Hearts and Minds Project
At Harpenden Academy we believe in developing both the hearts and the minds of all our children so they can have happy, healthy and successful futures.
As a school we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that both nurtures and stimulates our children. The project came from our values-based educational approach and the importance we place upon the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing.'
What is it all about?
The school staff and children from the school council worked together in 2017 to create a pledge of all the experiences we wanted our children to have during their time with us. These activities would sit on top of our normal curriculum. We pledge that we will provide the children with a range of opportunities which are:
- Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness.
- Give and support the school or wider community by volunteering.
- Be active and take notice of nature.
- Connect with others and learn something new by regularly attending a school club.
- Plan or participate in a fundraising event in school.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how democracy works.
- Represent the school in either a sporting, cultural or academic event.
- Develop or actively support eco-friendly systems.
- Take part in a residential trip.
- Take part in a school production either on stage or behind the scenes.
- Attend or take part in a community event.
As the children progress through the school we will provide them with the opportunities to achieve the above tasks. We will track their progress from Reception to Year 6 and we will present an award to them in recognition of the completion of the project pledges.
Below is this year's overview.
Hearts and Minds Yearly Overview
| Year Group | Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reception | Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness – make Christmas cards for people who help us in school | Give and support the school or wider community by volunteering | Be Active and take notice of nature – The Big, Nature Walk and Talk |
| Year 1 |
Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness – make Christmas cards for local emergency services |
Give and support the school or wider community by volunteering | Be Active and take notice of nature – The Big, Nature Walk and Talk |
| Year 2 | Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness – shoe boxes for charity | Give and support the school or wider community by volunteering – Litter picking | Be Active and take notice of nature – The Big, Nature Walk and Talk |
| Year 3 |
Connect and learn something new by regularly attending a school club Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness |
Develop or actively support eco-friendly systems Represent the school in either a sporting, cultural or academic event |
Demonstrate an understanding of how a democracy works Be Active and take notice of nature – walk to The Oval for bluebell walk and picnic |
| Year 4 |
Connect and learn something new by regularly attending a school club Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness – make fruit cakes for staff and parent helpers |
Represent the school in either a sporting, cultural or academic event |
Plan or participate in a fundraising event in school Be Active and take notice of nature – walk to The Oval for bluebell walk and picnic |
| Year 5 |
Connect and learn something new by regularly attending a school club Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness – sing Carols at local residential home Take part in a residential trip |
Be Active and take notice of nature – plant trees Represent the school in either a sporting, cultural or academic event |
Take part in a school production either on stage or behind the scenes |
| Year 6 |
Connect and learn something new by regularly attending a school club Give, by carrying out genuine acts of kindness |
Be Active and take notice of nature – plant trees Represent the school in either a sporting, cultural or academic event |
Attend or take part in a community event Take part in a residential trip |
