Our Continued Professional Learning Programme
A collegiate approach to professional learning
We are proudly evidence-informed in relation to our teaching practice. Recent themes of our Senior School CPL programme have considered the role of cognitive science and memory, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and approaches to advancing academic literacy amongst our academic student body.
We rely on knowledgeable experts within and without the school community to help us develop as practitioners, with CPL delivered by our Director of Teaching & Learning, Pastoral Leads and SENDCo as appropriate. We also work with experts from across the sector and facilitate membership to the Chartered College of Teaching, subscriptions to TES, and enrolment in external CPL as appropriate.
A culture of teaching and learning development relies on curiosity and collaboration. We therefore encourage staff to share good practice by opening the doors of their classroom to those in other departments. This is facilitated via our Mutual Observation Fortnight, which runs several times each year. Staff arrange to see, share and celebrate the excellent practice they see in all academic departments across the Senior School.
Parents and students rightly expect consistently excellent teaching at the College and so INSET days and mid-term CPL is central to our school calendar. Teachers receive regular feedback on their practice, via supportive learning walks, formative lesson observations and conversations about student work.
Optional CPL pathways
Our optional CPL events are also well attended. We encourage staff to develop and share an interest in evidence-informed pedagogy our well-attended T&L book group to supports this. Our most recent reads have included Mccrea Motivated Teaching, Didau The Secret of Literacy and Roberts The Boy Question. Recent Learn at Lunch events have included “speed dating” to share ideas on using AI to reduce workload, strategies to improve oracy in paired discussions, and how to encourage a community of readers.
We are reflective practitioners and love sharing our practice. Our staff contribute to a termly teaching & learning bulletin.
Support for new staff
We understand that starting at a new school can feel daunting, regardless of your prior experience. Adjusting to new routines, traditions, and expectations while getting to know a new community can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve designed a robust and supportive induction programme to ensure new staff feel welcomed, informed, and confident as they settle into life at St Dunstan’s.
The CPL opportunities at St. Dunstan’s have been instrumental in my development. In addition to receiving tailored training and guidance to help us navigate these crucial early years, we’ve also been encouraged to share our best practices. - Molly Pridmore
Rather than overwhelming new colleagues with a flurry of information in their first few days, our rolling induction programme spans the entire first term. Informal sessions are thoughtfully timed to provide support as and when it is most relevant. From understanding key routines to learning more about our school culture and vision, the programme helps new staff gradually adapt to their new environment. Whether you are navigating new systems or preparing for key school events, the induction ensures you’re equipped every step of the way.
Building connections across the school is essential for both professional growth and personal wellbeing. To support this, all new members of teaching staff are paired with a buddy—an experienced colleague in a similar role but from a different department. This system helps widen professional and social networks, offering practical advice, camaraderie, and the chance to share experiences. Buddies act as informal guides, providing insights into day-to-day life at St Dunstan’s and ensuring no one feels alone in their journey.
The professional development opportunities at St Dunstan’s have been invaluable. The Teacher Development Programme has equipped me with strategies to enhance my practice. The staff symposium last year was particularly inspiring, as it allowed me to learn from experts in education and engage in thought-provoking discussions with peers. These opportunities have helped me reflect on my teaching and continue to grow professionally. - Zen Ng
