Intellectual Curiosity will be observed in all 4+ Assessments

I went to visit a top London school last week. I am currently looking around for my own son to see which schools would suit him best. The school I visited mentioned ‘Intellectual Curiosity’.

These types of words do not surprise me at all when referring to the 4+ Assessments.

Some parents who were at the school with me were very surprised.

‘How can they expect this from a 3 year old?’

‘This is ridiculous!’

‘My child is only 2/3!’

These were some of the comments that I heard in the room.

So what exactly is intellectual curiosity?

It’s just a fancy phrase for ‘actually wanting to learn’. Wanting to find answers. Wanting to know more. Asking lots of (interesting) questions. Well thought out questions. Learning new things quickly. Finding solutions to solving problems.

To me this is what intellectual curiosity is.

Why are these top schools looking for children who are intellectually curious?

These top schools will have hundreds of children applying for very few places.

They want children who actually want to learn.

When a child actually wants to learn, you don’t have to teach them to want to learn.

I believe that all children want to learn. So I disagree with this.

Perhaps some children just haven’t been given the environments to learn and thrive in.

I believe that all children are naturally curious and inquisitive. So I disagree with this too.

However, I understand that this is what these top schools want. And I understand that this is what they will be observing. And I also understand that if your child doesn’t demonstrate intellectual curiosity that they will not be successful in their 4+ Assessment.

We prepare our students so that they will go into their Assessments and demonstrate intellectual curiosity.

It can be taught and it is taught through our carefully planned bespoke packages of learning.

Book your School Choices Free Consultation to discuss your choice of schools and the next steps for your child.