The staff at St Saviour’s see themselves as learners, alongside the children. They are constantly looking at how to reflect upon, refine and improve their practice. This takes many forms.

Bespoke CPD training within our school
Our teachers meet every week and focus on specific areas of practice (pedagogy) which are linked to our School Development Plan. To date we have worked on:

• Teach like a Champion’ techniques for improved classroom management and further pupil engagement
• Meta-cognition
• Behaviour for Learning
• Effective use of Learning Objectives and Success Criteria
• Effective Marking and feedback

Staff training with outside agencies
We strongly believe in collaborative partnerships with other schools and professionals; and share our expertise with others and in return, receive advice and guidance.

We invite other local schools to our training sessions when we are able.

Professional reading
Our senior and middle leaders read a variety of books on school leadership and teaching and learning, keeping abreast of current developments in education and best practice. Our teachers and teaching assistants are also engaged in deepening their pedagogical knowledge and understanding of how children learn best. Professional readings are part of our staff INSET sessions and these help staff to link the theory with strong practice.

On our leadership bookshelf you will find:

• Head Strong
• Visible learning for Teachers
• Growth Mindset Lessons
• Teach Like a Champion
• Talk for Teaching
• The Write Stuff
• Assessment for Learning

Developing RE
We also work closely with Dr Margaret Carswell who provides us with ideas to use in our Religious Education curriculum. Twice a year she visits us from Australia; leading sessions with our children and working with teachers to improve their subject knowledge in relation to theology.

Governor training
Our Governors are also constantly learning and they attend training sessions that cover a wide variety of topics. These are run by either the Local Authority or the Diocese of Shrewsbury. They attend training sessions throughout the year. These have included:

• Safeguarding training
• Ofsted for governors led by Craig Anderson

Talk for Teaching
Our staff are excited to be using ideas from ‘Talk for Teaching’ written by Paul Garvey to help improve teaching and learning. This approach is helping us to develop an ‘open door’ culture where we learn from each other. It also provides a platform to seek and give advice during teaching rather than after.

Teachers being observed are called ‘Sparks’ and teachers observing are called ‘Sponges’. The sparks and sponges interact in a non-judgemental way focusing on the children’s learning rather than the teacher.

Here are some links that will give you a flavour of what our staff have been learning and discussing (click each image to view video):

Carol Dweck:

John Hattie:

 

Doug Lemov:

Jazz Ampaw-Farr: