Foundation

Foundation children celebrated Kindness Week by joining in fun activities like kindness bingo, sorting positive message cards, and painting colorful rocks to spread cheerful reminders around the school. These activities helped promote empathy, teamwork, and the joy of making others smile.

Apple

Apple Class have had a fantastic start to the term. The children have settled into their new classroom beautifully and quickly adapted to their new routines. It’s been wonderful to see how confident and independent they are becoming — especially with using their visual timetables to understand what’s happening throughout the day. 

This term, we’ve been busy working on lots of exciting things. In Phonics, we’ve been exploring our Set 3 Sounds, and the children have been making brilliant progress with their reading and writing skills. In Maths, our focus has been on Place Value, where the children have enjoyed using practical resources and games to help them deepen their understanding of numbers.

Our topic this term has been ‘Arctic Adventures’. Our young explorers have learned about the animals that live in the Arctic, how they survive in such cold conditions, and what life is like in these icy environments. The children engaged with snow-themed sensory trays, and soft, fluffy "snow." The children even had the chance to design and build their own igloos, showing fantastic teamwork and imagination!

   

In Science, we’ve been exploring the seasons, learning about how the weather, plants, and animals change throughout the year. The children have been making great observations and enjoying discussions about their favourite times of year.

A real highlight of the term was our first school trip of the academic year to Wisley Park. The children (and staff!) had a wonderful day exploring the beautiful gardens, spotting different plants, and taking part in hands-on activities. It was a lovely opportunity to connect our classroom learning with the real world.

We are so proud of everything the children have achieved this term. It has truly been a brilliant start to the year. We’re already looking forward to seeing what amazing things next term will bring. 

Cherry

This term in Cherry Class, our topic “It’s All About Me” has been all about getting to know ourselves and the world around us. We’ve been settling into school life, making new friends, and getting to know our teachers as we learn what makes each of us special.

We have talked about our families and the people who are important to us, sharing who we live with and what we enjoy doing together. We’ve also been finding out about people who help us, such as doctors, dentists, and opticians, and how they look after us when we’re not feeling our best.

As part of learning about ourselves, we explored our five senses in fun, hands-on ways. Tasting different fruits, using our noses to guess mystery smells, making colourful “super glasses,” and going on a listening walk to notice the sounds all around us.

   

Primary

Pine

Pine class have had a good term focusing on our topic 'Under the Sea'. Students have explored the story 'The Snail and the Whale', using it as inspiration for their own adventure stories! They have also started to learn about the world around them, discovering key features on the globe and even trying some food from around the world. All the children have worked really hard and have settled into our routines so well. We are looking forward to learning all about Florence Nightingale next term, as well as going on a trip to make our own pizzas at Pizza Express!

Willow

Willow class have been channelling their inner authors by writing ocean-themed stories. From a daring fish flying high with the RAF to a curious fish who found himself stuck in a submarine.  We’ve also met a kind-hearted whale shark who faced bullying with bravery and cheered for a heroic shark who saved some fish in trouble. Willow have worked incredibly hard on planning, writing and editing their fantastic stories and they should be super proud of themselves.

Elm

This term, Elm Class have been exploring the human body. They have investigated how our muscles work together with our bones to help us move, and even built a model human skeleton to learn the names of the bones.

The children have also been discovering the digestive system in detail. As part of their learning, they took part in a hands-on digestive system demonstration, which included some rather gross, but very memorable, “digested food”!

Beech

Beech class have engaged in lots of active learning this term. one lesson students buildt a spaghetti and marshmallow tower.

In Geography lessons, students have made a model Earth to demonstrate the layers of our planet.  They  enjoyed  the hands-on activity using colourful modeling clay, which was designed to consolidate their knowledge of the layers of Earth.  Earlier in the term, students built a model volcano then simulated an eruption using baking soda, vinegar, washing up liquid and food colouring.

   

Oak

In science students have been learning about the seasons and how they affect animals and humans. They have looked at the different clothing we wear in different seasons and how some animals hibernate through the winter.  Students made some lovely autumnal pictures.

   

Secondary

Earth

Earth Class enjoyed a trip to Virginia Water.  Prior to the visit, students learned about the park and its fascinating features, including the Leptis Magna ruins, the Cascade Waterfall, the man-made lake, and the beautiful gardens. During the trip, they took photographs of these landmarks and later researched them in more detail during their ASDAN lessons.

English

In English this term, students across the classes have been exploring a rich variety of texts and developing key reading and writing skills. Mars have been enjoying Wonder by R. J. Palacio, exploring themes of kindness, resilience and acceptance through engaging discussions and character analysis. Mercury have been gripped by Once by Morris Gleitzman, a powerful novel that has sparked thoughtful conversations about empathy and historical context. Saturn and Neptune have now completed their study of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, gaining confidence in analysing language and Victorian context, and are moving on to an evocative unit on war poetry, examining how poets convey conflict and emotion. Meanwhile, our GCSE group have been working hard on descriptive writing for Language Paper 1, Question 5, focusing on crafting vivid vocabulary, evocative sensory description and language techniques. It has been a productive and inspiring term full of creativity and thoughtful discussion.

Maths

It has been another busy term in maths. You can read all about what our secondary students have been learning and even try some maths questions yourself in our News from the maths department article.

Science

Our secondary students have enjoyed studying a wide array of topics in Science this term.  See our Secondary Science news article for more information.

Computer Science

Year 7 students have settled into their Computing lessons and are working to the best of their abilities.They are learning Turtle programming in Python and have developed programs to produce interesting and colourful shapes.  Programming is part of the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum. It can be a challenging topic, but Mars are rising to the challenge and clearly demonstrating their learning through the work they produce during lessons.

      

History

Year 9 students in Neptune and Saturn classes stepped back in time to the French Revolution for an exciting historical reenactment - The Trial of Louis XVI.

Students were divided into two groups: one side acted as the prosecution, arguing that King Louis XVI was guilty of betraying France, while the other served as the defense, standing up for the king’s honor and right to rule. Both teams prepared passionate speeches, examined “evidence,” and called on historical witnesses to make their case before the classroom “court.”

After a lively debate and careful deliberation, the jury (staff) reached a surprising verdict: Louis XVI was declared not guilty and set free!

The activity gave everyone a deeper understanding of the tensions and perspectives that shaped the French Revolution — and a chance to practice persuasive speaking, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Vive la classe révolutionnaire!

Geography

Year 8 Mercury Class students put their geographical skills into action during an exciting fieldwork investigation. As part of their Geography studies, they explored soil compaction to understand how land use and human activity can affect the environment. Using soil augers and mallets, the students carefully measured how compact the ground was in different locations — counting the number of strikes needed for the auger to reach 10 cm deep.

The class showed great teamwork, focus, and curiosity throughout the activity, demonstrating real enthusiasm for hands-on learning. Well done to everyone in Mercury Class for their excellent effort and scientific approach.

   

Drama

This term primary students have been exploring everything from puppets to superheroes, social skills to physical theatre and one class even took part in a mini sports day to help them learn that losing is okay! Year 7 have been doing a fabulous scripted piece about a boy whose imagination runs wild and his thoughts start to come true in real life, Year 8 have been exploring world theatre covering french mime, african drumming and chinese storytelling, Year 9 have been having a go at melodrama, silent movies and stage combat, and year 10 have been delving into how the famous Theatre Practitioner Stanislavsky can help them improve their performance!

   

Music

All of our students have had great fun in their Music lessons this term see our Music in Term 1 news article for more information.

Art

It has been another action packed term in Art, you can read all about what students have learnt and see examples of their work in our Art in Term 1 news article.

PE

Primary and Foundation students have been enthusiastically participating in a range of invasion games, designed to build not only their physical coordination but also their social skills with their peers. Through fun and engaging activities, children have been developing key skills such as teamwork, turn taking, and communication. These games provide the perfect platform for students to learn how to work effectively with one another, develop their decision making skills, and think tactically, all while staying active and having a great time.

It has been fantastic to see students supporting one another, sharing ideas, and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship as they build confidence and coordination.

Secondary students across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 have been developing their skills in both badminton and football, with a strong emphasis on technique, tactical awareness, and personal growth within each sport. A special mention goes to Pluto, whose students have demonstrated an outstanding attitude and determination to improve their badminton skills. Whether it’s mastering tricky shots or showing great sportsmanship, they’ve set a brilliant example for others. In football, Mercury have risen to the challenge, pushing themselves through more complex drills and showing impressive progress in both individual skills and team play.

We’re also proud to have launched Heathermount’s first ever Badminton Tournament this term, open to both students and staff. The competition has been a great success so far and will conclude shortly after half term so watch this space for the announcement of our very first champion.

While no fixtures have taken place just yet, we’re excited to share that several matches and tournaments are scheduled for after half term. These will offer our students fantastic new opportunities to compete against a range of schools giving them valuable experiences outside the classroom.

PSHE

In PSHE Primary students have been learning about emotions, helping them to understand what they are feeling and strategies on how to help them self regulate. They have also done some work on friendship and what a healthy friendship looks like. In Secondary students have been learning about mental health and what to do if they are struggling or if they see a friend who is struggling.

Business Admin

Students have been working hard in Business Admin this term completing practical assessments. Two students worked as a team to create the Business Admin classroom calendar which entailed trimming and organising graphics once they were printed.

Young Enterprise

Enterprise students have presented their favourite entrepreneur to the rest of the class as well as completing a pitch as to why they should be voted as Managing Director for their own Young Enterprise Company.

  

Catering

The new year 10’s have started their catering level 2 qualification in food production and cookery. They have made stuffed peppers for a vegetarian dish. They were assessed on this as part of the qualification.

   

Construction

Our construction students are settling in well to their new class and are proudly representing all of Heathermount’s values to SATRO, the external provider of the course. They are currently working on the carpentry unit and are on target to complete their side tables by half term. The students have been developing their teamwork skills, learning to use hand tools safely, and gaining plenty of new knowledge in construction techniques and terminology. Next term, all of the students have been invited to SATRO’s Constructionfest, an annual event that supports and encourages students taking part in the course.

Forest School

This term in Forest School, students have been building on their previous skills to work more independently when using the trangias and fire pit. They have enjoyed cooking a variety of foods outdoors and exploring different methods, including boiling, frying, and baking. This practical learning has not only developed their confidence but also encouraged teamwork and resilience in an outdoor setting.

Horticulture

In Horticulture, students have been busy with a range of hands-on activities such as mulching, scarifying, and aerating. These practical skills are giving them valuable experience and helping them progress towards their Level 1 qualification.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – First Session

The first Duke of Edinburgh session was a great success! All of the students worked incredibly hard throughout the day and showed fantastic enthusiasm. In the morning, they had the opportunity to design and set up their own orienteering courses, putting their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test. In the afternoon, they headed offsite to put their learning into practice, using OS maps to navigate a set route. 

   

Girls Club

Girls Club is always popular, one session this term focussed on face painting, the girls were taught how to layer the colour base on its tone. They enjoyed very much having their own face model to practice on.