'Greenhouse not hothouse: the essential balance for success'
Sarah Rollings, Headmistress, Heathfield - a leading independent secondary boarding and day school in Ascot for girls aged 11-18, rated Excellent by ISI – discusses the importance of balance, opportunity and student choice.
'Greenhouse or hothouse? It’s a common debate - which yields the best outcomes? Ultimately, it all depends on the goals you aim to achieve. At Heathfield we believe that by providing the right balance of support, structure and freedom, every child can thrive and develop their own unique talents and abilities. We are more aligned to a greenhouse, catering for each individual’s needs with a structured holistic approach. We focus on each student’s long-term development, with an emphasis on well-being, supporting academic curiosity and exploration and the skills needed for success in life.
Balance and opportunity are key. A carefully developed curriculum and co-curricular offer provides student choice across a wide range of subjects and activities, throughout their school career at Heathfield.
A broad curriculum exposes students to the diversity of learning, developing both the knowledge and skills fundamental to their academic career. They are well-prepared for GCSEs and A Levels, and can embrace and create opportunities throughout their lives beyond Heathfield.
The core subjects – for example, maths, science and languages - were traditionally viewed as superior in merit compared to more creative ones. However, in today’s rapidly changing world, we are educating our young people for roles that don’t necessarily exist yet, and the importance of creativity has increased.
Creativity involves thinking ‘outside the box’, making connections, designing innovative solutions and problem-solving. Soft skills such as communication and adaptability are crucial for success, as is an individual’s attitude. Attitude determines how they react to adversity, their ability to grow and learn, overcome challenges and create bonds with others.
Therefore, it’s important to mirror excellent academic provision with a strong co-curricular programme. A carefully structured programme empowers students by giving them a voice and ownership over their choices.
From the moment they join in Year 7, Heathfield students follow a well-planned, progressive curriculum, but also enjoy the freedom to make decisions about their co-curricular interests, fostering independence, self-confidence and ownership. For the younger students, these are the first steps in developing a sense of autonomy that demonstrates their agency to make a difference in their lives, and in the lives of others. They can explore their interests and try new ones, whether it’s designing a racing car using AI design tools and 3D printing, or taking part in debating club – all these opportunities are designed to broaden their horizons and discover their passions.
Students put themselves forward for new experiences, and can also instigate additions to the programme themselves. One of our younger students wanted to try Tae-Kwando, another began a school magazine which then attracted other young journalists to join, and another group now produce regular podcasts in our recording studio.
Participation is deeply embedded in Heathfield’s culture, it’s the norm here for all students to get involved in events, it’s very much applauded and expected by fellow students. Outside academics and co-curricular there are many events scheduled into the school calendar that encourage students to get involved.
House competitions in music, sport, and drama, not only reward participation with points, but also promote teamwork and leadership, with the older students motivating and mentoring younger ones to join in. This collaborative approach strengthens the sense of belonging and inclusivity within the school community. There’s a very supportive camaraderie that pervades the school, which continues through to our alumnae too.
At Heathfield, we emphasise that setbacks are opportunities for growth, a part of real life. If a student tries an activity and finds it’s not for them, that’s fine. It’s important that they tried it to find out – every experience is a learning experience. This gives students the chance to explore and discover where their true passions lie. All the skills they develop along the way help prepare them for navigating their academic journey, make informed life choices, and enable them to pursue their aspirations.
As students’ progress through the school, they continue to make more important choices. For example, the appointment of the Student Leadership Team, including the Head Girl and her two deputies, is decided by both students and staff. Once appointed, the Student Leadership Team then make decisions on how they would like to shape the school during their tenure. For the past two years this has included a student-led charity ball, organised by the Head Girl Team, to raise money and awareness for a chosen organisation. Leadership opportunities such as these, empower students to take ownership of their educational journey, while contributing meaningfully to the community.
Our staff are fantastically inspirational, encouraging, supportive and committed to meeting the unique needs of each student. As a smaller school, we are able to be agile and adapt individual timetables to accommodate student choice and agency. The extended day programme – available for both day students and boarders – creates space for all kinds of personalised learning opportunities.
Our greenhouse approach provides an enriching environment, with the resources and expertise to help our students explore and discover their passions, and ensures they have voice and choice and a solid foundation from which to fly. This is reflected in the diverse destinations for our leavers. These include UK and international university placements, studying a wide range of subjects from Law and Medicine to Economics, Marine Biology, Political Science and International Development, to Fine Art, Photography, Animation and Drama.
Ultimately, Heathfield’s success is rooted in its culture - one that encourages students to step forward and make the most of every opportunity. This ethos creates a vibrant, inclusive and dynamic environment where students feel supported to take risks, explore possibilities and thrive both academically and personally.
By embracing an holistic greenhouse approach that values well-being, curiosity and creativity alongside academic excellence, Heathfield ensures its students are prepared not just for exams, but for a fulfilling and successful future.'
January 2025