A WREXHAM high school has launched an innovative programme that looks to ‘accelerate student progress’ and ‘improve attainment by enhancing the quality of teaching’.

The CLEAR (Challenge, Learning, Engagement, Assessment, Reflection) Teaching and Learning framework has been created by Ysgol Clywedog, in partnership with three other schools from across the North Wales region.

The high school teamed with Ysgol Eirias, Hawarden High School and Ysgol Llandrillo Yn Rhos Primary School on the programme - which intends to develop excellent classroom practitioners in Wales.

The framework was adapted from the CLEAR Effective Pedagogy Programme, and it has five core principles:

• Provide a high level of challenge and prepare students for independent learning

• Improve students’ learning experience

• Actively engage students through a range of learning activities

• Set measurable learning outcomes with clear success and provide systematic feedback and corrections

• Review the learning regularly by asking students to explain what they have learnt and re-teach differently when necessary

To make sure these core principles are followed in every lesson, the school has adopted the motto, “high quality teaching every lesson, every day.”

Teachers are to take part in training sessions to build on their professional development and further increase standards.

Andrea Francis, Assistant Headteacher at Ysgol Clywedog has been responsible for implementing the new framework at the school.

She said: “The process of developing the new programme has been very rewarding. Working in partnership with other schools has allowed us to share ideas, experience, and best practice.

“The teachers here at Ysgol Clywedog are incredibly positive and have embraced the CLEAR model and the training principles of the CLEAR programme. I am excited to see the impact and benefits of the new framework for both teachers and students here at Ysgol Clywedog as we go forward.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for their support and, in particular, Hayley Blackwell, Assistant Headteacher at Ysgol Eirias in Colwyn Bay, who has been the driving force behind the development of the programme.

“She has worked incredibly hard and has also submitted an application for endorsement of the programme from the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales (NaEL), which would be fantastic.”

Matt Vickery, Headteacher at Ysgol Clywedog, added: “One of the biggest impacts on student outcomes is excellent teaching and learning. This new framework and training programme mark an exciting initiative for the school, by supporting our teachers through quality training and collaborative working.

“Our staff do amazing things every day to support students, their families and the community.

“I am delighted that this programme will provide new opportunities for high quality professional development, collaboration and sharing of excellent practice so that our students are inspired to meet their potential.”