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Year 3 explored the theme of attention, demonstrating what they have learned about focusing their minds in different ways

Year 3 Explores the Power of Attention in Class Assembly

In their recent Class Assembly, Year 3 explored the theme of attention, demonstrating what they have learned about focusing their minds in different ways. Through their performances, the children demonstrated three types of attention: floodlight, flashlight, and laser light. These terms were used to explain how we sometimes focus on everything around us, at other times concentrate on a single task, and at the most intense level, pay attention to fine details.

The assembly also highlighted how this understanding of attention connects to their studies. From identifying birdsong during nature walks to engaging with The Secret Garden, the children showed how focus is an essential element of learning. The assembly concluded with a group reading of The Man with the Violin, based on the true story of Joshua Bell, the renowned American violinist who famously performed incognito in a Washington D.C. subway station. (Only seven people stopped to listen for more than a minute!) This heartwarming story emphasized the importance of noticing the beauty in everyday moments.

Their engaging presentation helped Year 3 pupils and their audience reflect on the importance of attention in everyday life and learning.

Inspiring Figures: Year 6 Reflects on Courage, Creativity, and Determination

In their recent Class Assembly, Year 6 pupils shared presentations on a range of inspiring figures from history and today, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Marie Curie, known for her pioneering work in radioactivity, was featured as a symbol of perseverance in science. The pupils also spoke about Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and World War II survivor, whose story of resilience left a lasting impact. They paid tribute to Paralympians and other athletes who have overcome challenges, celebrating their determination and strength.

The assembly also touched on literary figures like J.K. Rowling, who inspired millions with her storytelling, and Anne Frank, whose courage during difficult times continues to resonate. David Livingstone was presented as an example of courage and self-sacrifice in his explorations, and Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity was introduced as a transformative discovery in science.

Greta Thunberg was highlighted as a modern-day reformer, emphasizing the importance of standing up for environmental issues. Through their presentations, the pupils reflected on how these individuals, past and present, have shaped the world with their courage, creativity, and determination.

In their recent Class Assembly, Year 6 pupils at Heritage School shared presentations on a range of inspiring figures from history and today, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Marie Curie, known for her pioneering work in radioactivity, was featured as a symbol of perseverance in science. The pupils also spoke about Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete and World War II survivor, whose story of resilience left a lasting impact. They paid tribute to Paralympians and other athletes who have overcome challenges, celebrating their determination and strength.

The assembly also touched on literary figures like J.K. Rowling, who inspired millions with her storytelling, and Anne Frank, whose courage during difficult times continues to resonate. David Livingstone was presented as an example of courage and self-sacrifice in his explorations, and Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity was introduced as a transformative discovery in science.

Greta Thunberg was highlighted as a modern-day reformer, emphasizing the importance of standing up for environmental issues. Through their presentations, the pupils reflected on how these individuals, past and present, have shaped the world with their courage, creativity, and determination.

Heritage pupils enjoy waffles during their Normandy Trip

A Normandy Adventure

As part of our foreign language programme in the Senior School, we are committed to creating experiences that offer pupils the chance to travel abroad, engaging with both the language and culture they study.

From October 3-6, a group of 47 pupils from Years 8-11 embarked on a memorable trip to Normandy, guided by Mrs Austin, Mrs Fleck, Mr Hulett, Mrs Lowe, and Mrs Scarlata. Blessed with clear autumn skies, the four-day adventure offered a blend of cultural discoveries, language practice, and camaraderie.

After a scenic ferry crossing and some relaxed time on the beach, pupils arrived in the charming fishing village of Criel-sur-Mer, where they stayed in a language immersion center tailored for authentic French experiences. Language practice was woven into the trip, with engaging activities led by French-speaking ‘animateurs’. These skilled guides facilitated group games and discussions that helped students gain confidence in their French, making language learning fun and dynamic.

Each day also brought new adventures. In Rouen, pupils explored winding medieval streets, marveled at the grand cathedral, and soaked up the town’s history. They toured a local cider farm, learning about the region’s renowned cider-making tradition. The travelers also enjoyed relaxed time on the beautiful Normandy coast under dazzling sunshine. On their way out, they visited the fascinating Nausicaa aquarium, where they encountered a variety of marine life and learned about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.

The Normandy trip was altogether a rich, multidimensional experience, deepening pupils’ cultural awareness and fostering friendships along the way. We look forward to offering more such adventures that bring language learning to life.

A Screen-Free Education with Top Results: Heritage Featured in The Sunday Times

Photo credit: CHRIS RADBURN FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES/TIMES MEDIA LTD

We are delighted that The Sunday Times has featured Heritage School in its most recent issue, highlighting our innovative, screen-free approach to education. Heritage has emerged, the article says, as ‘a pioneer of the type of education many parents are desperately seeking for their children.’

‘Thought to be the UK’s only screen-free school’, the article explains that Heritage offers a rich curriculum that makes room for poetry, nature walks, enrichment, classical music and fine art – all while consistently achieving top academic results. It continues, ‘They also get the second-best GCSE results in the city, after the Perse School. Last year, 74 per cent of GCSE results at Heritage were scored 7-9, against an average of 22 per cent in England.’

The article underscores the significant benefits of our book and textbook based learning model, which, Mr Fletcher says, ‘actually delivers better outcomes. That’s because printed matter does a better job of cultivating the habit of sustained attentive engagement, the necessary precondition for effective learning.’

Having visited the school several times, actress Sophie Winkleman is quoted as saying, ‘I would love to join forces with someone and open many more Heritages around the country. If my husband and I weren’t stuck in London for work, I’d move there like a shot.’

Following on from the article, Mr Fletcher was interviewed for the Times Radio Breakfast show, where he discussed the reasons behind the school’s low-tech approach. He explained, ‘We’re trying to encourage our pupils to engage attentively with a knowledge-rich curriculum, because that is the thing that should be right at the heart of education.’ He noted that a book based approach to learning has worked for over 500 years, and he drew attention to the old adage, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’

We are encouraged by the growing movement to re-evaluate the role that technology is having in the lives of children, including in schools. Heritage wholeheartedly supports the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign, and the associated movement for smartphone free schools. We believe the role of EdTech in schools today also needs urgent re-appraisal.

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to providing an ‘education for life’ – one that engages our pupils with an inspiring, knowledge-rich curriculum. Over the past 17 years, we have seen that this works; it enables our pupils to realise their potential and grow into young people able to contribute to the common good.

The full article can be found on The Sunday Times website. (You will need a subscription—or can sign up for a free trial subscription—to view the full article.)

The interview with Mr Fletcher can be found on the Times Radio web page (skip ahead to 03:48:28). Note that you will need to register but it’s free to listen. There is also an earlier segment (from 1:56:20) where Sian Griffiths, The Sunday Times Education Editor, speaks about Heritage School.

We invite prospective parents and pupils to visit our school and explore our approach further.

Outstanding 2024 GCSE Results

We are delighted to share the outstanding success of our pupils in the 2024 GCSE exams, further solidifying Heritage School’s reputation for academic excellence.

This year’s results surpassed last year’s achievements, with an impressive:

86% of grades awarded 9-6 (national average 37%),
74% awarded 9-7 (national average 23%),
55% awarded 9 or 8 (national average 13%),
36% awarded the top grade of 9 (national average 5%).

Headmaster Jason Fletcher announced the results, saying, ‘Our Year 11 pupils have done extremely well in their exams this year, and we are very proud of each one of them. Yet again, our pupils have exceeded what standardised assessments predicted they would achieve, showing that Heritage is a school that adds significant value. Our small size and our distinctive knowledge-rich, book-based culture really do work and enable our pupils to thrive in many important ways, including academically.’

Our 2024 leavers are set to continue their academic journeys at a variety of institutions, including The Perse School, King’s Ely Sixth Form, Stephen Perse Sixth Form, Chesterton Sixth Form, Hills Road Sixth Form College, Long Road Sixth Form College, Comberton Sixth Form, Impington International College, and The Oakes College Cambridge.

For a summary of our 2024 results and a look at our GCSE performance since 2016, please visit the exam results page on our website. There you can also find our exceptional value-added data which shows that in recent years our pupils have, on average, achieved 1.3 grades higher than expected in every subject. You can also explore the future pathways of our alumni to both sixth form and university on the alumni page.