Learning and Teaching

Learning and engagement & quality of teaching

At Williamwood High School, we pride ourselves on the quality of learning and teaching that takes place in all learning environments throughout our school. Delivering a rich and diverse curriculum to our young people is supported through a whole school PROACTIVE approach. Taking account of all subject areas and teaching expertise, the Williamwood community worked collaboratively to produce our PROACTIVE principles. These principles are clearly displayed and consistent throughout all learning environments to support the young people with their education. They ensure the quality of learning and teaching is representative of our school values: Respect, Ambition and Kindness.  At Williamwood High School, we recognise that “‘school improvement is concerned with enhancing student outcomes by focusing on the teaching and learning process…”
(Hopkins et al,  1994, as cited by Chapman 2014).

Features of highly-effective lessons incorporate our PROACTIVE principles in line with our school vision and values by demonstrating:

  • Purposeful starter building on prior learning and effective retrieval practice
  • Shared learning intentions and measurable success criteria
  • Ongoing learner feedback and adaptive teaching to meet the needs of all learners
  • Varied activities to ensure engagement of all learners, utilising skilled questioning and opportunities for learners to develop their confidence
  • Effective plenary where learners engage and reflect on their learning by revisiting the purpose of the lesson to check for understanding