Oriel Academy: From students to superheroes! Pupils reflect on everyday heroes & think about how to make a positive difference

Oriel Academy students transformed themselves into superheroes, just for one day. 

Dressing up in style from Spiderman to Superman, engaged the youngsters as they reflected on the personal qualities of everyday heroes, including those who work for the NHS or police, and the way in which they contribute to our lives. 

Some members of staff also opted to wear costumes for the day to join in with the fun.

Students at the Hanworth primary school raised around £200 by making a contribution to wear non-uniform for the day. The money will be spent on increasing the number of books available at the school’s library. 

For the students in Year 3, Monday’s superheroes day kickstarted a new subject of learning for this half term which will focus on the theme of ‘spirit of adventure’. 

Explaining the importance of this part of the Early Years Curriculum and its link to heroes, Nick Clifton, Associate Principal at Oriel, told the Hounslow Herald: ‘‘The learning journey for our Year 3 students will begin with them looking at heroes and role models and thinking about everyday heroes and the personal qualities that they have and how they can develop similar qualities. We want our children to become their own hero and to be the best version of themselves they can be. This is the driving force behind this segment of learning. 

‘‘Having a day of fun where all the children were given the opportunity to dress up also helps to create a sense of community in our school which is very important here at Oriel.’’

Year 3 lessons will also focus on a topic titled ‘Avengers Assemble’ which will see youngsters act as engineers to design and build superhero-themed moveable puppets. The scientific experiments looked at will involve forces and magnets and creating comic book collages in the style of Roy Lichtenstein.

Oriel currently has places available in Reception and Nursery for the academic year that begins September 2022. For more information email: office@oriel-aspirations.org or call: 0208 894 9395.

There was also plenty to celebrate at Oriel last month, the west London primary received a glowing Ofsted report – despite the upheaval caused by Covid-19.

The school’s first inspection since the pandemic began has seen it retain its ‘Good’ rating.  The inspector said the school is ‘happy and welcoming. Pupils enjoy their learning and try their best. They feel motivated by the encouragement they get from staff. Children get off to a good start in the early years. They do well in the nurturing and stimulating environment’.

The inspector also noted ‘leaders have ensured the school has continued to improve. They have introduced a successful mathematics programme and reading is at the heart of the curriculum. This starts in the early years. Leaders want the curriculum to be memorable and they use educational visits to bring learning to life’.

The Ofsted report notes pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and around school. They feel safe in school and said bullying does not happen at Oriel Academy.  Leaders have high aspirations for every pupil and staff are supported and encouraged to play their part in making a difference to pupils’ lives.