the British Museum

Year 8 pupils brought their study of Classical Languages and History to life during an enriching visit to the British Museum, accompanied by Latin & Greek teacher Mr Burden and History teacher Mr Wayman, who expertly guided them through the exhibits. The trip provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of ancient cultures and connect classroom learning with historical artefacts.

The pupils examined the Parthenon sculptures, noting both the artistry and craftsmanship of these works, and studied the intricate frieze, carved in low relief, which once encircled the Parthenon’s inner colonnade, offering insights into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Athens. Another highlight was exploring the treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial, which revealed the cultural connections of early medieval England.

This hands-on exploration, guided by their teachers, enriched the pupils’ understanding of the ancient world, highlighting connections between language, culture, and art that remain influential to this day.

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Heritage Featured in ITV News Report for Smartphone-Free Approach

Heritage School was highlighted in an ITV News report on Friday, November 22, as a leading example of a school that has banned smartphones from the outset. In the segment, which explored the growing movement against smartphone use among children, Heritage stood out for its longstanding policy.

Headmaster Jason Fletcher explained the rationale: ‘We’ve been smartphone-free since the very beginning because we’ve always seen that attention is fundamental to learning. It’s the gateway to learning, so smartphones and distraction, in a sense, are the enemy of the deep education that we want for our pupils.’

Heritage pupils interviewed in the report echoed this sentiment, remarking on their ability to be more attentive in class and interact with peers at break time, and commenting on the positive impact of the policy for building community in the school.

The story also featured the growing Smartphone-Free Childhood campaign, started by two mothers concerned about the impact of smartphones on children’s mental health and education. Thousands of parents across the UK, including 1,700 in Cambridge, have pledged to delay giving smartphones to their children until the end of Year 9.

The piece further explored how parents are turning to ‘dumb phones’ as a less distracting alternative and included insights from mobile operators and retailers, as well as a look at the upcoming Online Safety Act.

Heritage’s proactive position on smartphones underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where children can flourish academically and socially, free from the distractions of modern technology.

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Year 7 Journey Through Natural History

Year 7 pupils have been exploring some of the wonders of our natural world this term through a unique Natural History enrichment course. The series began with students cleaning, identifying, and sketching fossils and rocks from the school’s own collection, learning to recognize details in specimens that reveal ancient life. They then ventured onto a geology trail in Cambridge, discovering the origins of the stones used in famous local buildings and spotting fossils embedded in historic structures, bringing the story of Cambridge’s landscape to life. The following week took them back in time at the Sedgwick Museum, where they explored the earth’s vast history through its incredible fossil collections. Finally, students walked in the footsteps of Darwin, touring his Cambridge home, examining Darwin’s finches at the Museum of Zoology, and looking into the development and impact of his theory of natural selection.

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Heart Breakfast Features Mr Fletcher Discussing Social Media’s Impact on Teen Well-being and Education

On Wednesday, 13th November, Heart Radio Cambridge featured Heritage School Headmaster, Mr Jason Fletcher, in several brief segments throughout the morning. In a conversation focused on supporting pupils’ well-being and academic growth, Mr Fletcher raised thoughtful concerns about the effects of excessive screen time and social media use among young people.

While Heart Radio’s introduction of the topic may have highlighted some of the more concerning outcomes, Mr Fletcher emphasized the positive potential of moderation and guidance. He noted that high screen time—whether from social media, gaming, or streaming—can lead to ‘opportunity costs,’ where activities that nurture learning, physical health, and personal connections may be displaced. Drawing on his experience in education, he expressed support for further public dialogue on healthy technology use and encouraged the exploration of age-appropriate social media policies, similar to proposals being discussed in Australia.

Year 8 Impress with a Tempestuous Tale

This term, Year 8 pupils delighted their audience with a highly original and entertaining production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The performance featured modern costumes, a sprinkling of songs including from The Greatest Showman, and a distinctive adaptation that director Mrs Burden described as ‘darker and more strange’ than previous years.

The play’s dreamlike confusion was intentionally brought to life, with Mrs Burden preparing the audience beforehand: ‘There will, without doubt, be times when you’re not quite sure what’s going on- which is absolutely as it should be!’ The Year 8 cast delivered a superb performance, demonstrating a confidence that has grown with each year’s production.

Bringing this Shakespearean masterpiece to life was no small feat, requiring the pupils to tackle complex text and make it clear, compelling, and alive. Mrs Burden praised them for their hard work, marveling at the sheer amount of text they memorised and delivered with passion. Reflecting on the play’s deeper meaning, she highlighted Shakespeare’s message of forgiveness: ‘Instead of darkness and despair, you have beauty and brightness—a comedy, not a tragedy. How much more beautiful the world would be if we all embraced forgiveness.’

The production also owed much of its magic to the backstage team, which included Miss Monk’s expert lighting and Mrs Lowe’s music and sound work.

Year 8’s The Tempest was a thought-provoking performance that was a pleasure to watch. As Mrs Burden said, ‘They brought the text alive, and it was wonderful!’

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