Headteacher's Welcome
Our distinctive features include a strong inclusive ethos where children are kept at the heart of all we do. At Hillcross, diversity of experience, culture and individual qualities are enjoyed and appreciated and everyone is treated with a sense of equality and dignity. As a result, all members of our community has the confidence to share experiences and ideas.
Our ‘Thinking School’ status and child centred approach to teaching and learning encourages and supports children to become enthusiastic, positive and resilient learners. Our children feel safe and secure at school. They are willing to have a go at new things, they are not afraid to ask for help and feel bold enough to accept challenges Our staff and governors have a clear focus on raising standards in all aspects of the curriculum by inspiring children in their learning whilst also ensuring children develop the personal and social skills they need to be successful in life.
Our bespoke curriculum focuses on the key knowledge and skills children need to learn across all subject areas and ensures children engage with relevant, meaningful and motivational learning experiences that are tailored to the needs of each individual and ensures every child learns in an exciting and stimulating way.
Our large, well-organised physical environment is fully utilised to support children’s learning and personal development. Children have access to spacious and well-equipped classrooms, a number of smaller learning hubs, the school hall, a library, a spacious ICT suite, a gym, a studio hall (perfect for dance, drama and music lessons) and a well-equipped music room.
We are very excited to be developing other subject specific learning spaces over the next few years which will include a cooking room, an Art Studio, a Design and Technology Workshop and a Science Laboratory.
The outside space includes a large playing field, a multipurpose sports arena, a wooded area, an allotment, two trim trails, an outdoor gym and an abundance of playground markings that encourage social and physical activity. The Nursery, Reception and Year One children have access to their own outdoor learning spaces, all with a covered area to enable continuous learning opportunities throughout the day.
We believe full partnership with all members of our community is the best way to ensure success for our children and therefore encourage others to engage in school life. Parents are encouraged to get involved in a range of ways including parent workshops, membership of the PTA, attending performances, volunteering in school and accompanying classes on school trips. We have close links with our local community and with others who are further afield. Visitors to our school always comment on the warm and positive atmosphere in school and take pleasure from the children’s enthusiasm for learning, their excellent behaviour and friendliness.
I am extremely proud of our school. The amazing efforts of our school community are reflected not only in the children’s strong academic outcomes but in the many other achievements, both in and out of school, that are celebrated by all.
Lisa Francis
Headteacher
