At St. Catherine’s British School, we believe that the early years of education lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our commitment to excellence in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) education is at the heart of the educational journey at St. Catherine’s British School, and we are thrilled to bring one of the world’s leading voices in early childhood education to Athens.

Last week, St. Catherine’s welcomed Dr. Alistair Bryce-Clegg, a globally respected expert in early years education, for two days of inspiring workshops dedicated to child-led learning.

Educator Workshop on Thursday, March 13, 2025:

A full-day event designed to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to create dynamic, child-centred learning environments that spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and foster independence in young learners.

Dr. Bryce-Clegg took participants on a journey through evidence-based strategies and practical insights to help:

• Design impactful environments that meet diverse developmental needs, indoors and outdoors.
• Implement continuous provision to create dynamic, responsive learning spaces.
• Foster creativity and curiosity using research-backed teaching methodologies.
• Measure impact effectively with proven tools to evaluate and enhance your practices.

Drawing on his experience working with international school communities, Dr. Bryce-Clegg shared tailored approaches that honour the unique challenges and opportunities of diverse cultural settings.

St. Catherine’s Early Years program closed for the day ensuring that ALL EYFS Staff could benefit from this valuable training as part of the school’s commitment to staff education that enhances both professional development AND the quality of programs provided to children.

Educators from other schools in the area also joined St. Catherine's staff for this enlightening event.

Parent Workshop on Friday, March 14, 2025:

A special session designed to provide parents with a deeper understanding of how learning happens through play and how beneficial child-led learning can be.

Dr. Bryce-Clegg’s decades of experience and pioneering research have transformed the way educators approach early years learning. His work highlights the profound impact of child-led education, an approach that tailors learning experiences to each child’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs. As Dr. Bryce-Clegg explained:

"For over three decades, I’ve been privileged to work with educators across the globe. I believe child-led learning is key to unlocking children’s potential, enabling them to thrive in every aspect of their development. 

Beyond its impact on educators, this event presented a unique opportunity for parents to gain insights into how a child-led approach shapes their children’s learning and development. St. Catherine’s hosted a special program tailored to parents, providing practical strategies for fostering creativity and independence at home.

Nancy Salaounis, Head of Early Years at St. Catherine’s British School, underscored the significance of this event for the wider community:

"Welcoming Dr. Bryce-Clegg to Athens is an extraordinary opportunity not only for educators but also for parents who want to understand and support their children’s natural curiosity. This workshop provided invaluable insights into how child-led learning nurtures confident, engaged, and resilient young learners—both in the classroom and at home."

At St. Catherine’s, we are dedicated to advancing early childhood education by engaging with thought leaders, sharing best practices, and fostering a learning community that benefits both educators and families.

Thank you to all of the professionals and parents that joined us for this transformative event and being an active part of shaping the future of education—one child at a time.