The late Professor Bob Burden, arguably the first educator to coin the phrase 'a Thinking School' back in 2006, had a definition which still underpins Exeter University’s accreditation requirements today:
‘an educational community in which all members share a common
commitment to giving regular careful thought to everything that takes
place. This will involve both students and staff learning how to think
reflectively, critically and creatively, and to employing these skills
and techniques in the co-construction of a meaningful curriculum and
associated activities. Successful outcomes will be reflected in
student’s across a wide range of abilities demonstrating independent and
co-operative learning skills, high levels of achievement and both
enjoyment and satisfaction in learning. Benefits will be shown in ways
in which all members of the community interact with and show
consideration for each other and in the positive psychological
well-being of both students and staff.’ (Burden, 2006)
Richard Cummins, CEO of Thinking Matters, describes a Thinking School in the following video -
A fuller and deeper exploration of what makes a school a 'Thinking School' can be seen here - Thinking Schools - What are they?