We are delighted to announce that Berkhamsted Schools Group has won ‘Best Teaching and Learning’ in The Week Independent Schools Guide’s Best of the Best Senior Schools.
This award celebrates the outstanding work occurring at our Senior Schools, Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls, but the same intensive focus on research and evolution is shared across every campus in the Berkhamsted Schools Group. At the heart of this approach is a desire to help pupils not only gain knowledge, but also understand how they learn, think and develop.
A culture of research and innovation
Research plays an important role in shaping teaching and learning at Berkhamsted School. Our curriculum responds to the latest educational research, while our teachers are also encouraged to investigate new ideas themselves.
Staff can access grants to undertake research projects and ethical experiments, sharing their findings at our annual Teaching and Learning event. Our termly journal club also brings teachers together to discuss new educational research, usually accompanied by cake.
This culture of curiosity and reflection helps our teachers continually explore how learning can be made even more effective for pupils.
Helping pupils understand how they learn
Metacognition, which helps pupils understand their own thinking and learning, is woven into lessons across the School.
In Year 10, pupils study Learning Pathways, exploring different approaches to revision, thinking and learning to identify the strategies that work best for them. Sixth Form students also lead metacognitive sessions for younger pupils, sharing strategies developed through their own experiences.
Preparing pupils for life beyond school
Our approach extends beyond academic achievement. Character education plays an important role in helping pupils develop into thoughtful, confident and engaged young people who are prepared for life beyond school.
With an entire lexicon built around our Character Education, we ensure children are not only encouraged to reflect on their growth, but possess the tools to do so effectively. Pupils at Berkhamsted School are always put into the driving seat of their own progress: from leading their own parents evenings and tutor meetings, to speaking and reflecting on current affairs in every assembly
Pupils are also encouraged to reflect on ‘Powerful Knowledge’, considering how they approach new information, how knowledge shapes their understanding and how different perspectives influence the way they see the world.
Winning the Best Teaching and Learning category is a wonderful recognition of this approach and, above all, of the teachers and pupils who bring it to life every day.
We are incredibly proud of everyone across the Berkhamsted School community who have contributed to this achievement.
