Teaching & Learning

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Intent
Our Teaching and Learning Policy provides a framework for effective, inclusive, and research-based teaching at Southfields. Grounded in educational research, it promotes evidence-based, child-centred approaches that foster critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Practice

Structure of Teaching
Teaching at Southfields is informed by Willingham’s (2009) memory model, further developed by Sherrington (2019) and Rosenshine’s Principles (2012). This framework helps teachers understand how learning occurs and how schemas connect new knowledge. Barriers such as attention deficits, memory overload, and lack of prior knowledge are carefully addressed to maximise learning.

Lessons follow Rosenshine’s structured approach:

Review – Recap prior learning to build fluency and reduce cognitive load.
Small Steps – Introduce new concepts gradually.
Questioning – Check understanding and guide progress.
Scaffolding – Provide structured support for complex tasks.
Modelling (Gradual Release Method):
- ‘My Turn’ – The teacher models new learning.
- ‘Our Turn’ – Guided practice with teacher support.
- ‘Your Turn’ – Independent application and assessment.

This process ensures a seamless transition from teacher-led instruction to independent learning, optimising student engagement and retention of key knowledge.

Developing Teaching at Southfields

Southfields has fostered a highly effective professional learning culture in which staff take ownership of their professional development. They are committed to continuously enhancing their expertise by engaging with high-quality research, reflecting on best practices, and learning from colleagues (both internal and external) to improve teaching and learning.

Our teachers demonstrate exceptional expertise in translating curriculum content into clear explanations and engaging learning activities. Their instructional decisions are carefully tailored to the specific subject and phase, ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Additionally, our teachers excel in assessing pupils’ understanding and making real-time adjustments to their teaching, responding swiftly to meet the diverse needs of their students.

The documents below show how we develop and ensure consistency in the delivery of high-quality instruction.

Remote Learning - Ensuring Continued Education

At Southfields Primary School, we are committed to providing a high-quality education for all our pupils, whether they are learning in the classroom or remotely. Remote learning ensures continuity of education during periods of school closure, self-isolation, or other circumstances requiring pupils to learn from home. For detailed information regarding our remote learning provision, please refer to the Remote Education Information in the documents below: