Specialist Pedagogy

ACE Tiverton is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and effective educational environment by integrating specialist pedagogy that are research-informed and tailored to the profile of need of each cohort of students. These include embedding metacognitive strategies in all learning, maximising the impact of teaching assistants, and aligning assessment practices through our current involvement in an Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) research project.

Specialist Pedagogy: Specialist pedagogy at ACE Tiverton involves tailoring teaching methods to accommodate the diverse learning needs of students. This approach emphasises personalised instruction, ensuring that lessons are accessible and ambitious for all learners. By employing evidence-based teaching strategies, our teaching team are able to address individual learning styles and requirements, in line with students’ EHCPs, thereby enhancing student engagement and achievement

Metacognition: Metacognition, or the awareness and regulation of one's own learning processes, is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Encouraging students to reflect on their thinking enables them to become self-regulated learners. This involves teaching students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning skills and tools, which fosters independence and resilience. By integrating metacognitive practices, we equip students with the skills necessary for lifelong learning.

Maximising the Effectiveness of Teaching Assistants: Teaching assistants (TAs) play a vital role in enabling student progress and learning in our school family. By working closely with teachers, TAs provide targeted support to individuals and small groups, facilitating personalised learning experiences. This collaboration ensures that all students receive the attention and assistance they need to succeed. We know that effective deployment of TAs allows for more flexible and responsive teaching, contributing to a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

In summary, our approach to teaching and learning, delivered on the strong foundation of a cohort, well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum, is characterised by the integration of:

  • Specialist pedagogy,
  • Direct use of metacognitive strategies,
  • Effective utilisation of teaching assistants
  • Implementation of highly effective assessment practices.

This comprehensive approach ensures that all students receive a high-quality education and attain outcomes that equips them with the qualifications, skills and knowledge for success into adulthood.