The Thinking Science cognitive acceleration intervention is a well-established Piagetian-based higher order thinking skills programme initially developed in the United Kingdom by Adey et al. (1989). Details of the theoretical base, practical approach of the programme, and the research outcomes are outlined by Adey and Shayer (1993, 1994) and Shayer and Adey (2002). In summary, the theoretical origins of Thinking Science are based on the writings of Piaget and Vygotsky. Piaget held the view that individuals mature biologically and that this process enables higher order thinking. In contrast, Vygotsky had the view that higher order thinking originates from human culture, therefore, development follows learning (Rosa & Montero, 1990).While these positions on development and learning seem contradictory, the developers of the Thinking Science intervention have long held the view that both perspectives inform the nature of pedagogy that impact not only on learning, but on cognition and development (Shayer, 2003).