Mount Kelly is proud to have been accredited as a Thinking School by Thinking Schools@Exeter, part of the School of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Exeter. This recognition validates our commitment to fostering a culture of critical thinking and problem-solving among our pupils.
As the final accreditation report states, “Mount Kelly is a popular and forward-thinking independent day and boarding school… The overarching focus is on lifelong learning and holistic growth for all pupils regardless of starting points. Mount Kelly’s purpose is to deliver a values-led, life-defining educational experience.” Our school continues to embrace the principles of Cognitive Science, integrating them into both our curriculum and our pedagogy. This approach, as outlined in the report, “has shifted practice from a teaching approach to a pedagogical culture.”
The report highlights the significant role of leadership from all areas in driving our Thinking School journey. The Head Master, Guy Ayling and the Thinking Schools Coordinator (Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning), Alan Johnson have provided “exemplary leadership” and have “cascaded this commitment to leadership throughout the school.” Consequently, we have been recognised as being: “relentless in pursuing high standards of achievement… There is a clear belief in wider educational development as the core aim and the value of every contribution that services this. Underpinning this provision is a fully inclusive pastoral care provision embracing children, parents, staff and the community. This has the school’s purpose and values firmly at its core.”
Our focus on the complete development of our pupils is evident in the report, which states, “Mount Kelly demonstrates a holistic approach to this where emotional, physical, academic, social, moral, spiritual and cultural development are prioritised.” By combining academic rigor with a strong emphasis on well-being, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals. At the same time, we are committed to ongoing improvement, and will continue to refine our approach to the development of Thinking Skills. As the report suggests, we will “further integrate thinking processes with questioning, visual tools, dispositional development, deliberate practice routines, assessment of process, assessment of product, evaluation of process and evaluation of product.”
By doing so, we will ensure that our pupils are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future. Our pupils will continue to benefit from an holistic approach to education, which includes not only academic achievement but also personal and social development. By encouraging Critical Thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Read the full report here.
Categories: Academic News