What's Your Thing?
At HSW we help our pupils find their 'element' and reach their full potential
Hall School Wimbledon (HSW) is very proud to be a non-selective school, because the staff know that innate ability comes in many forms, extending far beyond the narrow metric of academic assessment. HSW staff don’t just ask ‘How smart are you?’, rather they pose the question, ‘How are you smart?’ and they are skilled in enabling every pupil to find their ‘element’ and to feel valued for who they are. HSW pupils therefore make up a lively community of budding scientists, artists, dancers, authors, carers, musicians and athletes, all sharing a spirit of adventure and a thirst for knowledge.
As a vibrant learning community, HSW provides multiple opportunities for pupils to find their different talents, interests and motivations. The school encourages pupils to move outside comfort zones and take up every opportunity that comes their way. Many pupils discover talents at HSW which they never knew they had! Staff at the school believe there is no greater pleasure than being present when a pupil discovers a talent which they previously didn’t know about.
The rich and varied curriculum at HSW, augmented by an array of field trips and a wide range of after school clubs also help students find their passion and area of particular interest. After-school clubs such as Trampolining, Archery, Basketball, Football, Minecraft, Woodcraft, Lego, Dance, History Society and Computing give students the chance to try new activities or hone in on an existing passion. When a pupil finds ‘their thing’, they demonstrate self-motivation, commitment and pride – and HSW staff have seen first-hand how these characteristics are transferred into pupils' studies right across the curriculum. HSW firmly believes that being in their element gives pupils the self-confidence they need when other challenges come along.
In addition to internal opportunities, HSW has an Inspiring Speakers Programme which brings a wide array of passionate experts to the school to talk to pupils and ignite sparks of curiosity that may lead to lifelong interests and careers.
There is no typical HSW pupil – the school instead works hard to ensure there is a space carefully designed for each and every pupil and this bespoke space flexes and expands as each individual grows. Furthermore, HSW gives pupils a toolkit for lifelong learning, and the desire to use that toolkit long after they graduate from school. In an uncertain world with many global challenges, HSW pupils leave in the knowledge that they are valued, have much to offer the world and are well prepared for their next step.
17.10.22