Younger pupils at Newcastle High School for Girls (NHSG) are to benefit from a pioneering new approach to leadership education and a robust academic review following the appointment of a new Head of Junior School.
Amanda Hardie, current Acting Head of Junior School and NHSG’s Deputy Head, Academic, is taking over the role permanently with immediate effect, bringing with her a wealth of experience having worked in a girls-only setting for almost 25 years. Feeding into NHSG’s ‘Sunday Times’ North East Independent Senior School of the Year 2020′, the Junior School will enjoy increased cohesion with its senior school thanks to Amanda’s broad remit and oversight of the full curriculum for all pupils from ages 3 – 18. Michael Tippett, Head at NHSG, said: “Amanda Hardie has made an immediate impact on our educational provision at Junior School and I’m extremely pleased she will be taking on the role permanently.
“When I took over as Head in 2018 I knew it was paramount to strengthen the academic attainment at the school, and to deliver a seamless transition from Nursery through to Sixth Form. We’ve seen excellent results in this area with an uplift in GCSE and A Level grades, and Amanda has played a key role in this success.” Amanda Hardie became Deputy Head, Academic at NHSG Senior School in 2014 following the merger of Church and Central High. Prior to this, Amanda was Director of Studies at Church High and had previously qualified as a teacher of Religious Studies and English after graduating from Oxford University. Amanda said: “My vision for Junior School is in essence very simple – I want the girls to flourish and be supported from day one so that they become the very best version of themselves. I will be working alongside the experienced staff at NHSG so that every girl will be enriched academically and creatively and all within our truly warm, happy and caring school environment.
“The heart and soul of NHSG Junior School will remain very firmly in place while at the same time a review will be underway in terms of the curriculum and we are already introducing exciting new initiatives which will be available immediately. We are excited to further empower our pupils from day one, enabling them to be the leaders, trailblazers and world shapers that they have every potential to be. In order to support this we will be introducing an age appropriate leadership programme for our Junior School pupils, this will be broad ranging and will provide the girls at NHSG with a wealth of opportunities to set foundations, develop skills and gain confidence in taking a lead in a variety of different ways.” NHSG Junior School already boasts an outstanding teaching curriculum and inspirational facilities, including woodland grounds, wildlife areas, sports facilities and outdoor classrooms. Amanda’s appointment will serve to strengthen the already impressive offer with additional activities including the Bright Sparks and Creative Sparks programmes, increased concerts, music clubs and school productions and age-appropriate leadership opportunities. Additionally, the successful programme that enables Years 5 and 6 to spend a morning each week at the NHSG Senior School will be extended in September to allow girls in Years 3 and 4 to visit the Senior School every week to experience the outstanding sports facilities. #
NHSG is the only North East member of the Girls’ Day School Trust, providing access to broader networks and opportunities right across the UK.