Thinking Matters

Our recent online Thinking School Network Drive Team Meeting looked at how to use Metacognitive Visual Tools to develop Phonics & Spelling. This shortened video shows some of what was discussed https://vimeo.com/1186980010?fl=pl&fe=sh. The full video gives ideas on:

Using trays to ‘define’ and collect objects that start with the sound ….
Categorising tricky words in a game of “Trash or Treasure”
Connecting letter sounds
Part-Whole word building kit

… and more! A big thank you to Laura Hinde – reception teacher at Bickley Primary School, Bexley and Katie McConvey from Ashgrove Primary School, Newtonabbey for sharing their wonderful practice.

MVT - Phonics & Spelling - Drive Team Meet Teaser - March 26 This is "MVT - Phonics & Spelling - Drive Team Meet Teaser - March 26" by Thinking Matters on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

The Festival of Metacognition 2026 is officially open for bookings! Focussing specifically on classroom practice our 2026 theme is 'Pure Practical' - you’ll see high-impact, real-world insights directly from the school leaders and teachers who are making metacognition and self-regulated learning happen every day.
- Visit three different Thinking Schools to see metacognition in action in the classroom.
- Share Teacher-to-Teacher Wisdom: Attend short, impactful sessions focused on self-regulation and independent thinking.
- Experience Hands-on Growth: Practical workshops, high-level CPD, and networking with a community of innovative educators.

This is more than just a conference; it’s a two-day deep dive into the best practices of the Thinking School Network. BOOK NOW! - www.festivalofmetacognition.com

We were thrilled to welcome Holy Child Primary School and Nursery Unit, Derry as members of the Thinking School Network last term. We enjoyed a great day with their whole staff introducing the approach and the as Metacognitive Visual Tools and look forward to sharing their journey in the months ahead.

"Thank you for a fantastic session, so informative and engaging" ... we love to receive feedback like this message, received following our Introduction to Oracy and Metacognition online course. We enjoyed some fabulous discussion and sharing of ideas with this cohort of participants, thank you to all who joined us. You can find out more about the course here https://www.thinkingmatters.com/professional-development/developing-oracy-in-meta-learners

Live, online course April/May 2026 - Thinking Frames, Metacognitive Tools and Resources for SEND Practitioners

In this short professional development course, we show you how to maximise the use of visual tools (including Thinking Frames) to develop metacognition and enable learners with SEND to scaffold, communicate, process and recall their thinking. Book via this link https://r1.ddlnk.net/75QJ-3HIAO-32/sv.aspx

We were thrilled to take part in the Education Insights event earlier this term focusing on Metacognition. What a great opportunity to share experience and knowledge on empowering learners to understand and manage their own cognitive processes - with some fantastic take aways to help our learners thrive. Loved seeing so many amazing schools there including Sir John Heron Primary School, Notting Hill Prep and Balgowan Primary. Check out this short video https://youtu.be/f2p82gWs6AY?si=JsIlEN8n8pVcD1o-

SAVE THE DATE - 22nd and/or 23rd June 2026 - Festival of Metacognition - Canterbury & Bromley, Kent. Festival Theme: 'Pure Practical' - This year we are leaving the researchers and theorists at home. So no key notes - just short, impactful inputs from school leaders and teachers who develop metacognitive, self-regulating learners, every day in their own classrooms across the Thinking School Network. Register your interest here - https://forms.gle/a4v2sSEsQdJT6NQu5

Many congratulations to St Patrick's College, Maghera who have recently been awarded Thinking School status from the University of Exeter - St Patrick's is the second post primary school in NI and the first CCMS school to achieve the award. A fantastic achievement. Along with the College Drive Team's hard work and vision, it takes the involvement of all staff and pupils to embed a strong thinking culture across the College ... they have clearly embraced developing a whole‑school culture of effective thinking and learning.

Our staff session focused on the power of visual tools and questioning at Corran Integrated Primary School and Nursery, 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

We were back again with the staff of Ballynahinch Primary School & Nursery, Co Down to delve deeper into the topic of using metacognitive tools to support reading development. There was fantastic participation in activities and depth of thinking as we modelled use of some , and - looking forward to next month's twilight!

Productive day at Ballinderry Primary School! We joined forces with the school's Drive Team to turn "Science of Learning" theory into a practical roadmap for their pupils. From defining meta-learning to planning for the future, this team is ready to lead the way. Great things ahead! 👏