Our methodology​
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Our methodology is driven by the belief that education must be dynamic, hands-on, and relevant to the world children are growing up in. Project-based learning underpins everything we do at KEY academy, enabling students to actively engage with real-world challenges and develop practical solutions. We recognise that the modern world demands a different set of skills from students, which is why our focus on 21st-century learning goes beyond conventional classroom instruction.
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Underpinned by seven guiding principles, our approach fosters an environment of curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. These principles ensure that each child’s learning experience is both meaningful and personalised. We believe in empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging them to explore, enquire, and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.
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What sets our methodology apart is its seamless integration of Nigerian heritage with contemporary educational practices. This unique blend ensures that while students gain globally relevant skills, they remain deeply connected to their cultural roots. By prioritising active learning and real-world application, our approach nurtures not just academic excellence but also resilience, creativity, and leadership. Ultimately, our goal is to equip our students with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.​
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We deliver our learning through 7 key focus areas
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1 - Learning programme
Our learning programme equips our children with foundational knowledge and promotes wellbeing, whilst developing 21st century skills. We create exciting, locally relevant projects and activities based on the development goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for our preschool aged children, and the National Curriculum in England for our children aged 5 and above.
2 - Learning relationship
The co-learner becomes the development mentor and the projects, where possible, incorporate experts in the area of study. Co-learners develop the implementation of a learning project, while making sure that each child’s individual learning goals and needs are supported for the duration of the project.
3 - Participatory management
Every child participates in the development and enrichment of the collective experience at KEY academy. Within our school, we recreate what would be expected in a functioning, democratic society, to help instil a sense of civic responsibility.
4 - Mixed-age learning groups
The enrichment of school life happens when children of different ages collaborate in one single environment, which creates the opportunity to learn and socialise, just as they would in the real world.
5 - Active learning
Active Learning accelerates understanding through real world experiences. For instance, although children can learn about different species of animals from books, this learning comes to life when a Subject Matter Expert brings some animals into school for them to touch and feel.
6 - Integrated assessment
We carry out detailed observations using Learning Journals to assess the level of knowledge and the ability to apply what has been learnt. The children are very much a part of this process and are encouraged to reflect on their own performance.
7 - Culture and Heritage
With over 150 languages and ethnic groups, Nigeria has a beautifully rich and diverse culture which we seek to celebrate, embrace, and explore. This inclusive approach also extends to include the richness and diversity of the African continent more broadly, with a focus on delving into historical narratives from an African perspective and recognising the valuable contributions made by Nigerians and Africans to their local and global communities.
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