Esther Hunter is the Foundation Stages & Key Stage 1 / Pastoral Leader for the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park.
At the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, being ambitious is an integral part of our expectations for staff, students and the wider community.
Here in Chicago and across the Nord Anglia Education group, we incorporate being ambitious into every aspect of everything we do. In the forthcoming academic year, children in early years and Key Stage 1 will be encouraged to be ambitious by experiencing a varied, challenging and exciting curriculum. This will be delivered and developed via a expansive range of diverse study opportunities designed to promote a love for learning and independent investigative skills. Teachers and classroom assistants will facilitate individualized learning programs based on children's interests and abilities, clearly identifying their developmental next steps. Staff's approach to children's potential achievement will be responsive and without limits.
All adults in early years and Key Stage 1 are highly proficient in asking thought-provoking questions and incorporating students contributions into lessons in order to extend learning beyond expectations. The substantial increase in technology available in the classrooms will allow children to engage with students in Nord Anglia schools across the world, building foundations for our global citizens of the future. iPads and iPods in each classroom will enable pupils to record, review and reflect on their achievements and also to collaborate on projects across classes, year groups and the world.
Open-ended multi-use resources will encourage children to think ambitiously and creatively when problem solving and developing their own ideas.
I believe that in embedding an expectation of being ambitious into all that we do we provide a culture of limitless achievement for all.