National Thinking Schools Network
Ten more schools have joined the national network in the last three weeks. There are now 180 schools across the country in the network and all are taking a whole-school approach to the teaching of thinking.
Three more schools have gained recognition from the University of Exeter. Whitchurch Middle School, Harrow, Ernehale Infants, Nottingham, and Newton Ferrers, Devon.
For more information about the unique approach to the teaching of thinking and the impact this is having on attainment, motivation and independent learning click here: The Thinking Schools' programme
Thinking Maps
450 teachers will be trained in the use of Thinking Maps in September in schools in Durham, South Wales, Kent and Hampshire.
This will bring the total number of teachers across the UK trained to use Thinking Maps to over 6000.
For more information about these valuable tools contact Kestrel.
Kestrel Education
Working in partnership with the University of Exeter, Kestrel provides on-going practical support to schools, while the university offers research and evaluation opportunities and assesses schools wishing to gain accreditation.
Kestrel is the only UK organisation able to offer accredited training in Thinking Maps.
All Kestrel's consultants are accredited trainers in the major thinking tools.
Kestrel's training is endorsed by Art Costa, developer of Habits of Mind.
Kestrel will be training in Sutton, Slough, Highgate - London, Buckinghamshire, Manchester and Cornwall.
Inset Opportunities Click here
Kestrel is the only UK organisation able to offer accredited training in Write from the Beginning. Click here for details.
180 schools across England and Wales have embarked upon the Creating a Thinking School programme. Having achieved the criteria set by the University of Exeter, 36 have now gained recognition as Thinking Schools.
For further information contact Richard Cummins on 01793 790052 or email admin@thinkingschool.co.uk
'Staff support students very effectively to develop their thinking skills and independence.'
Watford Grammar School for Girls
'Beechwood Primary School provides an outstanding quality of education. It's identity as a 'Thinking School' is at the heart of it's work, whether it is encouraging children to think about others or to think things out for themselves.'
Beechwood Primary School, Halton
'Effective questioning techniques ensured that all were suitably challenged and encouraged to develop their thinking skills'
Holy Trinity Catholic Media Arts College, Birmingham
'The excellent progress made by pupils in developing their thinking skills has a marked effect on their personal development and the standards they attain'
Spinney Avenue CE Primary, Halton
'The school provides a curriculum that focuses strongly on improving language and thinking skills'
Hallwood Park Primary School, Halton
'The current focus on developing pupils' thinking skills is making learning more interesting and purposeful and is contributing to the rise in standards'.
Three Bridges Primary School, Ealing
'The pupils are successfully encouraged to be as independent as possible because teachers encourage them to take the lead in their learning'
Charles Kingsley's Primary School, Hampshire
'All subjects benefit form the use of Thinking Maps which are part of a newly initiated Thinking Schools Programme'
The Swaminarayan Prep School, Neasden
'An outstanding feature is the focus on "thinking skills" across the school. This plays a significant role n teaching pupils how to learn effectively. It is an important factor in the good progress they make and in their preparation for secondary school and later life'
St. Mary's Junior School, Sutton
'Science, Music, the Arts and Sport have a high priority in the curriculum, as do English, Mathematics and the development of Thinking Skills'
Stanley Park Infants School, Sutton
'The school has embraced Teaching and Learning initiatives such as Learning to Learn, Assessment for Learning and the development of Thinking Skills and Accelerated Learning, in a successful and coordinated way. These have made good impact in lessons'
Ridgeway School, Swindon
'Good emphasis on the developement of pupils' thinking skills and upon the use of questions to act as someone to understand (philosopher) is having a good effect on every pupils learning'
Woodnewton Learning Community, Corby
'The school focuses on helping pupils to think about how they learn and what they need to do to improve their knowledge and understanding. This approach is largely successful when pupils answer questions or explain. They work thoughtfully and think about what else they might do to help make them make better progress'
Burraton Primary School, Saltash
'The use of strategies to develop thinking is outstanding. Teachers' questioning is highly skilled. Teachers' use of strategies such as Q Matrix and Blooms Taxonomy ensure high levels of questioning'
Christ the King Primary School, Cardiff (Estyn Report)