Enquiry based learning at West Hill School encourages children to research, investigate, question and problem solve to inform their learning. This approach encourages children to take ownership of their learning and become engaged, independent and motivated.
In English lessons we use the Talk for Writing approach to learning which means that children get the chance to really explore and understand a text through drama and role play before they approach planning and writing their own stories.
Our classes are named after significant artists so that the children get to know a variety of different genres which they explore through a variety of activities and projects throughout the year, sometimes with visiting artists. We hold an Art Festival every year which every child in the school takes part in and the art that they create is always incredible. In 2021 Year 4 have taken part in the Creative Wandsworth Greener Picture Project and their artwork was displayed at the Town Hall. We also enter borough art competitions and two years ago Olivia in Year 6 was awarded top prize last year for the Wandsworth Road Safety Poster Campaign!
Music is important to us and children have the opportunity to learn how to play the recorder and trumpet in Key Stage 2 through extended projects with specialist music teachers from Wandsworth Music. We also take part in a Brighter Sound concert at the Royal Festival Hall every year with Year 5, another extended project, this time singing. As a parent you will have the opportunity to come and hear your child play or sing during the year. Rock Steady Music School is an outside organisation which your child can get involved in and be in their very own rock band, learning the electric guitar, keyboard or drums.
Pupils receive specialist PE and Dance lessons from Kick London who also run some of our after school clubs. All Star Tennis hold a weekly before school tennis session for some children and the Lawn Tennis Association also visit the school every year to give training sessions for pupils during the school day. Every child has the opportunity to be included in Borough competitions such as cross country and football and we take part in a Panathlon sports competition for our children with Special Educational Needs. We also take part in sporting fixtures with the nearby Emanuel School
We also want our children to broaden their horizons by going on a variety of school trips. Children studying the Tudors visit Hampton Court whilst a different year group will visit Butser Farm in the South Downs to experience what life was like for the Celts and Romans.
Our trips also support our learning in Art, Computing, English, Music, Geography, Science, the Environment and RE.
