Ruth Smith
Head of Primary
(Hiba Academy Hangzhou)
At Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary School, we embrace a transformative belief: every day offers a new horizon for learning, not just for our pupils but for our dedicated teaching staff as well. As educators, we understand that the foundation of high-quality education lies in the continuous professional growth of our teachers. We are committed to fostering a culture where teaching is an ever-evolving practice, driven by reflection and innovation.
Research by educational expert Jim Knight has highlighted the transformative power of peer-to-peer coaching in enhancing teaching practices. Drawing inspiration from these insights, we have implemented Knight's Impact Cycle—a structured framework that champions reflective practice and constructive feedback. Through this initiative, teachers record their lessons, engage openly with peers and delve into meaningful discussions about teaching strategies and pupil engagement. This process not only refines our educators' approaches but also enriches pupil learning experiences across the academy.
The cornerstone of this initiative is courage, a value deeply ingrained in the ethos of Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary. The act of sharing lesson recordings with peers demands vulnerability and a willingness to critically assess personal teaching methods. However, this courageous step leads to profound empowerment, enabling educators to adopt and adapt innovative strategies that meet the diverse needs of their pupils.
This commitment to professional development transcends individual growth, nurturing an educational community that thrives on shared knowledge and collaborative problem-solving. Through the creation of a comprehensive repository of teaching experiences, educators at Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary School collectively elevate teaching practices while gaining invaluable insights into personal and communal progress.
Furthermore, the process of recording and reviewing lessons broadens the scope of professional dialogue, bridging connections beyond the immediate school environment. These documented teaching moments serve as a vital resource for ongoing professional development, providing educators with opportunities to reflect on past strategies and set informed, strategic goals for the future.
The journey of personal and professional growth experienced by our teachers is both inspiring and rewarding. As part of a supportive network, educators celebrate successes and seamlessly navigate challenges together, fostering both personalties and professional bonds that enhance the learning environment at Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary School.
Our investment in the Impact Cycle underscores our unwavering belief in the pivotal role that effective teaching plays in pupil success. By equipping our educators with a structured framework for self-improvement, we cultivate an educational atmosphere that ignites both teaching excellence and pupil engagement.
Ultimately, our commitment to peer-to-peer coaching aligns seamlessly with the broader educational philosophy at Hiba Academy Hangzhou: that each member of our learning community is both a learner and a teacher, relentlessly pursuing excellence in education. The courage demonstrated by our educators in refining their practices affirms the ethos that every day is, indeed, a genuine learning day filled with opportunities for growth and inspiration.
As we chart a course for the future, Hiba Academy Hangzhou Primary School remains steadfast in its mission to nurture a culture of reflection and collaboration, ensuring that each day within our school is an inspiring and enriching journey for pupils and educators alike.
