Let's Think Science

What is Let's Think Science

Let's Think Science is a programme that improves thinking and outcomes in science. It supports teachers to use the Thinking Science lessons, originally developed by Michael Shayer and Phillip Adey, with their pupils in years 7-9. These lessons help children think, talk about and understand science concepts better. It is based on an approach called Cogntive Accleration, which originated in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The lessons have been updated to ensure a strong fit with the current curriculum and the cognitive development of children today.

What are the areas of focus in the Let's Think Science programme?

The programme develops the following:

• How to plan, implement and sustain the use of the Thinking Science lessons in school

• How to teach the Thinking Science lessons with fidelity to the 5 pillars of Cognitive Acceleration

• How to develop pupil reasoning, oracy and deeper understanding of science concepts

Who is involved in the Let's Think Science programme?

• The Let's Think Science programme is designed to work with science leaders and teachers to implement the Thinking Science lessons.

• The Thinking Science lessons are taught to pupils in year 7-9. This involves a small adaptation to the curriculum. An analysis of the coverage of the programme against the current National Curriculum is available here.

• An information session is available to school/trust leaders and/or governors to help them to understand the programme better and what it looks like.

What is the training programme?

The programme takes 6 days over two years, plus time to carry out a pre- and post-test

Pupil pre-test:

• This can be delivered and marked by teachers at the school

Day 1:

• Visit to the school, meeting leaders to plan the schedule of the programme and write an implementation plan.

• Meeting with the lab technician team to discuss the requirements for the experiments (please note that the programme is intentionally designed to use existing equipment where possible and cheap to resource)

• Half a day training with the teachers implementing the programme. NB: This can be the full department or a smaller number of teachers.

Day 2-5:

• Meeting with leaders to review progress and update implementation plans

• Model lessons and visits to lessons

• Half a day training with the teachers implementing the programme.

Pupil post-test:

• This can be delivered and marked by teachers at the school

Day 6: 

• Review meeting with leaders to evaluate the impact

• Draft a case study

• Half a day training with the teachers implementing the programme.

Please note that visits are supported by a brief note of visit to the school, outlining the activities undertaken, what is going well and next steps for development.

What does the evidence say?

Research has consistently shown that Let's Think Science and other similar Cognitive Acceleration programmes have a positive impact on pupils.

What does the programme cost?

The cost of the programme is £4000+VAT per school. Please note that this cost includes a 10% contribution to the Let's Think Forum, which is a charity dedicated to supporting the Cognitive Acceleration approach.

Want to know more?

You can find out more by looking at this video, which gives a very brief overview of the programme.

You can also get in touch with the Programme Director, David Bailey via email at classleading@gmail.com.