Berkhamsted on staying one step ahead in educating for tomorrow
With seismic shifts in education and career options, Berkhamsted School is preparing its students to flourish in this new world orderThe UK has seen a seismic shift in post-16 pathways in recent years. Last year saw the demand for degree apprenticeships at a record high, with 40% of all undergraduate applicants expressing interest in this route. Meanwhile, gender is becoming less important,…
Healthy competition – why school sports are so important
We all know that sport is good for us physically, but it can also develop a whole range of mental skills – including a positive outlook on life Four leading independents explain why sport is a winner on and off the fieldAt Oakham School in Rutland, there are 30 different sports options and a clear focus on commitment, self-regulation and organisationOakham SchoolOakham School is well…
Future-proofing: why schools need to embrace deeper learning
In a recent viral video LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman predicted that by 2034, 9-5 jobs will be a thing of the past. Hoffman is known for his astute insight: in 1997 he said that social networks would change the world (LinkedIn sold for $26B), he foresaw the sharing economy (he was an early Airbnb investor), and he also predicted the AI revolution years before ChatGPT. There's no doubt…
Baby signing benefits
Baby signing is a way to open up conversation with your child well before they can talk – and with potential benefits that last from infancy into young adulthoodWords: Rachel HoggPicture this, you are taking your baby to the park, and you tell them this by using the signs for 'walk' and 'park'. Strangely, your baby keeps signing back to you the words 'cat' and 'bed' and at first you think…
North Bridge House on early learning benefits
North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-prep discusses its approach of widening children’s experience while providing a strong learning foundationDepartment of Work & Pensions records show that 76% of mothers now return to work within 12 to 18 months of having a child, with day nurseries remaining the most popular childcare for under threes While cutting the umbilical cord and enrolling your…
Bringing science and engineering to life
How do schools deliver science and engineering subjects in a way that moves them beyond dry theory and into real life? Absolutely Education investigates how clever educators build both broader understanding and scientific connectionsAt Gordon's the team have worked hard to overcome science's 'geeky' image – tempting in record numbers of both girls and boysGordon's SchoolAt Gordon's…
Bromley High School introduces Middle Years
Bromley High School GDST has introduced a new phase for Years 5-8 to support girls' developmentBromley High School has introduced a Middle School phase for Year 5-8 to support the primary to secondary transition. The GDST through school says that this is designed to counteract the decreased self-esteem often experienced by girls moving up to senior level. Its new personalised approach aims to…
Cranleigh Prep School on making AI work in class
Cranleigh Prep School Headmaster Neil Brooks considers future uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroomEducating is an incredibly positive occupation. Schools, colleges and universities are preparing future generations, and it is human instinct to aim to better what has gone before. Society demands progression: better health provision; more efficient transport networks; secure…
Back to School With Eaton Square
Over the past year, an immense emphasis has been placed on the reported ‘knowledge gap’ that lockdown has generated among today’s young people. Given both the unprecedented and unforeseen demands of lockdown living, it is without doubt that the physical closing of schools has had an impact on children’s development. However, the latest results from Eaton Square Prep School in no way…
Reflections Nursery on child-led learning
Reflections Nursery Headteacher Liz Brown discusses the history and guiding philosophy of its Reggio Emilia approach to Early Years educationUnlike Montessori, the Reggio Emilia approach is not well known in the UK. Pioneered in Emilia Romagna, northern Italy immediately after World War II, it is now gaining popularity worldwide.Reflections Nursery and Small School is an early adopter – one…