HCH Handbook 2025/2026

Page 1


Welcome from the Principal

Dear Parents

As this school year draws to a close, we are already looking forward to the next and to make sure we are ready for September, we have prepared the usual information pack for all HCH families For current families, lots of this information will, of course, be familiar, but please take time to read it carefully as there are important changes in some areas. For our new families we hope that this provides everything you need to start your journey at HCH with confidence and clarity

As was the case last year, some information, such as the full range of clubs, will continue to be updated over the summer, so please continue to check the parent portal or school website You will also find all the school policies on the website

I am delighted that we have achieved so much over the past year We were very proud to be shortlisted for the London Independent School of the Year in 2024, and to be one of the top ranking 100 schools nationally in terms of GCSE results We also won the Education Choices 2025 award for “Developing Student Voice” Beyond the classroom we have been busy - from the Shakespeare Festival to Arctic expeditions, Spring recitals to Santa’s Grotto – there is something for everyone to enjoy at HCH and we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming family environment that allows our children and young people to thrive

I believe a strong partnership with families allows us to flourish as a school community, so please do continue to give me your feedback so that we can work together to make our school the best environment for our children

Wishing you a happy and relaxing summer, and I look forward with excitement to the new school year

With warmest wishes

Your key contacts

Communication is key for the strong relationships we continually endeavour to build and maintain with families.

In addition to the weekly newsletter, the Parent Portal is a key source of information in addition to our website

Our social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn also share highlights throughout the year

Principal Katherine Vintiner kvi@hchnet co uk

Senior Deputy Operations

Paul Pearce

pgp@hchnet co uk

Deputy Pastoral and DSL (Maternity leave)

Amy Burgess acb@hchnet co uk

Deputy Compliance (DSL Maternity cover)

Nick Shaw nsh@hchnet co uk

Head of Early Years (The Little Courtiers)

Imogen Stone ist@hchnet co uk

Head of Prep

Susie Byers sby@hchnet co uk

Finance

Taps Musana 020 8614 0854

admissions@hchnet co uk

Deputy Academic Katy Deacon kde@hchnet co uk

Assistant Principal Wellbeing | Head of Sixth Form Tessa Bartholomew tba@hchnet co uk

Assistant Principal | Director of Studies Rob Armiger rwa@hchnet co uk

Assistant Principal | Teaching and Learning Eldon Fayers efa@hchnet co uk

Assistant Principal | Community and Student Voice Matthew Sison mcs@hchnet co uk

School Reception 020 8614 0865 reception@hchnet co uk

Admissions 020 8614 0857

admissions@hchnet co uk

Parent Portal

The ISAMS parent portal is an online portal for parents to easily view information such as your child’s timetable, school reports and assessments, communications, the calendar, and public examination entries and timetables. Currently, various forms of communication and reports are shared through the portal.

At the start of the term you will be sent a letter via email that will have a registration code and registration password

On receipt of this information, please follow these steps.

Step 1

Open Chrome/Microsoft Internet Explorer/Firefox (your browser) on a computer that is connected to the internet

Step 2

Navigate to the website https://hamptoncourthouse parents isams cloud/api/homepage/

Step 3

Select create an account (top right)

Step 4

Use the authentication codes

Step 5

Your account will be created

Once you have a parent portal login, you can access the ISAMS iparent app from the app store Search ‘isams parent’

You will be asked for the school id which is HCHS Please use the same email and password as your parent portal account

Safeguarding at HCH

Hampton Court House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and requires all staff and volunteers actively to share this commitment.

The safeguarding of children is the responsibility of everyone within the Hampton Court House community We ask if anyone sees or witnesses anything which compromises our commitment to safeguarding that this be brought swiftly to the attention of a member of The Safeguarding Team

The Safeguarding Team

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (Maternity leave)

Amy Burgess acb@hchnet co uk

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (Maternity cover)

Nick Shaw nsh@hchnet co uk

Deputy DSL’s

Little Courtyard including Early Years DSL

Imogen Stone ist@hchnet co uk

Deputy Head Academic

Katy Deacon kde@hchnet co uk

Head of Prep

Susie Byers sby@hchnet co uk

Mental Health Lead

Assistant Principal | Wellbeing

Tessa Bartholomew tba@hchnet co uk

Safeguarding Governor Libby Nicholas libby nicholas@dukeseducation com

SENDCO

Talat Khan thk@hchnet co uk

Early Years

Emma Trimmer etr@hchnet co uk

Head of Sport

Janak Odedra jvo@hchnet co uk

We recognise that the impact of abuse (whether emotional, neglect, physical or sexual) can have lifelong consequences in terms of an individual’s self-esteem and/or the ability to form trust-filled relationships in later life We actively promote an ethos which places a safeguarding culture at the very heart of Hampton Court House

The School will therefore:

Establish and maintain an ethos where all children feel secure and are encouraged to talk and are always listened to

Ensure that all children know there is an adult in the school whom they can approach if they are worried or in difficulty

Provide anonymous means of reporting concerns for children and parents if preferable, through the use of anonymous boxes throughout the school and the online platform

TootToot, a link to which can be found on our website

Include across the curriculum (and through PSHE / Form Time / and Assemblies) opportunities which equip our children with the skills they need to stay safe from harm and to know whom they should turn to for help

Ensure all teachers receive safeguarding training on a regular basis (at least once a year) In addition, awareness training takes place throughout each term on a rolling programme The Safeguarding Team receive higher levels of training to support their role in decision- making and liaising with outside agencies, including children’s services and the police Senior staff are also trained in safeguarding relating to safer recruitment procedures

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare, please consult the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedures, and record your concern, and any observations or conversation heard, and report to a member of the Safeguarding Team as soon as possible (ideally the same day) Do NOT conduct your own investigation

If your concerns relate to the actions or behaviour of a member of staff (which could suggest that he/she is unsuitable to work with children) then you should report this in confidence to the Principal (or to the nominated safeguarding governor if the concern relates to the Principal) who will consider what action to take

Integrated Safeguarding Portfolio

We firmly seek to establish a culture of safeguarding at Hampton Court House, which is underpinned by the following portfolio of integrated policies:

- Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

- Anti-Bullying Policy

- Behaviour Policy

- Complaints Procedure

- Data Protection Policy

- First Aid Policy and Accident Procedure

- ICT Acceptable Use Policy

- Missing Child Policy

- SEND Policy

- Sex and Relationship Education Policy

Term dates

Academic Year : September 2025 – July 2026

Autumn Term 2025

Staff Compliance Training

Staff Inset

New Joiners Barbeque

Start of Term

Half Term

Term restarts

End of Term

Spring Term 2026

Staff Inset Start of

Summer Term 2026

Staff Inset Start of Term

Half Term

14 & 15 April 2026

For Early Years, please collect from the gates to The Little Courtyard Collection is at 15:15 Children who have an older sibling in the school may stay for sibling supervision until 15:50

Please note that we cannot allow parents into the school buildings unless accompanied by a member of staff If you have a pre-booked appointment, please sign in at the front gate where you will be met by a member of staff Thank you

Walking to and from school

As children grow and become more independent, parents may feel they are ready to make their own way to and from school

It is parents’ responsibility to ensure their child arrives safely and promptly to school each morning Whilst walking to school it is understood that parents ensure that their child takes the safest route possible and is accompanied at all times by a responsible adult In Years 5 and above, parents may decide that their child is capable of independently walking to school If this is the case, parents make the informed decision that they are responsible for their child’s safety on their journey to school, even if they are not physically present Should parents make this decision, they must advise the school by completing the permission slip included in our Children walking to and from school policy and send to reception@hchnet co uk

Equipment

All pupils should arrive at lessons with a fully-equipped pencil case which includes the following items:

Years 1-4

- Handwriting pen - 2x Green pen (for

Years 5-6

- 2x Blue or black pen

- 2x Green pen (for corrections)

- 2x pencil

- Ruler - Eraser

- Pencil - Ruler - Eraser - Colouring pencils (not felt tips) (not felt tips)

- Highlighters in 4 colours

- Colouring pencils

- Glue stick

Years 7-13

- 2x Blue or black pen

- 2x Green pen (for corrections)

- Mathematics set - Scientific calculator corrections)

- Mathematics set - Calculator

- 2x pencil

- Ruler - Eraser

- Highlighters in 4 colours

- Colouring pencils (not felt tips)

- Glue stick

Form Time

Form Time takes place from 08:40 - 09:00am for Prep and Senior children, and between 08:30 and 8:40 for Early Years children This time allows tutors to take the register, give out important information and notices, and take part in short, pastorally-focused activities

All students are expected to attend and arrive on time Punctuality to school will be closely monitored by the Senior Leadership Team, and frequent lateness may attract a consequence

As part of the school’s PSHE curriculum, we follow a carefully planned pastoral programme throughout the year This means that, each week, we have a new theme to explore in our assemblies, form time and PSHE lessons On Fridays we take part in House activities and meetings

Assemblies

We have a weekly assembly schedule; all students are expected to attend on their designated day, which is as follows:

Wednesday Thursday Prep Senior

Early Years will have daily circle time assemblies with their form tutors

Homework

Early Years children are not set homework until Reception, when they receive reading books from the Read Write Inc programme

All students from Year 1 upwards are provided with a homework timetable and homework tasks must be recorded in their student planner Teachers will set homework in accordance with the timetable to ensure work is evenly balanced each week Homework should last no longer than 30 minutes per subject up to Year 9, but will increase in Years 10-11 Sixth Formers should expect to work independently for at least five hours per subject per week, including homework tasks

In Year 5 and above, teachers will set homework using Microsoft Teams This is not a substitute for the planner, and students are still expected to note their homework in planners themselves Parents will have access to Microsoft Teams - where they can view the homework set

The Little Courtiers School Day (Early Years)

Early Years: We have registration and circle time, followed by Maths and Read Write Inc lessons every morning, then the children have specialist lessons until lunch After lunch we have 3 hours of uninterrupted continuous provision, which provides holistic learning across the EYFS and a mixture of adult and child led activities

Time

8 30 - 8 40 Morning registration and circle time Core

8 40 - 11 30 Curriculum lessons and specialist lesson

11 30 - 12 15 Lunch

12 00 - 15 15 EYFS Curriculum Continuous Provision

15 15 - 15 50 Sibling Supervision

15 50 - 17 30 Optional Wraparound Care / Prep and Play

The School Day

Time

08:40 - 09:00

Prep

09:05 - 09:55

10:00 - 10:50

10:50 - 11:10

11:10 - 12:00

12:05 12:55

13:20

13:50 - 14:10

14:15 - 15:05

15:10 - 16:00

16:10 - 17:00

Senior & Sixth Form

Morning Registration

Period 1

Period 2

Morning Break

Period 3

Prep Lunch / Clubs / Lunchbreaks

Period 4

Students may eat in the conservatory, the theatre or outside, but are expected to clean up after themselves: plates or rubbish must not be left outside or at tables under any circumstances T

Period 4

Senior Lunch 1

Senior Lunch 2

Afternoon Registration and PSHE

Period 5

Period 6

After School Clubs and Period 7 (Sith Form Only)

Enrichment

Lunches

Our catering team provides a high-quality and varied menu of lunches each week, which includes a vegetarian option, and a full soup and salad bar to which students can help themselves Each day there is also an option of either a dessert or fresh fruit and fresh fruit available throughout the day

Early Years

Lunch for the Early Years begins at 11:30 when the children are brought to the conservatory

Prep

Lunch for the Prep School begins at 12:05

Senior and Sixth Form

Lunch for the upper school has two sittings, which begin at 12:55 and end at 13:50

Our House System

At Hampton Court House, students are organised into four distinct houses: Halifax, Wright, Twining and Garrick. The House system forms the backbone of the school community, fostering a sense of belonging, healthy competition, and camaraderie among the students.

Each house at Hampton Court House is named after a significant figure that is closely connected to the house’s history and the local area Halifax House honours the memory of George Montague Dunk, the 2nd Earl of Halifax, an influential statesman who built the house in 1757 Wright House is named after the esteemed architect Thomas Wright, who designed the house Twining House honours Thomas Twining III, a prominent scientific educationist and polymath, who bought the house in 1883 Garrick House pays homage to the renowned actor and playwright David Garrick who owned famous landmarks in the Hampton area

Throughout the academic year, Hampton Court House hosts a range of engaging events that bring the house communities together These include celebration assemblies, where students are recognised for their achievements, and house events that promote healthy competition and team spirit These events encourage students to develop their leadership skills, boost their self-confidence, and build lasting friendships within their respective houses By fostering a strong sense of community and holistic development, the house system enriches the educational experience, instilling in students valuable skills and qualities that will serve them well beyond their time at the school

Key contact - Assistant Principal (Community and Student Voice)

Dress code

At HCH we think it is important that young people feel comfortable in their clothing, that they are recognised as individuals, and have the opportunity to make decisions about their attire whilst learning how to dress for a professional environment.

With this is mind, we ask that students adhere to the following guidelines:

Smart casual dress is encouraged throughout the school.

This may include:

Jeans (no rips), or other casual trousers (chinos, corduroys, culottes etc)

Skirts or dresses

Polo shirts, collared shirts, plain tshirts, blouses

Knitted jumpers/pullovers or cardigans Blazers

Hoodies and smart jogging bottoms are permitted, but they must be plain with no large logos or images, hoods are not to be worn inside

Some detail

We ask that the following are NOT worn to school:

Any form of lounge wear such as pyjama bottoms

Shoestring, low-cut or crop tops

Football tops

Skirts, dresses and shorts should be mid-thigh length or longer

Sleeveless tops are permitted, but any short sleeves or straps should cover underwear fully

No underwear should be on show at any time

Trainers are permitted, but should be plain and smart

No flip flops or crocs

Sport

On days designated for sports, students are required to wear the HCH Sports Kit for their lessons Football shirts are not permitted as part of this kit It is important for students to wear running trainers As temperatures drop, they should add layers such as gilets, warm hats, and gloves Conversely, as the weather warms up, students must come dressed appropriately for summer activities, including shorts or skorts and a t-shirt, while also being ready for cooler conditions with a midlayer Each student should also apply sunscreen Hair must be tied back, and jewelry is not allowed during sports, except for earrings that are taped Additionally, students should remember to bring a water bottle

School sports kit is available from our dedicated AlleyCatz store: https://www alleycatz co uk/schools/hampton-court-house html

Ballet Costume

Purchase Information: Please find information below detailing the required costume for all Students in Pre-Nursery to Year 4

The school has updated and refreshed the ballet costume to school brand and now present all students with two options

As well as the required costume all students should have their hair tied neatly and off the face for ballet

Option 1

• Marine Blue Cap Sleeve Leotard

Marine Blue Wrap Skirt

True to skin socks or tights

True to skin full sole leather or satin ballet shoes

Option 1

• White Cap Sleeve Leotard

Navy Blue Shorts

White Socks

White Leather Full Sole Ballet shoes

HCH branded School sports jumper (optional for colder weather)

HCH branded School sports jumper (optional for colder weather)

Please visit our online dance store to order your child’s costume:

1 Open the link and type in access code or scan the QR code below https://lh1 mydancestore co uk/lauren-haith-school-of-dance html

2 Select the Hampton Court House tab

3 Select Option 1 or Option 2

4 Select required items (sizing guide available on website, ballet shoes come up on the smaller size so add ½ to a full size bigger than outdoor shoe)

5 Check out (items will be delivered to your home address)

Alternatively, you purchase from Ballet Boutique https://ballet-boutique co uk/

Dance Kit

Please find information below detailing the required Dance Kit for all Students in Year 5 & 6 As well as the required costume all students should have their hair tied neatly and off the face for dance

• • HCH Branded sports kit Black Jazz Shoes

Please visit our online dance store to order your child’s costume:

1 Open the link and type in access code or scan the QR code below https://lh1 mydancestore co uk/lauren-haith-school-of-dance html

2 Select the Hampton Court House tab

3 Select Year 5&6 Dance

4 Select required items (sizing guide available on website, dance shoes come up on the smaller size so add ½ to a full size bigger than outdoor shoe, Please check if you are purchasing child or adult size)

5 Check out (items will be delivered to your home address)

If you have any queries about the Balelet or dance costume, please contact:

Teacher of Dance (Maternity leave)

Lauren Haith

lah@hchnet co uk

Teacher of Dance

Ella Gregory

egr@hchnet co uk

Scan here for the ballet costume store

Beyond the Classroom: Clubs & enrichment at HCH

Hampton Court House offers students a wealth of co- curricular opportunities. We hope that the extensive range - including sport, the arts,coding or academics - inspires every student to try something different, develop new skills, make new friends and prepare for life beyond HCH

The enrichment programme is central to life at HCH, balancing the academic focus of the classroom with a broad range of experiences and activities, together with excellent pastoral care to fulfil our whole-pupil approach to learning In our experience, students learn as much outside the classroom as they do within it

Sixth Form students are able to hone their leadership, cultural awareness and debating skills through the popular Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Trips and expeditions take our students all over the UK and around the world, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award enables senior school students to take part in community service and expeditions alongside sport and skills

This year, we are introducing the new Dukes Young Leaders Award, which will allow students of all ages to develop their skills in the four areas of leadership: courage,compassion, honour and humility

Given that some clubs are seasonal, our 70+ clubs programme varies throughout the year on a rotational basis, and we frequently review our offering and introduce new clubs to enable our pupils to try new experiences

Art and creative clubs

Animation This club is appropriate for beginners who want to learn how to animate or experienced animators who would like to work on their own projects

Art & design Children will be using their imaginations to design and construct through art There will be different themes each week to inspire creations using different media and resources

Arts & crafts Having fun making arts and crafts using various equipment and multimedia, utilising and enhancing skills acquired in art lessons

Claycatz pottery Come along and enjoy creating a keepsake out of clay Your child will find the squishing and rolling, therapeutic and messy The benefits of this mindful practice will help develop their sensory and fine motor skills We provide the children with clay, glazes and tools needed to create a sculpture or ceramic piece We fire the pieces ourselves and return them once they have finished glazing

Crochet Calling all creative crafters! Beginners' crochet club Grab a hook and some yarn and we will take you through the basics, learning chain, double and treble crochet stitches You will then be set to create your own masterpieces from creatures to decorations!

Da Vinci Art For students who wish to develop their observational drawing skills As well as using dry drawing materials, students will have the opportunity to learn techniques in watercolour and acrylic This club is invitation only, interested students should ask their art teacher if they wish to be considered

Photography An opportunity to learn traditional photography techniques including sun prints, darkroom techniques and the use of film cameras

Portfolio & studio GCSE and A Level Art students have access to the art studios to work on their portfolios at lunchtimes with members of the art department on hand to help

Sustainable design & technology Working on craft-focused projects, students will develop technical, practical, design and creation skills, using their creativity in solving real-life and relevant problems Through evaluation of past and present examples, and principles of design and technology, they develop a knowledge and critical understanding in order to make prototypes and products for different applications using CAD/CAM, laser cutting, and 3D printing technologies

Textiles/art Drawing, using textiles, painting and making stories with Claire Drury

Watercolour This club develops students’ foundational skills of traditional watercolour technique Using quality paint, paper and brushes, each step will take the student through exercise studies to help build mastery and confidence as they learn to paint in watercolour

Computer science clubs

Advanced coding Students focus on practice programming using the object-oriented programming language C Sharp C# is used to make mobile and web applications, client applications using Windows Forms, cloud and blockchain applications

Coding This club introduces computing challenges to young digital learners The students will learn broad problem-solving techniques which include four elements: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms There are a variety of ways that students can practise and hone their computational thinking This club also prepares them for computational challenge competitions, such as Bebras UK organised by HCH in November

Developing mobile apps Making mobile applications using App Lab, which is a programming environment where you can design an app, code in JavaScript with either blocks or text, then share your app rapidly

Lego robotics Learn the fundamentals of robotics by building innovative LEGO models Every session children work in pairs to build unique models that come alive Each poses unique challenges and applies their knowledge to make their models solve complex problems, using computer programming, team working and engineering skills along the way

Touch-typing More and more of our children’s work and prep is now completed on a computer, using a keyboard Students learn to type while supporting their reading and spelling development and have fun learning together

English and Drama Clubs

Creative Writing Children will develop their creative writing skills This involves planning a story, brainstorming characters and setting and then writing the story Creative writing builds confidence and gives children the opportunity to explore different worlds and ideas The creative process teaches children how they can express themselves creatively through words

Drama Games explore a variety of theatrical activities and techniques through games

Film Making We offer a unique opportunity for pupils to understand the principles of filmmaking - The fastest growing Industry in the UK Over the course of each term our sessions cover: Screen acting , working with a script, directing and camera operating At the end of term we put all the filmed activities together in an edited film for students and parents to keep We provide all the equipment and edit the film for them

French Drama Explore the richness of French language and culture through role-playing, improvisation, and theatrical performances

LAMDA Develop your performance skills, refine your speech, and immerse yourself in the world of drama and public speaking through the renowned LAMDA syllabus Join us to unlock your full potential and shine on stage and beyond

Musical Theatre Perfect for those with a passion for creativity, singing, dancing, acting and songwriting Students work throughout the term to devise their very own musical, writing their own songs and creating choreography with a performance at the end of term

Poetry Students will have fun with poetry, whilst at the same time extending their English lessons They will have the opportunity to look at various poets and different styles, carry out activities and use their creative skills to produce their very own poetry

Reading Delve into captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and literary exploration with fellow book enthusiasts

Script writing Unleash your creativity and craft compelling narratives with our Script Writing Club! Dive into the art of storytelling, learn essential techniques, and collaborate with fellow writers to bring your ideas to life on the page and stage

Storytelling Through the use of literacy, art and imagination, the children will be transported to visualise, dream and pretend, while making up stories and learning about literacy in a fun and informative way

Student Magazine: The Courtier A student-run online and print magazine that includes a mixture of articles, reviews, interviews, photographs, artwork and more! All students from year 7 and above welcome!

Theatre design Step into the world of theatrical creation with our Theatre Design Club! From set and costume design to lighting and sound, unleash your artistic vision and bring productions to life on stage Join us to explore the magic of behind-the-scenes creativity in the captivating world of theatre

Young Reporters Young Reporters is an independent online journalism scheme for Year 10 and above It is run by Newsquest, an external provider Pupils sign up for the scheme for an eight month period from September/October to March/April They have to write eight articles in eight different categories to set monthly deadlines The idea is that they research, plan and write local news articles and upload them onto the Newsquest Young Reporter website

Games Club

Board games In this club the children will play board games in French and in English It will give the children a chance to discover various games and play together When the weather permits, we will play some famous outdoor games like pétanque, molkky, palet and many more!

Chess Children will not be playing complete games, but shorter and simpler games using subsets of chess to analyse strategy and techniques Beginners and also proficient players are all catered for

Gamesmaster Join our Gamesmaster Club for a voyage into the realms of imagination and strategy! Explore the art of game design, master the intricacies of rule-setting, and lead thrilling adventures as a dungeon master or game master Dive into a world where creativity meets strategy and embark on epic quests with fellow enthusiasts

Indoor games From classic board games to modern favorites, challenge your skills, strategize with friends, and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie

Lego Children will explore, construct, problem solve and create through Lego building

Minecraft For all Minecraft maniacs! Practice your Minecraft skills building your own virtual world From beginner to expert, all are welcome

Magic the Gathering Magic the Gathering is a trading card game (similar to Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh) in which players use creatures and spells to face off against one another Easy to learn but with lots of depth and tactical thinking required Students may bring their own cards or borrow some to learn with

Models & Mayhem This is an introduction to tabletop gaming using the Warhammer Alliance resources and rules Members will get a chance to assemble their model, create a backstory and participate in short missions working as a squad against a nefarious and ruthless enemy! This will test your story telling, team building and artistic skills All levels of experience are welcome

Outdoor games Join our Outdoor Games Club for active fun in the sun! From classic sports to exciting activities, embrace competition, teamwork, and adventure outdoors

Playdough When children play with playdough, they use their own imaginations and connect to their experiences, share and communicate with others as well as strengthening their fine motor skills!

Sci-fi Fantasy Having general discussions about any books or movies the students have watched as well as participating in table top role play games and board games, trading card games Academically, these activities can broaden their critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as teamwork skills

Humanities Club

Debating Students will learn to critically analyse and discuss challenging topics with a view to representing a specific point of view, in a challenging lively debate

History Have you an interest in an historical event or person or place that you’d love to know more about but haven’t had a chance to research? If you answered yes to either question, then come to History Club We will turn your research into articles for a new school newspaper so you can also say you ’ re a published historian! We will also get you writing to historians to ask for interviews so you can learn from their brilliant minds

Model UN Model United Nations is an academic or recreational activity in which participants assume the role of national ambassadors or representatives to debate and seek to solve global issues There are few better ways of understanding international affairs and global politics than putting yourself ‘in the shoes of world leaders!

Newspaper Newspaper club will give students the opportunity to investigate and report on current events in the school and wider world

Philosophy Philosophy club is a student lead discussion club, where big and deep topics are explored Students have the opportunity to choose the topic The goal is to get students thinking and creating a judgement free space to share ideas while hopefully finding logical answers The club is fun, interesting, but also helps develop skills needed for all GCSE's and A-level programmes (even the sciences) No need for pen or paper Just come in with an open mind and curiosity!

Political thinking Dive into current events, discuss diverse viewpoints, and cultivate your understanding of the complex world of politics in a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment Join us to challenge assumptions, explore ideas, and empower yourself as an informed citizen

Maths and Economics Clubs

Magical maths Discover the magic of maths with our Magical Maths Club! Dive into captivating puzzles and challenges to uncover the enchantment hidden within numbers Join us for a journey of mathematical wonder and exploration

Maths Join our Maths Club for an adventure in numbers! Explore fascinating concepts, solve intriguing problems, and unlock the beauty of mathematics with fellow enthusiasts Whether you ’ re a novice or a math whiz, there’s something for everyone in our engaging and supportive club

Maths Challenge We will use our skills to tackle UKMT Primary Maths Challenge tasks and will choose our team of four Year 6 students to represent HCH in the Primary Challenge in October After that we will prepare for the Maths Primary Challenge in November, where all students from the club can participate If you love solving logic puzzles, maths problems and like a challenge, then this club is for you!

Spaghetti Maths Each session, this innovative maths-focused club explores a different area of mathematics through various challenges and investigations Every week children construct something different to take home which can be enjoyed as a visual reminder of the session Consequently, this invites a purposeful discussion with families to deepen their understanding of the concept

Introduction to Macro-Economics The club will introduce students to the main macroeconomic objectives such as low inflation, low unemployment and increases in economic growth For each objective, students will look at how the government acts to improve the outcome, mainly through monetary policy, fiscal policy and supply-side policies Students will be encouraged to think as economists and develop the appropriate range of analytical, critical and reasoning skills to achieve this objective

Numeracy in Economics Students are introduced to economics ideas and concepts while continuing to use and reinforce previously acquired numeracy skills calculation of percentages and percentage changes, including interest on savings calculation of averages, including cost; calculation of totals, including revenue, costs and profit; calculation of income, including gross and net pay; construction of graphs from data, including supply and demand curves; interpretation and use of information from graphs and charts; interpretation and use of economic data, such as GDP and unemployment figures, and exports and imports

Music Clubs

Chamber Choir An opportunity to work with and learn from Kieran, an experienced musician, choir master and music producer The chamber choir often performs at key school events In the past, these have included a choral service, an evening of music at Hampton Court Palace Chapel and numerous school concerts

Ensemble In this club, students learn to play pieces of classical and film music and also learn to improvise together Students will be given their own part and they will learn to listen and respond to the rest of the ensemble There will be opportunities for the ensemble(s) to perform at different events throughout the year Ensemble playing is a wonderful way to extend skills of musicianship, experience music-making as part of a community, and to have fun! This club is open to players of woodwind, brass and string instruments Students of different instruments who are interested in playing in an ensemble should get in touch with Despina (DPA) Students are expected to bring their own instruments each week Music will be provided

Junior Choir Junior choir is an opportunity for our younger singers to join together as an ensemble and develop their vocal and performance skills The choir will explore a range of repertoire and perform at a variety of events across the year

French Choir This choir provides an opportunity for children to put their French skills into practise through learning and singing classic French songs

Music tech Music technology is exactly what it says: making music using technology! As well as digital music creation in Logic Pro, we will explore the geeky fun of analogue synthesisers, drum machines and samplers, with maybe a bit of guitar and bass thrown into the mix too Some previous musical education is helpful, but not compulsory!

Music theory Discover the language of music with our Music Theory Club! Explore rhythm, harmony, and notation in a fun and supportive environment

Individual Music Tuition See page 37 for further information on the individual music tuition available at Hampton Court House

Language Clubs

Ancient Greek The influence of the Greek language in science in particular can be seen just by the number of words derived from Greek which are used within subjects such as Maths, Science and Philosophy even to this day

Chinese The Chinese club will cover different aspects of China and Chinese culture with fun activities such as learning about the main Chinese festivals and making origami, ordering food and using chopsticks, exploring the major dynasties in Chinese history, using a traditional brush to write Chinese zodiac characters, introducing China’s ancient poetry and enjoying Chinese paper fans craft activity It’s a great opportunity to learn and ‘experience’ Chinese culture Teacher Jenny is a native Chinese speaker, fluent in English She is passionate about teaching students about Chinese culture

French roleplay The children will play various role-playing card games in French They will be able to speak French and play different characters in different bluffing games, such as ‘Les Loups-Garous’ Strategy and concentration will be needed in those fun and entertaining cooperative games

Latin Latin offers learners the chance to interrogate the meaning of words, the construction of sentences and the use of language for different purposes With around 60% of English words being derived from Latin, this club will support literacy development and provide a strong linguistic foundation on which to build It offers rich learning opportunities which go beyond language to embrace history, philosophy, civilisation, art, drama and mythology

Spanish Join our Spanish Club and embark on a journey into the vibrant world of the language! Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, refine your linguistic abilities through engaging activities, and foster meaningful connections through lively conversations Whether you ’ re a beginner or fluent speaker, our welcoming community offers a supportive environment where you can explore, learn, and embrace the charm of Spanish together

Science and STEM Clubs

Astrophysics Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos with our Astrophysics Club! Explore the mysteries of the universe, delve into cutting-edge research, and engage in stimulating discussions about the wonders of space and time Join us to unravel the secrets of the cosmos and ignite your passion for astrophysics in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment management within the sessions

Construction Dive into the world of structural engineering, learn essential construction techniques, and tackle exciting hands-on projects From designing and building structures to exploring the principles of architecture, our club provides a dynamic platform to cultivate your skills and passion for construction

Inventors Club Imagine a world where you can have fun, be creative, and learn exciting things all at the same time That's what The Inventors is all about! We are a special group of people who love to explore, create, and discover new things together In each session, we will work on amazing hands-on projects These projects are like puzzles or challenges that we solve using our imagination and skills We will build cool things, experiment with science, play with technology, and explore the wonders of art and design The best part is that you get to take your project home with you! It's like having a special treasure that you made yourself You can show it to your family and friends, and they will be amazed by what you ' ve created

Mother nature science Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world with our Mother Nature Science Club! Explore ecosystems, conduct fascinating experiments, and deepen your understanding of environmental phenomena Join us to discover the beauty and complexity of nature through hands-on exploration and scientific enquiry

Science Join our Science Club and dive into the fascinating world of discovery! Explore the wonders of the natural and physical sciences through hands-on experiments, engaging discussions, and exciting projects Whether you ’ re passionate about biology, chemistry, physics, or beyond, our club offers a supportive community where you can unleash your curiosity, expand your knowledge, and ignite your passion for science

STEM Step into the world of STEM with our STEM Club! Explore the realms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on experiments, interactive projects, and collaborative activities

Virtual Reality Design CoSpaces is a virtual and augmented reality program where students jump into the developer's seat We engage students to think divergently to build what's in their imagination, and think creatively in how they can program it

- Develop spacial awareness and CAD skills

- Program different digital projects such as games and stories to understand algorithms

- Experience augmented reality through VR headsets and Merge Cubes

Zoo Club (Years 4 - 6) We will be looking after a new menagerie of creatures this year including Dandan, our school snake, and Chips, our giant vinegaroon, plus tree frogs, fish, stick insects, giant millipedes, and mantids Students will have the opportunity to maintain enclosures, feed, handle, and care for a variety of unusual creatures whilst learning about their biology and ecology in general

Zoo Club (Years 7 - 11) To further our understanding of the natural world, we are now the proud keepers of a growing range of small creatures Zoo club members will have the opportunity to look after these creatures and learn more about them in the process

Sports, PE and Outdoor Clubs

Ball games Improving hand-eye coordination through a variety of different ball games We will learn how to catch, throw and pass correctly and play team games that reinforce these skills We will also learn juggling as this develops fine motor skills, allows one to become ambidextrous, improves balance, relieves stress and gives you a sense of accomplishment, just to name a few benefits

Ballet After-school ballet club is for all students (male and female) showing particular interest and promise in Dance This club is designed for both enjoyment and to aid the progression of their ballet studies This club will help students to strengthen and build upon their core strength, posture, flexibility and ballet vocabulary As well as technique building, the students will have the chance to perform in school productions and projects in addition to their curriculum classes For older students, we will learn work from the RAD Syllabus as well as free work We will also focus on choreographic projects and students will have the opportunity to perform in school productions This club will be beneficial for keen athletes (both boys and girls) as the sessions will help to improve strength, agility and flexibility

Basketball Develops understanding of the game through conditioned matches Furthermore, there will be a focus on personal responsibility, decision making and game management within the sessions

Duke of Edinburgh Award Embark on a transformative journey of personal growth and adventure with our Duke of Edinburgh Award programme! Challenge yourself through a series of exciting activities including volunteering, physical fitness, skills development, and adventurous expeditions Join us to cultivate resilience, leadership, and a sense of accomplishment as you work towards earning this prestigious award

Fencing We are offering a unique and fun introduction to fencing To start, we use mini-fence, a set of safe plastic swords, masks and protective bibs to demonstrate the foundation techniques within fencing In the lessons, the students will first take part in warm-up games, which is a clever way to encourage and develop some much-needed strength conditioning within this sport Then, a short but focused footwork session will follow Lastly, the students will learn how to hold a foil, attack their opponent, defend themselves and most of all enjoy the art and sport of fencing Fencing is an excellent allaround workout that enhances one ’ s reflexes and coordination skills

Football Football club aims to develop understanding of the game through conditioned matches Furthermore, there will be a focus on personal responsibility, decision making and game management within the sessions

Gardening Run by parents, Gardening Club open to Years 1 to 6 in the Autumn Term in the Community Garden The club will mainly be responsible for the upkeep of the Community Garden; planting, weeding, creating wildlife habitats, recording wildlife activities, learning about environmental initiatives and tending to the fruit and vegetables planted as seeds This club is managed by dedicated parent volunteers, Hannah Bahar and Vicki Felgate

Gymnastics Join our Gymnastics Club and leap into a world of strength, agility, and grace! Explore the fundamentals of gymnastics, refine your skills on the floor, beam, bars, and vault, and unleash your potential in a supportive and empowering environment Whether you ’ re a beginner or an experienced gymnast, our club offers expert coaching and a welcoming community where you can soar to new heights

Judo Proud Tiger Judo is delighted to be able to continue teaching judo lessons at Hampton Court House on Monday afternoons Students require a BJA membership: which can be obtained by visiting: https://www britishjudo org uk/renewing- your-membership/ This will need to be renewed annually

Mini-athletics At Mini Athletics we take what children love to do the most (running super-fast, jumping high and throwing far) and mix it with imaginative themes, learning to follow instructions and developing gross motor skills It is the magical combination of imaginative play, sport and burning energy! Children are introduced to the basics of athletic skills (fundamental to their early physical development) in a play based yet structured format In addition, cognitive and social skills are taught in an immersive and imaginative way

Netball Students learn the basic skills and principles of netball, enabling them to incorporate these skills into fun games against opponents

Point & repertoire This club is for students showing a real promise in dance Students will be building strength and technique either on pointe or demi pointe if they have not yet been invited to purchase pointe shoes Students will build on their classical vocabulary and will learn classical repertoire and pas de deux

Rounders Students learn to accurately replicate fielding skills and use them effectively in a game They develop communication skills, teamwork through rounders game play, develop creative thinking and learn to outwit opponents with the placement of the ball Students also learn to play games and apply batting and fielding tactics

Taekwondo Join our Taekwondo Club and kick-start your journey to mastery! Explore the ancient Korean martial art of Taekwondo, where discipline, focus, and physical fitness converge Under expert guidance, hone your techniques, build strength, and cultivate selfconfidence in a supportive and empowering environment Whether you ’ re a beginner or a black belt, our club offers a dynamic space to grow and excel on the path to martial arts excellence

Tennis England Sports Group classes are a fantastic way for your child to engage in sport and fitness in a safe and familiar environment *Tennis clubs will run from w/c 12th Sept and finish w/c 10th Oct Tennis clubs usually resume in the Summer Term

Touch Rugby Enjoy the chance to learn about the basics of rugby with the fast paced, fun and non contact version - touch rugby! Students will get to play small sided games to help hone their skills in passing and moving, whilst having lots of fun along the way!

Yoga Guided Yoga sessions to stretch the muscles, relax the mind and heighten awareness

These classes will be delivered by Kaley Lammert, a qualified Yoga Teacher

Support, Clinics

Academic support clinics Academic support clinics run for senior students from year 7-11 run during the lunch club slots during the week Departments are open for students to meet with teachers, sometimes in small groups or one to one, to discuss and work through specific academic topics or challenges These support sessions are tailored to individual needs and therefore invaluable to pupils of all abilities The timetable for Academic Clinics is shared at the start of each term

Lego (Years 2 - 6) This club provides children who struggle to interact and communicate with others access to play and social opportunities with other children Lego clubs help children to develop and reinforce play and social skills as well as developing their fine motor skills By invitation only, for specific SEND pupils

Nurture group Nurture group is an open drop-in session for anybody who wants to come to the counselling room and play or talk

Talking space A drop-in service led by our Sixth Form students The aim is to provide support in day-to-day challenges faced by young people

Wraparound Care

Morning club Children will be looked after from 8am whilst playing and having access to games, colouring and books, to prepare for the day ahead

Prep & play Children from Nursery to Y2 will be supervised after school, either in-class, or playing and making use of the outdoor space until 5 30pm

Prep/homework The children from Y3 to Y6 will be supervised during this after school club, where they can read, do their homework, play board games or do some art from 4 15 until 5 15pm

Club bookings are made using a booking system called MyEvolve.

Existing users simply login at:

https://evolve edufocus co uk/myevolve/login asp

If you are new to the school, you can set-up your MyEvolve account from the end of July: https://evolve edufocus co uk/myevolve/setup asp?id=hamptoncourthouse

Please use the same email address you normally use for all school correspondence to activate the account You will then receive an email to set your password and a link to login

Clubs are usually set up in MyEvolve towards the end of August

Your MyEvolve account can also be used for booking lunches, trips and other activities at Hampton Court House School

If you require any technical assistance please contact us: evolve@hchnet co uk

Clubs Coordinator Ali Murani

clubs@hchnet co uk

Individual Music Tuition

Our aim is to provide high quality musical opportunities for all students in any musical Our aim at Hampton Court House is to provide high quality musical opportunities for all students in any musical genre in which they show interest, regardless of musical standard We work hard to instil and foster a love of music in those who are at an earlier stage in their musical journey, providing a wide range of solo and ensemble performance opportunities at all levels

At HCH students benefit from an enriched musical programme that includes chamber music, music tech, choirs, jazz, piano and drum recitals Performance opportunities are frequent and varied and can range from daily lunchtime concerts in school to formal recitals and productions

The quality of academic and instrumental teaching and the huge variety of performance opportunities on our exquisite school site mean that music at HCH forms a central part of school life for Courtiers, and it is our hope and aim that their enjoyment of music will remain lifelong We encourage all children to try learning an instrument The following instrument lessons are taught by our superb peripatetic music teachers:

To book lessons, please download and complete the application form available on our website (School Life > Music) and email to our School Office at reception@hchnet co uk

If you would like more information about our Music programmes, productions and instrument lessons, please contact Despina, Director of Music

Director of Music

Despina Patsika

dpa@hchnet co uk

Piano
Flute
Drums
Violin
Trumpet Voice
Viola Clarinet Recorder (N,R,Y1)
Guitar Saxophone Music Theory

Sport At HCH

At Hampton Court House, we believe that children and young people’s physical and mental health are paramount to their overall development, happiness and future. At HCH our Sports provision is focused on enabling all children and young people to participate, have fun and find a sport that they will love.

There is a well-established link between physical activity and enhanced educational performance At HCH, our sports curriculum is crafted to foster character development, social skills, problem-solving abilities, resilience, perseverance, confidence, and teamwork among children

Our sports programme presents an exhilarating selection of over 25 diverse activities throughout the year, featuring rowing, golf, padel tennis, and weightlifting This variety allows our students to explore new interests while also refining their current skills

Students at HCH develop a wide range of skills and learn to use different tactics, strategies, and compositional ideas to succeed in their performances They are encouraged to think about their actions, evaluate the situation, and make thoughtful choices during these performances Additionally, they participate in self-assessment and critique their peers ' performances, looking for ways to improve

As a result, they gain the confidence to engage in various physical activities and appreciate the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle They explore their interests in physical activities and find opportunities to get involved, which helps them make informed decisions about lifelong fitness, recognize the value of a healthy body, and understand the factors that affect health and wellness

Sports at HCH contribute to students' personal and social growth They engage individually, in groups, and as part of teams, fostering a sense of fairness and social responsibility Students assume various roles, such as leaders, coaches, and officials The diverse experiences provided by sports teach them to excel in competitive, creative, and challenging environments

Prep students participate in three sports lessons each week as part of their curriculum In the Senior School, students engage in sports for at least one afternoon weekly during school hours Additionally, many students take part in extra fitness training, matches, and competitions outside of these scheduled times

Our younger students, from Early Years to Year 2, participate in swimming once a week Students in EY to Year 4 enjoy ballet lessons and Year 5 and 6 participate in dance once a week as part of their sports curriculum Early Years students have one sports lesson each week

Our Sports Clubs operate daily during lunch and after school, playing a significant role in our Enrichment programme

Facilities and coaches

Our stunning heritage school grounds, while beautiful, do not accommodate large sports facilities Therefore, we take advantage of some of the finest regional amenities to help our students thrive in their athletic pursuits We have a strong partnership with St Mary’s University, allowing us to access their facilities for football, netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton and athletics Sixth Form have access to weightlifting sessions with a weightlifting coach

We also feature a versatile indoor hall for various activities like fencing, dance, capoeira, and badminton Additionally, we have dedicated courts for netball and basketball, along with a top field for football, athletics, rounders and cricket

Rowing is an integral part of the sports offerings for senior students at our school Students can join the program starting in Year 9, benefiting from the expertise of our highly qualified and experienced coaches We maintain a strong partnership with Molesey Boat Club, conveniently located just a short walk from the school, where we conduct all our water-based activities A variety of indoor rowing machines are accessible for use, in addition to weightlifting equipment designed for strength and conditioning

Basketball plays a vital role in our sports curriculum, led by Wayne Martin, the founder of Spartans Basketball and our dedicated coach Wayne believes in creating enjoyable, engaging, and constructive coaching sessions that prioritise skill development, boost confidence, and foster teamwork, ensuring that every child feels appreciated This approach aligns perfectly with the values and culture we uphold at Hampton Court House

The sports team and coaches at HCH bring a rich background and expertise in various athletic disciplines Each staff member has competed at an elite level and possesses a specific area of specialization, along with a deep understanding of the sports they instruct The department collaborates closely to guarantee that all lessons and coaching sessions meet the highest standards of excellence

School bus

Hampton Court House School minibus routes are proudly managed and provided by Kura.

School minibus pick-ups start from 7 00am to arrive at school for 8:30am

Afternoon drop-offs depart at 4 15pm and run up to 5 30pm

Routes cover the following areas

- Shepherds Bush / Hammersmith / Kew / Richmond / Ham / Sheen

- Putney / Kingston / Surbiton

- Twickenham / Teddington / Hampton

Our fully managed service benefits from Kura technology, their safeguarding and tracking software which includes the Parent App to track the vehicle and receive messaging regarding delays

In order to register your interest in joining the service, please contact Kura via telephone on +44 (0)20 3314 0311, or alternatively via email at hamptonhouse@ridekura com Bookings are on a first come, first served basis Kura will always do their utmost to accommodate new requests into our routes, although for logistical reasons this may not always be possible Pricing

5 journeys AM per week £7 50 per journey

5 journeys PM per week £7 50 per journey

3-4 journeys AM per week £10 per journey

3-4 journeys PM per week £10 per journey Ad hoc £12 50 per journey

Please visit our dedicated RideKura page for further information such as Terms and Conditions, Parent App FAQs and their safeguarding statement https://ridekura com/hch-minibus/

* Please note that our school bus policy is regularly reviewed to ensure the most efficient routes for all our families, and may be updated as needed

Lunch

The wholesome and balanced lunches at Hampton Court House are freshly prepared fresh on-site in partnership with Accent Catering, whose values and ethos align beautifully with our own.

Accent Catering’s approach is rooted in a genuine love of fresh, sustainable, seasonal ingredients and a deep understanding of how food can shape a young person ’ s experience of school life not only supporting their physical wellbeing, but also enhancing their happiness

Menus are created with care - using local ingredients wherever possible, meat that is Red Tractor assured, and fish from sustainable sources Food is made fresh on site, by teams who take pride in preparing meals that are not only nutritious, but genuinely delicious and taste like they were made at home

Importantly, Accent takes food allergies and special diets very seriously They are partners of the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, and their allergen protocols are rigorous, transparent and designed to reassure families Their teams are trained each term, and every menu is fully allergen-checked and clearly labelled

Always striving to improve our offering, we invite and encourage pupils to share their feedback on a regular basis through our feedback box

Any queries related to our lunch menus or for any other catering related enquiries please contact Heather Day, Head of Operations at Accent Catering who can be reached via telephone on: +44 (0)1784 224 690 Alternatively, you can email our Finance team at finance@hchnet co uk

- Lunch for Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Reception and Year 1 is £330 per term

- Lunch for Years 2–6 is £385 per term

- Lunch for Year 7 upwards is £440 per term

Lunches are not included in the termly fees and bookings can be made via the Evolve platform Please note, if termly lunches are not booked, children will need to bring in a packed lunch from home

Friends of HCH

Welcome to the Friends of HCH.

The Friends of HCH is our school’s parent association, run by volunteers who organise events, raise funds, and bring our community together Every parent is part of this whether you come along to events or help out behind the scenes, you ’ re already making a difference.

What We Do

Aid communication between school and home through our Class Parent Reps

Social events like Coffee Mornings, Fireworks Night, and seasonal celebrations

Fundraisers such as the Winter Fayre and Summer Fête, which support school trips, books, and special projects

Chances to connect whether at parent socials or through smaller meet-ups

How You Can Help

No need to commit to anything big just join in however works for you:

Help at an event (set-up, stalls, or just being there)

Donate something for a raffle or bake sale

Share a skill (photography, crafts, planning anything useful!)

Come to a meeting, suggest an idea, or even lead on something

Become a Class Rep

Want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you.

Email: friends@hchnet co uk

Website: www hamptoncourthouse-friends co uk

Instagram: @friendsofhch

Facebook: @HCHFriends

A Few Things Coming Up This Year

(This is just a glimpse—there’s always more happening!)

Meet the Friends Evening (September) – Hear about plans and share your thoughts

Fireworks Night

Summer Fête

Spooky Festival

Easter Egg hunt

Cheese + Wine

Looking forward to another great year together!

CAMPBELL

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.