16th November 2023The Journey to Accreditation
Our Journey
In September 2012, Barton Court Grammar School started its journey towards becoming a “Thinking School”. The accreditation process took place in March 2015 with an outstanding outcome. In July 2017, February 2021 and 2023, Barton Court received the prestigious status of “Advanced Thinking School” from the University of Exeter and is now working in partnership with Thinking Matters. Barton Court is also a Hub Thinking School in Kent and provides training to both primary and secondary schools interested in metacognitive education.
"A Thinking School is a school that puts the teaching of thinking at the heart of learning."
So, what is a Thinking School?
“A learning community in which all members share a common language; where thinking strategies and tools are used across the curriculum and teachers and students have sound understanding of metacognition; where all students are developing and demonstrating independent and cooperative learning skills; where the school generates high levels of achievement and an excitement and enthusiasm for learning” (Thinking School International)
Why become a Thinking School?
- It has, at its heart, a complete focus on transforming learning rather than just teaching.
- It has sustainability.
- If successful it creates a common language of learning.
- Students use thinking tools independently.
- It has helped create an environment of “continuous improvement” and striving for the next challenge.
