Future Thinking for Aldwickbury

Published by Aldwickbury School on Thursday 1st of December 2022

The start of our new academic year sees the launch of a new exciting Future Thinking Curriculum programme for Aldwickbury. Robotics, business enterprise, podcasting, videography and outdoor learning are just some of the new lessons on our timetable.

The additional lessons will complement the traditional curriculum from Reception to Year 8 whilst providing opportunities for their pupils to experience and develop skills in the 4 C’s of 21st Century learning. The 4 C’s - Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication, were first developed by Apple, Microsoft and 20 other organisations in collaboration with the US Ministry of Education and education experts. Their body of research recognised that these four core skills were essential for students to succeed both in school and the modern workplace.

Based on the 4C’s the new lessons will equip the boys with a variety of skills and appeal to all interests. Tech lovers will have an opportunity to try robotics and coding, creatives will learn design software, photography and videography and lovers of the great outdoors will have opportunities to learn bushcraft skills and spend time in the school’s eco-garden.

There will also be more opportunities for pupils to acquire the skills to help self-regulate their own mental health and well-being with the addition of yoga, mindfulness and mental health first aid to the timetable.

The community element of the curriculum will continue to build on the school’s partnerships with local schools, charities and groups as we seek to educate the boys on life in the wider community.

The innovative additions to the curriculum launch as Headmaster Paul Symes starts his second year in position. Commenting on the programme he said, “The longer school day at Aldwickbury allows us to add extra lessons to the timetable without sacrificing any of the core curriculum subjects. As the world of work is ever changing it’s crucial that we not only ensure the boys excel academically but that we also prepare them for the future. When boys leave Aldwickbury aged 13 we want them to not only be ready for the next stage of their academic journey but also equipped with the skills that will enable them to be even better prepared for their senior school and the ever-changing world of work”

Mr Symes concluded, “As we look forward to celebrating our 75th Anniversary next year I’m delighted that we continue to retain many of the school’s founding traditions whilst delivering a forward-thinking curriculum that prepares the boys for the wider world, leaving Aldwickbury as good people.”