Learning Muscles

What are learning muscles?

Think about a football player preparing for a match … they need to be fit and have stamina, coordination and agility to win. They will need to warm up their muscles and be willing to give the game their best shot. Learning muscles are the same! To be a successful learner, pupils need to stretch their learning muscles. They need to have mental stamina and agility to be able to complete the day. They need to be willing to have a go and know that they may not always get things right the first time. They need to concentrate on the job in hand and persevere when things get tricky. They need to be curious, ask lots of questions and learn to work co-operatively with others. They need to imagine, improve and most of all enjoy learning.

Through our learning muscle approach, we teach our pupils to: concentrate, co-operate, persevere, improve, not give up, be curious, use their imagination, aim high, have a go and enjoy learning.

How are learning muscles used in school?

We use the learning muscles to explain different learning behaviours that we expect from our pupils. Each half term we focus on different learning muscles, which are introduced through a story as part of Collective Worship. The staff in school are keen to praise pupils when they are seen using their ‘learning muscles’. 

University of Life 

Each school year we hold our University of Life event where all children can select a workshop they would like to sign up to. They can select something which will reflect their own gifts and talents or which they may want to improve and get better at. During University of Life, children are encouraged to stretch their learning muscles as they learn and apply newly taught skills and knowledge. Workshops range from drawing, Lego design, football, woodwork, cookery and many more. It is always wonderful to see our children working together and feeling proud of their achievements after graduating from their chosen subject.