Effective teaching and learning together with a rich, purposeful, diverse curriculum ensure that learners are interested in their learning and work well independently and with peers to complete their challenges. This helps to foster positive attitudes to learning and effective independent learning skills. Pupils receive purposeful opportunities to practice their literacy, numeracy and digital skills well through rich tasks and learning experiences; such as cooking lessons which are regularly used to practice these skills and promote healthy eating.
The provision for foundation learning is based on a broad range of rich learning and play activities that develops pupils’ independence and collaborative skills well.
Teachers plan a wide range of authentic learning experiences to develop their skills across the curriculum including effective use of the outdoor areas. Pupils contribute well to the planning of each term’s topics by suggesting what they want to learn. As a result, the independent learning experiences or ‘missions’ focus well on allowing pupils to apply their skills in engaging and challenging contexts. In addition, pupils select the activity at the level of challenge which they consider to be appropriate for them, which develops their independence successfully. Pupils also have an opportunity to plan and deliver their own lessons in line with the topic and give consideration to the skills to be applied.
Teachers adapt their teaching extremely well to meet the needs of all learners. They make skilful use of short, sharp and mostly practical activities that ensure that pupils remain active, engaged throughout the sessions and make good progress. Together, all staff set high expectations, making effective use of groupings and questioning to provide pupils with the necessary support to succeed and to challenge themselves effectively.
