Thinking Skills Programme / Why Choose Northwood College / You are here

Our Thinking Skills programme is one of the defining characteristics of a Northwood College education. It is based on the fact that success in life depends on more than good GCSEs or A levels – and that the intellectual and emotional skills, qualities and tools needed to thrive in a fast-changing world are not necessarily the same as those needed to get great exam grades.

Indeed developing strong thinking skills is as important for the academically brightest – who are used to succeeding in the traditional sphere of exams – as it is for those with more mainstream ability. Through our thinking Skills Programme at Northwood College we teach all our girls to understand how they learn best and to develop and practice good thinking habits – such as risk-taking, perseverance and resilience. Over the years, the programme gives them a comprehensive understanding of themselves and their own particular strengths and weaknesses, forces them out of their intellectual comfort zone, and gives them tools and techniques to face new problems and situations with confidence. In fact, the ability to really think for themselves is one of the most important things girls gain from a Northwood College education.

What makes our approach different?

Thinking Skills have been taught here since 2004 and are deeply embeded in the culture of Northwood College, from Nursery through to Sixth Form. The approach is both integrated into the way all subjects are taught, and is given dedicated lesson time. Research has shown that this combined approach is the best way to achieve results. The programme is progressive so that girls develop increasing sophisticatation in their understanding and use of the skills and techniques as they move up the school. The programme was developed for our girls by Jane Simister, a renowned expert, author and consultant on cognitive development.