Thinking School

Thinking School Status and Cognitive Education

Redden Court School is proud to be recognised as a centre for best practice in the field of Cognitive Education. We achieved accreditation as a Thinking School by the University of Exeter in April 2013 and were just one of twenty secondary schools to be so designated at this time. We are currently working towards our re-accreditation and are developing our website so that all information can be made available to everybody in our school community.

A Thinking School – One Definition

A Thinking School is ‘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 students 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) 

Outreach and Support

Redden Court School values the importance of making strong links with other schools. Primary liaison has played an important role in the way that we promote thinking skills within the community. We have also been known to share good practice with other Secondary Schools in the borough as well as provide training for the Havering Teacher Training Partnership.  For more information contact the Thinking Skills Coordinator, Miss Buntrock. 

Thinking Skills - Form Time

We believe form time is an extremely valuable part of the school day and should be used to assist students with their learning. Form timetables have now been introduced for KS3 that include a day dedicated to developing cognition. Form Tutors are provided with various materials that allow students to develop their thinking skills during form time.  

Each form time activity allows students to develop metacognition and develop an appreciation and understanding of themselves as learners. Developing a growth mindset is a core principle of the form time activities and the teaching and learning culture at Redden Court School. Although a more formal programme is outlined for KS3, the key principles of metacognition are promoted and embraced by both staff and students (across all years) at the school.