Preparing children for a bright future

Dallington School considers the importance of a holistic approach to education and instilling a love of learning in every child.

In many ways schooling hasn’t changed much from Victorian times: there is still an assumption that the most important part of education is the pouring in of information, testing children on their memory of it and then shipping them all off to university to continue the process. There is an apparent disconnect (and always has been) in what young people learn at school and university, and what future employers are looking for. There needs to be much more communication between the two to establish what skills young people will need for the future. In the fast-moving and dynamic landscape of the modern world this is more crucial than ever.

The education they receive is the cornerstone for equipping them with the tools, skills, and mindset to navigate an uncertain future. We all understand that although academic knowledge is undeniably valuable, it is not sufficient on its own. Instead, a holistic approach to education is imperative, focusing on fostering critical thinking, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. This is the absolute essence of what we need to be teaching children to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

With information overload at its peak, the ability to think critically is paramount. Children need to learn how to analyse, evaluate, and integrate information effectively. At Dallington School we encourage children to question, reason, and form their own opinions, and by doing so, this cultivates autonomy and informed judgement. By honing critical thinking skills, children become better equipped to deal with complexities, make informed decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances.

At Dallington we aim to instil a passion for learning, which will develop into a quest for lifelong learning: this in turn enables our young people to thrive in a world of constant change, embracing new challenges and evolving continuously in different scenarios.

Understanding and managing emotions is fundamental for success in life. Teaching children to recognise and express their feelings, empathise with others, and regulate their emotions fosters emotional intelligence. The Dallington motto is “Value your own worth and understand the differences in others”. Children live and breathe this philosophy and it enables them to navigate social relationships, resolve conflicts peacefully, and cope with stress constructively. By nurturing emotional intelligence, we empower children to cultivate healthy relationships, both personally and professionally.

Pretty much everything, in every aspect of life, boils down to effective communication. Two of the Dallington values are empathy and individuality and Dallington children are encouraged to articulate their thoughts, listen actively, and communicate in a way that others will understand. This fostering of effective communication helps children build strong relationships, collaborate effectively, and advocate for themselves and others confidently. It is also important for us that Dallington children learn to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds. This is key to developing the skills needed to navigate multicultural environments and contribute positively to an inclusive society.

Creativity and innovation have always been catalysts for progress, and never more so than in a fast-moving landscape. Encouraging children to explore their imagination, embrace curiosity, and think outside the box nurtures their creative potential. Dallington provides opportunities for experimentation, problem-solving, and self-expression. Fostering creativity helps children develop the adaptability and ingenuity needed to thrive. 

We like to teach children to understand that life is full of challenges and setbacks, and that becoming resilient to these is an important attribute to have. We teach children to see failure as a learning opportunity, to keep going and bounce back from setbacks. By cultivating this resilience, children develop the strength and tenacity to overcome obstacles, pursue their goals, and negotiate life's ups and downs.

What we need now, in an ever-changing landscape, is a holistic approach to education, encompassing everything talked about here, equipping children with these essential skills and values, and empowering them to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, compassion, and resilience.

This article first appeared in the 2024/25 edition of Which London School? & the South-East, which you can read in full below: