It’s been an exciting term for the collective development and training of teachers at Riddlesdown. Our whole school focus has been on the power and importance of reflecting on our practice in the classroom as well as ways to support everyone’s wellbeing.

Our trainee teachers had an insightful opportunity to learn more about the experience of learners in KS2 by visiting Quest, Courtwood and Kenley primaries for two days. They learnt more about the KS2 curriculum, how this feeds into learning at KS3, and in particular discovered more about phonics and how they can use this knowledge to support learners’ transition to KS3. To build on this, Miss Rapley facilitated a session to consider the impact of this and how our Excellence Curriculum is so carefully designed to build on the learners’ knowledge.

A number of our teachers participated in training both at Riddlesdown Collegiate and Woodcote High School to learn and collaborate with colleagues from these schools as well as Coombe Wood, Archbishop Tenison’s and The Quest Academy. These sessions take place every half term and are an excellent example of teachers’ commitment to ongoing professional learning. At the same time we had a group of Middle Leaders working together to develop their skills and knowledge of leadership to further strengthen the work of all our teams. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other moving forward.