Innovate - from Sevenoaks School’s Institute of Teaching and Learning

Sevenoaks School’s Institute of Teaching and Learning is pleased to publish the seventh edition of its annual academic journal, Innovate. The journal is reflective of the school’s active engagement with research and its interest in teaching and learning culture that is evidence-informed. Articles in this edition are connected by the theme of meaning and purpose, one of the key strands identified by Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program, which have been working in partnership with Sevenoaks School for the past few years.

Mark Beverley, Director of the Institute of Teaching and Learning at Sevenoaks School, comments: “Our aim is to find out more about the ways human flourishing can be nurtured, and more fulfilling lives led within and beyond the school community. The theme of educating for meaning and purpose focuses on the ‘why’ of learning, and encourages students to engage independently, as well as apply knowledge more effectively - both of which are increasingly important in our technology-driven world.”

Articles include examining the power of diagrams and mnemonics in the classroom; teaching Geography with AI; the role of drama in the curriculum; and teacher and student motivation in the co-curricular programme. It also features a case study titled, Why am I in school? The case for futures guidance in the middle school, which examines the opportunity to create a middle school futures program that encourages students to consider their aspirations, as well as their place and purpose in the world.

Innovate VII was launched at Sevenoaks School’s biennial Teaching and Learning Conference, held on 17 October. The conference brought together teaching professionals and educators from the independent and state school sectors to focus on the theme of meaning and purpose in education and to share classroom techniques and best teaching practices. Keynote speakers, Bradley Busch and Dr Claire Badger from InnerDrive both contributed articles to Innovate covering The utility of AI in education and answering the question, Do schools kill creativity?

Jesse Elzinga, Headmaster at Sevenoaks School, says: “I am grateful to the many teachers and educational professionals who have contributed to this edition. Their reflections, research and classroom experiences form the heart of this journal. I hope that readers engage with the content, challenge assumptions, continue the conversations beyond the pages, and inspire the next generation to learn with purpose.”

Innovate VII is available online