Teaching Approach
At Prince’s Mead, we have a role to play in ensuring we structure our model of education differently so that our children are given an education for life. We advocate the need to re-think the fundamental principles of education and reconceptualise the richness of human capacity, towards educating ‘the whole being’. A 21st century education, therefore, is about giving pupils the skills they need to succeed in this new world and helping them grow the confidence to practise those skills. With so much information readily available to them, 21st century skills must focus more on making sense of that information, sharing and using it in smart ways. To that end, we have embraced the PSB (Pre-Senior Baccalaureate) programme of study.
Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB)
The PSB is a programme of study for children that aims to prepare them for the challenges of life as young adults in senior schools academically, personally, socially, culturally and spiritually. It does so by actively developing and tracking knowledge, skills and attitudes.
The PSB assessment model has, at its heart, the development of the values, skills, attitudes and behaviours required for children to succeed and flourish in an ever-changing world. Children are encouraged, recognised and celebrated for their achievements and are directly prepared for the next step of their educational journey.
The Core Skills Grid is used by all PSB schools, although adapted for different year groups (see our grids here). By developing an awareness of these skills across the curriculum, pupils are better able to understand their strengths and areas for development and become more effective life-long learners.
The aim is to ensure that by the time pupils leave Prince’s Mead they have developed a secure understanding of how they learn; strong independent and collaborative learning skills and also experienced leadership in various forms. As we grow and develop the PSB skills-based curriculum, it is hoped that pupils will take far greater ownership of, and interest in, their learning. Exciting times, indeed!