Teachers at The Whitehaven Academy have been recognised for their hard work after completing a course to raise the quality of teaching.

The Outstanding Teaching Intervention, delivered by Osiris Educational, focuses on three modules to improve teaching: engagement, feedback and challenging learning.

After completing the training sessions teachers were filmed three times in action, and then given individual feedback on their lessons.

Andrea Bateson, acting headteacher, said: "We chose 10 members of staff who we thought would really benefit. The level of commitment has been absolutely brilliant. The buzz they have had from doing it has been amazing."

At a celebration event to mark the teachers completing the training, staff spoke positively about the programme.

David Thomas, modern foreign languages teacher, said: "It's been an interesting and rewarding experience filming myself.

"There are some valuable insights to be gained from looking back at your class as an outsider and seeing what they see looking at you. You see things when you watch back on the film that you don't see when you're in the class.

"It's nice to be able to talk through and dissect your lessons with somebody and help work out solutions."

Clare Dawson, maths teacher, said: "I really enjoyed the programme. It validates what you do right in the classroom and gives you some additional ideas to improve upon what you do. It makes you work smarter.

"The programme has allowed me to be a bit more confident. It's pushed me in terms of what I'm prepared to try in the classroom. It's made me use a bit more technology. The students got more challenging lessons so they're becoming better problem solvers."

Matt Garrett, history teacher, said: "It's something that I have really enjoyed. I think there are a lot of things that I have picked up and a lot of things that I have learned. I'm not that far out of my training and I couldn't believe how many helpful tips and ideas came from this. It's been very positive for me."

Carmel Bones, who delivered the training on behalf of Osiris Educational, said: "You guys have been the Whitehaven pioneers. You were all so professional and realised very quickly this was all about the learning. You have taken risks. Everybody has tried the ideas and more. This will help you throughout your whole career.

"The students have been an absolute delight. They are so polite, so well-behaved, so smart. I'm delighted to be able to help because they deserve it."

A second cohort of teachers will complete the training in September.