Hanover Primary School

State primary school

Approach overview

We believe that every child has the right to a joyful childhood in which they develop the skills and knowledge they need to be happy, productive adults. Our school values (Happy Hanover Habits) are to be Kind, Brave and Responsible, which shape our approach to curriculum, learning, behaviour and personal development.  We know that play is essential for healthy child development and we value active co-operative play alongside a rigorous yet playful approach to learning.

Alongside a focus on vital maths and literacy skills, we encourage informed empathy, considered risk-taking, and confident leadership. We want pupils to have a voice – to express themselves clearly, thoughtfully and confidently. Oracy skills are learned sequentially and used daily. Pupils are encouraged to be curious and open-minded, with an understanding of others’ perspectives, social justice and an appreciation of the natural world.

Motivation, agency and a sense of belonging are developed by: a range of responsibilities; experiences and outings; community links and events; and the use of pupils’ voices to inform decision-making across the school. Positive relationships are at the heart of our approach; these enable us to support children emotionally and socially as well as academically.

Signature practices

  • Relevant and engaging curriculum designed for the needs of our pupils, with local links, a global perspective and a focus on critical thinking
  • Play-based approach to learning throughout EYFS and KS1
  • Oracy – learning to talk, learning through talk
  • Loose parts play at breaktimes for imaginative, co-operative play
  • Wide range of extra curricular opportunities, including outdoor learning and adventurous residentials
  • Trauma-informed ideas are incorporated in our practice to encourage pupils to reflect on the impact of their behaviour on others.
  • Wellbeing and mindfulness practice

Why we joined the Next Big 10

I increasingly felt that recent education policy was causing pupils to feel negative about school, and that their natural desire to learn was being destroyed. It was also driving great teachers out of the system. We knew that there had to be a better way! So we’re really excited to be joining the Next Big Ten to help develop an alternative pathway through the school system which allows children to enjoy their education, learn enthusiastically, and also better meets their varying needs.
Polly Shields, Headteacher
Having the opportunity to be involved in the Next Big 10 programme and learn from other schools is really exciting. I am also really looking forward to sharing experiences and practice with like minded educators which will challenge my thinking about how best to support our staff, parents and enable our children to grow and flourish. At Hanover we are on a journey to bring about change which will enable all children to think creatively and positively about their learning. Being part of a NB10 community provides a vehicle to do this.
Lorna Ponambalum, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion / SENCO

Hanover Primary School's Change Team

Polly Shields

Headteacher

Lorna Ponambalum

Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion / SENCO

Emma Scott

KS1 teacher and Reading / Phonics subject leader

Emily Watts

KS2 teacher and Humanities subject leader

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