In celebration of Colleges Week 2025, Newbury College is proud to launch a student-focused promotion of its ‘Super 7’, designed to support students’ understanding of the keys to quality learning and inspire them to develop the skills needed for success.

Rooted in pedagogy and metacognition, the 'Super 7' represents the seven core principles that form the foundation of the College's philosophy and approach to teaching, learning, and assessment. These principles are being embedded across the campus through colourful displays and motivational quotes that highlight each principle. In addition, engaging animated versions of the graphics are being shared across social media channels to reinforce key messages in an accessible and dynamic manner.

The ‘Super 7’ promotion aims to help students understand how they learn best, providing them with essential strategies to improve both academic and vocational performance.

Each of the seven principles focuses on a different aspect of learning:

• Bigger Picture helps students understand the structure and purpose of each lesson, ensuring they can see how their learning fits into a larger context. By setting clear expectations and routines, such as structured entry activities and well-planned seating arrangements, this principle establishes strong learning habits. It allows students to feel more engaged and prepared, making the most of every lesson.
• Knowledge Building focuses on deepening understanding by linking new concepts to prior knowledge. Students are encouraged to activate what they already know before learning something new, making it easier to absorb and retain information. Through expert instruction, guided practice, and rehearsal, they build a strong foundation of knowledge that stays in their long-term memory, ensuring they can confidently apply their learning in different contexts.
• Language Building develops students' ability to communicate effectively, particularly using subject-specific vocabulary. It promotes oracy—spoken communication—as well as the ability to read and understand technical terms. 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.
• Q&A Techniques encourages active questioning and dialogue, helping students validate their understanding through discussion with teachers and peers. By exploring different types of questions, they develop critical thinking skills and learn how to analyse information from multiple perspectives. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel confident to express their ideas and challenge their thinking.
• Recall and Retrieval reinforces learning by encouraging students to recall information at key intervals, rather than simply memorising facts for the short term. Through strategies such as spacing (reviewing material over time) and interleaving (mixing different topics), students strengthen their ability to retrieve knowledge when needed. This approach improves memory retention and enhances performance in both academic and vocational settings.
• Assessment and Feedback plays a crucial role in helping students reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement. Feedback is not just something given by teachers—it is a two-way process where students actively engage in evaluating their own work. By checking their progress, receiving constructive feedback, and making adjustments, they develop the confidence and ability to improve continuously, leading to deeper understanding and better outcomes.
• Independent Learning empowers students to take ownership of their education by developing self-regulation and problem-solving skills. It encourages them to apply what they have learned in real-world contexts, fostering resilience and adaptability. By understanding how to manage their own learning, students become more confident, capable, and prepared for further study or employment. This principle ensures they leave college not only with qualifications but with the skills and mindset needed for lifelong success.

By embedding these approaches into their daily studies, students can gain the confidence and self-awareness needed to excel in their chosen careers.

The ‘Super 7’ is a fundamental part of Newbury College’s commitment to careers, not courses. As part of this initiative, the principles are also being embedded into the Pastoral and Personal Development (PPD) programme, a framework designed to help students develop essential life skills, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and adopt effective study strategies. PPD plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping students with the resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills required for the modern workplace?.

Newbury College Vice Principal of Curriculum, Lee Hunt, commented:

"Our mission is to create opportunities to transform lives, and the ‘Super 7’ embodies this commitment. By providing students with the tools to take ownership of their learning, we are preparing them not just for exams, but for lifelong success in their careers."

Colleges Week is a national celebration of Further Education, championing the role that colleges play in supporting individuals, businesses, and communities. Newbury College is proud to be at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that students leave not only qualified, but confident, capable, and career-ready.

For more information on the ‘Super 7’ and Newbury College’s approach to quality learning and career development, visit newbury-college.ac.uk/super7 or register to attend the Open Event on 19 March at newbury-college.ac.uk/openday.