Why Berkhamsted? Is it our approach to learning and leadership?

Developing leadership is essential to Berkhamsted Sixth, and we offer many empowering opportunities for students to take on responsibilities and make real change in the School. One of these opportunities is the Learning Leaders programme, where selected Year 12 students cascade their learning to their peers and for younger years. 

This week, our Learning Leaders received a series of lectures to help them understand the School’s research-based approach to learning and how it is grounded in metacognitive research. This will aid them not only in understanding the mechanics behind their own classroom experiences, but in guiding others to reflect on how they can learn to unlock potential. 

The Learning Leaders first heard from Dr Cutler, who outlined the School’s investment in metacognition in learning: that is, how to approach the action of thinking. This sparked discussions about how such research can be used to accelerate progress in the classroom. This is not only useful for the Learning Leaders in their A level studies, but also in leveraging this knowledge to design engaging, metacognitive-conscious resources for younger pupils at the School. 

Miss Craigen, Berkhamsted’s Head of Research, also outlined the various ways that other members of the Berkhamsted Schools Group engage in cutting-edge research to continually develop and enrich our curriculum. She highlighted the ‘Research at Berkhamsted’ journal, in which teachers publish School-funded research projects, the School’s journal club where teaching articles are discussed, and other staff development programs that promote a culture of innovation and team learning.  

The Learning Leaders also heard from one teacher, Miss Harmon, who discussed her own action research project into the best typeface for Pre-Prep resources. This was a great opportunity for our students to see the breadth and range of research that occurs across the Berkhamsted Schools Group, not only in the Senior community.  

Our students are curious and enthusiastic, not only about their own understanding of learning but also about leading the development of others in the community. One student suggested, ‘I joined the Learning Leaders because I thought it’d be a great opportunity to polish my leadership skills and also interact with younger years, which I don’t normally do.’ Another said she joined to ‘have a better understanding of metacognition.’ These opportunities allow our students to reflect on their learning and progress, while also supporting others in the community to thrive as well. 

This scheme fosters leadership and inspires more members of the School community to be remarkable. Our Learning Leaders will now begin to create revision sources and lead classroom sessions for GCSE pupils. Looking forward, they will also receive training and share their knowledge of industry relevant areas such as emotional intelligence and coaching, as well as learning about what employers are looking for in graduates.