Learning

The very best schools understand that the possibilities for learning are endless: it cannot be reduced to isolated, formal interventions and will not be mandated, quantified or curtailed. What Harrovians experience through the arts and sport, and by leading and serving others, are just as important as their lessons. Combined, these elements shape their development as a whole person and have a life-long impact.

Co-ordinating these myriad elements makes for a robust School routine. Preceded by Speech Room or Chapel, there are eight lessons a day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with a shorter time for activities; and five lessons a day on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with the whole afternoon given over to sport, music art or drama. Lectures and rehearsals typically take place before supper or after prep. While it would be impossible for a boy to access all that Harrow has to offer during his five years with us, his House Master and Tutor will guide him to achieve the optimal mix, based on his strengths, interests and potential.

Learning Skills

Our Learning Skills team supports the work of teaching departments and provides specialist guidance to boys on the most effective ways to learn. Through our PSHE programme boys are provided with a range of direct guidance on topics such as ‘How To Devise Your Revision Timetable’ and ‘Growing a Growth Mindset’. As they approach public examinations, they are also given further advice on technique.

Boys are also given advice on how to hone their approach to learning and their academic work through their Tutor. The specific study skills required for individual subjects are taught within departments. Boys studying a language, for example, are taught techniques for learning vocabulary, whilst in the humanities they cover how to structure essays.