4 minute read
TALKING HEAD
STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH SCHEME
THE PERFECT BLEND
Absolutely Yorkshire meets Nick James, Head of Hipperholme Grammar, to discover how the school o ers the best of all worlds
Q What is the ethos behind Hipperholme Grammar’s educational approach?
A We sum up our purpose in the phrase ‘Nurture, Inspire, Achieve’. This means we see our children’s wellbeing and personal development as being paramount; our pastoral care was recognised by ISI in our last inspection as being excellent. Our teachers have the skills and experience to inspire our children both within and beyond the classroom, with high quality and personalised teaching, and a wide range of activities and educational visits to supplement the curriculum. As a result our pupils achieve highly, both in terms of academic success, personal development and self-confidence.
Q Are there any elements of school life you feel makes you stand out?
A Many of our parents and pupils value our relatively small size, both as a school and in individual classes, most of which are less than 20 pupils. This allows for a real focus on the individual both in terms of academic development and pastoral care. Where issues do arise we are able to quickly intervene and
NICK JAMES
resolve. We work very closely with parents, who regularly comment on the school’s ‘family feel’, with an active and thriving Families’ and Friends’ Association. The pupils are happy in school and are proud to belong to Hipperholme Grammar. There is a strong House identity: they like to compete with each other and in sport and other competitions. They co-operate well and are considerate to each other, and are unfailingly polite and love to show visitors round school. We are a diverse school community where inclusion and respect for all is central. Being a through-
SPORTS DAY
A FOOD PREP CLASS
school from age 3 to 16 ensures continuity and stability both academically and socially.
Q How would you sum up the curriculum you follow at the school?
A The curriculum is certainly broad and balanced with a wide range of subjects taught. In addition to the core subjects all Year 7 and 8 study languages (French and German), the humanities, computer science, art, design, music, and food preparation and nutrition. This curriculum develops a wide range of skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as allowing for informed GCSE choices. Option choices are made in Year 8 to allow for a 3-year GCSE course in all subjects, which our pupils and parents really value. Many of our pupils choose separate science at GCSE, whilst others opt for the combined science (double award) route. The Junior curriculum is rich and varied with plenty of opportunities for trips and visits to bring subjects to life. The older Junior children enjoy being taught some lessons by specialist teachers and using Seniors’ facilities.
Q If we were to visit a typical classroom, what would we fi nd?
A We invite prospective parents to attend our Open Morning tours with the school in session so you can see for yourself. You’ll fi nd enthusiastic and welcoming teachers, alongside engaged and well behaved pupils. You’ll see use being made of technology as a learning tool; Senior pupils are equipped with a 1 to 1 Chromebook, with class sets for Juniors, and we make extensive use of Google Classroom; Promethean fl at panel displays are now standard in all classrooms. But our approach is very much a blended one; alongside technology our pupils also learn through traditional methods.
Q How important is what happens outside the classroom?
A In short, very important! Sport is a big feature of school life with regular competitive fi xtures against other independent and local schools in netball, rugby, football, athletics, cross country and cricket. We are regular participants in ISA (Independent Schools’ Association) tournaments and events. We also strongly encourage sport for the sake of participation and the benefi ts it brings in terms of mental and physical health, so lunchtime activities including basketball, badminton and table tennis are popular and well attended. Music is another great strength of the school with opportunities for choral participation, instrumental tuition and a musical theatre group. This sits alongside a range of other activities including Book Club, Science Club and Origami Club to name but three. Educational visits are frequent and popular, including visits to local museums, castles, and outdoor activity centres. Our business studies students have just returned from a residential in London and our linguists head to Paris in the spring! Duke of Edinburgh is very well supported, with great expedition country on our doorstep in the South Pennines and Yorkshire Dales.
Q When pupils leave you, what are they prepared for?
A Our pupils leave us ready to face the challenges of their lives ahead of them. They are equipped with the skills, resilience and self-confi dence to make their mark in the world. They leave with great academic results and usually move on to the leading Sixth Form providers in the area to take their A-levels.
Q What does 2023 hold in store?
A I’m looking forward to all the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead; to seeing our pupils thrive and succeed in their various ways. And to some warmer weather; at the time of writing it’s minus 4 degrees outside during the day!
