Teaching and Learning at Gateacre School
At Gateacre School, we believe that great teaching leads to great learning. Every decision we make is guided by one important question: "Will this help students learn better?" Our aim is to ensure that every student experiences high-quality teaching, develops confidence as a learner and achieves their full potential.
Our teaching and learning approach is built around eight Principles of Practice, which are used consistently across all subjects. These principles provide a shared framework for excellent teaching and help ensure that all students receive a high-quality, inclusive learning experience every day. Click below to read more.
Our Principles of Practice
|
Principle of Practice |
What this means for students |
|---|---|
|
Inclusive Teaching |
High-quality teaching for all, with support and adaptation where needed to ensure every student succeeds. |
|
Activate Prior Knowledge |
Revisiting previous learning to strengthen memory and make connections. |
|
Meaningful Challenge |
High expectations and ambitious learning for every student. |
|
Knowledge Development |
New learning is introduced clearly and built over time. |
|
Guided Practice |
Teachers model learning and provide structured support before independent practice. |
|
Checking for Understanding |
Regular questioning and assessment help identify misconceptions and provide support. |
|
Reflect and Review |
Students improve their learning through feedback, reflection and review. |
|
Literacy Instruction |
Reading, writing, vocabulary and communication are developed across the curriculum. |
A Culture of High Expectations
Alongside our Principles of Practice, we promote consistent habits that support learning, communication and positive relationships throughout the school. Read more about these below.
BEST
Students are encouraged to demonstrate BEST in every lesson:
- Backs straight - helping students remain attentive, focused and ready to learn.
- Empty hands - reducing distractions and ensuring full engagement in learning.
- Silent - creating a calm environment where everyone can concentrate and learn effectively.
- Tracking the speaker - ensuring students listen carefully, show respect and remain engaged with whoever is contributing.
These simple expectations help students remain focused, attentive and ready to learn while creating a calm and purposeful environment for learning.
SHAPE
Students are taught to communicate with confidence and clarity through SHAPE:
- Sentences - responding in full sentences.
-
Hands - students are taught not to cover their face when speaking.
- Articulate - speaking clearly and confidently.
- Projection - ensuring their voice can be heard.
- Eyes - making appropriate eye contact.
SHAPE helps students develop strong speaking and communication skills by encouraging them to answer in full sentences, speak clearly, project their voice and engage confidently with others.
STEPS
Respect and kindness are embedded in everyday interactions through STEPS:
-
Sir/Miss/Ms - as a matter of course
- Thank You - demonstrating gratitude and appreciation.
- Excuse Me - promoting consideration for others.
- Please - encouraging polite communication.
- Smile - helping to create a welcoming and positive environment.
These expectations help foster a culture of courtesy, mutual respect and positive relationships between students, staff and visitors.
Together, BEST, SHAPE and STEPS support our commitment to maintaining calm, purposeful classrooms where students feel safe, valued and able to achieve their best.
Recognition and Achievement
We believe that effort, commitment and success should be recognised and celebrated. Students are rewarded for positive contributions, excellent effort and commitment to learning through our rewards system, including merits and the Golden Ticket.
The Golden Ticket is awarded at the end of every lesson, and recognises students who consistently demonstrate our values, meet our high expectations and make a positive contribution to the school community.
Ready to Learn
Students are expected to arrive at school fully equipped and ready to engage in learning. Clear routines, including the provision of equipment where required, alongside consistent expectations ensure that classrooms are organised, productive and focused on learning from the moment students arrive.
Our Commitment
Through excellent teaching, inclusive practice, high expectations and positive relationships, we are committed to helping every student become a confident, knowledgeable and successful learner who is fully prepared for their future education, employment and life beyond Gateacre School.