What makes us special?

Personal development at our school is essential for equipping our students with vital life skills that extend beyond the classroom and into adult life. This is embedded into our curriculum through 20 experiences for every learner and our learning values threaded into everything we do. Fostering resilience helps our young people navigate challenges, while teamwork encourages collaboration and social interaction, which are crucial for building friendships and a sense of belonging in their community.  Instilling kindness promotes empathy and understanding, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued whatever their ability. Independence is vital too; empowering students to make choices boosts their confidence and self-esteem.  Moreover, creativity and thinking are integral to personal growth. Engaging in creative activities allows students to express themselves and explore new ideas, while fostering thinking skills helps them to solve problems effectively. 

Ultimately, a well-rounded focus on these areas prepares our students not just for academic success, but for a fulfilling life beyond school, where they can thrive as confident individuals in their communities. We have a number of additional extra curricular activities that really do make our provision special here at Highfield Littleport Academy. To achieve this we have formulated 20 things that our learners will experience before leaving Highfield, all designed to reinforce and embed our learning values to prepare our students for adulthood.

Take a look at the link to view our strategy and rationale.

1.	Have a picnic
2.	Fundraise for charity
3.	Travel on public transport
4.	Visit the beach
5.	Visit somewhere away from home
6.	Visit a cathedral
7.	Experience a school cinema
8.	Experience growing something and cooking with it
9.	Experience a musical or show
10.	Take part/visit an art exhibition
11.	Meet a person from a different religion
12.	Make a home for wildlife
13.	Try foods from around the world
14.	Visit the zoo
15.	Visit an elderly care home
16.	Experience eating out in a restaurant
17.	Visit a working company
18.	Enter a competition outside of school
19.	Read/listen to a classic children’s story
20.	Meet an author

 

Here is a flavour of these things and more our learners have opportunities for at Highfield Littleport:

Students take part in a variety of activities and value outdoor learning.  Take a look at how this is delivered here.

 - Each week we visit the community to enhance community cohesion and develop the social skills of our students.

 - We have a yearly residential trip where our students get to participate in lots of outdoor and adventurous activities and develop their independence and self help skills in a different environment.

 - Classes on the Green Pathway take part in weekly Forest Schools sessions run by a qualified Forest Schools Leader. We also have a targeted intervention group for outdoor learning.

 - Every week we have a visiting Emotional Support Dog who comes into school to develop communication and interaction with our students.

 - Fantastic drumming and drum fit activities - take a look at our video here 

 - Students within the Yellow Pathway in Key Stage 3 volunteer at the local food bank developing their own work based learning and social skills

 - Joint community opportunities with local Littleport organisations to develop social and creative skills

 - Students work serving and preparing drinks at a local cafe developing their social skills and preparing them for the world of work.

 - Our students have developed their own Eco Council to recognise and proactively implement ways that the school can look after the environment.

 - Our students have formulated their own wellbeing group to support the emotional and social health of all at school. This is called Mighty Minds.

 - Students attend a weekly Riding for the Disabled session at the Old Tiger Stables in Soham.  Here they develop physical skills, communication and social skills.

 

 

 

 

 - Students participate in an annual Christingle service at the local church.

 - We take part in specialist sports days both inside and outside of school.

 - Student led Summer and Christmas Fairs to fundraise for the school and other nominated charities.