The DVS 4-Step Instructional Cycle
Every DVS lesson follows the same proven four-step structure: explicit instruction, guided practice, independent practice and assessment-driven feedback.
The cycle that drives every lesson
Each of the four steps has a defined purpose, a defined teacher behaviour and a defined student output. No step is skipped and no step is rushed.
Explicit Instruction
The teacher delivers clear, structured direct instruction on the lesson's topic. New concepts are explained methodically with worked examples. The teacher models thinking aloud — making their reasoning visible.
Students are expected to be present and engaged. Questions from students are answered during this phase — not deferred to the end. The teacher checks comprehension with targeted questions before proceeding.
Explains, models, questions, checks — never just reads from slides.
Guided Practice
The teacher and students work through practice problems together. Students contribute answers and reasoning; the teacher provides immediate corrective feedback. This is not passive — students are called upon by name.
Mistakes made during guided practice are treated as learning data, not failures. The teacher uses errors to identify where the explanation needs to be re-delivered or approached from a different angle.
Calls students by name, corrects errors immediately, adjusts explanation based on response patterns.
Independent Practice & Homework
Students complete homework exercises independently, applying what was taught without teacher guidance. This is the critical step that consolidates learning and reveals genuine gaps in understanding.
Homework is submitted via the student portal by a stated deadline. Late submissions are flagged in the parent dashboard. Work is not accepted without consequence beyond 3 days of the deadline.
Work completed without parent assistance, submitted on time, with all parts attempted — even if not all are correct.
Assessment & Feedback
All submitted work is marked within 5 working days and returned with a grade and written commentary. The commentary specifies exactly where marks were lost, which concept the error reveals, and what the student should review.
Students who score below 60% on a chapter assessment are offered a targeted support session and a reassessment opportunity. Progression does not occur until mastery is demonstrated.
Written comments on every submission — minimum 3 sentences explaining strengths, errors and next steps.
Tools that support teaching, not replace it
Interactive Whiteboard
Teachers use a shared digital whiteboard in every live class for worked examples, diagrams and real-time student contributions.
Session Recordings
Every class is recorded and uploaded to the student portal within 2 hours of class end. Students can rewatch at any time to reinforce understanding.
Digital Submission
All homework and assessments are submitted digitally via the student portal. Deadlines are enforced automatically and late submissions are flagged to parents instantly.
Book a counselling session
Our academic counsellors can walk you through how our methodology works for your child's specific year group and subject needs.