During February half-term  a group of 12 Year 9 and 10 pupils set out for Dax ( a medium-sized spa town near the Spanish border) accompanied by Mme Haddow and Mme Smith. This is the first time that Heritage has run a language exchange, but pupils and staff alike were charmed by the warmth and hospitality of their host families.

Careful groundwork had been laid and pupils had had the opportunity to email and even skype their prospective exchange partners. As a result, they felt that they knew them fairly well before they left England. Nonetheless, courage was required as we emerged into the arrivals hall of Bordeaux airport!

The weather was beautiful throughout our stay and the French families made a huge effort for our pupils, who amongst other things, visited Spain, went skiing and spent time at the beach, for the area offered an abundant supply of all three. Strong friendships were developed and all pupils would say that their language skills had come on by leaps and bounds.

We are looking forward to the return visit at the end of May.

World Book Day – a highlight in the Heritage calendar was enjoyed once again this year, with all of the Infant and Junior school in costume and many of the Seniors joining in too. Much of the day was focussed on celebrating books, with special visits for some classes from author; Sylvia Carr, and illustrator; Adam Larkum – both Heritage parents.

Adam brought in pencil drawings and final inked artwork to show Y3 & Y4 the process of illustration. They all had great fun drawing a horse and rider and a motorbike together. He explained to Y6 & Y7 pupils how a publisher works with an illustrator to develop a piece of artwork for a book or newspaper. Adam said ‘It was great to stand in front of such a fun audience talk to them about something I enjoy doing so much.’

Sylvia led a creative writing session for Y3 & Y4 reviewing the elements of fiction before discussing and practising different points of view.
With Y6 & Y7 she discussed some of the different types of professional writing; news writing, essay writing, advertising / copywriting, fiction writing, before commissioning pupils to try them out in groups.