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
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday
@splatttheatrecompany visited us last week to take our Year 3 children on a journey to Ancient Greece. The performance was great fun and taught the children all about King Polydectes engagement feast, the Grey Sisters and Medusa’s statues. #greekday ...
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool
Happy Lunar New Year 2025!
Today, our Kindergarten children had some very special visitors as we celebrated the Year of the Snake! Parents joined us to share stories and traditions, giving the children a wonderful insight. The children particularly enjoyed the crafts, including making colourful snakes using balloons! 🐍 They also dressed in beautiful traditional outfits, enjoyed music, and danced to welcome the new year.
#LunarNewYear2025 #YearOfTheSnake #CulturalCelebrations #BroomfieldHouseSchool ...
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay
Building memories, one brick at a time. Happy International Lego Day from Broomfield! 🧱 #internationallegoday #creativeplay ...
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters
Every story has the power to transport us to another place.
Ahead of National Storytelling Week, we are celebrating our talented young writers at Broomfield.📕
#youngwriters ...
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow.
Happy New Year from all of us at Broomfield!
On Monday we kicked off the spring term with the Dukes Education Conference at Wembley. We are delighted to share that our Headmaster, Adam Anstey, and the school were honoured with the Wellbeing Initiative Award in recognition of the effective efforts to promote wellbeing among both children and staff.
This award is a true testament to what is one of the cornerstones of our philosophy and work at Broomfield.
With the theme “The Heart of Education” the conference provided a fantastic opportunity for professional development. Thought-provoking discussions explored the impact of AI, the future of education, and the critical importance of character development in shaping the young leaders of tomorrow. ...
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟
We are excited to welcome all our families back to school for another great term at Broomfield! 🌟 ...
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟
At the end of the term, we reflect on many events, trips, and achievements. From the early days of settling into routines in Early Years to the progress made across all year groups, it’s been a wonderfully busy term.
Wishing all families a restful break! 🎄🌟 ...
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term.
This week, on Wednesday, we welcomed M&M Theatrical Productions for a fun and engaging pantomime performance. The actors performed brilliantly, captivating both children and staff alike. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children to immerse themselves in live theatre and enjoy a well-deserved treat in the last week of term. ...
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion.
On Tuesday last week, children from Years 2 - 6 gathered at St. Anne’s Church to kick off the festive season with our annual Christmas Carol Service. Each year group contributed beautifully, and we felt immense pride listening to their lovely singing and instrument playing. An extra ‘well done’ to Year 6 who read the nine lessons brilliantly, telling us the story of the birth of Jesus. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this wonderful occasion. ...
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event.
A huge thank you to parents who supported the PTA in organising the Broomfield Christmas Market this year. There were beautiful gifts, delicious market food and a lovely community rendition of ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’. Thank you to Halletts Estate Agents for sponsoring the event. ...
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph!
This morning, the Junior School children impressed us with fabulous Nativity and Christmas performances. Kindergarten brought a unique twist with their charming roles as ladybirds, caterpillars, and even bees. 🐝 Each performance was a triumph! ...
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk
We are excited to share that we won 1st prize for 3D group work (Key Stage 2) with our stunning mosaic at the ISA National Art Competition! Every child in school contributed to this art project. A huge congratulations also to Evelyn, whose tiger painting was highly commended. @isaartsuk ...