Education that Nurtures and Values the Whole Child
We believe that children are born with an innate desire and an endless capacity to learn.
Children flourish in a rich and engaging environment where they can be themselves, and where relationships are valued and nurtured in a culture of mutual respect.
The children at Lewes New School learn how to take responsibility for the quality of their own lives and develop the skills to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Each child cultivates a sense of compassion, understanding and respect for themselves and their community and develops an openness to and appreciation of other world-views and identities.
Children leave LNS as intrinsically motivated, disciplined and confident individuals, with a clear sense of themselves and a desire to cherish and enrich the world in which they live. They have a passion for learning and for life.
Our school offers…
- A co-created curriculum: Children and teachers work together to devise a curriculum that responds to the curiosity and imagination of each child, yet covers a broad and balanced range of subjects underpinned by a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy.
- Educational strategies for developing the skills of learning: Through the process of investigation, exploration, experimentation and reflection children cultivate the skills, habits and attitudes that ensure they become confident and competent learners.
- ‘Real life’ learning experiences: Wherever possible, learning happens through ‘authentic’ experiences and children are able to explore projects in depth. This open-ended approach to curriculum challenges and inspires the children, and gives them the autonomy to develop as creative, independent thinkers.
- Rigorous on-going assessment: Through observation and reflection, each child is included in their own dynamic assessment process that monitors and supports their development in all areas.
- A holistic approach: We acknowledge and develop the creative, intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual dimension of every child. Free play, active exploration and expression through movement are balanced with quiet times for reflection, stillness and the cultivation of awe and wonder.
- A commitment to principles of sustainability
- A commitment to inclusivity
Our teachers strive to be…
- Inspirational & engaging: Employing a range of styles and strategies to provide personalised learning opportunities for each child.
- Knowledgeable and passionate: Having profound subject knowledge, which they share with passion and enthusiasm.
- Exemplary communicators: Modelling ‘respectful communication’, and teaching skills such as conflict resolution and peer mediation.
- Mentors: Developing meaningful, personal relationships with each child and supporting children to develop emotional literacy and self-awareness.
- Skilled facilitators of the learning process: Providing opportunities for collaborative as well as individual learning, and recognising the value of the learning process itself.
Our community…
- Is a learning community: Pupils, staff and parents are all actively involved in creating a vibrant school which values learning for all its members and in growing a culture of humanity and mutual respect.
- Applies the model of respectful communication: Welcoming the individual voices of all members whilst upholding the needs of the community as a whole.
- Has an excellent relationship with the surrounding community: Establishing and maintaining mutually rewarding partnerships with local schools, organisations and businesses.
