An Audience With Howard Gardner

For a quarter of a century Professor Howard Gardnerwith those skills they need for a fulfilling career and
has challenged academia with his theory of multiplework/life balance."
intelligences. His overwhelming knowledge and appetiteThe presence of such an established and influential
for this compelling topic has extended to over 20figure as Gardner affected the younger element of
books and countless papers, so when Howardthe audience, with the lecture focusing on the key
Gardner comes to town, you know you have to seeaspects of education needed to equip young people
him.for a world of globalisation, biotechnology and
Roedean independent school were fortunate enoughincreasing reliance on digital technologies.
to have the eminent theorist as their guest speaker"School is a rehearsal for life. For example, you may
recently. The Professor, who was once described bybe sorely tempted to cut corners in your studies.
the Financial Times as 'the man who changed theDeploy your ethical mind to resist the temptation!"
notion of what it means to be clever', allowed theGardner announced to his captivated listeners. He
200-strong audience to not only appreciate the veryremarked that Shakespeare's plays illustrated the five
brain that has continuously inspired the psychology andminds perfectly and that a school taking Shakespeare
educational communities, but have the rare opportunityseriously was to be commended. This comment
to pick it.happened to coincide perfectly with the school's
Among the audience were 'Roedeanians', eager toimminent participation in the National Youth Theatre's
see Gardner in this small audience, as well asSchool Shakespeare Festival. It was as if the script
educationalists and psychology students who at somewas already written for Roedean's pupils, all they
point on during their academic journey have beenneeded to do now was act it out.
inspired by the professor's concepts."Professor Gardner's presentation reminded us of the
Off the back of the best A-level results for 5 years,need to ensure that the school curriculum provides not
Roedean were keen to hear Gardner's views on thejust academic discipline and qualifications, but also the
importance of ethics and values in a school community;minds required to become leaders and good citizens
an ethos that Roedean maintains to all its staff andof the world," said Peter Tarbet, Director of Studies.
pupils. The private school, which has been at itsThe discussion clearly complimented Roedean's
present campus since 1898, is situated on the strikingoutlook of how education should be delivered,
Brighton coast line and teaches boys and girls agedparticularly when they want their pupils to be 'nurtured,
from 3 to 18 years old. The school has constantlyguided and stimulated' during the learning process.
attracted acclaim for its unique and refreshing teachingFor Gardner, it was also his chance to meet long time
style, which in turn has forged a reputation forBritish supporters, and share his thoughts and
academic success and career development.experience with the future crop of intelligent
"Roedean was originally founded to prepare girls foryoungsters who don't have to learn, but, rather, want
entry to the University of Cambridge, so our raisonto. So much so that he was more than happy to sign
d'être has always been academic achievement,"books and chat to admirers afterwards.
said Frances King, Head of Roedean. "ProfessorWhy not visit Roedean Independent School to see
Gardner challenged us to look anew at the Roedeanhow your child could prosper from a bespoke and
curriculum to ensure we are equipping our studentsunique educational path.