Our philosophy of education is built upon the following basic methodology;

 

1. Outstanding invitational teaching

We aim to create a total school environment that intentionally summons students to realize their relatively boundless potential. It addresses the global nature of schools. Its purpose is to make schooling a more exciting, satisfying and enriching experience for everyone involved. Its method is to offer a guiding theory, a common language of improvement and a practical means to accomplish. Invitational education is based on four pillars – trust, respect, optimism and intentionality.

 

2. Cross grade learning

Success in work and life can often be linked to one’s ability to relate to, and work well with others. We believe

in encouraging students to interact and learn with and from others through cross-grade learning. We create

the opportunity for cross grade learning in a structured program that involves older students mentoring

classes of younger students in their units of inquiry or specific subject areas. Older grade students learn

compassion and empathy by mentoring younger students. They also gain personal satisfaction from using

their talents in service to others. Younger students also benefit from the extra one-on-one support and from

the safe and caring school environment this program fosters. They also learn to interact with older students

which helps develop their confidence and connection with a wider peer group. The program develops a

greater level of maturity in all students, and truly helps them feel like an integral part of the Urban Academy

community. This program will take place as an extra mural (After school hours)

 

3. Inquiry-Based Learning

We all know there is truth in the old saying: "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I

understand." This premise is the foundation of inquiry-based learning. Inquiry implies involvement that leads

to understanding. Actually being involved in the lessons allows students to possess skills and attitudes that will permit them to seek resolutions to questions and issues while constructing new knowledge.

 

This approach ensures that students are fully engaged in higher-level thinking (e.g., synthesizing, analyzing, and evaluating). This style of learning also helps students become accountable to each other and to their teachers for quality learning. Teaching and being taught in this manner, offers the opportunity to students to communicate in the language of instruction (which is English)- whilst this is in many instances not their actual Home Language. Creating opportunities to brainstorm, discuss, debate, report, etc. will improve their comprehension of the language and in doing so will improve their academic outcome.