Redefining Education: How Small Independent Schools Like Great Ballard Are Pioneering a Forward-Thinking Curriculum that Teaches Children Not Just How to Learn but How to Live
In her article in The Observer on Sunday, Eva Wiseman asks "What is School For?". It is heartbreaking to read the real-life stories of families in crisis over school attendance and these are tales that we recognise and that we hear again and again from visitors to our school. What particularly struck a chord with us here, was that the kind of school Eva Wiseman and her friend are discussing, a school that teaches children "how to feed themselves, to cook, to growfood...to understand money and budgets...to discover what they really love" is exactly the school we set out to be when we redesigned our curriculum five years ago.
As a small independent school, we are in an enviable position which allows us to lead the way in redefining how we approach learning. We are able to build around a traditional curriculum, ensuring that where other schools may be hampered by systems which fail to meet diverse student needs, we can enhance a strong, academic core with a forward-thinking curriculum, emphasising mental, academic and physical wellbeing. At Great Ballard, our innovative MAP programme stands as a testament to this holistic approach, cultivating real-world skills combined with wellbeing. By focusing on finding each student's passion and creating an inclusive, compassionate learning environment, Great Ballard truly prepares children for the future.
An Innovative Curriculum is about more than just passing exams
We're pioneering an approach to education that goes beyond traditional academic metrics. Our curriculum is designed to nurture the whole child, while helping them to find their passion for learning and fulfil their potential. Right through to their GCSE years here, students study self-regulation and metacognition, learning to understand how their brains work and how to best approach challenges in learning and life. They continue to have timetabled outdoor learning lessons, prioritising their wellbeing, while teaching collaboration and real-world skills. They practise philosophy, public speaking and debating, alongside the arts of interview technique and making conversation. Every senior form group runs their own business and decides what to do with their profits. They learn to plan meals, to write their own fitness plans, to grow their own food, to lifesave and to lead, and all this alongside strong core of academic subjects.
Because we recognise that while academic excellence remains important, success in the real world requires more than just good grades. So, as well as focussing on developing critical thinking, problem-solving and the communication skills that are essential in any career path, we create an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
We have had great success stories reintegrating students who have struggled in other settings back into our classrooms. And we could not have been prouder than to be alongside parents as their anxious, formerly school-refusing child has returned with their group from completing a DofE trek, has stood up and performed on a stage or even has quietly and calmly entered an examination hall and gained those qualifications which had previously seemed impossible. Our approach benefits all students and has led to improved academic performance and increased student engagement.
Supporting Mental Health in Education
Mental health awareness is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. We recognise that students face unprecedented challenges in today's world, and we're committed to equipping them with the tools they need to navigate these challenges effectively.
Our curriculum includes dedicated sessions on mental health, stress management and emotional regulation. These sessions are not add-ons but integral parts of our students' daily learning experience. Mindfulness sessions, daily dog walks, Champions' groups and Tea Club are all part of a regular routine that helps build a sense of belonging and wellbeing.
We also provide access to professional counselling services and encourage open discussions about mental health. We have a full time Mental Health Lead as well as student Mental Health ambassadors. By destigmatising mental health issues, we're creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
The Role of Small Independent Schools
At Great Ballard, we believe that every student is unique and deserves a bespoke education. Our small class sizes allow for personalised attention and individual learning paths. One example is the journey to GCSE. Unlike other schools, our students do not choose their subjects from options blocks, instead each student selects their ideal timetable and then we create our blocks from their preferences: tailoring to our students, rather thenrestricting their choices to fit ours.
Our teachers work closely with each student, identifying their strengths and areas for improvement. Reports contain personalised target grades alongside predictions and regular one-to-one meetings with form tutors help each student to reach their individual targets.
Small independent schools like Great Ballard play a crucial role in shaping the future of education. We have the flexibility to continually evolve our curriculum in light of the latest educational research and to meet the changing needs of our students and the world they'll enter. This year's GCSE cohort have studied for financial qualifications and industry recognised Microsoft Certifications alongside their exams and we are constantly reviewing what else we can offer to best support them in their next steps.
We think differently about what a great education looks like and we want our students to leave us, ready to step up to the challenges of their future, equipped to look after themselves and determined to be purposeful members of society. We believe we are a school that helps children to discover what they love and, fundamentally, to "learn how to live".