23rd March 2024Personal Development
At Hinchley Wood Primary School, we want all pupils to become global citizens that are well- equipped for life in modern Britain. Our curriculum is carefully designed to give children rich and varied experiences throughout their time at primary school to help them develop an understanding of the world.
Alongside our curriculum, we place great importance in the wider aspects of school life that help pupils discover and develop their talents and ambitions through activities which broaden their horizons. Enriching experiences, educational visits and extra-curricular opportunities are integral to the experiences of pupils and their personal development.
Pupil Parliament
All pupils are given the opportunity to have their opinions heard during Pupil Parliament sessions. These are held termly and children from all classes in Years 2-6 attend. Each session has a different focus and pupils are asked for their feedback on a range of topics such as behaviour, teaching and learning or e safety. Pupils in Reception and Year 1 classes are posed similar questions in a more familiar classroom format. This feedback is then collated and used to drive decision making across the school community.
Pupil Leadership
We believe that children thrive and develop self-confidence when provided with opportunities to lead others. At Hinchley Wood Primary children in upper key stage two are able to put themselves forward for a wide range of leadership roles that include the following:
- Sports Crew
- Wellbeing Ambassadors
- Pupil Ambassadors
- Librarians
Themed Weeks and Days
Throughout the academic year we use a number of whole school themed weeks to highlight key learning for children and provide them with enriching learning experiences beyond the usual curriculum. These include:
- Black History Month
- World First Aid Day
- Feel Good Week
- Sustainability Week
- World Book Week
- Children’s Mental Health Day
Pupils also enjoy a wide range of themed days that are linked to their curriculum. These help to immerse pupils in particular topics and provide them with memorable learning experiences. These include Seaside Day in Year 1, Caribbean day in Year 3, Spanish day and Egyptian day in Year 4, Viking day in Year 5 and Greek day in Year 6.
Residential Trips and Visits
Throughout their time at Hinchley Wood Primary, pupils have the opportunity to enjoy visitors, workshops, day trips and residentials. These include visits to Bocketts Farm in Reception, Chessington Zoo in Year 1, Nower Wood in Year 2, Hampton Court Palace and Butser Farm in Year 3, Thames Young Mariners in Year 5 and Junior Citizen and Brooklands museum in Year 6.
Pupils in Year 4 experience an overnight residential trip to the Gordon Brown centre and Year 6 enjoy a residential to Marchant’s Hill.
Sports and Clubs
Our PE curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn an extensive variety of different sports including yoga, dodgeball, handball, netball, rugby, football, hockey, dance, gymnastics, tennis, badminton, cricket, swimming, rounders, volleyball, basketball, athletics and orienteering. Children are able to explore their sporting interests further during local competitive events. We participate in many competitions throughout the year and are members of the Esher District Primary School Sports Association. Children also have the opportunity to take part in Bikeability in both Year 4 and Year 6.
Our after school clubs offer is varied and includes options for children of all age groups. Clubs on offer include ballet, gymnastics, street dance, football, multi skills, dodgeball, judo, French, Spanish, Hockey, Techno kids, chess, netball, cricket, musical theatre, ukulele and recorder.
The Arts
Our curriculum provides all children with many opportunities to experience drama, art and music. Pupils have the opportunity to perform in the Reception Christmas concert, Year 2 Nativity, class assemblies and the Year 6 Production.
To inspire children and promote a love for the arts, pupil also enjoy visits from local artist Lisa Tolley and a magician. We have also provided opportunities for children to enjoy live theatre productions and pantomimes at school.
Outdoor Learning
We are incredibly lucky to have an extensive outdoor classroom including a fire circle, den building area and allotment. All teachers are encouraged to use outdoor learning experiences to enrich their curriculum delivery throughout the year. Outdoor learning allows children to demonstrate their understanding in creative ways whilst enjoys the benefits of nature. It also promotes a love for the outdoors.
