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Park Hill provides for children of all abilities. We are committed to developing a genuine curiosity and love of learning which will stretch and build upon the talents of each child. Pupils are encouraged to discover things for themselves by working independently, so homework is an important part of the learning process. Each child has a homework diary and the work is tailored to suit his or her age and ability.
The school offers a carefully organised programme of academic subjects which extends well beyond the core curriculum of English, mathematics, science, history, geography and religious studies. Pupils are introduced to French at the age of four. In our ICT department the children learn basic computer skills and touch typing. Design technology, arts, crafts and drama lessons encourage pupils to develop their enthusiasm for creativity. Music studies include theory, appreciation, composition and singing. The children are regularly given the opportunity to put their music skills into practice during our many performances. Most children take advantage of the individual lessons we provide for a variety of musical instruments such as piano, violin, recorder, flute, clarinet, guitar and cello.
We have found that the children¹s learning experience is greatly enhanced by integrating common themes across the curriculum. An example of this would be to use a current history topic in a range of other subjects, such as a creative writing task from the point of view of an historical character.
Pupils might prepare a drama sketch to explore issues raised in their history lessons, using as props historical artefacts that they would have recreated as a craft assignment.
To compliment our indepth approach in the classroom we take each class on several external visits throughout the academic year, for example to the opera, ballet, theatre, concerts, art galleries and museums. Every year Form III spends a week at Le Château de la Baudonnière in the heart of Normandy, for a truly French experience. Here the children take part in academic, physical and cultural activities.
Such a wide variety of experiences and stimuli for the children promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live. In this way we cultivate an ever increasing potential for learning.
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