Teaching and Learning

Teaching and Learning is at the core of all we do and is the central focus of both staff and students. We have highly qualified, committed and enthusiastic teaching and support staff. Teachers constantly improve their skills through further training and this in turn impacts positively on teaching in the classroom. In fact, as a teacher training academy for postgraduates across Buckinghamshire, we are at the forefront of developing first-rate practitioners. Careful and innovative lesson preparation ensures that all students are given appropriate yet challenging work. Assessment is rigorous and parents are regularly kept informed of their child’s progress. All staff use SIR (Strengths, Improvements, Response) to mark students’ work. This process encourages a written dialogue between our teachers and students. “S” requires the teacher to identify a specific strength and offer praise. “I” requires the teacher to provide targets or questions, which are linked to the success criteria. “R” is an opportunity for students to engage with the feedback. The response is an opportunity to reflect upon, edit, improve, correct or extend their knowledge and understanding.