Learning at LEH

At LEH we believe in giving the pupils an education where excellent results are a by-product of that education rather than being the central focus.  We look for pupils with an intellectual curiosity and a love of learning which we aim to foster throughout their time at LEH.  We realise that intrinsic motivation in pupils comes from the appropriate level of challenge being given in their learning.  As a result, our curriculum is not limited by National Curriculum, GCSE or A level standards.  In fact, it could be argued that some of the examinations the pupils take in Year 9 are of a higher standard than a GCSE.

We believe our role at LEH is to develop a lifelong love of learning.  As a result, teachers aim to develop the pupils’ ownership of their own learning. This means that pupils are encouraged to find things out for themselves rather than just being “spoon fed” in order to pass an examination.  Our aim is to create a learning environment in all classes where pupils are ready to respond to questions even when they do not know the answer and are prepared to take risks in their learning. This is why we encourage a ‘No hands up’ policy, where the teacher chooses any individual to offer a response to a question rather than the one with their hand up. Our language encourages pupils to adopt a Growth Mindset, so that they consider their ‘ability’ as something that is not fixed.  Therefore, there is no specific ‘Gifted and Talented’ programme: the majority of pupils at LEH would be considered ‘Gifted’ by national standards and all of our academic provision is aimed at challenging the pupils.  In addition, comment only marking is encouraged since it teaches pupils to work on mastering the subject rather than just aiming for a better grade. All our teaching is designed to ensure that pupils are equipped with the skills, knowledge and attributes required for life in the 21st century. This includes the confident use of technology: all pupils in the Senior School have their own iPad for learning.

The first three years

We offer a broad curriculum that includes traditional subjects such as English, Modern and Ancient Languages, Mathematics, Humanities, Science, Arts, and PE. The pupils also receive lessons in Computing and Design Technologies, as well as creative subjects such as Art, Music and Drama. Our state of the art facilities provide professional spaces to enhance the teaching of all these subjects. 

The GCSE years

Your daughter will be able to tailor a programme of study that aligns closely with her strengths and interests. Typically, she will study ten subjects, including English, Mathematics and the Sciences as compulsory subjects. To ensure a broad and balanced spread of subjects, pupils then also choose from the full range of subject areas: humanities, languages, creative and technological subjects. All the options are listed below.  

Support at every stage

Weekly Life Advice lessons equip our students with the skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex emotional landscape with the self-knowledge, the courage to be authentic, and a respect for both others and themselves. External speakers who are experts in their field are invited in to give talks on a range of relevant and important topics, and a specialist provider delivers our bespoke RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) programme. In addition, Mindfulness lessons are a key part of our wellbeing toolkit. Our students emerge from their time here as active and engaged citizens of the world in which they live, with a real desire to make a positive difference.

Pupils are risk takers, seeing failure as a valuable and inevitable part of learning. 

ISI Report, 2022