The start of a new academic year always brings with it a sense of possibility. Classrooms feel fresh, students arrive with energy and anticipation, and as educators we have a rare chance to pause and think again about how we approach our work. These first few weeks are a reminder of the value of looking at things differently.
One example of this is our newly redesigned canteen. It has always been a beautiful Thai-style wooden structure, but over the summer it was given a thoughtful refresh. Floor-to-ceiling timber-framed doors, air-conditioning and filters now make the space cleaner and more practical. But for me, the most striking change is how the windows frame the outside world. Trees, light and movement beyond the glass are drawn into the room, turning the canteen into a calm, connected space at the heart of the school. It is still the same canteen, but now seen in a new way — and that is exactly what we want for learning.
This idea carried through into our first Primary staff meeting, where we welcomed guest author and senior leader Morgan Whitfield. Together, we explored the Ensuring Participation strand of our new, bespoke Teaching and Learning framework. Through the lens of adaptive teaching, we considered how familiar practices can be refreshed by asking different questions: How do we spark curiosity and wonder? How do we adapt what we do so that every child can participate fully?
Curiosity is something we talk about often in the Primary School. It shapes our teaching, keeps our curriculum relevant and responsive, and drives us to keep improving what we offer. We have also written it into our Positive Behaviour Expectations, because we see curiosity not only as a skill but as an attitude. We want our children to ask thoughtful questions, to try new things and to notice connections that deepen their understanding.
As we begin the year, my hope is that we all keep this in mind. Whether in our classrooms, our shared spaces, or in the small choices we make each day, looking at things differently opens up new possibilities. It reminds us that even the most familiar places and practices can be transformed into something richer and more inspiring.
