Learning to teach at Holly Lodge

What makes training at Holly Lodge such an enriching experience?

We aim to produce outstanding teachers for the future. To achieve this we ensure that our trainees receive the best possible training, resources and support.

Our bespoke CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme for teacher training is meticulously designed to address individual needs of trainees. We analyse feedback from baseline evaluations to identify specific growth and development needs, aligned with university requirements and teacher standards to ensure comprehensive development of essential skills and competencies.

We know that classroom management can be a worry for many trainees and so one of our first areas of focus is the establishment of strong routines within the classroom. Trainees are equipped with strategies and techniques to create a Warm-Strict environment where students are respectful and ready to learn.

Another crucial aspect of the CPD program is the application of principles of planning, grounded in cognitive science. Trainees learn how to design lesson plans and instructional materials, based on evidence-based strategies for enhancing student learning and retention.

Along with fulfilling university requirements we used a phased approach at Holly Lodge to ensure our trainees have mastered key components before moving on to the next:

Phase 1: Explanations

Delivery of new knowledge to students in an accessible way

Phase 2: Threshold

The threshold is a physical and psychological boundary that separates the classroom from the rest of the school.

Phase 3: Threshold & strong start

A strong start sets clear expectations and routines for the beginning of each lesson

Phase 4: Threshold, strong start, explanation and behaviour management

Strong behaviour management enables a quiet and purposeful environment where all pupils can concentrate and learn effectively.

Phase 5: Threshold, strong start, explanation, behaviour management and CFU

Ensure pupils have learnt new knowledge delivered.

Phase 6: Threshold, strong start, explanation, behaviour management, CFU and independent practice

Opportunity for pupils to rehearse and practice what they have been taught through tasks set.

“For my first few lessons of teaching I only did “Threshold” (greeting students at the door and setting the standard for the lesson) but this allowed me to perfect this technique meaning I was really confident when I picked up more teaching. Building up my teaching in this way meant I could get really good at each aspect, one at a time. Teaching is challenging but learning in this way means it’s a rewarding challenge that stretches my brain – rather than challenging my stress levels!”.

ITT Student

Previous CPD sessions have included:

  • Setting high expectations by creating strong routines and procedures
  • Safeguarding young people
  • Applying principles of cognitive science to teaching and learning
  • How to plan effectively by incorporating effective check for understanding techniques such as cold call

“I enjoyed the CPD sessions which allowed me to develop a range of strong approaches to my teaching practice. This included sessions on the cognitive science behind learning, ambitious curriculum, and entry routines. All of this greatly assisted in my approaches in the classroom as a trainee”.

ITT Student