Empowering educators with WA’s first Teaching for Thinking workshop

Critical and creative thinking sits at the heart of future-ready education – and in August, Western Australian educators had a rare opportunity to strengthen these skills at the state’s very first Teaching for Thinking Foundational Workshop.

Hosted by Constable Care Foundation, in partnership with the University of Queensland (UQ), the two-day certified workshop brought together primary and secondary educators, faculty members, university academics, and administrators from across the state. Led by Dr Peter Ellerton – Australia’s leading Teaching for Thinking trainer, Curriculum Director at UQ’s Critical Thinking Project, and one of the key authors of V9.0 of the Critical and Creative Thinking General Capabilities – participants were immersed in professional learning designed to transform classroom practice.

The workshop delved into the intentional use of cognitive verbs – such as compare, analyse, and explain – to strengthen precision in teaching and deepen student engagement with inquiry processes. Educators explored practical strategies for designing learning experiences that foster critical reflection and creative problem-solving, while also building collaborative skills and a shared pedagogical language across school teams.

One of the standout features of the program was its focus on translating theory into practice. Through interactive sessions, participants not only refined their own thinking skills but also developed actionable plans to embed critical and creative thinking across all subject areas and year levels. Faculty collaboration was a central theme, with guided activities encouraging the alignment of teaching practices and the pursuit of shared learning goals.

The event was more than just a workshop – it was an entry point into a year-long professional community. Each participant received 12 months’ access to the University of Queensland Thinking Schools Network, offering ongoing masterclasses, mentoring, and resources to support long-term impact in schools.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the clarity, relevance, and depth of Dr Ellerton’s approach. “It’s not just about adding another activity into the lesson plan,” Dr Kaz Bland, Ethics Program Coordinator at Constable Care Foundation, said. “It’s about fundamentally shifting the way we think about teaching.”

As schools across Western Australia continue to embrace the importance of critical and creative thinking, the success of this workshop signals a growing momentum and desire for change – one that equips educators to guide the next generation of learners in thinking deeply, questioning boldly, and creating with purpose.

Contact us now to register your interest for the next Teaching for Thinking Workshop in WA.