The importance of a holistic approach to learning and why Years 1 to 4 are pivotal

Lisa Palmer, Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning at Claremont’s Junior School talks about the importance of a holistic approach to learning and why years 1 to 4 are pivotal. 

Years 1 to 4 are a vital phase in every child’s learning journey, bridging Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Building on Early Years foundations, children step into structured learning, explore their interests, grow in independence and develop the confidence, resilience and skills that shape lifelong learning. 

A holistic approach is key. Children are not just learning facts, they are discovering who they are, how they connect with others and how they engage with the world. By nurturing the whole child, intellectually, socially and emotionally, we help them become curious, creative, resilient and confident problem-solvers, ready to thrive in school and beyond. 

A philosophy that shapes life-long learning 

Central to everything we do at Claremont’s junior school is our “me, you, the world around us” philosophy. It shapes the way we teach and the way children learn, helping them understand themselves, connect with others, and engage thoughtfully with the wider world. Learning with Claremont goes far beyond the classroom; it sparks curiosity, builds confidence and nurtures empathy, self-belief and a genuine sense of purpose. 

Learner attributes in action 

In the junior school, our learner attributes help children become highly effective learners, ensuring their academic achievement is fully realised. These ten core qualities, such as curiosity, resilience, independence and empathy, support growth not only intellectually, but also personally and socially. They help develop pupils confidence and character, and provide lifelong learnings to thrive both in school and beyond. 

Embedding these attributes at this important stage ensures children approach learning holistically, fostering curiosity, creativity, resilience, independence, empathy, critical thinking and social responsibility alongside academic progress.  

How Claremont brings learning attributes to life 

By practising learner attributes in real-life contexts, pupils cultivate a love of learning and the skills to thrive both in school and beyond. 

• Curriculum design – Our broad curriculum, spanning science, languages, music, art, sport, and computing, is designed to develop both knowledge and essential skills. Every lesson embeds opportunities to practise creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking, allowing children to discover their strengths and passions. 

• Specialist teaching – Right from our pre-nursery our subject specialists deliver teaching in areas such as music, art, sport, computing, and languages, igniting curiosity and inspiring mastery. As pupils progress through Key Stages 1 and 2, specialisms deepen and broaden, helping children grow in confidence and skill. 

• Co-curricular opportunities – With over 80 clubs and enrichment activities, children apply learner attributes in practical, engaging ways. Forest school, performing arts, sports, and outdoor exploration develop teamwork, resilience, independence and creativity beyond the classroom. 

• Daily integration and reflection – Learner attributes are embedded in every lesson and activity. Teachers guide pupils to recognise and reflect on how they use these qualities, encouraging self-evaluation and metacognition. Achievements are celebrated across learning and personal development, reinforcing the value of each attribute.