A Thinking School
Learning how to learn
NHP has been a Thinking School since 2014 and achieved accreditation as an Advanced Thinking School by the Cognitive Education Development Unit of the University of Exeter in March 2021. We are currently the only Advanced Thinking School within the primary school category in England.
A Thinking School is one in which teachers and pupils have a deep understanding of how to learn and think effectively. This approach lies at the heart of all teaching and learning at NHP.
Questioning and knowledge
Build both knowledge and application of knowledge
A Thinking School understands that both these functions are fundamental to a successful education. A question is almost always the first stage in the learning process. But a question cannot exist without prior knowledge. At NHP, teachers make the questions visible, both in the way they organise their teaching, and the way they draw out questions from the pupils themselves. In this way, they can build both knowledge and the all important application of knowledge.
The process of learning
Learn and develop by failing and trying again
We celebrate the process of learning just as much as the outcomes. The right kinds of mistakes are encouraged and our pupils learn and develop by failing and trying again. A Thinking School curriculum ensures resilience and flexible thinking and so, when exams and tests do come along, our pupils see them as opportunities rather than threats.
In the classroom
Ideas and strategies to ensure a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere
NHP has a Thinking School drive team dedicated to honing and enhancing teaching practice within the School. It monitors and applies new pedagogical ideas and strategies to ensure a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere in the classroom where all our teachers aim to ignite fires that will burn for life.
Our pupils develop an awareness of themselves as learners from as early as Reception through a variety of strategies which will become second nature to them during their time with us. Their Thinking School toolbox includes such things as Thinking Maps, De Bono’s Thinking Hats, Philosophy for Children (P4C) and our NHP Habits and Values.
For more information about Thinking Schools, please see www.thinkingmatters.com