Learning & Teaching

The Edwardsville Way 

In Edwardsville Primary School, our learners are at the heart of everything we do. Teaching and learning ‘The Edwardsville Way’ ensures that our pupils make accelerated progress from their starting points, develop a lifelong love of learning and are happy in school each day. We are a learning organisation and utilise a range of evidence-backed approaches to ensure all pupils become the best they can be, fulfil the four purposes of our curriculum and Explore, Excite, Excel! We believe that it takes a community to raise a pupil and our pupils, staff, governors, parents and the wider community all have a role to play in how pupils learn at Edwardsville.

‘The Edwardsville Way’ is our interpretation of Donaldson’s 12 pedagogical principles and what these principles looks like in our school:

• Wellbeing comes first.
  We place children’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Pupils feel happy, safe and cared for in school. We build strong, positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors and the wider community.
• Learning is linked to real life.
  Children learn through meaningful, real-life experiences connected to their topics and school events. Their learning reflects our local area—past, present and future—so it feels relevant and exciting.
• Lessons are engaging and encourage participation.
  We use proven teaching strategies to make sure all pupils take part in lessons, share their ideas and think deeply about their learning.
• Children develop thinking and problem-solving skills.
  Through exciting topics, pupils learn to be creative, solve problems and think critically. They apply what they have learned in new situations and produce imaginative outcomes.
• Feedback helps children improve.
  Teachers regularly check understanding during lessons and give clear feedback to help pupils improve. Children learn what they need to do next, develop resilience and understand that mistakes are an important part of learning.
• Every child has personal learning targets.
  Each pupil works on individual targets that match their needs and help them take the next steps in their learning journey.
• Teaching is consistent across the school.
  Teachers follow shared approaches to ensure high-quality learning in every class. Learning builds step by step, helping pupils grow their knowledge and skills over time.
• We help children become confident, capable learners.
  Our teaching supports pupils to become ambitious, creative, ethical and healthy individuals, while encouraging independence and responsibility.
• Subjects are connected to deepen learning.
  We link different subjects together so learning makes sense and skills are used in a variety of ways. Literacy, numeracy and digital skills are taught clearly and then used across the curriculum.
• We talk about learning together.
  Pupils regularly discuss their learning, share ideas and listen to others. Staff also work closely together to continually improve teaching and learning across the school.