Teaching and Learning
OUR TEACHING
At King Charles I School, our approach to teaching is underpinned by three key principles:
- Expert Subject Knowledge
- Effective Instruction
- Knowing and Supporting Every Student
EXPERT SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE
We believe that great teaching begins with deep subject expertise. We invest in developing our teachers as experts in their disciplines, enabling them to deliver a curriculum that is ambitious, coherent and rooted in the best available evidence. Our seven-year, knowledge-rich curriculum has been designed by our staff, drawing on their expertise to identify the essential factual, conceptual and procedural knowledge students need to succeed in further study and beyond.
Alongside our academic curriculum, our curriculum explicitly develops the knowledge, habits and character needed for students to flourish in school and in life. Through carefully planned pastoral and enrichment experiences, students develop confidence, resilience, respectful relationships and the wider skills that support lifelong success.
As professionals, we continually refine our practice through educational research, professional dialogue and instructional coaching with colleagues within our school. We regularly ask ourselves: Why do we teach this way? What does the evidence tell us? How can we improve? This commitment to continual improvement ensures that our teaching remains both evidence-informed and responsive to the needs of our students.
EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION
Our teaching is informed by research into cognitive science, and we focus our time and energy on approaches that have the greatest impact on student learning, ensuring that every lesson is purposeful, challenging and carefully sequenced.
Across the school, teachers follow a consistent codified routines such as 3, 2, 1 `Show Me` for whiteboard tasks. These approaches draw upon the work of researchers including Peps McCrea, Barak Rosenshine, and the Education Endowment Foundation. It reflects our understanding of how students acquire, retain and apply knowledge.
We recognise that students are novices whenever they encounter new learning. Effective teaching therefore involves explicit instruction, clear modelling, guided practice and timely feedback before students move towards greater independence. This approach builds confidence, secures understanding and ensures that practice develops lasting learning rather than reinforcing misconceptions.
Our teachers receive regular professional development to continually strengthen their understanding of evidence-informed teaching and to refine their classroom practice.
Knowing and Supporting Every Student
Outstanding teaching is built upon strong relationships and a deep understanding of the young people in our classrooms. We know that students learn best when they feel safe, valued, challenged and supported.
Our teachers take time to understand each student’s strengths, needs and aspirations. They use this knowledge to adapt their teaching, provide appropriate support and ensure that every student can access a challenging curriculum while being encouraged to achieve their personal best.
High expectations remain central to our culture. We establish calm, purposeful classrooms where every minute of learning matters and where students understand that effort, respect and resilience are essential to success. Clear routines and consistent expectations create an environment in which all students can concentrate, participate and thrive. Teachers are supported by pastoral leaders, SEND staff and senior leaders who work together to remove barriers to learning and provide timely intervention when students need additional support. By combining high expectations with strong relationships and expert support, we create the conditions in which every student can flourish both academically and personally.