Learning for the 21st Century 

Educating Children for the 21st Century

The Cargilfield education is designed to give our children the skills that they really need to thrive in the 21st Century. Whilst it might seem counter-intuitive to some, this means that our children have a ‘virtually screen-free’ education. This is not because we are anti-technology – our children learn and use plenty of IT skills – but it is because we are pro-learning. So whilst our children learn about technology and how to use it, we do not use the technology to teach them.

At Cargilfield the school day is very full, but also carefully balanced to ensure that the children are at their best. So we have a broad and varied curriculum, with lots of sport, music, art, DT and drama; and we also have long breaks where the children can unwind with their friends in our grounds or do some extra activities if they would like to. This balance of inside and outside is central to the wellbeing of our children. We know, and parents know, that children grow up better if they are allowed to stay younger for longer. We can push each child gently as they take those first, most life-enhancing, steps out of their comfort zone and see their self-confidence start to build.

We particularly value the skill of deep work in all areas of school life, where children are encouraged to focus and concentrate on the task or lesson in front of them without digital distractions or technological short-cuts. In this way, our children can learn more effectively, come to a deeper understanding of their work and properly develop their cognitive skills and abilities.

When our children leave us at 12 or 13 it is often reported that they arrive in their new school ahead of their peers. This is no accident – the Cargifield education is challenging, stretching and fulfilling, encouraging our pupils to become curious, independent and resilient learners.

So, wherever they are headed, they will arrive ahead. 

Colin MacIntosh, Headmaster