Katherine
Atherton
As a kindergarten teacher, my educational philosophy is centred on fostering confidence, curiosity, and harnessing the limitless power of a child’s imagination. As Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” This quote encapsulates my belief in the inherent creativity of children and the need to foster and preserve it throughout their educational journey.
I believe
that children thrive in an imaginative nurturing and inclusive environment where their independence is valued, and differences are celebrated. Drawing from my diverse teaching experiences in Hong Kong, England, and Switzerland, it has taught me to appreciate the importance of supporting bilingual learners and the unique opportunities provided by outdoor learning environments.
I believe that education should be child-led, guided by their interests and curiosity, and that play is a crucial aspect of a child’s development to promote self-confidence, trust, creativity, autonomy, and acceptance of individual differences. It is an important way for children to develop social skills, build confidence, resilience, and independence while fostering their overall holistic development. I highly value parents and teachers as a collaborative team, working together to support each child’s unique educational journey.