Thinking Schools - Spring Newsletter

Another busy term is coming to a close, packed with highlights from around the Thinking School Network ...

Northern Ireland Meta Meets

I am just back from a few days visiting schools in Northern Ireland where Priory Integrated College (PIC) hosted the most fantastic ‘Meta Meet’. Schools from around the country, as well as the Isle of Man were treated to an overview from Principal, Nicola Wilson and Drive Team Lead, Dierdre Scarlett, of how PIC have built their community’s culture and commitment to the co-development of thinkers and learners.

PIC teachers showcased how they use various metacognitive tools to support deep learning and three pupils eloquently demonstrated how apply these tools and learning approaches to help with their exam preparation. The impact on outcomes has been outstanding, MAGIC even (Minimum Attainment Grade If Challenged)!! This is PIC’s approach to making each pupil aware of their targets – the metacognitive cycle of Plan-Monitor-Evaluate in action…

If your school would like to host a Meta Meet or showcase some of your practice to the network via a video/audio or written snippet then please let us know.

Critical Thinking Focus

Talking of Northern Ireland’s finest, Ashgrove Primary School recently teamed up with Aylesbury High School, Buckinghamshire’s only all-girls grammar school, to deliver a series of webinars showcasing their approaches to explicitly develop critical thinking in their learners.

Click below for course information

Oracy Focus

It’s never too early to develop oracy – but how can it be effectively introduced in an infant setting? The inspiring Liesel Jacobs from Stanley Park Infant School generously shared how they’ve put their approach into practice. You can read more about it here.

Click below for course information

** Thinking School Network Members can access the webinars and a wide range of other critical thinking resources via the Member’s dashboard.

Thinking School Accreditation

CONGRATULATIONS to St Marie’s Catholic Primary School, near Wigan, who recently achieved their Level One accreditation as a Thinking School from Exeter University.

“ Thinking serves as a ‘golden thread’ throughout the whole school ”

Thinking School Network Membership

For schools seeking support with their Exeter Thinking School accreditation, becoming a member of the Thinking Schools Network is just one of the many benefits. One of the Thinking Matters team will guide you through every step of the journey and you’ll gain access to our software, which makes the process of gathering and submitting evidence SO much easier. If you are passionate about developing meta-learners – you’ll find a valuable community and a wealth of resources by becoming part of the network.

Five Go 'Bildung' in Norway

I’m heading off to Norway this week, and to prepare myself for the trip, I’ve been inspired by the research from Oslo Met University, which highlights the positive impact the Thinking School approach is having on schools in the region …

Thinking Frames & Metacognitive Tools for SEND Practitioners

… which only leaves me to remind those of you who are interested to sign up and join the May cohort of how the Thinking Frames to support SEND learners.

New course dates:

Session 1 – 3.45 – 5.45 pm – 1st May, 2025
Session 2 – 3:45 – 5:45 pm – 15th May, 2025
Session 3 – 3:45 – 5:45 pm – 19th Jun, 2025