Inquiry-Based Learning
Our Inquiry Approach to Learning
At our school, learning is built around curiosity, thinking, and real-world connections. We use an inquiry approach inspired by New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), which helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in a changing world.
What is inquiry learning?
Inquiry learning starts with questions. Instead of simply being given information, students explore ideas, investigate problems, and make meaning through their own thinking. Teachers guide this process, helping students to ask deeper questions, find reliable information, and reflect on their learning.
What does this look like in the classroom?
- Students explore rich, real-world problems and topics
- Learning connects across subjects, rather than being taught in isolation
- Teachers design experiences that challenge students to think, collaborate, and create
- Students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning
The skills we are developing
Through this approach, students build the “6 Global Competencies”:
- Character – resilience, responsibility, and perseverance
- Citizenship – understanding their role in the world
- Collaboration – working effectively with others
- Communication – expressing ideas clearly and confidently
- Creativity – thinking innovatively and solving problems
- Critical Thinking – analysing, questioning, and making informed decisions
Why this matters
The world our children are growing up in is constantly changing. Our inquiry approach helps students not just learn content, but learn how to learn. It prepares them to adapt, think deeply, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.
How families can support at home
- You don’t need to have all the answers—just be curious alongside your child:
- Ask open-ended questions like “What are you learning about?” or “What do you think?”
- Encourage your child to explain their thinking
- Show interest in their projects and ideas
- Support them to explore topics that spark their curiosity
Together, we are building confident, capable learners who are ready to engage with the world around them.
