How do you think West Lodge supports children to become independent learners?

Teachers ensure that every lesson provides children with success criteria, identifying the level of challenge available within the lesson, Children are empowered from the outset of every lesson to aspire to an appropriate level of challenge for themselves. This is supported by the school-wide marking policy which uses a purple pen for praise and green for an additional challenge. Children actively reflect on their learning and respond to teacher comments on their learning.

How do children at West Lodge use the Library to support their learning and reading for pleasure?

The staff and children of West Lodge are proud of the school library. Children from Reception upwards have the opportunity to select books to read and scan them in and out of the library system. These books are enjoyed alongside the Oxford Reading Tree scheme books until the children have completed the scheme and become ‘free readers’. Books are coloured-coded in the library in relation to age and appropriateness ensuring children can select books that are suitably challenging and enjoyable for them to read. Children are encouraged to take full advantage of the extensive range of books in the library through the school-wide reading challenges included in each child’s reading record.

Why do you think West Lodge is a special place for children to learn?

Children at West Lodge are nurtured and supported throughout their time at school. They are given appropriate challenges and are encouraged as independent learners to be curious and courageous. The curriculum at West Lodge enables children to fulfil their potential across all areas of the curriculum.