Curriculum Pedagody
We believe children learn best when provided with rich, varied, exciting and challenging learning experiences.
Everyone at Thorndon is firmly committed to child-centred and personalised learning by which children are encouraged to develop their natural curiosity in the world around them as well as their skills of collaboration and co-operation. We encourage children to problem-solve and to learn how to take risks in a safe and measured environment.
Our pedagogy of how children learn is supported by our commitment to Forest Schools Education - all children in Nursery, Reception, Years 1 and 2 participate in weekly sessions and Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 have fortnightly sessions. We are fortunate to have a qualified Forest School Leader on our Staff and a private site, away from the main school, for the sole use of Forest Schools. This element of our curriculum is hugely valued by our entire school community: children, parents, staff and governors alike.
What are Hook Days?
At Thorndon every new project (or topic) begins with a 'Hook Day'. This is a day of practical, hands-on and fun learning to 'hook' the children into their new project. It helps them to formulate questions about what they might like to discover during the project.
Past Hook Days have included:
- Potions Project - coming to school as mad scientists for a day of experiments
- A Child's War Project - coming to school as an Evacuee ready to be evacuated
- Bright Lights, Big City Project - having a 'virtual' coach tour around London
- Why to Ladybirds Have spots? Project - coming to school dressed as insects for an insect tea-party
What is a 'fabulous finish'?
At the end of each project we plan a fabulous finish to celebrate the learning and discovery that has taken place. These may include a visit out of school, a visitor coming in, children planning an exhibition for parents. Children are proud of their acheivements and the fabulous finish provides opportunities to share and celebrate learning, acheivement and progress.
The staff always get involved as well...
