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“ This is a caring, supportive school. Students enjoy coming to school. The respectful and harmonious ethos permeates the school community.� Ofsted 2013
At Hillview we aim to create a positive, secure and happy learning environment where all students experience friendship, respect and success. We have high expectations of all our students. We raise their horizons and reward their hard work. We develop independent young women who have the confidence and skills to make the most of the opportunities and challenges of the modern world. As a Performing Arts College we offer an active but disciplined learning environment and an innovative approach to teaching. Our dedicated staff enthuse students and channel their creative energies to ensure a high performance in all areas.
Our inclusive and diverse curriculum, which provides both academic and applied learning opportunities, prepares our students for higher education and employment. We have a flourishing mixed sixth form, with a strong record of success in students achieving entry to the university or college of their choice, including Oxbridge. We hope this prospectus gives you an insight into our school and its ethos. Our students, however, are our best ambassadors, in their enthusiasm for learning, care for each other and determination to succeed. We warmly invite you to visit the school to meet them and discover for yourself the unique experience Hillview has to offer, which quite simply changes students’ lives.
innovation & achievement Welcome to Hillview School for Girls, a vibrant learning community that changes students’ lives.
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“ Students have access to a range of high-quality extra-curricular opportunities, many of which are specialism-related.� OFSTED 2013
inspiration & creativity Standards in the Performing Arts are exceptionally high. At the same time, we harness and develop the creativity of students in all areas of the curriculum. This is why our specialism has such a positive impact on all students, whatever their particular strengths and interests. Presenting their subjects in a variety of innovative and stimulating ways – including the use of the latest technologies – our talented teachers spark excitement and interest, encouraging students to learn from one another.
As a specialist performing arts school, imaginative teaching and active learning stimulate and motivate our students.
We use our strength in the performing arts not only to nurture creative expression and confidence but also to cultivate self-discipline and mutual reliance, both vital skills for independent study and success in the workplace. We work to professional standards in everything we do and have achieved the Arts Council of England’s prestigious Artsmark Gold award four times in succession. Our outstanding facilities include a studio theatre with an intelligent lighting system, specialist dance studios, a recording studio, a media room with a darkroom and a science and business centre. Students have many opportunities to work with professionals from the world of business and the performing arts.
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challenge & choice A broad curriculum combined with highly progressive teaching methods create a unique learning environment at Hillview.
We believe that Hillview offers the widest curriculum of any school in the local area. We provide a variety of academic and applied learning pathways offering our students a thorough and well-rounded preparation for higher education and the world of work. Our aim is to create curious and active learners and believe that learning does not stop at the classroom door. We set students challenges in realistic contexts to develop skills that will enhance their employability.
At Hillview we know that every girl is different. Getting to know each student as an individual means we can tailor their learning experience to their specific needs. Students are grouped by ability in English, Maths and Science, with those in need of extra support receiving specialist help. Our most able students are constantly challenged and stretched to ensure that they are working to their fullest potential. We encourage our girls to be reflective learners and via regular assessment to take responsibility for their own progress. We ensure that they are fully aware of their targets, goals and ambitions, helping to set the building blocks for their future.
“ The curriculum is broad, balanced and entirely suited to the abilities and aspirations of the students in the school.� Ofsted 2013
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“ Hillview is a happy, safe school where the girls support each other. Students treat each other with respect and courtesy. Relationships are harmonious and differences of ethnic background and culture are celebrated. Students are keen to succeed and take pride in the academy.� Ofsted 2013
With over 80 activities, from science clubs, Duke of Edinburgh Award, cheerleading to trampolining, there really is something to satisfy every interest. We provide opportunities for all students to discover and develop their many talents. Students of all ages have the chance to perform in numerous dance, drama and music events at the school and at professional venues. The annual musical is our flagship event, involving over 150 students each year. We arrange exhibitions – the summer arts and catwalk fashion shows are particular highlights – and students also publish their work more widely in virtual showcases such as on the websites of the Saatchi Gallery and the Tate Modern. Girls enjoy a wide range of educational day trips and residential visits, both in the UK and abroad. They broaden their outlook and develop leadership skills through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and World Challenge expeditions. Our ‘integration days’ and activity week, when the timetable is suspended to explore a theme in depth, result in many memorable experiences.
excitement
& enjoyment A rich programme of extra-curricular activities extends learning, develops practical skills and brings new friends.
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“Student welfare is outstanding at Hillview. Both teaching and support staff go the extra mile to meet the individual needs of every pupil.” Parent Governor Our calm and caring community is supported by a strong rewards culture, which enhances learning and performance. We recognise that emotions influence achievement and our curriculum features Personal Development Learning (PDL), taught by specialist teachers. Including personal, social, health, economic education and citizenship studies, PDL builds decision-making skills, self-assurance and self-discipline, encouraging girls to make positive life choices. Volunteer students are also trained very effectively to help others as peer mentors, e-mentors and peer mediators. We have a ‘vertical’ mentoring system of tutor groups of no more than twenty pupils of all ages organised into four Learning Communities. This system is very successful in developing close relationships and trust between students and with staff. Each Community is led by a senior member of staff and supported by a non-teaching Student Support Manager.
support & teamwork We have high expectations of our students academically but also with regard to discipline and respect for others. This cultivates positive relationships and high self-esteem.
We take great care to help new girls settle into school and have been recognised as a model of excellent practice in the transition from primary to secondary education. We are proud to have earned the prestigious Investors in Careers Award for the quality of our advice and careers guidance throughout students’ time at the school.
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community & responsibility We help our young people take their place in society, develop their sense of community, cultural awareness and tolerance of differences.
Students actively participate in the development of our school and this builds their confidence, leadership skills and community spirit. Some represent their peers on the Student Council, while others are trained as observers to give constructive feedback on teaching. We also involve families in our school community through parent forums, support groups and an active PTA. We understand that we cannot achieve our wider goals without sharing a sense of common purpose, expertise and resources with our local community. Our students get involved in a variety of external projects such as with the elderly, disabled young people and local primary schools.
Our full-time Community Projects Manager organises dance and drama Saturday clubs, summer schools for local boys and girls, a midweek Community Youth Theatre group and an Adult Community Choir. With the world an increasingly interconnected place, we develop global citizenship in our students and are proud to have achieved the International Schools Award. Each of our four Learning Communities is linked to a school in a different country and undertakes charitable fundraising. Students’ perspectives are also broadened through collaborative e-twinning projects with schools across the world.
“ Collaborative partnerships are outstandingly effective, raising aspirations and promoting community cohesion.�
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success & opportunity Our thriving sixth form provides a STRONG platform for students to extend their learning, undertake work experience and prepare for university or the workplace. A large majority of our girls stay on for post-16 education and are joined by students from other local schools, including boys. Our young people greatly enjoy their time in the sixth form and many secure entry to university; almost all achieve a place on their preferred course. Others choose specialist dance, drama and art colleges or progress directly into the workplace to pursue their career. Our extensive curriculum is designed to excite and challenge students, while developing key skills that prepare them for higher education and the world of work. We offer a very wide range of routes, courses and levels, including A and AS Levels, BTEC Awards, vocational qualifications and Diplomas, so there is something to suit all abilities and aptitudes.
“ Students are well prepared for further education, training and employment.�
With everyday life increasingly international in nature, every sixth former follows a programme of global learning that includes a general studies course or extended project, alongside volunteering and enrichment activities. We employ a full-time, non-teaching Careers and Business Partnerships Manager so that, while continuing to benefit from strong pastoral support, students also receive expert practical and personal advice to help them shape their future.
“ Students enjoy being in school and would recommend it wholeheartedly to others.� Ofsted
Brionne Gardens, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 2HE Tel: 01732 352793 Fax: 01732 368718 Email: admin@hillview.kent.sch.uk www.hillview.kent.sch.uk Sat Nav postcode: TN9 2DQ