Rooted in pedagogy and metacognition, the ‘Super 7’ presents seven core principles that underpin our philosophy and approach to teaching, learning and assessment. Each of the seven core principles focuses on a different aspect of learning and by embedding these approaches into your daily studies, you can gain the confidence and self-awareness needed to excel in your chosen career. Get more information on our approach to career-focused education on our School Leavers page.

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Bigger picture

Understand the structure and purpose of each lesson, ensuring you can see how your learning fits into a larger context. This principle establishes strong learning habits. It makes you feel more engaged and prepared, making the most of every lesson.

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Knowledge building

Learning is about practicing and reinforcing it until it sticks. Activating what you already know before learning something new makes it easier to absorb and retain information. The more you review and apply what you’ve learned, the stronger your understanding becomes.

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Language building

The words you learn shape how you think, communicate, and understand new ideas. By strengthening their language skills, students can better articulate their thoughts, navigate complex topics, and engage in meaningful discussions, which are essential for both academic success and professional development.

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Q&A Techniques

Active questioning and dialogue help you validate your understanding through discussion with teachers and peers. By exploring different types of questions, you develop critical thinking skills and learn how to analyse information from multiple perspectives.

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Recall and retrieval

Just like training a muscle, regularly practicing what you’ve learned strengthens your memory and makes it easier to use that knowledge when needed. This approach improves memory retention and enhances performance in both academic and vocational settings.

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Assessment and feedback

Feedback is not just something given by teachers — it is a two-way process where you actively engage in evaluating your own work. By checking your progress, receiving constructive feedback, and making adjustments, you develop the confidence and ability to improve continuously, leading to deeper understanding and better outcomes.

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Independent learning

Take what you’ve learned in class and explore it further by practicing skills, asking questions, and applying knowledge in real-life situations. By understanding how to manage your own learning, you become more confident, capable, and prepared for further study or employment. This principle ensures you leave college with qualifications and the skills and mindset needed for lifelong success.