A Modern Education

Mrs Paramour spoke to the Ham & High about how South Hampstead Junior School seeks to preserve the magic of childhood without compromising on academic excellence.

Books over screens, kindness over cool: a modern education

For Mrs Paramour, Head at South Hampstead Junior School, the secret to enabling her pupils to fulfil their academic potential and gain the confidence to express themselves can be found in a quiet chat over a mug of hot chocolate and the commitment to making school time as magical and as engaging as possible. Creating a joyful environment is at the forefront of her philosophy; and what better way to create an inclusive space than over a hot chocolate. With marshmallows. And whipped cream. And sprinkles.

Every Friday, Mrs Paramour invites one girl from each year to join her for a chat over a mug of hot chocolate. This, she stresses, is not a ‘reward’, as every girl over the course of the year will receive an invite, but an important part of the school’s wider strategy: ensuring that the girls feel safe and are happy in an environment where they can find their own voice.

One of the priorities is helping each girl find their own voice, an outcome she believes is as important as academic achievements. To achieve these goals, the Junior School has introduced outdoor learning sessions on Hampstead Heath, as well as philosophy lessons and an inclusive debating society.

“We want them leaving with a strong academic foundation… but we also want our girls to have the courage to ask questions and think critically – to embrace challenge and build long-term resilience. At South Hampstead, we value being kind over being cool, books over screens. We want to encourage our girls to have ambition… without losing that joy and wonder of childhood.”

Read the full article here.