Welcome to the Hartland International School official Q and A page. Here we ask the questions, and the school answers directly. It is its chance to have its say on specific areas you have told us you want to know about. If you think there are additional questions we should be asking you may contact us here.

What qualities and characteristics would you say define your school?

Hartland International School provides an enriched education through the National Curriculum for England, empowering young minds to think creatively, problem solve and to exceed expectations.

Modelled on the richness of the best international approaches to education, our school:
- Ignites a passion for learning through intellectual challenge, innovative approaches to both learning and teaching and a stimulating enrichment programme beyond the confines of the classroom
- Cultivates and nurtures a supportive and compassionate environment that encourages and celebrates high aspirations and levels of achievement for all
- Empowers our children to think creatively, analytically, collaboratively and also independently, in a safe and happy environment with state-of-the-art new technologies
- Enriches the lives of children with a sense of confidence, integrity and courage, and a deep understanding of their role in global society and of the culture in which we are privileged to live

The “Hartland Way” supports and encourages each child on a journey through high quality teaching, personalized learning and exceptionally modern facilities.

How many nationalities are represented in your school?

We have 57 different nationalities in the school.

Are there high proportions of a particular nationality?

24% of our students are from the UK and 12% from Australia.
The main nationality represented in the school is British.

What is the teacher: student ratio in your school?

We have one teacher and one learning assistant per class for 24 students for Year 1 to Year 6. In Foundation stage, we have one teacher and one learning assistant per class for 20 students. However, at this time our classes are under their capacity due to the natural growth model of the school.

Does your school have a waiting list?

No

How does your school promote healthy lifestyles?

We promote healthy lifestyles through our enrichment programmes and sports activities, both of which are supported through our curriculum of PSHCE across the school. We also offer free yoga classes to our students, parents and staff and offer a morning swim club for parents.

We also have a school counsellor who contributes to the wellbeing of the students so that we cater for the health of the mind as well as physical health. The teaching of Growth Mindset as a stand-alone lesson in the secondary phase also makes an important contribution to this area.

How do you promote healthy eating?

As part of our commitment to well-being and healthy eating, we provide fresh fruit for all children given at snack time daily. Our lunch providers ensure that calorific and content information is shared with parents and children and all school meals require students to include a healthy portion of salads and / or vegetables. The science and PSHCE curriculum further supports this aspect of school life.

Does the school have cafeteria facilities for the students?

The school has a canteen for the students. The students can enjoy the food from the school caterer or bring their own lunch with them.

If yes, does it serve hot food?

Yes

What would be the amount spent by a student for their lunchtime meal?

A student spends 30 minutes for their lunchtime meal.

What is the starting and finishing time of your school day?

Foundation Stages 1 and 2
8:15 am - 1:30 pm. Dropoff is available from 7:45

Primary School Years 1 – 6
7:30 am drop off and 7:45 am registration as is at present until 2:05 pm with enrichment running Sunday through to Wednesday until 3:05 pm.

Secondary School Year 7
7:30 am drop off and 7:45 am registration until 3:15 pm with enrichment running Sunday through to Wednesday until 4:15 pm.
The school day finishes for all at 1:30 on a Thursday.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes each of our students wears a school uniform.

Please advise on your discipline policy?

At Hartland International School we want our children to be honest, respectful, considerate and responsible. We expect them to be well behaved so that everyone can enjoy a happy, safe environment in which each individual feels respected and valued.

Our behaviour policies are available here:
http://www.hartlandinternational.com/download/policy/Behaviour-Policy-Primary-School-May-15.pdf

How do you feedback progress and attainment to students and parents?

Written reports are formally issued three times a year, however, due to the nature of the school, there is daily interaction with parents and opportunities exist through the school day and year for informal meetings and discussions.
Parent Consultation Events happen at regular intervals throughout the year giving all parents the opportunity to meet both class teachers and specialist teachers of the curriculum.

What is your medium of instruction?

English

Is Arabic taught as both a first language and second language in your school?

Yes

Which other languages are taught?

We offer French, English, German, Spanish and Mandarin from Year 2.

Do you offer EAL or TEFL support for those students where English is not their first language?

As an international school we expect that some of our children will speak English as an additional language, many will be bilingual and some will join us understanding and speaking very little English. At Hartland, we celebrate this diversity, ensuring that, with support from our trained English as an Additional Language team, all of our children will be able to access fully our curriculum, which is taught in English.

Is Islamic Education/Studies for the Arab Muslim students delivered in Arabic for them?

Yes Islamic Studies is delivered in Arabic to our students.

Do you have a dedicated prayer room/s for the Muslim students?

Yes we have a prayer room available.

Does your school measure Value Added data? Please provide details of your current Value Added average scores

The school is in its earliest years of operation – this value added data will be available for inspection purposes.

If external examinations and assessments are part of your curriculum, which ones do you offer?

We deliver the statutory assessments of GL and CAT assessment, In addition, we participate in SAT’s and Phonic Screening.

Do you develop independent learning through homework and, if so, what are your recommendations regarding this, particularly time spent on homework?

Our homework policy in the Primary Phase focuses on mental arithmetic, reading and spellings. There is no recommended time specific but it should not be onerous and should be approached in a collaborative way between parent and child. In the Secondary Phase, there is a published timetable ensuring that all subjects are addressed over the course of the curriculum. It is expected that I Year 7 students might spend on average 60 -90 minutes a night on homework.

How do you support gifted, able and talented students?

Across the world, those schools that have ignited and inspired their more able pupils to achieve excellence, have found the whole school benefitting from the excitement that such a programme generates.
There are no limits for the more able child at Hartland. The Hartland Way is to enable our most gifted students to gain entry to the world’s top universities by offering a world – leading programme designed specifically to challenge the more able.

Do you have a learning support team in your school?

Yes we have a learning support team in the school available to help our students, although we strongly believe that all teachers are teachers of SEN as we promote an inclusive ethos within the school.

Not all schools are staffed or resourced to offer learning support to those children with either moderate or significant learning needs. To what level can you offer support for those with learning differences?

We have students with moderate learning needs such as Autism and Down’s Syndrome in the primary school, who we welcome on an inclusive basis but we are mindful of the fact that we have limitations on how we can cater for these students. If a student has moderate needs then we will always recommend a one-to-one shadow support assistant so that they are able to receive the best care and differentiation possible. Our goal is for students to be happy, to thrive and become independent learners so, if we feel that we are not the right educational establishment for children with moderate or significant needs and that we cannot offer a positive learning environment for that individual, then we are honest and open with parents to try ensure the needs of the child are met.

Please provide comprehensive details of how well your school did in external exams for students at 16 and at 18 years of age? Please provide sufficient detail to allow parents to have a view on how academic your school is?

The school is currently only open to Year 8.

Does your school have particular expertise in dealing with a specific learning need such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers syndrome and so forth?

We have a Head of Learning Support and SENCO who is a qualified teacher of the deaf and who has experience of working with students with a range of needs such as dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome and other specific learning difficulties. She is also a specialist assessor. The Learning Support department is expanding its teaching expertise to include a specialist teacher for dyslexia and literacy needs who will be able to offer individualised programmes of study if necessary and appropriate. Students who have more complex needs have a shadow support assistant in order to help them to access the school curriculum as much as possible.

Does your school have an educational psychologist or access to one to assess and support those youngsters with more challenging learning and emotional needs?

We do not have an educational psychologist on site but we do work closely with local clinics such as KidsFirst. Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are offered by external agencies within the school. The school SENCO is also a specialist assessor and can ascertain specific difficulties and possible support needs.

Do you have a parents’ group supporting the school?

Yes we have parents’ class representatives that support the school during the year and other focus groups who act as sounding boards and advisors on key strategic issues.

Are there opportunities for parents to support the learning, activities and events within the school or on trips other than through the parent group?

The parents can support the team during specific events or school trips. In addition, parents at scheduled key milestones, for example at the end of a unit of work, parents are invited in to class to work alongside their children, thus empowering them to better understand what their child is doing in school.

Is there an opportunity for parental representation on your school Board of Governors?

Yes we have two elected parent representatives on the Governing Body of the school.

Do you offer specific activities, events or information sessions for those parents new to the school and/or area?

We organize open days, school tours and information sessions on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. The school accepts walk-ins and our admissions team is available to organize a private school tour for our visitors. In addition, curriculum information events and coffee mornings are a regular feature f the school to support existing and new parents to the Hartland family. Our Parent Executive also provides a more personal and day-to-day support for all parents.