Teaching & Learning

Overview

In 2013 teaching and learning was graded outstanding by Ofsted with over 40% of lessons observed being awarded a grade one.  This strong profile is reflected in the regular learning walks and lesson observations that are all part of the internal quality assurance process of the Academy.  Regular pupil voice activities indicate that students enjoy their learning across the subjects, and this is reflected in the consistently positive outcomes we celebrate every year.  Student engagement is also reflected in our high sixth form retention figures and extremely low NEET figure.

Our learning principles are not just a checklist of things a teacher must do. They are the basis of all learning in our secondary academies. Our principles are founded on the belief that every pupil, regardless of background or educational need, should experience high academic challenge. The Academy Teaching and Learning priority for 2024-25 focusses on consistency whilst maintaining creativity.

Two senior leaders with specific responsibility for teaching and learning work with the wider staff team to continuously raise standards in our academy.

Every lesson follows the same structure to support students:

  1. Meet and greet in the doorway 
  2. Recall activity (which could be Connect or key information recall/retrieval) 
  3. What / Why objectives (the ‘what’ is recorded in books) and starter activity if relevant 
  4. RAGB (scaffolded tasks for adaptive learning needs) 
  5. Collaboration in every lesson  
  6. Plenary / Demonstrate followed by calm and orderly exit from the classroom 

Points 2, 3, 5 and 6 are also followed in our sixth form.

CPD
The staff are regularly given opportunities to share best practice.  We have a rich and diverse training programme for staff development, and teaching and learning is always at the forefront. Skilled and experienced practitioners work as teaching and learning mentors to support colleagues with specific areas for development.  All staff are encouraged to continually reflect on and develop their professional practice, which is supported by the academy.

Teacher toolkit
Staff have access to an online resource bank of learning tools and games which can be adapted to the different subject areas.  This has been a welcome addition to classroom practice, and we are always trying to embrace new technology to enhance the learning experience.

Quality Assurance
In line with Ofsted practice we no-longer grade lessons, however, we have a rigorous quality assurance programme involving leaders at all levels.  Included in the process are lesson drop-ins, teacher voice, student voice and book sampling alongside formal lesson observations.

Teaching School 
The Academy trains many staff new to the profession including Early Career Teachers (ECT), Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and PGCE students. Both trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers complete a weekly schedule of training and work alongside their appointed mentors.