Embracing The Curiosity Approach at Hatherop Castle School Nursery
At Hatherop Castle School, we are delighted to introduce The Curiosity Approach in our Nursery. This educational philosophy aligns beautifully with our commitment to fostering awe and wonder in every child’s educational journey.
What is The Curiosity Approach?
The Curiosity Approach is all about child-led learning through exploration, play, and discovery. Inspired by the principles of Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Steiner, it creates a nurturing and stimulating environment that supports the ‘adventure of childhood’ at Hatherop Castle School.
Key Elements of The Curiosity Approach
- Child-Led Learning: Our children follow their interests and curiosities, with educators acting as guides rather than directors. This promotes independence, critical thinking, and creativity, laying the foundations for a lifelong love of learning.
- Environment as the Third Teacher: Our learning spaces extend beyond the Nursery building to include the forest, tree house, Walled Garden, and various play areas in our beautiful grounds. These environments, filled with natural materials and open-ended resources, invite children to explore and learn through play.
- Simplicity and Minimalism: A calm and organised space helps children focus on their exploration and play. Simplicity allows for deeper discovery, enabling children to immerse themselves fully in their activities.
- Natural Materials and Loose Parts: We emphasise using natural, sustainable materials and loose parts that can be used in various ways. This encourages imaginative play and problem-solving, turning everyday objects into treasures.
- Emotional and Social Development: Building strong relationships and a sense of community is a key focus. Through collaborative play and meaningful interactions, children develop their social and emotional skills at this crucial stage of their development.
- Sustainability and Nature: There is a strong connection to nature and the environment, promoting outdoor learning and play. Children learn about sustainability from a young age, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
By embracing The Curiosity Approach, we create a rich, thoughtful environment where children are trusted to lead their learning. Our philosophy fosters a love of learning, resilience, and a lifelong sense of curiosity, ensuring that every child experiences the magical journey of childhood in its fullest sense, filled with awe and wonder at every turn.