Donvale Primary School
Thinking Processes Policy
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Policy Statement
The study of Thinking Processes aims to develop:
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
each student’s thinking to a higher level

higher-order processes required for creative problem solving

decision making

conceptualisation

the capacity of students to reflect on and manage their own thinking
(metacognition)
Rationale or Purpose
Our school needs to support all students to become effective and skilful thinkers. The
development of Thinking Skills enables our students to build ideas and make
connections between them. Students need to learn to reflect on what they know and
develop awareness that there is more to know. They learn to question their
perspectives and those of others. They evaluate the validity of their own and others’
ideas.
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Implementation
Implementation of the Thinking Processes across the school will be coordinated by a senior
staff member. The school will:

Follow the Thinking Processes domain as an essential component of the Interdisciplinary
Learning strand of the VELS (Victorian Essential Learning Standards)

Implement the ‘Switch on to Learning’ Unit of work at the commencement of each year.

Study a sequential Thinking Processes program as per scope and sequence chart (see
appendix) including Brain Gym, Habits of Mind, Thinking Hats as well as thinking tools
which are embedded in all subject areas and taught by teachers throughout the school.

Deliver a structured, comprehensive Perceptual Motor Program to develop students’
gross motor skills and co-ordination to assist with the development of thinking skills

Provide students with challenging tasks which stimulate, encourage and support skilful
and effective thinking

Provide students with feedback so that they understand their progress and areas for
improvement
Donvale Primary School
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Evaluation and Review
This policy is to be reviewed every three years or following referral by School Council.
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References
VELS – Victorian Essential Learning Standards
DPS - The Thinking Curriculum – Habits of Mind (2007)
DPS – ‘Switch on to Learning’ - a Unit of Work for the First Two Weeks
Thinking Curriculum Resource Boxes (in each Level)
Perceptual Motor Program Manual and Activity cards
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Appendix

Thinking Processes Scope and Sequence Chart
This policy was ratified by School Council on 30th July 2008
Donvale Primary School
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Thinking Curriculum Scope and Sequence Chart
Level
Thinking Strategies to
be introduced
Thinking Strategies
to be reinforced
Graphic Organisers
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Habits of Mind
Y-Chart
Brain Gym
Is/Isn’t
Questioning
Techniques
Timed Think/Pair/Share
Graffiti Wall
2
Thinking Hats
Habits of Mind
Mindmapping
Brain Gym
Y-Chart
KWL Charts
Is/Isn’t
Timed
Think/Pair/Share
Venn Diagrams
Graffiti Wall
Concept maps
Lotus Diagram
3
Thinker’s Keys
Habits of Mind
Mindmapping
Thinking Hats
Y-Chart
KWL Charts
Timed Think/Pair/Share
Venn Diagrams
Concept maps
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De Bono’s Action
Shoes
Habits of Mind
Mindmapping
Thinking Hats
Y-Chart
Thinker’s Key
KWL Charts
Timed Think/Pair/Share
Venn Diagrams
Concept maps
Fishbone
**Please note – any of the thinking strategies or graphic organisers can be used at any level. The above is
the expected thinking focus at each level. DPS 2007
Donvale Primary School
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