insideKENT Magazine Issue 24 - March 2014 | Page 34

EDUCATION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

“The Pillars of Learning” – the fundamental values
for educating the whole person
At Blackheath High School we deliver an
education that provides opportunities to develop
skills, to gain knowledge and to strengthen
character. In order to achieve this, our teaching
and learning is supported by our unique 'Pillars
of Learning' which are: Resilience; Enterprise;
Innovation; Community Spirit and Environmental
Awareness. Implementing these pillars
encourages our girls to develop the thoughts,
values and behaviours that we promote at
Blackheath Hi gh School.
Our focus is on all round development; each
pupil is inspired to ‘aim high’ in all that they do,
academically and beyond. Whilst we are obviously
proud of our girls’ academic success, we realise
that, whilst excellent qualifications will enable our
girls to study at their university of choice and
provide them with the basic entry requirements
for their chosen careers, it is their personal qualities
and skills that will help them to climb the ladder
of success in a globalised, competitive work
place.
Our Pillars of Learning are nurtured, as part
of the school’s culture, during lessons, assemblies
and form times. For example, to help instil
‘Resilience’, girls are encouraged to take risks in
their lessons and to learn the importance of being
able to bounce back from inevitable failure. Even
our youngest pupils have a mantra ‘be brave and
strong, when little things go wrong’ and,

throughout their school lives our girls are taught
to face challenges that push them out of their
comfort zones. In addition, all girls participate in
outward bound adventure trips, through which
they gain confidence and self-esteem.
Similarly, ‘Enterprise’ is taught through
supporting and guiding our students to plan,
organise and manage initiatives such as
fundraising events, displaying a wealth of ideas
and creative skills with great enthusiasm! This
helps them to learn to use their initiative, to
research products and ideas, and to apply their
academic knowledge to ‘real life’ situations. This
develops resourcefulness and the ability to make
informed decisions. They are also encouraged
to think “outside of the box” and be innovative.
Here, girls benefit from an education
described by the Independent Schools’

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Inspectorate as “stimulating and extraordinarily
supportive; conducive to the highest standards
of teaching and learning.” We appreciate that
each girl is different and we value those
differences. But, with our distinctive approach to
education, all of our girls develop a love of learning,
and typically become resilient and confident
young women.
We look forward to welcoming you to visit
our school to see for yourself what makes our
school so unique.
www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net
Open Mornings:
Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th March and
visits welcomed at other times by arrangement