Teaching, Learning & Assessment
Teaching and Learning
As an outstanding school, we take pride in the quality of teaching and learning which takes place at Challney High School for Girls. Fundamentally, we believe that great teaching is built on good relationships, a classroom culture that is rooted in mutual respect and trust, and expert teachers.
Our teachers are ambitious for all students and provide them with an environment that fosters intellectual excitement and a love of learning; our belief is that we want students to achieve more than they imagined possible. Teachers plan and deliver lessons that motivate and challenge students whilst enabling them to make the best possible progress over time. During lessons, students have the opportunity to work independently, collaboratively, think critically and reflectively. A number of leadership opportunities are also available in lessons such as the opportunity to lead whole class learning or work as learning buddies.
Assessment
Regular assessment and feedback takes place in each subject using a holistic approach. This enables us to inform all stakeholders of both attainment and progress in lessons over time. A variety of work is used to help assess progress, for example, tests, extended pieces of writing, class work and extended learning. Assessment information is used to inform day to day teacher planning as well as intervention where necessary.
On joining Challney High School for girls, all students receive a target colour flightpath for each subject; flightpaths are based on the student’s achievement at the end of primary school (KS2) or their CATs results (if KS2 data is not available). Student progress is reported in relation to the flightpath, using a holistic approach to the assessment data. There are termly tracking points (Subject Updates) in Years 7 – 11, where teachers have the opportunity to communicate formally with parents/carers and students on progress, attitudes to learning and extended learning.
Continuous Professional Development
Continuous Professional Development is intrinsic to the quality of teaching, learning and assessment at all levels of our school. CPD ensures that all staff have the expert knowledge and skills needed to deliver an outstanding curriculum. A programme of CPD is provided for teaching and support staff throughout the year, including weekly CPD sessions on a Thursday, whole days of INSET, Challney Collaborative Communities and regular CPD in departments.
In addition to this, many individual staff are engaged in bespoke CPD, tailored to their subject specialisms and career development, such as NPQs. We benefit from being part of the Chiltern Learning Trust and from subscriptions to several national programmes such as The National College, We Are In Beta and NAACE. These provide an array of options for the development of staff at all stages of their career. Colleagues are able to tailor their CPD to their own needs through a variety of ‘opt in’ twilight and lunch time CPD sessions. Our CPD programme encourages teachers to adapt to and embrace changes in education. This results in motivated professionals, who are committed to enhancing the learning of our students.