Teaching, Learning & Assessment

Great teaching is the best way for students to attain the top results. Our lessons are structured around the best available evidence about how children learn. We employ teaching approaches that enhance prior knowledge as well as ensuring fluency in key skills and the long-term retention of knowledge. 

We focus on consistency, both in terms of quality and the design of our lessons, so that the students get the best learning conditions and know what to expect in every lesson. This decreases their ‘cognitive load’ giving them more headspace to focus on learning. 

Rather than simply teaching our students what to learn, we teach our students how to learn; this includes basics such as how to get the most out of a lesson and how to revise but also covers the more bespoke skills that allow individual students to reach their potential. 

It is important that we are mindful of the differing needs of our students. We use data effectively and ensure that our staff know our students well so that we can do our best to ensure that all are adequately supported. We are also aware that students benefit from experiencing and overcoming challenges and the sense of achievement that can bring. 

We support our teachers to deliver great teaching by providing them with excellent, ongoing training and being mindful of their welfare. 

Assessment

Assessment at Northallerton School & Sixth Form College is used to:

  • Identify gaps in knowledge and understanding

  • Inform teaching and curriculum planning

  • Support students in understanding how to improve

  • Track progress over time and ensure all students are on course to meet or exceed their targets

We use a combination of formative (ongoing) and summative (end-of-unit or term) assessments, alongside regular feedback, to help students take ownership of their learning and make sustained progress.

A Culture of Reflection and Improvement

We are a reflective school. Through regular lesson observations, student voice, and data analysis, we continuously evaluate and refine our teaching and assessment practices. Our aim is to ensure that every student receives the best possible learning experience, every day.