Teaching Philosophy

Pupils learn in different ways and have different intelligences, academic levels, interests, etc. By differentiating and personalizing, we ensure that all pupils learn and improve regardless of any obstacles or difficulties they may face. Lessons are differentiated based on learning styles, academic levels and pupil interests. Lessons include experiential learning, theoretical learning, hands-on activities, movement and different methods of delivering information such as videos, books, PowerPoints, etc. In this way, all different learning styles are addressed and catered for.

To achieve our purpose, Seven Pillars International School is transformational rather than focused on the transmission of information and knowledge. To ensure that education is transformational, our learning philosophy is founded on two theories. The experiential learning theory and the constructivist learning theory.

The experiential learning theory is defined as “the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.” Knowledge can only be truly gained through experience. Consider any skill that can be taught, whether it is a sport, art, etc. Hearing about how it can be done in a classroom, reading textbooks about it and even watching video tutorials can never prepare a learner to master the activity itself. Textbooks and lectures may provide the theoretical, and in some cases even conceptual knowledge. However, procedural knowledge is needed to enable learners to apply the skills in their lives.

Experiential Learning helps with:

• Skill development is based on both theoretical knowledge and experiences.
• The learning plans include a balance of theory/concepts and hands-on activities to deepen understanding and conceptual knowledge.
• By teaching through experiences, children will easily be able to transfer the knowledge, skills and traits gained, to their lives.
• Experiential learning ensures child engagement and interest as learning is relevant to their lives.

Based on the constructivist learning theory, learners construct their own knowledge based on their experiences. They then reflect on their experiences and modify what they previously knew about the topic.
In this way, our learning philosophy ensures that children acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and character traits, are able to apply them in real life, and are able to transform that knowledge into the skills and traits needed in any situation.

Hybrid learning is the future of education. With global issues creating certain limits and restraints, we offer pupils the opportunity to learn online if there is a reason for them not to be on campus. Learning is synchronous and they learn with their class simultaneously. This is done through a live stream where they attend the sessions at the time that they are being taught.

With the level of technology and information available online, we are able to deliver lessons online. Videos, lectures, PowerPoints, and other media types are accessible from home. Allowing pupils to learn and receive the information at home, before the lesson. Once they’re at school, time is not wasted on explanation, rather, they are able to implement experiential learning and project-based learning using the background knowledge gained through their ‘flipped’ classroom.