NAPROUD ACADEMY

Our inspiration

Our teaching approach draws inspiration from three main sources:

  1. The Socratic method of teaching

Developed by Greek philosopher Socrates, this method involves a discussion between student and teacher. The teacher leads by asking questions, and students respond with questions of their own. 

We favor this teaching style as:

  • It requires students to process and understand the topic content
  • It builds confidence in the students as they reach conclusions by themselves
  • It does not dictate that the teacher’s method or opinion is the best, but rather values the student’s input equally

Our aim is to foster lifelong problem-solving abilities in students which they can use not just in their studies, but in all aspects of their lives. 

In more traditional teaching, students may be passively ‘fed’ information by a teacher who is viewed as the ‘expert’. This may quickly improve a student’s short-term exam performance but makes students reliant and unadaptable. At Naproud Academy, it is imperative that tutors firstly establish a strong foundation for students’ understanding, which will inevitably improve their exam results. 

  1. The values of Cambridge and Oxford University

Cambridge’s core values are as follows:

  • Freedom of thought and expression
  • Freedom from discrimination

In the university admissions process to enter Oxford and Cambridge, interviewers assess students’ abilities to think independently through a discursive interview format. This skill is emphasized because university requires students to be intrinsically motivated and self-study. Our tutors therefore build the necessary skills of forming one’s own arguments and seeking information on their own.

  1. Positive Reinforcement Theory

Tutors are encouraged to give sincere positive reinforcement to students. Creating a good association with learning is especially necessary for younger students, internalizing an outlook that lasts into their adult life.

How does this play out in lessons?

First and foremost, we will constantly strive to provide you with the highest quality learning resources and support for your classwork and exams. All teaching is done with close reference to the official exam board syllabus content.

But aside from that, we also:

  1. Explain the ‘why’ behind concepts. Understanding is memorization in disguise.

IGCSE physicists are often taught that an atom consists of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, with electrons surrounding it. The atom is neutral, which is why there must be electrons and protons. From the weight of elements, we also know that neutrons exist.

But what purpose do the neutrons serve?

As protons in the nucleus are positively charged, they will repel each other. However, between all nucleons is the ‘strong force’ of attraction, which keeps the nucleus from flying apart. Neutrons stabilize the nucleus, balancing out the repulsion between protons.

If a student understands, it gets easier as they learn more.

  1. Asking the student thought-provoking discussion questions

In studying Othello for English Literature IGCSE, we might ask:

  • What moral or ethical questions about human nature does Shakespeare raise through the characters’ interactions and storyline?
  • What is the real cause of the tragedy? Or is it due to societal structures out of these character’s control?

This encourages students to form their own opinions. Not only is this a lifelong habit that students should develop, but it also separates out the highest-performing students in the official assessment criteria.

From the English Literature (0475) examiner’s report for May/June 2021 examinations:

‘There was in the strongest answers much evidence of informed and sensitive personal responses to texts which focused directly on the key words of questions, showing insight and individuality.’

  1. Encourage students to direct their own revision

Directing their own revision will encourage them to become independent learners in the future.

Our mission and values

Our mission is to empower students to reach their fullest potential.

Here at Naproud Academy, we value and understand the responsibility you entrust us with. A student’s education and results determines their life and future. This is why we constantly strive to improve our teaching and resources, and ensure they are always of the highest standard.

Ultimately, learning is a collaborative effort between the student and teacher. We believe in our students’ abilities, perseverance, and potential. We believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and will support you every step of the way.

We believe in you.