At Dallington, we offer an alternative education in London for primary school children. We have developed a curriculum that is rich in opportunity and designed to offer our children far more than just classroom skills. We offer them learning that makes sense in the real world and encourages questioning, reasoning and critical thinking. We invite you to come for an open day or a school tour and experience the Dallington Difference. Download a Curriculum Overview above and book now to come and visit us.
Alternative Learning at Dallington – Our Subjects
Our curriculum blends traditional subjects such as literacy and numeracy with enrichment areas like the Arts and even Forest School! We believe that offering this rounded approach and delivering it in a manner that challenges our children, without the pressure associated with typical school methods, really benefits them as individuals. You’ll find more information about each of our subjects below.
Our Approach to Alternative Education
The Early Years Foundation Stage, covered in our Nursery & Reception, forms the basis for learning in the school. From here, our curriculum and teaching has 4 key pillars:
We Encourage Exploration
Learning at Dallington means exploring and investigating. We encourage our children to do just this and to question their findings. By challenging what they are taught and providing the reasoning behind their thoughts, our children become innovators and critical thinkers well prepared for both further education and life beyond the classroom.
Freedom to Learn
We believe that true learning goes far beyond the rote gaining of knowledge purely to pass exams. As such, we try to keep our students as free as possible from the pressures of homework and testing. At our alternative school, children are free to learn in the way they are most comfortable.
Inspiring Confidence
Our teachers inspire confidence in our children by setting challenges and encouraging discussion and debate. They create curiosity and empowerment through experiences and opportunities.
Academic Rigour
Dallington is guided by the National Curriculum, but we allow our teachers to pursue other topics as well if they wish to. Learning here is academically rigorous without the constraints of traditional testing. Our alternative educational approach blends cross-curricular themes and topics and allows our children to make real, meaningful links between subjects and develop deep, conceptual understanding of what they are learning.
Why Choose Dallington?
Quite simply, we put our children first. We recognise that every child is unique, with their own wants and needs, and learns best in their own way. As an alternative education provider we are not confined by the boundaries of other London schools and this means we can better cater to the needs of each child. At Dallington, children learn better in an environment where they are free to be themselves and we firmly believe this makes us one of the finest primary schools in London.
FAQs
What is alternative education?
Alternative education is teaching that differs from mainstream education, often to address specific needs or learning preferences. At Dallington, we allow the British National Curriculum to guide us but not confine us. If we need to deviate from it for the welfare and development of our children then we will do so. It is for this reason that we refer to ourselves as an alternative school and are very proud of our independent status. We know our approach works and we hope to show you in person!
What are the benefits of alternative education?
Breaking away from the traditional model of classroom learning, with progress measured by testing, allows us to focus on our children as a whole and not just their academic abilities. We still provide an academically rigorous education, with many of our children going on to some of the country’s top secondary schools, but we also focus on their social and emotional development too.
Do you offer teaching for SEND children?
Yes! In fact, we have a dedicated SEND page where you can find out more about our approach. Dallington is a non-selective school and we welcome children from all backgrounds, of all abilities. Regardless of your child’s starting point, we will work with them and with you to help them become the very best version of themselves that they can be.
How do I know if an alternative educational approach is right for my child?
The best way is to come and see for yourself! When you attend one of our open days or come for a tour of the school, you’ll get to experience our teaching firsthand, have the chance to sit in on a lesson and to explore the facilities we have available here. This is also your chance to ask any questions to our admissions team and faculty and they will be happy to help.