Uncategorized | Heritage

Dutch Newspaper Explores Heritage’s Screen-Free Learning Culture

In mid-October, a journalist from the Dutch newspaper Trouw visited Heritage to learn about our alternative learning culture, where the distractions of screens and tech are replaced by a knowledge-rich curriculum that ‘prioritises reading books, nature and engaging in real-world activities and relationships’.

In common with other visitors to Heritage, Trouw journalist Niels Posthumus was immediately struck by the calm learning environment, as he spent time observing in the Year 5 classroom:

‘Everything in the classroom is designed to enhance their ability to focus. The lighting is soft, partly provided by table lamps. The walls display a piece of art and a world map, as in every classroom, along with some student projects. But they have deliberately been kept calm. And most importantly, there are no mobile phones, iPads, or televisions in sight. Students cannot access the internet throughout the school day—also not during breaks. Teachers … do not use electronic tools in their teaching.’

The article highlights how Heritage has been ahead of the curve, by adopting its screen-free approach from its foundation in 2007, as now an increasing number of parents, schools and governments are concerned about the dangers of giving children unlimited access to smartphones, with more schools looking to limit pupil’s smartphone use at school.

Mr Fletcher is quoted, explaining: ‘”The problem with the internet, smartphones, social media, and gaming is that they are destroying our capacity for attentive engagement…[technology] is taking an axe to the root of the tree of human flourishing.”‘ Because without the capacity to concentrate and to be curious, he argues, acquiring knowledge is difficult. It limits a child’s—and later an adult’s—potential for personal growth.’

If you have not yet visited for yourself, this article captures perfectly so much of what makes a Heritage education special and attractive; to read more, click here for an English translation of the full article, or to view the original in Dutch, with additional photographs, click here.

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.