
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
2| BUSHEY HEATH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Key to our success
Our pupils continue to leave each key
stage well above the national average,
owing to our deep and rich curriculum,
which continues to evolve year on year.
We use national curriculum guidance
simply as a starting point. Our history
scheme of work, for example, allows
pupils to learn about dinosaurs and the
significance of the Normandy invasion
– topics over and above those typically
required by the national curriculum.
Rather than having one year group
focus on an area of history and then
move on to a different topic in the
next academic year, our pupils revisit
the same area throughout their school
life. In year 3, pupils may learn how
the Romans dressed and where they
came from, while by year 6 they will be
considering why the Roman Empire fell
and whether the Romans had been a
force for good.
Our newly revamped computing
curriculum focuses on core skills,
computer science, online safety and
creative application. It recognises that
our pupils are often technologically
advanced and that they should be
allowed the opportunity to apply these
skills creatively in a secure, safe setting.
To support this, we have ventured into
an exciting new project: developing
and maintaining a “Digital Media
Hub”. Here pupils will have access
to state-of-the-art equipment that
will provide them with essential skills
for the ever-changing modern digital
age. It will include a soundproofed
podcast booth, mini newsroom,
vlogging equipment, high-specification
computers for post-production
editing and smartphone filming and
photography facilities.
We are fortunate to be supported by
skilled industry professionals within our
community, such as BBC 3 Counties
Radio host Nick Coffer, interior
designer Sally McCoy and Victoria
Grech from Video-Marketer, as well
as parents, local businesses, council
officials and the Hertsmere Community
Infrastructure Fund. Our pupils have
been and continue to be involved
in every aspect of the project, from
initial ideas and design to fundraising
and purchasing of equipment. As an
example, our year 5 pupils planned
and set up their own crowdfunding
pages to finance the project, which
has been a great success so far. All
these skills and opportunities will be
developed while children are in a safe
and secure environment, where clear
guidance can be given on the impact
of digital media – in particular their
digital footprint. As a result, our pupils
will learn the benefits and dangers of
using digital media before they go to
secondary school.
Healthy Bodies, Healthy
Minds: Looking after myself
and others
This project promotes and encourages
our children to take an interest in their
own physical and mental wellbeing.
The project incorporates many areas,
including:
»Competitive sports – We provide
high-quality netball, rugby, running
and football training and compete
with local schools. Wearesupported
by expertise from the local
Competitive and non-
competitive sports are
enjoyed by all children
Children take
an interest in
their own
physical and
mental
wellbeing
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