Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning (or PBL) is a pupil-centred teaching approach that involves a dynamic classroom experience. It is believed that students acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.

At Shrewsbury House we have adapted this concept of thinking about real-world problems, and have introduced a bespoke and dynamic aspect to the curriculum, to sit alongside our robust examination preparation of our boys for some of the most aspirational schools in the country. Our Shrewsbury House version of PBL includes both problem-based learning and project-based learning. We realise that both excellent assessment preparation, and fun and exploratory learning are complementary and vital.

This way of teaching is incorporated into the weekly curriculum as well as through specific themed days where all pupils may come off their usual timetable to work on a collaborative project. This is dynamic and changes each term across subject areas, so that we are able to consider the changing needs of our boys in the exponential times in which we are living. The World Economic Forum has listed skills which are needed in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce. Being a forward-thinking school matters to us and we have ensured that we are reading the needs of our changing world.  

Creating a culture of healthy risk-taking, discovery and experimentation, across multiple areas of the curriculum, whilst also valuing tradition, is what we foster.

Our Careers Education provision is very important, enabling boys to explore opportunities and absorb advice from experts in their fields. Our Post Common Entrance and Post Scholarship programmes with our Year 8 boys are again wonderful opportunities to see project work and problem-solving in action. Pupils in 8S will undertake an Independent Project qualification, accredited by the ISEB, where they identify their own project, research the outcomes, develop their views in light of research, present their findings, and reflect on the learning process. The emphasis is on the process rather than the output, providing pupils with real insights into their own ways of thinking and working.

Future jobs will involve knowledge creation and innovation. We carefully design our curriculum to develop the key skills of the future:

1. Mental Elasticity and Complex Problem Solving

2. Critical Thinking

3. Creativity

4. People Skills: including collaboration, speaking and listening

5. STEAM: (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths)

6. SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud)

7. Interdisciplinary knowledge and application

8: Emotional intelligence: including mindfulness, soft skills and social awareness