We’re delighted to share that New Horizons Primary School has been awarded Thinking Schools accreditation by the University of Exeter, joining other schools within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust in gaining Thinking School status
As part of the Trust, New Horizons Primary School has a unique and effective approach to learning and education. The Academy provides students with the skillset and tools needed to think in a variety of ways and become lifelong learners. These transferrable ‘Thinking Tools’ prepare students for a range of situations that they may face as part of modern society.
Thinking Schools at Exeter leads the way in research in Metacognition, Thinking Skills, Creativity and Dialogue in Education, providing a structure for schools to become recognised Thinking Schools. New Horizons Primary School has worked hard to weave this framework into everyday life at the school, and this was recognised throughout the school’s assessment and subsequent accreditation.
The University of Exeter said in their report, “The school’s Thinking School journey started in earnest in 2019/20 and since then, NHP has gone from strength to strength with its work surrounding metacognitive development.”
“A number of foci have been skilfully introduced and embedded. Of particular note is the effective development of the Frame of Reference aligned to Thinking Maps. This is illustrative of the school’s commitment to foster deep thinking for all pupils.”
“Pupils at NHP have an history of excellent pupil progress. This is extremely impressive given the high percentage of pupils beginning school with lower-than-average starting points.”
“The school is relentless in pursuing high standards of achievement. However, it is lifelong holistic learning that is placed at the core of the educational provision at the school and not just the end result. Subject specific learning sits alongside wider dimensions such as the development of psychological wellbeing and dispositional growth.”
Joanne McVicar, who led the school’s application to achieve the Thinking Schools Accreditation, said:
“It’s a big relief to receive this accreditation but it’s also really exciting as we have been working really hard for this moment for quite a long period of time. Everyone from across the school have really pulled together to achieve this moment, so I’m really pleased about that. It’s a great accolade for us and demonstrates our commitment to supporting children’s learning and life chances.”
“As we’re part of the Thinking Schools family, we’re now more aligned with the rest of the schools within the Trust [as an accredited Thinking School]. The children now feel an even stronger part of that family because, you can go to any Thinking School across the city and beyond, and know what to expect. We all think, breath, and believe the same ethos of how we work in the school – while maintaining our own identity – so the children know what to expect.”
Jack Jones, Deputy Headteacher at the school, said:
“I am so proud of the joint efforts of staff and students, whose hard work over these last three years has resulted in us receiving this fantastic accolade. We have worked extremely hard to ensure that Thinking is a true part of life at New Horizons Primary School, and I look forward to working towards the advanced accreditation in the future.”
Natalie Sheppard, Director of Education for Portsmouth at Thinking Schools Academy Trust, said:
“I want to congratulate the staff for all of the efforts they have put into helping New Horizons Primary School become a Thinking School, learning about these tools and imparting that knowledge to the students within their classes. This school has been on quite a journey over the years, but now when you look around the school, you can clearly see the signs of the Thinking School approach, as many of the students are engaged in active learning, and that’s the difference a Thinking School makes.”
