Being Guiseley

Attitude to Learning

The Being Guiseley Attitude to Learning framework is used to support and develop the learning behaviours for students at Guiseley School. Alongside this framework, which is designed to reflect our core values and promote learning behaviours we believe will serve students well throughout life, we also use specific strategies to ensure all students know how to become the best learners, and the best young people, that they can be.

Being Guiseley in Lessons

The Being Guiseley Attitude to Learning framework reflects our culture of high support and high challenge. Students are issued a grade (1 – 6) for each lesson and this grade reflects their contribution to learning and their demonstration of effective learning habits. Each grade ensures students receive a fixed number of house points, with ATL 6 securing the highest number of points.

If students are not being Guiseley, either through their learning behaviours or their general behaviour, this will trigger an intervention with students going on report cards to their form tutors initially, then pastoral teams and, if required, senior leaders. The aim of this is to ensure early intervention that prevents students from developing poor habits in the classroom, or around school.

6 – You are EXEMPLARY because typically…

• You are highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent in your learning and always aim to do your very best.
• You ask for and use feedback effectively to keep improving.
• All classwork and homework are completed to a high standard, showing real pride in what you do and an impressive effort to make the most of your learning.
• When a teacher asks you a question, you give thoughtful, well-developed answers which build on what others have said in the lesson.
• You are independent and well-motivated in your revision, using your exercise books, knowledge organisers and a range of taught strategies to make sure knowledge is well embedded. This happens throughout the year, not just for assessments.
• You always show respect to staff and classmates, and you’re a positive role model for others.

You regularly go above and beyond what is asked from you in class. Well done, keep it up!

5 – You are MOTIVATED because typically…

• You are keen to learn and usually ask for help when needed.
• You take part in lessons positively and respond well to advice and feedback.
• Your work, including homework, is completed to a good standard and with care because you understand how it helps your learning.
• When a teacher asks you a question, you give thoughtful answers, even when the questions are difficult.
• You actively revise for formal assessments using knowledge organisers and taught strategies to make sure important knowledge is learned.
• You behave well and show respect in lessons.

To progress further, aim to be more consistently independent and self-driven.

4 – You are COASTING because typically…

• You usually complete the work set, but sometimes lack motivation or ambition.
• Your work often matches your ability but could show more care or pride.
• Most homework is done, but you don’t always take time or care over it to make the most of your learning
• When a teacher asks you a question, your answers are often short or simplistic, lacking development
• You do some revision for formal assessments but do not always use the taught strategies or give yourself enough time for knowledge to be learned thoroughly
• You behave respectfully, but your engagement in learning could be stronger.

Showing more enthusiasm and taking greater initiative will help you achieve more.

3 – You are INCONSISTENT because typically…

• Your effort and focus vary from lesson to lesson.
• You don’t always act on feedback or try to improve.
• Homework is sometimes missed or is rushed, and your work may lack effort or pride.
• When a teacher asks you a question, you often respond with ‘I don’t know’ without thinking about your answer.  
• You try to revise for some assessments but not all. You do not use the taught strategies and don’t spend enough time on it.
• Your behaviour and respect for others can be variable.

Taking more responsibility for your learning and meeting school’s minimum expectations will help you make better progress.

2 – You are UNMOTIVATED because typically…

• You don’t often show much interest in your lessons.
• Classwork and homework are often not completed or lack effort, and you don’t pay attention to what you need to do to improve.
• When a teacher asks you a question, you do not always respond appropriately or try to give an answer.
• You do not appear to revise for any assessments, even though you know it will help you learn better. Do you make time to do it?
• You need frequent reminders from staff to meet basic expectations for work and behaviour.
• Your attitude can show a lack of respect towards others and can disrupt the learning of the group.

You need to engage with your learning in lessons and meet school’s minimum expectations more consistently.

1 – You are DISENGAGED because typically…

• You regularly avoid work and do not try your best in lessons.
• You hardly ever complete classwork or homework to an acceptable level.
• When a teacher asks you a question, you refuse to answer.
• You do not revise for any assessments and don’t want to. You do not see how it will help you to learn better.
• You have to be constantly reminded about basic expectations around learning and how to behave.
• Your actions and attitude may seriously impact others and regularly disrupt learning for the group.

A significant change in effort and attitude is needed to meet the minimum expectations for learning and to begin to engage with lessons.