Why Learning How to Think Matters More Than Ever
By Alice Hardwick, Senior Deputy Head
As parents, we all share the same challenge: how do we prepare children for a future that is changing faster than ever before?
The careers our children will enter may look very different from those of today. Technology continues to transform how we live, work and access information. In a world where facts are available instantly, success depends on much more than simply what children know. It depends on how they think, adapt and respond to new challenges.
At Great Ballard, academic excellence remains central to everything we do. But we also believe that one of the most valuable things we can teach children is how to learn.
Learning to Learn: The Curriculum Behind the Curriculum
One of the most distinctive aspects of a Great Ballard education is our Learning to Learn programme.
While pupils follow a broad and ambitious academic curriculum, Learning to Learn focuses on something equally important: understanding themselves as learners.
Children develop strategies that help them become more organised, independent and resilient. They learn how to approach challenge with confidence, reflect on their progress and recognise which techniques help them learn most effectively.
These may sound like simple skills, but their impact can be transformative. A child who knows how to break a large task into manageable steps is more likely to persevere when faced with difficulty. A child who understands how they learn best becomes more confident, motivated and engaged.
Rather than seeing learning as something that happens to them, pupils begin to take ownership of it.
A Thinking School Approach
We place thinking at the heart of learning.
We deliberately teach the habits that underpin success, including curiosity, critical thinking, self-reflection and resilience. Pupils are encouraged to question, explore different perspectives and think deeply about the world around them. From Big Questions in Reception to philosophy lessons in Year 6 and leadership dinners in Year 11, students here are encouraged to embrace opportunities and be curious about everything.
This approach is woven throughout school life. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage or during co-curricular activities, pupils are constantly developing the skills needed to think independently and solve problems creatively.
In doing so, they build confidence not only in what they know, but in what they are capable of achieving.
Building Confidence for GCSE and Beyond
As pupils move through Senior School and begin GCSE courses, these skills become increasingly valuable.
The biggest challenge of GCSE study is often not the content itself, but the need for greater independence. Pupils must manage their workload, organise revision effectively and remain positive when things become difficult.
Because Great Ballard pupils have spent years developing strong learning habits and thinking skills, they are well prepared for these demands. They understand how to plan ahead, learn from mistakes and approach challenges strategically.
The result is not only stronger academic performance, but greater confidence and self-belief.
MAP: Preparing Children for Life
Alongside Learning to Learn, our innovative MAP programme plays a vital role in preparing pupils for the future.
MAP, which focuses on Mental, Academic and Physical wellbeing, reflects our belief that education should prepare children for life, not just examinations.
Through MAP lessons, pupils explore topics such as leadership, sustainability, nutrition, fitness, wellbeing and financial awareness. They develop practical life skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, their responsibilities and the wider world.
These experiences help children grow into capable, balanced and compassionate young people. They learn how to manage their wellbeing, make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities.
Helping Children Thrive
What makes Great Ballard distinctive is the combination of academic ambition, Learning to Learn and MAP.
Together, they create an education that develops both achievement and character. Our pupils leave with strong academic foundations, but also with the skills, confidence and adaptability needed to thrive in an uncertain world.
Parents understandably want their children to achieve excellent results. We want that too. But we also want them to leave Great Ballard equipped with something even more valuable: the ability to think independently, embrace new challenges and continue learning throughout life.
Because long after exams have been completed and specific facts forgotten, the ability to learn and adapt remains one of the greatest advantages a young person can possess.