January 31st 2026
As Assistant-Head Academic, one of the great privileges of my role is having the opportunity to see learning across the whole curriculum, not just within one subject area. This year’s Non-Core Subject Showcases have been particularly special for me, as it is the first time I have led the event myself as a specialist teacher. Through teaching French, I am deeply aware of the importance of non-core subjects but seeing them brought together so vividly, through the eyes of both children and parents, was a powerful reminder of just how valuable these areas of learning are. At Moulsford, we celebrate the rounded education your children get and fully believe in the enrichment opportunities this approach brings to a child’s education.
The Non-Core Subject Showcase provides a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to come together and celebrate learning across Design and Technology, Art, French, PE, ICT and STEM. It allows children to talk confidently about their work, explain their thinking and demonstrate the effort and perseverance they have invested. For many children, this chance to share their learning is hugely rewarding. It gives them ownership of their achievements and the confidence to articulate what they have learned and how they have grown. It also shows that on the days when you ask ‘what did you do today?’ and get little in response, they are in fact experiencing a whole host of exciting projects and developing their soft skills.
What struck me most during the evening was the quality of the conversations taking place between parents and children. Research has shown that discussing learning together deepens understanding and reinforces its value. Children were proud to explain processes, challenges and successes, while parents were able to ask questions, celebrate progress and gain a richer insight into their child’s school experience. These shared conversations help children reflect on their learning and recognise that effort, curiosity and resilience are just as important as outcomes.
Each of the non-core subjects demonstrated a wide range of essential skills. In DT and Art, creativity, problem-solving and attention to detail were evident. French highlighted children’s growing confidence in communication and their willingness to take risks with language. PE showed teamwork, determination, and leadership, while ICT and STEM demonstrated logical thinking, innovation and collaboration. Together, these subjects play a vital role in developing well-rounded learners equipped with skills for the future.
At Moulsford, we value these subjects as an integral part of a Moulsford education. They offer opportunities for children to discover strengths, develop confidence and shine in many different ways. Leading the Non-Core Subject Showcase this year allowed me to see first-hand the impact these subjects have, not only on children’s learning but also on their sense of pride and enjoyment in school.
The event was a celebration of effort, enthusiasm and growth, and a welcome reminder that education is most powerful when school and home work together. Seeing parents and children engaged in meaningful discussions about learning reinforced the importance of what we do every day, providing an education that values the whole child and prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
