From our Nursery (age three) to Year 4 (age eight), at the core of our curriculum lies the Creative Curriculum. This is an approach to learning that intertwines subjects to create engaging and cohesive learning experiences, where topics take centre stage, across various subjects throughout a term. From English to ICT, Music to Science, our teachers creatively weave each topic into the curriculum.
At the beginning of each term teachers use a Stunning Start to grab the children’s natural enthusiasm. They might, for example arrive at school to discover crashed space debris (What is it? Where did it come from? Why?) or a crime scene involving Humpty Dumpty (did he jump or was he pushed?). This will provide the launchpad and then the common thread through the term for the children, with highlights such as Marvellous Middles and Fabuous Finishes.
From exploring the wonders of outer space, investigating frozen landscapes or learning about World War II, the topic moves with them lesson to lesson. The Creative Curriculum taps into children’s natural curiosity and intrinsic motivation – centring lessons around topics drives imaginations and really helps ignite a passion for learning, discovery and exploration. For example, the recent topic on Frozen Worlds could encompass not only Science, but also History, Arts, Maths and even Design & Technology. As the lines between subjects become increasingly blurred, pupils begin making connections between different areas of knowledge, helping create a more comprehensive understanding.
The Creative Curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning for our pupils. They will perhaps conduct science experiments, take part in a play and create an art project, all linked to the curriculum theme, not only making learning more enjoyable but also encouraging retention and application of knowledge. A recent competition to design and build a model robot in our Pre-Prep saw some of our youngest learners using their creativity in thinking what a robot could look like and practically do. If you ever doubted the power of a child’s imagination, just ask them what a robot can do – if a group of five and six-year-olds can dream up a robot that doubles as a homework buddy and dance partner, then the future is in excellent, albeit entertaining, hands.
The variety of topics across the year is incredibly exciting for the children. From term to term, we could be exploring with the Egyptians building pyramids, or discovering rainforests buzzing with life, they could time travel with the Romans or be learning all about chocolate, they don’t just learn about ecosystems; they wade through the lush foliage of the living rainforest in person – boots on the ground and excitement in the air!
The Creative Curriculum also helps social and emotional development. The shared experience of learning through the topic with collaborative activities and group projects, provides opportunities for our pupils to practice communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills. With topics guiding the learning, our teachers can really individualise the learning, meeting the diverse needs and interests of each child.
As part of our membership of The Stowe Group, Winchester House pupils also take part in regular Change Maker days at Stowe which complement the Creative Curriculum. These days look to build pupil skills, experience and character in a range of Change Maker attributes, such as Analytical Thinking, Creativity & Innovation, Leadership & Social Literacy and Emotional Intelligence. An example recently saw pupils taking part in art, photography, music and science workshops as part of the Gaia project (six-metre floating sculpture of the earth hung in the Marble Hall at Stowe).
The Creative Curriculum at Winchester House not only helps supports academic success but also lays the foundations for a lifelong love of learning. When children are genuinely interested in a topic, they are more likely to retain what they learn and apply it in different ways across their learning, both at Winchester House in their lessons and beyond the classroom.
Winchester House is an independent day and boarding prep school in Brackley for children aged three to 13 years. To find out more about admissions or to arrange a private visit, email admissions@winchester-house.org or visit www.winchester-house.org
Head Winchester House Prep School Brackley
