Why Outdoor Schooling Offers a Rigorous Yet Child-Centred Alternative to Traditional Education In recent years, outdoor schooling has grown in popularity as parents and educators search for alternatives to traditional classroom-based education. Often mistakenly perceived as less academically rigorous, outdoor schooling is proving to be not only equally challenging but also … [Read more...] about Outdoor Schooling: just playtime or a necessity?
Children
AirTags and Child Trackers: Safety Net or Symptom of Fear?
In an age where technology offers us instant connection and location tracking, many parents are turning to devices like Apple’s AirTags or GPS watches to keep tabs on their children. Marketed as tools to provide peace of mind and protect children from harm, these gadgets are becoming increasingly common in backpacks and coat pockets. But are we trading trust for control? At … [Read more...] about AirTags and Child Trackers: Safety Net or Symptom of Fear?
Do the Year 6 SATs still have a purpose in 2025?
SATs results have long been used in school league tables, driving national performance comparisons and local authority assessments. But critics argue that what began as a useful bench-marking tool has become a high-stakes, stress-inducing event with consequences beyond its original scope. The Benefits of Year 6 SATs The Harms and Controversies of SATs SATs and … [Read more...] about Do the Year 6 SATs still have a purpose in 2025?
Why Music in the Charts is Rubbish —And Why That Should Worry Us
Spend a few minutes listening to the music charts today, and you might notice something odd: where have all the bands gone? The guitar solos? The harmonies crafted in dusty rehearsal rooms? Increasingly, mainstream hits are written by teams, performed solo, and built on samples rather than instruments. This isn’t just nostalgia talking or the moaning of an old fart—there’s real … [Read more...] about Why Music in the Charts is Rubbish —And Why That Should Worry Us
Why I Let Children Play with Knives: The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks In A Child’s Development.
It might seem controversial at first glance, but yes - I let children as young as five use knives at our outdoor education sessions at Ambleford. Before you raise an eyebrow or two, let me explain why this practice is not only safe but crucial to children's development. At Ambleford, we understand deeply the importance of allowing children to take calculated risks. Handling … [Read more...] about Why I Let Children Play with Knives: The Importance of Taking Calculated Risks In A Child’s Development.