‘Curiouser and curiouser!’ cried Alice.

Have you ever found yourself wondering why things are the way they are? In ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,’ the title character is constantly surrounded by strange and fascinating situations. As she explores this unusual world, she describes many of the things she sees as ‘curious.’ Alice stays open to new experiences and is always eager to understand more about the world around her.

Curiosity is the character value we are focusing on this half term. It is the ability to be eager to know or learn something new – something Alice demonstrates throughout her adventures, and something you can show both in and out of school to help you achieve your very best. In other words, it is about having an enquiring mind and a willingness to keep learning.

At Park High, we prepare you for life beyond school – whether that is work, higher education, or another path. We want every student to leave with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their chosen future. However, this only works if you also bring a genuine desire to keep learning every day and develop a habit of asking questions.

There are always new things for you to discover. You can show a willingness to learn by spending your own time exploring a topic you studied in class in more depth, or by trying a subject for the first time when choosing your GCSE or A Level options. You can also demonstrate this by using the library, reading widely, or finding educational content online about something that interests you.

This enquiring approach can change the world. New discoveries in science, medicine and technology happen because people ask questions with a real desire to find answers. Asking ‘Why?’ or ‘How?’ can lead you to some of the most fascinating and important information. Throughout history, progress has been driven by people who were willing to challenge ideas and look for better solutions.

The pace of technological change also means that ways of working are constantly evolving. In a world that is changing quickly, curiosity helps you adapt and stay ahead. For example, in just a few years, artificial intelligence has become a mainstream tool. The most inquisitive people were early adopters because they took the time to learn how to use new technologies, develop new skills and find ways to use these tools to improve their work and learning.

Employers increasingly want to hire people who show genuine curiosity and a willingness to keep learning, because this helps businesses stay competitive. An enquiring mindset also encourages creative thinking, unique ideas and strong problem-solving skills – qualities that employers highly value.

Being curious also means becoming comfortable with not knowing everything. The most successful learners are often those who recognise what they do not yet understand, so they can continue developing their knowledge and skills over time.

This mindset also allows you to enjoy new experiences. Joining a new club, visiting new places and making new friends are all ways to explore the world and the people around you. You may be surprised by what you discover when you are open to new opportunities. As Albert Einstein once said, ‘I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.’

Keep asking questions, keep exploring and keep learning.