We don’t just teach children what to think. We teach them how.
Notting Hill Prep is proud to hold official Advanced Thinking School accreditation. A recognition awarded to institutions that promote thinking as a practiced skill rather than a secondary effect of a curriculum. Throughout their entire time with us at Notting Hill Prep, our students learn how to gather and evaluate their thoughts, weighing risks and reflecting on their own reasoning. Tools that can be applied both in school and beyond.
What “Thinking School” Actually Means
It’s easy to make claims about philosophy and approach to teaching. But to gain official recognition as a ‘Thinking School’ these must be substantiated and applied to everyday school life
This proof means:
- Taught explicitly — Not a bi-product of other lessons and concepts but built into lesson design.
- Consistent, Reception to Year 8 — Developed with the child year on year throughout their entire journey with Notting Hill Prep.
- Owned by the pupils themselves — Students can explain their thoughts and processes, not just regurgitate knowledge.
The key idea that runs through all of this is referred to as Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats. A simple framework that gives children the tools for their different ways of thinking, and the confidence to use each one intentionally depending on a learning scenario.
The Six Hats, in Plain English
Here is a quick guide for parents on what this entails, the six questions pupils are taught to ask themselves in every subject.
| Hat | Question It Asks | Looks Like in Class |
| 🤍 White | What are the facts? | Gathering data |
| ❤️ Red | What’s my gut feeling? | Voicing instinct |
| 🖤 Black | What could go wrong? | Spotting flaws and risks |
| 💛 Yellow | What’s the best case? | Finding value and benefits |
| 💚 Green | What else is possible? | Generating new ideas |
| 💙 Blue | How are we thinking? | Planning and reflecting |
See It in the Classroom
To further understand the ‘Thinking School’ you can see it in action. Here are some real examples of our philosophy in practice, exactly as your children will experience them.
