For what its worth...
I trained at one of the most well known European integrated flight training schools and although I started with a decent foundation in effects of controls, circuits, stalls etc, everyone (myself included) was forced to re-do the straight and level lesson first and then medium turns, climbing and descending lesson by lesson. I guess this is to ensure that everyone had been taught in the exact same techniques and put everyone on a level playing field. Their argument was that a solid foundation in these basic skills was key to good instrument flying technique. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think this is the way that all of the large flying schools will play it. Some instructors will vary of course, but this will probably be their official policy.