Last week, we were pleased to welcome back Dr Van der Spoel to Bushey Meads School. While his previous sessions were with our older cohorts, this visit focused specifically on our Year 8 students.

The goal of the session was to help students establish strong learning routines and effective cognitive habits early in their secondary school journey. Dr Van der Spoel discussed the “science of the brain,” helping students understand how to move information from short-term memory into long-term retention.

By tackling these approaches now, we aim to empower our Year 8s with the confidence and tools they need to manage their workload effectively as they move toward their GCSEs.

Dr Van der Spoel has provided the attached flier, which outlines his “Top 7 Tips for Effective Learning.” We encourage you to go through these tips with your child and discuss how they might incorporate one or two of these strategies into their homework routines. Small changes made now can make a significant difference in the long term.

7 things about your brain UK