What is a knowledge-rich curriculum and why is it so important?
A knowledge-rich curriculum is a subject based approach that emphasises students gaining knowledge beyond their everyday experience. Cognitive science has shown that we cannot develop deep understanding without having an existing knowledge base. We have produced a number of publications exploring the curriculum in greater detail.
Isn’t there already too much testing? Why are you advocating more?
Testing has an unfair reputation in the education world. Most tests exist for teachers to provide feedback for their pupils on the areas that can be improved. Further the testing effect shows that there is a significant increase in remembering facts after taking a test. For these reasons low-stake testing, such as weekly knowledge quizzes, are crucial to any great school.
What are your views on behaviour?
We take a warm but strict approach towards behaviour. We believe that everything good in school stems from the right behaviour policies. Without the right policies in place bad behaviour can disrupt learning for all children. For more elaboration of our thoughts on behaviour take a look here.
What can I do to help my child’s education?
- Expose them to a wide range of books and ideas beyond the curriculum. Research has shown that the number of books in a household and the amount a child reads has a direct impact on their academic success.
- Limit the time your child spends on mobile devices and social media. We have argued extensively for phone-free schools. It has been proven that social media promotes addictive behaviour and is linked to mental health problems.
- Encourage your child to take part in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities including sports and music.
- If you agree with our philosophy and ideas spread them amongst like-minded parents who are striving to improve education.