Learning Approach

Traditional approaches to learning place the tutor as the fountain of all knowledge.

If you want to pass your exam you listen to what they have to say and repeat it when asked. The Academy is different.

The traditional chalk and talk method can be really effective but it doesn’t produce innovative and confident entrepreneurs and leaders. That’s why we decided back in 2004 to follow a different approach to learning.

Peer-led Learning

On all our short and long programmes we facilitate peer learning.

It is an approach that encourages you to formulate your own questions, discuss issues, explain your viewpoints, and engage in cooperative learning.

To maximise the benefits of peer learning, our tutors provide ‘intellectual scaffolding’. By selecting discussion topics and raising questions and issues you will be prompted towards more sophisticated levels of thinking. We have consistently found that this approach lead to a more meaningful learning experience for our learners.

Action Learning

We use Action Learning on our longer programmes.

It is a method that allows you to talk, intensively, about issues you are facing in your day-to-day role in a safe and supportive environment. Your group will ask you questions but not offer advice. Action Learning creates a learning environment that encourages open and honest feedback, self-empowerment, and deep insight.

Space to Learn

We organise learning to fit with the lives of busy people.

Our programmes offer you a retreat from the front line of your work. Our approach to learning is designed to integrate learning with your work, and gives you time and space every two months with peers in a safe and supported environment. Delivered as flexible modules, our programmes and residential experiences are tailored to suit your needs, and help you grow by facing live issues and challenges.