We believe that how children learn is just as important as what they learn. To support this, we teach a set of learning behaviours neatly encapsulated in the acronym STOKERS. These behaviours help children understand what good learning looks like, how to work with others and how to approach challenges with confidence. Our STOKERS learning behaviours are woven into everything we do - lessons, playtimes, assemblies and celebrations.

What Are the STOKERS Learning Behaviours?

Each letter in STOKERS represents a behaviour that helps children become strong, successful learners:

Why Are Learning Behaviours So Important?

Research shows that strong learning behaviours have a powerful impact on how well children do at school.

1. They help children understand how to learn

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) explains that children make excellent progress when they learn to plan, monitor and reflect on their learning — skills known as self‑regulation and metacognition. These approaches can boost learning by as much as eight months. STOKERS behaviours such as Show self‑control, Own our mistakes and Keep trying help children develop these skills.

2. They build resilience, confidence and independence

EEF guidance highlights that children become stronger learners when they learn to think about their learning, talk about strategies and respond positively to challenge. STOKERS does exactly this by supporting children to persevere, ask questions and enjoy challenge.

3. They create the right conditions for great teaching and feedback

Research shows that learning improves most when classrooms have strong routines, positive relationships and children who are open to feedback. STOKERS supports this by encouraging children to listen well, collaborate and be willing to improve their work. 

4. They prepare children for life, not just school

Skills like teamwork, independence, problem‑solving and perseverance are essential both in school and beyond. STOKERS helps children develop these important lifelong qualities every day.

How Do We Teach STOKERS?

STOKERS is not a poster on the wall. OK it is, but more importantly it is a huge part of our whole‑school culture.

Children experience STOKERS through:

• daily classroom routines
• praise and celebration
• assemblies and stories
• collaborative learning
• reflection and target‑setting
• teacher modelling
• peer support

Because we use STOKERS consistently across the school, children quickly learn what each behaviour means and how to use it in their everyday learning.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

With STOKERS, children at Stoke St Gregory learn to:

• become confident, capable, resilient learners
• take pride in their efforts and achievements
• understand that mistakes help them grow
• work well with others
• stay focused and manage distractions
• tackle challenge with a positive mindset
• develop independence and self-belief

These learning behaviours support your child not only academically, but in their friendships, their wellbeing and their readiness for the future.