The Learning Review

In May, I had the pleasure of leading a Learning Review team at Wandsworth Prep. The Learning Review is developmental; both for the school that is hosting the review and the staff conducting and leading the review. It is an opportunity for schools within the Bellevue Group to share good practice between one another and to further develop the teaching and learning experiences for pupils within our schools.

The Learning Review team spent two days at Wandsworth Prep and we spent time in classrooms, talking to pupils, staff and parents and then shared our findings with the leadership team at school and Bellevue governance, both to affirm strengths in current practice and to offer advice on areas for development. The process is collaborative and collegiate and one which schools find very supportive and useful.

As soon as I arrived at Wandsworth Prep, I was welcomed with a warm learning environment and inclusive atmosphere that pervades the whole school community. It was evident that children of all ages approach their learning highly motivated and with an eagerness to succeed. There was a tangible sense of children supporting and encouraging one another in collaborative work alongside a dedicated and hardworking staff team to help support them.

Learning Reviews are a two-way process and there was a plethora of practice to take away from the teaching and learning observed by the team. What I would particularly like to take back to my School was the excellent pace of lessons and high level of questioning utilised by all aspects of the teaching team. Teachers at Wandsworth are particularly adept at probing children’s concepts further to ensure a greater depth of understanding takes place. As a result pupils make progress above and beyond their age expectations.

It was a pleasure to have been part of the review team at Wandsworth and I look forward to my next visit!

Nick Tucker

Forest Park Preparatory School