FAQ's

Is Literacy and Numeracy still a key focus and what will they look like?

Yes, these are fundamentals of learning. Like now, in a MLE (modern learning environment) we will have a strong group focus, based on ability rather than age. We will still test to see what children know and what they need to know. Students will still reinforce their learning with relevant reading activities, as they do now.

Success breeds success, and children will naturally move to work with children who are at the same level as them and share common academic goals. Children will be grouped according to the ability, and different teachers’ strengths will be used to consolidate and extend pupils’ abilities and passions.

Collaborative learning, team teaching, using ICT in learning and peer teaching are all recognised as effective methods of teaching and learning with strong research about each of these areas.

Focus will remain on student achievement across a wide curriculum.

Is a MLE just a classroom with beanbags?

No. The traditional model of teaching was one teacher in a classroom full of children who learned the same thing at the same time regardless of ability or interest.

The rationale behind modern learning practice is that it better equips our children for the skills they will need in the future and aligns teaching and learning spaces with what we now know about the brain. Children learn more when there is perceived choice, when they are not just sitting still, and they have the opportunity to use different environments.

Cobham Intermediate School already structures many of our teaching programmes based on ability. Modern learning practice and environments are about creating the spaces and using teaching practice that promotes personalised learning based on learning styles and creating opportunities for students to explore their talents.