EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
RE-IMAGINING EDUCATION AT HAZELWOOD SCHOOL
IN HIS MANIFESTO , IMAGINE IF , SIR KEN ROBINSON SAYS : “ AS EDUCATORS , OUR ROLE IS TO CREATE THE CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH , DEVELOPMENT , AND LEARNING TO HAPPEN . WHEN WE GET IT RIGHT , WE DISCOVER THAT ALL ALONG WE HAVE BEEN IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS , AND IT IS HONESTLY THE ONLY BUSINESS TO BE IN .” AT HAZELWOOD , WE LOVE BEING IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS !
For us , this is about opening our children ’ s minds through building curiosity , opening their hearts by teaching compassion and fostering courage in how they use their learning . We enable our children to thrive in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world and become changemakers .
As head , this ethos often requires bold decisions : introducing a collapsed timetable for Years 7 and 8 ‘ Electives ’ on Fridays is just one example of this approach . Here , these pupils choose and experience a range of non-curriculum based topics including robotics , community outreach , graphic design or forensic science , to name a few . As educators , we have a powerful role to play in building the foundations for children to gain the skills needed for the future . A solid set of academic exam results is no longer enough ; soft skills play an enormous part in moulding children ’ s futures , which starts in prep education .
A Relevant and Creative Lens
Our recent Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ) project is an example of our approach to teaching and learning , during which our pupils put their academic knowledge to use through a contemporary , creative lens . For some , this involved using maths to compile a budget or business plan , others used science to create prototypes , English to communicate effectively and art to design marketing materials .
Our entire school , from Reception to Year 8 , studied the 17 SDGs over a nine-week period and were asked to create collaborative solutions to these global real-world challenges . They had to research their topic and understand the various viewpoints , assign roles , propose , test , and design potential solutions , and develop a prototype or action plan for change .
The results amazed us and our expert judges . One of the most compelling presentations was from a Year 5 class , which focused on SDG 6 : clean water and sanitation for all . They researched , designed and developed , in partnership with a local business , a shower pressure plate , which will save its users water and money . The project did not stop there ; the pupils ’ hard work resulted in a working prototype , which is in the process of being developed further . Pupils have experienced firsthand how their efforts can help create change .
Digital Literacy and Complex Creativity
This SDG project would not have been possible had our pupils not had the opportunity to learn in our innovation hub , The BOX . This flexible , agile learning space inspires and aids dynamic teaching and learning , where we embrace digital literacy of the future alongside vital complex creativity .
With no rules regarding how to teach or learn , it promotes creativity and collaboration . Furniture used has been designed to enable children to configure the space easily for any purpose ; every surface can be utilised or written on . With no teacher ’ s desk and no fixed furniture , it heralds a way of learning that is full of investigative possibilities .
To enhance their digital literacy skills and prepare them for the future , children are equipped with a diverse range of learning tools , such as VR goggles , a Lego wall , graphic design tools , interactive projection , green screen technology and robotics equipment .
Our teaching approach at Hazelwood is paving the way for our children to thrive in a changing landscape , which will generate surprising and exciting outcomes , not only while at Hazelwood but also in the future as tomorrow ’ s leaders and innovators . It really is about reimagining education and creating conditions where miracles can happen .
Wolf ’ s Hill , Oxted . RH8 0QU 01883 712194 Head : Mrs Lindie Louw www . hazelwoodschool . co . uk
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