At Birkdale, our approach to teaching and learning in the classroom is underpinned by our four pillars of practice:

– Secure attention

– Teach with clarity

– Optimise thinking

– Secure learning

Secure attention = We aim for lessons to engage every learner and for teachers to secure and sustain attention by teaching with clarity, optimising thinking and securing learning.

Teach with clarity = clarity in teaching ensurers learners understand what they are learning and how to succeed. Explicit modelling, scaffolding and questioning reduce cognitive load and support deeper learning.

Optimise thinking = Every learner needs opportunities to think hard and make their learning visible.

Secure learning = teaching does not guarantee learning. Securing learning requires deliberate practice and ongoing checking for understanding.

Our staff are trained and coached to ensure impactful application of core pedagogies that support these pillars of practice. We operate an instructional coaching model whereby a trained coaching team offer peer development lesson visits to support development of practice. Deliberate practice of granular action steps supports staff in making improvements to their teaching practices.