He once said:

“Instead of asking, ‘What is a thinking school?’, maybe the better question is, ‘What is a non-thinking school?’ After all, isn’t thinking an important part of learning? And isn’t learning the main purpose of school?”

He noted that research suggested that in many schools, students went through their entire school journey—around 15,000 hours—without actually being encouraged to think deeply. Instead of truly understanding what they’re learning, students often prepared for tests by memorising facts and practising exam techniques only. This meant that they never really stopped to think about why it matters or how it connects to the real world.

But there is another way—one that focusses on developing well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens who are prepared for life beyond school:

Non scholæ sed vitæ discimus
For life, not school, we learn.

Plymouth High School for Girls continuously strives to ensure that learning is not just about passing exams but about gaining the skills to navigate the real world with confidence and curiosity.

Research shows that putting thinking at the heart of education can be incredibly beneficial. It helps students learn more effectively, improves the school environment, and even benefits the wider community.

Plymouth High School for Girls is a place where everyone—students, teachers, and staff—makes a conscious effort to think carefully about what they do and why they do it. Focusing on why means learning how to think critically, creatively, and reflectively, and applying these skills to shape a meaningful curriculum. Here, students of all abilities develop independence, teamwork skills, and a love of learning. They not only achieve high academic results but also enjoy themselves. We strive to create a community where people treat each other with kindness and respect, leading to better wellbeing for both students and staff.

To make this happen, our whole community—including parents—needs to be on board. Our support staff, teachers and governors are specially trained, and thinking skills are embedded in all subjects. These skills also influence behaviour policies, administration, relationships within the school, and even how the school cares for the environment.

Being a Thinking School is an ongoing and deliberate effort, but the impact on students and the wider community can be truly transformational!

Plymouth High School for Girls is proud to work alongside the University of Exeter School of Education, Grounded Practice Educational Services and the Thinking Schools Academy Trust in order to constantly think about our thinking.

“An educational community in which all members share a common commitment to giving regular careful thought to everything that takes place. This involves both students and staff learning how to think reflectively, critically and creatively, and employing these skills and techniques in the co-construction of a meaningful curriculum and associated activities.

Successful outcomes are reflected in students across a wide range of abilities, demonstrating independent and co-operative learning skills, high levels of achievement and both enjoyment and satisfaction in learning.

Benefits will be shown in ways in which all members of the community interact with and show consideration for each other and in the positive psychological well-being of both students and staff.”