Infants and Juniors Embark on a Turkish Adventure

Earlier this week, our Infants and Juniors embarked on a captivating journey into the vibrant country of Turkey, officially known as Türkiye. Bedecked in red and white, mirroring the colors of the Turkish flag, our young explorers plunged into a day of cultural immersion.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of activities, including making and enjoying delicious Turkish flatbread and houmous, designing the Turkish flag using various materials, constructing models of the Canakkale suspension bridge, designing intricate Turkish tiles, and creating vibrant red and blue Turkish tulips. 

As the day concluded, a special assembly provided the pupils with the opportunity to showcase their newfound knowledge and creations. A heartfelt thank you goes to Heritage parents Mr and Mrs Cetin and Mr Tezel, whose engaging presentations, firsthand narratives, and generous gifts added an authentic touch, vividly bringing to life the rich cultural tapestry, traditions, and unique aspects of Turkey.

A Senior School Journey Across Cultures

The Senior School’s International Day assembly showcased a fascinating world tour, as twelve pupils presented highlights on a country of their choice. Year 10 pupils kicked it off, starting with Liberty and Eva who steered pupils to the USA as they explored Texas’s cultural richness. Daniel then took us through Israel’s historical journey, while Angus unveiled Qatar’s economic rise. Year 8 pupils were up next as Sienna, a Dubai native, guided pupils through a tour of the city’s man-made and natural wonders, while Isabel and Honor delved into India’s vibrant culture and Harry explored Singapore’s emphasis on nature.  Wrapping up the presentations were Year 8’s David, along with Year 7 pupils Max, Raphael, and George, who collectively explored South Korea’s language, culture, military history and transformation to a technological hub. Kudos to the presenters for their hard work and for stepping boldly into the spotlight. The morning also included a global snack-sharing session during break time—joining cultures and broadening horizons! 

Heritage Year 3 children talked about what they have been learning

Year 3 Share Stories from Different Times and Places

Yesterday morning, Year 3 pupils opened up their ‘library’ of knowledge to their fellow Infants and Juniors, sharing some of the most interesting ideas they have been encountering in their lessons. From their studies of the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians, whose histories were written in cuneiform on clay tablets, they learned that even the most powerful empires don’t last. They described how a recent visit to the Museum of Classical Archaeology brought to life the Greek mythology they have been exploring, including the myth of how the world was formed, and the story of Odysseus and the Cyclopes. After reading a book about George Mueller, who stole and cheated other people in his youth but went on to become the founder of orphanages, Year 3 contemplated the power of a changed will. Finally, the pupils talked about their recent reading of The Secret Garden, which portrayed the life transformation that can happen when spending time with others and out in nature. Well done to the class for demonstrating how stories about the lives of different people across thousands of years can teach us lessons that are still relevant for today.

Seniors Learn about Antarctica

Last week, Senior School pupils had an incredible opportunity to learn about Antarctica, a land of constant subzero temperatures, home to 90 percent of the world’s fresh ice, and the natural habitat of penguins, seals, killer whales and some fascinating under-sea life. Guest speaker Thomas Bracegirdle, parent of two Heritage pupils, researches atmospheric science and climate in his role with British Antarctic Survey. During the assembly, he shared his impressive knowledge about and enthusiasm for this remote continent, highlighting its most notable features, the challenges of data collection in such an extreme environment, and the exciting potential it presents for climate study and international collaboration.

He also shared the story of how he landed  in his field of study. Growing up as a child in Scotland, Dr Bracegirdle began to take an interest in the climate around him with its changeable weather patterns, winds, and  interesting cloud formations. Spurred on by his natural curiosity, he went on to study physics and maths—two fields of knowledge that are essential for understanding the ups and downs of weather—and then studied physics and meteorology at university, eventually earning a PhD in meteorology.

This is just one of many assemblies where Seniors have heard from individuals who were led into a rewarding profession by the ideas that captured their interest. As our pupils consider their own future career paths, we hope that they will take time to reflect on the things that fascinate them, and pursue a lifetime of learning more about them.

A Joyful Christmas Concert & Nativity

Last night’s annual Christmas Concert and Nativity, one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Heritage year, offered up an opportunity to celebrate the season in song. Joyful musical performances by Infants, Juniors and Seniors—as well as each of our Choirs—displayed a delightful range of musical styles, from traditional to calypso. It was lovely to see staff members joining in with the Seniors as well, and to sing along to seasonal favourites with the congregational carols. The Nativity featured our Infants, with readings by the Head Girl and Boy and narration by pupils in Year 7 through Year 10. The event began with Mr Fletcher inviting us to consider the question ‘Is humanity humanity’s only hope?’; he reminded us that the Christmas story points to a hope beyond ourselves in the form of Emmanuel—God with us. Special thanks to Mrs Caldwell, Mr Dalton and Mr and Mrs Wright for their superb musical accompaniment; congratulations to Mrs Lowe, Mrs Good, Mrs Shore and of course Mrs Zurcher for their brilliant musical direction; to Mrs Carter and the Infants staff for their hard work on the Nativity programme; and to everyone involved in the preparations for an altogether heartwarming and festive evening.