Welcome back....September 2016

5th September 2016
A warm welcome back from all at Hillcrest!
 

Dear parents/carers

After the long summer break we are  pleased to say we have had an amazing first week. What a joy to see really happy children ready to learn and who all look incredibly smart.

Starting the new academic year is always exciting. Here at Hillcrest we really enjoy welcoming the learners back and this year is more exciting as we have developed a new curriculum and way of assessing the progress that every individual is making.

Our Big 5 Key Drivers

 

Academic Achievement

We feel it is really important that all new learning is built upon what each student can do. Every learner will start on one of our curriculums A, S, E, N or D. These are matched to the National Curriculum but we have broken it down into key statements for English, Maths, Science and Computing. Furthermore we feel that learning is not just demonstrating a skill once but the ability to build and apply these skills so that they can use them to tackle new problems and real life issues.  Staff will regularly update each learners’ portfolio with the progress they are making. We will use this to make sure that each learner continues to reach their potential.  We will of course share this with you and this will be as a percentage of the curriculum they have met.

Social Development & Communication

We at Hillcrest feel that effective social and communication skills will prepare each learner for adulthood. All of the staff have committed to developing their own expertise by completing a speech and language qualification this term. We also have a speech and language specialist based in the school and visits from an NHS therapist weekly.  

We already make the most of language development through group discussions, lego therapy, drama and reflection time.

Functionality

Being able to move into adulthood seamlessly and confidently is an important part of what we do at Hillcrest. Learning needs to represent the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to become an independent adult who is able to make informed decisions and live a safe lifestyle.

Aspirational Futures

Thinking about the future is a really important part of growing up. All of our learners are encouraged and supported in making plans for the future. These could incorporate careers, further education, accommodation plans, financial security, contribution to the community and independent living. During their time at Hillcrest, every learner will begin their journey towards adulthood and the expertise of staff, community links and additional professionals will make this a strong foundation for them to develop independence.

Emotional Health & Wellbeing

Challenges in the modern world make the importance of emotional health paramount to successful futures. At Hillcrest we recognise that every learner, at some point, will require support with their emotional health. This may be due to growing up, friendships, family difficulties, life trauma and many other factors. At Hillcrest we have a team of specialist pastoral support staff who can support learners through these periods and seek other professional guidance when required. The pastoral responsibility is a key part of the role that every member of staff upholds being part of the Hillcrest family.

We look forward to working together this academic year as we firmly believe that education is a partnership between home and school and regard you as an active partner in your child’s education and value your interest and support.

Yours sincerely

Andrea Mead              Mark Phillips

Cool Colours @ Hillcrest
 
Hillcrest has had a revamp over the Summer break. Pupils and staff have welcomed the new cool blue theme throughout the school. It has really refreshed the school building and lifted the learning environments. Staff have also spent time really making their learning spaces special for all the learners and we see the addition of some great sensory spaces.