Spa Academy Askern
Teaching & Learning Overview
Teaching & Learning at Spa Academy
Teaching and learning at Spa Academy is based upon ten core principles. These are not an exhaustive list but are focal points for our professional development, coaching/mentoring programmes, initiatives and key strategies for developing high-quality teaching at Spa. All our decisions regarding teaching and learning come back to these ten principles.
As well as instilling the belief that 'better never stops' in our pupils, we as professionals recognise this. We do not define a 'standard' to be reached in order to perfect each of these, recognising that each can constantly be developed in more depth as professionals.
Professional Development
Spa is a community of learners and our professional development aims to ensure that our pupils receive the highest-quality teaching and, in turn, fulfil their potential. Our model of professional development is based on the belief that:
'Excellence is never an accident; it is the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillfull execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.'
Professional development takes many forms at Spa Academy:
- A bespoke coaching/mentoring programme for all members of staff;
- Whole-school professional development around whole-school priorities;
- NQT development (both internal and external);
- Working collaboratively with external partners through networks, courses or other CPD opportunities;
- Observing practice across school, collaboratively developing excellence.