East Sheen Primary School was first accredited as a Thinking School in September 2017, following a three-year journey to introduce and embed this innovative methodology. In 2021, the school was proudly re-accredited and received an Award of Excellence. We are thrilled to have been re-accredited once again in 2024, with the continued recognition of our excellence.

You can read our latest report here. 

At East Sheen Primary School, we use three key tools across the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning: Thinking Maps, Thinking Hats, and Habits of Mind. This whole-school approach creates a shared language and framework that empowers children to talk explicitly about their thinking and recognise the different types of thinking they can apply.

The eight Thinking Maps help students organise their thoughts, whether they're planning stories, classifying information, understanding relationships, or analysing cause and effect. The Thinking Hats encourage children to approach tasks from different perspectives. For example, the white hat prompts them to focus on facts, while the red hat allows them to express emotions.

We also teach 16 Habits of Mind, which nurture the essential skills and attitudes needed for lifelong learning. Children are encouraged to reflect on their thinking, recognise their strengths, identify areas for improvement, set personal goals, and celebrate their achievements.

We’re proud to be a Thinking School and love how it supports our students in becoming thoughtful, reflective learners!

You can find out more about Thinking Schools here, and read about us in the press here.