Developing Critical Thinking & Research Skills
In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, information flow and rapid change, pupils need to evaluate ideas, think independently and form balanced judgments. At Ardingly, these skills are developed through project-based learning, discussion, and opportunities to explore personal interests in depth.
The Enquiry & Evaluation strand of our World Ready mission is central to this. Pupils are encouraged to question assumptions, apply evidence and approach problems creatively. Through initiatives such as the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) and Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), students learn how to conduct independent research and present their findings confidently.
“Pupils experience a broad curriculum and achieve well due to the high quality teaching they receive”
Monitoring Progress & Academic Support
To ensure every pupil achieves their own full academic potential, we set individual Challenge grades for every student. These Challenge grades are carefully considered and every student’s performance is then rigorously tracked by their Tutors against those Challenge grades. This approach means that students are held to account against their own stretch targets, rather than competing against each other.
Regular tracking of progress ensures that every pupil stays on course and feels motivated. Tutors, Heads of Section and the Learning Support team work collaboratively to monitor performance, celebrate success and provide timely interventions when needed. Parents are kept informed through reports, meetings and digital updates, ensuring full transparency and partnership in each child’s academic journey.
We also ensure students access a range of academic enrichment and extension activities to stretch and challenge them. This provision sits alongside a highly qualified specialist Learning Support team who can provide extra support if needed.
“GCSE, A Level and IB Results, compared with baseline data, show that pupils make very good progress”
