Supporting schools to take an explicit, evidence informed, whole school approach to developing pupils’ cognitive capabilities & intelligent learning behaviours.

Joined May 2012
601 Photos and videos
Want to hear how Ashgrove Primary built their Thinking School culture? Their Principal, Robert Smith, will be sharing their blueprint live at the Festival of Metacognition, Canterbury, 22nd June. Come and learn from the best. Grab your tickets below! 👇 festivalofmetacognition.com/👇
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Congrats to Ashgrove Primary in Co. Antrim! The University of Exeter has officially recognised them as a "world class... transformative holistic educational leader" joining NI’s elite tier of ADVANCED Accredited Thinking Schools.
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AND ... further to our last post - it is naturally fitting that Barton Manor School are hosting the 2026 Festival of Metacognition on 22 June - find out more and book festivalofmetacognition.com
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Fantastic news! Huge congratulations to Barton Manor School for achieving Thinking School status from the University of Exeter! It takes a whole-school effort from the Drive Team, staff, and pupils to embed this culture of effective thinking. Brilliant work! #thinkingschools
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BOOK NOW - Festival of Metacognition 2026 - 22 & 23 Jun 2026. Come for one day or both! Focussing specifically on classroom practice our 2026 theme is 'Pure Practical' festivalofmetacognition.com #metacognition #EducationMatters #thinkingschools #SelfRegulatedLearning #TeacherCPD
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Check out this cut version from our latest Thinking School Network Drive Team Meeting looking at how to use Metacognitive Visual Tools to develop Phonics & Spelling. vimeo.com/1186980010?fl=pl&f…. The full video, for TSN Members only, shows more! #thinkingschools #metacognitivetools
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Festival of Metacognition 2026 is open for bookings! This year, we’re focussing specifically on classroom practice with the theme 'Pure Practical' This is more than just a conference; it’s a two-day deep dive into the best practice of #ThinkingSchools festivalofmetacognition.com
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We were thrilled to welcome Holy Child Primary, Derry as members of the Thinking School Network last term. We enjoyed a great day with their whole staff introducing the #ThinkingSchool approach and #ThinkingFrames as Metacognitive Visual Tools and look forward to sharing more!
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Back at Moira Primary School recently for a brilliant twilight session! We reviewed their amazing progress with metacognition and introduced new Thinking Routines. The staff’s "Chalk Talk" session was a highlight—so much impact to celebrate! #ThinkingRoutines #ThinkingSchools
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"Thank you for a fantastic session, so informative and engaging" - We love to receive feedback like this message, received after our Intro to Oracy & Metacognition online course. Some great discussion and ideas with this cohort - thanks to all who joined! thinkingmatters.com/professi…
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Live, online course April/May 2026 - Thinking Frames, Metacognitive Tools and Resources for SEND Practitioners. Maximise visual tools to develop metacognition and enable SEND learners to scaffold, communicate, process and recall their thinking. Book here r1.ddlnk.net/75QJ-3HIAO-32/s…
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We were thrilled to take part in the Education Insights event earlier this term focusing on Metacognition. Loved seeing so many amazing schools there including Sir John Heron Primary School, Notting Hill Prep and Balgowan Primary. youtu.be/f2p82gWs6AY?si=JsIl… #metacognition
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SAVE THE DATE - 22/23 Jun '26 - Festival of Metacognition. 'Pure Practical' This year we are leaving researchers and theorists at home. Just short, impactful inputs from teachers who develop metacognitive, self-regulating learners every day! To register forms.gle/a4v2sSEsQdJT6NQu5
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Many congratulations to St Patrick's College, Maghera on their Thinking School status award from Exeter Uni. St Patrick's is the second post primary school in NI and the first CCMS school to achieve the award. A fantastic achievement #thinkingschools #ThinkingMatters #WholeSchool
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Our staff session focused on the power of visual tools and questioning at Corran Integrated Primary School, with some fabulous discussion and ideas shared. Great also, to meet the new principal, Claire Mulholland and share the work of the Thinking School Network #visualtools
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We were back again @BallynahinchPS to delve deeper into metacognitive tools to support reading development. Fantastic participation in activities and depth of thinking as we modelled use of some #VisibleThinkingRoutines, #ThinkingFrames, #socraticquestioning
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A focused day at Ballinderry Primary School! Together with the school's Drive Team we turned Science of Learning theory into a practical roadmap for pupils. From defining meta-learning to planning for the future, this team is ready to lead the way! #metalearning #thinkingschools
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Incredible creativity at Killicomaine JHS! From escape rooms, marble runs to a surprise staff play, their 'off-timetable' launch of #HabitsOfMind was next level. Our local consultant was so impressed we’ve recorded the Drive Team session to share with #ThinkingSchools Stay tuned.
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We create bespoke training programmes to integrate metacognitive approaches with other school priorities!We are taking this approach with @BallynahinchPS -exploring the use of metacognitive strategies to support children's reading development. #thinkingmatters #bespoketraining
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r1.ddlnk.net/75QJ-34GZ7-32/s… Metacognitive Tools for Critical Thinking - A short, live online course. For Primary and Secondary teachers to help students become independent thinkers and problem solvers. Mod 1: Mar 5th, 3:45 - 5:45 pm Mod 2: 23rd Mar, 3:45 - 5:45 pm
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