Welcome to Greyton House
Putting the child at the centre
At Greyton House, we embrace the principle of “the child at the centre” as the cornerstone of our educational approach. This holistic philosophy prioritises the unique needs, interests, and developmental stages of each learner, ensuring that our teaching methods and activities are age-appropriate and engaging. We incorporate play-based learning, recognising its vital role in fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Our belief is that these principles, applied in our context, set the stage for learning in a self-directed and enquiry-based way as children transition from their early years, through to senior phase at Greyton House.
Nature is a Classroom
We embrace the principle that “Nature is a Classroom”, leveraging our beautiful surroundings and abundant access to the outdoors to enrich our educational approach. Rooted in the principles of forest schools, outdoor learning is an integral part of our curriculum, scheduled to ensure consistent engagement with nature. Our natural environment serves as a dynamic classroom where learners explore, discover, and learn through hands-on experiences.
By making nature a core component of our educational practice, we cultivate a deep appreciation for the environment while supporting the holistic development of our learners. At Greyton House, our commitment to outdoor education ensures that every child benefits from the transformative power of nature, enhancing their learning journey and overall well-being.
Enquiry-based learning
At Greyton House, we are dedicated to the principle of “Enquiry-Based Learning,” fostering a culture of curiosity and exploration in our educational approach. This principle places learners at the centre of their learning journey, encouraging them to ask questions, investigate and develop a deep understanding of the subjects they explore. Our curriculum is designed to be flexible and responsive, allowing learners to pursue their interests and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Enquiry-based learning promotes critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning skills. By encouraging learners to take ownership of their learning, we help them develop a lifelong love of discovery and intellectual curiosity. This approach supports collaboration, as learners often work together to investigate questions and solve problems, enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
Rooted in Community
At Greyton House, we believe that a tight-knit community enhances educational outcomes, supports personal growth and prepares our learners to become engaged, compassionate citizens. We recognise the vital role that strong, supportive relationships play in our learners’ education. Our approach emphasises the importance of collaboration and partnership among learners, families, staff and the wider community. We actively engage with local resources and invite community members to participate in our school activities, enriching the learning experience and fostering a sense of belonging.
Deepening the school’s connection to the community of Greyton and the local valley helps learners develop a strong sense of identity, responsibility and empathy. It teaches them the value of contributing to the common good and understanding diverse perspectives. This principle is woven into our curriculum and daily practices, ensuring that learners not only learn about their community but also actively participate in it.
Mixed Age Experiences
We recognise the rich benefits that a mixed-age classroom offers to our learners' academic, social and emotional development. At Greyton House, mixed-age teaching and learning is not just a structural choice but a fundamental aspect of our educational philosophy, enriching the learning journey and preparing our learners to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. Mixed-age teaching promotes a sense of community and belonging, fostering empathy, leadership skills and mutual respect among learners.
Younger learners benefit from exposure to more advanced concepts and peer role models, while older learners deepen their understanding by teaching and supporting their younger peers. This approach encourages cooperation, fosters a culture of inclusivity and care, and celebrates the unique strengths of each learner.
Growth through Creativity
At Greyton House, we champion the principle of 'Growth Through Creativity,' believing that creativity is essential to unlocking learners’ full potential and fostering lifelong learning. We integrate creativity across all aspects of our curriculum, encouraging children to think critically, explore new ideas and express themselves in unique ways. By engaging in creative problem-solving and innovative thinking, learners develop resilience, adaptability and a deep sense of curiosity.
Our approach includes project-based learning, arts integration and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing children to experience the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of bringing original ideas to life. We provide a supportive environment where making mistakes is seen as a valuable part of the learning process, helping learners build confidence and learn from their experiences.
