Dr Simon Camby, Group Chief Education Officer, recently spent some time at Charterhouse Square School in London. Since speaking to some members of the School Council, Simon reflects on how these children really made him stop, reflect and remind himself of how brilliant it is when children love learning and all that their school offers.

In a fast-paced world where we’re often rushing to the ‘next thing’, my discussion with children at Charterhouse Square made time stand still and grounded me in the moment. I am grateful to Sophie, Jesse, Immy, Manfredi, Hugo, Ylva and Ursula. They are aged 8-11 and are all members of the School Council.

Loving learning

Their faces lit up to explain (often in detail) the things they love about their school. This reminded me that a great prep school provides a truly holistic education where each child can shine, find their talent and experience the joy of learning. The bonus is that they achieve superb academic outcomes but that is as a result of rich learning.

‘I love that we link history to art. I have designed and am making a model of a cabin on the Titanic. We can use our art skills to show what we have learned in history.’

‘We do a lot of sport and PE during normal school. Sometimes this is for fun and sometimes it is competitive.’

‘The highlight was when we went to compete in a swimming gala at the Olympic Park.’

‘We use our drama to produce plays. Our next play will be linked to our history topic about the Tudors. I am going to be the executioner.’

‘Oh, I need to tell you. We do yoga as well. That’s brilliant.’

Relationships

My discussion with the children was living proof that it takes a village to raise a child. They talked with a genuine sense of warmth about their friends, their teachers and all the adults in the Charterhouse community. The school is such a calm learning environment. As you walk between classrooms there is a buzz of chatter, laughter then… real concentration. A perfect mix.

‘We are like a big family. Actually quite big!’

‘All of our teachers really care for us but they also stretch us.’

Challenge

I am always keen to hear from children about their perspective on learning and the way that they understand how they are challenged in their learning. The Charterhouse children had lots to share.

‘There is always something more to stretch you. In maths, our teacher gives you challenge questions. These are really hard but you persevere. Then you get more!’

‘When I get challenged it is on the edge of hard. But then you realise you can do it and you feel good.’

 ‘I am dyslexic. I get some extra support and this really helps me with my English. I can then use this in other areas.’

 ‘I know that our teachers aim for us to be one year ahead. This means we are always being challenged. I like that.’

And finally…

Rarely do I visit one of our schools where someone doesn’t mention food! The Charterhouse children were no different. Charterhouse has recently undergone a major renovation project and has stunning learning areas. Part of this renovation included a new dining area where children eat in family groups.

‘The food is amazing. It’s weird because sometimes you think you don’t like something. But the staff are really nice and they ask you to try it. You then realise that actually … you do like it!’