Inspired by a visit from Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun, Hilden Oaks Prep has teamed up with Tonbridge junior parkrun to become one of the first parkrun primary schools in Kent. Paul Sinton-Hewitt gave an inspiring assembly to the Hilden Oaks children, outlining how he formed parkrun 21 years ago to create a free, non-competitive, inclusive event for people of all abilities to enjoy running and connect with their community. He told the children ”We’re free because people like you volunteer. You all come together to make this happen”.
The first ’parkrun primary‘ event in Tonbridge saw 48 Hilden Oaks pupils participating alongside 128 other children, with great enthusiasm, resilience, perseverance and kindness – a perfect reflection of the values they embrace in school. Headteacher, Mrs Sharon Wade commented, ’parkrun primary‘ is a brilliant way to have fun and connect with our local community. It’s an event for everyone – even those who don’t want to run are encouraged to show their value of kindness by volunteering to help with the warm-ups or marshalling etc.” One impressed parent commented, “It has now brought a positive new beginning to Sundays” and many families now participate weekly come rain or shine! Consequently, the benefits are huge, the whole family can get involved, and participants are encouraged to ‘bring a friend’.
Much like the amazing difference that Paul Sinton-Hewitt has made through parkrun, the Hilden Oaks SuperKind initiative encourages pupils to look beyond themselves, to the local community and further afield. This inspires the children to strive to instil significant change upon the world in the future. Like parkrun, SuperKind helps pupils begin their journey as thoughtful, active citizens, empowering them to find their role in society and develop a sense of belonging.
In terms of their SuperKind initiative, so far this academic year, Hilden Oaks has run several charity fundraising and awareness events such as: Pink Day – highlighting breast cancer awareness, Children in Need, Harvest Festival – helping the Tonbridge Lions and local foodbank FEAST to help others in the community.
These events offer the children the opportunity to demonstrate their values through advocation for these charities. In addition, a visit from Air Ambulance Kent Surrey and Sussex, demonstrated how rewarding volunteering can be, as well as the effect of prioritising others above themselves. At Christmas, the children brought smiles to the faces of ‘senior friends’ in local care homes, with their beautiful carol singing.
The Hilden Oaks motto isn’t exclusively about being Kind, it’s also about being Brave and Brilliant too. Pupils are encouraged to be brave by stepping out of their comfort zones in numerous ways, helping to build their confidence and resilience, while also striving for excellence. Alongside their community engagement, Hilden Oaks’ pupils have continued to achieve strong academic success. This year, almost all the Year 6 pupils who sat the 11+ and common entrance examinations passed and will move on to one of the many excellent grammar or independent senior schools in the area.
For further information about Hilden Oaks Prep, their Values-based Education and SuperKind initiative, please book a place at their forthcoming Open Morning on 13th March or arrange for a personal tour at another time. Contact the Registrar, Mrs Angela Norman: 01732 353941 | registrar@hildenoaks.co.uk
Hilden Oaks …the small school that cultivates brilliance!
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