Uncategorized | Heritage

Highlights of Year 4’s Camp

One of the highlights of Year 4 is the much anticipated annual overnight camp which takes place in June. This year we arrived at the beautiful tree-filled site at Abington in gloriously sunny weather, and the children quickly got to grips with erecting their tents. The afternoon was spent learning wood crafting skills, some basic orienteering and map reading, as well as the ever popular fire-lighting activity! After some enjoyable wide-games, the children cooked their supper over the campfire and sang songs before snuggling into their sleeping bags. For many of the children, this was their first night ‘under canvas’ and everyone slept remarkably well. The children returned home after a hearty breakfast the following morning, very much looking forward to their longer camp in the Peak District next year.

Silver DofE Expedition Completed

Before leaving Heritage, Y11 set off for their Silver D ofE expedition in Shropshire and the weather looked perfect for walking. There was absolutely no forecast of any rain. In fact, they actually suffered from rather too much sun which was quite a trial during the three days with their heavy rucksacks. Not deterred, the groups carried on in remarkable spirits, some even finding that local farmers were more than happy for them to knock on the door to refill their water bottles. (A wise move, rather than becoming dehydrated.) Each of the three groups followed their pre-planned routes through the beautiful and hilly countryside of Shropshire, navigating their way successfully to their campsite for the next night’s rest. The gorgeous sunny evenings were just right for camping and there were many reports of some excellent nights’ sleep. Everyone finished in high spirits and some groups were even able to run from Wales to England and back again at the end of their expedition! Well done to all who took part.

Pupils were then required to make a short presentation about their expedition during Senior Assembly, to complete and sign off their qualifying expedition.

A Capstone Course for Year 11 Leavers

Year 11 finished their time at Heritage with a Capstone Course designed to provide the Leavers with an opportunity to build on their Heritage education and send them off motivated to live thoughtful and purposeful lives.

During the four-morning course at Emmanuel College taught by Dr. Greg Jesson, a University Philosophy Professor, the pupils considered the dominant philosophies of contemporary society, and explored how these ‘world views’ shape modern thought, culture and public policy. The Year 11s, (who last week were completing their 50-kilometre Silver Duke of Edinburgh walking and camping expedition in Shropshire,) were encouraged to examine various philosophical ‘maps’ and to test their suitability for navigating everyday life.

“The vision of Heritage is to develop students motivated to live well, confident in themselves, skilfully and creatively engaged with ideas, with others, and with the world around them,” said Headmaster Jason Fletcher. “We hope they will be willing to live in the service of others.” This final course at Heritage is in support of that vision.

Heritage’s 4th Annual Screen Free Week

This week is an important event in the life of the school – and one we strongly encourage all families to be involved in: Heritage Screen Free Week. The idea is that after school, in the evenings, and throughout the weekend of 16-17 June, pupils and preferably the whole family, do not make use of any screens. It is saying ‘no’ to: TV, movies, video games, any online activity on any type of device (tablets, laptops, phones, etc.). It is saying ‘yes’ to: quality time with your children, books, friends, toys, sport, painting, music, climbing trees, bikes, writing a story, cooking, baking, board games, walks, museums, etc. That is, it is saying ‘yes’ to more space in your life to do other things, even to allow yourself and your children to feel bored!

The reason for holding our 4th annual Screen Free Week is to help us all think about our patterns of screen use, and to redress the balance. Research (see e.g. the Ofcom website) tells us that screen-based leisure activity fills an average of 4-7 hours per day for children aged 3-15, and about 6 hours per day for typical adults. The amount of time spent reading is pitiful by comparison, not to mention the myriad of other healthy activities that are displaced by our excessive dependence upon screens for entertainment.

Parents have been invited to a Parent Information and Discussion Evening looking at screen use ; summarising some of the latest trends and statistics, looking at the issues raised by commentators and researchers recently and talking through strategies we can deploy as parents.

Teachers too have been encouraged to take the challenge! Charlotte Mason advocates teachers growing in knowledge and broadening their relationships with things just as they expect their pupils to be doing.

We believe this is a wonderful opportunity to try to find ways to relax and unwind that don’t involve being on line, on social media or watching things. We hope you will agree!

A Trip to The Globe

Year 9 spent an enriching day on London’s Southbank. Starting with a picnic lunch in the sunshine by the Thames, they then spent the afternoon watching a fantastic performance of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ at The Globe. It was a touring production, involving a very talented cast who all played double roles with great skill. Pupils found the funny parts hilarious, asking ‘Is it supposed to be that funny? Did they add bits?!’ and the serious parts dark and unsettling. We finished our afternoon with another picnic al fresco and a short browse around the Tate Modern, doing our best to interpret the most abstract of pieces.

A Review from Owain Williams, Y9

When we went to see ‘The Merchant of Venice’ in London a lot of the class were worried that they would just be bored for the entire performance. However, by the end, everyone admitted that they really enjoyed the whole thing. The play was funnier when performed on stage and the entire audience of the play burst out laughing multiple times during the performance.

Everyone in the class agreed that the highlight of the performance was the Prince of Morroco. The actress had a stunning accent which was only made more impressive by the fact that there were only eight actors and actresses in the entire performance playing the various roles. The troupe was also performing two other Shakespeare plays around the same time!

Everyone really enjoyed the play and hope we can have another school trip to The Globe theatre soon.