Hunter Hall is more than just a school
There are a whole host of added benefits of being part of our special community…
The School Community
We believe school is about much more than meeting targets. It’s about developing children during their most formative years – inspiring them to discover their passions and helping them connect with the world around them; giving them the confidence to make friends, while learning how to respect themselves and others.
Hunter Hall School is a place where children can begin their learning journey, make friends, have fun, expand their horizons and ultimately leave our school self-assured that they have built a solid foundation for their futures.
We encourage parents, grandparents, siblings and friends to become part of the school community – and that is what Hunter Hall is really all about. We’re more than just a school. We run events where the whole family can be involved, from camping trips and walks to fundraising activities and school discos. We also run events just for the adults so you can all get to know each other too, such as auction nights, wine tasting and grandparents’ afternoon for example.
Be part of something special. Be part of the Hunter Hall community.
Parents Group
Hunter Hall Parents’ Group comprises every parent or guardian who has a child at Hunter Hall. Not everyone has the time, or indeed the inclination, to attend every Parent Group meeting but everyone is welcome. Even those that do not attend can help the group, and therefore the school, in a myriad of different ways. The committee serves only to co-ordinate the decisions and efforts of the wider parent body – and of course to keep track of any funds raised.
The role of the group is to support the school, which means the pupils, the staff and the parents themselves. We achieve this in a number of ways:
Practical Support – The group provides manpower to assist in the running of various school events such as serving tea on Grandparents’ Day and at the various school plays. We also hope to support new parents to the school by a system of class representatives who, among other things, will welcome new families and answer any questions they may have about the day to day routine at school.
Social – Throughout the school year the group will organise a number of social events, some for the whole family, others more for the adults. These are always great fun and help forge friendships and a closer communication between all members of the school. These events have in the past included Bonfire Night barbeques, dinner dances, a Duck Race on the river at Bampton, a Family Activity Challenge (think ‘it’s a knockout’ but harder!) and a camping weekend.
Fundraising – Some of the social events will aim to raise money to purchase ‘extras’ for the school. These are things that cannot claim to be ‘necessities’ but which will enhance school activities for our children. In the past, such luxuries have included a kiln for the art room, an outdoor classroom for the playground and a large selection of board games for wet break times, which then led to the very well-attended board games club on a Friday afternoon.
The Parents’ Group meets twice a term to plan forthcoming events and discuss any issues raised by the parents or staff. The minutes of these meetings are distributed with the newsletter to all parents, and can be found in a file in the School Office. If you wish to help in any way please leave your e-mail address in the School Office and you will be included in all the correspondence and calls for assistance!
Holiday Club
At Hunter Hall, a Holiday Club runs out of term time depending on demand. It runs for up to 4 weeks of the summer term and 1 week in the Autumn and Easter break.
Children take part in a variety of activities from cookery to treasure hunts and often partake in school trips; either investigating places close to school such as visits to Brougham Castle to trips further afield such as the Ice Cream Farm and Walby Farm Park.
Children bring their own packed lunch and snack and enjoy spending time with friends in a relaxed, safe environment.
Trips
We recognise that learning does not only take place in the classroom, and there are regular trips for all age groups in school. Extending the curriculum outside of the school and home is vital to ensure that our pupils are given the opportunity to achieve in all areas.
During a child’s time at Hunter Hall, they will visit museums, galleries and theatres, as well as making full use of the unsurpassed local environment of the Lake District and Eden Valley.
We also welcome many visitors to school including authors, theatre groups, musicians, representatives of different faiths, charities, both local and national and the local fire, police and mountain rescue services (to name a few).
Residential Trips
Independence and learning to take responsibility for yourself are life skills, which every young person is able to experience through residential visits. For many, it may be the first time away from home and we ensure that every child is prepared and excited about the trips – linking curriculum work to the visits. The youngsters return home with increased maturity and a better understanding of themselves and respect for others.
Year 4 – June
Three-day residential to Northumberland, visiting historic castles, Holy Island and the beautiful Farne Islands. Geography/Science/English subjects, as well as outdoor activities, are all covered. Students will complete a journal of their adventures.
Years 5 and 6 – May (every two years)
Seven day trip to Shropshire, taking part in a wide range of activities including visiting The World of Wedgewood, Blists Hill Victorian town, Chester Zoo and a rafting trip on the River Severn from Ironbridge with professional guides. The accommodation is adjacent to The Edge Activity Centre and days are also planned to include archery, mountain boarding, quad biking and a treasure hunt.
Years 5 and 6 – Summer term (every two years)
Outdoor activity week at Hawse End Outdoor Activity Centre, Derwentwater, Nr Keswick. A chance for everyone to have a go at a range of outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, climbing, archery, ghyll scrambling and fell walking.
