Teaching & Learning at The Old School Henstead
At The Old School Henstead, we believe learning should be exciting, meaningful and full of possibility. Our broad and balanced curriculum is designed to inspire, stretch and support every child. With small class sizes, expert teaching and a nurturing atmosphere, we offer a truly personalised education that brings out the best in each learner.
We take pride in nurturing each pupil’s unique potential and equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed in life and learning. Wherever possible, we make learning active and immersive, whether that’s through specialist teaching, hands-on science experiments, outdoor exploration or real-world experiences beyond the classroom.
English
English is central to our curriculum. From the earliest stages, we foster a love of language and literature, alongside developing secure skills in speaking, listening, grammar, comprehension and creative writing. Pupils explore a wide range of high-quality texts and genres, learning to write with purpose, clarity and imagination. Class discussions, drama and performance build confidence and communication, while focused reading sessions support fluency, comprehension, and analytical thinking.
Mathematics
In mathematics, we aim to nurture confident, curious problem-solvers. Lessons follow a mastery approach, building strong foundations in number, reasoning and mathematical fluency. Pupils are encouraged to explore, question and apply their understanding across different contexts. We support all learners to develop a growth mindset – celebrating challenge, progress and perseverance.
Science
Science at Henstead is hands-on, exciting and inquiry-led. Through regular experiments and investigations, children learn to ask big questions, make predictions, record findings and draw conclusions. We explore biology, chemistry and physics through real-world phenomena, encouraging a deep appreciation of the natural world and a respect for evidence and discovery.
Humanities (History & Geography)
Our Humanities curriculum blends history and geography through engaging, enquiry-based learning. In History, pupils explore how the past has shaped our present, studying significant events and individuals while developing skills in critical thinking, source evaluation and argument. In Geography, children examine both human and physical processes, learning about environments, places and global interconnectivity – from the formation of rivers to the effects of natural disasters. These subjects encourage children to ask questions, see multiple perspectives and understand their role in an ever-changing world.
Languages
Languages spark curiosity, build communication skills and deepen cultural understanding. At Henstead, children learn French from Year 1 to Year 6, using games, stories, songs and cultural experiences to bring language to life. In Year 6, pupils are introduced to Latin through the Minimus programme, which supports vocabulary development and enhances grammatical understanding across languages. Language learning is joyful, engaging and confidence-boosting.
Art & Design
Art is a vibrant and valued part of life at Henstead. From Reception to Year 6, children enjoy weekly art lessons in a dedicated studio space with a specialist teacher. Pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of techniques and materials, including printmaking, stitching, painting, ceramics and jewellery design. They also learn about influential artists from around the world. Lessons are often linked to Humanities topics, allowing children to make meaningful cross-curricular connections and express their ideas with creativity and confidence.
Music
Music is woven into the fabric of daily life at Henstead. Every class from Nursery to Year 6 has music lessons, blending singing, instrumental work and creative exploration. All pupils are in the school choir; they rehearse regularly and perform at events, including services at St Mary’s Church. The choir has performed at local festivals and appeared on national television for Children in Need. Pupils can also take part in individual music lessons in piano, drum, violin, guitar, ukelele and voice.
Drama
Drama is key to building confidence, creativity and communication. Children develop their performance skills through improvisation, physical theatre and voice work, including a half-term dedicated to exploring Shakespeare’s plays. Every child takes part in our Summer Show, a much-anticipated whole-school event that celebrates teamwork and self-expression. We also offer LAMDA tuition, helping pupils build public speaking, acting and presentation skills.
Sport & PE
Sport at Henstead is about more than physical fitness – it builds resilience, teamwork and self-belief. Children have regular PE and games sessions led by a specialist teacher, and take part in twice-weekly sport and physical activity lessons. All children enjoy weekly swimming lessons at the Waveney Valley Leisure Centre for two terms a year, helping them gain confidence and essential water safety skills. We also participate in a range of competitive fixtures – including football, hockey, and cross-country – both locally and regionally.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor learning is a cornerstone of our curriculum and our school grounds include a dedicated outdoor education area for creative exploration. Pupils from Reception onwards enjoy a programme of outdoor education that includes Forest School-style sessions, environmental learning, a school field camp-out and residential trips. From conservation days at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve to an adventure day on the broads; from a multi-activity stay in Norfolk in Year 5, and a final residential in Wales for Year 6, these experiences foster independence, teamwork and a spirit of adventure.
We also encourage pupils to take part in school-wide initiatives and fundraising events, such as the annual HensteadHike, Jeans for Genes Day, World Book Day, British Science Week, Children’s Mental Health Week, Safer Internet Day, Children in Need, St. George’s Day, Earth Day, International Women’s Day, Black History Month, Red Nose Day and the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch to name a few. Marking these events help our children understand their power to make a difference and grow together as a community.
School Trips
One of the ways we enrich our curriculum is through half-termly educational trips that connect directly with what our pupils are learning. These visits offer valuable opportunities to deepen understanding, ignite curiosity and apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. Whether exploring a museum, historic site, gallery, theatre or local landscape, our pupils return inspired, informed and eager to learn more.
Personalised Learning for Every Child
Every child at Henstead is known, valued and supported. Our small class sizes allow us to tailor learning to meet individual needs, providing both challenge and support as appropriate. Whether a pupil is working at greater depth or needs additional guidance, we ensure they are stretched and nurtured in equal measure. Through this personalised approach, we help every child grow in confidence, character, and capability.
