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.On the strength of the school’s continued success we were invited to bid to become a High Performing Specialist School. This meant that in April 2009 we were also designated a specialist Language college.
In 2008 we have 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, maths and languages. These two subjects are now achieving their best results in the history of the school, and are helping to spearhead approaches which are raising 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 specialist College news and events, click here
International links
As International School’s award holders we take our specialist 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 specialist 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 and helped Derby Park achieve Green Flag status.
Family Learning Evenings
We organise a minimum of three Family Learning Evenings each year. These have a science, maths or languages 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, Maths puzzles and games and a wonderful Spanish night which included tapas, sangria and salsa dancing.
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.
Specialist Week
Every year we have a cross curricular specialist week based around a common science/maths/languages theme. Since our designation we have investigated: Enterprising activities, Earth & Space, the Environment, the history of sugar production in Liverpool and most recently Our World. 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 India.