Explicit Teaching Approach

At St Mary’s Hampton, we use explicit teaching — a clear and structured approach where teachers show students exactly what they are learning, why it matters, and how to be successful. This approach is grounded in educational research and cognitive science, including Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction and the science of learning. These theories highlight that students learn best when new information is broken down into small, manageable steps, modelled clearly by the teacher (the I Do), practised together (We Do), and then independently applied by the student (You Do). This reduces cognitive overload and ensures students have the skills and confidence before moving on.

Our teachers use evidence-based programs and the latest research to build strong skills in literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Learning is guided by data and regular assessment, so every child is taught at their point of need. This includes targeted support for students who need more time or scaffolding, as well as challenge and extension for students ready to go further.