Continuing Professional Development

Churchill Academy & Sixth Form is committed to supporting staff in their ongoing professional development.  We expect staff to review their personal training and identify their training needs at the start of each academic year, and encourage them to refer to their performance development review targets.  Ongoing discussions with line managers and/or PDR reviewers should also take place.

We offer a comprehensive programme to promote and enable continuing professional development for all staff, and work closely with the Lighthouse Schools Partnership to deliver a wide range of opportunities.

Teaching and Learning at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form

Teaching and Learning at Churchill is focused on our Academy Teaching and Learning Principles. 

Our teaching and learning blog includes posts from our staff to share practice, present tips and advice, and give updates on the CPD projects we are running.

Internal CPD Provision

There are usually 5 INSET days in the academic year; each of these will have a theme allocated to them.  Confirmation of the INSET days and the themes are available on our internal CPD website. 

Twilight Programme

There are twilight CPD sessions as part of the Academy's meeting cycle during the academic year. In 2021-22, staff worked on developing their understanding and practice in metacognition, guided by the EEF's report. In 2022-23 staff are working on the Academy's priority of "Challenge" through the twilight CPD programme. 

PGCE Programme

This programme is led by Joanne Gill, Assistant Headteacher for Teaching & Learning.  This ensures that all student teachers at the Academy are fully inducted and developed during their year with us. 

ECT and New Staff Induction Programme

This programme is led by Joanne Gill, Assistant Headteacher for Teaching & Learning.  Both new (to the Academy) and newly qualified (Early Career or ECT) teaching staff are welcome to attend these sessions.  Details regarding the programme are published at the beginning of each academic year.

Support staff have their own induction programme linked to the 6-month probationary period.

Middle Leadership Team (MLT)

Heads of Faculty and Heads of House jointly lead the planning of additional CPD opportunities provided within Faculty meeting time, and some Twilight sessions regarding pedagogy and the sharing of good practice.

We work closely with the North Somerset Teaching Alliance and the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance, as well as the Lighthouse Schools Partnership.