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Advanced Accredited Thinking School

A Cognitive Approach to Education

As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, we take pride in the unique approach we take to education: we provide our children with the skills and tools they need to think in a variety of ways and become lifelong learners. The transferrable Thinking Tools that we teach our pupils are designed to prepare them for the range of scenarios, dilemmas and circumstances that they may face in later life as part of modern society.

The University of Exeter’s School of Education – which leads the way in research on Metacognition, Thinking Skills and Creativity – provides a framework for schools to become recognised Thinking Schools. We recently received our Level 2, Advanced Thinking Accreditation status. It is testament ot the application of both staff and students to the Thinking School philosophy that The Academy has now joined the few to have received this prestigious accreditation. 

The University of Exeter’s report highlights a wide range of other strengths, including:

  • The school has a clear vision of the attributes that it wants all children to develop and is relentless in its pursuit of this vision
  • It is clear that The Victory Academy has an exceptional commitment to its continued development as a Thinking School, both in terms of ethos and pedagogy
  • Pupils at The Victory Academy have a recent history of high achieving in a holistic sense and so the school has an enviable reputation in this regard
  • The Pupil Voice is a strong part of the learning culture of the school and means that teachers can identify what works best, for whom, under what circumstances, how and why

What is a Thinking School?

A Thinking School is unique in their focus to share with your child the tools to become a life-long learner, and to develop the best possible habits for success in life. It is an educational community which involves both students and staff learning how to think reflectively, critically and creatively. 

We want every student in our schools to be inquisitive and confident in themselves. Our thinking toolkit is how we support them through this journey. These tools are used in tandem with an approach to teaching that instils a growth mindest and ‘can do’ attitude. Through their time in a Thinking School, students will develop the right habits to ensure they are successful throughout education and beyond.

More information on Thinking Schools, including our ‘Habits of Mind’ and ‘CoRT Tools’ can be found on our Trust website: https://www.tsatrust.org.uk/what-is-a-thinking-school/

Thinking Maps

Thinking Maps are eight graphic organisers that foster students’ abilities to see connections across their studies and encourage lifelong learning. Taken together they form a visual language of learning that is shared by staff and students.

Thinking Maps – A Guide

Thinking Keys

Thinkers' Keys are a set of twenty different ways of approaching an issue or subject designed to engage and motivate learners in a range of thinking activities.

Thinking Keys- A Guide

Thinking Hats

The 6 Thinking Hats each represent a different type of Thinking. They are used in lessons to encourage students to think carefully and critically – encouraging them to think beyond their own perspectives and holistically respond to situations rather than only using one type of Thinking.

Thinking Hats - A Guide