Swanbourne House School has developed an enviable reputation for a progressive and dynamic approach to learning. The school has created a learning programme that is built on excellent academic foundations, whilst simultaneously developing the skills needed that allow children to thrive throughout their school life and into their careers. Helping children recognise and develop the important character traits of independence, self-management, creativity, independence, self-reflection and resilience at an early age helps sets them on a path of success in an ever-changing world. is academic year, the School has introduced cartoon robots called Swanbots into the Lower School (Reception to Year 4). They each represent one of the skills we need to build upon for effective lifelong learning and personal development. These bright, fun and engaging characters support the curriculum for the younger children, giving them a visual tool to recognise their own different ways of effective learning. e characters can be seen throughout the Lower School classrooms building – most notably in award stickers that are used to motivate, recognise and celebrate these progressive skills goals in the pupil’s learning. e children were excited when they rst saw the Swanbots last year and the School held a competition among the pupils to name the characters. Here we introduce you to all the Swanbots and the learning attributes they represent for the children:
Sparky, the Creative Learner
Sparky is always thinking about creativity and problem-solving, recognising the need to use their imagination, trying alternative ideas and making connections between different things they learn.
Ponder, the Reflective Learner
Ponder takes time carefully to consider methods, circumstances and outcomes. They have a good sense of what they are good at and what they need to work on to improve, they know what to do when things go wrong and how to make progress, and they enjoy learning from mistakes rather than fearing making any. Ponder is always happy to listen to constructive comments from others and takes on board that feedback to help improve.
Rubble, the Resilient Learner
Rubble perseveres when things get tricky and continues to try again and again until they reach their goal. Rather than panicking and losing confidence, Rubble draws upon and refines different strategies when stuck, always learning from mistakes and rising to the challenge of an obstacle.
Buddy, the Team Player
Buddy is all about collaboration and communication. They listen to others and respond respectfully and make compromises. They share skills and ideas, and recognise that the best way to support a team is through encouragement, positivity and support. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Kit, the Self-Manager
Kit is well-organised and takes responsibility for their learning. They work efficiently to meet dead-lines, plan tasks effectively and motivate them-selves to get the job done. Kit is flexible and knows which skills to apply in different situations.
Solo, the Independent Learner
Solo is full of independence and curiosity and often wonders why things happen and how things work. They are proactive at Finding out the answers to these questions for themselves through independent study. Solo also enjoys bringing their independent learning into group discussions for the benefit of the whole team.
Swanbourne House School is holding an Open Morning on Friday 9 October. To book a place, email admissions@swanbourne.org or call 01296 720264. –Swanbourne House is a co-educational day and boarding Prep School (age 3-13) set in 55 acres of Bucks countryside, just 20 minutes from Central Milton Keynes. Find out more at swanbourne.org.
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