We are proud to have achieved Advanced Thinking School reaccreditation for the third time in July 2025, placing us among just 13 schools nationally.

Our distinctive curriculum places oracy at its core, alongside the development of thinking skills, enabling pupils to articulate ideas, ask questions, and develop as confident learners.

The process was led by Mrs Wheatland, with the report reviewed by the University of Exeter. Mrs Jacobs continues to lead our ongoing development and research.

Stanley Park Infants School Accreditation July 2025

What Are Thinking Skills?

Thinking Skills are the tools children use to solve problems, make decisions, ask questions, and organise their ideas.

At Stanley Park, we take a consistent whole school approach, ensuring a shared language for thinking across all subjects and year groups.

We use Thinking Frames to support children to explain their thinking, reflect on their learning, and develop as confident, independent learners. 

Alongside this, we have created our own Super Learners to teach key learning behaviours that support lifelong learning.

These include: Captain Resilience, Platinum Perseverer, Marvellous Me, Link Maker, Chief Risk Taker, The Listener, Fantastic Focus, Memory Master, The Collaborator, Ideas Agent, The Questioner, and Sergeant Independence.

Thinking frames    
 Thinking Skills Booklet 

Oracy

Oracy is a highly valued and consistently embedded aspect of our curriculum, enabling pupils to articulate their thinking with clarity and confidence.

Through carefully planned talk opportunities across all subjects, pupils are taught to explain, reason, and collaborate using a shared language for learning.

This approach ensures all children develop strong communication skills, deep understanding, and the confidence to express their ideas effectively.

We use Picture News to further develop oracy. Each week, children discuss a news-based image and question, encouraging thoughtful talk and respectful discussion.

Terrific Talkers Posters