At the heart of King Alfred’s philosophy is our child centred approach. This has been the practice here since 1898 when the school opened, and remains equally true today. We appreciate that every child is unique and has their own set of strengths, attributes and areas to develop.
The inaugural ‘Imagine if…’ Sir Ken Robinson Lecture proved to be an inspiring evening celebrating creativity, learning and education. The event began with an introduction from legendary educationalist Sir Ken Robinson’s daughter, Kate Robinson. A talk by Head of KAS, Robert Lobatto followed, and the event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Kate and Robert alongside Evelyn Forde (leadership expert...
Read More NEW episode of Alfredian Voices: What I REALLY Learnt at School out now!
What does great teaching look like? In episode 21, Wendy Jago (OA 1960) remembers an English teacher at KAS, Margaret, who set her on an epic writing task to anaylse kingship throughout all of Shakespeare’s history plays. Wendy took the task and ran with it, producing a 90-page essay.
And then what? Margaret never chased the essay. Never asked where it was. Never demanded it be handed in. Because that was never the point. The assignment was only ever about embarking on an intellectual journey.
By setting this expansive challenge, Margaret gave Wendy permission to think deeply and follow her curiosity. The destination mattered far less than the exploration.
As an adult, Wendy learned to trust her own thinking. This confidence in original thought can be hard to teach. It grows when teachers see education as more than delivering content or measuring outcomes. It grows when they create space for curiosity, self-direction and intellectual risk-taking.
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story.
How did a KAS teacher change how you see the world?
🎧 Listen or watch now here www.kingalfred.org.uk/old-alfredians/alfredian-voices-podcast/ ... See MoreSee Less
“The aim is to allow children to grow chiefly through their own efforts, and more or less at their own temperamental pace, into their own image.”
The village green setting of the main school site contributes to the community feeling with Lower School classrooms all opening out directly onto the play areas, parents encouraged to spend time in the grounds and all students offered opportunities for outdoor learning.
