News

Take a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s been happening across the globe within the thinking community… and if you have any news you’d like to share – please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Thinking Frames in the EYFS

31 October 2022

How we can successfully implement these tools into EYFS was the focus of our last Drive Team meeting. Thinking Frames can be used with objects and images as well

Embedding the Science of Learning in the Curriculum

30 September 2022

Let’s step back for a minute, the brain’s intricate workings allow us to create huge works of art that wrap the coast of Sydney; to move our bodies to be able to flip backwards over a pole and see how high we can go; or to learn a new language. Teaching all students, in an age-appropriate way, the wonders of the brain sets them on a journey: to see themselves as life-long learners; to undertake a job that stretches their skills; to create new ideas; or use resilience when life takes an unexpected turn.

East Belfast Thinking Schools Collaboration Project

7 July 2022

Over the last 12 months, Thinking Matters designed and facilitated a bespoke online programme to meet the needs of a group of primary schools in East Belfast. Utilising funding provided by the Education Authority for collaborative professional learning, seven schools participated in this year-long Collaboration Project which provided An Introduction to Whole School Metacognition and Visual Tools.

What a Difference a Year Makes!

4 July 2022

Thinking Matters Consultant, Lorna Gardiner, recently met with Angela Sandow, Headteacher and Bex White, Assistant Headteacher and Drive Team Leader at Saxon Way Primary School to find out how they have taken forward the Thinking School approach during their first year and what impact they are seeing to date.

A personal ‘Thinking’ journey

24 March 2022

Written by Duncan Holland, Deputy Headteacher, Oaklands Junior School

“If we all think alike, no one is thinking.” ― Benjamin Franklin

Young Plato

24 March 2022

A film documentary by Neasa Ní Chainaín and Declan McGrath

A review by Lorna Gardiner, Consultant, Thinking Matters

Kenneth Branagh’s film ‘Belfast’ has received much critical acclaim and box office success, but another recently released film based in the city of Belfast is also worth a watch – especially for anyone interested in education.

Young Plato is an observational documentary which tells the story of a dedicated and charismatic school principal, Kevin McArevey, who introduced the teaching of Philosophy as a way of encouraging students to think critically and creatively, outside their existing community mindsets.

Cadle Primary School – Our journey so far…

23 March 2022

In October 2019, one of our senior teachers attended a workshop that introduced Thinking Matters and a whole school approach to metacognition at the National Education show in Cardiff. The clear links between the Thinking School approach and the new Curriculum for Wales excited us so, as a leadership team, we decided to do some further research.

Fear is the Mind Killer

8 December 2021

‘Fear is the Mind Killer: Why Learning to Learn Deserves Lesson time – and how to make it work for your pupils’ By Dr James Mannion and Kate McAllister (2020), published by John Catt.

A book review by Dr Dave Walters, BA Ed Hons, MPhil Ed, EdD

Farewell and Thank You!

7 December 2021

Richard Cummins retires after 20 years of founding, leading and growing Thinking Matters – he leaves a lasting legacy.

Thinking for the Future

7 December 2021

East Sheen Primary School was re-accredited as a Thinking School in March 2021 while the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to require us all to think flexibly, think together and listen with understanding and empathy.

Scroll to Top