Quadrivium

Here at The Prebendal School, we are keen to support pupils who want to really push the boundaries of their knowledge, critical and interdisciplinary thinking, philosophy and high-order questioning skills.

“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” - Roger Lewin

Supporting and encouraging pupils who want to really push the boundaries of their knowledge is something that we are especially passionate about. Children keen to extend their critical and interdisciplinary thinking (along with philosophical enquiry and high-order questioning skills) are welcomed into Quadrivium, the Prebendal School’s programme of academic excellence for all pupils in Years 6-8.

Designed to broaden the children’s perspectives, raise aspirations, and inspire them to think and articulate their ideas, during weekly sessions, pupils are grouped vertically and challenged in accordance to their ability. Led by staff, a guest expert or a visiting speaker, sometimes these sessions will pose a particular challenge or problem to solve. Parents who wish to come and speak about their careers, or any topic about which they are particularly knowledgeable, are warmly encouraged to do so.

At Prebendal we believe that education should be a much richer experience than simply the ingestion of information. Through Quadrivium pupils receive a deeper level of learning, enabling them to develop skills that will equip them for whatever the world throws at them.

Quadrivium in the Last Academic Year
Giving pupils plenty to ponder and explore, discussions and activities across a far-reaching array of themes are delved into through Quadrivium. Recent sessions have included a fascinating workshop with Prebendal parent architects, a visit to the Guildhall in Priory Park to explore the story of William Blake, sessions on cryptography, gender stereotypes, what is Britishness, and International Women's Day to name but a few. Visits from medics, the local MP, the Bishop of Chichester, and the Chichester-base charity The Four Streets Project have also been part of the programme in recent years.