First Heritage Alumni Reunion Held on Zoom

28 Heritage alumni and teachers gathered on Zoom last Thursday for a first-ever alumni reunion. Mr and Mrs Fletcher kicked off the evening with an update on the life of the school, including a photo of Mr Fletcher’s tiling work from the senior assembly that week — a reminder to the attendees of some of his popular assemblies from their own days at school.

Talks from alumni followed, beginning with former pupil Alice Taylor who gave an update about her plans for post-university training in Canada in the field of Psychology. Alumnae Maisie Fletcher and Katie Budd then shared fascinating stories about their gap year experience with Amazing Grace School in Uganda.

Mr and Mrs Fletcher next updated attendees about a gap year programme recently established for Heritage alumni. Each year, one of our post-sixth form alumni will have an opportunity to spend an academic year providing teaching assistant support for various classrooms throughout the school. It was announced that alumna Leah Monmont will be taking on the gap year position for the 2021-22 academic year.

Finally, the evening ended with time for former classmates and teachers to catch up with one another in smaller breakout groups.

It was special and inspiring to see each of our former pupils who were able to join the reunion. It is our hope that all of our alumni will remain personally connected to the school throughout their lifetime, so you can look forward to more of these events in years to come.

 

 

 

Year 6 Independent Research Projects

During the spring term, Year 6 pupils were asked to research and prepare a project on a topic of their choosing as part of the Heritage Independent Research Project, a programme designed to create opportunities for self-directed  learning. The class then presented their findings at the start of the summer term.

The children chose a wide range of topics to investigate, including:

  • Is the increase in Cellar spiders resulting in the decrease of Giant House spiders?
  • What did cakes look and taste like through history?
  • What does the Greek Goddess Athena say about Ancient Greek culture?
  • Comparing and contrasting Chinese and Spanish styles of buildings, in writing and using a model

The wide range of topics and the excellent quality of the presentations demonstrated a diverse range of personal interests within the class, as well as plenty of hard work and independent thought taken on by each of the pupils. Last week, a special lunch time session provided an opportunity for the class to have a look at one another’s projects and discuss what they had learned with adults in attendance, which included Mr Fletcher, Mrs Fletcher, Mrs Pilkington and Mrs Parkinson. Pupils were presented with certificates and enjoyed some special treats to celebrate their hard work and learning.

 

Year 5 Learn About Nigeria

Year 5 pupils were excited to welcome two of our parents for a special Enrichment lesson about Nigeria. The visit was interesting, educational — and tasty, thanks to the delicious snacks that were kindly provided. The children celebrated by dressing up in clothes from Nigeria or the colours of the flag.

The class was inspired to learn about the ‘can do’ attitude that resonates so well with the ideas of Charlotte Mason. Thank you so much to our guests for a wonderful time together!

Student

Former Pupil’s Impressive Win

Congratulations to Heritage alumna Laura Burton, winner of this year’s National Schools’ Regatta Championship Girls’ Single Sculls⁠⁠, competing for Cambridge 99 Rowing Club. Take a look from the 4:20 mark in this video for the exciting moments when Laura (in the black boat) takes the lead!

 

 

 

Welcome Finance Officer Swati Bagla

We are pleased to welcome new staff member Swati Bagla:

‘I am delighted to join Heritage as the Finance Officer. I moved to the UK from India in 2006 with my husband and two children, and have spent most of my career working in finance operations for medium to large corporations. I appreciate the welcoming and friendly environment at Heritage, and the good work-life balance that this role provides. In my free time I enjoy taking dance-fitness classes, and working on my embroidery and other crafts. I am looking forward to meeting and working together with all of you.