What's going on at the Highcrest Academy in High Wycombe

The Highcrest Academy in High Wycombe have some notable additions to their curriculum this year and are now offering an extended range of exciting vocational and inclusive opportunities for their students.

New courses in E-Sports, Hair and Beauty and Construction have been introduced to ensure that every child can find a suitable pathway to match both their talents and their future career aspirations.

In addition, the introduction of therapeutic horticulture and the Forest School are being utilised to support students’ well-being and mental health.

A lot is going on at the school

Neil Stocking, Vice Principal said: “We wanted to increase our vocational courses to match that of our academic offer, to ensure all pupils felt there was something at Highcrest for everyone."

The new courses that were introduced in September have been very well received by pupils and parents alike, and have emerged as extremely popular GCSE option choices.

The Hair and Beauty GCSE equivalent qualification is offered through the Vocational Training Charitable Trust, which offer vocational qualifications in a range of service sectors.

Year 9 student, Lavanya, said: “We are taught hairdressing, face care, nail art, and even massage, and I feel that I’m learning something that will hopefully have an impact on my future career.”

Students taking part in activities

Pupils also have the opportunity to study a BTEC qualification in E-Sports, and they won’t just be playing games.

Students will study the business element of the industry, including the value of a marketing strategy, aspects of social media, as well as the health and fitness requirements of a professional E-sports player, whilst also competing in the British National E-sports School Championships.

Alan, 13, who studies the subject, said: “The school have turned an old office area into a really modern computer room, it looks brilliant and I love it”.

The Academy has also purchased and installed a new portable cabin, named by the students ‘The Construction Cabin’, which houses the WJEC Level 1/2 Construction course.

Year 9 student, Romel, said: “I think it’s great that we have lessons where I get to learn how to do plastering, bricklaying, and carpentry.

“We also get to put our skills into action by helping out with live jobs around the site.”

Students helping around the school

Social and Therapeutic Horticulture and the Forest School have also been introduced with both subjects having designated areas within the academy’s green outdoor spaces.

Miss Mills, who works alongside the students said: “Both initiatives are not only proven methods of maintaining good well-being and mental health, but also pride in the school environment and in the crops we harvest.”

Glen Burke, Principal at the Highcrest Academy stated: “We are very proud of our curriculum offer and will continue to do our utmost to ensure that every child is fully included at The Highcrest Academy.”