Highlighted below are three key learning skills we have been teaching in lessons, which demonstrate how we encourage and develop valuable skills. Through a teaching methodology called High Performance Learning, we teach our pupils the cognitive skills and the values, attitudes and attributes needed to become good learners. We believe this powerful combination of emotional and cerebral characteristics helps draw the best from every pupil.
Meta-thinking by Head of Maths, Mrs Low
Maths is essentially about problem-solving. Pupils build a toolbox of skills and knowledge over their time at school so they can problem-solve more fluently. Confidence is a key component of this toolbox and Meta-thinking is a key HPL strand to help develop this confidence.
When faced with a problem, pupils need to know how to get started (strategy-planning); they use connected and relevant prior knowledge (meta-cognition); they check their work and make corrections (self-regulation); and finally they explain and justify their answer through clear written workings or verbal explanations (intellectual confidence).
Year 7 are finding missing angles in composite shapes. See how they focus on the journey, not just the destination!
Linking by Head of Science, Mrs Bagshaw
Using your imagination to pose “what if” questions is a key Linking skill we develop, particularly in science lessons. What would happen if we kept plants in the dark? Could they photosynthesise? Are there any similarities between photosynthesis and respiration?
The ability to make generalisations and predict what will happen based on past experiences is also a Linking skill. Can you predict what will happen to the brightness of bulbs in series or parallel circuits? How would you test the validity of different indigestion remedies and their effect on stomach acid?
These are the questions Years 5-8 were asking themselves whilst working on their various experiments and projects in their science lessons.
Agile by Head of Year 4, Mrs Davies
In the Junior Department (Years 3 and 4) our children demonstrate their HPL Agile skills as they embrace a variety of opportunities at Westbourne House. Whether it is canoeing on our glorious lake, completing a maths challenge in the classroom or taking to the stage in a drama production, they are confident to take risks within our supportive environment.
Our academic lessons provide lots of opportunities for children to demonstrate an open-minded and enquiring approach to their learning; questioning is encouraged as children investigate the world around them, exploring different ideas and beliefs.
A key feature of our curriculum is innovation and children are regularly asked to flexibly apply their knowledge and understanding to a new situation and to develop initiative and creativity.
