Highlights of Term 2
It has been a very busy term! Here is a quick insight into just some of the things that our students have been doing. Do look at our photo gallery to see lots more pictures.
Foundation
Apple
Apple class has been learning about different scientists and inventors, such as, Ole Kirk Christiansen, the inventor of Lego, Tim Smith, the inventor of sensory gardens, Mae Jemison, space scientist, and Linda Brown Buck, the scientist who found out about smell receptors. To help the students learn and understand how scientists and inventors work, a trip was taken to the Look Out Discovery Centre. Here students became their very own scientists and inventors for the day. Everyone had an amazing time and the day was filled with laughter and smiles.
Cherry
Cherry Class has been exploring the topic "Celebrate with Me," learning about different celebrations from around the world. They began by looking at fireworks and Diwali, creating beautiful firework pictures and Diya lamps. As part of the learning about birthdays, students discovered how they are celebrated across the globe and marked the class cat's 5th birthday by designing and writing birthday cards, playing party games, and icing cakes with Mr Stewart. Using the book "The Scarecrow's Wedding," students learnt about weddings and had fun making wedding flowers and creating their own scarecrows.
Students have also been celebrating Christmas by enjoying a theatre performance of "The Owl Who Came for Christmas", making festive crafts, and learning Christmas songs.
Primary
Pine
Pine class had an exciting trip to Wisley, where they learnt all about the plants that we can eat. Students even planted their own peas! This links to the Science topic where we have explored how to keep our bodies healthy. Everyone has got involved in food tasting and an experiment measuring our heart rate when we exercise.
Willow
In Geography, students have been looking at the United Kingdom and exploring the capital cities and countries within the UK. Students have also been exploring using compass points and directional language to describe movement. At the end of the term we will be using compasses and maps to find hidden treasure around Heathermount!
Elm
Elm Class has embarked on an exciting journey back in time to explore the fascinating world of the Romans! Using their historical knowledge and inference skills, the students became Roman detectives. Examining a range of ancient artefacts and showing their critical thinking skills, they pieced together what the possible uses may have been for each item.
Beech
Beech class visited the Roald Dahl museum in Great Missenden where they learnt about the author's exciting life and his writing habits. In History they have been learning about crime and punishment.
Oak
In Science, Oak Class have been learning about animals, including humans. Students have looked at animals and matched them with their young. They have learnt which animals lay eggs and which animals give birth to live young.
The class walked to the Post Office in Sunninghill village to post home the Christmas cards they made.
And they have finally finished the 1000 piece Lego Puzzle!
Secondary
Earth
Earth class went off-site to purchase ingredients from the local supermarket. Prior to the trip, the group made decisions about what dishes or snacks to make, researched the ingredients and a recipe. They independently looked for everything they needed and paid for their shopping using a credit card.
English
Students have been diving into a variety of exciting topics across the English curriculum!
Mercury Class: Students have been exploring the power of autobiographies through I Am Malala. They’ve been delving into Malala’s inspiring story while learning about different cultures and perspectives.
Saturn & Neptune Classes: After finishing the thought-provoking book Once by Morris Gleitzman, these classes are now spreading some festive cheer by exploring Christmas literature. They’ve even begun writing their own panto scenes - there’s plenty of humour and creativity on display!
Jupiter & Pluto Classes: These students have been studying war poetry, connecting deeply with the emotional themes. They’re now channelling their creativity into crafting Christmas-themed children’s books, which will be shared with our younger pupils - what a lovely way to celebrate the season!
Mars Class: Our hard-working GCSE students have been making excellent progress, completing all the required content for English Language. They’ve recently wrapped up the term with some impressively formal letters that demonstrated their growing skills.
This term, all students had the opportunity to visit the book fair. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm for reading, and hear some wonderful reviews of the books they’ve picked out.
It’s been a pleasure to see our students engage with such a wide range of literature and projects. Well done to all!
Maths
Primary and Secondary Students dove head first into Maths Problem-Solving Day! From tricky puzzles to brain-bending challenges, our young mathematicians were tasked with cracking a variety of mind-stretching problems.
With determination and creativity, they tackled each task, demonstrating not only their impressive maths skills but also brilliant teamwork and perseverance. It was wonderful to see the joy and enthusiasm as they collaborated, shared ideas, and celebrated their successes.
Well done to all our problem-solving stars!
Read our Maths News Article to learn what students have been doing this term in their lessons.
Science
Jupiter and Pluto have been working hard learning about inheritance. As part of the unit, they had the opportunity to be a forensic scientist. They spent some time learning about inherited and environmental variation, and then moved on to learning about different blood types and how blood typing works. Then, they were able to analyse some evidence from a crime scene and solve the crime by carrying out some blood typing themselves.
Computer Science
Mercury learnt the basics of BBC Microbit. Eduardo, who is an experienced software engineer, co-taught the lesson. Co-teaching with someone from Industry gave the students a 'real world' experience as they were able to quiz Eduardo in relation to the application of their learning in the software engineering industry.
The students really benefitted from working with another professional and, in particular, one that is from industry. They were able to get some insight into how their learning relates to the type of work they could do in industry as a software engineer.
History
In Year 9, students learnt how soldiers in World War I fought from long, narrow ditches called trenches. These trenches were muddy and filled with danger, including gas attacks. Soldiers had to wear gas masks to protect themselves from harmful chemicals that could cause serious injuries or even death. The gas masks covered their nose and mouth, letting them breathe safely and stay protected while facing threats from enemy attacks. It was an important skill that helped them survive the harsh and dangerous conditions of war.
Drama
Students have been busy rehearsing A Christmas Carol, they have been working on public speaking, characterisation, body language and facial expressions to convey and portray more complex emotions of complicated characters.
Music
In Music, one to one pupils have been learning songs for Christmas. Billy has learnt a song from one of his favourite Christmas musicals, The Muppets Christmas Carol and Jamie has learnt how to play We wish you a Merry Christmas on the piano.
In Primary, the focus has been learning songs for the Christmas Nativity play. Students have been working on creating a lovely sound by breathing deeply and making the words clear. They were ready for their performance.
Art
Read about all the amazing things that students have been doing in Art this term in our Art News Article.
PE
Secondary students have been developing their understanding of basketball and handball. The students have engaged really well and displayed some exceptional skills both individually and in teams. We have been thoroughly impressed with how well the students have learnt the importance of working together and how this can play a vital role in being successful.
With a scheduled dodgeball match unfortunately cancelled, Heathermount decided to host their own school tournament. This was a huge success with four teams competing in what was a fantastic afternoon.
Primary students have been competing in a range of activities to develop their coordination skills and have been working in small teams to develop their teamwork and communication skills. The students have enjoyed taking part in a range of games with their peers - a particular favourite being Sinking the Ship. We have been really impressed with the students' attitude and work ethic over the last term.
PSHE
Elm and Beech have been learning about staying safe at home, as well as about medications and vaccines.
Secondary students have been learning about healthy relationships and puberty. This will help them to have an understanding of what they may go through during their teenage years and will also help them to maintain healthy relationships and know what to do if they feel they are in an unhealthy relationship.
It has also been great working with some of the classes on their school assemblies on anti-bullying and human rights. Seeing them progress with their presentation and public speaking skills has been great to see.
Business Admin
Students have been learning how to meet and greet visitors. Leo met a visitor at the front - assisted her with signing in, then he escorted her to the room for Girls Club and offered her refreshments. Before leaving, Leo reminded the visitor to sign-out and hand over her visitor's badge before leaving the premises.
Catering
Mercury visited Pizza Express. The students learnt how the dough is made and how the restaurant deals with food allergens, before making their own pizzas. Everyone had a go at spinning a pizza! It was great fun and everyone enjoyed eating the pizzas they made.
Construction
Students have been working hard on constructing a mock-up of a household ring main after completing their plumbing unit.
Earlier this term, students benefitted from a trip to SATROs ConstructionFest where they learnt about careers in the construction industry.
Horticulture & Forest School
Forest School pupils have been delving into the art of creating shelters. They’ve been exploring the materials, designs, and skills needed to build structures that provide protection, whether for people or animals.
Meanwhile, in Horticulture, students have been developing their scientific skills by testing soil pH levels from a variety of areas around the school grounds. This hands-on activity has helped them understand how soil health impacts plant growth. Additionally, with autumn in full swing, there has been no shortage of leaves to clear, keeping everyone busy and active outdoors.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
On Wednesday 13th November, all of our DofE students successfully completed their skills section. They successfully navigated their way following points plotted on an OS map. Every student put in a lot of effort and hopefully felt a great sense of achievement at what they have completed.
Girls Club
Here are some pictures from the Girls Club which takes place on a Thursday lunchtime in Secondary, this term they have been learning about special effects make-up and making Christmas decorations.