Philosophy of teaching and methods

Teaching is a challenging profession and we believe that all teachers need training and ongoing support once they’re in the classroom. We believe that a great education is not possible without a great teacher. Great teachers change the lives of their pupils. We have a core teacher training philosophy which is focussed on ‘the big four essential teaching skills.’

These skills are focused on what we believe to be the four essentials of effective teaching:

1. Learning to follow the teacher guides to deliver effective lessons;
2. Checking on each and every child’s learning;
3. Responding with feedback that accelerates student learning outcomes, and;
4. Motivating students towards good behaviour and academic effort.

It is through the lens of these ‘big four’ critical teaching skills and associated teaching techniques that teachers learn the approaches and techniques necessary to teach effectively in every lesson, every day. Our teacher training gives all teachers an opportunity to deep dive into each of these techniques and—crucially—to practice them.

Using Teacher Guides

• This enables every single teacher to benefit from carefully designed, grade-specific lessons based on world-class pedagogical research. By enabling teachers to focus more on teaching rather than planning, they are able to support pupils and give time to those who are struggling.

Checking in on every pupils work

• Focuses on the importance of every pupil getting the teacher’s attention and feedback. We focus on ensuring that teachers focus not only on the top pupils; but on every pupil in the classroom—questioning and involving everyone, not just the few who always raise their hands.

Responding with clear feedback

• Emphasises the immense power in pupils receiving real time feedback during a lesson. We support teachers on strategies aimed at giving clear feedback to pupils. This includes reviewing assignments and marking books with pupils during the class and ensuring teachers interact with pupils at all points during a lesson.

Motivating all pupils’ to behave and work hard

• Centred around how a teacher might best engage pupils’ and ensure active participation in class activities. We value encouraging and motivating the pupil with positive energy, even (and especially) with critical feedback.
• At its core, our teacher training is centred around the big four teaching skills and associated teaching techniques; providing plentiful practice time so that teachers go to their classrooms with the skills and confidence to succeed. Through teacher training, we empower teachers to take ownership of their classrooms and see themselves as the centre of a positive and engaging environment which enables children to learn.

Learn about how our Academic Field Officers keep pupils learning.