Ratified by Management Committee: January 2014

Review date: January 2016

Framework for Learning

Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Alternative Provision School aims to create a learning environment that suits all students by maintaining a consistent focus on the key elements which underpin, generate and measure learning.

Learning atmosphere

Should include

Clear and appropriate learning expectations
Opportunity to explore and participate
Visual appeal to encourage inquisitiveness
New learning challenges every lesson
Opportunity to discuss and interact

Learning ethos

Should include

Collective understanding of expectations
Willingness to follow and promote expectations
Empathy and consideration for others
Promoting the value the learning

Developing self-belief

Should promote and encourage

Setting goals and ambition
Knowledge of what to do to improve
Opportunity for accelerated learning
The desire to take responsibility

Trust and encouragement

Developed by

A consistent supportive approach
Respect and consideration
Partnership working with parents/carers
Giving additional time to support learning

Student’s responsibilities / Characteristics of excellent learning / Teacher’s responsibilities
Be positive

Be a positive influence on others; be confident in what you can do
Be enthusiastic learners

Be proactive and independent

ask questions when you don’t understand
learn from your mistakes
take time to review feedback and work out how to improve next time
bring your own ideas and information to lessons
be keen to participate in class discussions and activities
be inquisitive and have an open mind

Aim high

present work and take pride in it
complete all work to the best of your ability
be keen to try new ways of learning and go outside of your comfort zone
be prepared to tackle difficult problems and activities

Be prepared

bring the correct equipment to lessons
spend enough time on your work
complete homework on time
arrive ready to start promptly at lessons

Be considerate of others

help and encourage others to learn when they are stuck or confused
look after the learning environment
have good manners
listen carefully to the teacher and fellow students when they are talking
show respect and tolerance of other students and staff

/ Challenge for all

searching questions and high level activities, matched to the ability of students
differentiated tasks to accommodate all abilities
extension and individual learning opportunities
students made to think and are stretched
good pace and efficient use of lesson time
open ended/investigative tasks where appropriate

Independent learning

students take responsibility and can work independently when required
students learn ‘how to learn’
students show sustained effort when faced with difficulty
opportunities, over time, given for individual and personalised learning where appropriate (eg e-learning opportunities)
students bring in their own learning from outside the classroom

Active and varied learning matched to the needs of individuals

all students are actively taking part and contributing
wide range of strategies and resources used over time, which takes into account different learning needs and preferred learning styles
variety of activities within a lesson to keep students motivated
opportunities, where appropriate, for peer led learning
structured lessons with flexibility to respond to immediate needs

Transfer of knowledge & skills

all students make significant progress by acquiring new skills and high level subject knowledge
information and skills are conveyed clearly and students know exactly what they need to do
students understand concepts as subject knowledge is accurately and precisely explained

Assessment that supports learning

students & teachers work together to ensure students know how they are doing & what they need to do to improve
students take part in peer and self assessment where appropriate
students seek to improve their work
assessment criteria are shared with students
learners understanding is constantly monitored and acted upon

Positive & Safe learning environment

stimulating physical environment specific to subject
safe environment and risks assessed
achievement, effort and progress are always valued and praised
pupils and teachers are enthusiastic and enjoy working together
all pupils are on task and are focused on their work
positive relationships amongst pupils and with teachers
high standards of behaviour and expectations
freedom to take risks and make (and learn from) mistakes

/ Create a positive learning environment

use appropriate praise and build pupil’s self esteem
be positive about what students can achieve
be enthusiastic and make learning enjoyable
treat all pupils fairly and consistently
provide a stimulating learning environment
be approachable

Strong subject knowledge

up to date and detailed in their subject knowledge
communicate knowledge and skills clearly
sound knowledge of specifications and assessment criteria
commitment to continue to learn & build on knowledge and experience

High Expectations

set challenging but manageable tasks
set clear and high expectations of behaviour and standards of work
be prepared to try new ways of learning & take pupils outside of their comfort zone

Thorough preparation

well planned lessons
arrive promptly to lessons
provide engaging and varied tasks
work is assessed regularly and promptly and clear feedback given

Awareness of individual needs

learn students names
get to know individual students and their strengths and weaknesses
encourage students to develop their own ideas and respect different views

Monitoring and Measuring Learning

Performance criteria Performance tracking Accelerating progress