At the beginning of the academic year, we had the privilege of welcoming Dr Jim Heal from Harvard University to St George’s College, as part of our ongoing commitment to educational excellence and professional growth.
During two dedicated inset days, colleagues from both campuses came together to reflect, plan and collaborate, ensuring a strong and aligned start to 2026. These sessions were enriched by Dr Heal’s conference and a series of workshops focused on the Science of Learning.
Throughout his visit, Dr Heal guided our staff in exploring how the mind works, how memory is formed, and why effortful thinking and productive struggle are key to achieving deep, long-term learning. His sessions combined research-based insights with practical classroom strategies, encouraging teachers to reflect critically on their own practice and refine their approach to teaching.
This visit marks the beginning of a two-year professional development programme that will support the continued educational transformation of St George’s. Through this initiative, our staff will further strengthen their understanding of how students learn best, ensuring that classroom experiences are both meaningful and impactful across all sections of the school.
At St George’s, we believe that great teaching starts with a deep understanding of learning. By investing in our educators and fostering a culture of reflection and continuous improvement, we aim to provide our pupils with the highest quality educational experience.
We are deeply grateful to Dr Heal for his generosity, insight and commitment at the start of this important year.
