Thoughts from the Study
DisruptEd 2024
Yesterday, I found myself immersed in the vibrant discussions at the DisruptEd unconference, held at a café within the walls of Battersea Power Station. The term ‘unconference’ was used as the concept aimed to depart from the norms of an overly formalised approach to sharing ideas, adopting a format akin to that of a TED Talk. Speakers included the ex-Director of Education from Apple, who pitched his current tech start-up with a personalised AI assistant named Milo.
It was fascinating to hear the myriad ideas that diverge significantly from my own school experiences and, I am certain, those of many of our parents. Technology, with its ever-evolving tools like AI, VR, and immersive learning platforms such as the metaverse, offers unparalleled opportunities for educational innovation. These technologies have the potential to redefine the paradigms of teaching and learning, making education more accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs. As highlighted at the conference, the integration of such technologies in educational settings can help prepare children for the rapidly changing landscape of future job markets, as recently published in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 report. This is a crucial read for any school leader or parent and can be found here.
However excited we get about new, shiny tech, it is vital to strike a careful balance that harnesses the benefits of technological advancements in education, while also embracing the timeless value of nature in fostering well-being and growth in our children. Amidst all the high-tech buzz, vendors selling their one-stop-shop solutions to education and promotional branding, I cannot help but reminisce about the simple joys of childhood spent outdoors, playing tag, marvelling at bugs, and just basking in the sunshine with friends without the constant notifications and attention-grabbing algorithms that we, as adults, endure or embrace in our daily lives.
Technology in education is truly thrilling, and as you will know from earlier Thoughts from the Study, Broomfield is embracing the very best solutions for our children. From virtual reality classrooms and personalised AI tutors to wellbeing bots and holographic presentations, it is clear that we are living in a future many of us could not have imagined. This new tech is not just a fad but a fundamental shift in how we learn and teach, and it is crucial for educators to ensure that all children are being prepared for their own futures within this fast-moving landscape. Yet, amidst all the tech-talk, I could not help but remain sceptical, reminding those I spoke with about the need to balance our screen time with green time.
Our shared enthusiasm for digital innovation must be tempered with a conscious recognition of technology’s limitations and potential drawbacks. The conference, at times, underscored the importance of mindful adoption of technology, but more needs to be done to ensure that schools carefully select tech solutions that not only offer immediate educational benefits but also consider the long-term impact on learners. Overreliance on digital platforms can inadvertently lead to a diminished engagement with the physical world, potentially stifling creativity, critical thinking, and the development of social skills.
This is where the role of nature and outdoor learning becomes pivotal. Research and historical wisdom alike advocate for the myriad benefits of nature on human development and well-being. Our very own Forest School has been developed exactly for this reason. Engaging with the natural environment fosters children’s physical health, enhances emotional resilience, and promotes cognitive and social development. While tech can certainly make us all more productive, we certainly do not want to move into a world where, as humans, we use technology to work like machines. Outdoor learning experiences are invaluable, offering children and adults vital life skills such as problem-solving and adaptability, with fresh air often making us feel good. These experiences also instil in us all a sense of environmental stewardship, nurturing a generation that is not only technologically savvy but also environmentally conscious.
The balance between technology and nature in education should not be viewed as a dichotomy but rather as a synergistic relationship. Technology can augment outdoor learning experiences, making them more interactive and informative through tools like augmented reality (AR) that can bring to life the intricate details of the natural world, but nothing can quite replicate the wind in your hair, the smell of freshly cut grass on a summer’s day, and the warm sun on your face.
All the very best for the weekend.
Mr Anstey
Headmaster
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌
It’s art week at Broomfield House School! Every child contributed to a mosaic with one clay element. We are excited to see the finished mosaic on display soon 🙌 ...
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.”
This year, once again, we are delighted to be celebrating a fabulous array of results, with a plethora of senior school offers and an impressive number of scholarships. Our absolute priority is to find the right school for each child, ensuring that they continue to thrive in their senior school destination in an environment most suited to their individual profile.
Mr Anstey, Headmaster writes: “This year’s 11+ results are among the strongest I have witnessed during my tenure at the school. It is a testament to the hard work of our children and staff, with every child having a choice of prestigious schools to attend. Some families opted to bypass the 11+ process entirely, taking advantage of the exclusive offer of a priority entrance place at a Dukes senior school. This priority slot into a Dukes Education Group senior school underscores our commitment: once you are part of our family, we are dedicated to taking care of you, supporting each child’s preferred educational pathway, whether through the 11+ or otherwise. I believe this to be a unique model, offering the all-through model while also fiercely remaining a full preparatory school supporting applications to the whole range of excellent schools in London.” ...
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield!
We had an amazing first week back at Broomfield! ...
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife
Today we celebrate National Early Years Teacher Day by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our early years team.
#nationalearlyyearsteacherday2024 #dukeseducation #prepeducation #prepschoolsurrey #prepschoollife ...
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife
Celebrating our recent sports accomplishments! 🙌 Well done to our pupils for securing 3rd place in both the Dukes Netball and Football tournaments!
#prepschoolsports #dukestournament #dukeseducation #prepschoollife ...
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️
Did you know that we plant one tree for every new pupil who joins us? We deeply care about the environment and the future of the planet for our children. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance to us!
#prepschoolinlondon #sustainability #treesforlife #plantingtrees #environmentalawareness♻️ ...
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️
Splish, splash, so much fun! Year 6 are having a great time in Spain this week. The children loved their kayaking excursion and boat trip along the Spanish coastline. 🛥️ ...
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife
This week, our `Incredible Eggs` delivery has brought pure joy and wonder to our school community! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce the hatching of Pom Pom, Quacky Chan, Cutie, George, and Daisy—our five adorable ducklings! 🦆💕
It`s been a remarkable few days for the children as they embrace the responsibilities of caring for these charming ducklings.
#incredibleeggs #learningthroughexperience #ducklingadventures
#prepschoollife ...
In celebration of International Women`s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible woman who work at Broomfield House School. 🏫💪 Happy International Women`s Day!
#IWD2024 #broomfieldleadingwomen #empoweringwoman #inspireinclusion
In celebration of International Women`s Day, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible woman who work at Broomfield House School. 🏫💪 Happy International Women`s Day!
#IWD2024 #broomfieldleadingwomen #empoweringwoman #inspireinclusion ...
Lion on the loose at Broomfield House School! We spotted Mr Anstey today playing dodgeball with Year 4 and reading "The Gruffalo" to the children in Pre-Kindergarten.
Lion on the loose at Broomfield House School! We spotted Mr Anstey today playing dodgeball with Year 4 and reading "The Gruffalo" to the children in Pre-Kindergarten. ...
The air was filled with literary excitement this morning as children and staff dressed up as book characters to celebrate World Book Day.
The air was filled with literary excitement this morning as children and staff dressed up as book characters to celebrate World Book Day. ...
Year 5 explored the works of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and designed a house inspired by his distinctive style. Working with abstract shapes, the children demonstrated their creativity while reflecting on the interplay of colour contrasts in their vibrant designs.
#prepschoolart #year5 #prepschoolcreativity #prepschoollife #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinlondon
Year 5 explored the works of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and designed a house inspired by his distinctive style. Working with abstract shapes, the children demonstrated their creativity while reflecting on the interplay of colour contrasts in their vibrant designs.
#prepschoolart #year5 #prepschoolcreativity #prepschoollife #prepschoolinkew #prepschoolinlondon ...