Teaching & Learning

Quality First Teaching

Across all Key Stages, students follow a carefully planned, aspirational and sequenced journey which continually builds on prior learning, providing an accumulation of fundamental knowledge and skills. Regular opportunities are taken for retrieval of prior knowledge, including low stakes quizzing, preparing students for not only examination success but also for lifelong learning so they can be successful adults in their chosen vocation. This is all underpinned by evidence-based principles and key educational research which ensures that the science of learning informs teacher delivery in every classroom.

“Trustees and the central leadership team have high expectations for pupils across the Trust.”

Ofsted Summary Evaluation, 2022

Professional Learning

At ALT, we are committed to continuous support and improvement in our educational practices. We have a clear and shared understanding of what great teaching looks like and how to implement it.

Our Great Teaching Framework has been developed in conjunction with the Evidence Based Education ‘Great Teaching Toolkit’ and adapted for our specific needs.

Professional Learning Elements:

  • Face to Face Professional Learning Sessions: Fortnightly voluntary sessions delivered by specialists in professional learning.

  • Half Termly ‘Teaching Sprints’: Collaborative action research groups which come together to deliberately practise one of our chosen WalkThru techniques.

  • Regular Podcast Episodes: Interviews with ALT classroom teachers and Trust leaders about how they are turning research into practice within their classrooms and schools.

  • Professional Reading: Regular opportunities to read the latest research and opinion pieces via a professional reading group.

  • ALT Learn: A bespoke central hub for collaboration and sharing of articles, ideas and advice between all ALT staff.

Quality Assurance

We believe in supporting our schools and our staff to provide the best learning environment for all students. One of the ways in which we provide this support is through a range of quality assurance processes.

Deep Dive Reviews:

  • Regular ‘deep dives’ with themes in line with the Ofsted framework.

  • Conducted by core ALT team and external professionals when necessary.

Subject Networks:

  • Formal networks of subject teams across the Trust.

  • Regular subject network meetings.

Subject Reviews:

  • Each subject is reviewed once per term.

  • Emphasis on professional development, expertise and accountability of middle leaders across the Trust.