Welcome to Meta Prep, where metacognition comes first
Metacognition and self-regulation are rated by the EEF’s Teaching and Learning Toolkit as ‘high impact for very low cost‘, based on extensive research. Our central focus at Meta Prep, it’s even in our name, is about giving each pupil a repertoire of cognitive (thinking) tools and strategies. Our teaching practice is evidence based and informed by the educators and researchers shown on our Big Picture.
Weekly sessions prepare ‘meta-learners’. These children are capable of understanding themselves, reflective about their own learning and know how to make progress, whatever challenge they are set. This results in significant additional progress to previously predicted grades and develops a lifelong love of learning that enables children to thrive at school and beyond.
The quality of our teaching is central to unlocking the potential of our students. That is why each of our teaching team, in addition to being a highly experienced trained teacher, is an accredited Thinking Matters ‘Cognitive Coach’, equipping them to deliver engaging online lessons using metacognitive tools, techniques and strategies.
Cognitive ability tests, interview questions that probe for higher order thinking skills and team exercises seeking out emotional intelligence are now universal assessment tools. This is the age of the meta-learner: independent thinkers and learners with the unique human attributes to flourish in a world of increased Artificial Intelligence.
Our teachers are all trained as ‘cognitive coaches’; their objective is the explicit development of independent ‘meta-learners’ and is based on the science of learning. They question skilfully, provide expert feedback, gamify their lessons to engage their pupils and use metacognitive visual tools that enable their pupils to see and reflect on their thinking.
Our guiding principles, as identified by Thinking Matters, ensure that our sessions are student-centred, inclusive, evidence-informed and progress-focused.
Our teachers are all trained as ‘cognitive coaches’; their objective is the explicit development of independent ‘meta-learners’ and is based on the science of learning. They question skilfully, provide expert feedback, gamify their lessons to engage their pupils and use metacognitive visual tools that enable their pupils to see and reflect on their thinking.
Our guiding principles, as identified by Thinking Matters, ensure that our sessions are student-centred, inclusive, evidence-informed and progress-focused.
What are the benefits for parents?
Our approach draws everything you’ll need for successful 11+ entry under one roof at a fraction of the cost of prep school fees: access to a head teacher who knows the schools and their entry requirements, expert 11+ teachers, mock exams, interviews and technology that offers you ‘on demand’ insights into your child’s progress.
Why is being a meta-learner useful?
Assessment points are continuous throughout a child’s school career. Each assessment is seeking to look beyond a child’s regurgitated answers. Cognitive ability tests, interviews questions that probe for higher order thinking skills and team exercises seeking out emotional intelligence are now universal. This is the age of the meta-learner – independent thinkers and learners with attributes unique to humans in a world of AI.
Why such small class sizes?
Our purpose is to fulfil the potential of each of our pupils. Progress is highest when class sizes are small, allowing teachers to get to know their pupils well and subsequently individualise their learning, whilst allowing pupils to benefit from the sharing of ideas and develop strong bonds within a group. This is reflected in research about the best size for pupils at this age and for online learning.
