Critical Thinking, Problem Solving & Presentation Skills

To my knowledge, there are very few opportunities locally for children to develop these kinds of future-focused thinking and communication skills — yet I believe they are becoming every bit as important as strong maths and English foundations.
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Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Presentation Skills
Wednesdays, 6–7pm
Alongside developing core English and maths skills in meaningful, real-world contexts, this class focuses on the wider thinking and communication skills that underpin success across all areas of learning — and beyond school.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to question ideas, think independently, evaluate information, solve problems creatively and communicate clearly. It helps children become reflective learners who can explain, justify and develop their thinking with confidence.
What sort of activities will children do?
Activities are practical, collaborative and project-based. For example, children might:

• Design a completely original themed café and create an investment pitch for it
• Debate topics linked to their future and current affairs
• Explore fictional characters from new perspectives through areas such as costume design and symbolism
• Solve real-world problems as a team
• Research, plan, present and defend their ideas

Will it still support English and maths?
Absolutely — but in a highly purposeful and engaging way. Children naturally practise reading, writing, reasoning, vocabulary, speaking, listening, planning, finance, data handling and problem-solving through meaningful projects and discussion.
What will my child gain from this?
Children will develop:

• Confidence speaking in front of others
• Stronger reasoning and communication skills
• Creativity and independent thinking
• Better problem-solving and teamwork
• Interview and presentation skills
• The ability to explain and justify their ideas clearly

The projects also give children genuinely interesting ideas and experiences to talk about in school interviews and wider conversations.
These are skills that support success not just in school, but in later life too.
Who is the class for?
The class is designed for KS2 children and is suitable for a wide range of learners — particularly children who are curious, creative, thoughtful, hesitant speakers who need confidence-building, or academically able children who would benefit from more open-ended challenge and discussion.
Is it academic or creative?
Both. The class combines academic thinking with creativity, discussion and collaboration. Children are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and develop ideas — not simply search for a single 'right' answer.
Why are these skills important now?
As AI and technology continue to change the world, the most valuable skills are increasingly human ones: communication, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking and confident decision-making. These are the skills many children do not get enough opportunity to practise explicitly in traditional classroom settings.
Please feel free to message me if you would like more information or would like to reserve a place.

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