Firstly, the practice of a short period of physical stillness and inner quiet precedes and concludes each lesson and activity. This helps establish a connection with that single, quiet inner presence which is ever peaceful and unchanging in today's busy world. This practice of awareness is central to the life of the School. Later on, in the senior classes, pupils who want to learn meditation are taught a simple technique and practise daily in their class.

The growth of children into young men and women naturally gives rise to important questions:
- Will they be happy?
- Will they lead a healthy life and develop a strong and honest character?
- Will they become reliable and capable in whatever function life presents?

A Primary Education that is both balanced and challenging, and which awakens and inspires the pupil, establishes a strong foundation for the next phase of education and for life.

Subjects which nourish the more artistic and emotive aspects in a person and that form a vital part of a balanced education are:

MUSIC
Children sing every day. Music is emotive and goes straight to the heart. Therefore the finest music, such as that of Mozart and Vivaldi, is used in the classes. All children learn to sing fine songs and are introduced to the recorder.

SPEECH AND DRAMA
Speech and Drama are essential to the development of the child and are a special feature of the school. Children love to act and enjoy the great gift of speech. There are regular speech competitions for which children learn passages from scripture, fine poetry and literature. In most years children will perform in a play or excerpts of one. They learn great words and enjoy acting in a large group. In recent years school productions have included Henry V, The Tempest, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Magic Flute and annual Nativity Plays. The School's drama coaching in the Senior years is of a very high standard. It gives pupils an opportunity to work as a closely integrated team in which they learn to play their parts brilliantly; usually presenting a Shakespeare play publicly.

ART
Beauty is important for everyone, but is particularly vital in the life of children. The walls of the school are alive with the art work of the children. The paintings of the children reveal innocence, beauty and a remarkable level of technical ability. The older children are taught by a specialist art teacher and encouraged to develop traditional skills of drawing and painting.

DANCE
The girls have a weekly dance lesson. It is based on the grace and beauty that comes from real attention. Girls enjoy the self-expression that comes from the stillness, movement and harmony of dance. Occasional performances are given and various traditions of dance are explored. The younger boys also receive an introduction to dance.

VISITS
Classes visit museums, art galleries, churches and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Visits and study trips outside the school are a vital part of the curriculum.

'COMMUNITY SPIRIT' ACTIVITIES
The School regularly undertakes various fund-raising events to give the children a sense of community. For example the annual 'Jump Rope for Heart' and Christmas donations to The City Mission.

PHILOSOPHY
The whole ethos of the School is guided by Philosophy; the love of wisdom. Pupils are introduced to the simple wisdom of the great traditions of the world through stories, questions and discussions with their teachers. Ficino School is open to pupils of all faiths and religions, and the weekly Philosophy lessons seek to discover the common ground in all, by exploring and establishing universal principles for a healthy, happy and rewarding life.