Our approach to teaching is matched to the learning needs of pupils as they grow and develop.

At the EXPERIENCE level, pupils encounter learning in a range of contexts and are given opportunities to observe, explore and play.  This stage is about experiencing new concepts and ideas through play and exploration. It is about being creative and curious. It is about encouraging pupils to ask questions. We encourage pupils to take themselves on their own journeys of discovery. Role play, continuous provision and creative activities are the vehicles for learning. Learning is implicitly linked to the whole-school themes through careful selection of resources and experiences. We take every opportunity to support learning in real life situations through visits and visitors. Staff are enablers and facilitators of learning at this stage through questioning, and modelling awe and wonder at the world. This is the foundation for empowering our pupils to take on the world.

At the EXPRESS level, pupils encounter learning in a range of contexts and are supported to be able to develop and express their own opinions across the curriculum.  This stage is about experimenting with concepts and ideas. It is about being courageous and innovative.  It is about encouraging pupils to find their own voice and develop their identity.  We encourage pupils to respect and accept others’ opinions and individuality.  Drama, communities of inquiry and immersive experiences are the vehicles for learning. We take every opportunity to extend learning in real life situations through visits and visitors. Staff are facilitators of pupil-led learning at this stage through challenge and support, and creating a safe environment for every pupil to express themselves. This is the platform for empowering our pupils to take on the world.

At the ASSERT level, pupils build on previous learning in a range of contexts, explicitly learning about a range of local and global issues and are supported to be able to assert and justify their own opinions across the curriculum.  This stage is about flexibility and refinement of concepts and ideas, with pupils being able to debate and reflect, ready to change their minds or hold their ground. It is about being confident and self-aware.  It is about encouraging pupils to have conviction in their own views and the voice to communicate clearly.  We encourage pupils to respect and accept others’ opinions and individuality but understand how to respectfully disagree.  Drama, debate, communities of inquiry and real experiences are the vehicles for learning. We take every opportunity to extend learning in real life situations through visits and visitors and the media. Staff are facilitators of pupil-led learning at this stage, providing opportunities for pupils to become experts in concepts, refine their ideas and demonstrate clear understanding of the knowledge and skills they have learned. Our pupils are now empowered to take on the world.