We aim to provide children with a flexible environment that supports learning and well being.  This means that learning spaces feel calm and welcoming and children can make choices about how they learn best.

Resources are chosen with sustainability in mind and are accessible to the children.  Children are not expected to be sedentary in their learning.

These are the skills our children need to develop to support learning through inquiry.  These skills can apply in a range of contexts and support both personal development and the ability to learn and think creatively. The learning assets are broad and are broken down into specific skills which run along our curriculum and permeate every aspect of school life. The learning skills are:

I am a Thinker

I am a Self-Manager

I am a Collaborator

I am a Communicator

I am a Researcher

I am a Contributor

Our Junior School has created it’s own concept-based curriculum designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Rather than focusing solely on facts and memorisation, a concept-based approach encourages children to explore big ideas that connect across subjects and real-life experiences. This helps children develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine love for learning.  This approach supports inquiry based learning and helps children to acquire deep knowledge and skills in a way that is authentic and interesting.

What is a Concept-Based Curriculum?

A concept-based curriculum is centered around key concepts – broad, transferable ideas such as conflict, inequality, change or movement. These concepts are explored through meaningful questions, hands-on activities, and cross-disciplinary learning.

Why We Use It in Junior School

• Deep Understanding Over Surface Learning: Pupils don’t just learn what, they explore why and how. This leads to a stronger grasp of the subject and encourages deeper thinking.

• Real-World Relevance: By connecting learning to big ideas, pupils begin to see how what they learn in school applies beyond the classroom.

• Curiosity-Driven Learning: Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, make connections, and take ownership of their learning journey.

• Skills for the Future: Our approach nurtures skills like communication, collaboration, reflection, and problem-solving — essential for success in school and beyond.

How It Looks in the Classroom

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Lessons often start with a question or problem. Pupils investigate, discuss, and experiment to find answers. 

• Integrated Subjects: Subjects such as Science, History, Literacy, and Art are often linked through shared concepts and themes.

• Flexible and Responsive Teaching: Teachers adapt learning experiences to meet the interests and needs of each class, while ensuring curriculum goals are met.

The Power of Play 

When children play, they learn. Through play, they solve problems, think creatively and strategically, relate to others, and develop the resilience needed to navigate life’s ups and downs. From our earliest days, play is how we make sense of the world and connect with those around us. It is a fundamental part of human development.

When children are given frequent and varied opportunities to learn through play, they do what they do best: follow their natural curiosity. In doing so, they build essential skills and aptitudes that will stay with them for life. Scientific research over the past 30 years has consistently shown that the most critical period of human development occurs from birth to age eight. During these formative years, cognitive skills, emotional well-being, social competence, and physical and mental health all develop rapidly, laying the foundation for long-term success in school and in life.

It’s easy to think of school as primarily focused on academic areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics. However, development and learning are deeply interconnected and holistic. High-quality play experiences support growth across all domains—including motor, cognitive, social, and emotional development. In a single playful experience, children often engage a wide range of these skills simultaneously.

Crucially, play supports the development of critical social and emotional competencies. Through play, children learn how to form relationships, cooperate with others, share, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and express themselves effectively. They also develop leadership and group collaboration skills, learning to advocate for themselves while working within a team. Importantly, play helps children build resilience and coping skills as they learn to navigate social dynamics, face challenges, and overcome fears in a safe and supportive environment.

In addition to these broader developmental benefits, play plays a key role in improving attainment in numeracy and literacy. It gives children the opportunity to practise and master new skills without feeling pressurised or having a fear of failure.  

Ultimately, play teaches children how to learn.  It also teaches children that learning is enjoyable and something to be treasured.  It fosters curiosity, perseverance, creativity, and self-confidence—traits that are essential for success in school and beyond. By valuing and promoting play-based learning, we help children become capable, confident, and well-rounded lifelong learners.

Our culture supports holistic learning where we talk to children about coping with the ups and downs of life.  We support children to mend relationships and make things right when things go wrong.  

A strong emphasis on outdoor learning and play, sport and adventurous experiences provides a positive vehicle to work on these important personal and social skills. And, of course, we have a lot of fun along the way!