Preparing Pupils for a Changing World

Academic Life at Swanbourne House School

By Sarah Eifion-Jones, Deputy Head Academic, Swanbourne House

Education is constantly evolving, with schools under pressure to meet academic benchmarks while also preparing pupils for the demands of senior school, higher education and the wider world. At Swanbourne House, we believe that learning should be purposeful, engaging and future-focused. That’s why we follow the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) – a framework that develops not only academic excellence but also the skills, attitudes and confidence pupils need to thrive beyond prep school.

At its core, PSB champions independent learning, critical thinking and cross-curricular engagement. We’re not restricted by a narrow, exam-driven curriculum. Instead, our teaching develops intellectual curiosity and creativity, moving away from rote learning and encouraging pupils to think deeply, ask questions and make meaningful connections.

Our lessons balance academic rigour with rich, hands-on learning. Whether it’s using Sphero Robots in Computing, exploring ethics in a Religious Studies viva, or studying witchcraft in History from our outdoor classroom, pupils are immersed in purposeful, thought-provoking experiences. In Maths, they might design a city using geometry; in English, they may explore literature through drama or debate. This kind of learning builds resilience, independence and problem-solving skills – essential tools for life.

The PSB framework is built on six core skills: leadership, collaboration, independence, thinking and learning, review and improvement, and communication. These skills underpin everything we do, across both academic and creative subjects. Pupils learn to lead, to think critically, to reflect, and to communicate effectively—skills that will benefit them not only in exams, but in every area of life.

Through inquiry-based learning and independent research, pupils connect ideas across disciplines—linking science and ethics, literature and history, or economics and sustainability. This broad approach helps them develop a deeper understanding of the world and fosters adaptability and open-mindedness.

At Swanbourne House, the PSB enables us to deliver an education that’s both academically ambitious and personally enriching. We’re proud to be preparing pupils not just for their next school, but for whatever future they choose to create—equipped with knowledge, character and confidence.