What is Reggio Emilia?

Video Credit with thanks to @SojoAnimation

Here Ms Jemma Joakim, Deuputy Head, Pastoral at Royal High Prep School Bath explains more: 'Learning through discovery' is our mantra for girls in our Prep School, and this is particularly true in the Nursery where our philosophy is based on the Reggio Emilia approach; an education system designed to be engaging, diverse and above all - girl-centred.

So, just what is Reggio Emilia?

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative educational method. It respects and values the interests of children and provides inspiration for what can be achieved when educators become co-collaborators with children in their quest for knowledge and meaning of the world. The educational system of Reggio Emilia is characterised by progressive thinking, a commitment to research and experimentation, and a focus on the identity of the child. It is a model that fosters strong relationships and involves the whole community. The philosophy behind the approach is based on the concept of the empowered, competent and knowledgeable child who communicates and learns in a multitude of ways.

At the Royal High Prep School, our aim is not to simply replicate the Reggio Approach to teaching and learning, but to take certain ideals and mould them to fit our ways and methods. Most importantly we seek to apply these philosophies to what we know best – how to educate girls. We aim to fulfil this through our inspirational learning environment. Staff actively encourage the girls to interact with their surroundings in a variety of ways and support them to take ownership of their learning. The Cranwell Curriculum focuses on creative approaches to learning that enables our girls to develop independent thinking and gain skills of enquiry-based learning whilst fostering an understanding of the world, citizenship and collective responsibility.