An Inspirational Leavers Service

On a very sunny Saturday at the end of June 2018, Heritage School gathered together at Panton Hall with a wonderful cohort of eighteen Y11 pupils, their families, friends and teachers, to celebrate finishing one chapter of their education and to encourage and envision them as they step into the next stage of their lives.
Headgirl, Rachel Stratfold, gave a heartfelt and moving address of her time at Heritage, appreciating the many ways in which she felt she had grown and matured in her studies and as a person. Headboy, Arjun Sanghera in his winsome and thoughtful speech, had the gathered audience ‘eating out of his hand’. Both paid tributes to their peers in a generous and delightful way.
Mr and Mrs Fletcher gave tributes to each of the graduating pupils and their teachers and after a rousing rendition of the song ‘You Raise me Up’ by the Leavers, Mr Fletcher finished with a talk. He presented a picture of life as a journey and the need for a ‘map’ or world view to help negotiate the many directions and narratives that could confront, confuse and knock them off course in trying to pursue ‘the good life’. In this context he commended the Christian world view as leading to a rich, ethical and flourishing life.
A wonderful tea back in the school playground, with pupils, parents and grandparents, teachers and some 2016 graduates and new prefect team serving the refreshments and array of delicious cakes, gave a happy opportunity for all to mingle.
The evening finished with a meal and dance in Panton Hall, the Leavers dressed to impress and ready to take their place in the world! Mr Fletcher too, was nattily dressed in black tie for rounds of roulette and blackjack while Mr Appleyard demonstrated his out-of-school persona as an awesome DJ!
Congratulations and every success to all for the future.

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!