At Gordon’s we believe that schools are first and foremost centres for learning, and that the basis of a successful school is quality teaching and quality learning. We believe:
- that the best form of pastoral care comes from good classroom teaching
- that staff are teachers of children rather than subjects
We do not believe in “mixed ability classes”. Our policy where possible is to ‘set’ pupils in groups of similar ability.
At Gordon’s the curriculum and teaching styles are based on the best of the traditional and the best of the modern methods. For example, if you choose to visit a Year 7 Maths lesson at Gordon’s, you will sometimes see pupils learning their tables! In English lessons you will sometimes come across classes having spelling tests. We use these tried and tested methods for one simple reason - they work! However, at the same time we use the best of the more modern methods. An example of this is the extensive use of computers which feature in virtually every area of the curriculum.
To help to organise their work, pupils are issued with a special homework diary each term. This pupil diary is closely monitored by staff - including the Headmaster! The diary greatly increases contact between school and parents and helps pupils to structure their homework more effectively. It also enables staff and parents to monitor homework - and check that it is being done!
One of the keys to academic success is not only hard work, but also the establishment of good practice. One aspect of GCSE is the necessity to do coursework - really a word for extended homework. In our experience, the sooner boys and girls can establish the self discipline and habit required for homework, the better their long term chances for success in coping with GCSE.