Teaching and Learning
At EBIS, high-quality teaching and learning sit at the heart of everything we do. Our aim is to ensure that every student experiences lessons that are engaging, challenging and carefully structured so that they can make strong progress over time. We believe that effective teaching combines strong subject knowledge, clear explanations and meaningful opportunities for students to practise and apply their learning.
Our teachers create classrooms where students feel confident to ask questions, share ideas and develop their thinking. Through high expectations and supportive relationships, we aim to build confident learners who are motivated to succeed.
The EBIS Teaching and Learning Framework
Teaching at EBIS is guided by the EBIS Teaching and Learning Framework (EBIS 8), which sets clear expectations for high-quality classroom practice across the school. This framework supports teachers in designing lessons that are purposeful, engaging and responsive to the needs of students.
Lessons typically include:
- Clear learning objectives that help students understand what they are learning and why it matters
- Carefully structured explanations that introduce new knowledge in manageable steps
- Opportunities for guided practice and independent application
- Questioning and discussion that deepen understanding and develop critical thinking
- Regular opportunities for reflection and feedback
High Expectations for All Learners
At EBIS we believe that every child can succeed when they are supported and challenged appropriately. Teachers maintain high expectations for all students and provide the support needed to help them reach their potential. Lessons are designed so that all students can access the learning while still being challenged to think deeply and develop their understanding. Teachers use a range of strategies to ensure that learning is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the class.
Adaptive Teaching
Students learn in different ways and at different rates. Our teachers use adaptive teaching strategies to respond to the needs of individual learners while maintaining high expectations for all students.
This may include:
- adjusting explanations or examples
- providing additional scaffolding where needed
- extending learning for students who are ready for greater challenge
- using questioning to guide and deepen understanding
Assessment for Learning
Assessment plays an important role in supporting effective teaching and learning. Teachers regularly assess students’ understanding through formative assessment strategies, including questioning, discussion, written work and practical activities during lessons. These ongoing assessments allow teachers to quickly identify what students have understood, where misconceptions may exist and when additional support or challenge may be required.
Formative assessment helps teachers adapt lessons in real time, ensuring that learning remains responsive to the needs of the class. Feedback is used to guide students in improving their work, reflecting on their progress and developing greater independence in their learning.
Alongside these day-to-day assessments, students also complete summative assessments at key points during the academic year. Students sit informal assessments at the end of each term, which help teachers monitor progress and identify areas for further development. At the end of the academic year, students complete a more formal assessment, providing a clearer picture of their overall progress across the year.
In addition to these assessments, all students joining EBIS from Year 2 to Year 9 complete Cognitive Abilities Tests (CAT4). These assessments help us understand how students think and learn by measuring different areas of reasoning, including verbal, non-verbal and quantitative thinking. CAT4 does not assess what students have already been taught, but instead provides insight into their learning potential and cognitive strengths. The information gained from CAT4 helps teachers to better understand each student’s learning profile, identify areas of strength and ensure that teaching provides the appropriate level of challenge and support.
Assessment outcomes are shared openly with parents so that families remain informed about their child’s progress. The information gathered from formative assessment, summative assessments and CAT4 data is used by teachers to adapt and refine teaching, ensuring that learning continues to meet the needs of every student and supports them in making strong progress over time.
Developing Thinking and Communication
At EBIS we place a strong emphasis on developing students’ ability to think critically, reason carefully and communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Learning is not simply about acquiring knowledge; it is about helping students develop the intellectual habits that allow them to question, analyse and apply what they know in meaningful ways. Teachers encourage students to engage actively with ideas, to explore concepts in depth and to develop the confidence to express their thinking clearly both verbally and in writing.
In our classrooms, discussion and questioning are used as powerful tools to develop deeper understanding. Teachers carefully structure lessons so that students are required not only to recall information but also to explain their reasoning, make connections between ideas and consider different perspectives. Through thoughtful questioning and guided discussion, students learn to justify their thinking, challenge assumptions and build more sophisticated explanations. This process helps students move beyond simple answers and develop the ability to think independently and reflect critically on their own learning.
Collaboration also plays an important role in developing students’ thinking. By discussing ideas with their peers, listening to alternative viewpoints and working together to solve problems, students learn how to refine their understanding and communicate their ideas effectively. These experiences help students develop confidence in sharing their thoughts while also learning to respect and consider the ideas of others.
By consistently encouraging students to articulate their thinking, analyse problems and engage in meaningful dialogue, we help them develop the intellectual curiosity, resilience and independence that underpin successful learning. These skills enable students not only to succeed academically but also to approach new challenges with confidence and a willingness to think deeply about the world around them.
Professional Development for Teachers
We believe that great teaching comes from continuous professional growth. At EBIS, we are committed to supporting our teachers in developing their knowledge, skills and understanding so that they can continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for all students. Staff regularly engage in professional development opportunities that allow them to refine their practice, deepen their subject knowledge and remain informed about effective teaching strategies.
Professional development at EBIS takes a variety of forms and is embedded within the culture of the school. Teachers take part in regular training sessions, collaborative planning and opportunities to share effective practice with colleagues. By working together and learning from one another, teachers are able to reflect on their teaching approaches, consider new strategies and continually improve the quality of learning in their classrooms.
Reflective practice is an important part of this process. Teachers regularly review their lessons, analyse student outcomes and consider how their teaching can be adapted to better support learning. Through discussion with colleagues and feedback from leaders, staff are encouraged to reflect on what is working well and where further development may be beneficial. This ongoing cycle of reflection and improvement helps ensure that teaching remains responsive to the needs of students.
We also recognise the importance of keeping teaching practice aligned with current educational research and best practice. Professional development opportunities often focus on areas such as effective curriculum design, adaptive teaching strategies, assessment practices and approaches that support student engagement and deeper thinking. By engaging with these ideas, teachers are able to strengthen their classroom practice and support students in developing strong understanding and confidence in their learning.
By investing in the professional development of our staff, we ensure that students benefit from teaching that is informed, reflective and continually improving. This commitment to developing excellent teachers helps us maintain high standards across the school and ensures that every student has access to high-quality teaching that supports them in achieving their full potential.
