Accredited Awards​

You've achieved an Artsmark Gold Award!
We are delighted to inform you that your setting has been awarded an Artsmark Gold Award. Congratulations!
Your Statement of Commitment and Statement of Impact have been assessed and we’re pleased to share this feedback from our assessors with you:
'Your Artsmark journey has been predicated on a good deal of consultation with children and from this you discovered that although your mode of cross curricular teaching was incorporating the arts, it tended to lean most heavily on visual art and children indicated a broader range of arts would be interesting to them. You have successfully added new art forms which have enhanced learning (you are active listeners to your students and get regular feedback). Teaching staff actively seek opportunities to add more art activities to your curriculum. For example, to launch or support units of work, you have used Music 4 Change, local visual artists and potters to kickstart various topics. You are also beginning to work collaboratively with other schools. As part of the Osborne Community Trust, you share expertise with peers. Some of the bonuses of arts rich learning arise from the connections made with external partners, not all of which need be arts related. One such example is your school newspaper, where the children research, interview, take photographs, edit and then publish a weekly newspaper about events in the school, many of which are arts related. This has led to a local newspaper editor offering help and insights for the children. This real-world learning and sense of purpose seems to have been highly motivating to children and is an example of how engaging in the arts leads to tangible outcomes. You are on a very positive path now, and it will be interesting to see where you can take things next. Small schools sometimes struggle with peer learning and networking, but you are already making strides in this direction. One of the plusses of more intimate settings is that they can establish a whole school culture more quickly and see faster shifts in pedagogical approach. With both these elements in mind you are in good shape to share learning and inspire others.
Once again, congratulations on your Artsmark Gold Award.
With warm wishes,
Artsmark
Arts Council England

Gold Standard Travel Plan 
 
We are delighted to have been awarded our Gold Standard Excellent Level Travel Award- May 2023 
 
This has been due to the hard work, perseverance and dedication of the JRSOs (Junior Road Safety Officers), all staff, pupils and the wider local community. 
We constantly promote walking throughout the school community. We have endorsed this on newsletters, via Twitter and as part of focused activities led by our JRSOs. We recently held 10 days of active travel running over 2 school weeks. The children devised and promoted active ways of travel- e.g. Move it Monday and Conga Thursday, in which a whole school conga took place. 
 
We walk on any local visits- e.g., to the church and the local secondary school- St Clere's. We recently walked over to St Clere’s to watch a production of Hairspray! 
 
A walking bubble has been established and is regularly promoted. 
 
We have two park and stride initiatives in place, one leaving from the local park, and one from the local pub which has a large and free car park which we have permission to use. 
 
We have installed a cycle/scooter shelter. 
 
The school has taken part in a large active travel campaign which ran in 2022 and 2023. Our RS Trainer from Thurrock Council came to launch the campaign by way of an assembly, promoting the health and environmental benefits of using active travel. As an incentive for taking part, our LA were offering to provide a new scooter pod to the school that won the bid. We won the bid and are in the process of installing the scooter pod for our KS1 pupils; a great addition to our school. Alongside this our pupils were encouraged to enter an active travel poster. The winning entry from the school had the poster converted into a railing banner, which is now displayed at the front of the school, encouraging the continued use of active travel. Our winner was a year 3 child. 
We have banners promoting walking on our railings. 
We actively participate in all local and national initiatives. 
 
Children who regularly walk to school receive awards ​

Horndon on the Hill Church of England Primary School continually strives to be a diverse school.A diverse school enrolls students from various backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, races, religions, socioeconomic statuses, and abilities. Diversity in schools can encompass a wide range of characteristics and perspectives, including:

1. Cultural Diversity: A diverse school may have students from different cultural backgrounds, bringing with them their unique traditions, languages, and customs.
   
2. Racial Diversity: Students of different races and ethnicities attend the school, promoting racial integration and understanding.
   
3. Economic Diversity: Students from various socioeconomic backgrounds are present, creating a mix of financial resources and opportunities.
   
4. Religious Diversity: Students from different religious faiths or belief systems attend the school, fostering religious tolerance and respect.
   
5. Gender Diversity: The school may have a balanced enrollment of male and female students, as well as support for gender diversity and inclusion.
   
6. Ability Diversity: Students with a wide range of physical, cognitive, or developmental abilities are accommodated and supported.
   
7. Language Diversity: Students may speak different languages or dialects, and schools may offer programs to support English language learners.
   

Diverse schools are often seen as beneficial for several reasons:

1. Cultural Enrichment: Exposure to different cultures and backgrounds can broaden students' perspectives and promote cultural awareness and tolerance.
   
2. Preparation for the Global World: In an increasingly globalized world, students who learn in diverse environments are better prepared to engage with people from different backgrounds in their future careers and personal lives.
   
3. Reducing Stereotypes and Bias: Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds can challenge stereotypes and reduce biases and prejudices.
   
4. Academic Benefits: Research suggests that diverse classrooms can lead to improved academic outcomes and critical thinking skills.
   
5. Social Skills: Students in diverse schools often develop stronger interpersonal and communication skills, as they interact with people from various backgrounds.
   

Creating and maintaining a diverse school environment often involves efforts to promote inclusivity, equity, and cultural sensitivity. This can include diversity-focused curricula, staff training, outreach programs, and creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for all students.