Creating a Thinking School

A PROGRAMME OF SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING THE AWARD OF 'THINKING SCHOOL' STATUS BY THE CENTRE FOR COGNITIVE EDUCATION AT EXETER UNIVERSITY

Many schools teach thinking skills in some form or another. However, an increasing number are taking a more coherent whole-school approach and recognising that a change in culture will bring far greater rewards. The Centre for Cognitive Education at Exeter University, Imaginative Minds Ltd., publishers of Teaching Thinking and Creativity, and Kestrel Consulting, leading thinking skills trainers, have collaborated to develop a coherent programme of training and evaluation, which brings together years of experience in research, evaluation, curriculum development consultancy and training.

The unique Thinking School Programme is outlined below. We will work with schools, in a long-term relationship, to create an enhanced learning culture of intellectual encouragement leading to effective thinking and deep learning. Our international links enable us to draw on the experience of leading experts such as Gill Hubble from New Zealand and Dr David Hyerle from the United States. We also have links with schools and organisations in Britain who have made significant contributions to the field of critical and creative thinking.

THE THINKING SCHOOL PROGRAMME

Planning

The first and most important step is to help you assess what you already do and work with you on a strategic plan. This will be done in partnership with your teaching and learning development team. The aim will be to help your school community build a culture that supports quality thinking and independent learning.

Implementation

After discussion with you about your needs, an experienced consultant will be assigned to your school to provide support and guidance throughout the whole process of implementing the strategic plan and arranging appropriate training for staff. The menu of training opportunities we can offer includes modules on:

• Teaching learners to use effective tools and strategies to develop quality thinking.
• Making learning more reflective through philosophy and metacognition.
• Developing a school culture where Habits of Mind such as curiosity and persistence flourish.
• Helping learners to understand rich concepts and essential questions in all subjects.
• Evaluating and assessing teaching and learning for better thinking.

Formal Recognition as a Thinking School

The Centre for Cognitive Education at Exeter University will provide you with a means by which you can assess your school's progress towards becoming a Thinking School following this process of planning, implementation and review. If you can meet the criteria developed by Exeter University you can apply for a certificate of recognition from the university as a Thinking School and will receive a mark to add to school literature. This mark will include the university logo.

Partnership

We will work with you throughout the process of you acquiring 'Thinking School' status and creating a culture where thinking and learning can flourish. We will also link you with other schools that have made similar commitments. We consider that two years is a likely timescale to work together.

For further information contact us