Introduction

The statements which make up this policy have been prepared over a period of discussion and consultation. These statements are open to further discussions and suggestions. However it is hoped that the “policy” is useful to teachers, pupils and parents.

Aims of Teaching

General Aims (From the School Prospectus)

1. To help pupils to develop their skills and knowledge to the highest possible levels.

2. To help pupils grow as individuals by developing their sense of self-esteem and sense of responsibility towards others.

In the classroom teachers aim to:

1. Provide courses which meet the needs and develop the abilities of each pupil.

2. Set achievable, high expectations for all pupils.

3. Develop good working relationships with pupils and between pupils.

4. Create a climate of praise and positive reinforcement.

5. Make teaching and learning an enjoyable experience.

6. Promote high self esteem and a sense of responsibility.

7. Involve and stimulate pupils in the learning process.

8. Build on natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

The school aims to:

1. Study the reasons for pupil success and share examples of successful approaches.

2. Evaluate reasons for pupils failing to reach expected levels of achievement.

3. Develop partnerships between teachers, pupils and parents.

4. Develop the professional skills of teachers through mutual support and staff development.

5. Promote opportunities for reflective thinking/discussion by teachers.

6. Develop teachers’ understanding of other subjects.

7. Encourage and support opportunities for teachers to work together in evaluating the teaching process.

8. Provide a classroom environment which stimulates learning.

9. Make available appropriate technological equipment for teachers and pupils.

10. Include the wider community in the curriculum of the school.

11. Provide efficient support services to support teaching and learning - including Guidance, Learning Support, Management, Ancillary staff.

Needs of Pupils

Every pupil in our school is entitled to a high quality of education. Research has shown that the following “needs” must be met to achieve effective teaching and learning.

A. Needs of Pupils - In the Class

1. to work with fair, approachable and knowledgeable teachers
2. to have the opportunity to discuss what is being learned with the teacher
3. to receive explanations which are clear and at the appropriate level
4. to receive sympathetic help with difficulties in learning
5. to be reassured that they are making progress
6. to be respected
7. to work in a caring atmosphere, where to make mistakes is not seen as failing, but as a stage in the process of learning.
8. to work in an orderly, disciplined environment
9. to have some responsibility for their own learning
10. to be encouraged and motivated to develop interest in the course

B Needs of Pupils - In Preparation for Learning

1. to be clear about the aims of the course or lesson and the intended outcomes
2. to have connections made with what they have done and what they already know

C Needs of Pupils - In Developing their Learning

1. to be supported in developing skills
2. to have individual requirements taken into account
3. to have clear explanation of key ideas
4. to have misunderstandings identified and clarified
5. to have a variety of work
6. to have work set at appropriate levels
7. to see the relevance of the work
8. to be given homework when appropriate and to have it marked and returned promptly
9. to be set demanding but realistic short-term targets
10. to be given support in organisation and in study skills
11. to be given examples of good work to help them develop their own learning.

D. Needs of Pupils - In Consolidating their Learning

1. to be taught study skills, eg. note-taking, making summaries, memorising, highlighting key points, revising, preparing for exams, doing exams
2. to have help in learning to manage time effectively
3. to have access to appropriate learning resources
4. to have individual and group feedback
5. to have time to digest and reflect upon what is being taught.
6. to have time to practise, reiterate and revise work
7. to have time to think, do, demonstrate and talk to others about their work

[See also - what "teachers need to do to meet the needs of pupils" under "Needs of Teachers"]

Needs of Teachers

To teach for effective learning Teachers need:

• to be valued, respected members of the school community
• a planned, manageable and agreed workload
• class sizes which are appropriate to the demands of the course being studied
• appropriate support e.g. Guidance, Learning Support
• appropriate accommodation
• clear lines of communication
• effective management and administration
• adequate resources
• clear, whole school policies on key issues e.g. discipline, homework
• access to appropriate and relevant in-service training

Teachers need to

• understand the factors which influence teaching and learning
• understand and support whole school initiatives and policies
• keep up to date with developments in their subject area
• keep up to date with overall developments in education
• be able to work collaboratively
• continually develop courses and teaching styles
• have opportunities for personal development
• have opportunities for learning about teaching in other subjects
• have opportunities for reflective thinking/discussion

Teachers need to meet the needs of pupils by

• being enthusiastic and committed
• being fair and consistent
• having understanding and empathy for young people
• creating and maintaining a good working atmosphere in the classroom
• setting achievable targets for all pupils
• setting high standards of work and conduct for all pupils
• taking account of individual needs and prior learning
• taking account of the external factors which affect their pupils’ ability to learn
• planning work on a progressive basis
• helping pupils to become responsible for their own learning
• listening to pupils and valuing their opinions
• employing a range of appropriate teaching approaches
• encouraging and valuing pupils’ contributions
• motivating pupils to work well

Needs of Parents

Parents have an important role to play in their childrens’ education. To effectively carry out this role parents need:

1. to be made to feel welcome in the school
2. to be given opportunities to initiate discussion on their childrens’ progress
3. to have concerns listened to and acted upon in a respectful way
4. to be respected as extremely important partners in the education of their children
5. to be advised on how to support their childrens’ learning
6. to be well informed about their childrens’ progress, their needs and how they are being met
7. to be informed about homework practice and policies
8. to be encouraged to take an interest in homework
9. to be given information on important dates and tasks (folios, investigations etc)
10. to be informed of dates of tests and exams
11. to be given clear course outlines and course demands
12. to be informed about, and consulted on educational developments
13. to be encouraged to ask questions about anything to do with the school
14. to be consulted on their views of the school.