How Ashbourne Helps Your Child Learn to Think Outside the Box
When your child begins sixth form, of course you hope for academic success, but you might also want something more: confidence, creativity, and the ability to solve problems independently. These are the qualities that shape not just strong students, but future-ready adults.
What may surprise you is how naturally those skills begin to grow at Ashbourne. It doesn’t happen overnight, but gradually you may see your child shift from memorising to thinking, from doing what’s expected to asking, “what if?”
A Culture of Questioning
At Ashbourne, the academic culture encourages students to go beyond the syllabus. In small, discussion-based classes, your child will regularly be asked to explain, question, and defend their ideas.
Teachers don’t just give answers, they invite debate. This helps students develop intellectual independence and the confidence to form original opinions. Over time, your child can become more curious, more analytical, and more comfortable stepping into uncertainty.
Safe Spaces to Get Things Wrong
One of the key shifts you may notice is your child becoming less afraid of making mistakes. Ashbourne fosters a supportive environment where trial and error is a normal, valuable part of learning. That makes it easier to think creatively and experiment without fear of judgement.
When students are encouraged to take academic risks, they grow in ways that extend far beyond the curriculum.
Regular Feedback Builds Strategic Thinking
Ashbourne’s mock weeks, held every half term, play a vital role in student development. These structured assessments give your child the chance to practise under pressure, receive specific feedback, and reflect on their thinking process.
The feedback isn’t just about grades, it’s about building stronger arguments, managing time more effectively, and improving clarity. With each cycle, your child becomes more strategic, more reflective, and more adaptable.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Ashbourne also supports creativity outside the classroom through performances like The Revue and clubs. If your child gets involved, especially in leadership roles, they’ll develop initiative, communication skills, and the ability to think creatively in real-world settings.
This balance between academic challenge and creative exploration is part of what makes Ashbourne special. It helps shape confident, well-rounded individuals.
Teachers Who Genuinely Care
What stands out most is that Ashbourne teachers take a personal interest in each student. They’re not just focused on exam results, they’re invested in potential. Whether your child is aiming for top universities or still figuring out their path, they’ll receive honest advice, tailored support, and consistent encouragement.
This extra-mile attitude, paired with high expectations and real warmth, is what can help your child evolve from a cautious student into a confident, original thinker.
To Summarise
In today’s world, where creativity and adaptability are more valuable than ever, Ashbourne offers more than just academic preparation. It gives your child the tools to think independently, act with purpose, and approach challenges with confidence.
They won’t just pass their A levels, they’ll learn to think beyond the page. And that is one of the most meaningful outcomes of an exceptional education.
1. Can creative thinking be developed, or is it something students are just born with?
Creative thinking is a skill that can absolutely be nurtured. At Ashbourne, students are encouraged to challenge ideas, justify their reasoning, and explore different perspectives in lessons. Beyond the classroom, a wide range of clubs and activities give them further opportunities to develop creativity in practical, engaging ways.
2. Why is creative thinking important for university and future careers?
Universities and employers consistently look for young people who can think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and come up with original solutions. By developing creative thinking skills now, students gain a real advantage when applying to higher education and preparing for professional life.
3. Can creative thinking really make a difference in exams?
Yes. Students who think creatively are better at planning essays, structuring arguments, and approaching unexpected questions with confidence. At Ashbourne, regular mock exams help them practise applying knowledge in flexible and strategic ways.
4. How does Ashbourne support creative thinking in the classroom?
With small, discussion-based classes, Ashbourne creates an environment where students can share ideas, debate, and challenge each other’s thinking. This approach builds confidence, independence, and the ability to see problems from different perspectives, essential qualities for both academic success and personal growth.