Teaching and Learning
At Reading Girls' School, high-quality teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to empower every individual to thrive by transforming lives through education. We foster excellence, curiosity, and respect, ensuring that all students grow in a supportive and challenging environment.
Our Key Aims:
-
Provide personalized learning experiences that consider each student’s individual starting point, needs, and aspirations.
-
Encourage active, independent learning that prepares students for success both in school and in life.
-
Ensure high levels of literacy and numeracy, equipping students to apply their knowledge in diverse, real-world contexts.
-
Consistently raise the standards of teaching and learning to inspire students and staff alike, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Research-Based Teaching Approach: Our teaching practices are grounded in the latest educational research to ensure that students receive the most effective instruction possible. We use strategies that are proven to enhance learning and retention.
As Tom Sherrington mentions in The Learning Rainforest, “We should not be afraid to try new approaches, as long as they are based on sound evidence.” This belief underpins our teaching philosophy, equipping students with the tools to engage critically with the curriculum and develop the skills they need to succeed.
Assessment and Student Progress: We monitor student progress through regular data drops—bi-annual assessments that provide a comprehensive overview of each student's development. Following each data drop, students participate in Progress CHECKs, a reflective process where they:
-
Review their current position on the flightpath.
-
Evaluate their successes and areas for improvement.
-
Understand what steps are needed to stay on track or exceed their target grades.
These assessments, combined with effective feedback strategies, guide students in understanding their learning journey and taking ownership of their progress. Our Teach-BOOST-Teach model ensures that students receive actionable feedback and dedicated time to improve their understanding, deepening their learning in every subject.
Homework and Independent Learning: Homework is a vital part of our curriculum, reinforcing classroom learning and helping students develop the study skills they need for the future. Regular homework is set through Edulink, allowing students to take responsibility for their learning outside the classroom and further consolidate their understanding of key concepts.