West Hampstead Primary School on a well-rounded education

Instead, we believe in the transformative power of enrichment and lived experiences, which are vital in shaping our students into well-rounded individuals. At the heart of our approach is our comprehensive enrichment offer called, “Your Journey through WHPS.”

This initiative is designed to provide our students with a rich tapestry of experiences that go beyond the classroom and connect deeply with our core values of aspiration, responsibility, resilience, consideration and community.

Our students embark on a variety of exciting journeys, such as 'meeting owls', where they engage with wildlife and learn about conservation.

Students engage with wildlife and conservation 'meeting owls' (Image: WHPS) They also have the unique opportunity to learn sign language, promoting inclusivity and understanding within our community.

The highlight of our enrichment programme is undoubtedly the chance to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, an experience that cultivates confidence and showcases their talents on a grand stage.

In addition to these enriching activities, our students participate in going on a residential trip, where they develop independence, teamwork and resilience in a supportive environment.

Furthermore, our commitment to social responsibility shines through in initiatives that involve raising money to help others, teaching our students the importance of compassion and giving back to the community.

Beyond these experiences, we foster a culture of leadership and engagement through our various clubs and committees.

Sam Drake says the school promotes inclusivity and understanding (Image: WHPS)

At WHPS we want to empower our children to have leadership roles within the school. This could be as a sports leader, playground leader , floor monitor or play buddy. Each role gives children a sense of responsibility for looking after their school community. 

Our school newspaper allows students to express their creativity and journalistic skills, while the debating society sharpens their critical thinking and public speaking abilities. The school council empowers students to take an active role in shaping school policies, instilling a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Our eco committee further emphasises our commitment to sustainability, encouraging students to take action on environmental issues and develop our brand new WHPS science garden.

Additionally, in partnership with the Camden STEAM initiative, we strive to expose our students to various STEAM careers by arranging assemblies with professionals in fields such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. These interactions inspire students to explore their interests and envision their future paths.

At WHPS, we are dedicated to nurturing curious, compassionate, and engaged citizens. Through “Your Journey through WHPS,” we provide our students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and socially.

As we continue to expand our enrichment offerings, we look forward to witnessing the growth and development of our students as they embrace their unique journeys.

• Sam Drake is headteacher of West Hampstead Primary School (westhampstead.camden.sch.uk).