Star-listed in ‘The Good Schools Guide’
Pupils of all ages have excellent knowledge, skills and understanding, effectively applying these across all subjects.
– Independent Schools Inspectorate 2022
The transition from our Junior School, or any primary school, to Senior School is a big step for any child. We support every pupil throughout their full school journey from children to young adults. We place emphasis on independence and social responsibility, and encourage self-motivation and self-confidence
Every pupil will be made to feel like a key part of our community from their very first day, no matter what primary or Junior School they have attended.
community through the House system.
While the majority of pupils join the Senior School at Year 7, making the transition from either our Junior School or another primary school, pupils join the Senior School throughout the year groups and everyone is always welcomed into the family.
As Head of the Lower School and Middle School we are here to support our pupils throughout their time at Hymers and we look forward to welcoming you.
We are committed to every pupil’s happiness and progress. Parents are welcome to contact teachers individually if they have any concerns. We also have a system for reporting progress which includes academic reports, regular parents’ evenings and termly grade cards. Our team of specialist staff are on hand to provide advice throughout the academic year.
Induction Days are held during the second half of the Summer Term for Year 7 and for those joining at other entry points.
We have recently reinstated the House system in the Senior School. As well as inter-house competitions, students can gain House points in various activities for their House: Brandesburton, Trinity, Holderness and Gore.
Pupils moving up from our Junior School will continue in their allocated house throughout the Senior School.
All pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, French, Spanish, Latin, History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Drama, Music, Reading Skills, Religious Education, Physical Education, Swimming, Games and Personal, Social and Health Education.
As well as continuing the syllabus from Year 7, Science is taught as separate subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Pupils have an element of choice in their curriculum, choosing to pursue a range of subjects from language, creative and expressive disciplines.
Pupils start to build on individual strengths and interests, without limiting options for further study. The curriculum is still broad, but allows every pupil the chance to excel in their favourite subjects.
Every pupil will study GCSE English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and either the Science Trilogy course (worth two GCSEs) or all three Sciences as separate subjects.
There is also a morning or afternoon of Games each week.
Building on their core timetable, pupils can choose 4 or 5 further options. In support of their various studies, pupils across the Senior School will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of school trips.
We encourage all students to participate fully in creative and expressive disciplines through a host of opportunities, whether timetabled or co-curricular.
With our bespoke facilities, students with a flair for Art and Design Technology are able to channel their creativity. Visits to galleries, exhibitions and museums and participation in national competitions, all enrich the co-curricular programme for these students.
With the many orchestras, ensembles and choirs, we offer our pupils with a passion for music have the perfect opportunity to showcase their musical talents both in school and out in the community.
Those students wishing to study Drama will learn how to develop their interpersonal and performance skills whilst exploring all aspects of theatre production. Drama Club is open to all and everyone is encouraged to take part in our school productions.
Every pupil in the Senior School is encouraged to participate in sporting activity and exercise. We have enviable facilities and we ensure our PE & Games programme is designed to cater for a wide range of talents and abilities.
We have competitive fixtures, in a range of sports, against some of the strongest sporting schools in the country. Many of our students with a passion for sport have gone on to play at an elite or representative level in their chosen sport.
In recent years we have achieved national recognition in a number of sports, reaching national finals in squash, golf, hockey, netball, athletics, cross county and winning a National Championship in badminton.
Our senior squads also have pre-season tours. In 2019, our rugby, hockey and netball teams embarked on a tour to South Africa. A tour to New Zealand is planned for 2023.
The Learning Resources Centre (LRC) is open from 8am each morning and pupils can be dropped off at school from then.
There is a parent drop-off loop for those arriving by car accessed through the main school gates. The school buses arrive into school around 8.208.30am each morning and drop pupils inside the main school gates. Pupils can also cycle to school and secure bike storage is located near the science laboratories.
The latest arrival time for pupils is 8.40am with registration and pastoral contact time starting at 8.45am.
Morning break is at 10.30am for 25 minutes and lunch and lunchtime co-curricular activities start
at 12.35pm. We have a long lunch break at Hymers to allow our pupils to have their lunch and also take part in all of the activities on offer. Afternoon registration beings at 1.50pm and afternoon lessons end at 4pm.
Pupils being collected by car should be picked up from the East Car Park. The school buses depart from the same location at drop-off - just inside the school gates - and staff are on hand to supervise pupils catching the correct bus.
For those not leaving school at 4pm, a number of after-school co-curricular activities are on offer and pupils can also stay in the LRC to complete homework.
Pupils must be collected by 6pm.