At LPS Clapham, our focus is fully on preparing students for what comes next. This is a thread that runs through every element of our school, but especially in our curriculum. We understand results are important, but our teaching is designed to give students the skills and knowledge needed in an everchanging world. Three core elements to our approach set us apart.
Rather than learn subjects in isolation, we foster an integrated approach where students learn multiple subjects at a time connected to a theme. In Years 7 and 8 (and some of Year 9) we teach the Humanities under a common theme. This enables deeper connections and contextual understanding which not only lessens the cognitive load, but is an important skill at GCSEs.
This interdisciplinary method of teaching and learning enables us to mutually strengthen and consolidate the key skills applicable to English, History, Geography, and TPR. Students are encouraged to draw on connections between these subjects and consider the world through different perspectives, as they investigate thematic units such as ‘London’, ’Family and Relationships’, ‘Propaganda and Persuasion’, ‘Revolution’ and more. Students will benefit from a curriculum that capitalises on cooperation, connection, and a learning style that reflects how we live and work today.
English – A close study of extracts from Alice in Wonderland
History – Childhood in the Victorian era
Geography – Life in cities and the country
TPR (theology, philosophy & religion) – Children’s rights and responsibilities
Our Integrated approach extends beyond the humanities. Because we are smaller our staff can plan and think about lessons collaboratively – again to demonstrate the real-world application of subjects.
Imagine exploring physics through the lens of both science and design, or tackling maths problems alongside real-world engineering challenges. This integrated approach ignites curiosity, fosters deeper understanding, and shows how knowledge connects across disciplines. It’s learning that reflects the real world, not just textbooks, preparing you for a future where problem-solving requires seeing the bigger picture.
Learning sticks best when doing rather than just listening. Wherever possible, we emphasise practical experiments and hands-on exercises, allowing students to learn from mistakes and successes. This extends to activities outside of the classroom too – as a smaller school, we can use London as our playground and some of the most popular museums are just a tube ride away. We also have opportunities to explore further afield, including studying the impact of climate change in the Alps or marine conservation on a tall ship in the Mediterranean.
We are keen to develop and offer more hands-on subject experiences in collaboration with our sibling school in Mayfair too – for example, sport, history, geography, art and more.
We place a great emphasis on design thinking and practical problem solving at LPS Clapham with conceptual modules such as ‘Empathy’. Our collaboration with Cambridge University exposes you to this innovative approach, where you’ll analyse user needs and design solutions for real-world challenges, tackling issues like accessibility for those with limited mobility. By simulating these experience, you’ll witness how design can be a powerful tool for positive change. In an era of automation and artificial intelligence, we prioritise critical thinking and big-picture thinking to prepare you for the future.
