The Science of Learning at BSG: Strengthening Teaching Through Evidence-Based Professional Development

At The British School of Guangzhou (BSG), exceptional learning starts with exceptional teaching. That's why we are committed to continuous professional development, ensuring our educators remain at the forefront of educational research and best practice.

This week, we were delighted to welcome back a familiar face to our campus. Former colleague, respected educator, bestselling author, and chart-topping podcaster Shane Leaning returned to BSG to lead a professional learning day focused on the Science of Learning and the practical implementation of the Walkthrus teaching framework.

Now working as an educational consultant, Shane shared the latest research into how students acquire, retain, and apply knowledge. His sessions explored the principles of cognitive science that underpin effective learning, helping our teachers deepen their understanding of how children learn best and how classroom practice can make learning more memorable and meaningful.

A key focus of the day was Walkthrus, an evidence-based framework that breaks effective teaching strategies into clear, practical steps. Through collaborative workshops and reflective discussions, our teaching teams explored ways to strengthen instructional practice, create greater consistency across classrooms, and maximise student engagement.

The day offered valuable opportunities for teachers to reflect on their own practice while learning from both the research and one another. By connecting educational theory with practical classroom application, staff explored strategies designed to improve knowledge retention, deepen understanding, and support long-term academic success for every student.

Professional development is a cornerstone of excellence at BSG. As part of the Nord Anglia Education family, we are committed to investing in our teachers so they can provide outstanding learning experiences for every child. Engaging with the latest educational research allows us to continually refine our approach and ensure our teaching is informed by proven, evidence-based methods.

Welcoming Shane back to BSG was also a wonderful reminder of the strong educational community we have built over the years. His expertise, enthusiasm, and practical insights sparked meaningful conversations across our school and reinforced our shared commitment to delivering world-class education.

As we continue to embed these strategies into daily classroom practice, our focus remains clear: creating engaging, high-impact learning experiences that help every student thrive, achieve their potential, and develop a lifelong love of learning.