Specialist College Status
Hillside has been designated a specialist Science and Maths college since September 2004.
In December 2007 we successfully applied for re-designation and now have the status continuing into its second phase.
We have just received an award from the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust for being the most improved Science College in the country.
As a specialist college we aim to increase exam results for our pupils in all subject areas but particularly in the areas of science and maths. These two subjects are now achieving their best results in the history of the school, and are helping to spearhead approaches which are raining attainment across the school. Hillside is now in the top 2% of all schools nationally for contextual value added; we make a real difference!
Being a specialist college is not just about exam results. We have a full programme of events and activities for the whole community, not just pupils of Hillside.
For all the latest Science College news and events, click here
International links
As International School’s award holders we take our science college international links very seriously. We have worked with a school in Dubai, had visiting students from Spain, video conferenced our link school in India and even had a visit from a teacher from Japan who worked with our pupils
Community dimension
The science college works very closely with the wider community to build and nurture good relationships. We provide a range of community activities including: Family badminton, Spanish lessons, cricket, science transition activities with our local primary schools and other joint science and maths projects with our link secondary schools. We also work to develop a sense of ownership of the local facilities including the local park. Pupils are working with our neighbours to make the park a safer and cleaner place. They have recently planted over 3000 spring bulbs.
Family Learning Evenings
We organise a minimum of three Family Learning Evenings each year. These have a science theme and are very well attended. Previous themes have included: Science is Cool – fun with liquid nitrogen, Soapy Science – making bath bombs and bubble bath and a Murder Mystery Night – for CSIs in the making.
Eco-schools
As a science college we thought it important to be aware of the impact of our school on the environment. We decided to become an Eco-school in 2006 and have achieved the bronze and silver awards. We have also received two Groundwork trust awards for our work in this area.
Science Week
Every year we have a cross curricular science week based around a common science/maths theme. Since our designation we have investigated: Enterprising activities, Earth & Space, The Environment and most recently Cargill - a local employer. The pupils work on a range of tasks in each of their subject areas which culminate in beautiful display material as evidence of the high level of learning taking place. This year’s theme will be Forensic science.