A practical guide to teaching inclusive, engaging and challenging English, grounded in the research behind Cognitive Acceleration through Science Education (CASE). 

Building Minds Through Talk is both an introduction and an invitation for teachers who see English not just as text analysis, but as a means of developing students’ capacity to think. Based on principles developed at King’s College London, It offers a structured programme of lessons that deepen reasoning, clarity and systematic thinking. Now used in schools across the UK and internationally, it is known for transforming both students’ thinking and classroom experience.

Blending research, theory and classroom case studies, the book shows how cognitive challenge fosters lasting intellectual growth, rooted in the belief that intelligence can be developed through dialogue and productive struggle. Central to Building Minds Through Talk is making thinking visible through talk, creating classrooms where ideas are explored collaboratively. At a time of distraction and shortcuts, this approach slows learning down and values thinking itself—guiding teachers to build classrooms as communities of inquiry where deep thinking is both the process and the reward.

For all English teachers who want their students to think deeply and talk about the subject. An essential guide to improving thinking skills and oracy in the English classroom.