Taking AI integration beyond the obvious
With the job market likely to be most different for the youngest students, what does this mean for prep schools when thinking how best to respond to AI, especially when a lot of AI tools have age restrictions? Director of Innovation at Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools, Hertfordshire, Clare Jarmy…
Reimagining Sixth Form study as a launchpad for the modern economy
In the modern economy, there are many new and diverse careers. To ensure young people are supported to develop and pursue all different types of skillsets and find the best route to suit their individual talents, Mount House School, Hertfordshire…
The classroom under siege: Misinformation, disinformation, and what we must do
Headmaster at Leweston School, Dorset, John Paget-Tomlinson, considers the challenges around misinformation and disinformation in the modern world, the impact this is having on pupils, and why independent schools are well placed to lead a structural response.
Reclaiming focus: why a phone-free school day is an investment in learning and wellbeing
Following research and consultation with both parents and students, The Queen’s School, Chester, has recently announced plans to introduce a phone-free school day, supported by the use of pouches. Head of the school, Joanne Keville, explains how the decision has been driven by concerns around “focus fragmentation” and student wellbeing, with the aim of creating a more distraction-free learning environment…
Helping young people find their political voice
With elections this month and research still suggesting that young people feel disengaged and do not know how to get in involved in politics, Senior Deputy Head of Loretto School, East Lothian, Rachael Delaney, discusses the state of political education in schools right now, why it must evolve to meet the needs of young people today, and what schools can do to empower pupils to engage with…
Leaner learning: Crafting a curriculum that cuts costs, not quality
With the sector facing increased financial pressures, curriculum reform and rationalisation are becoming more commonplace as avenues to potentially reduce operational costs. But how can a more cost-effective curriculum be balanced against continuing to optimise the pupil experience? Acting Head & Deputy Head (Academic) at Wrekin College, Shropshire, Ben Smith…
Re-imagining our education system
With employers today looking for more than just academic excellence, has the current education system become out of step with the demands of modern society? Deputy Head & DSL at King’s College School, Wimbledon, Richard Amlot, explores how, while exams remain important, re-imagining the system to include developing holistic, future-ready skills, character…
Unplugging the classroom
After much thought and consideration, the Business Department at Morrison’s Academy, Perthshire, have made the decision to remove most technology from lessons, apart from where it is needed for pupils with Additional Support Needs. Head of Business at the school, Craig Roy, outlines the reasoning behind the move and how there has been a shift in pupil attention and engagement since the change.
Happy campers! How one schools approach is improving pupil transition to senior school
Cokethorpe School, Oxfordshire, has developed a structured integration programme designed to support pupils entering Year 7. Redefining the traditional model, new pupils now take part in an overnight camp. Head of First Form at the school, Amy Prior, explains more.
Financial sustainability and community integration: Leadership imperative for independent schools
When financial pressure intensifies, should smaller schools retreat – or should they look to redefine access? At St John’s Priory School, Oxfordshire, a new community partnership revenue model has been launched, seeing 25 new part-scholarship places for local state school pupils to attend the school full-time created. Designed as a proactive response to the current climate, Proprietor of the school, Kane Andrews…