Our Approach

At Empyrean School, education is about more than just academics. We focus
on developing values, attributes and skills that support students’ overall growth
at every stage. Our curriculum is carefully designed to connect classroom
learning with real-world situations, ensuring students are prepared for the
challenges of an ever-changing world.

Through inquiry-driven learning experiences, we encourage curiosity,
creativity, and problem-solving. We are committed to nurturing well-rounded
individuals who thrive in all aspects of life.

Key Teaching and Learning Principles At Empyrean

Values, Attributes and Skills: Our broad and balanced curriculum is designed to develop both competence and character through the integration of values, attributes, and skills. After extensive research and conversations with learners, teachers and parents, these elements were carefully contextualised to ensure they are relevant to our students. We believe in consistently focusing on values, attributes and skills, as they develop through habit. They take time to cultivate and gradually develop through intentional practice, reinforcing the importance given to perseverance in our educational approach.

Technology Integration: We believe that technology plays a vital role in enhancing learner engagement and outcomes. By integrating a variety of technological tools, such as gamified math apps, levelled reading programmes, interactive coding platforms and project based simulations, we create personalised learning experiences that cater to the diverse needs and learning styles. These tools not only make learning more engaging and fun but also help students develop skills like logical reasoning. As digital literacy becomes a crucial skill for the future, our approach also ensures that students are not only consumers of technology but also creators. By encouraging students to create their own digital projects, we empower them to take ownership of their learning whilst honing skills in innovation.

International Mindedness: International mindedness is the understanding and appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and global issues, with an emphasis on promoting empathy, respect, and responsible action. It is seamlessly incorporated in our curriculum. By encouraging students to widen their horizon, we prepare them to become responsible global citizens. Studies have shown that students who engage with international perspectives are better equipped to navigate cultural differences, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and contribute positively to global communities.

Research and Investigation: Throughout the year, learners engage in transdisciplinary research, allowing them to make connections between different subject areas and gain a more holistic understanding of the world. They are expected to undertake two research projects a year, this promotes self-directed learning and deepens their ability to analyse and synthesise complex information. Our approach places emphasis on developing a scientific temper, encouraging students to think critically, ask insightful questions, and approach problems with a mindset grounded in evidence and inquiry. This focus on scientific thinking nurtures curiosity and encourages a rigorous, data-driven approach to learning. Additionally, these projects promote metacognition, or the ability to reflect on and regulate one’s thinking processes.

Active Learning: Through active participation, learners construct meaning, rather than passively receive information. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where students collaborate, question, debate, create, and apply their knowledge in meaningful contexts. Strategies such as Visible Thinking Routines, Socratic questioning, role-plays, simulations, and hands-on experiments are regularly used to promote deep learning. By positioning students as co-constructors of knowledge, we nurture agency, ownership, and a lifelong love for learning.

Project Based Learning: We integrate Project-Based Learning (PBL) through structured inquiry cycles that encourage students to plan, create, reflect, and refine. In this process, students explore and deepen their understanding of core content, questions, and practices within disciplines. PBL involves students designing, developing, and constructing hands-on solutions to real-world problems, which leads to sustained inquiry. Critiquing and revisions are a healthy and integral part of the process, allowing students to continuously improve their work and approach challenges with resilience.

Innovative Assessments: We prioritise innovative assessments that go beyond traditional testing methods. For instance, these assessments feature open-ended questions or require students to create out-of-the-box scenario based assignments that demonstrate higher order thinking and computational thinking. We also administer multiple assessments throughout the year, providing students with ongoing opportunities to showcase their learning and progress. These forms of assessment foster a growth mindset by emphasising both effort and processes of learning.

Portfolios and Student Led Conferences: Portfolios and Student Led Conferences are a part of our practices from as early as Pre-Primary. Our portfolios include a collection of a student’s work, learning artefacts, and reflections. Students actively identify their learning goals, choose resources, and evaluate their own progress, demonstrating key self-directed learning skills. This practice encourages students to reflect on their growth, set personal goals, and take responsibility for their educational development from a young age.