In a world where information is abundant, sometimes unreliable and constantly shifting, students must be equipped with the right tools to parse truth from falsehood. Today’s learners are tomorrow’s problem-solvers, innovators, and decision-makers after all. To thrive in their personal and professional lives, they need the ability to analyse, evaluate, and make informed choices in complex situations.

So, What Is Critical Thinking Exactly? 

Although, critical thinking can be summarised as the ability to question assumptions and assess evidence, it’s important to note that educators, psychologists and philosophers don’t always agree on a common theoretical definition. Thus, Critical thinking is a complex matter. For the sake of your children, however, it empowers them to engage deeply with content and become active participants in their own education.

How to Best Approach Its Development? 

According to the European School Education Platform, the most effective way to teach critical thinking is to integrate it across the curriculum rather than treating it as a separate subject. This includes encouraging students to engage in inquiry-based learning, class discussions, group projects, and real-world problem-solving tasks. Through these activities, students not only develop their analytical skills but also learn to communicate and collaborate effectively.

A Variety of Method Across Europe

Other successful approaches include media literacy programs like Italy’s “Il Quotidiano in Classe,” which teach students to analyse news sources and develop informed opinions. Similarly, Finland’s education system and Scotland’s Storyline method foster environments where questioning and exploration are at the heart of learning. These methods show that when students are given the tools to think critically, they become more independent, adaptable, and engaged learners.

What About Your Children at BEPS?

At BEPS International School, we believe in preparing our students for life. That’s why critical thinking is an integral part of everything we do—from inquiry-led projects and interdisciplinary learning to fostering open dialogue in the classroom. Our goal is to give every student the confidence and capacity to think independently, solve problems creatively, and navigate the world with greater confidence.

Walking through the gates of BEPS International School, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer presence of nature. Just a short stroll from the Bois de la Cambre, one of Brussels’ most beautiful green spaces, the campus feels more like an extension of the forest than a typical school. And as I watch a group of children heading into the woods, their excitement bubbling over, it’s clear this is no ordinary field trip—this is their classroom.

Today, the students are exploring the ecosystem of the Bois de la Cambre. Equipped with magnifying glasses and notebooks, they’re crouched by trees, inspecting the intricate patterns on bark and tracing the path of ants as they march along roots. One teacher explains how fallen leaves decompose and enrich the soil, turning a simple forest floor into a real-time science lab. Another group, further down the path, is sketching landscapes for an art project.

It’s not just about being outdoors, though. BEPS uses its location and philosophy to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in its students. This commitment is woven into every aspect of school life. Inside the classrooms, lessons on sustainability translate to tangible actions. Students compost food scraps, participate in waste-reduction challenges, and build creative projects like bug hotels to support biodiversity. One student proudly tells me about the bird feeders they constructed last semester, smiling as they recall the robins and sparrows that soon visited their handiwork.

The school itself walks the talk. Energy-efficient systems reduce consumption across campus, and meals are carefully curated with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Even the youngest students understand that these choices matter. “It’s like helping the Earth breathe better,” one child explains, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world—which, here, it is.

As I wrap up my visit, the students return from the woods, chattering about their discoveries—a strangely shaped acorn, a particularly fast beetle, a bird they heard but didn’t see. Their joy is contagious. It’s clear these children aren’t just learning about nature; they’re developing a relationship with it.

If I’m honest, it’s hard not to feel a little wistful. Imagine growing up in a place where curiosity is encouraged, where your classroom stretches beyond four walls, and where you’re taught from an early age that the world is worth taking care of. At BEPS, that’s not a dream—it’s everyday life.

At the heart of BEPS International School stands a dedicated team of educators and staff who share a strong and united vision: to create a learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered. The role of a teacher goes beyond a simple profession. Rather, it is a calling. Together, our team embodies this ideal and the school’s mission to nurture curious and resilient students who are ready to make their mark on the world.

Our Priorities? Excellence and Care

Our team at BEPS is as diverse as our student body, and brings together professionals from a range of cultures, languages, and educational backgrounds. A global perspective that allows us to connect with students from all walks of life, ensuring that each child feels seen and understood. Guided by core values such as empathy, inclusion, and lifelong learning, our educators provide education, mentorship, inspiration, and support to students as they grow into confident individuals.

The BEPS’ Values, Day In, Day Out

What truly sets our team apart is its commitment to our core values. Whether teaching sustainability through hands-on projects or encouraging critical thinking in the classroom, they model the skills and attitudes they wish to instill in their students. Collaboration is at the heart of their approach; staff work closely with one another, parents, and students to create a community that feels like family, where students are each seen and heard. This shared dedication ensures that every child’s unique strengths are nurtured, and their challenges are met with care and an innovative eye.

A School Built on Passion and Purpose

Our team at BEPS is more than a group of educators—they are the foundation of a school that puts students first in every decision. Their passion for teaching, as well as their dedication to the school’s mission, makes BEPS a place where children can thrive. As for parents? It brings the comfort of knowing their children are in caring and competent hands.