Why Heatherton? Is it for our specialist curriculum?

At Heatherton, we believe in seeing things differently. We are constantly challenging ourselves to ask the difficult questions and are continuously learning and evolving to ensure we offer our pupils the very best start in their primary-aged education journey. We believe academic and personal development go hand in hand, so our pupils go on to become successful young people who are a force for good.

Recent research has highlighted the importance of investing in a child’s earliest years, providing the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and personally, in addition to academically. As part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group, we take pride in a research-led approach which ensures we remain at the forefront of education. A strong understanding of child development is at the heart of our practice.

This understanding runs through our carefully constructed curriculum, which benefits from the freedom to explore areas outside the national curriculum. We are lucky to have the resources, environment, time and ability to go above and beyond – in every direction – what is required. This enables us to help our pupils excel in all areas and, crucially, to experience a diverse and joyous education. While the national curriculum for primary school science has been written to be taught in a classroom, we are fortunate to have a science laboratory where pupils can put their theory into practice. With specialist equipment such as Bunsen burners available for use, every experiment is a gamechanger in the range and breadth of understanding that pupils can achieve.

Every subject is an opportunity for pupils to explore and stretch themselves beyond the curriculum. We run exciting trips to The Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Field Study Centre Amersham, where pupils can immerse themselves in learning and experience science as it applies to the real world. Guest speakers such as Berkhamsted alumnus Suzie Imber, Professor of Space Physics and budding astronaut, inspire our girls to explore their passions and Aim High in their endeavours.

Cross-curricular links and access to the latest technology encourages engagement with a wide range of subjects. The girls practise their computation thinking and coding skills when programming a range of gaming controllers and can join after-school clubs such as ‘Fun-gineering’ and coding to develop their STEM skills. Equally, immersive VR headsets allow pupils to take a field trip to Ancient Egypt or Greece from the comfort of our classrooms, sparking curiosity about classical history through a modern lens. Meanwhile, Food Tech at Heatherton is not just about cooking – pupils learn about nutrition, seasonality and sustainability alongside developing lifelong skills. We consistently challenge ourselves to adapt to an ever-changing environment to provide the best possible education for our pupils and prepare them for tomorrow’s world.

While we encourage a holistic education, we have diligent systems in place to track and monitor every pupil’s academic progress. In addition to formative and summative assessments, this year we have expanded the provision of CAT4 testing from Years 3-5 to include Years 2 and 6 as well. This gives us a breadth of data with which we can analyse ability and achievement, and share with parents through meetings, written reports, targets, grades and datasheets.

We provide a bespoke curriculum in Years 5 and 6 which prepares pupils for the rigours of the 11+ exam, scholarship papers and senior school preparation. Pupils are issued their own school Surface device for individual and independent work, providing access to a range of online tools with which topics can be explored in greater depth. However, we believe that preparation for secondary school admission tests should not be crammed into the last few weeks or months of school. We make sure we have securely built up every pupil’s skills, abilities and understanding throughout the entirety of the prep years, to give them the confidence to do their best when the time comes.

Ultimately, the success of our curriculum is reflected in our pupils. The girls leave Heatherton as innovative and resilient young people who are motivated to take their next adventurous step, wherever that may be. Our Year 6 leavers go on to flourish at local grammar schools, Berkhamsted School and other independent or state senior schools, where they continue to build on the fundamental skills, tools and knowledge we have equipped them with. A Heatherton education encourages pupils to see things differently, teaching them not just what to think, but how to think. It is this culture that sets up our girls for a remarkable future.

You can read this article in Absolutely Buckinghamshire, May 2025 issue.