No lesser mind than Albert Einstein said, “I have no special talent; I am only passionately curious”. As a science teacher and as Sidcot’s new Assistant Head - Teaching, Learning and Assessment, I find it a pleasure to challenge one of the greatest thinkers of the twentieth century on this point—Einstein was indeed exceptionally talented. However, it’s the second part of his statement that truly resonates with me. Curiosity, as Einstein highlighted, is crucial.
Curiosity is at the heart of human endeavour. Our relentless quest for knowledge knows no bounds, exemplified by the aptly named “Curiosity Rover” on Mars. This innate curiosity drives us to explore and is fundamental to a rich educational experience.
As teachers, we are dedicated to nurturing this curiosity in our students. Our Sidcot Learning Wheel promotes thinking skills, practical learning, and research skills. Throughout your child's education, we foster their curiosity through various opportunities. For instance, the HPQ (Higher Project Qualification) in the lower school and the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and Extended Essays in the Sixth Form allow students to delve deeply into their passions. From North Korean defectors to the psychological value of money, from the nature of historical truth to the creation of apps that can identify fish when scuba diving. We are continually amazed and inspired by the depth of exploration our students undertake when they let their curiosity run wild!
As an educator, I believe in the transformative power of curiosity in the classroom, helping our young people achieve their best at school. Anatole France described teaching as "the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds," and research supports the idea that curiosity enhances learning and achievement. When students are curious, their brains are more prepared to absorb and retain information. This heightened engagement makes learning more enjoyable and effective, leading to greater participation and success in academic and personal pursuits. We strive to spark curiosity through classroom experiences, but this should not be confined to school. Our wide array of theatre trips, excursions, exhibitions, and conferences, such as Science Live and Thriving Minds at Oxford University, serve as enriching experiences and bridges connecting classroom learning to the wider world.
Curiosity can also be nurtured at home. I encourage you to engage with your child’s learning by showing interest in their studies, helping to maximise their curiosity by demonstrating your own. Explore topics they discuss in class, delve into podcasts and documentaries together, visit museums and galleries, and talk about the fascinating things they are learning … and above all, be “passionately curious”.
Written by Kate Champion, Assistant Head - Teaching, Learning and Assessment.