Blog by Head of Prep, Claire Petrie

At Kimbolton Prep School, innovation sits at the heart of our approach to learning. We are reimagining education for our youngest learners through a number of exciting developments, including:

· A weekly Innovation Period

· A modernised Engineering curriculum

· Development of our Digital Strategy

· The introduction of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy

Each initiative aims to inspire curiosity, creativity, and real-world thinking — preparing pupils not just for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom.

The Innovation Period: Curiosity in Action
Our new weekly ‘Innovation Period’ for Years 5 and 6 encourages pupils to think critically, work collaboratively, and take ownership of their learning. The programme blends essential skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication with personal attributes, including resilience and adaptability. Year 5 pupils explore topics including sustainability and public speaking, whilst Year 6 pupils focus on enterprise-based projects that promote creativity and problem-solving. One recent highlight saw pupils conducting market research, managing budgets, and designing product prototypes for a pupil-led Christmas Fair. Teachers have been impressed by the enthusiasm, perseverance, and ingenuity pupils have shown throughout.

Engineering Creative Thinkers
Engineering has been successfully woven into the Art and Design Technology curriculum, encouraging pupils to work as real engineers — designing, testing, and refining their ideas through hands-on projects. Year 5 pupils learn about strength and structure by building recycled cardboard chairs, while Year 6 pupils construct electric cars using Crumble electronics to combine creativity with coding. Younger pupils explore mechanics and movement through pulley and cam toy projects. STEM Week further enhances this focus, with pupils tackling challenges such as bridge building, electronics, and mechanical design — developing collaboration, curiosity, and confidence through every task.

Beyond the Screen: Our Evolving Digital Storyworld
As our digital strategy continues to grow, we are exploring the exciting potential of Artificial Intelligence to enrich children’s learning—creating fresh, imaginative opportunities that spark curiosity and deepen engagement. Most recently, AI helped bring Paddington Bear to life in our Year 1 classrooms, allowing pupils to ask him questions and receive instant replies. This thoughtful blend of technology and storytelling not only strengthens the skills taught in lessons, but also turns everyday learning into something wonderfully enchanting. Across the Prep School, the arrival of 54 new laptops is further strengthening our vision—expanding opportunities for electronic assessment, building pupils’ readiness for the digital world, and enhancing high-quality teaching. Together, these innovations ensure our children grow not just confident with technology, but inspired by its potential.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs
Our latest addition, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy for Year 5 pupils, gives an opportunity to explore the world of business and innovation. This initiative teaches young people how to develop and launch their own business ideas, combining creativity with practical enterprise experience. Through interactive content and real-life case studies, pupils gain skills in leadership, communication, financial literacy, and creative risk-taking, earning a UCL-accredited certificate on completion.

From engineering and enterprise to creative inquiry, Kimbolton Prep School is building a curriculum where imagination and innovation thrive. By empowering children to explore, experiment, and lead, we are nurturing confident, compassionate, and inventive learners — ready to make their mark on an ever-changing world.