Open Futures

Open Futures is a schools’ curriculum programme that brings learning to life for young children. It champions a fundamental shift in how the National Curriculum in the UK is delivered, by re-focusing education on intuitive approaches that ignite children’s passion for learning. The programme inspires children through purposeful activities that develop practical skills and enquiring minds – awakening confidence, instilling responsibility and sparking the desire to get the most from their education and transform their prospects in life.

The programme is proven to have a positive impact on school attendance, behaviour and attainment, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage facing many children in today’s society. This has led to widespread endorsements from educationalists, head teachers, governors and parents.

Open Futures focuses on four strands – philosophy (askit), horticulture (growit), food (cookit), and new media (filmit) – which support learning across the National Curriculum, including fundamental skills in maths, English, science and information and communication technology (ICT). It gives schools a unique framework to create interesting and valuable experiences that greatly improve pupils’ ability to concentrate, absorb what they are taught and play an active role in their learning.

Equally, Open Futures is about building relationships between children, teachers, parents, governors and the local community. Not only are children able to improve their academic prospects, but also enhance their sense of belonging and wider responsibility – making Open Futures an essential part of any curriculum. It promotes positive change in all primary and early years settings by adapting to each school’s individual needs. Teachers receive direct support from Open Futures experts and specialist partners including SAPERE, the UK Charity for Philosophy for Children and the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as learning resources and access to Open Futures’ online community.

In socially disadvantaged areas – where circumstances can lead to underachievement, anti-social behaviour and disaffection – the Open Futures Trust has provided extra funding for schools to introduce the programme. Through its initial pilot and an independent review by the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Open Futures has proved its ability to excite children about learning and help them succeed in life.