By embedding this approach, the college empowers students not only to achieve academic excellence but also to develop essential lifelong thinking skills that will support them well beyond their school years.
A cognitive approach to teaching and learning promotes the use of ‘Thinking Tools’ such as De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to help students in being more productive, focused, and mindfully involved in their work.
Other tools such as ‘Thinking Maps’ and ‘Habits of Mind’ help students solve problems, make decisions and become critical thinkers. Its focus is to enable learners to really think about their thinking.
Brixham College, based on Higher Ranscombe Road is a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT), which leads 26 primary and secondary schools across Medway, Essex, Kent, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Torbay.
The school joined the Thinking Schools Academy Trust in 2022 and soon after began its journey towards a Thinking School status. Brixham College is now one of 19 schools within the Trust to receive this prestigious accolade.
In its report, the University of Exeter highlighted the school’s robust implementation of cognitive strategies, noting:
"From the evidence presented, it is clear that Thinking Skills are embedded within the culture of Brixham College. Curriculum policy documents and plans clearly map out a thinking strategy that subsequently feeds into teaching strategies, moving thinking approaches from policy to practice."
A highlight of the accreditation process was the leadership’s dedication to cognitive education, with the report noting:
"The values-led Principal and his team have fully embraced cognitive education and have ensured that finance and resources are geared towards high-quality training for all staff."
“There is a specific organic Change Management Plan designed to secure the wide-spread use of thinking tools across the college. The range of cognitive developments indicates that plans are aspirational and designed to empower children to progressively take ownership of their cognitive development.”
Furthermore, the report emphasised the impact of this approach on students’ learning experiences:
"The college is clear that the focus on cognitive development through a whole-college consistent approach to learning has improved children’s attitudes, increased their enjoyment, developed their independence, contributed to high-quality teaching, and led to better student progress."
Lisa Redfern, Vice Principal at Brixham College who led the application for Brixham College, commented on the achievement:
“We have worked hard to embed thinking tools into every aspect of school life, and the impact has been incredible.
"I see it in the way our students tackle challenges; not giving up when something is difficult but instead taking a step back, thinking critically, and finding new ways to approach problems. I see it in the way they communicate, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect on their own learning. These are the kinds of skills that will stay with them far beyond their time at Brixham College.
"That’s what makes this accreditation so special; it’s about creating a school environment where every child learns how to think for themselves and believe in their own potential.”
Mark Eager, Principal at Brixham college said:
“At Brixham College, we care deeply about giving our students more than just academic success; we want them to leave here with the skills and self-belief to shape their own futures.
“By embedding thinking skills into everything we do, we are not just preparing students for exams; we are helping them become independent thinkers who approach challenges with resilience and a growth mindset. It is all about giving them the tools to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom, and to make a positive impact on the world around them.”