St John's School and Community College in Wiltshire made headline news this year. In challenging old ideas about homework and the National Curriculum, St. John's has developed its own integrated curriculum based on:

-        learning to learn

-        managing information

-        managing situations

-        relating to people

-        global citizenship

- a curriculum designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the real world. The success of this new approach has resulted in:

-        improved academic progress

-        better behaviour

-        greater learning opportunities

-        increased confidence

-        more responsible learners.

Nurturing Independent Thinkers is both a practical guide to the implementation of the 'St John's curriculum' and a realistic account of the journey taken by the staff and students involved.